helping nice neighbors

[americanlawn]

We've been fortunate lately -- nearly all neighbors have been friendly.

This afternoon I was checking out possible poison ivy on a commercial property. None there, but I sprayed brush killer on the volunteer trees anyway (no charge cuz they're a very good customer). While I was spraying, the residential neighbor behind yelled, "What are you spraying? Anything good?" I told him what I was doing. Then he said he's fighting creeping Charlie coming in from his neighbors' lawns.

Long story short: I gave him a gallon of pre-mixed Chaser (mixed strong) so he could spray his fencelines where the CC was coming from. He insisted he pay for it, so he gave me five bucks, which more than covered our cost. He thanked me and said, "Hey, aren't you the guy on the TV commercials?" I said, yep. He said, "You guys are good". When people treat me nicely, I'll do the same to them. A little p.r. goes a long way. :usflag:

Anybody else help "non-customers" once in a while? rscvp, thanks

[shovelracer]

Nope, everyones nice when they need something. I have one guy that stops me every year around this time. Hes been doing it for years. He pretends to be my best friend, but I dont even know his name. Basically wants me to weedwhack the poison ivy hill behind his community mailbox. I always decline, and his response is it will only take you 5 minutes. Hes never offered money, and I wont do it anyways, you would think by now he would have got the hint.

[jbturf]

i try to be friendly, but offer no advice or help--and certainly dont
hand out product---american, what if he dumps that (cluelessly)
into his pump sprayer he uses for roundup, and start killing patches
of his lawn? dont mean to sound rude, but i had a similar experience
in the past--learned my lesson

[americanlawn]

I never thought of that, but he was a really nice guy (and he was mowing his lawn with a John Deere). He said he was using Weed-B-Gone but will switch to the Chaser I gave him. I guess I took a chance, but I've taken more risky chances before. Good point. Thanks. Sometimes helping somebody out will kick you in the butt, but I will probably keep doing kind things for folks (when it's convenient) if I thinks it's appropriate.

i try to be friendly, but offer no advice or help--and certainly dont
hand out product---american, what if he dumps that (cluelessly)
into his pump sprayer he uses for roundup, and start killing patches
of his lawn? dont mean to sound rude, but i had a similar experience
in the past--learned my lesson

[sprayboy]

And what would you have done if he worked for the ag/state chemist office or the deptment of revenue and busted you?

[Hissing Cobra]

I have offered advice but have never given out product. There's too much too risk.

[Runner]

Dog gone it...I want to see your ad! :) Can you do anything on youtube or give me a link? :)

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

I do freebies for neighbors all the time... once they prepay for my season package. :D While I can certainly see your point, I'm not well enough off to dole out my goods. I have a simple rule:

IF YOU LIVE BETTER THAN ME (which seems to be most everybody these days, lol!!), WHY WOULD I GIVE YOU A FREEBIE?

[mngrassguy]

I'll give anyone free advise (inc here on LS) but NEVER free product.. I might hit someones fenceline for free ONCE.

[PHS]

IF YOU LIVE BETTER THAN ME (which seems to be most everybody these days, lol!!), WHY WOULD I GIVE YOU A FREEBIE?


I have to remind myself of this sometimes because I tend to do too many freebies for people. They're driving a Mercedes and I'm in a Ranger, why am I giving money to them :).

[Frank Fescue]

this is incredibly dumb on your part. you have no idea what he's going to use that product for. one would hope licensed applicators would have a clue, but geez. this is almost as careless as the time you posted that you were going to rip off a police officer because of your illegal window tint.

thank god i dont believe any of your whoppers that you post daily on this forum otherwise i'd have to seriously question your merits.

[LIBERTYLANDSCAPING]

:hammerhead: I don't know what is worse, the fact you did it, or the fact you posted about it:hammerhead::hammerhead:

It says this on the label: "only for sale to, use & storage by lawncare & landscaping personnel or commercial applicators" Did you just violate the law???

You continue to amaze;)

[americanlawn]

kcci.com put it together, but I don't think they have the ability to post a link to it?? It's a 30 second television spot featuring footage of what we do. Background music = "Heroes" by the Wallflowers. It's so cool that KCCI-TV (and the other TV stations we run it on) say "Don't change it". Says something like "We're not a franchise, and we're not afraid of hard work", awards and the towns we serve, etc. Never says we're good or better than anybody -- just tells folks who we are -- no bragging or comparing whatsoever. One Monday we received 40 estimates over the phone cuz the ad ran on several stations over the weekend. I think we get more qualified leads compared to people who use "ValPak":laugh: I'll see if I can download it on the web??

Dog gone it...I want to see your ad! :) Can you do anything on youtube or give me a link? :)

[americanlawn]

I guess none of you have ever heard of Marty Grunder. :laugh::laugh:

Frank -- "no idea" what the guy will use weed killer for? I think I said it was for his creeping Charlie.:hammerhead: As far as "Whoppers" go, I'll buy 2 of 'em so you can feed your entire operation.:laugh:

Liberty -- I guess I should sue the guy who pulled our spray rig out of the pond cuz he didn't have proper insurance to do so. Also -- Nothing on the label which says homeowners cannot use it.........ASSUME = __________:laugh:

[LIBERTYLANDSCAPING]

[QUOTE=americanlawn;2390746]
Liberty -- I guess I should sue the guy who pulled our spray rig out of the pond cuz he didn't have proper insurance to do so. Also -- Nothing on the label which says homeowners cannot use it.........ASSUME = __________:laugh:

QUOTE]

The label ONLY landscaping & lawncare operators & personnel, which would exclude homeowners...:hammerhead:

[mngrassguy]

It says this on the label: "only for sale to, use & storage by lawncare & landscaping personnel or commercial applicators" Did you just violate the law???

If that were the case Lesco would be braking the law EVERYDAY. They sell everything that is not an RUP to ANYBODY. Ask them

[LIBERTYLANDSCAPING]

If that were the case Lesco would be braking the law EVERYDAY. They sell everything that is not an RUP to ANYBODY. Ask them

Their labels usually state that it it "intended for use by professional lawn care personnel" & that is a good reason I buy nothing from them.... My suppliers don't sell to the general public:)

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

Larry: I just want you to know I still think you're AOK! :waving:

[mngrassguy]

Their labels usually state that it it "intended for use by professional lawn care personnel" & that is a good reason I buy nothing from them.... My suppliers don't sell to the general public:)

I agree. I think we should ALL boycott their business until this policy is changed. Even if the label states "for use by professional lawn care personnel only" they will still sell it to ANYBODY.

[mngrassguy]

Like this one? www.lesco.com/NoCompression/Label.aspx?label=084747.pdf

They will sell this to ANYBODY. It is NOT an RUP.

[Hissing Cobra]

Like this one? www.lesco.com/NoCompression/Label.aspx?label=084747.pdf

They will sell this to ANYBODY. It is NOT an RUP.

This is incorrect! In my state of Massachusetts, this is a Restricted Use Product and we will only sell it to those applicators who have a Certication to purchase it. In other states, LESCO/John Deere Landscapes may be able to sell this to anyone because it may not be restricted use in that particular state. It's up to individual states to determine if a product is a Restricted Use product or not and to pass laws in regards to this. LESCO/John Deere Landscapes will follow those laws and if there is no law, then they are doing nothing wrong by selling it to the general public.

[WildLake]

does lesco sell control products to that many homeowners anyway. i rarely come across a homeowner who has even heard of lesco. i guess i just don't really care who they sell to as long as i get a good price.

[jbturf]

at least they charge harry the homeowner an arm and a leg
at lesco---let them just keep up the high margin on them and not us,
and im fine with that

[ted putnam]

I do freebies for paying customers...not paying customers neighbors. I have given advice to neighbors and I'm always nice because they are your potential customers and the best way to make your route tighter is to sign on the neighbors. I never hand out product...too much liability.

[mngrassguy]

Lesco is selling to Joe Bloe Construction Co. (unlicenced) for the same price we pay. They can get quantity pricing just like us. I've been told they sell more to them now then they ever have and less to us. Joe Bloe is taking money out of OUR pockets. Sorry for the hijack

[cod8825]

I am pretty new to this website and I am not as experienced as some but I don't think AmericanLawn did anything morally wrong. As posted by some yes he could get in serious trouble if the homeowner did anything wrong but I also know that if something happened and it went to court I don't think it would hold water because he could say it was a gift.

I will use an example the people that clean are carpets every year to 18 months months( we have three kids 5,3,1) they come in and clean are carpets go over how to remove spot stains and leave with a large bottle of professional grade spot treater every time they are out. Some will say that is good for business others will say that is bad because we use to have to have the carpets cleaned every six months or less before the current company. He is doing things that are making him not have repeat business as ofter as he could. Americanlawn is doing a very similar pratice but do you know who this guy will refer next time somebody asks about their lawns.

I have already passed on three other families to this company for professional cleaning. IMO it is a matter of choice and values. I like to make money as much as the next guy but there is something to say for that "He man I really appreciate your help on this" that you gut by sometimes doing something that does not have a monetary value. JMO

Matt

[humble1]

I have offered advice but have never given out product. There's too much too risk.

Im afraid to even give out advise, I just say, the products you use is different than what I have access to, read the label and identify the problem, is what i say to DIY.

[humble1]

I do freebies for neighbors all the time... once they prepay for my season package. :D While I can certainly see your point, I'm not well enough off to dole out my goods. I have a simple rule:

IF YOU LIVE BETTER THAN ME (which seems to be most everybody these days, lol!!), WHY WOULD I GIVE YOU A FREEBIE?

I do free stuff for my customers, I sprayed about 1/2 gallon of roundup on some poison ivy, so what a couple of bucks, I made sure to mention that it was no charge, its a 200.oo per application, guess what I do a great job, and they are tickled pink to have me. I know I always appreciate the small things. I dont nickle and dime like some buisnesses do.

[humble1]

[QUOTE=americanlawn;2390746]I guess none of you have ever heard of Marty Grunder. :laugh::laugh:

Met marty in Boston one year, guy does millions and never took out an add, all work of mouth.

I would love to see the commercial,now the nitty gritty what did that set you back, pm me if you would rather.

[humble1]

Larry: I just want you to know I still think you're AOK! :waving:

second that;;

[humble1]

does lesco sell control products to that many homeowners anyway. i rarely come across a homeowner who has even heard of lesco. i guess i just don't really care who they sell to as long as i get a good price.

they sell alot of granular ferts, i dont think many will buy a 2.5 of three way, or a bottle of acclaim. They do pay the upper scale.

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

I do free stuff for my customers... I dont nickle and dime like some buisnesses do.

I don't disagree with you at all. I was referencing someone who isn't yet a customer. Unless someone has committed to me and my company, the only thing they're gonna get from me is an estimate. :D

[Hissing Cobra]

Lesco is selling to Joe Bloe Construction Co. (unlicenced) for the same price we pay.

Sorry, but once again, you are wrong. At LESCO/John Deere Landscapes, your pricing is determined by how much business your company has done in the past. Joe Bloe Construction Co (who may be unlicensed by the way) may be able to buy his products at the same cost as you (who may be licensed) if his buying power (past history) is equal to your buying power. I have Hydroseeding customers who pay a lot less for their products (and they're unlicensed by the way) than other customers who only buy RUP products. Why? Because they give us $50,000 per year in business vs. the Licensed RUP purchaser who buys $500.00 per year in products. Licensing has no affect on pricing whatsoever.

They can get quantity pricing just like us. I've been told they sell more to them now then they ever have and less to us.

Again, not true. Whoever is giving you your information is WRONG.

Joe Bloe is taking money out of OUR pockets.

How so, care to elaborate?

[sprayboy]

I am pretty new to this website and I am not as experienced as some but I don't think AmericanLawn did anything morally wrong. As posted by some yes he could get in serious trouble if the homeowner did anything wrong but I also know that if something happened and it went to court I don't think it would hold water because he could say it was a gift.

I will use an example the people that clean are carpets every year to 18 months months( we have three kids 5,3,1) they come in and clean are carpets go over how to remove spot stains and leave with a large bottle of professional grade spot treater every time they are out. Some will say that is good for business others will say that is bad because we use to have to have the carpets cleaned every six months or less before the current company. He is doing things that are making him not have repeat business as ofter as he could. Americanlawn is doing a very similar pratice but do you know who this guy will refer next time somebody asks about their lawns.

I have already passed on three other families to this company for professional cleaning. IMO it is a matter of choice and values. I like to make money as much as the next guy but there is something to say for that "He man I really appreciate your help on this" that you gut by sometimes doing something that does not have a monetary value. JMO

Matt


Just wondering,
Is carpet cleaning regulated by the state?
Do you have to have a license to clean someone's carpets?

[cod8825]

Man I have no idea I know there are alot of people who do it and some are alot smarter than others

[americanlawn]

ACE Hardware actually offers Bayer's "Brush Killer" on the web. It contains similar ingredients, including Triclopyr. But I don't know about other states.*trucewhiteflag*

[QUOTE=americanlawn;2390746]
Liberty -- I guess I should sue the guy who pulled our spray rig out of the pond cuz he didn't have proper insurance to do so. Also -- Nothing on the label which says homeowners cannot use it.........ASSUME = __________:laugh:

QUOTE]

The label ONLY landscaping & lawncare operators & personnel, which would exclude homeowners...:hammerhead:

[Ric]

:hammerhead: I don't know what is worse, the fact you did it, or the fact you posted about it:hammerhead::hammerhead:

It says this on the label: "only for sale to, use & storage by lawncare & landscaping personnel or commercial applicators" Did you just violate the law???

You continue to amaze ;)

Liberty

Larry is an amazing fellow.

[americanlawn]

Thanks Humble, Runner, Whoopass, and many others ----- you guys have always been standup guys.

Liberty suggested I violated the law by giving away weed killer to a (very nice) guy ---- nope, did not.

Frank Fescue says I post "daily whoppers"....:laugh: Chew on this Frankie -- Tomorrow I will perform a marriage ceremony cuz I am an ordained Minister --- now I'm SURE you won't "buy" that. Problem is, when you assume things about ME, you are not making statements based on fact.

Ric says he "considers the source" (he's probably right cuz he knows me better than most) that's OKAY Ric, cuz I know Ric is "tongue & cheek" -- no prob:waving:

Runner, Humble, & Whoopass asked for a copy of our TV ad (30 second spot). ---- (Maybe Frank does not believe we have run TV ads for many years?? ) Next week, I should receive a copy of it via KCCI-TV email. I will either PM each of you guys with it or post it on this site. My worry if I post it here (lawnsite) is getting questioned & badmouthed by "the usual members of this site who spew complaints & continued criticism toward well-meaning members" who are afraid of posting here.

NOTE: A couple of weeks ago, I said that our "ride-on" climbed a 50 degree hill. That was incorrect. It was only 48 degrees. (We went back to the property yesterday and levelled the digital equipment). Sorry about that. The 50 degree statement was incorrectly made by one of my applicators -- not by me.

I hope this clears things up. :usflag:

Jeeze -- I hope this clears things up.
second that;;

[humble1]

Sorry, but once again, you are wrong. At LESCO/John Deere Landscapes, your pricing is determined by how much business your company has done in the past. Joe Bloe Construction Co (who may be unlicensed by the way) may be able to buy his products at the same cost as you (who may be licensed) if his buying power (past history) is equal to your buying power. I have Hydroseeding customers who pay a lot less for their products (and they're unlicensed by the way) than other customers who only buy RUP products. Why? Because they give us $50,000 per year in business vs. the Licensed RUP purchaser who buys $500.00 per year in products. Licensing has no affect on pricing whatsoever.



Again, not true. Whoever is giving you your information is WRONG.



How so, care to elaborate?

The problem I have w/ the branches is that there is favoritism, my buddy pays what a national company pays for seed and starter fert, he doesnt do that much biz there but is friends w/ the manager, now thats bad buisness practice.

[humble1]

Thanks Humble, Runner, Whoopass, and many others ----- you guys have always been standup guys.

Liberty suggested I violated the law by giving away weed killer to a (very nice) guy ---- nope, did not.

Frank Fescue says I post "daily whoppers"....:laugh: Chew on this Frankie -- Tomorrow I will perform a marriage ceremony cuz I am an ordained Minister --- now I'm SURE you won't "buy" that. Problem is, when you assume things about ME, you are not making statements based on fact.

Ric says he "considers the source" (he's probably right cuz he knows me better than most) that's OKAY Ric, cuz I know Ric is "tongue & cheek" -- no prob:waving:

Runner, Humble, & Whoopass asked for a copy of our TV ad (30 second spot). ---- (Maybe Frank does not believe we have run TV ads for many years?? ) Next week, I should receive a copy of it via KCCI-TV email. I will either PM each of you guys with it or post it on this site. My worry if I post it here (lawnsite) is getting questioned & badmouthed by "the usual members of this site who spew complaints & continued criticism toward well-meaning members" who are afraid of posting here.

NOTE: A couple of weeks ago, I said that our "ride-on" climbed a 50 degree hill. That was incorrect. It was only 48 degrees. (We went back to the property yesterday and levelled the digital equipment). Sorry about that. The 50 degree statement was incorrectly made by one of my applicators -- not by me.

I hope this clears things up. :usflag:

Jeeze -- I hope this clears things up.

Can you put your commercial on your website?

[WildLake]

The problem I have w/ the branches is that there is favoritism, my buddy pays what a national company pays for seed and starter fert, he doesnt do that much biz there but is friends w/ the manager, now thats bad buisness practice.

Let me guess, if you were friends with the manager, you would decline the additional discount. Right!

Haven't you heard the saying, "It's all in who you know".

[Ric]

Let me guess, if you were friends with the manager, you would decline the additional discount. Right!

Haven't you heard the saying, "It's all in who you know".

WildLake

Must be who you know. Because some people don't know anything, even after spending there entire life in this business.

[humble1]

Let me guess, if you were friends with the manager, you would decline the additional discount. Right!

Haven't you heard the saying, "It's all in who you know".

Thats not at all related to my point.

My point is about fair buisness practice, using your logic, should you be penalized and pay more than me, if your area branch doesnt like you?

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

I'm gonna take a risk of putting my foot in my mouth and making you guys think I'm even dumber than I am, but how 'bout these apples:

RIC knows more than anybody on here, bar none.

LARRY is likely more successful than anybody on here.

So you tell me who's right? The scholar or the entrepreneur? Both have their merits, both have their downsides. It all comes down to where your priorities lay. I wanna know my crap, just like RIC. But I sure as hell want a business just like LARRY.

Why can't we respect the different paths others have taken to find their own successes?

Time for a group hug... :clapping:

[WildLake]

WildLake

Must be who you know. Because some people don't know anything, even after spending there entire life in this business.

Though this has nothing to do with my comment, it is true, but so long as those who know nothing buy more than me or you, they should get a better price.


Thats not at all related to my point.

My point is about fair buisness practice, using your logic, should you be penalized and pay more than me, if your area branch doesnt like you?
Humble,
My point is not to worry too much about everyone else or what they pay. If you are paying more than you should because a branch manager doesn't like you for some reason, obviously that would be bad business. For him to hook up a buddy is not. Sorry if you took offense, that wasn't my intention.

edit: My reply to Ric is not at all a stab at you. (though it sort of reads like it is)

[DeepGreenLawn]

back to topic:

If you give products away to neighbors why would they ever sign up for your service? They are getting it for free. Advice wouldn't be much different... I give advice, but I also limit what I tell them so if they want to go further with it they have to use my company.

[humble1]

RIC knows more than anybody on here, bar none.

LARRY is likely more successful than anybody on here.

So you tell me who's right? The scholar or the entrepreneur? Both have their merits, both have their downsides. It all comes down to where your priorities lay. I wanna know my crap, just like RIC. But I sure as hell want a business just like LARRY.

Why can't we respect the different paths others have taken to find their own successes?

Time for a group hug... :clapping:

I am not disparaging Rics knowledge, he knows alot, I will give him that, I do think there are other guys on here that know more on some topics. Rics delivery is very rude and offensive, how he stays in business and keeps customers with such a piss poor attitude is amazing. I just dont understand his motivation to make people feel stupid, or to humiliate people. It took time for him to gain the knowledge he has, he is an older man. He didn't know what he knows when he started, yet he is quick to put down people who are asking the same types of questions that he must have asked as he evolved in his career path, or mistakes he may have made. Knowledge is something you gain everyday, you dont just have it all at once. Ric puts disparaging comments and slings ridicule at younger or newer people trying to get ahead ALL THE TIME Im pointing simply pointing this out. Its unnecessary.

Whenever you take any group of people, certain people will get along others won't. Thats life, but some go out of their way to **** on people, maybe because they cant in real life and can hide behind the animinity of the keyboard.:nono:

I certainly cant respect someone who posts disrespect full comments about people and their character on a REGULAR BASIS.

[Ric]

To the unwashed masses I have but one thing to say. You might not like the way I say things, But you sure remember WHAT I say because of the way I say it.

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

oops, double post...

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

...Rics delivery is very rude and offensive... I just dont understand his motivation to make people feel stupid, or to humiliate people... Ric puts disparaging comments and slings ridicule at younger or newer people trying to get ahead ALL THE TIME Im pointing simply pointing this out. Its unnecessary...

I guess I've just always looked at Ric's comments as uncommonly blunt and direct. Obviously I don't necessarily agree with all he says, but I recognize the perspective he looks from. Maybe it's just b/c he hasn't torn me a new one... yet. Heaven knows I put my foot in my mouth enough on here that it's bound to happen. :laugh:

I, for one, glean from his comments the great knowledge that's there and look past the rest, chalking it up to unique personality. We're all vastly different, each possessing different quirks and styles. Mutual tolerance will never be universal, but as the saying goes: "He who takes offense when none is intended is a fool; he who takes offense when offense IS intended is a bigger fool."

That being said, please don't interpret this as my calling YOU a fool. I'm just alluding to a general outlook that resolves some of these spats...

*trucewhiteflag*

[mverick]

For neighbors, ie. next door. I do some things or offer advice. Neighbor that lives next to my mom and "Borrows" things out of the garage, tools, leaf rake, tine dethather, has turned me in a couple times for equipment in my drive.

Well, i don't HELP anymore.

Next time I find out he's went in the garage for a tool, i'm calling the police and turn him in for theft. My mom has told him not to. He also throws his sticks and yard waste on moms burn pile so he doesn't have to have one.

Has asked to Borrow, pluggers and I even did a favor and tore out his driveway with the skidsteer to drop the price he paid for a driveway from someone other then me.

I won't do anything for neighbors again.

[Ric]

Whoopass

Please stop, you are making my head swell with all the Ric's knowledge is so great. But what makes you think I am broke. Just because I am semi retired doesn't mean I didn't have it going on at one time. Fact is I don't have to work at all, but do so because it is better than lying down to die. My ego says, I don't need to brag on how big my business is or was. For years my signature said I used a Huff bicycle and a can sprayer for equipment. About the only thing about my business that I posted was that Hurricane Charlie took my nursery and Lawn Doctor sued me in Federal court all in the same year of 2004. If a corporation from New Jerky hires a white shoe law firm, are they going to sue a small operator in the state of Florida??? They must of felt some threat or they wouldn't have bothered.

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

Whoopass

Please stop, you are making my head swell with all the Ric's knowledge is so great. But what makes you think I am broke. Just because I am semi retired doesn't mean I didn't have it going on at one time. Fact is I don't have to work at all, but do so because it is better than lying down to die. My ego says, I don't need to brag on how big my business is or was. For years my signature said I used a Huff bicycle and a can sprayer for equipment. About the only thing about my business that I posted was that Hurricane Charlie took my nursery and Lawn Doctor sued me in Federal court all in the same year of 2004. If a corporation from New Jerky hires a white shoe law firm, are they going to sue a small operator in the state of Florida??? They must of felt some threat or they wouldn't have bothered.

Didn't mean to make you blush. :laugh: I also didn't mean to imply that your biz is somehow insignificant. My point was merely that, while you don't see eye to eye with Larry, his success is unarguable. You might even have been bigger... but the point still holds...


Sooooo, why did Lawn Doctor sue you?

[americanlawn]

Nuther example why helping neighbors is good:

3 or 4 years ago, I did an estimate for a gentleman in West Des Moines. His special note said "brown areas in back yard". Turned out to be 'green bug aphids' (quick fix), so I sprayed 'em while I was there. He was not home, so I posted a flag and left him a note saying I sprayed them at no charge (cuz I thought it was the right thing to do, and it probably only cost me fifty cents), and I left him a 'fact sheet' regarding these varments with his lawn care estimate.

Well........he signed up with us right away (even though we were not the cheapest bid). He asked our office that I call him....., so I did. He wanted to personally thank me for what I had done. He is still a customer, and I know of at least 3 of his friends who are also now customers (probably more than that). He is a CPA and doesn't have time to monitor what service companies do at his home.

Some might say I made an illegal application, but they are not me. Life's short. When I see an opportunity to do the right thing, I do it (if it doesn't cost me too much).:laugh:

[DeepGreenLawn]

a potential customer, meaning they called me for an estimate, is different than a neighbor who keeps asking for free stuff. You can tell when someone is really looking for an LCO and just wanting some help with a project, a DIY'er.

[americanlawn]

I might help a non-customer once (if it doesn't cost me much in product or time) as it always spreads goodwill. But no more than once -- otherwise they better be a customer and willing to pay. Marty Grunder has even washed peoples' cars for free -- we won't go that far cuz it adds up to "too much expense". So.........I hear ya.

But ....... We have given gasoline to stranded motorists, plowed out elderly ladies' driveways, called 911 and waited until help arrived, stopped to help repair competitor's trucks, and a few other kind deeds while every time always refusing money. We even helped a local competitor finish their 'round five' when the owner was in the hospital (no charge there either). BTW he (my friend) is now diseased.

Anybody reading this: I hope you do the right thing if you are able. My opinion only.

a potential customer, meaning they called me for an estimate, is different than a neighbor who keeps asking for free stuff. You can tell when someone is really looking for an LCO and just wanting some help with a project, a DIY'er.

[DeepGreenLawn]

But ....... We have given gasoline to stranded motorists, plowed out elderly ladies' driveways, called 911 and waited until help arrived, stopped to help repair competitor's trucks, and a few other kind deeds while every time always refusing money. We even helped a local competitor finish their 'round five' when the owner was in the hospital (no charge there either). BTW he (my friend) is now diseased.

only.

that is a whole nother story.

[Ric]

Sooooo, why did Lawn Doctor sue you?

Whoopass

I did business under the name of "Yard Doctor Landscaping" and Lawn Doctor claimed it was Too much like their Trademarked name in Federal court. Now interesting enough there were at the time 13 people listed on the INTERNET including one in New Jerky that use the name Yard Doctor. None to them were even approached by Lawn Doctor to change their name. I haven't done a search in about a year now, but as of last year they same name of Yard Doctor is still being used by those people. Seems I am the only one they went after. You draw your own conclusion. I posted about this back in early 2005. BTW it was the crowning touch after a hurricane and several personnel problems that made me sell my business to my employees and retire completely. A little over a year ago I started doing some fert & squirt for a few old customers who were unhappy with their service.

[americanlawn]

Similar thing happened to us. Once Scotts Lawn Care began, we got a certified letter from an attorney firm (Washington, DC). We had been the largest purchaser of Scotts fertilizer in our State up 'til then, and Cindy F was our salesperson (Columbus, OH). The registered letter threatened us in such a way that ---- well, it was very very nasty. Heck -- we even featured Scotts fertilizer in our TV commercials (requested by our Scotts salesperson, Cindy).

Our attorney handled things. We even faxed them the written request from Cindy to show Scotts fert bags in our televised commercials!

BTW Cindy lost her job when the O.M.Scotts & Sons Company "reorganized".

So now do I respect Scotts? ................:walking:

[cod8825]

This is a pretty cool post with a lot of interesting ideas. I agree with whoopassonthebluegrasses comments.

I respect RIC's comments and think that he is probably one of the most knowledgable individuals on this site. Larry is probably a smart tactican and businessman if he produced a marketing manual and business building startegy and it was resonablely priced I would buy I have only been in the business two years and have been divinely blessed on the growth of my business but I also know that I came into a great and I mean great situation.

I am probably more in personality to AMERICANLAWN then anybody on this site. I like making money but I will help friends, neighbors, competitors to a fault. Maybe because of that I will never have a huge money making business but I will also be completely content in my endevors.

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

Yeah. I got a letter from Scott's that threatened me, too...



Oh wait, maybe that was just a flier... advertising their products... But I FELT threatened... and violated... and dirty... Now I don't check the mail...







:laugh:

[DLAWNS]

Americanlawn,

I have carefully read through this whole thread and I think you did nothing wrong. I also would be very interested to see your commercial as it is an idea that I've been throwing around for the future. By the way people need to relax this thread got way out of hand. Just my opinion.

[turf hokie]

Yeah. I got a letter from Scott's that threatened me, too...



Oh wait, maybe that was just a flier... advertising their products... But I FELT threatened... and violated... and dirty... Now I don't check the mail...







:laugh:

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:
you know I think I got threatend 4 or 5 times this spring, but I still check my mail, I aint skeert

[turf hokie]

I feel a group hug coming on in the not to distant future......

I have also learned a lot from everyone here. I am glad Ric is still around and continues to help especially since a bunch of knowledgeable people have come and gone in that time. Many knowledgeable people are here now and I hope they stick around.

I think people just need to see thru the percieved sarcasm, etc b/c it is sometimes hard to read intent thru a keyboard....

But I think I have figured out when it is Mason and not Larry posting:weightlifter:

[rcreech]

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

I'm gonna take a risk of putting my foot in my mouth and making you guys think I'm even dumber than I am, but how 'bout these apples:

RIC knows more than anybody on here, bar none.

LARRY is likely more successful than anybody on here.

So you tell me who's right? The scholar or the entrepreneur? Both have their merits, both have their downsides. It all comes down to where your priorities lay. I wanna know my crap, just like RIC. But I sure as hell want a business just like LARRY.

Why can't we respect the different paths others have taken to find their own successes?

Time for a group hug... :clapping:

Very well put!

I have not followed this post at all until tonight!

I don't know Ric...but have communicated with him via phone and this site and he is very intelligent and I respect his opinions and posts on here. Even though he can be a little DIRECT at times, and we have gotten into it a couple times...but that is good.

As far as American...I can tell you that he is the REAL DEAL! I have met him and he knows what he is doing. He knows this business and knows how to make $$$$$. Some may see Larry as bragging, but I just look at it as him trying to help us get better and he really does care. Maybe it is because I know him, but he is a great guy.

We are all different and that is ok. At the end of the day if the grass is green and weed free we have achieved our goal! It really doesn't matter how you get there as long as it is legal, you had fun and made some cash! :usflag:

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

It really doesn't matter how you get there as long as it is legal, you had fun and made some cash! :usflag:

Aha! I just KNEW there was something I was missing! LOL!

[rcreech]

Aha! I just KNEW there was something I was missing! LOL!

I hear ya! I have forgotten to have fun several days this year already! :dizzy:

[americanlawn]

Mason is drinking up all my beers :laugh: while I type this. I just wanted to thank all for your sticking up for me. Those who had a prob w/me....that's okay too. Everything is fine. I'll post a link soon regarding our TV commercial so anybody can view it, but I'm waiting to receive it from the station.

This post turned out to be a very good one, and we will continue to help people when we can..... pulling out stuck cars in the winter, helping flood victoms, and spraying a few bugs & weeds now and there.:usflag:

Group hug here friends.*trucewhiteflag*

I feel a group hug coming on in the not to distant future......

I have also learned a lot from everyone here. I am glad Ric is still around and continues to help especially since a bunch of knowledgeable people have come and gone in that time. Many knowledgeable people are here now and I hope they stick around.

I think people just need to see thru the percieved sarcasm, etc b/c it is sometimes hard to read intent thru a keyboard....

But I think I have figured out when it is Mason and not Larry posting:weightlifter:

[turf hokie]

Mason is drinking up all my beers :laugh: while I type this. I just wanted to thank all for your sticking up for me. Those who had a prob w/me....that's okay too. Everything is fine. I'll post a link soon regarding our TV commercial so anybody can view it, but I'm waiting to receive it from the station.

This post turned out to be a very good one, and we will continue to help people when we can..... pulling out stuck cars in the winter, helping flood victoms, and spraying a few bugs & weeds now and there.:usflag:

Group hug here friends.*trucewhiteflag*

See now that's nice.

This did turn out to be a better than usual thread.