God Loves Artificial Grass Too!

Micah Sepko's journey from a long-tenured career at North Greenville University to the helm of a multi-million dollar artificial turf company, Sepko Synthetic Solutions, is a testament to divine guidance and unwavering faith. 

For over 25 years, Micah poured his life into North Greenville University, serving in various capacities from activities director to cheerleading and cross-country coach, full-time professor, senior associate athletic director and Assistant Vice President of Athletic Development and Advancement. It was during his time in athletics that he learned all about artificial turf installation. He oversaw the installation of turf on every sports field at the university, learning the processes, manufacturers, and intricacies of the industry. This seemingly unrelated experience would later become the bedrock of his entrepreneurial venture.

The idea of starting a turf company was initially a joke. In 2014, Micah lightheartedly told his staff, “If I ever get bored, I’m gonna start a turf company.” Little did he know, this casual comment was a seed planted by God. Fast forward to 2022, Micah found himself increasingly discontent with his role at the university. He describes it as the Lord “shutting that door,” prompting him to seek a new path.

A pivotal moment in Micah’s journey came in April of 2022 during a call he made to his now mentor in the turf industry, Dan. Micah had called him for advice, but unaware of Micah’s business thoughts, Dan revealed a dream he’d had about Micah starting his own turf company, complete with trucks and trailers bearing his company’s logo. 

By May, Micah had pulled the trigger, aiming to launch a side business by August. His first customer was a neighbor, three doors down, who, upon hearing Micah’s plans, had already offered his yard as the inaugural project. This initial success was a powerful affirmation, and by October 2022, Sepko Synthetic Solutions was officially an LLC.

The leap of faith was significant. In May 2023, Micah resigned from his secure position at North Greenville University, walking away from a steady salary, health insurance, and everything he had known for over two decades. His wife was also facing health challenges, making the decision even more daunting. Yet, Micah was resolute, driven by a profound sense of calling and a belief that God was leading him.

“I walked into a complete unknown,” Micah recounts. “No health insurance, no salary;  Just complete faith that this was going to work.” And work it did. Within a month of his resignation, Micah landed his first $100,000 contract – a 10,000 square foot turf installation. This pattern continued, with each new challenge met by a new, larger opportunity, reinforcing his conviction that he was on the right path.

A Marketplace Ministry to the "Misfits"

Micah recalls a former student’s poignant remark upon his resignation: “Now Coach, don’t forget about us misfits.” This resonated deeply, and Micah now finds himself leading a team of 14 full-time employees, many of whom are navigating various life struggles. His workplace has become his new mission field, where he integrates his faith into every aspect of his business, from the Bible verse on his business cards  (Micah 6:8 – “walk humbly with thy God”) to the way he interacts with clients and employees.

Faith at the Core of Business

Micah’s faith is woven into the very fabric of his business. When asked by his clients about the longevity of his artificial turf, he often replies, “One day the Lord’s going to come back and he’s going to look and he’s going to go, ‘I guess the real stuff wasn’t good enough!’ Because my grass is going to outlast anything you put down there. It’s going to outlast you, it’s going to outlast me.” This lighthearted yet profound statement reflects his unwavering belief in the eternal. 

Advice for Christian Business Leaders

Micah’s advice to other Christian business owners is simple yet profound: “Pray every day and really ask for guidance.” He and his wife begin each day praying for God’s favor, for customers from known and unknown sources, and for financial provision. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord constantly, trusting that He will lay out the path. Micah believes that if God gives you an idea and a path, you ought to explore it, even if it means stepping into the unknown.

Micah Sepko’s story is a powerful illustration of how faith, coupled with diligent effort and an open heart, can transform a humorous God-given thought into a multi-million dollar enterprise, impacting lives and building a legacy that extends far beyond the bottom line.