Say Hello !!!

[johnrobertmartin]

Hi I am getting back into the Lawn Care Industry. I am a Minister at a small Church in Hanoverton Ohio. This will be a supplimental career for me

[Steve]

Welcome to our forum! What got you out of the business in the past? Were there any lessons you learned from the experience that will make it easier to run your business this time?

[johnrobertmartin]

I just was not prepared to make a good effort at it.

[Steve]

Well I hope you really enjoy it this year and get a lot out of it.

[right_arm7380]

Glad to know this resource is out there. Just started my own lawn and home care business. Found this while I was out surfing. Got my LLC, my business cards, my truck magnets and I'm starting out door-to-door today. Wish me luck!

[batdaddy]

Hello from Delaware!
I've been in business 23 years-started part time,went full time a few years later. I service mainly residential properties.
I enjoy working outdoors,and love being my own boss!
In my spare time,I'm a volunteer firefighter.

[Steve]

Got my LLC, my business cards, my truck magnets and I'm starting out door-to-door today. Wish me luck!

Best of luck! Keep us updated on how it all goes!

I've been in business 23 years-started part time,went full time a few years later. I service mainly residential properties.

WOW why after 23 year? Did you ever want to do it full time in the past or was it just the right time when you did it?

[vinnyslandscaping]

Since 2004, I have worked for a buddy of mine's landscaping company. After a few years, the company fell under. Last year, I accepted a job cutting a neighbors grass to help her out and I fell back into the love of working in the yard.

I launched my "Landscaping Business" with a 21" cheap mower from Home Depot and an electric trimmer and blower. I was able to get a hand-me-down gas trimmer and blower from my father-in-law, a 10ft trailer and a 72" Dixie Chopper that his Property Management Company owns (commercial building management) and began advertising on craigslist.com. Last year, I brought in approx. 20 residential customers, 12 of them being grass only. I offered services ranging from lawn care to tree trimming to mulch and leaf removal to hardscaping. I added, aeration and overseeding at the end of last year. During the winter, I bought my own 36" Scag walk behind to finally get into peoples back yards.

This year, I am serious about expanding my customer base and focusing on specific tasks in the yard to manage. Since I am still unknown, I've created a new name and logo, developed flyers and handouts and focused strictly on grounds maintenance (grass, mulch, planting, leaves). I advertise on craigslist every day and have yet to bring in any new customers.

I am wondering if it is a good idea to go with a new image and what else could I do to help get my name out there.

Thanks

Nick
Vinny's Landscaping (currently)

[mfase731]

Hey, my name is Mike and for now I just service a couple yards from last year. 2012 was my start-up, just doing a few yards with a new Z-turn Toro 54" Titan with a bagger. Last year was a rough start up not knowing what to charge? I basically started doing yards in neighborhood for $20. Hopefully by getting information on forums like this I can quickly get into more profitable position. Marketing seems to be my biggest hurdle to date. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thank you, Mike.

[mfase731]

This will be my 1st full season. Made a lot of mistakes last year in quoting jobs. Hope to gain some knowledge from this and other forums like it. I had 1,000 postcards printed from Vista Print and as of today only 1 call. What a waste of $350.

Mike