Aaron Smith is a landscape contractor by trade, but a staple in his community through love. He’s helping restore what he loves about Detroit, Michigan through his many programs and organizations. He deserves to be celebrated.
Who is Aaron Smith?
Aaron Smith is the founder and director of the landscape contracting service, Motor City Grounds Crew. He’s also the owner of E. Warren Tool Library, a free storehouse that lends landscaping and building tools to Detroit residents for any purpose, but especially for giving back to the community. The tool library even delivers them if needed.
A Passion for Detroit
Aaron has a passion for the city of Detroit. He believes that, with the help of the community, he can turn Detroit around and do away with the negative stigma surrounding the Motor City. Along with other proud Detroiters, Motor City Grounds Crew is improving the look and curb appeal of the city and making it a safer city.
He Also Owns Featherstone Garden
Along with co-owner, Annie Hakim, Aaron also owns Featherstone Garden. They both believe in building beautiful and productive spaces within the city. Featherstone’s wide range of vegetables and fruits reminds Aaron of what it was like growing up in his great grandparents’ gardens, so he wanted to bring that feeling back to the city.
Fight the Blight
With community leader John George, Aaron is spearheading the Blight Busters program with the slogan, “Fight the Blight.” This program looks past the dust and dirt and sees the beauty behind it, and the initiative restores structures and spaces throughout the city.
Giving a Second Chance
Through the Blight Busters program, Aaron and John are giving incarcerated people a second chance upon their release. The program teaches these individuals both the technical building skills as well as the soft skills required to be successful upon re-entering the workforce.
Aaron Believes the Trades Could Be an Answer
Aaron wants young people who feel like college isn’t for them to know that the trades could be an excellent way to build a rewarding career. A skilled trade is valuable and will serve a person for their entire life, and no one can take those skills from you.
Resources
The organizations Aaron is involved in: Detroit Grounds Crew, Featherstone Garden, E Warren Tool Library, Detroit Blight Busters.
