Any Women Operator/Owners?

[cpritch]

Not to knock the guys at all, but I am a woman starting in this business this year. I've been doing it "unofficially" since I was 14, everything from mowing to landscape design and installation, just for friends, family and myself. The recurring theme is the same with me - I hate my current job situation and I love everything about being outside, working hard and making things beautiful. So, I'm going for it. There are some obvious obstacles that I feel I'm going to face being a woman in this male dominated industry and some distinct disadvantages that I'll have to overcome with learning and time, mostly related to repair and maintenance on equipment to avoid lengthy downtimes. I've been reading through a lot of the treads and this is truly a gold mine of a site. I was just curious if there were some women owners out there to see how they're doing?

Also, what's the best way to approach other companies for subcontracting work? I'm not licensed for chemical application and honestly don't intend on going that route. I have a customer that wants the regular applications and being a newbie, I'm not sure how to approach other companies to see if they'll subcontract out the work? Are most open to that or will I get laughed out of their offices?

P.S. Just for the record (from the other thread) I have insurance. Wouldn't do a thing without it. . .

[Martee]

Personally I think you will do fine if you know your stuff, alot of the customers think women care more for the way things look and have always commented on how they think its great to see women doing it they say they seem to do a better job, especially when doing weeding. Women are usually more into detail.

[PMLAWN]

My wife is the actual owner of our company but very rarely works it.

But in our area I know of 3 woman run operations and they all do very well and produce great work. You will do fine.
I believe that if you produce the exact same result as a man you will do better in your business because people will just feel more comfortable working with you.

Just my feeling

[out4now]

Welcome to the board!:waving: I don't think you'll be at a disadvantage. As for the sub work you will have to check with your registar of contractors. The rules in your state may explicitly state who can sub what. If its a job you don't feel that you can do because of apps you may have to pass on it. You should just take the test. Check into your regulations. Ask all the questions you like. As you may have already read in so many posts most of the older members would like you to search topics first before posting. Good luck.

[get rich]

Subscribe to lawnandlandscape magazine if you haven't already. There have been a few times that they have focused on women owned/operated companies. I would subcontract to tru green chemlawn, they have less likelyhood of stealing your jobs. If you contact them and give them the address and let them know your situation, tell them you'd like quotes on some of your properties and then they'll bill you directly. Hope this helps. Good luck,i'm sure you'll do fine.

[cpritch]

Thanks for the info all, and words of advice/encouragement. I really appreciate it! And I apologize, I was a little excited about finding this board so I got a little eager with posting my questions without searching first! =)

[out4now]

Thanks for the info all, and words of advice/encouragement. I really appreciate it! And I apologize, I was a little excited about finding this board so I got a little eager with posting my questions without searching first! =)
I wasn't trying say to search right now. :blush: It happens to everyone on here though. I was jsut trying to prepare you for it. After so many "which is the best (insert here ztr, weedeater, mower, blower etc.) the older guys get cranky and snap at people. I think its becasue they have answeredthe same stuff so many times. You're in the newbies section now so you're safe because they won't usually come into this forum. However when you move into other forums you may encounter that. People forget everyone starts somewhere. This is the best place on the web to find info on books, employees, buiness plans, marketing, flyers, equipment, local stuff from other people in your area. In fact there is a network with poeple forum should see if there are any memebers from your area. After so many posted you can Private Message them and ask more specifics. Once again welcome.:)

[Branchland]

My wife is actually the owner of our business. We did that for certain reasons. I've been doing it for a few years before she started working with me. It's been great. Customers like talking to her instead of me. I think you'll do just fine. Good Luck!!

[Trinity Lawn Care, LLC]

cpritch, I too think that you will be fine. Good Luck and welcome to LS!

[beautifullawns]

Anyone who has the will to do well in this business will succeed.
I heard of a woman who made a great business in florida by mowing lawns in a bikini. What a niche.:p

[daveintoledo]

women bring a different perspective to things sometimes, that can be good...

[Adamma Landscape Group]

Women are very good in business. I know of one lady in our area. I see her every morning she comes to sharpen lawn mower blades.
She has a very slick fleet with new equipment. She employees eight guys.
From how she does things it seems that she knows what she is doing and has many accounts. What makes you think you will not do well in a male dominated business? After all customers care for companies that serve them well. Women sometimes give people better attention. Customers need attention.
About equipment repair. If you buy equipment from one local retail outlet they should remember and welcome you every time you need repair.
I have a repair shop right now that service my equipment ahead of others. The reason is I buy from them all the time.

[DLS1]

Anyone who has the will to do well in this business will succeed.
I heard of a woman who made a great business in florida by mowing lawns in a bikini. What a niche.:p

We got who is one suburb over from me. Been doing it for a year I think. She works night shift at one of the local auto assembly plants. She has been in the Kansas City Star newspaper , TV news ,etc.

http://www.bikinilawn.com/

[grandview (2006)]

All I can say is .:p


P.S. How about those policies. payup

[6'7 330]

I know of several successful women landscapers , in the Chicago area.A female owned company can be advantageous,in that women owned companies can get preferential treatment on certain job bids.

Good luck you'll do well.

[SouthJerseyLawns]

I know of several successful women landscapers , in the Chicago area.A female owned company can be advantageous,in that women owned companies can get preferential treatment on certain job bids.

Good luck you'll do well.


Not to mention women who apply for loans usually get much more than men.

[sheshovel]

Being female in this biz is actually an advantage NOT a disadvantage.
It is nice to be mechanically inclined though and know your tools and what they are for and to know the basic maintenance and repair of all your equipment.
Having a back up is good too if you can afford it.Buying good quality stuff in the 1st place will save you alot of headaches,but you need to know how to use tools anyway.
You should decide on one or two services at first then work your way into the others.When your starting out..to make any money mowing you have to mow alot and do it quick and well to build your cust base before you take any xtra time away for installing landscapes ect.
Otherwize if you try to do a bunch of different work at the same time you will spread yourself too thin and get crazy.
Then ANY work you do will suffer for your having too many irons in the fire at once.
Mowing and Maintenance as opposed to Landscaping are totally different jobs.Requiring different sets of skills and knowledge .Unless you just throwing in a few flowers here and there.
Welcome to the site and good luck.:blob1: