Say Hello !!!

[ToddAnderson]

Hey guys my name is Todd, I'm new to the business currently a college student, obtaining my Associates Degree in Business Administration.

I'm glad I found this blog as I have numerous questions, I'm based in Virginia.
My plan is too place lawn care business in maybe about 4 or 5 states and have a couple of
Chopper dealerships as well!

I have a income of 7,500 to start with to start my business, if you guys have any insight on how I can get my business up and running , it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[tmull27216]

Hello
This is who I am
44 year old Carpenter by trade ( 24 years experience) . Landscaper by choice ( 2 years working for someone)

This is how I got started and the direction I would like to go:

A friend had asked me to help him with his business. He lost his drivers license for reason I will not get into. For the last two years Ive been helping him drive , cut lawns and doing spring/ fall clean ups . Ive learned a lot and
also discovered ....I really.... like doing this and decided to purchase some of my own equipment. I figured If I don't go into business myself worst case I can sell the equipment



This is what I have for equipment (mostly used but in excellent condition)

-Scag 48" belt driven
-Scag 61" three wheel trike
-Dual wheel trailer
-Two echo whip trimmers
-Red max 7100 blower
-Sthil Br 600 magnum blower
-1995 F150 4x4 4.9 5spd
-"GohperHaul Extreme Lawn Care Business Tips"
(Christmas Present .... starting reading the book and finished it the same day)


Hopefully this site will help me achieve more ( of my own ) accounts

Any advice would be greatly appreciated .Meanwhile Ill keep reading this site

Tim

[Steve]

What kinds of things have you been doing to get new customers so far?

[jamespierce]

The name of my business is Spring Valley Lawn Care. I started the business 3 years ago and in those three years I have had the success that I had hoped. I am a school teacher and run this business on the side. It had been profitable, but I look to increase the business in the coming year. I would like to get into the commercial grounds maintenance business, but unsure how to go about it and how to quote the jobs. My main goal is to build this business up and then sell it in the next 5 years.
Jimmy Pierce

[groundworks]

I'm glad to join this group and hope to learn and maybe provide some insight that might help others.

It started out about four years ago as a hobby, like many I have a full time job and do this in the evenings and weekends. My hobby has turned into a great part-time hobby/job, I really love the landscaping business.

Last Jan, 2012 I decided that it had grown to the point that I needed to form a company. It has grown to the point I'm considering going full-time. The problem is of course leaving a full-time salary + benefits job when you live in the midwest and have to deal with snow, I live in Indiana.

I do almost every aspect of the landscaping industry except for hardscape.

[tmull27216]

Originally Posted by Steve

What kinds of things have you been doing to get new customers so far?

I was going to leave that as rhetorical question. However feel I need to respond. Just a few things Ive done so far

-Combining some of the very limited real estate experience I have into creative marketing.I sent out flyers to new home owners in the area.My first thoughts are not to infringe on other landscape businesses . Im not looking to cut their prices Im looking for people who want quality work done. Work is needed on my flyer and will be doing more research

- Had business cards made

-Because I have some free time this winter I will be volunteering my time to help others . This will not only eventually get my name out it will make me feel good while doing it.

[Steve]

Because I have some free time this winter I will be volunteering my time to help others . This will not only eventually get my name out it will make me feel good while doing it.

That is fantastic! Keep us posted on what you do and how it works out for you. Your experiences will inspire others to try this as well.

[nice2weedu]

Can't wait to pick ur brains!

[graybroslawncare]

Hello to all,

I am new to this site and I just want to say thanks to everyone out there helping each other out and discussing real issues that we all face in this industry.
Our lawn care company is 11 years old and comprised of three brother and a few of our close friends. I am the oldest brother at 24 years old; I recently took full ownership of our business, due to different career paths chosen by my two younger brothers. I have found this site very helpful and supportive as I take on this business as a full time career. In the off season we provide snow removal services with our parents snow removal company.
Feel free to ask me any questions or to chat. I look forward to interacting more on this forum. What things do people like to know about other lawn care companies?

[Steve]

Welcome to our forum!

How has it been working with family in the business? Would you have any suggestions to others as how best to make it work and avoid conflicts?