Anyone from Knoxville,TN?

[TScapes]

I was curious to see how many in here are from Knoxville or the immediate surrounding areas. If so, who are you and what services do you provide?

[thepondman2]

hello tscapes, i'm just up the interstate from ya in greeneville. i'm just starting my business but i offer general landscaping and maintnance,watergardens,pavers,stonescaping,lightscaping,&timberscaping

[TScapes]

Hey Pondman- I read your profile... did you work for someone up your way when you ran a crew? I actually looked at the O'Charleys up your way, (4 to be exact). There was one in JC, Bristol, Morristown and Kingsport, but it wasn't justified for me to send guys that far for 1/2 day of window time. By the way, we do mostly maintenance for 100% commercial props. Most of our installs come from enhancements, but am trying to get hooked up with some developers to exploit that area more.

[TScapes]

Hey Pondman- I read your profile... did you work for someone up your way when you ran a crew? I actually looked at the O'Charleys up your way, (4 to be exact). There was one in JC, Bristol, Morristown and Kingsport, but it wasn't justified for me to send guys that far for 1/2 day of window time. By the way, we do mostly maintenance for 100% commercial props. Most of our installs come from enhancements, but am trying to get hooked up with some developers to exploit that area more.

[thepondman2]

hey tscapes, yeah i worked for evergreen in j.c. for a few years but got sidetracked in drywall for the last 6 yrs, but i always wanted to do my own thing in landscaping. the oppurtunity arose for me to follow my dream and here i am ready for springand hopefully some business

[joshlawn]

I was curious to see how many in here are from Knoxville or the immediate surrounding areas. If so, who are you and what services do you provide?


Greetings TScapes, I'm from Knoxville too, so far I only do maintenance on both residential and commercial properties. Mowing, trimming, blowing mulching and hedge trimming for now until I can learn to do other things. Maybe we can become friendly competitors, or network from time to time.

Josh Armstrong
West Knox Lawns LLC
(865) 692-4244

[ClippersLC]

Hey TScapes, I am just up the interstate in Nashville. I Am mainly just a mowing guy. I do very little landscaping. Although I do mulching, tree work, Areation, fertilizing, Dethatching and things like that also. payup

[Something D]

Tri Cities area here.

[rodzilla94]

hey Tscapes I'm from Clinton , oak ridge area i do maintenance residential for now the basics but i do mulch alot thats it.....nice to see someone close on this site :waving:

[scagboy227]

Hey everyone im from johnson city here i do mowing trimming blowing mulching and more.

[vanderbilt]

tscapes edenscapes here tri-state(tenn.n.c.georgia) lawn,mulch,softscapes,painting Murphy,N.C. area :waving: :waving:

[TScapes]

Vanderbilt, what's up with that name? You won't get any true responses in east tn with that name!

So you are from the Murphey area? I did the mowing for a season up at the Topoca Lodge, that was a haul in a half from here. I did it for a favor of a friend. Too many snakes (rattlesnakes) and too many crazy bikers passing you to make the trip worth while.

Good to hear from you! Good luck this season! Don't get washed away with all this rain!

[TScapes]

Greetings TScapes, Maybe we can become friendly competitors, or network from time to time.

Josh Armstrong
West Knox Lawns LLC
(865) 692-4244


Josh,

Do you mind me asking what companies you worked for. You don't have to say the name, use a nickname if you like. I am familiar with mostly the larger, older companies (TGLC, Brightside, Volntr, CmnGrds, Estwd, L/L Profs, etc...). I have worked for two of the ones mentioned, but I know and have hired people from all of them at one time or another.
I would love to get together sometime and shoot the dirt with you! I have been talking to several people I know about the need for an organization locally for our industry, that would include all the vendors as well. An organization such as this would help give us all recognition, a sense of commrodery and hopefully educate everyone so that we all benefit. After all, if we all are true professionals then we can learn from one another and hopefully the end result will be that everyone will raise their prices and we all can fatten our wallets as a result of it. payup

[joshlawn]

Josh,

Do you mind me asking what companies you worked for. You don't have to say the name, use a nickname if you like. I am familiar with mostly the larger, older companies (TGLC, Brightside, Volntr, CmnGrds, Estwd, L/L Profs, etc...). I have worked for two of the ones mentioned, but I know and have hired people from all of them at one time or another.
I would love to get together sometime and shoot the dirt with you! I have been talking to several people I know about the need for an organization locally for our industry, that would include all the vendors as well. An organization such as this would help give us all recognition, a sense of camaraderie and hopefully educate everyone so that we all benefit. After all, if we all are true professionals then we can learn from one another and hopefully the end result will be that everyone will raise their prices and we all can fatten our wallets as a result of it. payup


I have worked for both Volunteer Lawn, and Bare Foot Grass in the past.
Barefoot doesn't even operate any more, they changed names to Emerald something or another and only have about a quarter of the business they used to, I believe. I have also worked for J&A Lawn Service and Green Leaf Lawns, but those two don't count because they were way too small to amount to much. They did pay alot though.
As far as starting a local Lawn association, group or such, it was tried before by Lesco several years back but the meetings always lacked participants. The meetings/events were usually always after 6pm, but like I said hardly anyone ever showed up for them. If there were an organization/group formed, it may be best to keep conversations/ideas and such online(Like here in this forum), so the LCO's who don't have time to make appearance's can still participate when it's convenient for them.

[TScapes]

Interesting.... I too worked for Barefoot back in the day. We probably know some of the same people. I worked there while I was at UT back in gosh, I dunno.... 92-94? I still see and talk to Jeff Miller every once in a while. I see CJ, and hear about 'ol Brad (more than I care to).

As for Lesco's attempt. Jim told me about that several years ago when I moved back here from Atlanta and was bragging about MALTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Lawn & Turf Association). We have discussed the idea some in conversation over the last year or so, but agree that there would have to be sincere interest in it before it would be taken anywhere. I mentioned and informal get together or just a simple questionarre sent to the masses to see what kind of responses we would get.

[joshlawn]

Interesting.... I too worked for Barefoot back in the day. We probably know some of the same people. I worked there while I was at UT back in gosh, I dunno.... 92-94? I still see and talk to Jeff Miller every once in a while. I see CJ, and hear about 'ol Brad (more than I care to).

That's about the time frame when I worked there, or maybe even shortly after. I see Brad every once in a while though I haven't heard anything from him or about him, and unfortunately I don't remember anyone else from there. It's been so long ago, it's hard to remember any of it.


As for Lesco's attempt. Jim told me about that several years ago when I moved back here from Atlanta and was bragging about MALTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Lawn & Turf Association). We have discussed the idea some in conversation over the last year or so, but agree that there would have to be sincere interest in it before it would be taken anywhere. I mentioned and informal get together or just a simple questionarre sent to the masses to see what kind of responses we would get.

Expect only a few responses from the questionnaire sent out, because most people don't seem to have time or the energy to attend these things. It would be nice to have a few meetings or events.

[TScapes]

So most of your experience is in the turf application area, correct? How did you get into the mowing?

Do you just mainly do residentials? I bet you hang out on Northshore alot, since that seems to be the HOT area for them. When I was with another company, all of our residentials where from Sequoah Hills down and off Northshore (Kensington, Westmoreland, Whittington Creek and on down towards Choto). It seems as though we had 2-3 crews that pretty much just stayed on Northshore all the time.

I just do commercial now, it is an entirely differnt beast. But I prefer commercials to residentials, though residentials will bombard you with "Enhancements" all the time if you do good work.

[vanderbilt]

T-scapes yeah I worked for Terminix years ago used to go to tapoca lodge all the time. You're right, a lot of driving between accounts here but just have to charge more per account. I run mostly Cherokee and Clay counties and the building boom here is incredible. Started with lawn service branched into landscaping like a lot of guys do and then started painting. Nice to sit still for 2 weeks and do a 2 story house before hitting the road again. I'm looking at getting into paver work-most of my clients are in the $200,000-$300,000 range and rock work and paver work fits the bill. In business it's grow or die. Any ways thanks for the response,if it keeps raining I'll go into the boat building business.

[joshlawn]

So most of your experience is in the turf application area, correct? How did you get into the mowing?

Do you just mainly do residentials? I bet you hang out on Northshore alot, since that seems to be the HOT area for them. When I was with another company, all of our residentials where from Sequoah Hills down and off Northshore (Kensington, Westmoreland, Whittington Creek and on down towards Choto). It seems as though we had 2-3 crews that pretty much just stayed on Northshore all the time.

I actually only have 1.5 years experience in turf application with Barefoot, and about 6 months with Volunteer doing a little bit of mowing, leaf clean-up, aerating and such. Most of my mowing experience comes from working with my step father (J&A Lawn, and Green Leaf Lawn).

As far as my market share, I have mostly residential at the moment which is spread all over town.


I just do commercial now, it is an entirely differnt beast. But I prefer commercials to residentials, though residentials will bombard you with "Enhancements" all the time if you do good work.


This is where I want to be in the next couple of years. Commercial is pretty straight forward, which is what I like. Residential is less dependable and involves more drive time. Unless of course, you can get several homes in the same neighborhood or area.

Do you have any advice for getting commercial business?

[TScapes]

A lot of people seem to do the cold calling thing. I, too, have done that as most large companies were based on this practiced. The largest companies in the country have and still participate in this practice. You have to do it to atleast compile a log of properties and contacts. The way to differentiate yourself from the others is to find out what your speciality is, if you have one. Basically, what separates you from your competition? Why should a property owner or manager use your service as opposed to Joe Smow? This how you have to think and then present yourself to these type of properties. You have to ask the right questions and listen for the right answers.
Ask who their current contractor is, ask what type of services are they getting now, are they happy with their current vendor, what is their budget or are they willing to provide you with that information, what is their contract length or do they utilize a contract. Once you can get past the initial phone call, you can generally find this information out. Most people will answer no, we are not interested in you providing us with a bid. You have to find a way to converse with them to enable them to realize that you are offering your services to them and that you have something to offer that they can use. You don't want to seem pushy, but you do want to be professional and persistant.
Basically, you are simply introducing yourself and your company to them in hopes of being able to provide them with a proposal / bid. It may take you a couple of calls to even get that opportunity, but the more information you can aquire, the more information you can file into a system on that potential client. Most props take bids on calendar years, some are quarterly, some are mid season, and others are Sept. or Oct.
For instance, there is a property that I have called on for 3 years now trying to get an invite to bid, but they are set in their ways and have used the same vendor for 10+ years. I was finally able to convince them to allow me to show them what I can do for them and was able to bid a property. I did not get the property, but I developed that relationship, and whenever I call them now, they know who I am and are receptive to my conversations. Just recently they called me and had me look at a property they just bought. Well I did, and I signed the contract July 1st for $48,000.00. It just shows that persistance and professionalism pays off.

[joshlawn]

A lot of people seem to do the cold calling thing. I, too, have done that as most large companies were based on this practiced. The largest companies in the country have and still participate in this practice. You have to do it to atleast compile a log of properties and contacts. The way to differentiate yourself from the others is to find out what your speciality is, if you have one. Basically, what separates you from your competition? Why should a property owner or manager use your service as opposed to Joe Smow? This how you have to think and then present yourself to these type of properties. You have to ask the right questions and listen for the right answers.
Ask who their current contractor is, ask what type of services are they getting now, are they happy with their current vendor, what is their budget or are they willing to provide you with that information, what is their contract length or do they utilize a contract. Once you can get past the initial phone call, you can generally find this information out. Most people will answer no, we are not interested in you providing us with a bid. You have to find a way to converse with them to enable them to realize that you are offering your services to them and that you have something to offer that they can use. You don't want to seem pushy, but you do want to be professional and persistant.
Basically, you are simply introducing yourself and your company to them in hopes of being able to provide them with a proposal / bid. It may take you a couple of calls to even get that opportunity, but the more information you can aquire, the more information you can file into a system on that potential client. Most props take bids on calendar years, some are quarterly, some are mid season, and others are Sept. or Oct.
For instance, there is a property that I have called on for 3 years now trying to get an invite to bid, but they are set in their ways and have used the same vendor for 10+ years. I was finally able to convince them to allow me to show them what I can do for them and was able to bid a property. I did not get the property, but I developed that relationship, and whenever I call them now, they know who I am and are receptive to my conversations. Just recently they called me and had me look at a property they just bought. Well I did, and I signed the contract July 1st for $48,000.00. It just shows that persistance and professionalism pays off.


I can't thank you enough for all of that valuable information. My current marketing strategy wasn't working the way I had hoped. Which consisted of advertising in the local papers and distributing flyer's with different offers. Now my next move will be to telemarket (cold call) as much as I can to build the bridges necessary to make it on my own next year.

Again thanks for the advice :D ,

[TScapes]

Josh-

This is a side item.... but do you do your own servicing of equipment? If not, where do you get it done? I use Commercial Cutting in Maryville and have for years. There is NO ONE in town, they seem to all be on the outer edges... (ie: Powell Power on Clinton Hwy, Maryville, Farragut.... unless you count Mayo)

[joshlawn]

Josh-

This is a side item.... but do you do your own servicing of equipment? If not, where do you get it done? I use Commercial Cutting in Maryville and have for years. There is NO ONE in town, they seem to all be on the outer edges... (ie: Powell Power on Clinton Hwy, Maryville, Farragut.... unless you count Mayo)


TScapes,
I do repair alot of my own equipment which obviously helps me save that hard earned money. However, I know of a guy that may be able to help you, I believe his name is Jeff. I found his ad in the Knoxville news sentinel a couple of weeks ago, -"MOWER AND Small Engine repair. Servicing all brands and makes. Exmark, Skag, Great Dane, John Deere, Gravely, Lesco, Stihl, Red Max, Shindaiwa, Husky, Honda, Kawasaki, Briggs, Kohler, Robin and others. Walk-behinds, riders, push mowers, chainsaws, weedeaters, blowers, chippers, cement mixers, aerators, de-thatchers, generators, edger's, even motorcycles, go-karts and mini-bikes, and more Commercial Equipment Specialist but also available to repair homeowners' equipment. If it has an engine and it's broke WE CAN FIX IT! 865-776-3914 or 694-0002 OPEN 8 to 5 Monday-Sat."- I have used him once so far to repair a velke wheel and tire. The repair was an easy one, but I just didn't feel like messing with it at the time. A new tire, tube and a few dings in the rim hammered out ended up costing me $25. I was pretty surprised at the price, and happy with the work. His shop is located in Forrest Ridge apartment complex close to where Middlebrook Pike and Hardin Valley Rd meet. He is the maintenance guy there, but moonlights as a small engine mechanic. Very nice guy, and seems pretty knowledgeable too. If it helps, "U.S. Lawns" which has a shop close to this guys shop, has an exclusive maintenance contract with him. Their not the biggest LCO, but it just lends credibility to his name.

Hope this helps,

[TScapes]

Hey ya'll! Just wondering if any of you do turf apps or apply pesticides at all. The reason I am asking is that I was wondering if you have all your points for TDA. I have to find 3 somewhere before the deadline.

[TScapes]

C'mon y'all! Let's get this thing going again!:blob3:

[Flat Top Lawn]

i'm located in maryville

[TScapes]

Flattop,

I bet it's a little chilly out your way this morning! Tonight I believe it is supposed to get down to 35 or so. I love this time of year! Grass is slowing down and the colors here are on the way to peak showing!

[Hard Worker]

We're from Rockwood, just a few miles west from ya. Give me an email if you would like. :waving:

[MOOSE]

Hey Guys, I use to mow down there in Knoxville. I worked for Knoxville Lawn Care or Emeralde Green. They were both the same company. Knox lawn was the cutting part & Emerald was the application part.

Hey Joshlawn, Did Barefoot go on to become Emerald Green or something else. Just curious.

[joshlawn]

Hey Guys, I use to mow down there in Knoxville. I worked for Knoxville Lawn Care or Emeralde Green. They were both the same company. Knox lawn was the cutting part & Emerald was the application part.

Hey Joshlawn, Did Barefoot go on to become Emerald Green or something else. Just curious.

I believe they did change names long after I was gone. Anyway, I'm sure I've seen the old owner(Brad) of Barefoot driving the Emerald Green van in my area.

[TScapes]

MOOSE,

Brad did go to Trugreen-Landcare for a while, as was part of his "Buyout" but soon got fired from there. He is now doing lawn apps and mowing (occasional landscaping) at Emerald Island (or something like that).

Infact, he supposively hired a guy that was TGLC production manager for a while, before going to another company for 2-3 years and getting fired. I am not too worried about Brad. He always finds a way to piss people off sooner or later.:)