Photo story and text by Rachel Johnson
Driving down the Lake Oconee Parkway, it’s hard to miss Agee Lawn & Garden. The roadside is lined with colorful lawn chairs and landscaped flowers, an entire nursery standing back just a few feet further from the road. What one finds after pulling into the parking lot is an extremely friendly business that works to serve the needs of its local clientele.
Agee Lawn & Garden is a family owned and operated outdoor supply company that originally opened in 1979 in Milledgeville, G.A. Owned by the Agee family, Agee Lawn & Garden expanded to a second location in Eatonton, G.A., in 1993, which has been managed for the past five years by Kevin Agee, the son of the original owners. Agee Lawn & Garden draws in a variety of local customers, primarily consisting of landscapers and homeowners, for their large offering of hand tools, power equipment, outdoor furniture, garden supplies, and flowers. Due to its close proximity to Lake Oconee, the establishment also draws in a large amount of tourists visiting from out of town.
While many small, private businesses have suffered from the growth and popularity of larger chain retailers, this is not the narrative of Agee Lawn & Garden. The Agee family prides itself on the individual relationships it holds with its customers, focusing on bringing a personal touch to everything they do.
“That’s why they come to us,” Kevin says. “They love it when somebody walks in and you say their name and they know your name too.”
Perhaps this mentality is a reflection of the foundations of the business itself. At the Eatonton location, Kevin and his brother Michael are both heavily involved in all daily functions of the business. It’s a demanding job that requires the both of them to be on their feet most of the day, running between helping customers outside to managing the upkeep and operations of the store inside. Kevin says that through it all, he and his brother have maintained a great relationship, which shows in their relationship with their customers.
Rachel Johnson
I’m a senior Visual Communications major at USC with a minor in Islamic World Studies. I’ve been a dancer for the past 18 years, but upon coming into college I decided to pursue graphic design. I’ve truly fallen in love with design and visual storytelling, and I am eager for post-grad life when I can pursue it professionally full-time.