Hidden Gems: Meet Ashley Bledsoe of Bledsoe Hydromulch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bledsoe

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Looking back now, those early days feel like a lifetime ago. My journey started years ago when my husband had a career working in the oil industry for nearly a decade out in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. In 2016, he was abruptly laid off from his job, which quickly plunged us into a period of financial uncertainty and terrifying personal challenges. At that time he was the main breadwinner for our family, and I had a large gap in my résumé from not working for the previous 4 years. During this difficult time, I made the bold decision to start a business, combining our skills and experience to venture into the hydromulch industry.

Initially, I was on my own, working tirelessly to get the business off the ground. My husband, meanwhile, took on the tremendous challenge of working full-time as a mechanic. His morning would start at 4 AM, after a long day he’d return home around 5 PM, quickly change clothes, and together we’d head out to our scheduled hydromulch jobs. He would load the tank and spray the application while I drug the hose, dealt with customers, and operated the machine. He was essentially working two jobs at once, demonstrating incredible dedication and support as I grew the new business.

I knew the first step was acquiring proper education and learning the basics about the industry. I began by getting certified through the University of Georgia in turf-grass management by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, as well as joining the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals. This solid foundation of knowledge allowed me to provide top-quality services and quickly establish Bledsoe Hydromulch in the industry.

Despite the initial hardships, our dedication paid off in the long term. Bledsoe Hydromulch has grown into a certified minority woman-owned business, part of both the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and the Small Business Enterprise (SBE), which enabled us to accept government contracts and large commercial projects. This certification was a significant milestone, allowing us to expand our reach and credibility in the industry.

Throughout this journey, we’ve had the privilege of working with a variety of clients on numerous projects, from small residential lawns to large-scale commercial developments throughout Texas. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of our success.

Looking back, the challenges I’ve faced have only fueled my determination and taught me countless valuable lessons. Today, Bledsoe Hydromulch stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering support of my husband and our dedicated team. By keeping my eyes on the goal and persevering through challenges, I have built a successful business while continuing to grow, demonstrating that determination and clarity of purpose can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. I feel our story is a reminder that with determination and the right support, it’s always possible to turn adversity into opportunity.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting and growing Bledsoe Hydromulch over the past 8 years has not been a smooth road by any stetch kf the imagination. Like many small businesses, I faced typical entrepreneurial hurdles such as learning how to manage cash flow, customer acquisition, and building a strong client base. However, my journey also included its own set of unique challenges. As a female in a male-dominated industry, I still unfortunatley encountered gender bias on numerous job sites and have had to work harder to prove my expertise and earn respect over the years. Acquiring the necessary education in turf grass management and certifications from the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals added another layer of complexity. Fitting in my studies intermittently while building the business, managing our household, being a wife, and a stepmom to my then 8-year-old stepdaughter was a massive juggling act. Fast forward to May 2023, with the rapid growth I was experiencing with the company, my husband was able to leave his job as a mechanic and join the Hydromulch company full-time. Having us both on the team full-time was a tremendous help, but it also required us to navigate the challenges of being partners in both life and business. I quickly realized that working alongside my husband was introducing a whole new set of challenges, such as establishing a work-life balance, learning communication styles, defining role clarity, and navigating decision-making.

Despite the challenges we have faced since beginning to work together, our determination and hard work have more than paid off. We have successfully grown Bledsoe Hydromulch into a certified minority woman-owned enterprise, capble of handling government contracts and large commercial projects state wide. The journey has been tough, but each obstacle has strengthened our resolve and our business acumen. Over the past 8 years I have built a strong foundation based on integrity and hard work; and now, with my husband’s full-time support, we are set up for even greater success for the years to come.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bledsoe Hydromulch is an an erosion control company located in Wylie, Tx. We specialize in land reclamation, lawn installation, and lawn rejuvenation for both commercial and residential properties. Hydroseeding is a modern landscaping technique used to establish lush grass and vegetation quickly on large areas of bare soil. It involves spraying a customized mixture containing grass seed, fertilizer, mulch, and a bonding agent onto prepared ground. This method promotes rapid germination and establishment of the grass seed, resulting in a dense, uniform lawn within a few weeks. Hydroseeding is mostly known for its efficiency in covering extensive areas and its capacity to mitigate erosion, making it a preferred choice for turf installation, land reclamation, and environmental restoration efforts. With over 8 years of experience in the industry, I am proud to be one of the few people in Texas certified through the National Association of Landscape Professionals. We are proud to be at the forefront of the hydromulching industry, raising awareness to homeowners about the benefits of this effective and environmentally friendly solution. Since we burst onto the scene back in 2016, we have made a significant impact on the hydromulching industry, developing a strong online presence that didn’t exist before. We’ve embraced social media, creating educational videos that make hydromulching interesting and accessible. Our ability to adapt to social media trends and effectively educate the public about hydromulching has helped us stand out and grow our brand. I think one thing that makes Bledsoe Hydromulch different or unique is the fact that I am one of the few female owner & operators in this male-dominated field. I feel this sets my business apart by bringing a fresh perspective to the industry and can be a powerful asset in terms of differentiation, creativity, and building inclusive business practices. I am also a certified minority woman-owned business, part of the WBE and SBE, which allows us to accept government contracts and proposals for large commercial developments.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
The biggest risk I have ever taken was without a doubt back in the Winter of 2016. My husband had been let go from his position in the oil field after nearly a decade of service in coil tubing. With a large gap in my résumé and the daunting reality of paying bills, I confided in a family friend who was in the hydromulching business. After hours of discussing everything from soil permeability to different grass species, I was beyond intrigued and began researching every aspect of the industry.

One night while sitting on the couch, I shared my thoughts with my husband. He said I had his full support and we decided that this was a path I would pursue with full force while he accepted a new job as a full time mechanic. That was the night Bledsoe Hydromulch was born. Knowing that education was crucial, I put my education at the forefront. I became certified in turf grass management through the University of Georgia in 2018, joined the National Association of Landscape Professionals, attended numerous online training courses, and have been a member of the International Association of Hydroseeding Professionals since 2016.

Taking risks is necessary to achieve the level of success you’re aiming for. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and facing challenging situations. Without risk, there is no growth. Starting the hydromulching business was a significant and terrifying leap—leaving behind the security of a steady income, entering an unfamiliar industry, and investing our limited resources. Despite the uncertainties, I believed in our resilience as a family and our ability to succeed.

Since starting Bledsoe Hydromulch, I have learned the importance of taking risks in challenging environments, ultimately leading to personal growth, business success, and the empowerment of other women.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.bledsoehydromulch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bledsoe_hydromulch
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BledsoeHydromulchTx