Why did you start your biz?

[eslawns]

I always wonder what motivates people like us to do this, given the odds against success. I did it because (1) it gave me some flexibility to do something besides work, and (2) I'm pretty stubborn (frequently caused heartburn with employers) and (3) I made more money on Saturday cutting grass than I did 50+ hrs a week at the old job.

I've stayed with it because I like it, and I have some goals that are not likely to be reached the old way. I don't know what you guys' long term goals are, but I want OUT OF DEBT!!!! I have paid off so many bills it's pretty sickening. Still have a few to go, but if things stay the same as this past season, the only payment I'll have this time next year is my mortgage.

[KirbysLawn]

I hope to retire in 6 years from Medic at age 42. I have never worked a 9-5 job and wished to own my own business. I started a company 10 years ago teaching assorted medical classes and sold it in 1996, I then started this business. My plan is to have my business up and running in 6 years with every piece of equipment paid for, time will tell.

My current work schedule allows me the luxury to start slowly, and progress as needed. I also am stubborn and sometime a little vocal with management.

[scottb]

On my day job I work for a Japaense company and Im really tirirng of it. I also run a Chicken farm for Perdue (man do I hate Chickens) it pays for my farm though. I have a 5 year plan and hope to be doing Lawncare full time. I like the hours,and I really like working for myself. I am starting really slow an I also have a goal of having everthing paid for before I go full time. The area of NC I live in is growing very rapidly so if I do a quality work I should make a good living which is all I want any way. I too am a little stubborn and man do the Japs hate that. So being my own boss is by far the best bet for me.

[parkwest]

Never did like the idea of someone else telling me what to do, how to do it, when to do it, where to do it, when to go to work, when to go home, when to eat, when to sleep, and to have to get permission to take a day off.

[Turf Cutters]

I started mowing lawns to stay in shape because I'm a firefighter. I like working outdoors and being my own boss plus the money is better than from a 9-5 job. My wife has been doing this with me for 6 years. It gives us more time togather. She had worked upper mangement, too many hours and alot of stress.

[dmk395]

I started because I figured as a student it would pay better than a regular summer job, now four years later upon graduation I think it will become my regular job!

[Charles]

I like being self employed. Work harder and faster and you make more money. I like that. Being outside is nice most of the time.

[Twotoros]

Bosses always hated me because I could never get my nose brown enough to suit them. Low paying jobs in my (red)neck of the woods were a reason. Now when I work hard I get paid properly.

[leeslawncare]

Well i started my biz part time when my wife left me 7 yrs. ago.Started out because i flat needed some extra cash .I work full time for a folding carton manufacture from 6:30 till 2:30 that gives me plenty of daylight to do quite a bit of work before dark,Now i'am still a part time pro but i hope to start full time in a couple of years.It's bad when you can make more money in 3hrs than you made in 8hrs !!!!!!!

[Just Cut]

I started in this business because I like to run my own show. Right now I work in a factory a Heating and Refrigeration Tech. The atmosphere is harsh concerning managment. I can make more money and best of all I enjoy the outdoors and what I am doing. I hope to go full time next season

[Mowman]

STARTED 3 YEARS AGO AFTER NOT GETTING A RAISE FROM MY EMPLOYER SINCE 1996. AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT YOUR ARE IN A LEVEL PAY SCALE FOR THE JOB YOU DO. I ENJOY DRIVING FORKTRUCK SO I'M STUCK AT THE PAY THEY SAY. IN THE SEVENTY'S I WORKED FOR MY BEST FRIEND'S DAD'S LAWN SERVICE AND REALLY ENJOYED IT. WHEN HE WENT TO COLLEGE HIS DAD OFFERED ME THE BIZ. MY DAD TOLD ME THERE WAS NO MONEY IN MOWING LAWNS. NOW HE THINKS A LITTLE DIFFERENT. IN FACT HE HELPED ME BUY MY WALKER THIS YEAR AND SAID YOU GO SON. I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO YOU WHEN YOU WANTED TO BUY OUT JIM. I DON'T HAVE ALOT OF BIZ YET BUT THEY JUST KEEP COMING. THERE ARE DAYS I MAKE MORE IN ONE DAY THAN I MAKE WORKING 40 HOURS FOR THOSE ********. HOPE TO GO FULL TIME IN A FEW YEARS. MAKE YOURSELF RICH NOT SOMEONE ELSE. THAT'S WHAT I THINK. GOOD LUCK.
Mowman

[jeffyr]

Good topic ESlawn. I've enjoyed reading all of your stories.

My reason is simple. I was not satisfied at my FT job and had an Ahole boss. After 2 seasons, I thought I was ready to go full time LCO, when my FT job company was bought out and the situation improved, more money and respect. Now I have too much time and money invested in my biz to just let it go....the FT job is still not as satisfying as working for myself in the outdoors, but it is regular w/benefits for the family.

jeffyr

[lawnboy11]

Freedom.

[Toddppm]

The great outdoors, and always doing something different and challenging

[osc]

"freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose, nothin' ain't worth nothin' mama but it's free"
-Kris Kristofferson

Just thought I'd add that useless piece of information.

[Edited by osc on 11-08-2000 at 12:06 AM]

[TJLC]

All of the above plus I was making $6.00 per hr. here in FL before starting my lawn business!!! Needless to say I'm making more now!!!

[bob]

See Charles's answer!

[landscaper3]

Thats easy: Just like being my own boss and only have myself to answer too If I do something wrong.

[MOW ED]

I have lots of spare time when I am home from the fire department. About 6 years ago I heard a mower start up across the street from me, it was 2 guys in a Pontiac starfire pulling a 2x4 trailer with 2 Honda WB's on it. They were doing my neighbors lawn.

I could do that and I did.

[Ocutter]

I started because I loved the idea of making something look better. It is MY ideas and creations people admire. The old jobs had all the same syndrome, too many chiefs not enough indians. Got tired real quick when people were promoted just because they kissed butt.

[dhenegar]

I started working part-time for UPS about 5 years ago. I work the midnight shift so I needed something to do during the day before I could ever go full time there. So I decided to start cutting grass. Now I have around 30 accounts and still taking on more work. It really is working great! I have at least three more years before I can start driving, just not sure what to do with my buisness when that day comes.

[Rodg]

I am a teacher-I have two daughters college bound-enough said?

[Duncan IN]

I have seen to many people go to college and get a degree and come out making only 8-12$ an hour. Why not make 20+ and enjoy the outdoors!

[gusbuster]

I've been in this business all of my life except the 2 years I worked as a C.H.P. officer. Even when attending college, I cut grass working for my dad.

What made me want to work for myself? My dad! I didn't want to get a boss like him.My dad didn't know when work was done. I didn't like having to gas the truck up after work hours or doing maintenance on machines when I should be home relaxing. Don't get me wrong,but as a boss, well I'll be nice. As my father, I couldn't have a better father. Now If I only could get him to retire and sell me his route.

Like everyone else, I'm independent and don't like being told to do something. I like to do things my way. Sometimes I do wish I worked for the goverment again. Can't beat the benifits. That's the only downside of being your own boss.
John

[Toroguy]

Debt, freedom, no bennies, etc.
It isnt NASA, but its great!

[Southern Lawns]

Working outside, location changes, variety, challenging in the way that this is my first business venture. Currently working in the fiber optics business (past 11 years), 12 hour day/midnight shifts 14 days a month. Sounds good until you break it down. For the most part you are soooo haggard and worn out on most of those days off that all you can do is relax, your get up and go got up and went! Not to mention feeling like a caged animal being cooped up inside for 12 hours day after day. Oh did I mention I work with my wife :) Soooooo
We decided for her to stay (better suited for that type work and to keep the medical benee$) and for me to venture!! Hence the start of Southern Lawns and Landscaping. One man show right now but will expand to a max of a 3to4 man crew as business dictates. I truely want to offer a good service for a good price with customer satisfaction in mind. I believe honesty is the best policy and hopefully we will be a success. Have about 33 working days left in fiber and then it's Lawn and Landscaping all the way. 2001 gonna be a good year. Hard work but worth it.
Great forum all!!!!!!!!! Appreciate all the advice and chat.
Raymond

[Edited by Southern Lawns on 11-09-2000 at 01:39 PM]