Third-generation Las Vegan, owner and CEO Kyle Kelley recently started his own business, The Turf Doctor. Kelley and his team specialize in revitalizing artificial turf through diligent sanitizing and deodorizing techniques, enhancing its longevity and freshness. A recent graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance, this is his second business after closing his first business with rental cars. www.theturfdoc.com
Q: Why did you decide to operate a business involving turf?
A: We were sitting in my parents’ backyard with my dad barbecuing. We couldn’t smell the food cooking, only the dog’s urine on the turf. I spoke with the neighbors, and many of them had the same problem but had difficulty finding a business to clean the turf.
I started going to my parents’ house and testing to see what worked, what didn’t work, and what chemicals worked and were safe. I found a solution, already had a customer base, and knew this would be a great business to own and operate. My parents were my first customers, and I grew the business from that point.
Q: How does turf help the environment?
A: We live in Las Vegas, and I’ve heard how we need to save water my whole life. The biggest environmental impact of using turf is that we’re not wasting all the water on growing green grass but using green turf that can handle our hot summers.
It is more than just saving water. In the past month, the weather has been fierce in the valley, with temperatures reaching 120 degrees with spurts of rain accompanied by wind and dust storms. This would have destroyed living grass but not turf.
We offer turf cooling services so that turf remains cool, comfortable and enjoyable all year-round. We can cool the turf down by up to 50 degrees.
Q: Do you personally like to garden or work with landscaping and plants?
A: I maintain plants in my home and in my backyard that fit the climate.
Q: What was your first business?
A:Before this, I had rental cars, including Porsches, BMWs and other luxury cars. I would rent them using the app Turo. But my friend showed me that I wasn’t really making the income I could by operating this business. I sold my cars, and I knew I had to find something else. I was doing research when I discovered the turf business.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I do all sorts of things. I love to cook, build things, and just stay active overall. My dad and brother are artists, and I love to be involved in the art world even though I am not an artist myself. I love music and going to shows; more than anything, I like the art of music. I also enjoy working out and being outside.
Q: Are you involved with any charities?
A: I attended Bishop Gorman High School and have done charity work with the high school. The business is new, but we plan on adding charity and nonprofit services to give back to my home in Las Vegas.
