Advice Please

[sheils8301]

Hello Gentlemen. I will try to get right to the point and not babble. However I must say I enjoy reading the postings and you all really crack me up. I'm posting this message because I have been listening to my other half talk about starting a landscape business for the past 4 years. He has been in the corporate world since graduating college and in short, it has not been good to us (relocation, no advancement, etc.). I have 13 years in the construction industry running various offices, from GC to all types of subcontracting. I know the financial side of it inside and out. I too have been dreaming of a company of my own for a very long time now. We are hard workers and have intense drive. After doing a market analysis and also reading alot of postings here, I do not doubt that the work is there. My dilemma - He wants to start part-time. We both agree that the focus is for company growth. Our goal is to get to the point of utilizing a crew before his body gives out. We are both in our mid 30's. I dont see the feasibility of starting part-time if you can't get your company to profitably grow within 3-5 years. If your going to do it, go for it whole heartedly! Also the mental stress on all of us (including our two boys) if he tries to hold down his corporate job and do this part time would be way too much. Another thought on this subject, I do not relish taking out a loan for start up. Anything he makes would be used to pay for the equipment, etc. We have a large amount of equity in our home. We can use that as a tool for obtaining capital. But we will be paying for that for a long time to come. We are here in NH due to a corporate relocation. Although we like it here, we have no family or ties, etc. We have an opportunity to move to NC (Raleigh area) and start a business with a partner. The start up costs (our portion) would come from some of the equity in our home. We would then own the equipment free and clear and perhaps see a profit sooner rather than later. Also its booming down there and the climate is right. I am sick, sick, sick of the cold, wet weather. Well thanks gents! Any replies will be greatly appreciated. Sheila

[walkerrider]

Life is short. So if you really want to do this now is a great time. In my area demand is skyhigh for professionals in any craft. Put together a business plan and start slow. Don't rush out for the new truck and the latest and greatest equipment. Get equipment which is dependable and leaves you with a job you can be happy with. If this means a belt drive exmark to start fine. Get the business up and running get your feet on the ground and use the offseason to make decisions about the next steps. And check any ego's at the door. It can be a humbling experience in the beginning and it is easy to get sucked up in the need to present flashy appearances. The bottom line is if you look professional, speak professionally, and present a neat clean persona this is good enough. Do what you promise and remember that your a professional and at the end of the day you need to turn a profit. This concept will not work with all your customers. One way or the other they will become ex-customers preferably sooner than later. Try to have fun with it and remember no matter how tough a day it beats the corporate BS. Good Luck

[GrassMaster]

Hello Sheila:<p>Come on down south it's nice now down here & it's easier to have work year round!<p>Might not be a bad idea to give it a shot part time & do it a while. That way you will know if you will stick with it or not. Yes it would be very hard on you all, but at least you will have some income comming in, before you take the big plunge!<p>In most cases that's the way most get going, is part time first!<p>Partnerships, well I do not know about that. I personally do not care for them, but all I can offer is poor advice there. I've never been in one.<p>If you do decide on a partnership maybe do this, you & your spouse each own a 3rd of the business. This would be a win win situation.<p>Hey just my thoughts!<p><p>----------<br>GrassMaster - Home: www.lawnservicing.com<br>My Start Up Page www.lawnservicing.com/startup/

[Toroguy]

Unless you have a pile of cash to lean on while starting, part-time is the way Im sure most of us started. Find out what type, Residential or commercial or mix, of customers you desire. Buy some equipment, and advertise in your market area. Ideally you should have started an ad campaign last month to pick up on the spring clean ups. But I had good luck with an ad I placed when starting out a couple Julys ago.<p>As the work increases buy better, faster equipment, and enjoy it, Im 34 and have at least 25 years remaining of labor in these bones. <p>Good Luck

[Barkleymut]

My advice for what its worth: 1) Move to Raleigh, I went to college near there and know that it is a growing and wealthy area. 2) Forget about the partnership crap. 3) Go at it full time. When you have everything to lose you have everything to gain. If you (the wife) have another job then ya'll can live off your salary while the business takes off. Its tough but thats what my wife and I did. This year she had our first child, now she stays home and takes care of the business and the baby. Too much damn paper work for me anyways, I was made to work outside.

[lbmd1]

Sheila,<br> where in NH are you. We are located in Rye, by the coast.If you need any local tips on the how the market is around here, let me know. I'll fill you in on the local economy, competition, etc...<p><br>Mike

[sheils8301]

Well Walkerrider, if you can earn yourself trips to Hawaii in the landscaping business, it can't be all that bad:) Thanks for the advice. I agree with you 100%! I know there is alot of &quot;competition&quot; out there, but in my neck of the woods, there are also alot of overnite joe's. These guys give us a bad name and I'm hoping to capitalize on it just by stealing what the **** up! I'm very confident that we will give awesome customer service, or dye trying....

[sheils8301]

Grassmaster - Another day in wet, cold hell. I'll be on the next bus down - Need any office help?LOL - Part time ya think? I just don't get the picture on how to get our company to grow in a timely manner without going full time. What do you think about working nites, landscape during the day? Do you work totally alone or do you have a crew? Like you say - maybe if we get the controlling hand in the our &quot;partnership&quot; it would work out well...

[sheils8301]

Toroguy-thanks for responding. What about a nite job - full time landscaping? Do you think it can be done? Residential customers is the way we would go. My other half says take a little from alot of people. I deal daily with GC's if we decide to go the commercial route? What do you think is the best campaign route at this point?

[sheils8301]

Just because were on what seems like our 14th day of cold, wet hell Id move down south. I do work full-time for a contractor. My other half is willing to work nites - whatever it takes. He is totally disillusioned with Corporate America. Im tired of seeing the same empty look in his eyes when he gets home every nite. So you would go full time? How long have you been in the biz? Do you have a crew?

[sheils8301]

Ibnd1- WOW - hope you don't change your mind. We're in the quaint little town of Candia, NH, right down Rte.101. Anything and everything is what I want to know......

[southside]

Sheils,<br> I would take the plunge and go full<br>time.However it is vital to have suitable<br>financial backing before you start. But<br>I guess you already knew that. Perhaps if <br>you husband could do a couple of days part tome for a contractor in your area,to see if<br>he actually enjoyed this sort of work.Be a<br>bummer to spend heaps and find that you hate the job.<br>Hope this helps.<p>Karl<br>

[Toroguy]

Sheila,<br>Nite job with benefits...UPS. Three to five hours. Free benefits, health, dental, etc. Hard work. <p>You could try placing ads in several newspapers to jump start some business in your direction. Yellow page ad before their deadline. Ads can be costly and make sure you can deliver the service the ad promotes

[sheils8301]

Southside - Anything helps. To be honest, I know he would luv the work. If the day dawns and itsn't raining buckets or total blizzard, he's outside. And when hes outside his hands are usually in the dirt. Ive just been hearing this dream for so long that we have to take the plunge now while the economy is so good. It would be more of a bummer to spend a few years as an apprentice, go to start your own and find out the economy is not so rosy? If we had started 4 years ago, we would be that much further along. Our viable financing when all is said and done, is the equity in our home. If managed right, and we both are working, it will work. That does mean selling though. And if were going to sell, why not just go where the season is longer. When it comes to plowing up here in the north nowadays, it doesnt mean much these past few years.....thanks for the advice

[GrassMaster]

Hello Ms. Sheila:<p>If I was moving down south to make money, I would consider Atlanta, Ga. or go whole hog & move to maybe the Orlando, Fla. area. Or somewhere in that neighborhood. <p>The money flows like water in these towns. You can do anything you want in these towns & make a killing. There is others here that will tell you this about Atlanta, Ga. for shure.<p>I wish I needed help & I don't cut grass anymore, but I wish I did. I might again one day.<p>I'm a lot like you I'm unhappy with what I'm doing, but I got to stay here til I sell my business or have enough income where I can sell out. I've been waiting 4 1/2 years now & it's killing me. One day I will get lucky!<p>I have a very large cash investment here & If I do not handle it right I could easily loose several $100K.<p>Time will take care of all if you try! <br> <p>----------<br>GrassMaster - Home: www.lawnservicing.com<br>My Start Up Page www.lawnservicing.com/startup/

[steven Bousquet]

who spent time thinking about starting and who just went for it?

[sheils8301]

Steven - Touche! I have had this discussion many times with my other half. This is one reason we are considering partnership. All concerned have assets that would greatly benefit a young, growing company. Yet so many professionals do not like this idea. How can you create and grow a successful company without having all the attributes to do so? I refuse to work for someone else all my life and if a partnership is the way I have to go - so be it. If it doesnt work there is always - Divorce? Oh - to top it all off - the partners are relatives! What to do??????

[sheils8301]

Grassmaster - Finally a day without rain. Hang in there, as you say, time will help take care of all. Must admit though it must be extremely tough. Raleigh area is about as far as I'd go. Only would move if partnership takes place. Will know more soon - have a scheduled trip down there soon. I will keep you posted. Great website you have created!!!!Lots of info I can sure use....

[accuratelawn]

MY story, for what it's worth. <br>Worked with a guy in the business (one day).<br>Pick his brain the next couple of days.<br>Bought a 36 gear drive and blower, ran an add in the paper, hung fliers and started with 10 lawns. This happened in July by the way. DO IT NOW the &quot;right time will never come.<br>I did keep the corporate job I had until March on the next season.<br>55 hours per week at job and days off with my business. I was in the best spirts because I knew the hard work would benefit ME.<br>Left the job after 15 years to mow grass. Crazy??<br>Now making more in seven months than I ever did with the corp. Co. car, bonus, benefits, and lots of B.S. I don't miss it.<br>I would not go the partnership route.<br>I you want to gain experience, start your business and get a job with another lawn company until yours takes off..<br>Just my opinions....good luck!!

[mountain man]

Shelia:<p>I started my landscape / lawn care business in North Carolina 14 months ago. Like you I was tired of the corporate world and wanted to make my hobby a profitable career.<p>Personally, I would do it alone - no partners - and would jump in head first and go full time. There is more than enough work in the Raleigh area to make a good honest living. By going full time you can focus all of your energies on building your business and not being distracted. <p>The great thing about this biz is the fact that you can get started with minimum capital upfront. I started with a truck and 22&quot; Toro and now have built up to 4 trucks, 7 mowers, 9 employees, and a full time landscape team. Had I not liked it then I would have been stuck with a truck for my everyday vehicle and a Toro to mow my yard. Not a lot of upfront capital risk. The hardest decision is walking from that quaranteed paycheck each month. Good luck and go for it!

[miquel]

Sheila,<br>This is a very big decision you and your family have to make.<br>I have been doing this business part-time for three seasons. I have a full-time job in the corp-world. I work four nights a week and I am off Friday-Sunday.<br>I enjoy doing my business. It's hard the way I do it, but you never know one day when it could be your only source of income.<br>I would cetainly move first. Find a job etc, and then build the lawncare business at the same time. If you don't like it after a season,then you still have money coming from somewhere. I am actually living in Atlanta.<br>Business is great.There is enough for everyone who wants to make a living.<br>I hope that you find what you're looking for.<br>P.S. My goal in the near future,is to do this business full-time. I also plan to live in Florida. You can make a killing there. The folks over there love their lawns,and will pay whatever to have it looking good.<br>Good Luck.

[Keith]

miquel wrote:<p>&gt;My goal in the near future,is to do this business full-time. I also plan to live in Florida. You can make a killing there. The folks over there love their lawns,and will pay whatever to have it looking good.<p>LOL, what part of Florida is that? People here are just as tight as anywhere. Central Florida is a real interesting area. Probably nowhere else could you have more competition in the lawn care business.

[osc]

Sheila:<br>My advice is to drum up business before you plunge. May is kind of late to get a lot of business in the south but I'm sure you can get a few accounts.<br>The problem is that you are several hundred miles from N.C.. You can't drum up business from that far away. <br>I would consider the partnership if that is the only reasonable way to move. I love N.H., I spent 2 summers in Concord whilst in my college years. Never thought about it from a lawn care point of view back then. When you consider the ease of transition, doing this in N.H. may not be that bad. If you get enough accounts going you could probably work 8-9 months out of the year and push snow 2-3 months. Or go south for the winter. Add services like landscaping, pressure washing or whatever. It would be a leap of faith to leave your jobs and move.<br>I guess you have to gamble sometimes.<p>Remember that N.C. is not South Florida, the Burmuda grass does go dormant for the winter. If turf maintenance is your only trick then working in the south may not be a 12 month biz, or atleast not at full throttle.<br>Lots of luck whatever you decide.

[mountain man]

In North Carolina, we mainly have fescue not Bermuda so turf maintenance is a 9/10 month operation. When the turf slows down the leaves kick in and there is more than enough leaf / pine needle work to get through the winter. Therefore, you can have a 12 month operation in the Carolinas.<p>There are also two very busy seasons - spring and fall. Now through mid summer is the time to start setting up for the fall. If you wait till fall to plan for the fall then you have already missed the boat. I also have noticed that summer is a good time to pick up lawn accounts because alot of people get real lazy when the temperature hits the mid 90s every afternoon.

[Gus]

My wife actually started this business because my daughter wanted to earn some extra money. She told the kid to knock on some doors and see who might want their lawn cut.<br>After the kid got a few lawns a neighbor suggested an ad in the the local paper which covered our city and the surrounding suburbs. Next thing you know mom`s involved and they are up to about 20 lawns a week. Equpiment consisted of our own<br>old Snapper 21 in. mower, an ancient smoky Mclane edger,k-mart brand trimmer and blower<br>all hauled around in an old van. I had worked for others for many years and was sick of being told what to do by people that were less qualified than me so I also took the plunge. I picked everyones brain in the business and was lucky to have an excellent equipment dealer in our area who helped us update to better and better equipment and was always there with invaluable advice. To this day the company is still named after my bride<br>and our philosophy is to do quality work. Our prices are higher than just about everybody and as I`m typing this I just got a call back from an estimate that is at least $10 higher a cut than most of the guys charge around here<br>but he wants us based on how he was treated and that I actually showed up to do an estimate! Sorry to be so long-winded hope this helps.

[mountain man]

In North Carolina, we mainly have fescue not Bermuda so turf maintenance is a 9/10 month operation. When the turf slows down the leaves kick in and there is more than enough leaf / pine needle work to get through the winter. Therefore, you can have a 12 month operation in the Carolinas.<p>There are also two very busy seasons - spring and fall. Now through mid summer is the time to start setting up for the fall. If you wait till fall to plan for the fall then you have already missed the boat. I also have noticed that summer is a good time to pick up lawn accounts because alot of people get real lazy when the temperature hits the mid 90s every afternoon.

[geogunn]

sheila--lots of good advice so far. here's mine: don't mortgage the house. let the buisness make the payments. good luck.<p>GEO