Specialized lawn care business?

[FrankenScagMachines]

Well, my business didn't really kick off that well this year which is probably just as well, give me time to get better equipment, and have some fun too. I am slowly converting my equipment from residential to commercial grade. This year I was willing to take almost any lawn (from small to 4 acres, that 4 acre one being occasional during their vacations). I quoted a decent price, but somehow it came down alittle on each one. Maybe they saw a kid they could take advantage of (I'm 15). However, I never left the jobsite until it looked the best I could make it look. Perfect cut and awesome stripes, everything trimmed and blowed off, etc. The few customers I had were happy with the service, and seemed to think the prices were right on. I think I only put out 150 fliers in a selected area.
So heres what I got:
I have a brand new Stihl FS80 trimmer (awesome, love it), a 1989 Toro 32" cut rear engine rider (this will cut and stripe better than anything out there so don't diss it just yet! I got pics to prove it). A 1982 Toro 21" self propelled rear bagger that is like new but I never use it. Now I have a 1994 Scag STHM 61" 3 wheel outfront rider, but has been in a fire before i got it and needs about $1500 to 2000 put in it to be running (total rebuild). I am a great mechanic did i mention that, so I'm doing the work myself. I have been given a 32" eXmark belt drive walk behind that is in peices and needs assembled, needs an engine, blade spindles and front casters. I only have a few hundred dollars in the bank. I have a engine to use for it, caster wheels I might rig up to fit it, and will get the rest.
Here's my plan for now:
Get a part time job, save for a truck that I may get next year (have a trailer, 6x12 open) and keep the job, and this winter maybe get the eXmark wb going, sell the Toro rider and come out even or maybe ahead. Advertise plenty, next spring, and take on only clients on a contract who are willing to pay good for high end service. Stay small for now, hopefully limited to commercial props and a few residentials. Keep happy and make money till next winter ('03-04), start on the Scag for a winter project, hopefully have it done for '04 season, take on some more jobs and keep everyone happy with the work and prices, high prices but get what you pay for ya know what I mean. Use professional equipment, have a professional attitude and keep it small and speicalized to be able to have 150% satisfied customers. If they want a 1/4 acre wide open cut & bagged with a 21", I'll do it, for good money. Customer satisfaction is the key, I beleive. I will go beyond the call of duty to be the best in town. I will no longer need to advertise because I will have great customers who will advise other great people of my great work. Now I quit the part time job and keep making money making people happy making lawns look awesome. Keep it small until i get out of school and then open up alittle more but keep the quality control by staying solo or just one helper.

OK so I'm just a kid whining and daydreaming here....
Somebody slap me!!! wake me up from this dream...
no really does this all sound reasonable???
Thanks,
Eric
ps I've been learning from LS.com for a long time and I don't feel stupid to post this although I know I'll be slammed by alot of you. I guess I was hoping for encouragment :rolleyes:

[steve122]

If you see a reply that starts to slam for any reason, just pass it by. Other opinions are appreciated, but whats important is what you believe yourself. I wonder how many great ideas died because someone elses opinion was considered. Go for it, just don't price yourself out of the market before you establish your reputation.

[HarryD]

no slam from me . i think its great that your a go getter thats how some of the richest guys got that way from hard work :)

plus ya dont need $50 k worth of equipment to do a nice job . add a piece of equipment when ya can pay cash for it thats what ive done . go used till ya can pay for new ;)

[Turf Technologies]

Dont see why anyone would slam you, you have more post on this site than most of us. :cool:

[65hoss]

The #1 way to learn is by experience. Sometimes you must get knocked down a few times but always learn from it. You will be one step closer to success next time.

[jocko1104]

You say that you are 15? Lot of work for someone that should mabey be thinking about their school work a little more.

How do you get commercial contracts? How can you sign a contract? How canyou have insuarance?

My 15 year old son goes to school at 7:30 and doesnt get home until 8:00 pm (Sports, student counsel, FRIENDS, etc...).

Not saying that you dont have the right Idea, just sounds a little odd. Do you go to school?

Not trying to slam, just wondering about your priorities.

[GroundKprs]

Hurry and do something, BushHogBoy. Within 20 years noone will need you. The way computers and robotics are advancing, those with inside knowledge say that human labor will not be necessary in our society by the 2020s. Intelligent machines will do it all. Won't matter what brand of mower you run, the R2D2's and C3PO's will be cheaper, plus they'll wash the car, paint the house, clean the garage, etc.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by jocko1104
You say that you are 15? Lot of work for someone that should mabey be thinking about their school work a little more.

How do you get commercial contracts? How can you sign a contract? How can you have insuarance?

Not saying that you dont have the right Idea, just sounds a little odd. Do you go to school?

Look at those profiles dude. There is a vast amount of teens on here.

BHB I guess you have some time and work to do over the winter.:D It doesn't fall out of trees, gotta work for it.

Don't worry I and twice your age and still dreaming.

GroundKprs I will be on that band wagon to if the time comes.

[SLS]

I say that it's all good!

At least you have a plan. When I was 15 my plans were all about chasin' girls. :D

Just keep an open mind and don't be afraid to modify your plans as things change around you. Who knows..in a few short years you may be looking out over your fleet of ZTRs and wistfully thing about that burnt up Scag you tinkered with.

Good luck in school this year! :)

[leprechaun_50]

Go for it!!! & Good luck.

[captdevo]

always best to have a plan!

send me your exmark w/b model and serial # i have some parts mowers, might be able to help you with casters and spindles!

Just don't forget me when you're on the cover of Turf magazine!!!


good luck

[awm]

bush hog i been there all summer[takin anything i can get.] my target is the ellderly ,trying to stay out of rest homes,
and disabled. id recomend a little of this to anyone. as it can make for a feal good day.im happier than ive ever been.
got less money also but that just keeps me close to the creator.sometimes im working on a wing and a prayer.
please no critics ,unless u just got to.
we all create our on situations for the most part. thats a truth so many never learn. the sad pt is the very old, who never learned that and are constantly blaming and hating. really sad.
sorry for going on.

[FrankenScagMachines]

Originally posted by SLS:
At least you have a plan. When I was 15 my plans were all about chasin' girls.
That's kinda what I meant in my first paragraph, about havin' fun instead of working this year LOL. Don't worry, they're part of the plan, but I don't think I'll be making any money off of them ;) That's why I gotta work, to spend it on them :D haha...

Jocko1104: We will have to work on "agreement contracts" or have my dad's name on it or something for now. I am homeschooled and can sleep till 7:30, get up have breakfast and be working on school by 8:15 or so and be done usually by 2:00 if not sooner. This gives me plenty of time for work. I am willing to work Saturdays too if I need. And, if I have enough work for the weather to be a problem, I can do extra schoolwork on rainy days to give more time to work on nice days (work ahead or behind on schoolwork, like flex time).

Captdevo: I don't have the eXmark yet, but I will get you the numbers when I get it. A friend about an hour away has it for me so dad and I will have to get it sometime. Oh yea, I won't forget you when I make Turf! :p

Groundkprs: I'm not worried about being 'replaced' anytime soon. I have yet to see a robotic mower that is as reliable, effecient, and does such a good job as me! I haven't seen one that cuts halfway decent yet, much less knows how to stripe.

65Hoss: That reminds me of a saying from Henry Ford, "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."

Thanks for the encouragement guys, I continue to gain knowledge and support from lawnsite.com.....just gotta wade through all the cr@p to get to the good stuff sometimes :) :blob4:
Thanks,
Eric

[AGG Lawn Maintenance]

I have to take my hat off to you my man. I started to do landscaping at 15 years old too!!! I went to a vocational school to learn the trade for 9th to 12th grades. I am now 30 years old own a house have a landscaping company and am about to get married. Stick with it. Everyone slammed me. Mostly guys my age. You can do it. The road isn't always smooth but through time you hit less bumps. Good luck. Travis :cool:

[TJLC]

I have to say "hats off to you" and the best of luck. I think it's so refreshing to see someone your age with that kind of attitude and goals. Remember us all when you get really big and successful.LOL

Ps: Don't get discouraged there will be high and low points in your life, but if you keep your present attitude you will do fine .(Sorry for rambling on.)
Again the best of luck.

[Scag48]

BushHogBoy-How many accounts do you have? I'm curious to see how many accounts the other guys my age have. I've got 12 right now, but I'm going to buy someone's accounts next year, and he has like 10-15, so I'll have about 20 or more. I'm in the same boat as you, slowly upgrading to commercial equipment. Right now I'm having trouble finding the funds to buy the Turf Tracer that I'm looking at, gotta get rid of the Toro I've got if you catch my drift. Looking at a trailer right now regardless of what equipment I buy. I need one BAD! By this time next year, I will have all the equipment I need and a bank full of cash! This sure beats working at a drive-in. I make about 5 times more per hour than my friends do and have more fun doing it! Stick with it!

[dlandscaping]

Your post title mislead me but thats ok. We all want a business that satisfies both you the owner and your customers. Hell right now all i want is some good rain. I am in same shoes as you and scag48 i guess. Im 16 getting my license in a month or so. I have all commercial equipment now. It took a while to get it but i have it and am constantly adding to my lineup. Soon im adding a fisher plow and trac vac 470. Lucky to be homeschooled, I am at school from 7-2 every day and then with sports etc it can be 7-6. Had to do most my leaf work in the dark last year. Well good luck in the upcoming leaf season to all. We all need the rain so lets look forward to that too.

[yardboyltd]

Oh YEA!!!!!!! I just bought 1998 Trans Am, LS1. Alot of people think it's to much power for me, but I'm more responsible than adults I know that drive. My last car was 1969 Firebird, and had about 300hp, so this isn't that much more of a power upgrade, but I know this car is a whole lot faster.

I mean who could believe a 16 year old could go out and buy $15000 car like that? I just paid off my Gravely 260z....

I would say this is not for most, as you get older, age is just a number, I'd say I'm maturer than most of my peers, however I have lots of fun. During schooltime, the grass doesnt' grow much, just during the summer, and I know people who work more than me just for $5 an hour.....

[m&m]

BHB,
i knew you was young but didnt know you was that young...........i am right behind with support........aint nuttin you cant do if ya really wanna do it.........i thik you got some good ideas and sounds like you have it planned out in a timely manner....dont see why you wont make it.......hang in there and keep up the work.........and yeah, dont forget bout the women, they come in handy too

[FrankenScagMachines]

Yea, you younger guys know just how it is.
Scag48, I have just one weekly right now. It's my neighbor. About a half acre lawn. But then I have our two acres to keep me busy as well. I double cut 1/2 of it every week to keep it beautiful. Earlier this year I had about 4 to 5 weeklys and a couple fill in's for vacations breakdowns etc. Each one had a reason for quitting, one his yard quit growing and he had less work for himself so he could do it himself and another's son is now doing it, different excuses. That is why I want contracts...
Yea, I like the money too, it's good and i like the work.
dlandscaping, i wouldn't say i'm lucky to be homeschooled, i would rather be in PS (public school) for the friends and girls but i guess i'm probably better off this way. Less distractions and more time, flexible scheduling etc. I'm not into sports at all either. I was also wondering how many lawns other teens have. Well I guess its not quantity but total combined sq. footage or acreage.

Oh yea, CaptDevo, I hope that making the cover of Turf isn't the highest point in my career or I will have a pretty boring life huh:rolleyes: But it would definately be cool :D :cool:

[vipermanz]

that makes alot of homeschooled teens on here, flexibility is a very good fact!!!!! it always helps to be able to have time on your side!!

[greenflag]

I think you have your head on strait. It never hurts to plan, you can always adjust your plans later if you decide to.

I wish I knew some of what I have learned here when I was 15.

Keep on Cuttin'

[Tom023]

Originally posted by HarryD
plus ya dont need $50 k worth of equipment to do a nice job . add a piece of equipment when ya can pay cash for it thats what ive done . go used till ya can pay for new ;) [/B]


Your Thoughts?

(i am also becoming legitimate next spring)

My theory is that if i start with good new equipment, with a nice truck, good advertising, uniforms, business cards, and a professional image, i can target higher-end clients from the very beginning. Otherwise i'm worried that these higher end people will be scared away by a less professional image (say a banged up trailer, noticably worn truck, equipment, etc). I will need to take out a chunk of money to do this at first, but wouldn't it be best to have the highest profit margin from the very beginning because people are paying for the professionalism?

Sorry if that isnt' very clear. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated- constructive or not.

[Boycea]

I know where your coming from bush hog boy. I just turned 19 and have been doing landscaping ever since i can remember. You will have to make sacrafices if you want to make a go of this, but its all worth it in the long run. I started off just in my neighborhood with a push mower and some tools loaned to me from my father. After making some money with that, I applied that and a little loan from my parents to buy my first gravely wb. I used this and was doing just about all of my neighbors houses. Once i got my licesnse I purchased a truck. No trailer, just used ramps, you have to make do with what you got, and try not to get too much in debt. Picked up a few more lawns that year and made quite a bit of money. At the end of that season I was able to purchase my third vehicle, a late model BMW. The following season, I upgraded pickup trucks, purchased a trailer and purchased a second gravely deck mower. Business expanded and was going well. This current season, my second "real" year in business, went even better. I purchased a nice 1 ton dump, a brand new trailer, a couple hydro walk behinds with sulkys and a Toro Z, as well as multiple other items such as back pack blowers, push blowers, line trimmers, and hedge pruners. I am doing 40 weekly mowings, a mix of resedential and commercial, and have a lot of one time customers for just cleanups and mulching etc.All this was achieved by hard work. Dont give up, even if it seems hard. Yes I missed out on some things such as sports and such, but I believe that those exceptions were well worth it for me. Good luck.

[CMLLawnServices]

Sup , Its good to hear of another guy bout my age in the biz , I`m 15 too, I go to regular high school, i`m all about commerical contracts , got a few residental clients, rite now i got 3 Ball diamonds , and a farm for commerical, next year i`m puttin in a bid on 3 local schools . I have a 2 yr old ariens ztr 48'' 1 yr old self propelled 3in 1 21" , and ya gotta run Sthil. (bought a new one this year.) i`m look at a 72" Kubota front mount for next year thought a bout a 60 " but decided its too small, and a 6'X10' landscape trailer. I make awsome money , way more than my friends. In the summer i`m workin bout 15 hrs a week , next year im hopin bout 30. Do u have MSN messenger?

[sirsweatsalot]

well i started cutting grass when i was in junior high at like 13 i put out flyers and i had like 6 customers. i didn't dick around with all that big equipment though i just used 21" and a trimmer. i bought equipment when i needed bigger equipment. the only thing i would do different would be start with a 32-36 wb.

[little green guy]

I also started when i was about maybe 12 or 13 doing work around the niegborhood, and i did it all through high school. I bought some commercial equpment when i was a freshman in high school and a truck when i was a junior. One thing that i did that i deffinitly don't regret is i worked for a landscaper part time through high school. I learned alot and have become good friends with him. I also did work/ study program in school and my last 2 years i was out of school my 11;30 every day. I'm 19 now and have 3 guys working for me full time. the money that i have made is now helping me to start another busness that normaly at my age would never be able to do.

My advice to u guys is to work hard, but not too hard-don't burn yourselves out . Make sure you still have time for fun and being a kid because it's gone in the blink of an eye. Also get experiece with other companies (or company). Anyway good luck. Hey, and if u ever have any questions or need advice emial me, i don't know everything but maybe i can help.

[crawdad]

Good for you, I see your goals are set a lot higher than most people your age. One poster seemed worried about your priorities, because you don't spend a lot of time at extracurricular
activites, such as sports. Well, the kids that play games at school are doing just that, playing games. When they get out of school, they will have a "cool jacket." That's about all, unless they get a sports scholarship, so they can play games at another school. Then they'll get a job, and hang around the water cooler, talking about sports.
You will have a business. I think you have your priorities pretty well figured out.
Crawdad

[lawnworker]

Bush hog boy, It sounds like your on target to do what you want. Being young, you have plenty of time to build this business, if it is what you want to do. once you are 16 and can drive you can really expand. After school, you can mow in the evening and get a lot done.


The Exmark will be good for small residentials. I love the way my Exmarks cut. They stripe good and are built like tanks. I have a 48 and a 36 walk behind.

Furthering your education is somthing to think about. when your young is the best time to persue this. Not everyone who does well in life goes to college, but it does help a lot of people do well.


Finally, as others have said have fun with your life, meet some cool girls and enjoy being young. Meeting some cool girls is the most important part.:cool: :cool:

[mklawnman]

BHB Im 19 and have been at this business for about 2yrs now working hard while going to school. Went to regular HS now going to a Local College, then going to a local Tech school to learn some landscaping things for my business. Just watch out for those commercial contracts, i got hit with that a few years ago, so my dad had to sign it for me cause i wasnt 18yrs old. I just say with hard work and budgeted purchases of equipment you can be successful with your business.
Good Luck
Matt

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Lets keep in mind youngens, although you parents still claim you and you don't have to pay taxes, doing commercial accounts that use you tax id number use that for a tax right off.

Do not confuse this with you taxes as the IRS will come for you when you don't declair them.

Also most if not all comm accounts will requir liability "and" wormans comp insurance for "anyone" working on the premisis.

Just make sure you cover the accounts and you parents behinds.

[mklawnman]

Yeah what LGF said about the tax and liability thing. I got caught in that last year when i was just under 18 and my dad had to sign the contract, and i guess with the insurance that we have which is made for the business, that like my family is covered under it, but like if i would hire anyone outside of the family then we would have to get Workmans comp and such, but our regular businesses insurances covers us. Every year it seems we are upgrading that because if some crazy person decided to sue for like a $1mill that we would be covered, its crazy but its Life today:rolleyes:
Matt

[Tom023]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone!- Reminds me that i'm not the only young guy on here. Especially the comments from the older and wiser are really helpful.

Any other advice you more experienced guys wanna share about being young in this business? Anything and everything is helpful!

I'm sure we would all appreciate it!

[DBALLARD]

BushHogBoy,

Keep it up. You sound much more mature than the 15 year olds I know. It must be the home school. Sounds like you will do well in the business. Your on the right track by starting out small and adding things along the way.

As you can handle school and work without one getting in the way of the other - I say good for you.

[skrats]

try getting a loan from someone to buy a commercial mower that you can afford that works so you can take on those expensive lawns right in the spring, pay for your stuff with all the money youve made with the expensive lawns and then sell the ones that you fix up in your spare time for money to live on in the winter

[Craig Jones]

Bush Hog Boy:

Nice to hear your ambitions and dreams. My two sons are homeschooled and started their business in 1995. They started with a Toro rider and after a year bought a Toro 21" commercial mower. After a few Homelites, they bought some used Stihl trimmers from a landscape company that went out of business and then later added more equipment. They always watched auctions and bought items used, rebuilding them through the winter. They have both done well at this and surpassed all of their dreams. They now have about 50 customers and finally got a truck, trailer and other equipment. They have always done a good job and got business through word of mouth. They now turn away a lot of work. They took on too much work a few years ago and learned to keep a client base they could handle well. They also found they could make better profits by keeping select customers.

For a while they were taken advantage of by their age but they quickly learned. My older son is very tall and looked older than his age. So..most people took him seriously. Until he was 18, I had to get insurance, etc. in my name but since he turned 20 the whole thing is in his name.

Believe it or not I work part time for him since he is in college and my other son needs help at times. It helped me loose 70 lbs.

Keep up the good work and there is a real future in this business if you keep your priorities straight.

[lawnranger44]

I'm 16 and I have 9 regular accounts, plus we usually have a few "one timers" every week. My method with balancing the girls and work is whenever it rains, i go the woman's house, and when the weather is nice i work. it's an excellent strategy and the best of both worlds! i like the way our business is turning out and we don't need to advertise much more cuz we spread from word of mouth.