JAMES CITY-At just 22 years old, Randy Frontera Jr. has found success with the opening of his own landscaping business. The Jamestown High School graduate started the business Nice ‘N Clean, LLC two years ago.
While he was a student in high school, Frontera worked as a manager at Duck Donuts on Monticello Avenue and later worked for a contracting company helping with the installation of landscapes and hardscapes. He added on a side gig pressure washing driveways. A friend in the field encouraged him to branch out and start his own business.
“He really helped me get my foot in the door,” Frontera said.
Frontera, who graduated in 2019 and is also part of the U.S. Army Reserve, started his company in the summer of 2021 with a primary focus on installing decks and patios.
“I already knew how to do that from the company I had been working for,” he said. “Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to start my own business. It’s just something I was always interested in.”
His first big project was a patio and fence installation in a neighborhood off Bulifants Boulevard.
“That’s when I realized that I could do this by myself,” he said.
Since then, he’s added on four full-time employees. Much of the business is hardscaping. Frontera and his crew install patios, sidewalk, and fences. Additionally, they do landscape design and pressure washing. Last year, the company expanded its reach beyond Greater Williamsburg with a project at a lake house in North Carolina that included installation of a gazebo, an outdoor kitchen, a firepit, and multiple patios.
“That was a great project and a great learning experience,” he said.
Frontera’s company also installed a cattle fence in Front Royal and has done landscaping jobs in Radford. Primarily, though, Nice ‘N Clean services homes in the Williamsburg area.
“With my company, I feel like I am building Williamsburg up,” he said. “It’s so nice to see people satisfied with our work. I am pleased to help make memories for them with their patios.”
His father, Randy Frontera Sr., has been instrumental in helping him get his business off the ground as well.
“My dad always gives great advice,” he said. “He’s always my first call. I couldn’t do what I am doing right now without him.”
His father has been impressed with his work ethic and what he’s been able to accomplish in such a short time.
“Obviously, I am a proud dad, but I am amazed at how successful he’s become at 22 years old,” his dad said. “It’s exciting to see. He started from nothing and is doing so well. He’s gone above and beyond even when people are sometimes unreasonable. He always does the right thing.”
Frontera currently operates the business from his garage but soon plans to find property in order to expand services.
“My immediate goal is to get involved with new construction of homes,” he said. “I’d also like to buy land and open a shop where I sell patio furniture and materials for jobs. I’d like to sell things that other people don’t have. I still feel like there is a lot of work to do. I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet.”
For more information on Nice ‘N Clean, visit its Facebook page.