Matthew Rodriguez: Cultivating Success One Lawn at a Time

Matthew Rodriguez wasn’t content to let another summer slip by without purpose. A high school student with a growing interest in business, Matthew found himself facing a familiar challenge—finding a summer job. But instead of waiting for an opportunity to come to him, he decided to create one.

That’s how Kedron Cuts was born.

Based in Oshawa, Ontario, Kedron Cuts is Matthew’s solo lawn care venture, offering professional mowing, trimming, and leaf blowing services to homeowners in the local community. With a focus on quality and reliability, Matthew set out to build a business that not only served his neighbors but also served as a launchpad for his future in entrepreneurship.

Starting a business as a teenager, however, wasn’t without its hurdles. Matthew lacked the funding, experience, and knowledge to get things off the ground. That’s when he discovered the Summer Company program funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade through the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD). With the guidance of his advisor, Matthew received the support he needed to turn his idea into reality.

Through BACD, Matthew was awarded startup funding that allowed him to purchase essential equipment and begin marketing his services. He also gained access to workshops and mentorship opportunities that taught him the fundamentals of running a business—from marketing and finance to customer service and strategic planning.

The impact was immediate. Kedron Cuts officially launched on July 1st, 2025, and within days, Matthew had already secured four regular weekly clients. While he currently operates the business on his own, he’s focused on growing his client base throughout the summer and beyond. His long-term vision is to continue running Kedron Cuts while pursuing post-secondary education, using the experience to sharpen his business acumen and expand his entrepreneurial horizons.

For Matthew, Kedron Cuts is more than just a summer job—it’s a hands-on education in leadership, resilience, and the power of initiative. With each lawn he mows, he’s not just trimming grass—he’s cultivating a future full of potential.