Females in The Lawn Care Industry

[leannesinclair]

Hey everybody,

I just wanted to introduce myself and tell everyone that I have learned a lot of information and helpful tips from this site. I will be launching my lawn care company in April of 2007 full time! I am taking the leap from the corporate world and into the world I love, working out doors. I just wanted to comment on the general reception I have encountered from other LCO operators, dealers, and others in the industry. I realize that I am in the minority in this field (being a woman) but would like to say I am happy to report I have had nothing but plesant encounters all along the way! I have received my fair share of comments (how nice it is to see a woman in shorts and workbooks) but it is nothing making a joke right back doesn't fix. Overall, I have found that having a respect for the business, acknowleddging how tough the work can be, treating everyone with respect, and operating an honest business (no low balling) is more important than my gender. Just wanted to get some opinions or thoughts on women working in this field. Mostly what I have found is I am sweating just as hard as the guys, and they respect me for that. It has been great getting to know hard working and friendly people instead of the normal 'too good for you' corporate crowd!

[John Gamba]

:waving: :waving: :waving: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :cool2: :cool2: :cool2:

[Tim Wright]

John wanted to ask if you name is Katie!?

Tim

[kkls2006]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[John Gamba]

John wanted to ask if you name is Katie!?

Tim



she typed better:laugh:

[lawnpro724]

Good luck on your edevours in the lawn & landscape field. I don't see a problem with women in this industry and around here there are several women working for landscaping company's. I do however believe most people will not be sure if you can handle the workload like men do since this is mainly a mans field. I'm not saying you can't do it but you will have to prove yourself over time and show everyone your just as capable as a man. You sound ambitious and hard working, just do great work and be patient and things should go your way. Its to bad there aren't more women like you who want to get out and work in this field it would go along way when it comes to staying in shape. GOOD LUCK!

[leannesinclair]

Good luck on your edevours in the lawn & landscape field. I don't see a problem with women in this industry and around here there are several women working for landscaping company's. I do however believe most people will not be sure if you can handle the workload like men do since this is mainly a mans field. I'm not saying you can't do it but you will have to prove yourself over time and show everyone your just as capable as a man. You sound ambitious and hard working, just do great work and be patient and things should go your way. Its to bad there aren't more women like you who want to get out and work in this field it would go along way when it comes to staying in shape. GOOD LUCK!

Thank you so much for your encouragement. While in college, I worked for a friend's company building fences and oftentimes had to prove myself to homeowners because I was far from what they expected to show up at their front door. I am not a big tough looking woman and they weren't sure if I could pick up the 80lb bag of concrete or work in 100+ degree weather all day long! I would always laugh as the homeowners would stand on their patios drinking ice tea in the shade commenting on "how was I still working?" After finishing jobs they were impressed and would usually try to fix me up with their sons (ha ha)! Hey, nothing like getting a tan and a work out while making money! I look forward to the challenges that await!

[John Gamba]

Hey, nothing like getting a tan and a work out while making money! !


And listening to music:cool2: I think i'm falling in love:angel: :laugh:

[Grits]

women have no place in this industry

[lifetree]

women have no place in this industry

Obviously this remark by Grits is not the norm ... congratulations on your effort and pay no attention to hard heads like that. I'm just down the road in Chattanooga and understand the whole thing about the "corporate world". Good Luck and best wishes for success in your endeavor.

[Grits]

I was joking.

[Andyinchville]

Actually I had A mother / daughter that was cutting grass....They did a really good job so it definately can be done.
Good luck!
Andrew

[yardmanlee]

most of the women I've had working for me over the yrs. outworked the guys !!!! would love to find some more like that !!!

[topchoice]

Thank you so much for your encouragement. While in college, I worked for a friend's company building fences and oftentimes had to prove myself to homeowners because I was far from what they expected to show up at their front door. I am not a big tough looking woman and they weren't sure if I could pick up the 80lb bag of concrete or work in 100+ degree weather all day long! I would always laugh as the homeowners would stand on their patios drinking ice tea in the shade commenting on "how was I still working?" After finishing jobs they were impressed and would usually try to fix me up with their sons (ha ha)! Hey, nothing like getting a tan and a work out while making money! I look forward to the challenges that await!
Best of luck to you this year- being in Nashville also I have seen a couple of other companies led by women- nothing wrong with that at all. I actually cut one of my lawns on the same day a women with her own company cuts the lawn next door, we have talked many times and she is becoming dominant in the market. If you ever need help in the area, just let me know! Us small, independently owned companies definitely need to stick together and fight those big, national chain companies!

[LawnTamer]

John wanted to ask if you name is Katie!?

Tim

I bet her name might be LeAnne.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Good luck, my wife used to work with me she did great, still helps with designs and installs.

There's a lot of bull on this site, but a lot of good info too. I wish it would have been around when I started. I could have saved myself thousands of dollars and headaches.

[txgrassguy]

Leanne, welcome to the wide world of the turf business.
I know personally several highly regarded women golf course superintendents and am glad for our association.
The field work of the turf industry has always been thought of as a man's domain and I feel nothing is further from the truth.
I wish you well in your business ventures and if you ever are in Central Texas stop on in for a cold one.

[tnmulchblower]

Leanne,Welcome to the turf industry and hope that you do very well. Think the industry will do well with a Lady in the field.

[acutabovelandscapinginc]

Welcome, you will do fine out there. I don't think you will have any problems (atleast no different than the rest of us) out there. I know I am in Hendersonville and there is a company run by two females and I have not heard a bad thing about there work. I am going from the corporate life to this industry full time as well. Good luck.

[vale of paradise]

:) Hey everybody,

I just wanted to introduce myself and tell everyone that I have learned a lot of information and helpful tips from this site. I will be launching my lawn care company in April of 2007 full time! I am taking the leap from the corporate world and into the world I love, working out doors. I just wanted to comment on the general reception I have encountered from other LCO operators, dealers, and others in the industry. I realize that I am in the minority in this field (being a woman) but would like to say I am happy to report I have had nothing but plesant encounters all along the way! I have received my fair share of comments (how nice it is to see a woman in shorts and workbooks) but it is nothing making a joke right back doesn't fix. Overall, I have found that having a respect for the business, acknowleddging how tough the work can be, treating everyone with respect, and operating an honest business (no low balling) is more important than my gender. Just wanted to get some opinions or thoughts on women working in this field. Mostly what I have found is I am sweating just as hard as the guys, and they respect me for that. It has been great getting to know hard working and friendly people instead of the normal 'too good for you' corporate crowd!

LeeAnn,

Welcome to the industry and to this site. I too had gone thru the same delema as you have. Left the corporate world to pursue something for myself. You are not alone. I am a female owner/operator in this industry. This site has been a very good tool to get ideas of what others may do differently. Learning something new is always a good thing. Everyone has been very decent on here as well. In these modern times woman do alot more than when our parents were young. LeeAnn, go out there and get what you want.

Good Luck:)
Linda

[topsites]

One of our city's more popular Leaf removal services is wholly owned and operated by a woman.

So popular in fact, the main Sunday newspaper has ran stories on her service.
She stays beyond busy.

My parents hire her to take care of their leaves.
Good thing we don't compete too much with each other.

[NewHorizon's Land]

In my experience women that own the company surive and do rather well. Women can deal with the bit***** from customers better than men can. Just human nature. I had a girl (22) work for me last spring. It didnt work out she just wanted to get a tan while doing nothing and wanted to get paid $15/ hour for work that was worth about $7. Finding good help is hard I guess.

[leannesinclair]

Thank you everyone for your encouragement! I am so proud to be joining a great workforce! I will have to make a trip out to Texas to get that free cold one! :drinkup: I look forward to learning from all of you, and hopefully getting to meet some of the people in the TN area (or futher away if the offer of a free cold one is made! Ha Ha!) Wishing everyone a great season!

- Leanne

[leannesinclair]

Best of luck to you this year- being in Nashville also I have seen a couple of other companies led by women- nothing wrong with that at all. I actually cut one of my lawns on the same day a women with her own company cuts the lawn next door, we have talked many times and she is becoming dominant in the market. If you ever need help in the area, just let me know! Us small, independently owned companies definitely need to stick together and fight those big, national chain companies!

Thanks Top Choice! I would love to get to know some local people in the industry and talk! Hope you have a great season! Look forward to chatting!

[LawnSharks]

LeAnne,
Good luck! Sounds like you really have your head screwed on tight. Take the advice of the folks on this site. There is literally centuries of experience and tons of wisdom to pull from. Best of luck to you! Watch out Nashville...you've got some strong competition coming.
Jeff

[leannesinclair]

LeAnne,
Good luck! Sounds like you really have your head screwed on tight. Take the advice of the folks on this site. There is literally centuries of experience and tons of wisdom to pull from. Best of luck to you! Watch out Nashville...you've got some strong competition coming.
Jeff

Thanks Jeff! I checked out your homesite and noticed you are in the Charlotte, NC area....My parents just recently moved to the Charlotte vicinity, in Denver. Do you service that area?

Thanks again to everyone for the encouragement! I am set to pick up my Exmark mower next week and can't wait!

[txgrassguy]

Thank you everyone for your encouragement! I I will have to make a trip out to Texas to get that free cold one! :drinkup:

- Leanne

Your welcome anytime:waving:

[mdvaden]

The most important aspect, may be to pick the city you want to really be in.

It takes a while to get going, and transitions are not easy.

I've never done much in the mowing site, but expect to start mowing care after our next move.

Probably Seaside.

Let us know how it goes.

[LawnSharks]

Thanks Jeff! I checked out your homesite and noticed you are in the Charlotte, NC area....My parents just recently moved to the Charlotte vicinity, in Denver. Do you service that area?


Hey Leanne,
Certainly give your parents my info if they are needing help.
Thanks,

[Steve's Mow & Trim]

For sure women can do this! When I transfer to a 4 year school in a year my mom is going to help me cover half of what I do now. And in my experience women are suually very good with people...especially my mom.

[acutabovelandscapinginc]

What side of town are you on?

[leannesinclair]

I am located around the Opry Mills area, but I am pursuing accounts in the Cool Springs and Brentwood area as well. How about you?

[wowmowwow]

my wife has helped me for the past five years. she is the best! i will bet money on her anyday when it comes riding a walkbehind and edging sidewalks. her stripes are always perfect. sidewalks are edged great, and she will even walk across the yard to find a good spot to bump the weedeater! i never have to double check. she knows what my mowers can not reach and weedeats it...she knows her stuff. the list goes on, but you all know because you are a pro weedeater, like she is. my point is YOU GO GIRL.

p.s. she can hold her p 4 long time...lol

[hess]

Woman have the same rights as us! The only way if you can do it is TRY!!!!!
GO FOR IT AND GOOD LUCK!!!!!! MIND OVER MATTER IF YOU DON"T MIND THE HARD WORK IT WON"T MATTER!!!

[Prestige-Lawncare]

Being a single guy ... I like it!
.

[acutabovelandscapinginc]

I am in Hendersonville and have accounts from M'Boro to Clarksville.

[Trent]

I think you will do fine. Here in Mt Juliet there is a lady with a company called "A Woman's Touch Lawn Care", or something like that. I have seen her for several years now she seems to be doing well.
I have heard that in most households the women of the family make the decisions about how the household money is spent. If that is true you may have a good advantage.
I have several account in the Opry Mills area, most of them off of MaGavock Pike. See ya around.

[Budget]

My wife started to help me out at the end of last season, she loves it! Now we are talking about getting some smaller propertys that she can do alone.

Plus last season durring a clean up some how she started to chat with the old man next to the home we were servicing and we did his yard too, and made out good. She is a very best worker i have and never stands around on the job!

Good luck

[2 clowns mowing]

i'm just glad your not starting up in my town.

[HazellLawnCare]

My god who wouldn't hire someone as gorgeous as you to mow their lawn! I would pay for you to mow mine!

[just Cuts]

Good luck !:usflag:

[lifetree]

As previously indicated Leanne, good luck on your new venture ... by the way, when you ge your new Exmark next week, be sure to post some pictures of it.

[WeCare-LawnCare]

I know this is a older post, was just looking for a update?