I'm changing the business name....

[KirbysLawn]

Well after thinking for several weeks I have decided to change my business name. I have operated now for 4 years with my current name but I'm convinced it's stupid sounding and must go!

I have narrowed it down to a few, I live in Union County hence the Union names, and would like input from some professionals on which I should pick. I really like one of them but would like to take a survey. The names I am considering are as follows in alphabetical order:


Lawn Effects, Inc.
Lawn Success or LawnSuccess, Inc.
Union Lawn & Landscape, Inc.
Union Turf Management, Inc.


My goal is to sound more professional, have a good name to say when answering the phone, and such.

Thanks in advance.

[KirbysLawn]

All these views and no opinions? This is free, no charge at all. Please take a moment to give your opinion of which sounds best.

On edit: Scag48, I do but my current business name is: Kirby's Cuttin' Edge Lawn Maintenance". What a mouth full, try answering the phone saying all that! Looking for a professional name.

Thanks.

[Edited by KirbysLawn on 10-12-2000 at 04:33 AM]

[eskals]

Ray:

I kinda like the "Kirby's Cuttin Edge". Its creative, sounds good, and is one of a kind. I don't know why you view it as unprofessional. LawnEffects sounds dumb and unprofessional to me. LawnSucess is ok, but doesn't say much and makes you sound like a big chain. Union Lawn and landscape sounds good and simple. My favorite is Union Turf Management. It sounds good, and sounds professional.

Well, that would be my choice, but I still like Kirby's Cuttin Edge. Oh well, its your company and your decision.

Eric

[RYAN]

I would stay with the same name if you have already been using it for 4 years and that is what all of your customers know you by. I myself have thought of changing my name but everyone already knows me by my current name and I don't feel like explaining it to all those senile old ladies I mow for. They would never figure it out. Plus I figure my customers use me for my good service and not my exciting name. Stick with what has gotten you to where you are and if you have to change the name just make some variation of what you already have so your customers will know you are still you. Quality, reliable service will get you much further than a flashy name. Just my opinion.

Ryan

[OBRYANMAINT]

I LIKE THE TURF MANAGEMENT ONE

[Mr.Ziffel]

You've already got your name--you use it here. Or formally call yourself Kirby's Lawn Service and just answer the phone "Kirby's Lawn" or stay the same name and just change how you answer the phone to "Kirby's". I think Kirby's Turf Management sounds a bit affected--also do most folks know that they need their turf managed or do they just want someone to cut it nicely?--then your job becomes to educate them to what additional services they need from you to have the best looking lawn possible. I think your current name is just fine and states your case. If you really think it sounds unprofessional, drop the slang and add the dropped G to make it Kirby's Cutting Edge. Professional, up to date and descriptive. You can still do like the law offices and/or doctor's offices do and shorten the name when you answer the phone, 'Kirby's, how can we help you?' You seem to be quite successful and I'd hate to see you walk away from a proven winner. Good luck.

[Chuck Sinclair]

KirbyLawn,

I like the name you have now. But if change is needed i would go with Union Lawn and Landscape (ULL)

[Mark_Christopher]

I just wrote a LONG post for you kirby, i went back a few times on my browser, now i lost the post!!! argh... So im going to make this short... If you want to have that professional image go with soemthign that have "Landscaping" in it.

Kirby Landscaping
N/C Landscaping
I/T Landscaping (short for indian trail)

Mark

[Lanelle]

I think Sinclac nailed it: "Kirbylawn" That sounds like a brand name, similar to Mohawk Carpet, Ford Truck, Coors Beer and many more. The marketing possibilities are endless:
"Kirbylawns have curb appeal" "You can have a Kirbylawn, too." "The best lawn is a Kirbylawn"

Unless you are trying to change your target market or shift types of services offered, a complete name change may not help much and could hurt business. You don't want people to think that you closed one business and opened another one, do you?

[65hoss]

Of the choices you have I like Union Lawn & Landscape. It is the only one that really gives a picture of your company.

Suggestion: Union Lawnscapes, Inc.
Kirby Lawn Works, Inc.

Just something else to think about.

But, I'm not real sure (from marketing standpoint) if you should change. Might make some customers start to wonder if its the same co. From a former business man's standpoint, when I saw a name get changed I always had several questions pop into my head. 1. Is their new ownership or partner? 2. Is there a reason they are trying to become someone else?

Just be very careful, and do as I do when there is a big decision... Loose several nights sleep over it.
Eric

[MOW ED]

Ray,
Its not just a question of how it sounds but what do you think it will do to or for your business. You have been in business for years under a certain name and you have built up quite a bit of recognition as Kirby's Cuttin Edge. Do you think that you may lose some business by changing? I think initially you will be starting over in a sence of customer recognition (not your weekly customers of course)but I don't think it will be a major deal.
On the other hand it may help get more business as the "new kid on the block". So as you can tell I am not much help but I am interested on what you do and how it works. Good Luck.

If you had to change, I kinda like Union Turf Management Inc.

[John DiMartino]

Ray,I'm considering changing my name also,its a tough call.In your case Id just shorten it when you answer the phone.You have a good reputation,and in this day and age names are changing faster than your underwear,id kinda kie to remain the same-I guess its to show that ive been in business 11 yrs and im not a fly-by nighter.I thunk customers would be a little weary,i like your name the way it is,if you change it,use Union lawn &landscape.The turf-management is to much for your average lawn customer,they'll think your too expensive for their budget,or mostly big accounts only.Good luck

[TLS]

My names been Tommy's Lawn Service since 1980 registered it in 1988 and kept it. I think people think they still have that little "kid down the street" mowing their lawn and whatever price I charge, they are getting a good boy deal! I have several commercial accounts and my kid sounding name hasen't hindered them. If I ever incorporated, I would still call it T.L.S., Inc. and DBA Tommy's Lawn Service. A reputation goes much longer than a name. I would stick with Kirby's Cuttin(g) Edge Lawn Maintenance. Just answer the phone : Kirbys Lawn...how can I help you?

[SMB]

I think that you should keep your current name! We saw someone in Blacksburg, VA with the name "Grass Assassins" (on a nice enclosed trailer). Kirbys Cuttin' Edge sounds good to me!

[geogunn]

ray--keep the name. I think a while ago you posted a pic of your trailer and it was quite nice. I briefly checked your links also.

when you answer te phone jut give 'em a "KIRBYS LAWN". they know who they called.

all this extra sleep you're getting must have you thinking overtime!:)

GEO

[Eric ELM]

It's not the name that gets you work in my opinion, it's your outstanding work that gets you jobs. When I needed work, I carried a 3 ring binder with pictures of our work and people looked at them and before I gave a price, they would say, "I hope to see a picture of our lawn in there some day soon". You will always be Kirbys Lawn to me.

[Greenkeepers]

Ray-

I like Kirby's Cutting Edge but If you must change I think that the most professional name that covers all areas is the Union Turf Management.

Just my .02

I think this is one of the hardest decisions that a business owner has to make, Good Luck Kirb.

Mike
Greenkeepers

[davesgs75]

stay with Kirby's cuttin edge. i like it the best.

[Lazer]

I'm not so sure about the "cuttin' edge" part, but Kirby's is an EXCELLENT name: catchy, easy to remember and already has positive connotations connected to it.

[Grasscape Inc]

I like the last two on your list. The lawn and landscape may land you more residential, because the "turf" ones may be confused with a more industrial company. Depends on your niche.

[sunrise]

stick to Kirby's Lawn drop the cuttin edge
but if not don't pick a name with Union in it your in the south

[TGCummings]

I love Lanelle's response, and hope to have a Kirbylawn myself someday. Very catchy. :)

I think you should stick with the name you've got and just add the 'g' back into 'Cuttin' if you want to add a touch of professionalism. That looks to be the majority response here, too.

I, on the other hand, am entertaining a suitable name change for my company and I think it's appropriate. You've been very successful with your company as is, whereas I have not been. I need to target a different customer base, seperate myself better from the competition, and widen my areas of service into areas I do not see active around here (renovation, aeration, etc.).

Therefore, Cummings Lawn & Garden is set to move aside for Cummings Landscape Solutions.

I think in my sense it works. I just don't have the recognition or success in this that you have had to date. Not that I believe a simple name change of any sort will bring success about, but I need a fresh name to go with my fresh start. ;)

You, on the other hand, already are the business I strive to be. The plateaus I seek are valleys you've left behind.

You're Cutting Edge, brother. Simple as that. :D

-TGC

[KirbysLawn]

The reasons I wish to change are when a customer writes a check they usually run out of room. I've sent letters telling them to just write it to "Kirby's Lawn" but I still get the full version. When some looks at my uniform it usually takes them a minute to read what the name says and I need to get movin'. :)

And the biggest reason is I hope to move into the commercial side of the biz this fall had pictured a BOD looking at proposals from:

Metrolina Landscape
Charlotte Landscape Design
Enviormental Design Landscape (EDL)
Southern Tree
Kirby's Cuttin' Edge Lawn Maintenance

I know which one sounds like a hick to me.

Thanks for all the replies!

[DBALLARD]

Ray,

If you want to get away from the "Hick" sound or look

Cut it back to Kirbys

One of the big boys in our area is Byrds and they do just fine.

I like the sound of Kirbylawn the best.

Your reputation will take you further than your name any day.

[cos]

Union Turf Management

Definitely!. It sounds not only professional, but I think it will work better than kirby's cutting edge. Just my opinion. It's kinda like xerox. When people say xerox me a copy of that, it it is plain and clear what they mean. Though union turf Management is not as short as xerox, it sounds more professional to the ear when writing up professional proposals. This is the same reason why federal express change their name to fedex. It is easy to say and can be incorporated into daily talk, ie. "Fedex this please", or "send it it fedex". Hopefully people use the name plainly like "union",or UTM, kinda like UPS.

Keep us informed on your choice, Ray.

[Scraper]

I think I might change mine to Confederate Turf Management of Yankee Turf Management. :) Although the latter would probably get some negative connotations. hehe

Seriously though Kirb, I think you've got a good one as is. Just shorten it a bit like everone else says.

[lawrence stone]

Kirbylawn and go register that domain name today!!

[Turf Kutter]

Well I have an opinion to share this has nothing to do with landscaping but down here in florida the florida marlins lost lots and lots and some miami dolphins fans at this stadium that was the name by joe robbie stadium.Now the stadium`s name is pro player stadium and they lost lots of sales because of the name change so kirby you better think twice before you change your name.

[The Lawn Genie]

I'd keep it as is. Just don't say the whole thing when you answer the phone.

[Starling Lawn]

Ray,
How about KIRBY LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT?
or UNION LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT.
It keeps your service options open.
Dave

[Mowman]

Ray, if you are going to change, how does Kirby's Turf Management sound to you? I'm sure you will figure it out.
Mowman

[bob]

Ray, Remember "new Coke". I wouldn't change it. You've been established too long with Kirby's Cutting Edge.

[Acute Cut]

Just answer the phone "Kirbys Lawn Care." That is it. Simple and to the point.

Change isnt always good.
Acute Cut

[SLC1]

Keep the name the same, as said in the other posts, if you have been using the same name for 4 years than that must be good for something. Just answer the phone Kirby's how can I help you.

[Twotoros]

All I can say is get it closer to the front of the alphabet. I hardly get any calls with my yellow page ads but others I know with names in the first seven letters of the alphabet get 10x the calls I do. How about 'All Seasons'.

[landscaper3]

Hey Kirby unless you really pissed off some customers, KEEP your name. Dont use Union that word scares alot of people they might think your union and your employees might strike )))LOL.((( Keep it Kirbys cutting edge or KCE lawn maintenance.

[Southern Lawns]

Ray,
Union Lawn and Landscape,Inc. Sounds good to me.
Just my .02
Raymond

[Toddppm]

I would agree with Just adding the g, make it Kirbys Cutting Edge, sounds good. My bus name is much longer but i use the initials PPM on my logo, when i make return calls, everything. I add Lawn, Shrub+ Tree care on everthing that shows the logo so people know what we do right off the bat.
If you change it , Union lawn + landscape sounds good, shows you do things beside mow.

[lakegastonla]

If you want to add a touch of professionalism to your name, I would suggest that you incorporate and use one of the following behind your name: INC, INCORPORATED, LIMITED, COMPANY. These terms legally define you as a corporation.
Personally, my favorite is KIRBYLAWN, INC. The corporate form of business structure suggests solidity and longevity, and should help you out in terms of liabilities, also. Just my 2.5 cents worth.
Good luck, and I can relate to the problem of changing your name, as I am going through the SAME thing right now. I moved 20 miles from my previous location which puts me in a bit of a situation. I no longer live on Lake Gaston, and I do not think I should keep the name: Lake Gaston Lawn Services. Especially since I am ONLY targeting new business in the area I recently moved to. I plan to phase out some of the lake customers starting with the worst ones first.
Another tip: before you pick a name to incorporate, do a business name search at the secretary of state's web site. You can check to see if your name is in use by another company in real time, and then fill out a form to reserve your preferred name.(This form has to be mailed after it is printed with an application fee of fifty bucks.(plus or minus a few)Good luck, whatever you decide on, and DO keep us posted.


PS Your new name on this forum will henceforth be known as: The artist formally known as Kirby!! (Hey, the name thing worked for Prince, right?)

[LoneStarLawn]

I would keep the name...just answer Kirby's Cuttin Edge on the phone. But if you are going to change then
Union Lawn & Landscape, Inc. ( I too think of changing Lone Star Lawn Care..but I won't)

[Runner]

Ray, two words. GROUND EFFECTS.

[jaclawn]

What about: Super Duper Kirby's Cuttin' Edge Lawn and Landscape Grounds Maintenance Management Service Company Incorporated? dba Kirby's

[dhicks]

Keep the current name. It's unique and easy to remember.

[turfman99]

I think I see where your going with this Ray, and others need to think about this also. Your comparision to the other names is right on the money.

If you want to grow your business, even in staying in the lawn care/cutting business, you need a business name that is more inclusive of the entire spectrum of services a landscape contractor can offer. NOTE: I said landscape contractor. At some point in time, you all have to consider expanding your sevices beyond cutting grass. You have to become more full service. Your business name has to represent that.

When we all started out, most of us used our names in the business. When I finally got it together, I eliminated my name from the business name. I took out my first yellow pages add and it took off. The business has to assume an identity of it's own beyond the context of the owners name in order to be competitive in todays markets. If your business name cannot emcompass all your services under that nic, then it's not the right name.

Image is everything.

Union Lawn and Landscape or Union Landscape.

Just do it.Good Luck.

[HOMER]

I saw a trailer hauling what I think was a lawn mowing device of some sort the other day. On the side they had stenciled "GRASS CUTTING" with a phone #! If they can get business you can surely get it. If your operation is a neat and profesional one you will get where you want to with your existing name. Mine is 4-SEASONS LAWN CARE, I just answer the phone 4-Seasons and endorse my checks 4SLC. Keep it as is or go with "KIRBY'S GROUNDS MAINTENANCE", that covers all aspects in my opinion. Whatever you do don't put Union in there!

Homer

[jasonp]

How about Kirbys Lawn Inc. I dont really know but i think you will figure it out. Good luck.

[gusbuster]

Ray,
I would keep your current company name, but if you feel you must change your name, go with Union Lawn & Landscape, Inc.

You know my true name from our email exchange. I jointly run a pure commercial(no residential) maintenace company with my uncle and dad. We first had the name as J.J-L&S Commercial Grounds Maitenance. That didn't last to long. We now go by Curutchet Family Landscape Maintenace. We may not be big, but we do stay busy. We don't have to go around looking for work because of connections we have with a large sized local property managment comapny. We only bid on properties that are referred from our contact. This way we don't have to waste time writing proposals for nothing. Why do we get referals, we do awsome work at a fair price. That's what counts.

Good Luck
John
Hope your feeling better.

[BRL]

Keep the Kirby's somehow. Add the g in Cuttin' if you keep Cutting Edge or one of the many other options mentioned including Kirby. I don't agree with taking location names (like Union for that county) because chances are you will grow beyond Union County, and who knows, maybe become statewide, or even a multi state company. Think big. Good luck & let us know what you decide.

[crew]

I've considered a name change and decided to wait until I incorporate at the first of the year. There are way too many possibilities and I should not be given too many choices in life.
KIRBYS' TURF rolls right off my tounge! Otherwise I like the Union one.

[Getmow]

I vote with the rest. Your name is your business and your business should have your name.

[THEgr8ONE]

In my area the only people that change there name are the scrubs that keep getting sued

[Lawnmasters]

I recently had a transformation in our name. We went by Lawnmasters Lawn and Turf Care for several years when we mostly done lawn spraying and cutting. As we started to ask our clients about landscaping their new homes or businesses we would get "oh, you do that too?" So I gradually shifted to Lawnmasters Lawn and Landscape.
You could do the same, Kirbys Lawn and Landscape.
Good Luck on the decision,
Greg Pierce, CTP

[KirbysLawn]

That's good THEgr8ONE, lucky I don't live in "your area". Well, I really would not know that for sure since you are one of the one's who refuse to list you information or tell anyone who you are.

Ray

[Edited by KirbysLawn on 10-13-2000 at 10:50 PM]

[Grasscape Inc]

"Kirb Appeal Landscaping"

[thelawnguy]

I dont use a trade name and I have more business than I can handle. If you are lacking customers I doubt a name change will also change the quality of your work or the way you come across to potential customers. But, if the whole exercise is to find an excuse to repaint your trailer, then by all means, there were some good ideas presented here...

[diggerman]

I kind of like the idea of dropping Kirby and going with something like

Cutting Edge Lawn Care

with the line underneath being

Lawn Care thats state of the art

or

lawn care thats sharper than the rest

or

you'll get mow from us

The problem with Kirby is that they might think your service sucks, sorry couldn't resist.

[THEgr8ONE]

how about kirbys part time cutting service. we mow your 8000sq ft lawn on our days off

[KirbysLawn]

Originally posted by THEgr8ONE
how about kirbys part time cutting service. we mow your 8000sq ft lawn on our days off

Nope, sorry, longer name than the one I currently have.

[jeffyr]

I'd keep it the same. I like the name.

As far as answering the phone, can you just answer to "Cuttin Edge" ?

Don't go changin to try and please me.

Ha !

jeffyr

[Five Star Lawn Care LLC]

Not to down anyone out there that is using there name at the image for there company but whenever i see a lawn company like Robs lawns care or something i think it makes the company sound extremely unprefesional and small. I would go with Lawn Effects, it makes your company appear succesfull and well managed. A catchy company name is going to draw more customers than a company that is named after yourself.

[KirbysLawn]

I would really like to thank all of you for your time and input about this subject. While I appreciate the suggestions about keeping the current name, I really do want a change. Plus, we have 3 different "Cutting Edges" around here. I plan on entering the commercial market and feel I need a simple, easy to remember name to work with. If and when I would decide to sell the business I also feel a new, more professional name would be appropriate.

I have decided to change the name to "Union Turf Management, Inc.", or "Union Turf" for short. I have finished the new logo and am working on the web site now. Here is the logo: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=681893&a=4967155&p=31233255&Sequence=0&res=high

I hope to begin operations on 1-1-2001 as Union Turf with new logo, web site, lettering, uniforms, phone listing, and so on. Again, thanks all.

Ray

[leeslawncare]

I'am sure this may have already been asked but why ? are you changeing your name?. I would never change the name of my biz ...lots of confusion to the client plus new ones ...just wondering???????thanks ,,Lee

[KirbysLawn]

My very first post states why. As for confusion, I have 2 months to tell all of my current customers about the name change so no problem. Why would they be confused? Bell Atlantic changed to Verision I wasn't confused, just depends on how I handle it. :)

[Guido]

Logo looks good man, Good Luck with the transition, hope it all goes as planned. Let me know when your site comes out. My new AOL screenname is DIRTBOYDAVE, drop me a line sometime.

Later

[jrblawncare]

RAY,YOU HAVE A SHORT LAST NAME,I WOULD KEEP KIRBY IN THERE SOME HOW.I STARTED IN A NEW MARKET THIS YEAR,MOVED FROM UP-STATE NY,AT A FAMILY GET TOGETHER I ASKED FOR POSSIBLE BUSINESS NAMES {WE HAD FUN WITH THIS}ONE OF WHICH WAS"YANKEE CLIPPER"I CHOSE NOT TO USE THIS ONE!!!FOLKS KNOW WHERE I'M FROM AS SOON AS I TALK.GOOD LUCK JOHN

[Lawnworks]

First of all, I liked your name Kirby's cuttin edge. That was a very unique name that sticks in my head. I do like your new logo though. How did you do it? What are you going to do about the current logo and name on your trailor?

Rick
LawnWorks

[KirbysLawn]

I did my new logo on my laptop using MS Photo Draw 2. Took all of maybe 20 minutes, very easy to use program. My father-in-law is a Graphic Artist in West VA and he will do the new lettering for me.

[lawrence stone]

IMHO if you live in NC "Union" lawn care will get you as much business as "Yankee" lawn care.

You might end up like one of the Greensboro five.

http://www.harold-covington.com/Intro/intro.html

http://www.harold-covington.com/Chp_1-4/chp_1-4.html

[TJLC]

What is wrong with using your birth name for your company name? Chances of getting it confused with another companys name would be very slim. You wouldn't have to sit around trying to think of a "cute and catchy name". Im not trying rustle feathers just giving my honest opnion. I feel that customers respect you more when they see your real name on your truck. I hope I don't get kicked off for saying this. I appologize if I upset anyone.

[KirbysLawn]

Thanks Stone for the laugh, I sure hope not! Contrary to what some may think of the south, every time "Union" is heard we don't all run grab picket signs. Around here there are several successful "Union" companies, Union Electric, Union Plastics, Union Roofing, and so on. Having a business in a county named Union is different than having a business named Union in an area that has no counties named such. Hey, maybe I can put my logo on a picket sign!

Ray

[jaclawn]

Tink of what it will cost you. Throw away all of your stationary and buy new. Throw away all your truck signs, and buy new. Re-file all your INC forms. Throw away all your checks and buy new. Change the name at the bank. Change your account info at all suppliers.

What about the people that heard of Kirby, and look in the phone book a year from now looking for Kirby?

Lots of unreputable busniess do this to start fresh. They want to get rid of a bad rep with a new name. Not saying that you are doing this, but some potential customers may think that is the case.

[KirbysLawn]

Good points. I am currently preparing to order all new uniforms due to wear, my bank closed and I'm changing banks, I'm almost out of stationary so it's time to reorder, truck signs are free, web design is free, was not "Inc" before so this will be new, I use only 4-5 suppliers so that will be easy also. This is an idea I've considered for a while, now seems like the right time to do it.

Again, even if I shorten "Kirby's Cuttin' Edge Lawn Maintenance" to "Kirby's Lawn" I still have to change things. When someone ask my web address I now have to say "kirbycuttin.com, it's spelled cuttin, not cutting. Just saying unionturf.com will be much easier to remember and say.

Thanks for all the input.

[Eric ELM]

Are you changing your LawnSite Screen name too? That hasn't been mentioned unless I missed it and I don't miss to many posts in here. :)

[KirbysLawn]

Here is my new site: http://www.unionturf.com

Eric, not planning on changing my Lawnsite name.

[Scraper]

Nice looking site Kirby...gotta get me one soon!