Hello! New to the forum and business

[ericj88]

Hello everybody,
I am new to the forum, and I am looking to gain solid advice about my start up business in lawns/landscaping. I have alot to learn, as my experience in this type of business is lacking.

I am a current business owner in Georgia, 40 minutes west of Atlanta. My current business is based upon the insurance industry, performing property repairs due to unforseen moments of a policy holder. My referrals come from insurance agents/ adjusters, and seldom from homeowners themselves. This is a franchise, and is bound by territories.

I am looking to start another venture in the lawn care/landscaping industry.
Their are many reasons why I want to do this, with the main reason being no franchise and no limit on growth due to territories.

The equipment I will need to purchase is going to be financed new, due to my low capital and good credit. I am leaning towards the bobcat fastcat pro zero turn and their walk behinds. Their price and warranty seem to be the best. If someone here has experience with them or advice for another brand please let me know.
I already own a single axle (6x10) enclosed trailer I am going to use to get started, as well as a diesel pickup.

My main concern with this venture is if the business can become successful and very profitable due to the high number of similar businesses in the area. I am hoping to make this business my primary business in a reasonable amout of time, but I cannot help but wonder if the profit potential is available with a saturated market of providers.

I would like to hear from others that have started their operation in the southeast (preferrably GA) with the same concerns and were successful in being profitable in a short period of time.

Any help and feedback is greatly appreciated.
I look forward to this business, and thank everyone here for the helpful community here at Gopher Forum!:D

[wat5150]

Dont expect miracles in your first year. Especially if there is a lot of competition in your area. The main thing is get your name out there any way you can. Give people a reason to call you instead of the competition. I live in a very competitive area my self and my first year was nothing to write home about. With that said my second year was much better and hoping for continued growth.

[phouse65]

I had purchased SCAG zero turn mower and all Stihl power equipment. I have never had a problem with any of my equipment and the performance is unbelievable. SCAG is the only mower I ever had so I don't know much about the others. When I did research on them, I found SCAG to be the best. One major reason for getting it was the accessible parts for the mower. We have many dealer around us so if something goes wrong I have access to the parts without ordering them and waiting 2 weeks.

We have over 80 registered lawn companies, and another 50 unregistered in our town. Just stay ahead of the competition by providing quality work. Don't cut any corners and it won't take long to become the best.

[Steve]

performing property repairs due to unforseen moments of a policy holder

This should be helpful as you branch outwards. Can you market your lawn services to those you have helped previously with home repairs?

[ericj88]

I appreciate the replies and advice. I am looking at a scag mower. Its a 48 cut tiger cat with a 19hp kawi on it. Seems kind of small, but the price is right.
This should be helpful as you branch outwards. Can you market your lawn services to those you have helped previously with home repairs?
I have actually considered doing exactly this. My only concerns would be my prior customers response to me being in a different industry, but I think that would fly over pretty well after a short explaination of why I am doing this now.