Solo Boys

[bulhead19]

Well to start I'm 21. This is my first year doing full time business. I mow, snowplow, simple maintenance like mulching, hedges pruning, small tree work, junk haul etc for residential and some smaller commercial. I have good equipment like an f350 ferris mowers stihl/husq equipment. I gross from 800-1700 a week by myself. I am just curious what other solo operators gross a week. I am just trying to figure out if I'm on the right track for growth an such. I know there are many factors involved but i'm just looking for a general # solo guys are doing. Thanks for the input.

[C Jovingo Landscaping]

I am solo part time for 3 seasons, with plans for full time next spring. I gross abt $500 in 1 day mowing all my accts. During mulch season I can gross up to $2000 a week mulching & mowing.
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[Dave does lawns]

I am solo of 3 years and I gross $1,700/week. I am sure I could do a lot more but this is enough for me, and I do not work full days. I average about 4-5 hours/day 5 day/week.

Mowing is only a paycheck for me, I make my money doing spring & fall clean ups.

[BINKY1902]

Just pay attention to profit margin/net and you'll do fine. One person may be grossing $1,000/week and netting $400, while another may be grossing $1,000 and making $75. It is always good to make out an income statement every month to keep tabs on it. At the end of the year just combine them into one. Good luck sounds like you're off to a good start.

[corey4671]

Originally Posted by Dave does lawns

I am solo of 3 years and I gross $1,700/week. I am sure I could do a lot more but this is enough for me, and I do not work full days. I average about 4-5 hours/day 5 day/week.

Mowing is only a paycheck for me, I make my money doing spring & fall clean ups.

I'm in my 5th year solo. This year I am up to $2085 gross per week mowing. I work a good 9-10 hours Tues-Friday and then about 4 hours on Saturday morning. It has taken me up to this year to get up to these numbers and now I'm going through and deciding who I want to cull out. I've added quite a few new customers this season. I couldn't figure out why the sudden influx of calls and emails until a few days ago just out of curiosity, I googled lawn care and the city I work in. Low and behold, I was the top UNPAID result in Google. Not sure how that happened but it explains all the calls and emails. I wish I had gone into this full time at 21 instead of waiting til 30.

[cgaengineer]

I pay a lot to the IRS and other things like insurance, , payroll maintenace and fuel...

After all of the business related stuff we run a non-profit organization.

No wonder so many people operate illegally. Are people tired of paying too much in taxes yet? I know I am. Every time I turn around I have to pay something to keep the govt off my back...today it was $300 for two medical cards, DOT inspection sticker and yesterday it was $300 for two tires that had another 3000 miles on them...

There is no money in grass cutting if that's what you are asking...
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[MOW ED]

Originally Posted by BINKY1902

Just pay attention to profit margin/net and you'll do fine. One person may be grossing $1,000/week and netting $400, while another may be grossing $1,000 and making $75. It is always good to make out an income statement every month to keep tabs on it. At the end of the year just combine them into one. Good luck sounds like you're off to a good start.

I would have to say that this is the best advise yet. My hourly rate or per job rate or whatever everyone else charges may just help you lose money. If you assume that I make a certain amount then you would have to do the same to feel good. It isn't that easy. We all may generally make a certain amount during the week but the advice above is solid. Know what comes in, but know what goes out. Anyone can mow lawns not everyone can run a lawn care business. Good Luck.

[cgaengineer]

The questions to ask is...how much do you wish you grossed per week?
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[POWDER SL,UT]

Your average gross is $1250 a week as a solo operator, but you're equipment and vehicle poor, so I wonder if you overspend in other aspects of your business as well. Your profit can't be that great with just the cost of three (3) trucks as a solo guy. My appologies for being a bit direct, but you asked.

[TuffWork]

Originally Posted by cgaengineer

I pay a lot to the IRS and other things like insurance, , payroll maintenace and fuel...

After all of the business related stuff we run a non-profit organization.

No wonder so many people operate illegally. Are people tired of paying too much in taxes yet? I know I am. Every time I turn around I have to pay something to keep the govt off my back...today it was $300 for two medical cards, DOT inspection sticker and yesterday it was $300 for two tires that had another 3000 miles on them...

There is no money in grass cutting if that's what you are asking...
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Heard that. You can make money Solo, but you can't make any real money running a few crews. At that point you really just have keep the mowing around to keep labor and cash flow around for the real jobs. (and for customer contact)

To all you solo guys: Don't think the guy running a business is doing much better than you are. I don't net much more than most of you and I have four employees, and a boat load of headaches. In fact, I would be willing to bet there are a few of you who make much more than me by having the right clientele at the right price.

The flip side to that is.... I don't have to push a lawnmower any more. Which is good cause my knees can't take it.