Williamsburg Next Door Neighbors did a write up on one of your neighbors, and mine: Mitch Foos.
Mitch Foos, owner of The King’s Garden, a lawn and landscaping company, believes that natural spaces can profoundly affect a family’s well-being, both physically and mentally. For him, every project should be more than just beautiful, it should be a sensory masterpiece. Whether building a children’s garden or improving the landscape at a commercial location, Mitch focuses on excellent craftsmanship to please his client but also to leave behind a space that inspires peace. Mitch and his team believe that the outdoor spaces surrounding a home have a profound impact on the psychology of the family who lives there. This hardworking, peaceful gardener was not always such a dedicated craftsman. Mitch grew up in Gloucester. “I was sheltered but not spoiled, certainly,” he states. As a student, he excelled academically but does admit to having a rebellious streak. “I was a bit of a wild guy,” he says. Active in sports, Mitch played soccer and enjoyed being outdoors.
After high school, Mitch’s stellar academics let him attend Williams and Mary College where he studied hard and focused on a double major. Within 6 years, he had earned Bachelor of Science(s) in Religion and Psychology. Just as impressive, he had worked while in college. In between all of his classes, he was employed by Hertzler and George, the design arm of Green Guard Inc., a local landscaping company. The owner, Joe Hertzler, taught Mitch the business and he stayed with the company, even after his graduation, in 2005. He remains grateful to Mr. Hertzler for all that he learned from him. “I learned a lot from him, especially how to be ‘lean and neat,’” he says. However in 2007, the economy recession hit Williamsburg and Mitch needed to change employment. “I had no savings, no money. So, I borrowed $20,000 and started my own business.” He received his Class A contractor’s license, and became the chief estimator and builder for his company, The King’s Garden. For four years, Mitch worked 60-hour weeks to provide for his family and establish a reputation for the quality and work ethic that has been the foundation of The King’s Garden, ever since. “Those were lean years and it was hard but we’re up to 8 employees and I couldn’t be prouder of my crew.”
Over the last 6 years, the employees have become like a family and the strong relationship that Mitch has with the crew shows in the work. Keeping in mind the lessons he learned from Mr. Hertzler, Mitch has always trimmed the overhead costs of the business, allowing him to offer quality work a reasonable price. He runs the business on these two principles:
He delivers the absolute best craftsmanship he is capable of and
They do NOT cut corners. “I want the designs I create and build to last forever.” They even absorb the extra cost to provide organic solutions for their clients.
As owner, Mitch advocates for responsible environmental stewardship and strives to build a legacy that stands the test of time, environmentally and professionally.
Mitch credits his family and his faith for his commitment to excellence. He met his wife, Amy, at a Bible study when he was just 22. “She is the love of my life,” he avows, “and she is truly wonderful.” Amy not only serves as the secretary and accountant of The King’s Garden, but also homeschools their children, Mikaela and Matthew. Mitch initially rejected Christianity, and describes himself as being “biased against the Bible.” Later, his studies at William and Mary led him to a deeper understanding of faith.
“I read the book of Job, and then the New Testament and God grabbed my attention,” he says.
Amy also shares Mitch’s faith and together they actively engage others by serving within the local community and across the world. In partnership with Smith Memorial Baptist Church, the Foos family participates in mission work in Kenya, supporting local churches there and building orphanages. In Williamsburg, Mitch volunteers by leading The Good News Club, a faith-based club where students are invited to learn more about their Christian faith and create a welcoming space for others. This club meets at Waller Mill Elementary School, on a regular basis.
When Mitch is not serving with his faith community or creating beauty around town, he enjoys being outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, Mitch loves to spend time in the stunning natural environment that the local area has to offer. He keeps a boat at his parents’ home in Gloucester and often takes it out for fishing trips. Once a year, he embarks on a five-day, bear-hunting expedition to hunt black bear in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Mitch is also a marksman and practices regularly at the shooting range in Toano and occasionally on the eight acres of land, surrounding his home. Like many outdoor enthusiasts, he has tried his hand at scuba diving but enjoys spear fishing and floating down the Shenandoah from northern Virginia to Harper’s Ferry, just as he did in his youth. In addition, he enjoys playing ping pong, a surprise to many people. Mitch bonds with his son over both soccer and skateboarding. The Foos family takes every opportunity to explore the outdoors and spend time in nature.
One of Mitch’s favorite forms of exercise is biking around Colonial Williamsburg. His fondness for Williamsburg is rooted in the history and deep connection that he feels with the entire historic triangle. “This is the cradle of freedom, in our country, and I love the diversity we experience here,” he says. He tells of one particularly beautiful experience that drove this home for him. One Christmas season, Mitch and his family were walking the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, at dusk. The living history museum had started to light the baskets creating a romantic atmosphere. As the family continued to walk, they heard the faint sound of drumming coming closer. Soon, they were surrounded by the Fifes and Drums Corps of Williamsburg and a crowd of locals carrying candles, as they proceeded towards the courthouse. Mitch recounts how he felt at the moment. “I was transported, and at that moment it felt like we were riding the wave of freedom that led us to these United States. “ Mitch firmly believes that he has an obligation to avail himself and his family of the rich education that Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown offer.
Though Williamsburg has their hearts, Mitch and Amy do dream of retiring elsewhere many years from now. During a summer road trip through the western United States, the family fell in love with Wisconsin. “The natural beauty of the land is breathtaking and we would love to retire there, when it is time.” For now, though, they plan on to live fully present, in the place they call home. The connection to past freedom fighters and the diversity that Williamsburg experiences are unique to the area and Mitch is grateful for the opportunity to raise his children here, in the heart of history.
His legacy of environmental stewardship and beauty will also be one of commitment, education, and service, not only for his own children, but also the historic triangle.
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