Convincing Wife!?

[Greg313]

I've been cutting lawns part time this year and have 7 loyal customers that I do on the weekends and some that I do just odd-jobs for. I love working outside and the feeling that I accomplished something at the end of the day. I hate sitting at this desk 5 days a week, I'm not programmed for this type of work (for a messly 12.25hr). I've researched probably ever thread on this web-site for the last 8 months and feel that I can do this full time. I know that I wouldn't be able to quit here until I get more accounts but I don't want to stay here forever. I completly understand that its hard to start and "the grass isn't always greener on the other side" so to speak but I really think that I need to take the risk. With working 40hrs here its hard for me to take any more accounts on Saturdays (espically in the Houston heat) because I just use a 21 inch mower and would like to have some of my weekend left (usually home by 2 or 3). I really need to get a 36inch WB and I know that I could more that double my productivity on just that one day and know that if she sees that money coming in she would feel better about going full-time. I have conections for commercial properties as well but would never do them with a 21inch. I plan on starting with mowing and small landscpaing jobs, planting, bed installs, etc. and hopefully get into the full design and installs later. The problem being that she already flipped out and barely talked to me for almost a week when I invested just $500 last spring on a mower. Which got paid off in no time. By the way she bought signs for my truck for my birthday but doesn't see why I need to spend 2grand on a WB. What's the point of the signs if I can't take anymore customers? Does anyone elses wife do the same thing? I know what everyone is going to say "Put your foot down" but I've tried bringing this up to her and she doesn't understand you have to invest money to make money etc, etc. Also, She loves the job she does (nursing) why can't I enjoy my work. Any help would be appreciated. Sorry for bringing my domestic affairs to work. Thanks.

If thread needs moved to "Just Starting" thats fine.

[newz7151]

would like to have some of my weekend left (usually home by 2 or 3).

Keep in mind, that for most organizations that go from part to full time, they usually kiss their weekends goodbye for the first few months to a year.

Something else to think about is health and prescription drug insurance. You don't say if you have insurance or if your wife's is better and covers you, but it's a lot more noticeable when you pay the full amount by yourself with no contribution from a large company.

Maybe you can find you a decently used 32" mower to move up to for now for around $1000 or so. It's not quite a 36" hydro, but it's still more productive than a 21 in most situations.

If you feel you want to do it.. do it, but always have a backup plan in case it doesn't work out. (true for any job now though)

[Cigarcop]

Communication with the wife is good, we talk, if she shows resistance, I do it anyway!

[Cigarcop]

Almost forgot, I've been divorced once already!!!

[Greg313]

By the way, I just cancelled my health insurance here and got on my wife's which is probably the best I've ever heard of and didn't cost us any more a month for me to be on it. Cost us only $25 for us to have our baby in June. That includes all the office visits, hospital stay, everything. For all the single guys out there.. marry a nurse.
I've looked at every brand of mower and every size, trust me on that. I've been leaning to a Lesco 36 or a Quick 36 just for the price of them. I would love to have a eXmark or Scag but she would probably divorce me haha, just joking. Mowing and landscaping is the back-up plan for this job.

[LawnJohn]

Everything Newz mentioned above are things you should take into account.

Like you I'm part-timing it and I have full time intentions, however I have a wife, kids, big house and all the other "goodies" to pay for. All of which my full time job pays for.

My recommendation is to have a plan then talk to your wife before you do anything else.. If she got pissed at spending $500 man....you'll be in deep doo doo once you spend $$ for other equipment.

I wish you only the best!

Good luck!

LJ

[daveintoledo]

there are no weekends off, not for a solo start up, get used to that idea,

you need to get the bigger mower, and spend every evening and weekend working, to get established in your area....

i work full time job, and lawn care and landscape over 40 hours a week, when weather and light allow

if the wife isnt on board, you have a long hilll to climb....

[Nosmo]

I can see where you are at this point in life as far as the workplace is concerned. I spent 20 years on my first job after the service -- last 5-years was the schitts. Next job I really like for the next 18 years but the last couple years it got to be the double schitts.

If it is really eating on you (that job) you need to make a change if at all possible. Houston is way south of me and I think an LCO could be busy doing something all year long.

I hope your wife will see your side of it.

Nosmo

[skurkp]

I work full time and I am lucky enough to get my 40 in only 4 days. I do lawn care and landscaping on afternoons and weekends. I too am hoping to leave my full time job next year, I have been at this for two seasons now and until the end of Nov. there is no time of. I own a lake house in Livingston and have only seen it once this year and that was for one hour to mow last weekend. My wife and I talk about the lawn company all the time, she backs me 100% and doesn't mind if I quit my full time job to go full time in the landscaping business as long as I can afford to purchase health insurance through the company. So for now I purchase equipment and keep chugging along. What part of Houston are you located, maybe we can help each other. Good luck with your plans.

[barnard]

Work some evenings. You've got til dark. Save money buy a good used one.Pay cash. If you can wait it out both she and You will know if you really want to do this. Do it for next season, keep good records, then show her the math.

[lrunner]

I live in Houston too and also do yard work part time and sit behind a desk for 9 or 10 hours. I do about 5 or 6 yards after work when i get out at 4 pm (duing the growing season) and do about 12 on Saturday and 12 on Sunday. This is my second year and i am so anxious to go on my own. I dont to the work by myself though. I work with two other gentlemen. They are great workers too. I know what your going through, and good communication with your wife is a really good idea, of course. Let her get involved by giving you ideas and those sort of things. My wife has really good ideas and supports my partime job. Plus she knows that if i did it full time, it would take off, and she supports me taking that risk. Unfortunatley, I need to get my financials straight before I can do this.

Oh, do get the WB! It really speeds things up. I have two 32" and they make the job sooooo much easier.

Good luch!

[AlleganyLawnCare]

My wife was and still is the same way. No matter how money I make, she will always complain about the cost of equipment, where am I going to store it, "you have too much on your plate anyways", and so, and so , and so on. I work part time as a lco. I have a 11p to 9a (W-Th-F-Sa) night job in the healthcare field working with developmentally disabled individuals. It is a very easy job - just watch tv, and making sure the facility doesn't burn down (seriously). I am taking a nursing refresher class, so that I can get my nursing license back (classes are in the evening). I am sometimes very busy with everything - but I feel I have to sacrifice a little, for a little while in order to make my business succeed. My wife still complains, but she has learned to deal with it, when she is spending some of the money I earned from lawncare.

[Greg313]

Working evenings after 6 was out of the question this past year. She works the 11pm-7am shift at the hospital and I watched the kids while she slept for that 4 hours. Come December she is switching to weekends 36 hours for 40 Friday, Saturday and Sunday so maybe next spring I can mow a couple after work. Now that our baby is getting older my mother and hers always wants to watch her on the weekends so I can do my lawns or whatever so that shouldn't be a problem then also. Don't get me wrong she knows that it can be profitable, paid alot of bills this summer when she was out on maternity leave, but she thinks that it can be done with a crappy cheap non-commercial equipment. I have a Toro PP now and have maintained it through the year knowing that they are not made for that kind of work and hopefully it will last till I get commercial equipment. I have decent power tools HC-150 hedge trimmers, Shindawia weedeater (looking to upgrade to a T-260 this spring) and a Echo blower (not backpack though), but the 21incher is really holding me back. She knows that I do good work and has made the comment to her family on several occasions that I'm tired at the desk job, and they have made the comment several times that I need to do it full time. By no means do I want to quit this job until I have a good platform (equipment etc) when I decide to make the jump. I have requested numerous catalogs from Scag, Exmark, Ferris etc to kinda prep her for what's to come but she doesn't see the point in spending that money for it. If it was up to her I'd have a Murray $65 mower and keep replacing it every time it broke.

[Nosmo]

Show your wife some of the replies to this thread. We know home equipment will just not hold up nor do the job commercial mowers etc. can produce.

Even replacing cheap equipment costs a person in down time. Junking out a 100.00 mower and a trip to Wal-Mart to pick up and assemble another is using time that could have been used at a customer's lawn earning dollars.

Nosmo

[EGL&L]

Greg,
I'm not sure if you have consider all the other elements that go along with "full time".
You said you have signs on your truck, so does that mean you're legit and carry the insurance that you need?
Along with more equipment and work also comes more maintenance and supplies expense, especially the fuel. I know I've spending over $600 month for fuel.
Like some others have stated, you'll be working long days, and lots of them, including weekends. Sometimes you'll miss out on family functions and other events.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage you, I just want you to be sure you've thought of everything, and I know there's plenty more that others could mention.
All in all, this is the best move I have made, but the hours are long, and there's no sick days or vacation when you're solo.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Bob
BTW, have you checked out the Quick 36 mower? It does a great job!

[exmark72]

to really convince your wife that a bigger mower is better for u and that it is worth the money set up a demo on the weekend and show her that u would be more productive and get home sooner, then u too could spend more time to together. she'd probably like that.

[lrunner]

to really convince your wife that a bigger mower is better for u and that it is worth the money set up a demo on the weekend and show her that u would be more productive and get home sooner, then u too could spend more time to together. she'd probably like that.

Actually, if you finish sooner, then you are going to want to take on more jobs, and still will spend the same amount of time with her. But you can show her how much easier the job can be on you, and that with that machine your business can grow, and the sooner you can leave the desk!

[Greg313]

Our weekends together are going to be non-exsitant come December but alot more time during the week. Bob, trust me I've researched almost every single post on this web-site and have a memo pad full of cost, ideas etc. I've done alot of research on the Quick 36 and have had a couple of email conversations with Gary there. I know that it not going to be easy to be "full time" at first but know that I can make more than I am now. I totally understand long hours and have no problem with hard work.

[JimLewis]

Greg, this is a tough predicament to be in. And you definitely need to handle it delicately. I don't care what others say about puting your foot down, the most important thing is keeping your marraige strong and wife happy. So keep that as your first priority, and the job thing as your second. I am not saying don't do this. I am all for it. I am just saying don't just do it despite her objections. Find a way to work it out and make it happen with her blessing.

First thing is to recognize that she is afraid. And I bet I can tell you what she is afraid of. It comes down to 2 things. 1) She's afraid you won't make as much money as you do now. That times will get even tighter. You'll be broke. Possibly go bankrupt. 2) She's afraid this isn't nearly as secure as a regular job. No retirement plan. No health insurance. No long term definite security. What will you do in the winter for $$$, etc. So you have to start by creating enough assurance that she has nothing to be afraid of.

One thing that would help is if you were able to introduce her to some other LCOs or Landscapers who were doing well financially. I don't know how possible that is. But just start keeping your eyes out for other LCOs in town. Stop your truck and chat with them when you see them. Chat with them at the fertilizer store when you are there. I have made some really good friends in this industry over the years. A lot of other LCOs are really nice guys and are open to chatting. If you get a chance, mention to another LCO that you meet that the two of you should go to lunch sometime and "talk shop". You don't have to give out any trade secrets, obviously. But sometimes it's really nice just to compare notes with other LCOs. I do this a lot. You may eventually find another LCO whom you have a lot in common with. If he doesn't mind, maybe one day you could all go out - you and your wife - and he and his wife. It would be good for your wife to see that others are doing very well in this industry.

Even more important, maybe you can reach a compromise. You agree to get $5,000 saved up in the bank as an emergency fund in case your little business venture doesn't go so well. And you agree to go get a part time job if, at any time, your business isn't bringing in enough money that month. Then, of course, you work your arse off when you DO start your business to make SURE that you never have to do that. You could make some more compromises. I don't know your situation. But maybe she'd want a credit card paid off or maybe the mortgage paid 2 months in advance. Just negotiate something with her that both of you can live with. Then, make it happen. It may mean you gotta wait a year to pay off these things, save up the money, etc. before you can split your job but at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel, right? Better to get her approval and do it in 1 year than just piss her off and do it right now, right?

Thinking this way, I think, will get you to your goal. You just gotta alleviate her concerns. She may agree to some of these things, thinking to herself, "Yah right! He'll never save up $5,000 and pay 2 months ahead on the mortgage. Ha!" So prove her wrong! Ask her what it would take to make her feel totally secure and minimize the risk. If she says, "nothing." then you got problems. If she's unwilling to yeild, no matter what, then she's just being irrational and selfish and you guys need counseling. But if she says, "Fine. You get $10,000 saved up and 6 months of the mortgage paid in advance and then you can start your little company full time..." Well, at least that's a starting point. Then you just have to negotiate her down from there.

Good luck! I wish you success. And I'll tell you that this business is twice as hard as it seems.

[Precision]

Like usual Jim Lewis knows what he is talking about.

My suggestion is to follow his ideas for negotiating a way for you both to feel comfortable with the change.

Once you do get that part together, you need to either get her completely on board and an active part of the business, doing the books, running the edger, whatever so she takes ownership as well or get her to agree to give you an entire season with no complaining. The first is better and she is much less likely to be an ignorant complainer. At least she will know what she is talking about and may have solid concerns.

Second, Always overbuy equipment (quality wise that is) in the beginning. Your thought process should be the top of the line Stihl homeowner edger costs $185. The Bottom of the line Stihl commercial edger costs $285. Why, and once you know that decide if the extra $20 for the next one up is worth it long term. Sometimes the answer is no, but sometimes after a few months you will end up buying the better one and having paid twice. VERY true if you buy ANY homeowner quality equipment.
For stick equipment homeowner is rated at 50-75 hour life
for commercial stick equipment minimum rated life 300 hours. and usually less than 50% more expensive than homeowner units. That is a deal IMO

This advice goes double or triple for mowers. Start with a 36" WB fine, huge step up from 21" push. But be prepared to keep it only as a backyard / back up mower. If you are going full time your priority should be to get enough (good) accounts that you NEED a ZTR to get them done.

I bought a used 36" belt WB as my first mower within 2.5 months I needed a ZTR. Landed an account of 4 acres and a second one of 3.5 acres. That is ALL day on a 4mph 36" WB or just under 4 hours including trimming on my 60" ZTR. that and it let me get done all my other accts so much quicker. 8 MPH and almost double the cut will do that.

I even upgraded my 36" to a ZTR. We have used the WB twice all year. Very glad I bought it used with a sulky for $800.

[JW1]

Greg313,
Your situation made me chuckle, only because your situation is almost exactly like mine. I have 7 clients for weekly cuts; I have a full time job; and my wife is a nurse. All I can say is keep talking but she needs to get on board. Nothing worse than running from work to your lawncare business, running home at dark only to get blasted about the kids, supper and attention. Dr. Phil has no answers. Spoil her once in awhile and make it work. Hopefully your business will grow so you can give it the time it needs. Good luck. Remember, divorce is not worth a few lawns; although there have been days it looked pretty good. Joking!

[jbell113]

I've been cutting lawns part time this year and have 7 loyal customers that I do on the weekends and some that I do just odd-jobs for. I love working outside and the feeling that I accomplished something at the end of the day. I hate sitting at this desk 5 days a week, I'm not programmed for this type of work (for a messly 12.25hr). I've researched probably ever thread on this web-site for the last 8 months and feel that I can do this full time. I know that I wouldn't be able to quit here until I get more accounts but I don't want to stay here forever. I completly understand that its hard to start and "the grass isn't always greener on the other side" so to speak but I really think that I need to take the risk. With working 40hrs here its hard for me to take any more accounts on Saturdays (espically in the Houston heat) because I just use a 21 inch mower and would like to have some of my weekend left (usually home by 2 or 3). I really need to get a 36inch WB and I know that I could more that double my productivity on just that one day and know that if she sees that money coming in she would feel better about going full-time. I have conections for commercial properties as well but would never do them with a 21inch. I plan on starting with mowing and small landscpaing jobs, planting, bed installs, etc. and hopefully get into the full design and installs later. The problem being that she already flipped out and barely talked to me for almost a week when I invested just $500 last spring on a mower. Which got paid off in no time. By the way she bought signs for my truck for my birthday but doesn't see why I need to spend 2grand on a WB. What's the point of the signs if I can't take anymore customers? Does anyone elses wife do the same thing? I know what everyone is going to say "Put your foot down" but I've tried bringing this up to her and she doesn't understand you have to invest money to make money etc, etc. Also, She loves the job she does (nursing) why can't I enjoy my work. Any help would be appreciated. Sorry for bringing my domestic affairs to work. Thanks.

If thread needs moved to "Just Starting" thats fine.

hey greg, I to had that problem with my wife so I ended up with home depot john deere and used it my first year untill I saved enough for a commercial piece of equip. now after 2 yrs. i can buy any thing I want cause doing lawns partime I save 90% of all my lawn care money.

[cantoo]

Rent a 36" for a Saturday to show her how much time you can save to spend with her.

[MV Property Care]

I'm with you Greg. I work shift work and hate my job. I have awesome medical benefits which makes it hard to move on. Every day I hate to go to work. Thanks for the thread it always help to vent. By the way I bought a Quick 36 and works pretty good. You save on sales tax but shipping will cost you at least $100.00. MV

[Varsity L&G]

Get out of debt first. Pay off everything you owe. Work hard live poor and get it to were all you owe is the house and utilities. Makes life much easier.

Double up payments, drink water at home, eat out less and so on.

Mine is waiting for the day I go full time. She says you need to hurry up and get this thing rolling so that I can stay home and help.

[Northwest]

You own a lake house and can't afford a few grand for a walk behind? Did I read something wrong?

[nocutting]

Weekends?.....I dont think thats enough to show anybody you're very serious?.......Try adding 1-2 jobs aday after your regular job......now if you add 10 jobs to what you already have, you should be makeing a pretty good chunk of change with your PT job.............Now how long would it take to buy that Gently used 32 or 36 inch WB?.....abouta month?......than get the WB......then show her how well that new equipment increases your production, .....I think 10 PT customers isnt really showin her anything?......"Get Serious Man", be sure to write back when youve incresed your base and profitability..........it doesent take much to show the people that "Love You" if you are really serious, "When you do, shell be there to give you all the support you need to change jobs................:waving:

[Mike Dye]

We used to have a construction company! My DAD got old and wanted to quit, my brothers went on to bigger and better things and Mr. Eienstine went into the lawn biz. 20 years later I really don't have many regrets, but if I were to start over again I would sure do a few things different. I have built up a very loyal customer base and feel a certian obligation to them!....don't do that.....when they ask "Do you bag?"....run don't walk to your truck RUN......be selective in the jobs you take....it dosen't take a genius to realize you can do three $25 jobs in the same hour it takes to do a rough $45 job! Look at the neighborhood you will be mowing in ....if it is an old established neighborhood with mature oak trees etc. Let them know that leaf service is not the same as mowing......I could go on and on but I think you get the drift

[sheshovel]

Having a career as a nurse is a demanding and difficult job,she may love it..but it takes a whole lot of energy and work..Then coming home,raiseing kids,keeping a house,and doing all the little things you never see her do and don't notice need getting done,and taking care of you ...mabey it's not the $$
mabey she wants her kids to have a Mom and Dad both raiseing your children,mabey she does not want a marriage consisting of a hi/by/and passing in the hall rushing around going your seperate ways ?...living to make money and ignoring your emotional responsibilities as a husband and father?Mabey she is afraid(and with good cause)that once you start your own business with better equipment,YOU WILL take on more and more work to justify buying all of that expensive stuff and she will loose the man she married to his business and you will miss your childrens most important years.
Now I totaly agree with what Jim said too,I think BOTH of these areas you should concider not just the business end.Ask her if she wants a Happy professional business owner with some insecurity as a husband or an unhappy miserable clock puncher with security as a husband.Then mention that any business can go down,any time including the one you work full time for now.

[cookedonphonics]

I had the exact same situation. Wife was skeptical, but supportive.

You've already got your health insurance covered. (THIS IS HUGE!!!)
This may be the single most important thing you have going for you!!

You will DEFINITELY need more than a 21" though if you really mean business. I went with the Quick36 and HIGHLY recommend one. It doubled my productivity instantly, which allowed me to take on more customers. Also.....their customer service is quite frankly, spectacular.

In regards to the money you'll make....I'm quite sure you could come out making at LEAST as much as you are now by accident, without all of the BS of working for someone else, dealing w/ office politics, etc...
You're not counting on them for insurance anymore and quite honestly, no offense, but you could be making more money than you are now by jockeying pizza for Dominos.
So why not give it a go....what do you have to lose?

Lastly... if after a couple years you decide it's not for you, you could always get another job, OR maybe even go back to your current employer (if you leave on good terms). It's not like your walking away from some $50,000/yr gig that you have 20+ years invested in, right?

You only live once.... I think you'll be happier in the end....and so will she. Trust me on this one.

Good Luck!! :waving:

[Greg313]

Thanks for everyone's input on this "touchy" situation. Just to clear something up, no I don't have a lakehouse. Also, we have no credit card debt what-so-ever and don't plan on getting one. By no means is it going to come down to her saying "me or a lawn-mower". She knows I love doing that kind of work and know that I do a good job its just getting over this hurdle in the beginning and I know that after that it will take off and this won't come up again. Also, I have no plans on quitting yet and if it takes a couple years for it to grow thats fine, it will give me time to take some landscaping courses at the college. Hopefully come spring time I will be able to take a couple of lawns in the evening if her new schedule works out. By the way, Sheshovel, I do all the cooking and most of the cleaning up the house (what the maid doesn't do every other week) and also if a spouse isn't happy at his/her job it usually tends to make the other un-happy also. She wasn't happy before she started nursing and now that she been there for a couple years she's never been happier which in turn makes me happier (haha). I supported her going to nursing school (we weren't married yet, paid some of her bills for her also...when I made more money than now...bartending) and now I think that it's my turn to pursue my career.

[ALBsun1]

Get the lesco instead of the quick 36. More durable of a machine i would think. Start with a 36" belt, that thing will last forever, same price as the quick.

[twcw5804]

I have absolutely loved reading this post. Greg I am in a similar but much different situation then you. I lost my job the day I got back from my honeymoon on another lovely Circuit City job cutback. Luckily my father in law had purchased a small lawn business from a teenager that had went off to college. He had 7 or 8 yards and being over 50 years of age and working full time at a plant he decided to let me have it help us out. After starting a neighbor across the street went on vacation and asked if I could mow his 3 yards while he was gone. When I came back he asked if I wanted to keep them. And I'm always getting referrals, I am at around 11-13 yards consistently now. Also, my wife is my partner she is out there everyday helping me and she does quite well.

I would try to add on a few more yards, maybe close to double. Show her the extra income of the extra yards over the 7 and use that as a basis to Finance a 36 inch mower. I've seen monthly payment plans for $50 a month. You can make that payment in one day. Plus show that a 36' will cut a yard almost twice as fast. So now with 14-15 yards your only gone the same amount of time. Then eventually you are saving up more money and can then get ahead and go out on your own.

I am back into full time employment. But am having a hard time making the same money I had before in retail management. Having these yards has basically kept a roof over me and my wifes head over what has been an extremely rough year and a half. Next spring we are buying two new Toro 20058's and trying to double to 30ish yards. My new job selling Verizonwireless has offered me full time 4 days a week. So I now have 3 days off ;)

I plan on doubling by offering free mows for referrals, and running a cheap ad in the paper and slapping a sign on the side of my truck. Also was on a website called slickdeals.net and found webhosting with email addresses for 1 year for $9. So now I have even "started" a website.

But definetly keep it fun, don't wear yourself out. And maybe find a partner to venture into this with you.

Sorry so long,

Tim Wortman
www.wortmanslawncare.com <<<---under construction

[Cornwell]

I Am Currently Working A 40 Hr Wk As A Cnc Programmer 16 An Hr. I Was Cut Back To 32 Hrs 3 Yrs Ago And Started A Lawn Service And Then My 1st Came Along And I Sold The Lawn Service To Stay At The Full Time And Help Take Care Of Emilee (my First). That Made Momma Happy Until The Bills Started Comin In, And She Needed More Money. So I Started My Lawn Service Again And Going To Go Full Time In The Spring. Make Sure The Wife Understands What You're Trying To Accomplish And She May Even Help You As Mine Did.

Things To Help:
Business Plan
Target Area Study
The Willingnes To Work You _ss Off All The Time!!!!!!!!!!

[rbriggs]

I'm not in the LCO business, however, have a good friend who runs a very large firm in our state. He has told me all about PLANET and their educational courses. Perhaps getting certified will show your wife that you are serious about this field and also show her that it is a professional field. Just my 2 cents.
I catch flack from people all the time. with statments like "Oh, you're a junk man." I always think to myself, "It's not what you do, but how you do it." The reality is that I am not removing junk. I manage a business who's primary service is junk removal. I manage the staff that actually remove the junk.
The more we grow, the more I chuckle to myself. :)

[Precision]

I manage a business who's primary service is junk removal. I manage the staff that actually remove the junk. The more we grow, the more I chuckle to myself. :)

And that is what makes you different from most people in this profession and I am sure yours as well.

Any fool can break their back to earn a wage. It takes a caliber higher to turn that into a business. Aim for that not just getting 40 yards, 80 yards or whatever.

[PMLAWN]

Read all of this before you get mad. just making a point.

I'm with her. I think you need to keep you job. What right do you have spending all her hard earned money on some toys just so you can be like little Johnny down the street and mow lawns. First you want to spend thousands (read 10's of thousands) on mowers and trucks and trimmers and insurance and accounting and advertising and gas and hand tools and trailers and storage and oil and blowers and blades. Than you want to quit your job and have me support you while you go off and play with it all. (Thats the work part but since we "enjoy" it it is play.) After the first month the bills come in and you realize that you have to work 80 hours a week to pay for all the equipment that you bought so you could be more efficient. And now that the equipment is being used 80 hours a week it needs 20 hours of maintenance each week. And that maintenance costs money too. I hope the customers pay those invoices fast.
Hey hun, can I borrow some money for gas. Don't worry, I billed $12,000 this month and it only cost me $9,000 to run the business and pay the bills. Thats like $750 a week. I told you that I would make more than that last job. I know that some of the customers have not yet paid but they will and than I will catch up on the bills and pay your gas loan back. Whats that,- How many hours did I work for that $750? Only 100 but it still is more than the old job. Heck thats like--well lets see, Oh- $7.50 per hour. But that will get better as soon as I buy the Z turn mower that I need. If I only get that I will be a lot more efficient.

This is what she is thinking and she may be right.
Now I know that you have sat down and worked up a full and detailed business plan to show her exactly where the money will go and when it will come in. The plan has every dollar that it will take to get started and what the payback time will be. It accounts for the large outlay up front and has the timing of when you will be profitable. You do have this right???

"I've researched probably ever thread on this web-site for the last 8 months and feel that I can do this full time"

Those words have me worried about you quiting your job. If all you have is a feeling that you can do this full time I don't believe you are ready.
I have not seen anything from you as far as business plans to convince us so why should your wife and kids (who have a lot more to lose) feel comfortable.

I am not saying this to hurt you, just to help you.
Jim's post is very good but I think the last line is the most important.

[JimLewis]

Yah, I think PM Lawn and I are almost on the same page. Excellent post. PM Lawn is right. Most guys have no clue how difficult this business can be. And as he mentioned, the accounts receivable problem alone can really kill you. And the examples he gives ("Honey, can I borrow some money for gas, I will pay you back when my customers pay......") are real life examples! I have done that only too many times. Thank God my wife had a $50,000 per year job the first 2 or 3 years of my business. Because it was HER income that kept us afloat much of the time.

That's why I recommended a savings account. Because if you have one set up, then you can use that to tap into when times get tight. And they will get tight. You can make good money in this business. And some do. But most don't and it's a lot more difficult than it looks on paper.

[Greg313]

PM, no offense taken at all. I really appreciate your advise (scenrio) and talked to my wife about it this weekend. She's knows the risks involved in owning your own business, of any type. We talked about taking landscape contractor courses and she agreed that would be a great idea. I explained to her that the mowing was just a way to get my "foot in the door" so to speak and that the real good money is in installs, patios etc. and mowing would be there to fill in the spots in between the big jobs. I also told her that there was no way I was quitting my current job and I wanted to increase the amount of lawns that I do a week in the spring. She said you are going to need better equipment and probably a bigger mower. :blob3: I was shocked. I told her that I don't want her to think that I'm spending money just to have toys for myself. She said that as long as the toys pay for them self than it's not a problem.
PM, thanks for your concern. By all means don't worry, I'm not going to jump into this full time this year...maybe in 2-3 years. Every business has problems in the beginning...the sucessful ones learn from their mistakes and don't make them twice. Also, thanks Jim for your advise also about the savings....I have one already going for those rainy days.

[PMLAWN]

PM, no offense taken at all. I really appreciate your advise (scenrio)

You are welcome, BUT it is not a scenario. The reason I know this is it is fact and it is my fact. I know this because I lived it. As Jim stated I too have a wife that can ( and did) support me financially as I started. I do have a few projects/businesses that provide income to our family but as a stand alone business, I would have lost money the first 3 years. Yes my investment was bigger than most but even if it had not been, buying food would have been hard.
Sometimes my "preachings" come across a little hard or pompous but I really want to try to help everybody make it and to prosper.
Good luck with it and PLAN PLAN PLAN. Always look at the big picture.
And YES, there is money to be made in this industry.

P.S. try convincing wife when she is a VP of finance for a major corp. and has a CPA and MBA. This poor lawnboy doesn't have a chance.:D

[Greg313]

PM, Thanks for caring and looking out for others. Alot of people love to see others fall on their face.
When the time comes to get a 36inch mower what would you suggest. Keep in mind 99% of the yards here are completly flat so it's not really nessesary to get a floating deck. I've looked at almost every model and as far as price goes leaning towards a Lesco belt-drive (used alot around here) or Quick36. There is a Lesco dealer 10 minutes away but everyone here online complains about the service if you have a problem. I would like to get a Exmark or Scag hydro of course but with the price tag being $4000+ it might be a little steep to start out. I'm going to look around the dealers and see if they have any trades or demos for sale probably after the first of the year.

[Precision]

PM, Thanks for caring and looking out for others. Alot of people love to see others fall on their face.
When the time comes to get a 36inch mower what would you suggest. Keep in mind 99% of the yards here are completly flat so it's not really nessesary to get a floating deck. I've looked at almost every model and as far as price goes leaning towards a Lesco belt-drive (used alot around here) or Quick36. There is a Lesco dealer 10 minutes away but everyone here online complains about the service if you have a problem. I would like to get a Exmark or Scag hydro of course but with the price tag being $4000+ it might be a little steep to start out. I'm going to look around the dealers and see if they have any trades or demos for sale probably after the first of the year.

The real question is, are you going to be using that mower as a primary mower past year one?

If so then you might want to pony up for a new belt drive or even a hydro from a first tier company (Scag /Exmark/Toro/Hustler). If you plan to have the business grow to the point where you need a bigger mower to keep up with the workload. Be it a ZTR or a 50-60" WB, then my advice would be to get a USED belt drive WB now. Something from a first tier company and in pretty good shape(work wise not neccisarily appearance wise.)

I bought a 36 T-Bar Toro belt WB as my first (well actually second mower) but the first one was pistol grip and it took all of 2 weeks to figure out that it needed to go away.

I still have that mower as my back up and hill climber. She runs good, paint is a tad rough, but at $800 with a two wheel sulky I can't complain about the price. Next spring I will probably sell her for around $650. And that is with 16 months of work and 6 months of rest from when I bought her.

This spring I paid $1050 for a 21" mower. So yeah $800 for a 36" is good and I am sure you can find something similar.

[mruth77]

Don't quit your day job !!!payup

[Greg313]

Has Toro introduced their new Turbo Force deck yet? When I called the dealer (eXmark and Toro) they told me not to go with Toro for mulching. Precision....Was $800 for the new one you bought or the old one. They didn't give me any prices on the Toro's just the eXmark's

[ALBsun1]

I am telling you, you will not find a better price on a new 36" belt than the lesco, probably around 2,100 or so. It will have the exact same 15hp kawasaki engine as you would get if you bought a 36" exmark or scag belt drive, but you will pay about 5 to 7 hundred more for the name.

[nephilim0167]

I'm sort of in the same shoes as you. I've been fiddling around with the thought of starting my own company for about a year and a half but she just wont let me take the leap. I've read every book possible, and done tons of homework for the field. I even quit my previous job and working with an lco for more hands on experience. Really lovin' the work and it's inspired me even more to eventually do my own thing. I say explain to your wife that it really does mean a lot to you. I don't know if you do already but try to get her involved? My girlfriend loves it when she can ask me a question for her friends and I somehow manage to give her a somewhat accurate answer. She'll give in eventually :-D Good luck to ya.

[Precision]

Has Toro introduced their new Turbo Force deck yet? When I called the dealer (eXmark and Toro) they told me not to go with Toro for mulching. Precision....Was $800 for the new one you bought or the old one. They didn't give me any prices on the Toro's just the eXmark's

let me explain better. I have never purchased a new belt drive walk behind. I probably never will. I don't see the point. belt drive mowers are low cost mowers and in my business plan, a hold over, back up or a emergency bush hog. If I needed a WB mower for front line duty it would be hydro.

Having said that, the one I got for $800 was used. Probably 4-5 years old but still in really good mechanical shape. What I am suggesting you do is buy one from someone who used it as their gated yard mower and ran a bigger WB or ZTR for all their other work. By finding this, you will get a very good mower with relatively low hours at a really good price. New they are like $2500. AVOID pistol grip like the plague that they are.

[Precision]

I am telling you, you will not find a better price on a new 36" belt than the lesco, probably around 2,100 or so. It will have the exact same 15hp kawasaki engine as you would get if you bought a 36" exmark or scag belt drive, but you will pay about 5 to 7 hundred more for the name.
well the name and the fact that the Exmark and Scag have a service department that can fix problems.

[PMLAWN]

I live in a hilly area and still don't need a 36 with a flote deck (44 and up are all flote).
I deal with Toro because of a relationship with the dealer. I will not say the other brands are bad, only what I know about what we use.
1st---HYDRO, I do own 1 belt, Metro 48 by Exmark- great unit but takes to much time to back up (really doesn't) and switch speeds, but all other W/Bs are hydro and will never buy another belt.
The first Proline 36 I got for about $2700 but now the best I can do is about $3400. We run 36's with mulch kits most of the year (as these mowers are used in smaller areas and not wanting to fill beds with grass.) and they work very well. They have a Koler 15hp on them and I would rather have a Kaw.
They also have pistol grip and the ECS on the Exmarks is nicer to use. The jump in price to the Exmark is about $1200.00 (you get ECS and 2cyl Kaw)
but we stay with Toro. All our 44" and 48" are also pistol grip but with the wider deck we find we don't have the problems around fences so they are OK
The mulch kit NEEDS to have sharp blades

[Varsity L&G]

I looked every week in the paper and trader around here with patience. Had the cash I wanted to spend in my pocket ready to make the call and say I am coming to get my mower. I had 800$ as not going to spend even 50$ more no mater what it was. I wanted a Toro and I waited. Month later there it is. listed for 800$ with a 44 inch deck. I called asked a few questions, it was farther then I wanted to drive until, I found out that it was a bed and breakfast that owned it since new and cut 1.5 acre's a week with it. Service records, oil changes, and a 1 year old deck. Was there to get it in an hour and a half and got it for 750$ took me 50$ in gas to get there and back.

Get used and wait for the good deal. In a month or so all the ones that failed last year will need some money and start selling stuff off as they look for a new job.

[Greg313]

What does anyone know about PLANET. Is it worth the money to become certified? How much does it actually teach you? I did a search and not too much came up about them. Also, if anyone in Houston knows where to take landscape contractor/design courses please post reply.

[PMLAWN]

Greg, at this point we have talked about 3 different topics and now the Planet question. I think you will get much better response to your question if you start a new thread with the Planet question as the title. Most who have been on this site for the last few days will think it is still about your wife and never come back to see the new question.
Hope it helps.

[Greg313]

Thank you sir...will do.

[twcw5804]

Greg, check out the Quick 36 link at the top of the page here in red. They have a fall leaf special right now of a 36' Quick 36 w/b with mulch hit, bagger, and gator blades shipped to your door for $2700. $2500 if you pick it up from them. It is also a hydrostat with 3 blades and oversized tires. Great deal.

[Greg313]

Sorry for bringing this thread back to life but just wanted to update my situation. My wife is going back to school to get her RN and then she said that I can start pursuing my business when she's done. Her salary will be more than we are both making now (80000+). In the meantime I'm still going to mow part-time and hopefully build up to 15 accounts this year. She also knows that a 36inch mower will increase productivity and pay for itself in no time. So, am I in the market for a mower? Yes, if I can get 10 yards to justify the purchase. I really like the specs of the Quick36 but I'm one of those "got to kick the tires guys" so I'm going to go take a look at the Lesco 36 belt-drive.
Anyways thanks alot to everyones advise.

[PMLAWN]

Sounds like you got it worked out. Good luck with it all.
3 words are very important when buying mowers, DEMO DEMO DEMO!
Happy cutting.