New Business

[turf&tree]

In most cases less than a week

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Well it's a great lesson to be learned. I am glad you shared it. in Ohio I can go to the Ohio dept of agriculture website and cross reference a companies name, phone number, or persons name to see if they are licensed. If the search shows no info I send their info to one of the inspectors I know and he digs deeper. Have you noticed any difference in the competition since you started this or does it always seem to be more and more unlicensed businesses?

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[turf&tree]

It is mostly the guys that quit their factory jobs and become " landscapers"
They think they can fly under the radar with no insurance and no license. Most of the time they won't even put their name on their truck. I will catch them because they drop a flyer off at my house or my customers houses. Then I check them out and report them. For them straight fertilizer is allowable according to the state. It is when the put weed or insect control in their brochure that I can report them. The fertilizing part Is only a matter of time to be licensed for.
Yes I hate the fact that this business is so easy to get into without any training!
I spent a lot of time and money on education and still do. I am completely insured and pay all of my taxes. And yet I get underbid every day by someone with no education whatsoever and who does not even want to learn about our industry or get insurance or a license. Yep I am bitter.

[thegroundscrew]

I agree Turf and Tree with education being everything. It is what separates the average joes from the professionals. However, these average joes takes the jobs of these professionals which is completely unfair.

I'm just turning 18 and I have only one year of education and will continue furthering my education. It is very important to furher business prosperity and to take out those that are not.

But with this economy and turmoil everyone is trying to get the cheapest goods and services they can.

Paying taxes suck but like me and all the professionals out there it is a necessary thing whether we like it or not.

Curtis Michael
President
The Grounds Crew
(425) 765-2638
www.thegroundscrewllc.com

[Steve]

I hate the fact that this business is so easy to get into without any training!

Do you find yourself at times offering other services that the start ups can't perform or compete on?

Or are there other ways you look to position your company so as you are not competing head to head with these unlicensed/uninsured startups?

[turf&tree]

Curtis, you sound very mature for your age. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders. One thing I have learned about being in business is always have a level head. Don't let your emotions rule you. I am glad to see you are headed in the right direction. Let me know if you need any help at all. I have been doing this for 34 years.
Steve! I offer my clients full service. I am versed in commercial and residential construction as well, so I can offer customers other special services as well. Years ago I had a customer looking for a siding company. I was slow at the time and did the job for him.
The main thing that separates me is all of my literature has my credentials on it. Licensed, insured, check us out on Angie's list, our website, the fact that we take credit cards, etc. Professionalism!!!
Can't stress it enough!

[turf&tree]

Btw Steve, I would still like to see your estimating products for apple devices.
You are missing out on some serious $$$$.
Sending this from my iPad.
Jim