‘Inspiring’ turnaround. Ex-inmate builds thriving business in Fort Worth suburb

Turning poop into positivity

Mansfield man’s booming business started after time in prison

By Rick Mauch

Special to the Star-Telegram

Just over five years ago it seemed as if Steven Trevino’s life was going to...

Let’s just say not so great.

Now, the former inmate is prospering as the founder/president/CEO of I Scoop Poop, his business based in Mansfield. And yes, the business does exactly what the name says: it picks up dog poop for customers.

“After prison, I rebuilt my life from the ground up,” said the 36-year-old Trevino.

Trevino served three years in the Texas State Penitentiary for attempted robbery.

“That experience changed everything for me, especially after I met Jesus while incarcerated,” he said.

Trevino was released from prison in August 2020. He is eight years clean from opiates and prescription pills.

His business, which started in his parents’ neighborhood in Mansfield, now encompasses much of the Metroplex.

How side hustle turns into business

When he came home, Trevino started a small side hustle — picking up dog poop for three neighbors every Friday for $20 a week.

“I didn’t have a driver’s license, I didn’t have a car, nor did I have a girlfriend,” he said. “My dad would drive me to my poop-scooping appointments. I wore an ankle monitor after my release, so I’d have to cover it with jeans while I was working in the heat trying to gain business.”

Every day he’d place fliers around his parents’ neighborhood that read “I Scoop Poop! Quality poop scoop at an affordable rate.”

“My mom would drop me off on one side of their neighborhood, and hours later she’d pick me up on the other side of the neighborhood after dropping off hundreds of flyers,” he said. “I had to be home by 6 p.m. every day for the first 60 days of my release because of the requirements of my parole.”

From there, he built a larger business with his brother Tony’s help. The motto is “Your dog’s business is my business!”

Today, the company services 75 to 95 houses each day, Monday through Saturday. It has over 500 customers every week in the DFW area, employing one full-time and three part-time workers.

“We’ve even considered opening a location in Austin — maybe 2026 will be the year, God willing,” Steven said.

In addition to yard scooping, they clean multiple trash cans every week for a homeowners association in Mansfield.

Prices for their services now range from $17 to $25 per visit, depending on frequency, number of dogs, and yard size. Biweekly visits are slightly more.

“What stands out most to me is not just that he started a business, but how he did it — with humility, consistency, and an incredible work ethic,” said Bethanne Williams, one of his original clients. “His turnaround has been inspiring to watch because it’s rooted in accountability, growth, and a commitment to being better — for himself and for the people he loves.”

Another client and neighbor of his parents, Kim Tillman, has known Steven for over 13 years and was happy he began offering his services. She laughed when she acknowledged some early growing pains.

“I had to endure some unpleasant odors from his collections when he was getting up and running, until he discovered some industrial bags and started visiting the dump on a daily basis,” she said, adding some praise about him going above and beyond. “Steve knew we were throwing an outdoor gathering and stopped by unscheduled to clean up our backyard to help us.”

Family’s involvement

Tony is part-owner and CFO of I Scoop Poop. He handles much of the administration work, Steven said.

Their dad helps out every Friday with the HOA trash cans and occasionally scoops yards as well.

“He recently retired from detailing cars, but some of his old customers still call, and he refers them to me and I’ll do it on a weekend sometimes,” Steven said.

After his release from prison, Steven helped his dad in his car detailing business. He still does some as side work, along with some roofing and general contracting.

“I once planned to get a barber license after release (he learned to cut hair in prison), but now I only cut for a handful of close friends/clients to keep my skills sharp,” he said. “Growing I Scoop Poop and sharing my testimony are my priorities.”

Matt Wall, owner of Wall Street General Contractors in Plano, with whom Steven sometimes works, has a lifelong relationship.

“It’s refreshing to see someone who was able to bounce back from life’s hardships and mishaps,” Wall said. “Steven was able to rise above this with help from his supportive circle of family and friends. He is determined to be successful and it’s inspiring to watch his hustle.”

The company partnered with the Mansfield school district for its 10th Annual Back-To-School Bash recently. It gave away over $2,000 worth of school supplies and backpacks, plus Chick-fil-A gift cards to kids and families.

It is also a big supporter of Forgiven Felons, an organization that helps people rebuild their lives after prison.

“The founder, Jay Dan Gumm, has helped countless good men get back on their feet, turn to Christ, and become outstanding citizens,” Steven said.

Steven’s own story can be heard on episode 218 of the Forgiven Felons podcast.

Steven admitted that for the first five years after prison, he largely kept his story quiet.

That changed when activist Charlie Kirk was murdered, he said.

“It ignited something in me. I realized I needed to share that the reason I’m where I am today is because of Jesus,” Steven said. “I met Jesus in prison. After a fight over a misunderstanding, I spent 20 days in segregation.”

It was in that silence he said he received a revelation that not all sin leads to death.

“Since then, I’ve silently prayed for people daily, and God has blessed me beyond measure,” he said.

Among the blessings are a new son to him and his wife. Lawson Wayne Trevino was born on Nov. 7.

“My journey has been scary, funny, and heartbreaking,” Steven said. “It led me to where I am today, losing everything and gaining a life of purpose and gratitude.”