Maurice Jenkins began his career with the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works (DPW) Solid Waste Services in 2023, where he gained the experience and skills that he would later use for his entrepreneurial endeavors. His passion for driving trucks motivated him to take advantage of the City’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program and obtain his CDL at no cost.
The City’s CDL training program provides employees a comprehensive two-week in-class session followed by an additional two weeks of practical, on-the-road training. After completing the course, Jenkins passed the CDL test at the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles and was promoted to CDL driver.
Alongside his new role, his entrepreneurial spirit and experience working on landscaping projects in his spare time inspired him to start his own company, M&M Lawn Services, and seize the opportunity of a landscaping contract for a 19-acre apartment complex, a chance he couldn’t afford to miss.
“I’ve always done this type of work—cutting grass on the side, so when this opportunity came, I had to make a decision,” said Maurice Jenkins, owner of M&M Lawn Services and former City of Atlanta employee. “It was hard to leave the City of Atlanta, but I had to.”
Embracing this moment, Jenkins turned his side hustle into a business. His journey reflects the essence of hard work and the courage to follow one’s dreams. What began as a driving job for the City turned into an entrepreneurial venture, proving that with the right opportunities, dedication and passion, anything is possible.
On June 30, Council Member Andrea Boone and the Atlanta City Council awarded Jenkins a Special Recognition Award for his influence, inspiration and exemplary service to the citizens of Atlanta.
“I drove routes, I kept neighborhoods clean, and I continue to take pride in helping Atlanta move forward through my own business, M&M Lawn Service,” Jenkins expressed. “Thanks to DPW and the City of Atlanta, I didn’t just learn to drive, I learned to lead.”
