Beyond the uncertainty and sacrifice of building a business in the Upstate lies a higher calling. In an industry as competitive as Spartanburg’s exterior services, many can perform the trade—but few possess the heart required to transform that work into a lasting mission.

One such entrepreneur is Eddison Michael. While he began his journey navigating the chaotic early days of the landscaping industry, he has since evolved his company, Empathy Landscaping, into a venture defined by strategic growth and a deep-seated desire to serve the entire Upstate South Carolina community.

From the Wild West to Strategic Landscape Design

Eddison’s journey wasn’t a straight line to success; it was a climb. He describes his early years in the local industry as the “Wild West days,” a time characterized by unorganized systems, undercharging for work, and simply grinding to survive. He worked tirelessly, balancing landscape maintenance with a regular 9-to-5 just to pay the bills and prove his dedication to his family.

However, the true turning point came when he made the bold decision to leave a well-paying sales role at Rooms to Go in April 2024—a role he strategically secured, learned from, and never took for granted. This experience gave him deep insight into what Upstate consumers value in their homes. He didn’t just step away; he leaped toward a massive opportunity—a large-scale project involving outdoor kitchens and pavers that would redefine his portfolio and position him as a leader in Spartanburg hardscaping.

“I’d rather have 10% of a watermelon than 100% of a grape.”

Eddison adopted a mindset of abundance and partnership. By investing in high-quality visual content, utilizing drones and gimbals to capture his work, he transformed that single risky project into a marketing engine. This content continues to drive residential and commercial landscaping contracts for the company today. He realized that substantial success could emerge from humble beginnings, provided one has the courage to showcase their capabilities to the market.

A Foundation Built on Empathy

Empathy Landscaping is not just a name; it is the ethos of the company. The drive behind Eddison’s work is deeply personal. With a twin daughter who has cerebral palsy and a key employee whose daughter has Down syndrome, Eddison is building for a cause greater than profit.

“It’s more than just the landscaping. It’s a close relationship that we build.”

His long-term vision is to construct “Empathy Parks”—playgrounds specifically designed to be accessible for children with disabilities. This passion fuels the company’s sponsorship of the Carolina Miracle League and shapes every strategic move they make.

His work is also shaped by the early foundation of Empathy Works, a tentative nonprofit initiative focused on combating food insecurity in Spartanburg. This mission has quietly fueled the development of the business from the beginning, giving purpose to the growth of the Empathy brand. It is this “why” that pushes the team through the difficult seasons and the cash-flow crunches that come with winter in the exterior service industry.

Rooted in Spartanburg, Serving the Upstate

Although Empathy Landscaping proudly serves both Greenville and Spartanburg counties, Eddison is rooted in Spartanburg. He is of Spartanburg and for Spartanburg, committed to uplifting his hometown while serving the broader Upstate community.

To support this vision, Eddison has expanded his capabilities far beyond simple lawn maintenance. Empathy Landscaping has evolved into a comprehensive exterior service provider, offering a robust list of services across six main categories:

• Hardscaping: Constructing custom patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens that transform living spaces.
  
• Landscape Design & Install: Full-service solutions including sod installation, planting, and mulch.
  
• Fencing: Installation of all fence types for security and aesthetics.
  
• Holiday Lighting: Professional seasonal light installation.
  
• Maintenance: Recurring residential and commercial mowing services.
  

While they continue to offer maintenance, the company has strategically shifted focus toward these high-ticket hardscaping projects to fuel their growth.

Expanding the Territory

Eddison Michael is not content with staying small. He admits that while specializing in a niche might be easier, his vision is to scale into a comprehensive exterior service provider—the “Amazon” of the industry.

He is currently executing a two-year plan to develop a property on South Pine Street in Spartanburg, aiming to move the business out of his home and into a commercial space that can support both service and retail operations. Learning from the challenges of rapid growth—acknowledging that he sometimes hired too quickly in an “echo chamber of growth”—he is using these lessons to refine his systems. He is actively seeking to acquire neighboring properties through seller finance deals to secure a permanent headquarters for his growing team.

The Road Ahead

In the immediate future, Eddison is focused on bridging the seasonal gaps by expanding into firewood sales and continuing to refine his high-ticket services. But the ultimate goal remains clear. He is building a business that not only provides financial freedom but creates tangible good in the world.

With a heart for the community and a mind for strategy, Eddison Michael is feeding his inner drive to succeed. The foundation of Empathy Landscaping is growing stronger, not just as a premier Spartanburg landscaping company, but as a force for compassion. Eddison believes in the strength of his family and his cause, and he will continue to reinforce his company, and his life, with it.

A Message from the Author: There is a specific kind of fire inside Eddison. One that calls for more than just business as usual. The craftsmanship he brings to Empathy Landscaping is matched only by his deep desire to heal the Upstate. From tackling food insecurity to advocating for our elderly and special needs neighbors, Eddie is zeroed in on the “hidden” needs of our community. With his “Empathy Works” nonprofit project now in motion, Eddie serves as a shining example of local leadership. He reminds us that anything is possible, and with community support, everything is. We at UpState Community Press are honored to track his progress as his vision becomes our shared reality.

Follow Empathy Landscaping on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with their great projects and progress.