Carson Hisler - April 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Carson Hisler of Northern Custom Landscaping in Hampton, Iowa as the April 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month.
At 20 years old, Carson Hisler is building more than landscapes—he’s building a reputation grounded in craftsmanship, community, and quiet determination. As the founder of Northern Custom Landscaping, Carson represents a new generation of entrepreneurs who are choosing to bet on themselves early, combining hands-on skill with a deep commitment to the people they serve. Carson’s path into entrepreneurship began with a clear sense of direction: a desire to work outdoors, create something tangible, and ultimately work for himself. “I’ve always imagined myself working for myself,” Carson said. “And I’ve always wanted to be outside, doing construction work. This brings everything together.”
Northern Custom Landscaping specializes in both hardscaping and softscaping: everything from patios and retaining walls to mulch beds and plantings. Carson also takes on projects like fencing and other outdoor construction, positioning his business as a versatile solution for homeowners looking to transform their spaces. Carson’s journey into the industry was shaped by experience as much as ambition. After graduating high school in 2024, he pursued horticulture, landscape, and turfgrass studies at Des Moines Area Community College. Prior to that, he spent several years working at a local golf course, where he discovered a passion for landscaping through hands-on projects. “That’s where I realized landscaping was kind of my thing,” he said.
Carson made the decision to start his business early, leaving a brief role with another landscaper to strike out on his own. With limited equipment—a used pickup, a trailer, and basic tools—he focused on one essential goal: getting his foot in the door. That first opportunity came through his local network. By reaching out and offering his services, Carson secured an initial project that would set everything in motion. From there, word quickly spread. One satisfied customer led to another, and soon his work began circulating through expanding circles of friends, neighbors, and families. “I just needed one job to get started,” Carson said. “Then word of mouth could go from there. If you take pride in your work and treat people right, they’re going to share that.”
When Carson realized that his work had the potential to turn into a serious business endeavor, he connected with the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. With the assistance of one-on-one business counseling, Carson navigated the key early steps of entrepreneurship, including formally establishing his LLC, learning how to estimate jobs and quotes, and developing operations systems. “I knew I needed help to make everything official, like filing my business with the Secretary of State. Having someone who’s done it before has been a huge help,” he said. “Especially in those beginning phases.”
While Carson takes pride in the physical results of his work, he finds equal fulfillment in the relationships he builds along the way. Each project places him directly in the lives of his clients, creating opportunities for connection that go beyond the job itself. “I like meeting new people and talking with them,” he said. “You build a lot of connections in the community that you wouldn’t otherwise have.” That community-centered mindset is something Carson hopes to carry forward as his business grows. Looking ahead, he envisions a small, dedicated team and a continued focus on serving local customers. Rather than scaling rapidly, his goal is sustainability—creating a business that is both personally fulfilling and deeply rooted in the communities it serves.
For other aspiring entrepreneurs, Carson’s advice is simple but grounded in experience: start with what you have. “You don’t need a lot to begin,” he said. “Be content with what you have, but strive for more. Just go out there and prove what you can do.”
As he balances business ownership, education, and the next chapter of his personal life, Carson remains focused on steady growth and staying true to his values. With a foundation built on hard work, strong relationships, and community, he is not only shaping landscapes—but carving out a future defined by purpose and possibility.