CYstarters Spotlight: A 14-part series highlighting student entrepreneurs pursuing their business ventures as part of the CYstarters 2025 summer cohort. Through this program, students have the unique opportunity to prioritize the development of their own startup or business idea. Each individual receives $6,500 and access to resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational sessions on entrepreneurship and business startup.
How Ryan Ryherd Is Growing DAF Landscaping, One Project at a Time
For Ryan Ryherd, a junior majoring in finance in Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, entrepreneurship has always been part of the plan—he just didn’t know what shape it would take. Growing up, he moved all over Iowa (with a brief stint in Omaha) before settling in Ankeny, where he finished middle and high school surrounded by friends who would later join him at Iowa State. With 15–20 Cyclones in his family—from parents and grandparents to uncles and siblings—attending ISU felt almost inevitable, even though he admits he grew up an Iowa Hawkeye fan. What he did know early on was that he wanted to own his own business. “I loved sales and talking to people, and there’s a lot of that in entrepreneurship,” he said. That spark, paired with a strong work ethic, eventually grew into DAF Landscaping, his fast-growing company helping homeowners across central Iowa elevate and innovate their outdoor living spaces.
The idea for DAF Landscaping began in high school, when Ryan worked for a local guy doing landscaping. He loved the independence of the work, the chance to earn money before school, and the satisfaction of transforming outdoor spaces. By the end of that summer, he and a friend realized they could do it on their own. With his grandfather’s truck, a $6,000 investment, and a commitment to keep overhead low, they launched their first season. That first summer (2023), they brought in around $25,000—more than they expected—and Ryan was hooked. “It’s cool to see that the risk paid off,” he said. Today, DAF Landscaping offers everything from mulch and rock bed installations to sod, plant supply, retaining walls, landscape design, and tree trimming. The name stands for “Dedicated and Faithful,” reflecting the company’s focus on integrity, clear communication, and delivering on promises. “Our goal is to be the best communicators in the industry,” Ryan explained. “We keep our clients informed every step of the way so they know exactly what’s happening with their project.”
Now in its second full season, DAF Landscaping has grown and Ryan employs a team of two full-time employees serving clients across Ankeny, Bondurant, Waukee, Johnston, and beyond. Bondurant has become a hotspot thanks to strong word-of-mouth referrals, and the company has recently taken on property management for a senior living community in West Des Moines—a move Ryan hopes will help break into the commercial landscaping market. Competition is fierce, but his philosophy is simple: “Do a good job at what you have now and let your work speak for itself.” That commitment to quality has earned him loyal clients, including Pappajohn Center Director Judi Eyles, for whom he completely redid a backyard retaining wall this summer. The growth has been impressive. By June alone, they had already netted $50,000–$60,000 in profit, and Ryan plans to invest in new equipment and strengthen the company’s presence in the community.
Participating in CYstarters this summer pushed Ryan to think beyond completing jobs and into building a strategic, sustainable business. He learned to define his target market, refine his marketing strategy, and avoid spending time and money in areas unlikely to bring returns. “I used to just go out and find clients without any strategy,” Ryan admitted. “Now I’m intentional about who I’m marketing to.” Collaboration with fellow founders proved invaluable. CYstarters peer Kailey Stevens of Bolded K Studio led a full rebrand for DAF Landscaping, and others helped him navigate web design and online marketing. “I’m not going to know everything, nor should I,” Ryan said. “You should be excited by what you don’t know and want to solve those problems.”
Looking ahead, Ryan aims to extend DAF’s operating season beyond its current March–August schedule. Expanding property management services would add fall leaf removal, gutter cleaning, and more winter snow removal, creating year-round revenue streams. He’s also getting into hardscapeing projects like patios and retaining walls.
Through the ups and downs—from trucks stalling on the way to a job site to navigating equipment breakdowns—Ryan’s learned one thing above all: he’s willing to do whatever it takes. “I’ve learned that I can work hard. I have the drive to do whatever it takes to succeed, and nothing’s going to stop me.” For him, entrepreneurship isn’t just about financial growth—it’s about building something from the ground up. As Ryan puts it: “The greater risk is not taking the risk at all.”
To see Ryan’s work or request a free estimate, visit www.daflandscaping.com.
Check out our video interview with Ryan Ryherd below!
