It is my pleasure to introduce Campbell Dodson as our Smarty Dad this week! Campbell is married to Kristen, and has two beautiful daughters, Abby and Lucy. Jen P. had told me about Campbell when he first started his organic lawn care business called Orcamics. I was so excited to hear about his services and we plan to become a customer of his in the very near future! Of course, I love the idea of natural lawn care. Currently our yard is in pretty sad shape from pure neglect and the drought. I know Campbell will be of great help and I encourage you all to consider natural lawn care for your family. Congratulations to Campbell on the successful start of a promising new business and thanks for having an interest in doing something better for our environment!
What inspired you to create Orcamics?
I have always had a love of the outdoors and to me walking a lawn is calming and relaxing. During those periods of time, I can focus on the lawn, what it needs, the areas of concern, and create a plan to better it. And of course, organic-based treatment products inspired me to push forward with the company. They are here to stay and definitely a safer alternative to synthetic chemical treatments.
What is the best thing about running your own business?
Having the flexibility to creating my own schedule and make sales calls. If I need to make time for my kids or have lunch with them in the early afternoon, I can. Also, meeting new people all the time. Each house and yard is different and it is neat to see how different people feel about their own yard and others around them.
What is a typical day like?
Early mornings, hot afternoons…especially during the summer months.
Can you tell us about the benefits of a natural/organic approach to lawn care?
A natural/organic approach uses non-toxic products, won’t have negative affects on waterway, lakes, aquifers, etc, and is a way to better the soil (red clay) we have here is Charlotte. By using the conditioners and amendments, it promotes healthier, deeper root growth thereby reducing the need to water as often…in some cases as much a 75% less watering is needed! Finally, it is safer for families with pets and children.
Are you making other steps toward a “greener” lifestyle in your home and if so what recommendations do you have for us?
* Yes, we have installed fluorescent bulbs and LEDs in our home for starters.
* We grow several of our own vegetables in garden beds we maintain.
* We RECYCLE! If it is plastic, glass, paper, steel, or aluminum it can be recycled. I would love to see every family take more time to practice this in their own homes. Using the red containers supplied by the city is simple.
* We have sealed our windows to conserve more energy.
* Because of the organic program, we do not water outdoors at all.
What is your favorite summer activity with your family?
Friday nights at the neighborhood pool. It is relaxing for me and my wife and fun for the kids.
Best kept secret in Charlotte?
How close we are to literally everything. We are only 1.5 hours from the mountains, 3 hours from the beach, and we live in a city that has most everything anyone could want. I think that Charlotte is a great outdoor city because of our climate. Also, the Y-Guides program. It is one, if not the largest program of its kind in the country and is a great way for Dads to spend quality time with their kids.
What’s the funniest thing your kids have said to you?
That I act like I am 15 years old…constantly! Staying fit is a constant goal of mine for work and because I want to be able to keep up with my busy children.
Favorite family vacation?
Hilton Head Beach trips.
Favorite family restaurant in Charlotte?
The Great Wall. Tijuana Flats is a close second.
I couldn’t live without my…
My wife. She is the rock pillar behind our family life and our social life. Her ability to manage the kids, a part time job, grocery shopping, etc. is amazing and I do not know what I would do without her in my life.
What is your perfect night out with the kids?
Dinner and a kid’s movie! The kids get so excited for these nights.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Campbell!
3 comments
Way to go Campbell.
Way to rub in how great Charlotte is Cam. We are 1300 miles from the mountains (smokeys) and 1600 from the beach. (although we do have our lakes) Congrats on a great write up. Best wishes for continued success with your business.
I have been hearing more and more about this “new” approach. The more I learn the more I am shocked at how long it has taken to become popular. It is really almost common sense once you take the time to understand it. Many good things to come for you Mr. Orcamics