Turning Grief into Growth
When a difficult situation threatened to undermine Raymond Kirkland’s job security and peace of mind, he tapped into the deep resources of his unwavering faith, past work experience, and strong determination. He began to move forward with a new vision. As a result, an innovative enterprise was born: First Priority Landscaping Solutions and Garden Center, a home-grown business grounded in a creative, comprehensive, and customer-centric approach that provides personal and commercial landscaping services for the local community and beyond.
“I like bringing smiles and creating outdoor areas for people to enjoy time with their kids and their family to entertain or areas where they can just be secluded,” said Raymond Kirkland, founder and owner of the symbiotic businesses, First Priority Landscaping Solutions and First Priority Garden Center.
“I love designing—your yard is my canvas,” he added. To enhance the curb appeal of a home or business, First Priority provides amenities such as landscaping design and makeovers with the placement of softscape and hardscape elements, installation of irrigation systems, and lawn maintenance for personal and commercial properties. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Kirkland had been in the landscaping industry for about 20 years. “I love working outside,” he said. “It’s always been a passion of mine since I was a kid.”
In August 2020, however, an unexpected tragedy struck that changed the trajectory of his career. While on a coastal vacation with his family, his mother went for a morning stroll but did not return. He soon discovered that she had experienced a massive heart attack that ended her life, and four days later, on his birthday, Kirkland was delivering the eulogy for her memorial service.
After just three days of mourning, Kirkland’s employer insisted that he return to work, although he was still grappling with the tremendous emotional strain of such a devastating loss. Because Kirkland had been working part-time independently, he decided to leave that job and step out in faith to grow his own company. “I gave them my two-week notice, and went full-time for myself,” he said, “and since then, I haven’t looked back.”
His wife, Latrina, who works in the company as well, supported this move. While in that “dark spot,” following his mother’s death, “she’s the one that breathed that life into me,” he recalled. “She’s the one that told me, ‘This is what you prayed for, this is what we prayed for, this is what we fasted for—we got this.’” Because Kirkland’s business is rooted in his faith, he wanted the name of his new company to reflect this spiritual foundation. “First Priority came from God being my ‘first priority,’” he explained. Additionally, Kirkland says the initial letters in the company’s title (FPLS) also represent “faith, prayer, love, and service.”
While building his business from the ground up, Kirkland was determined to establish a company where employees would feel respected. “I strive to make sure that my guys see how employers should be and that allows them to do better work than most people because they feel valued and appreciated,” he said. “They’re going to give their all when they go to a client.”
“I’m here to serve you,” continued Kirkland, as customers are the company’s other first priority. Although he does aim to meet every expectation of his clients, he also endeavors to educate them based upon his knowledge and experience, so they can “make an informed decision.”
“We believe that by doing the right thing, you’ll get rewarded,” he said, and the returns on this business model have paid back in dividends. Within its four years of existence, the organization has grown from Kirkland working solo to a total of 17 staff members. “I started doing this business in my car,” he recalled, but now the company owns six trucks and 10 pieces of specialized equipment.
“We pride ourselves in being turnkey,” he added. “We don’t sub anything out—we do everything from the top to the bottom.” With this goal in mind, Kirkland purchased and established the sister-company First Priority Garden Center at 1067 Woodleys Way in Columbia in August of 2024. This resource center is an all-inclusive supply store that stocks a vast selection of landscaping products such as gardening tools; various soils, mulch, and fertilizer; all types of plants and seeds; hardscaping elements like pavers and lighting; and outdoor décor and furnishings.
Dr. Matt Taffoni of Irmo, a very satisfied client, attests to the fine work performed by Kirkland and his team. “First Priority Landscaping has been with me since the time I finished building my home,” he said. “They have done every bit of landscaping since day one with me” with projects such as planting foliage, installing outdoor lighting, setting up and maintaining an irrigation system, and providing ongoing mulching and lawn care. “It is hard to describe any one experience with First Priority because there have been many,” said Taffoni. “I value people being on time, dependable, and honest. Mr. Kirkland and his First Priority Landscaping are all of those. If anyone wants a service they can trust to do fantastic quality work, along with always being on time, trustworthy, and thorough, they need to give First Priority a call. I would not trust the care of my property to anyone else more than I trust Raymond. I know when I call him that things get done correctly, and I don’t have to ask twice.”
First Priority’s service area covers the greater Midlands and beyond. Call or visit their website to schedule a consultation for a quote.
First Priority Landscaping Solutions
803-788-1487
First Priority Garden Center
1067 Woodleys Way
Columbia, SC 29223