Going full time

[Jack Rabbit]

I hope it works out for MAKLawnCutter. From the schedule you posted it would be very hard to work the regular job too. Originally Posted by Steve What other kind of business are you interested in? Could you sell to the same customer base as your lawn care business? It is a publishing thing for articles of local and area interest. There's a twist that I think will make it work and make it possible for me to start it on a low budget. I'll tell details and where to see it when it I'm in business. My current customers could be a start for a customer base for this new business.

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

It is a publishing thing for articles of local and area interest. There's a twist that I think will make it work and make it possible for me to start it on a low budget. I'll tell details and where to see it when it I'm in business. Oh! Good for you! I look forwards to it!

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[MAKLawnCutter]

Equipment via loans - I purchased all of my equipment from a buddy, totaled 12000$ even. THe equipment had less than 400hours on it at the beginning of this season, one edger was a bum and didnt run, the 12K$ came with:

Wright Stander (2) one 36" and one 48" (together retail was around 10K$)
Stihl Pro Edger FC85
Stihl Pro Weed-eater FC75
Shindiawa Multi-Tool 285Model (Pole Saw, Hedge Trimmer and edger)
Stihl 260 Chain Saw
Stihl 36" Hedge Trimmer
Random Shovels and rakes
10Gallon Air Tank
Dual Tank Compressor (never worked)

Pace 12'x6' Enclosed Trailer

4 Monthly Accounts

I took out three loans to pay him in full, monthly payments total 535$, i am looking to get one account to take them all so i am paying half of that. I have already paid in 5300$(+).

BACK TO MY ISSUES! (haha)

I took Steves idea and started hunting for an apartment complex that would barter an apartment for lawn care. I responded to one on CL about three weeks ago and figured it had been about 3 weeks since they posted, probably old and out of date, forgot to remove it, something!
I got a call on Thursday at about 3pm from them "Can you come on friday at 930am?" I got up at 5am yesterday morning, got my ducks in a row, lookin pretty and drove up at 7am, arrived at 9am. They were admit about making sure i had equipment so, i pulled my trailer, had my truck cleaned out and was ready to cut if requested.
I spent 30min walking the neighborhood looking at what was there to take care of, i noticed 3huge piles of mulch, figured they are looking for that to be put out, lots of over growth in areas. Mainly cutting needed, not a lot of edging or weed eating. Might take me 6hours weekly by myself.

I walked in and she was beyond excited i showed up. Everyone that had contacted her prior didnt have equipment nor were they legal and insured.

I requested a 2bed room for my family and i, and that utlities be covered with additional work provided on property (Pressure washing, holiday lighting install and i am redoing the irrigation system). She was total for it and said the owner would be calling me on monday. I am about 95% sure this is going down . I am excited. I cant stand living with her parents (druggies) and money hungry, CONSTANTLY!.

So, STEVE. Was a good call Saves me some major money!

I am also going to be available to pick up the other THREE complex's they own. Average income is 750$ a month EACH. I can unload my day job and work near home, watch my kids grow up... hopefully Monday... I will be relocating to Daytona Beach next week.


Matt

[Jack Rabbit]

Outstanding! Glad to hear things are looking up for you and your family!

Post about your new adventures and jobs in Daytona Beach.

"watch my kids grow up... hopefully Monday" ... Nah, it takes years for 'em to grow up!

[The Cleaning Doctor]

Originally Posted by Jack Rabbit

"watch my kids grow up... hopefully Monday" ... Nah, it takes years for 'em to grow up!

LOL..... Sometimes Never!

[Steve]

I am also going to be available to pick up the other THREE complex's they own. Average income is 750$ a month EACH. I can unload my day job and work near home, watch my kids grow up... hopefully Monday... I will be relocating to Daytona Beach next week.

That is outstanding! Have you figured out in your head what they will need from you in total and how much on average you would charge a customer for that service? Then how did that compare to the rent for such an apartment?

[MAKLawnCutter]

Commercial Accounts -

I have found out on ALL commercial accounts they would like FULL scale service. I have quoted on a commercial account below 1600$. They always want full service, tree trimming, palm trimming, tree removal and free plants in spring. I always quote 5 - 10% depending on the office staff. I told this place i would provide 300$ a year in free plants, they want two installs (spring and summer) so, its a split at 150$ a season. Offering something "Free" which they are in the long run, actually paying for, is good, makes them feel like they are ahead of the curve and getting the long jump on me.

I havent picked up any "commercial" accounts, i have lots i charge commercials pricing due to size. I havent landed commercial lots due to the size i am honest and say i am doing it alone. If i grab these three, i will pick up someone for two days a week to wipe it all out.

Daytona Beach - Its a beach town, lots of lower end housing in northern Volusia County in FL. Depressing but true. Once you get out into Ormond or New Semyrna, you get into multi-million dollar homes that are worth some good cheddar. Daytona Beach was created for tourism, raceway, drive on the beach, drink and watch cars (raceway again), octoberfest (bikers)...



Matt

[Steve]

I am also going to be available to pick up the other THREE complex's they own. Average income is 750$ a month EACH.

How many man hours are you estimating each of these apartment complexes to take each month to service?

[MAKLawnCutter]

SO! This deal is a DONE deal completely. I got a confirmation from the District (Corporate) Maintenance Manager. He was overly joyed that i OWN the business and im not a family member of someone that does. He was also excited to hear about my extensive amount of equipment. I sent him about 30pictures of clean-outs i have done, trees i have taken out. He was amazed i only run with two trailers and do it alone.
Anyways! We confirmed that all of rent will be covered for the 2br/1bth which is enough for my family. I will be paying them for utilities untill they want the tree out and all of the gutters cleaned. Which they will write me a check for. I will be paid in addition to those for pressure washing, tree work and instillation in spring and summer. WHICH IS FINE WITH ME!

I sent a letter to all of my residential accounts that the company is relocating to Daytona Beach for more room and family expanding. Put that M.A.K. Landscaping would still be caring for their yard - blah - blah - blah - !!! I got 16 calls in the last two days, i dont talk to most of the customers except for newsletters i send out and the checks i get with their signatures. "Oh my God! youre leaving my area?! We love the service and season updates..." I had to go through explaining that the only way i would drop the area is if i couldnt handle it in two days anymore. I told them they are still on my end of week schedule blah - blah - blah!!!

We will be moving this last week of October.

Matt

[The Cleaning Doctor]

Congrats man.... Well done


Steve that was a great Idea on the barter.