The Green Industry's Resource Center

IBGreen · #1 08-31-2012, 09:34 PM

I have been out of the lawncare industry for some time. Kind of a strange and long tale. I operated a company here in Arkansas from early 2001 to late 2003. I actually joined the Army. I was 21 and the wars were going full fledge and I thought I belonged there. Became an Infantryman and in 2006 a Sniper, went to Iraq and did all kinds of things there. I am still in as an instructor. I was injured really bad last year and now I should be out within 100 days. I have enjoyed my time in the Army, but my leg is just too messed up to do any good. Basically now I am a gimp. However, the Army has taken absolutely wonderful care of myself and my family and I will basically be retiring at 30. I liked working for myself in the lawncare industry. I can still run a ZTR, but with this leg I may not be the best guy for walking around and doing all the trimming. May have to find a helper.

Just wondering about the financial climate of the industry now. With this whole "recession" thing I am just wondering how everyone is doing as compared to before. Would it be worth my time coming back into it? I need something to do anyhow.

orangemower · #2 08-31-2012, 10:52 PM

First and foremost, thank you for fighting to keep our country free and for all you have suffered. My hats off to you.

If you feel you can handle the everyday tasks and can afford to hire on a helper then I would go a head and start scouting to see what the market will bare in your area. If it's good enough then go for it.

For me, this year has been my best year so far after 5 years. I've grown from taking a lose the first year or two, to having the best year to date. This month alone is up 300% from last years numbers! I've worked everyday for 44 straight days. If it doesn't rain on Monday, it will be 47.

BeachysLawn · #3 09-01-2012, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangemower

First and foremost, thank you for fighting to keep our country free and for all you have suffered. My hats off to you.

I will second that.

There are plenty of Debbie Downers on here that will say stay away, its not worth it. They are absolutely wrong. Don't let their talk or news of the 'recession' scare you off. There is plenty of work to be found and plenty of money to be made.

orangemower · #4 09-01-2012, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeachysLawn

I will second that.

There are plenty of Debbie Downers on here that will say stay away, its not worth it. They are absolutely wrong. Don't let their talk or news of the 'recession' scare you off. There is plenty of work to be found and plenty of money to be made.

In my second season I was still taking a lose and was starting to get skeptical about it all even with a business plan drawn out. Then someone told me that there's TONS of money out there, you just have to look for it. No words could be more true. Look I did and now I'm on my way to a record season. This has all come to me without a dime spent on advertizing.

chagh2.0 · #5 09-01-2012, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBGreen

I have been out of the lawncare industry for some time. Kind of a strange and long tale. I operated a company here in Arkansas from early 2001 to late 2003. I actually joined the Army. I was 21 and the wars were going full fledge and I thought I belonged there. Became an Infantryman and in 2006 a Sniper, went to Iraq and did all kinds of things there. I am still in as an instructor. I was injured really bad last year and now I should be out within 100 days. I have enjoyed my time in the Army, but my leg is just too messed up to do any good. Basically now I am a gimp. However, the Army has taken absolutely wonderful care of myself and my family and I will basically be retiring at 30. I liked working for myself in the lawncare industry. I can still run a ZTR, but with this leg I may not be the best guy for walking around and doing all the trimming. May have to find a helper.

Just wondering about the financial climate of the industry now. With this whole "recession" thing I am just wondering how everyone is doing as compared to before. Would it be worth my time coming back into it? I need something to do anyhow.

You should be just fine just take it slow and it will good rehab I wish you all the luck and thank you

GMLC · #6 09-01-2012, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBGreen

I have been out of the lawncare industry for some time. Kind of a strange and long tale. I operated a company here in Arkansas from early 2001 to late 2003. I actually joined the Army. I was 21 and the wars were going full fledge and I thought I belonged there. Became an Infantryman and in 2006 a Sniper, went to Iraq and did all kinds of things there. I am still in as an instructor. I was injured really bad last year and now I should be out within 100 days. I have enjoyed my time in the Army, but my leg is just too messed up to do any good. Basically now I am a gimp. However, the Army has taken absolutely wonderful care of myself and my family and I will basically be retiring at 30. I liked working for myself in the lawncare industry. I can still run a ZTR, but with this leg I may not be the best guy for walking around and doing all the trimming. May have to find a helper.

Just wondering about the financial climate of the industry now. With this whole "recession" thing I am just wondering how everyone is doing as compared to before. Would it be worth my time coming back into it? I need something to do anyhow.

Thanks for your service.

If you enjoy the industry and have good business sence go for it!!
Posted via Mobile Device

IBGreen · #7 09-01-2012, 11:39 PM

Thanks guys. I will look some locals up on here and ask them how it's going. I probably won't be out until Feb/March timeframe anyhow. I have plenty of time to strategize.
Posted via Mobile Device

pseudosun · #8 09-02-2012, 01:29 AM

In my area, louisiana, i'm at a point where i have to turn people down. I just prefer a one man operation. This year i got rid of some bad customers and picked up great new ones. I've been wanting to weed them out for a while. It's out there. Just don't put a flyer on a door where another yardman is working at that moment. That happened to me.

orangemower · #9 09-02-2012, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pseudosun

In my area, louisiana, i'm at a point where i have to turn people down. I just prefer a one man operation. This year i got rid of some bad customers and picked up great new ones. I've been wanting to weed them out for a while. It's out there. Just don't put a flyer on a door where another yardman is working at that moment. That happened to me.

Is this some type of deterrent to not put a flyer on a home just because another company does it? The term "free market" comes to mind. I'm a professional lawn care provider and wouldn't hesitate to drop off a flyer or other means of contact info. I don't drive around looking for places that have a company service the place but if the property is in a area I service and I want to expand then I'll wave and walk right past them.

IBGreen · #10 09-03-2012, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangemower

Is this some type of deterrent to not put a flyer on a home just because another company does it? The term "free market" comes to mind. I'm a professional lawn care provider and wouldn't hesitate to drop off a flyer or other means of contact info. I don't drive around looking for places that have a company service the place but if the property is in a area I service and I want to expand then I'll wave and walk right past them.

"Free market" is one thing. Tact is another.