Crews among other things

[MountainViewGreenskeeper]

So prepare for me to be a little long winded. It has been a while since I have created a thread, been real busy and only lately have I had a few moments to spare for such things.

We have been growing at a healthy rate of about 1-4 customers a month. Most of the time 2-3. Witch isn't bad really for spending nothing but money on a website every year.

Anyways today was my last day with my crew I letting them take over the lawn maintenance accounts so that I can do more marketing and running the business among a few other odds and ends stuff. Any I have been preparing for the day it would happen but i just one of those things like a new parent where you prepare all you want but your never quite ready to hand the keys over both figuratively and literally.

I really am just wondering for those that have done this already who did it work out for you; and try not to make me to nervous.

Also any reviews of the Gopher software; I've like the demo so far.

And last but not least I have been putting a ton of work on my new trailer and it is almost done just waiting to get my signs up now. So I will have to get some pics of it up later. and P.S. its ok to be jealous when you see them. lol. But back to the topic at hand I bought the Gorilla-Lift from Northern tool http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200316067_200316067 and it is freaken amazing! I needed it cause I'm putting a big sign the whole space of the trailer tailgate and it was already heavy so with the help of the lift assist it will be easy to lift. It is so cool it even will hold the tailgate straight out like a trucks would do. It just boggles my mind that I did not get these sooner cause it makes the day go easier when you aren't sweating just from opening the trailer up. So if you got the money well worth the investment so far at least. Plus they on sale currently.

Any who if you stuck with me this reading this enjoy the rest of your evening morning or day whenever you are reading this.

[Steve]

That trailer gate looks pretty neat! It will be fascinating to see how it works for you.

As far as the growth part goes. We see member on here who are able to expand beyond a single crew. One key to success with it though it seems is to never turn the crews loose without supervision of some sort. Either driving by once in a while to check on things or asking the customers how the work is going.

Have you thought of the ways you are going to keep tabs on your employees?

Also, have you been asking your new customers where they initially heard of you from in order to track your marketing and see which method works best?

[MountainViewGreenskeeper]

You either doing or going to do all the above stated. Makes me sad that there doesn't seem to be multiple crew from one company on this site.

[B-2 Lawncare]

I run two mowing crews and two crews in the winter. Right now I am down to one three man mowing crew. First you need to have three or four people who you have Interviewed and are ready to go to work. So that if a hand quits you have a replacement ready to go. Replacing a supervior is more difficult. I lost my last supervior to the oil-field, I can't compete with that pay. So I have had to step back in and help run the crew untill I can find or train a replacment.
This has been my bigest restriction to growth, and it is very frustrating I pay very well and pay more for the more that I lump on a guy.
Steve is right you are going to need to follow behind the crew to check up on them. I find that some times the boys well "cut" a few corners. I find that after a couple of time of making them go back they start looking for that kind of stuff.
Be ready to take calls from customers who are mad for the smallest things.
I find that runing two crews in the winter is a lot easer, the boys shovle the drive-ways and side walks and I take care of the big parkinglots. There is a lot more that I could talk aboout but some times you just need to do it.

[MountainViewGreenskeeper]

Well over all it hasn't been to bad but it has only been a few days 2 to be exact. It has been really weird seeing my truck drive off in the mornings. Now to find another truck and start growing some more.

[Steve]

Keep us posted on how this goes because I am sure others are interested in learning from you.