And now, the end is near...

[XOFMOT]

As some of you may know…I’ve been in the process of evaluation a new business venture. After doing some intensive market research (did none for the lawn care industry when I started this last year), I’ve (we, my family) have come to the great decision making process to either keep a go at the lawn care or move into an industry that we feel will be a needed asset in our community. From previous posts you may have noticed that I’ve been thinking about a power equipment repair business. Well, as of today, it’s a go! I will be leaving the lawn care aspect of this business but still staying connected to it from a different view. I’ve spoken with most of my lawn care customers and have referred them to other area LCO’s.

Just to update those who may not have been noticing what I’ve been researching…… I have started the process (state registration, id#, insurance…and so on) for my new business. I’m starting an ON-SITE POWER EQUIPMENT REPAIR business. 95% of my business will be done on location and the other 5% will need to be done at my shop. I DO NOT have a storefront. I am NOT representing any single brand of power equipment, I plan on staying independent. From my research I have found that most of my customers will be the HOMEOWNER. I’ve spoken with a few area LCO’s and have arranged to be servicing their equipment on a weekly basis (oil changes, blade sharpening, tire repairs and so on.). Parts are not going to be much of a problem, I’ve solved that “INVENTORY” problem by letting the area “POWER EQUIPMENT STORES” become my warehouse(s).

Thanks for all everyone here has done to help me in my LAWNCARE business this past year, but with the saturation of illegal LCO’s in my area, they should keep me in business!

PLEASE….ANY MORE INPUT/COMMENTS/ CONCERNS/ADVICE PLEASE SUBMIT A REPLY!!!
ALL HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED!

I have one property that I have yet to refer a new LCO to care for and if anyone is interested in it (REDDING, CT) please E-mail me! (Not selling the account, just want a reputable LCO to offer to that former customer).

[65hoss]

Good luck!:)

I will post later.

[lakegastonla]

So, let me get this straight. You plan NOT to stock parts, right? This would require you to answer a service call at a customers house, diagnose the problem and then chase parts down all over town paying the other guys markup each time you buy a part. I wish you the best, but if I were you, I would hook up with Rotary or Stens for direct ordering, and keep a few common parts for the most common engines you will see. (briggs 3.5, 5hp, tecumseh 5&6 hp) Good luck, I do think that customers would gladly pay for on-premises maintenance to keep from hauling a 21 push in the trunk of their Lincoln to the shop. (MASSIVE RUN-ON SENTENCE)

[bubble boy]

you came on pretty big and strong, i remember. saying how you were gonna do this, and do it right with the lawncare. why the change, just saturation or other reasons?

[XOFMOT]

FYI-
I'm waiting arrival of $5,000 worth of parts as we speak. I NEED the other local shops to supply me with what I don't have. My ON-SITE rate is acually CHEAPER then the average"SHOP RATE" of all the local shops in my area. I don't have a $5000.00 per month rent to pay. I own my own shop outright (2000 sq. Ft.).

[XOFMOT]

bubble boy,

Initially I was going to do BOTH. Now that I have done MUCH research on the ON-SITE REPAIR concept I've concluded that this is where I feel most comfortable. I went into the lawncare business just as a "WAY OUT" from working the INSIDE job. I've been extensivly trained in BRIGGS and KAWASKI engines (schooling), and all my life I've been involved ina FIELD SERVICE related industry. I feel confident, eager and have that "BRING IT ON" attitude. Lawncare was a relaxing atmosphere for me, but with this invasion of illegal LCO's in my area it's just plain "HARD" to compete. Sure, everyone says thet will be gone, but not here. Sure a company that is in business today may be gone the next, and another illegal is just waiting to get a hold of their equipment. Will this ever come to an end? I bet not! WE (this country) are not enforcing any type of immigrent laws, so why should they stop.

[Fantasy Lawns]

This is a great idea .... but I fear that an idea it will only be .... on site repairs will only go so far ..... it's going to come to "down time" as that is Your time .... you can't finish a job right there ..... just seems like a bottle-neck .... small repairs sure ....but will this but food on the table ..... most repair places sell stuff which later they repair or service ....the 2k shop is a good start but is far from show room .....I don't know not my area of thought

I do know that a pick up service is good ..... supplying oil changes, belt repairs, spindle n blades sharpens .... well as an past lco yourself .....most guys do this in house or have $ to burn

the only real ? is there a need for yet another repair operation in your area .... if there is n you may make it thru the critical 1st year ...than the next benchmark of 3 years ..... the hump mark of 5 years etc.

keep smart n good luck .->

[Randy Scott]

Best of luck to you and I would be careful of doing any repair work for all these illegal LCO's you speak of in your area.
It seems like a tough situation to be in doing this type of work. You are literally going to be buying parts from your competition and taking work away from them right under their nose. I don't think they are going to appreciate that. You go in to buy a part and then go fix the mower at the customers house. Don't you think that is going to piss them off? I wouldn't look for alot of cooperation with getting parts as fast as you may need them. It's like buying a T.V. from Best Buy or Wal-Mart and then selling them on the street corner next door. Seems strange to me. I am not discouraging you just giving an outside opinion. Sorry you are getting negative feedback but you did ask.Obviously you have thought this through and good luck with it!

[Cleve]

Sounds like a great idea to me.
I would really like the idea that someone would come to my place to work on my Walker, Toro WB, or other equipment without keeping it for a week or so. Even though I do my own maint. there are times that real repairs are needed. My dealers have yet to offer a loaner while dong service and in the busy season service can take more than a week.
As far as problems with this type of business you have to consider homeowners are totally seasonal when it comes to power equipment. They don't need you until something breaks and that might only be during the growing season.
Good luck. Still sounds good to me.
Cleve.

[Downeast]

Hmmm, not a bad idea .might be able to use one of those around here . GOOD LUCK !!! XOFMOT

[cantoo]

What are you using for your moving shop? I would think a cube van loaded with shelves on both side for parts, generator and tools. Put one of those awnings on the side so you can work out of the weather. And you could also pull a trailer for those times you have to bring a mower back to your shop. I have seen the John Deere trailers but you have to have the truck to pull it and they take up too much space in a customer's driveway.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

I am glad you decided to make this move.

Many many non commercial/home owners would love this service.

Many mower repair shops get a huge back log of res. customers to get minor things done to their mowers.

Many can not transprot the mower to the "shop" so will provide an invaluable service to them by eliminating the so called $35 pick up/drop off fee.

Belive it or not most of your services will be tune up, and sharpen blades.

As far as parts inventory, the common belts, filter (air/oil), and blades will not set you back to much.

This maybe a wise desision, and a very good one I might add.

Keep that $35 transport fee in mind on your pricing.

Good Luck Harold, and keep us posted.

[65hoss]

I think the homeowner market would keep you real busy during the spring month especially. Field repairs on comm'l customers would be hard to do, because if they break down at a customers place you need to drop everything and get there immediately. But the idea of maintaining their equipment (oil,blades,etc)is a good idea.

Keep us posted on the situation. :)

[stslawncare]

it will be great for home owners and if u offer field repair for landscapers u could charge a lot more. i would love that.

[heygrassman]

My opinion... if you feel better going to bed at night it is a good idea.

I would invest profits into inventory as the points above regaring paying retail for parts is very valid. I draw this to a computer repair business that attempted to do this as a business plan without inventory (buying parts from best buy and compusa) and it did not last very long. He would spend 4-5 hours fixing a tough problem that other could do in 2 so he had to charge 2 hours instead of 4 because he was "learning" and could not markup parts. I realize the analogy is different from equip repair, just food for thought.

Best of Luck!!!!

[Jason Pallas]

Here's one BIG problem I see with this biz. I've fixed lots of stuff for homeowners and LCOs alike. However, sometimes the fix is as simple as a quick 10 minute carb clean-out or a recoil fix. In the event you get a quick repair like this, I can see the customers giving you a lot of guff for "$25 for 10 minutes work! that's ridiculous!"
Don't get me wrong - I'm on your side. Your expertise is valuable and worth a lot- and the fact is, without you, their equipment is broke and worthless. however, there are lots of customers that will be ready to argue the bill when their equipment fixes are done in 20 minutes and the bill is $50. I get guys that need welding done in the middle of the night during snowstorms (plowing) or a quick snowblower fix - these guys will pay the "middle of the night" rate for an experienced mechanic/welder (and appreciate it). However, Joe homeowner doesn't appreciate your skill and will be expecting to pay $10 an hour (pro - rated) for your service.
I think when a homeowner drops of equipment to get fixed at a shop, the repair may only take 10 minutes. But they don't get a call for a day or two - and the fact that the repair takes place back in the "shop behind the magic curtain", adds a lot of mystery to the repair process and helps the homeowner justify the $$ bill. By coming to their house, you demystify the process and might run into a lot of $$$ bill resistence when they see how easy some repairs are.
Just my 2 cents - I don't mean to discourage you at all and wish you all the luck/success in the world. I just think this may be an obstacle that you may encounter and may want to plan for. Good luck - let me know if I'm right or wrong.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Say what?

Why do you think I add the $35 transport fee.

Most home owners and others i would give a ball park fee in advance to end that.

Simple job fees have a minimum charge, he can deffinatly justify his rates. Tell them if they had to have mower shop come pick it up thay would havr to pay $35 transport fee plus a $65 an hour repair shop rate.

[Jason Pallas]

Lawn GodFather - I agree with you. I just didn't see/understand your previous post about the $35 fee.
I completely think that there should be some type of minimum service/vist fee - even if he shows up and the equipment just needs to be filled up with gas. But - I still think you'll get a lot of resistance from some "thrifty" homeowners who see the mechanical repair process first hand (demystified) and see how simple some of the repairs can be.
Think of the guy that calls for a mower repair. He pays $35-45 for a service call for a guy to come out and take off a recoil that's wrapped around itself and rewind it. $45 Please...... I can hear the complaining now "$45 for 7 minutes work?!?!......"
We see this all the time - lawn looks great, we came out with 3 guys, $30,0000 worth of equipment, lots of experience, done in 10 minutes and hear "$25 for 10 minutes of work!!!???!? - that's more than brain surgeons charge" You know the routine. I just think he'll defintely see a lot of these types of situations.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

That's with any service BIZ Jason.

20/20 or 48 hours or 60 minutes did something on service calls for male and female clients to see how bad the tech were scaming.

Similar but all had a minimum service call fee.

All they have to do is tell them before hand. No fussing. They don't want to pay it undo the repair.

[XOFMOT]

From talking to others that are in the "MOBILE REPAIR" type business', the way they get around this PER HOUR rate is not to charge by the hour. They use.....MENU ITEMS......like this....

EVALUATION FEE.....$30.00
EXAMPLE: customer hit a rock, now tractor wont start.
is it worth fixin'

WB 21" TUNE-UP.....$49.95
oil change/ new plug/blade sharpen...

RECOIL REPAIR.......$24.99


I think by going to the menu type pricing, the customer will already know what to expect. What ever repair takes place...I'm sure I'll be at least 30 minutes there no matter what. (by the time I pull-in the driveway, BS with the customer a few minutes, do your 15 minute service to the mower, say good-bye..there's your 30 minutes!). So for that 15 minute repair you put on a 30 minute show.

All your menu items will be based on a PER HOUR rate and pretty much everything from a spark plug change to a engine rebuild can be a "MENU" item.

Look at it this way....you go into one of these JIFFY LUBE places, you pay $19.99 for a 10 minute oil change...people do it! JIFFY LUBE is even telling you it's only a 10 minute job! $20.00 for 10 minutes yields $120.00 per hour minus supplies... not to shabby of a business either.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Now your talking.

What I have tryed to explain many times.

I never ever let the customer know the hourly rate.

Only time they get my hourly rate is when i do the job by the hour, using T&M.

Otherwise it is a set price.


There is no diff. between this and shoe repair.

[Jason Pallas]

There you go! That's a good way around (hopefully) the pricing issue. I think your menu pricing is a good idea. I didn't mean to be discouraging at all - I hope you didn't take it that way (didn't sound like it). I was only trying to help you anticipate a possible problem. Good luck - keep us posted!

[Charles]

I went into a ford oil change etc place one day and ask them to check something on my car and they said they had an evaluation fee of 30$. I just walked out. Seems to me that evaluating something should just be part of their service. I have a shop I take my lawn equipment too and they evaluate for free and if they cant fix something they will not charge anything. But you are stuck between a rock and a hard place because you drive to the job site and cant just walk over to the next job.
Also you will have to sometime take mowers apart to see what is wrong with them and once you get into the repair you may find out you have misjudged what the problem is and/or underestimated the repars needed(this will happen alot).
The local shop I got to deals with alot of irate customers when that go to pick up their machine and the repair bill they think was high. But the repair guy just ran into more problems with the machine than he thought initially(reason for the hourly rate). Sometime they just leave the equipment with the shop and go buy a new machine and the shop is stuck with a used piece of junk.
We have one type of this biz around here but they pick up your machine and take it to their shop/home. I didnt even see their ad in the paper last year. Don't know if they made it.
I just can't see a homeowner paying you almost 50$ to change a plug and sharpen the blade and change the oil. Rarely do homeowners even need to sharpen their blades/oil because of lack of use. Plugs rarely go bad for a homeowner. They could buy a new push mower for 150 to 200$ .I can hear a homeowner thinking: Do I pay someone 50$ to do what I could easily do myself for 5$? Or get a family member to do?
If they are not able to this basic maintenence they are not likely able to cut their grass.
YOu are looking at the price you need to make to make a living as most of us do. But lawncare and repair/biz dont always match up with that reality as you have found out already

[Turf King]

How will you advertise youre services?

[XOFMOT]

People are lazy this day and age. After all, aren't they hiring you guy's (gal's) to mow their lawn? Time is of the essence (BAM!). Twenty years ago a single person could be the $$ earner for the family, today, both husband and wife must work. Now, when it comes to the weekend....they are not long enough.
What I'm trying to drive a nail at is that in todays day and age, every service, every burden, every pain in the A$$ thing that has to get done is now an issue of TIME and SPEED.
10 minute oil change facilities, fast food joints, MOBIL speed pass for gas, lawn care companies, and so on.... EASE is now the name of the game!

As for the homeowners...I would only expect that I would visit a certain homeowners house once a year. From what I gathered when I was cutting lawns last year...a good sharp blade lasted me for about 25 properties. Then it was time to resharpen. A homeowner here will mow their property aprox. 30 times a year in my area, so I would only expect to see them once a year for service on their lawn equipment. Just remember PEOPLE ARE LAZY.

I should restate what I said in my initial post

From my research I have found that most of my customers will be the HOMEOWNER.

This quote was meaning that the HARDWARE, HOME IMPROVEMENT, GARDEN CENTERS....I'm planning on doing business with, will be HOMEOWNER related repairs. You can't rely on every homeowner giving you a call to come and fix their equipment, but you can rely on the store they purchased it at (as long as they don't do service work), to give me a call or referral.

Advertising, like ALL business' out their will follow just about the same pattern as a lawncare companies plan. I'll be placing a newspaper add, radio commercial, newspaper incert, referrals from merchants, even thought of a joint advertising program with a local hardware store to have a "TUNE-UP" weekend come spring time. Advertising is my largest line item for my YEAR 1 plan.

I thank everyone so far for ALL the input (good and bad). It makes me think even deeper into what may have to be addressed A.S.A.P.-----keep em' coming!--Thanks!

[Charles]

If you are counting on the "lazy homeowners" for your business. They ARE overcoming their lazyness to cut their own yard instead of paying a lawncare company. Why are they doing their own lawns if they are so lazy? Because they are also TIGHTWADS, aka frugal people who would walk out in rush hour traffic to pick up a penny. Who will go to eat at a restuarant at 4:30 pm to get the early bird special lol.
I do wish you luck though.

[XOFMOT]

Thanks for the info CHARLES, Now I'll have plenty of work (lazy people who are to cheap to hire someone, now they going to try to mow there lawn themselves. Sounds like they'll be running over this and that, and forgetting to check oil levels to me!!!)

And if they are that cheap, I don't think they will go out any buy a new one when the old one breaks down!


But I get your point. :)

[dmk395]

Charge slightly more than your average shop on an hourly basis, or per repair basis. Just the convienence factor is worth a few extra dollars to the customer.

[Cleve]

Originally posted by Charles

I just can't see a homeowner paying you almost 50$ to change a plug and sharpen the blade and change the oil. Rarely do homeowners even need to sharpen their blades/oil because of lack of use. Plugs rarely go bad for a homeowner. They could buy a new push mower for 150 to 200$ .I can hear a homeowner thinking: Do I pay someone 50$ to do what I could easily do myself for 5$? Or get a family member to do?

Say, where have you been? Just go into most any dealer that does repairs and take a look at all the "homeowner mowers" lined up in the back waiting for just a tune-up. At least in my area the shop stays full. Seems any time I might be there to pick up a part or anything there is one of these "homeowners" pickiing up their mower and paying the $50+/- fee.
Seems the going rate around here is in the $50- range for just a minor tune-up with oil change and blade sharpening. And this is when the mower is delivered to the shop. More if the shop has to pick it up. During the summer months they don't mind giving multiple week waits to boot.
Cleve.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Speeking of mowers in the shop, I have cut many of lawns for home owners who's mower was stuck in the shop for 3-5 weeks.

Much better return times from Harold and he is cooking with FIRE!!!!!

And I have seen minimum charges from $25 to $50.

Tear down estimate fees' etc.....

Maximum price before a phone call is needed to repair price is $125. I have seen many $200 pushmowers there that were near this number for a repair.

Yes can you tell I am behind you on this one Harold.

[XOFMOT]

LAWNGODFATHER:


Who's HAROLD? I'm lost on that one!

[LAWNGODFATHER]

I'm sorry Tom, I thought your name was Harold,. My bad.

Duh I remember FOXMOT = Tom Fox; from discribe your screen name.

I guess I got HBFOXJr confused with you and him. Fox and Fox .

[XOFMOT]

I was sure it was a mistake because I just read over each and every post 3 times looking for HAROLD!

Thanks for clearing that up. Now I'll be able to sleep in piece!

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by XOFMOT
I was sure it was a mistake because I just read over each and every post 3 times looking for HAROLD!

Thanks for clearing that up. Now I'll be able to sleep in piece!

Tom A.K.A. "HAROLD" & "FOXMOT"




LMAO funny new sig line all cause of me. LOL:rolleyes:

[Clewsew]

I sounds like a good idea. I don't remember who said it, but something about the homeowner fixing their own mower....I have to say that there are a lot of people out there who don't know a dipstick from a radiator. I can't see why this would not work. Let the Homeowner know when you take the call that it is going to cost $30 just to find where they live. Look at a locksmith. How much do they charge to open a locked car???$50-$75. The person that really needs in may not like it, but what are their choices....that was obviously the best, or they would have done something else.

I'm right there with LGF. By the way I knew who you meant LGF, when you said Harold. Isn't that in his Signiture. Anyway, Good Luck I hope that it really takes off for you Tom. I think that you are right, the cheap people would rather for the most part spend $60 to repair instead of $120 to buy new...and that's a cheap mower!

Doug

[Charles]

Originally posted by Cleve

Say, where have you been? Just go into most any dealer that does repairs and take a look at all the "homeowner mowers" lined up in the back waiting for just a tune-up. At least in my area the shop stays full. Seems any time I might be there to pick up a part or anything there is one of these "homeowners" pickiing up their mower and paying the $50+/- fee.
Seems the going rate around here is in the $50- range for just a minor tune-up with oil change and blade sharpening. And this is when the mower is delivered to the shop. More if the shop has to pick it up. During the summer months they don't mind giving multiple week waits to boot.
Cleve.

Cleve, just because someone in your area charges that much doesnt mean it holds true everywhere. Case in point:
Local shop advertising in todays paper.
Tuneup
oil change
blades sharpened
$ 19.95

Just to make a living cutting grass we have to line up yards to cut that close together and in a route. I doubt that you will be able to do that in the repair biz. You drive out and do the maintenance and then drive somewhere else(maybe cross town) to do another job. I dont see how you will be able to do volume that way. Or you might not have any more jobs lined up for that day. YOu go out to diagnose the repair and then most of the time you will have to order the parts and then drive back to make the repair. YOu might be able to net mininum wage doing this. If there was big money in this(on sight) service job then alot more people would be doing it.
Now sears will set you up on a maintenence agreement where they will come out but you have to buy their equipment which a lot of homeowners do.
Volume is the key to sucess in a seasonal business and I just dont see how driving all over the place randomly you will be able to do volume.
I have done alot and seen alot in my years in the work place and this is just my opinion

[XOFMOT]

Charles,

Do you have a lot of competition in the “REPAIR” business in your area? Reason for asking is for $19.95 that business needs to have a pretty good volume of repairs to make some real $$$. Is that a BIG shop offering that price? Just curious.

[Charles]

They call it a spring special. Its a local hardware store and they repair mowers, weedeaters, chainsaws etc. They have 2 fairly large stores. We have another fulltime shop downtown that does repairs and maintenence. John deere and kubota dealors that do them. Probably 10 or more jacklegs that do repairs.

[XOFMOT]

I guess I'm on the lucky side of things. This area I live in is "DEAD" as for people/ shops working on outdoor power equipment. A relative of mine was just speaking to an ol' buddy of his who is doing PICK-UP work for a power equipment shop in my area. He informed my relative that they (the shop he works for) go as far as 40 miles away to pick-up a customers piece of equipment. I really feel confident that this business venture of mine is going to take off quite well. I can really see in the NEAR future an overwelming (sp?) amount of work happening. I have a retired relative who just likes to get out of the house, and I bet, I'll be having him picking up equipment that needs to be brought back to the shop for repairs on a routine basis.

Thinking "DEEPER" in to this, as well as listening to everyones thoughts that have posted on the thread.....I WILL be doing a mobile repair service, and now considering a REAL "SHOP" location. I'll be starting off on the mobile aspect of this business, but as so many of you mentioned.......having the right part with you may be a problem when it comes time for a repair in the field. I think with PROPER phone diagnosis, 95% can be addressed in the field. MAYBE I'll just offer TUNE-UPS on site and all other repairs I'll pick-up and address at OUR location. Just my thoughts.

I'm meeting with the regional director of the Connecticut small business developement center this Wednesday afternoon. This is a ONE on ONE discussion of my business. Hopefully I'll even get some more "DIRECTION" on my business this week! Cross your fingers!

[stslawncare]

on site repairs sounds really good and could bring in good money.

[XOFMOT]

Well, my meetng went as planned this past wednesday all everything looks GOOD!- Just finished my business plan (40 pages) and will be meeting with a few more advisors in the next week or so......

Thanks again to all who have replied (I printed this post out and showed my advisor and was very impressed)!

Talk to you all soon!

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Glad we could help TOM

[ohiolawnguy]

i think its a great idea. especially during the spring when the shops tell homeowners "were 3 weeks out right now."
the shop where we fix our equipment charges a non refundable $20 fee to look at a mower, and customers have to bring their own mower in anyhoo. if the equipment is to be fixed, that $20 goes toward the repair. if it isnt to be fixed. mower is given back in pieces, or thrown away. so i think LGF $35.00 service call price idea is reasonable indeed for a traveling repairman.

I know of people who dont care about price for repair, they just dont feel like taking the mower to a shop, then waiting a month for it to be fixed. and, in the meantime, they have to hire someone to mow thier own yard.

even a landscaper who is in a bind, wouldnt mind paying top dollar to repair something, if the job can still be completed before dark. esecially on like a friday, and the homeowner, or condo is having some type of fuction that weekend.


i remember once seeing a guy on TV who started a small company once. it was called rent-a-husband, and his service employees would go out and fix just abot anything around the house. the price wasnt cheap, but the women(some single, some married) considered it an invaluable service. now this guy is worth millions just because he found a way to fill a niche in the repair industry.

my only consideration would be this. with all the time on the road, and at customers houses, will you have someone to answer the phone for you? possible even an answering service?

best of luck to you in your new endeavor.

kevin

[XOFMOT]

I figure the PHONE issue can be resolved with a cellular/digital phone. After talking to my "HOME OFFICE" phone line service company, they said I could CALL FORWARD any incoming phone calls to my WIRELESS phone ($7.00 a month additional fee).

This wil still allow me to advertise in the yellow pages but have all the benifits of wireless communication with customers.

Thanks for your concern!

[lawrence stone]

I don't want to burst your bubble but if you applied yourself and got a CT pesticide business license in the future you will be able to gross the same in two days vs. five days fixing lawn mowers.

[XOFMOT]

Maybe true......But It's not me.

I enjoy being out there doing lawncare, but I realized it was just a FILL IN until I found what I like to do.

It's not about making a ton of money anymore. It's about getting something out of life that you enjoy. As long as I make enough money to contribute to my family, I'm happy!

We all know that there are some good high dollar, money making businesses out there. Is money everything? In the end what really matters? Life is short. I may only be 33 years old and have alot of oppurtunity in front of me, but my feeling are to just enjoy what you are doing, spend as much time with your family (wife and kids) as you can.

I've also been around long enough to know that time away from your family hurts! I personaly need a routine type of job where outside factors DO NOT rule my income (rain/snow). All business' have a busy season and a dead season, that is business.

I applied myself. It has been my bubble and I did not see a future for ME in the lawncare business. POP!