Cover Article | By Jocklyn Mundy | Photo by Windermere Photography
The Hawthornes are a dynamic family whose diverse talents, strong educational backgrounds, and shared values are the foundation of their close-knit family. The story of Stan and Sherri Hawthorne began in their childhood at the wedding of Stan's sister, Gretchen: Stan at the age of ten and Sherri just five. This childhood encounter eventually grew into a strong and devoted marriage, forming the cornerstone of a loving and expanding family. They raised three children, Stu, Julie, and Chip, and now delight in their eleven grandchildren.
Stan’s education in horticulture from Florida Southern University prepared him for his role overseeing the maintenance of orange groves and managing landscaping projects, a career he not only excelled in but also enjoyed.
In 1990, upon the recommendation of Stan’s brother, Chuck, the Hawthorne family decided to move to the Lake Buynak Estates subdivision. Chuck spoke highly of the neighbors, the excellent schools, and the strong sense of community. Stan and Sherri soon developed a deep affection for the Windermere community, with a particular fondness for their neighborhood. Stu, Julie, and Chip enjoyed a delightful childhood in their spacious yard that backed up to the Windermere Country Club, which provided even more space for exploration when the golfers went home.
A few years after moving to Windermere, Stan, and Sherri identified the lack of quality service in the lawn care industry and became inspired to do something about it. In 1994, Main Street Mower opened its doors in the heart of downtown Windermere, with "Hometown Service, Premium Equipment" as its enduring motto. Sherri, who has an advertising education from the University of Tennessee, initially worked at an ad agency before taking charge of the family business's books.
From the beginning, Main Street Mower was more than just a shop; it was a community center where locals stopped by not only to tend to their lawn care needs but also to catch up with neighbors and share news. It was where business was done with a personal touch, setting the stage for growth and the deep community roots that the Hawthorne family would cultivate over the years.
While Stan and Sherri dedicated themselves to the business, their children enjoyed their time around town, making the most of their community. Stu, Julie, and Chip’s favorite pastime was visiting the Ready Market for Icees before heading over to the library for some reading. The Union Church playground and the local sports field provided many opportunities for pick-up games, and there was always a group of kids ready to play. These shared experiences forged strong community bonds and lifelong memories.
A longtime next-door neighbor of the Hawthornes in Lake Buynak Estates, Vernon and Mary Emily (Boots) Riker, remembers the Hawthorne children fondly. Vernon recalls, “It wasn’t but just a couple of months after they moved in that Chip was born.” Julie recalls, "Mr. Riker was always working in his garage, my brothers and I loved dropping in to see what he was working on." Vernon laughs, “I would hear Chip before I saw him, yelling ‘Riker! Hey Riker!’, that was all he ever called me.” More than once Mr. Riker was asked to make a repair to something the kids had broken “before mom and dad get home”.
The Rikers say the Hawthornes were more family than they were neighbors. Chip had always told Vernon that if he ever wanted to sell his house, he wanted to buy it. In 2020 when the Rikers downsized, Chip's dream came true. Although the Rikers miss their old home and neighborhood, they find joy in knowing that the home is still with “family”. Now, four of the Hawthorne families live in the Lake Buynak Estates subdivision.
As Stu, Julie, and Chip grew, they focused on their education. Stu, the eldest of the next generation, holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master's degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida. After exploring various jobs, he realized that the biggest opportunity lay in the family business, Main Street Mower. Stu's innovative ideas were welcomed, and he continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the outdoor power equipment industry. Stu and Ashley met at the University of Florida, married in 2009 and have four children. Ava (11), Jack (10), Hawk (8), and Remy (6).
Julie, also a graduate of the University of Florida with a marketing degree, took a unique path. Julie and Richard also met at the University of Florida and married in 2009. She and Richard initially lived away from Windermere, with Richard working for an aerospace company. Julie worked remotely for Main Street Mower while starting their family. In 2018, Richard's job took them to France, where Julie watched from afar as the family and the business grew. Julie recalls telling Richard “The longer we live in France, the closer we need to be to Windermere when we return home.” Eventually, they returned home and settled near her parents and brother Chip's family. They have three sons: Finn, Bear, and Rex, all aged 13.
Chip, armed with an education in communication and youth ministry from Flagler College, worked in communication/video production before joining Main Street Mower. When the shop relocated to Winter Garden in 2013, Stu convinced Chip to help run the service department. Chip's background in communication and video production proved invaluable in developing a YouTube channel for Main Street Mower. Chip and Deborah met at Flagler College and married in 2011. They have two sons, Luke (10) and Oliver (8), and two daughters, Eden (6) and Story Jane (4).
After pursuing their own interests, Stu, Julie, and Chip decided they would be happiest coming home to work together. Julie says, “Stu and Chip are the best brothers; they are smart, funny, trustworthy, and hardworking. It is a dream to get to come to work and see them every day.”
In today's corporate landscape, small family businesses like Main Street Mower stand out as a rare and treasured exception. The Hawthornes embody a unique blend of passion, dedication, and a personal touch in their operations. Built on generations of hard work, a commitment to quality, and a desire to serve their communities, Main Street Mower's growth from a quaint 1,200 sq foot store on Main Street Windermere to a 26,000 sq foot store on Highway 50 reflects the Hawthornes’ dedication. They now have three locations and have expanded to include The Winter Garden Feed and Seed, located behind Main Street Mower on Highway 50. Their YouTube Channel brings a creative side of the family out, with over 200 videos and 4 million views, their channel features product reviews, how-to’s, and entertaining events and contests.
Stan and Sherri stand proudly within their legacy, surrounded by their family of 14, amidst the joyful chaos. The family dynamics are marked by genuine affection, laughter, and fun. During a recent visit, Stu and Chip's children excitedly showed their new toothless grins to their respective uncles, marking a cherished rite of passage often rewarded by the tooth fairy. These gaps in their smiles were met and celebrated by Stu and Chip with a loving uncle's enthusiasm. The cousins' interactions are comfortable and familiar, marked by knowing glances, smirks, playful bumps, and giggles with the oldest three boys routinely inciting laughter among the younger ones.
This heartwarming family bond is a testament to the power of family and the solid foundation from which the Hawthornes have come. The comfort that comes from being surrounded by a community that not only shares common values but also bears witness to the growth of generations is irreplaceable. The Hawthornes’ story serves as a reminder that when a family comes together with a shared vision and strong values, they can create something truly exceptional.
We would like to thank Anna Sells Lakeside for bringing you this month’s cover article.
