New to the club

[topcuts33]

Well Im pursuing this as I have put it off enough that its time to take the leap or I never will. Starting my own lawn care business, I have 11+ years in running all types of equipment from heavy to small including smaller units like zero turns and up to 20ft decks along with tree trimming and snow removal. So far I have basically tried to get all my ducks in a row to get this going. I have been out shopping various dealers for equipment, been reading reading reading, have already gotten insurance rolling, looked into and recieved the study materials for taking the tree trimming exam, and spraying exams, been working on business cards and drawing up contracts/proposal sheets to use. I am hoping to make this work to the fullest to benefit me and my family so wish me luck and Ill be reading alot on here im sure as well. As far as the snow removal and tree trimming I thought these might be good to have to fill gaps if I have some while getting the lawn care going along with that the snow removal possibly being a full time gig during the winter months.

[swstout]

Lawn care business tips

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like a plan Steve

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[Steve]

Welcome to our forum!

What made you decide to finally do it?

I bet a lot of other members here are in your position where they want to do it but they keep putting it off. What advice do you have for those on the fence like that?

[topcuts33]

Well as for why I decided to take the plunge so to speak, I was taught to work by my father not punch a time card and just show up and for the past 13 yrs Ive tried and told myself things will get better with the current employer. They have not theyve actually declined. For those on the fence I guess, these times are tough and instead of sitting by waiting for the government to create jobs which I have no faith in them doing I feel its my obligation to myself and family to try to better our situation any way that I can, I want my kids to see what hard work does and that sometimes you falldown and have to get back up but you cant fall if you never try. Hope this makes sense, Im just to the point I feel obligated to do this or Im letting myself down because I know I have the drive and initiative to do it and am looking at it if I have to put 500 bids in to get 40-50 thats what Im willing to do to make this a success.

[Steve]

Well as for why I decided to take the plunge so to speak, I was taught to work by my father not punch a time card and just show up and for the past 13 yrs Ive tried and told myself things will get better with the current employer.

That is very interesting! Can you tell us your view of what makes those two different? What is the difference in your view from working vs. punching a time card?

[topcuts33]

Working to me is being productive in whatever it is you are doing at the time, and at the same time being effective and having something to be proud of when youre done.

Time card punching is basically having a job showing up ready to work and then basically the employer having absolutely nothing for you to not assigning you anything and then constantly using the phrase "look busy" as they are worried that their superiors may show up ansd see that they havnt actually assigned the subordinates anything to do. dont get me wrong everyone likes a slacker day now and then but I hope this is easy to understand.

[Steve]

Very good point.

Starting my own lawn care business, I have 11+ years in running all types of equipment from heavy to small including smaller units like zero turns and up to 20ft decks along with tree trimming and snow removal.

What's been your view so far with all your hands on experience, getting your business going so far?

What have you found has come easy for you and what parts are difficult?