How long to build your business?

[bilchak]

We just started full time. How long did it
take you guys to get where you are today? Say....how
long to get up to 50 residentials?

How long did it take you to get where you could turn away
less profitable accounts?

I have fear that in our first year we may stuggle
until the "word of mouth" advertising kicks in.

[bdemir]

Bilchack,

I bought a lot of accounts my first full year but they turned out to be not so good and now i am restarting sort of speak. I have heard of guys getting 50 to 80 accounts in a year but that is in closely knitted neighborhoods. I think a lot of people do it in 2 to 4 years where they are comfortably established. How many have you set up so far.



Bedros

[Barkleymut]

# of accounts doesn't mean a damn. I could have one $500,000 account and not make any money. You have to look at profit margin for EACH account. I know more than a few guys who have 75+ accounts and make under 30 grand. How sad...........

[bdemir]

Barkleymut nobody said anything about how profitable the accounts were but what hes saying is how long does it take to get established or get the profitable accounts.




Bedros

[RYAN]

After my first year i had 35-40 accounts and after the second between 75 and 80. This was done by handing out flyers and placing a weekly ad in a newspaper. All these accounts were residential. Hope this helps.

[cleancut]

I had about 50 accts. after my 3rd p/t year...If I had been f/t, I probably could have had 50 after my first year if I really pursued the issue...I'm starting my 6th year now and am able to pick and choose my accounts...Last count, I had about 110-115 accounts....All of my accounts are not extremely profitable but several of them are the ones that I started out with...Right now I'm focusing my attention on yearround work....With two employees, I need to try to keep them busy the entire year so that they'll stay with the company...
There's been times when I wished I was still a solo act, but I chose to expand so I'm trying not to look back...Good Luck..Derrick

[Fantasy Lawns]

it's not the # it's the $$ ....realize a first year income goal of say $??k (what you need to live)......then add jobs that fit your growth needs ......NEVER turn down "Profitable" accounts ....if the work get's more than you can do ....replace the better with the lesser ones ....

[HOMER]

I'm in my 5th year. I haven't really pursued new accounts real heavy. I stay between 70-75 account and find that to be a handful. I would have to say after 2 years part time I had roughly 30 customers..........only a couple were really year round. I quit my full time job and it has grown slow but steady for the last 3 yrs. I don't go after everything that pops up now, those that I don't wnat or fit my profile I pass on to others that are trying to grow.

Expect 3 to 5 years before you get real comfortable and thats only if they are yearly or you have other work to do in the winter.

[joshua]

ok heres my 4 cents, we are always growning, whether it be getting more accounts, trying to make more profit, or buying something to help us get more done in a days work.and for this we are growing. for the topic starter grow at a pace you can handle, whether it be adding 10 more accounts each year or 20, if you can do that and make everyone happy (including yourself) go for it, but if you do grow and are unhappy and don't make as much profit then don't do it.

[bilchak]

Guys,

Thanks for all the info and opinions. As always, very
insightful.

Cheers,
Jb

[lsylvain]

I'm starting my second year (after relocating) with 11 great accounts. I'm P/T and I decided to start weeding out accounts now instead of waiting. I droped about 10 accounts for this year for various reasons mainly I need the study time.

[eslawns]

First year. But now I have a few less (residentials) than that. My focus is more on profit, and I have started to apply chemicals, since there is less competition because it's regulated.

[turfguy33]

My first year I had about 15 accounts part-time, of course I'm still part-time, but after 5 years I have 24 residentials, a 12.5 acre industrial site and a 10 acre apartment complex. Soon and very soon, I'll be jumping into the full time market. My name is out there now, and people see my work. Remember that it only takes one dissatisfied customer to ruin your name, so always, regardless of how profitable the job is, do your best job. If it's not profitable, turn it down, but while your there, show them how professional you can be

[GreenQuest Lawn]

Last year was my first year. Jumped in with both feet(cause the wife makes good money). Now before starting I had 10 yrs. working for a local LC so I had the knowledge and expirience that i needed to make a smooth transition. Had 30 accts. (40 for fert) Last year. This year I decided not to advertise at all, and I am at about 45 right now Mowing and 60 fert (with about a 50-50 mix of res. and comm.)(all coming from referals). Looking to add mabey 5 more this year.