Preparing to Start my Lawn Care Business

[bkauf20]

Hi guys, I'll explain a little bit about myself and my interest in starting a lawn care business - this might be a lengthy introduction, but I plan to use it as a reference point for my future posts in this forum so that everyone knows where I'm coming from (always thinking ahead!). I'm from northern West Virginia, 26 years old, graduated from college two years ago and have a full time office job (Mon-Fri 9-5). It's a salary position that pays decently well, but the main perk is that I have full independence and autonomy, I can come and go as I please as long as I am keeping my appointments, meetings, etc. It is a very low-stress environment, I literally have nothing that I could complain about. I feel that I am very fortunate to have the position that I have now, and because it is such a low-stress environment I have been searching and applying for secondary part-time employment for a little extra cash flow - I've even considered picking up a full-time night shift position. Now, with all of that said, I've put the job search on the back-burner at the present time, in favor of brainstorming ideas for a small business that I could run in addition to my M-F 9-5. That whole independence and autonomy thing, it's what drives my employment decisions. I've thought of a few ideas, but they all have too much of a start up cost. I think lawn care is right up my alley. I have a lot of experience too. I've mowed several lawns in the area on an as-needed basis, and I've taken care of a rental property owned by a neighbor - this was all a few years ago though while I was still in school. I currently have 0 clients, but at least I have an idea of what to expect. So far, I have done nothing as far as actually starting this business other than reading these forums, but the way I see it I have plenty of time. This season is over for the most part, so I have 6-7 months to get everything together. 6-7 months to buy any equipment I need, to get legit and legal and to read up on marketing and find some clients for next spring! At the moment, I have two self-propelled mowers (not really big name brands, but if I have to buy a name brand mower, I have plenty of time to save for it), two trimmers, a blower and a snow blower. I consider my biggest advantages to be my professionalism (you learn how to talk to people after all of those college presentations and with my current job) and also that I am not tied down from 9-5 - if a client needs me at their house I can be there without losing any hours at work. My biggest hurdles are very obvious: I don't have a truck and I don't have a trailer. I have no idea how that will work out, aside from jamming a mower in my hatchback, but I'm sure that I'll figure something out before the next season. My dad is a problem solver, he might be able to hook me up with something by then. My goal is to have 10 clients by next spring. I will not be hiring any employees, this will be a solo venture - I want all of the money to myself and I am not prepared to share it. I absolutely will not and can not start this business by going into debt. I'm using the income from this lawn care business to pay for some body work on my car, pay off my student loans and to invest in better equipment for the future. I won't be starting out with any zero turn mowers or anything like that, and I'll have to make it work without a truck & trailer unless I come up with a solution that is nearly free. Anyways, thanks for reading all of that! I have already found this forum to be extremely helpful and I know it will be my best resource over the next 6-7 months!

[dougcaskey]

Lawn care business tips

Good Luck with the start up, it's the toughest part...Once your up and rolling, everything will start to fall into place....Don't be afraid to ask questions....

[LawnBoy0311]

Ahhhh, the old "Wild and Wonderful" state. I'm going there to gamble all my money away on saturday! Good luck with the new business, you'll do great. Just remember, don't overbook yourself. Keep it small and managable and grow when you feel your ready to grow. You'll do great!

[Hedgemaster]

I'm afraid that your use of paragraphs and lack of misspelled words indicates that you are overqualified for the position. (and for living in WV for that matter)

We wish you the best.













Good luck to you!

[jsmith]

Good Luck man! You will get there. Oh and just to let you know mowing can actually be stressful at times, so prepare yourself lol!

[Steve]

Welcome to our forum!

Can you offer some fall leaf cleanups and use basic tools to get yourself going this year?

[bkauf20]

Originally Posted by Steve

Welcome to our forum!

Can you offer some fall leaf cleanups and use basic tools to get yourself going this year?

I haven't really considered starting up so soon. It's something to think about, but I really wanted to just sit back and learn and figure everything out first rather than jump right in to something.

There's a possibility that I could offer some snow removal in the winter, but I think anything in the fall is pushing it.

[dpld]

good luck with everything and just keep in mind that the season is never over and now is when you start posturing for next year.
this business is more about management and planning ahead and being 2 steps ahead of your competitors then it is about cutting grass.

sure doing a good job matters at a reasonable rate but you will not have those jobs if that is what you focus on.