The Green Industry's Resource Center

BradLewisLawnCare · #1 07-25-2011, 06:07 PM

I have been planning to introduce myself formally in this forum. Been in the business since 2002. It started from a push mower without a weed wacker. I did $20 lawns for people in my neighborhood. I then decided to make flyers and got a couple accounts by going door to door. After attaining my MBA in Business Administration I started pushing into other services like plowing instead of snow blowing and more intricate masonry repairs and installations. Our largest job has been a $36k set of retaining walls.

We currently do 20-30% plowing 20-30% masonry and 50% mowing. We offer minor services to keep busy in winter and other times. Currently we run 2 crews. I head a landscape/hardscape/masonry crew and my brother after starting a year ago with me is running the mowing ops. We are not huge, but are set to gross over $50k in mowing this summer.

Anyway I am certain I do not have as cool and sturdy equipment as most people out there who are doing a lot less with more. I have never worked for anyone else in the industry, just kind of looked at what others are doing and tried to head in that direction. I have decent business sense, but not necessarily the perfect training in landscaping that most have on this site.

Our equipment is:

2011 chevy 2500hd - 2010 fisher mm2
2000 gmc sierra 1500
1997 chevy 2500 - 7.5ft fisher mm

6x12 open trailer
6x10 enclosed trailer

2010 toro timecutter z 50in - bagger
2009 scag freedom z 48in - bagger- striping kit
2008,2009,2010 toro self propelled push mower 22in

stihl 55r weed wacker
echo srm 225 ww
echo srm 230 ww

echo h150 (2) hedge trimmers
echo 16 in chainsaw
echo handheld blowers (2)

BradLewisLawnCare · #2 07-25-2011, 06:12 PM

Here is a couple pictures

JTVLandscaping · #3 07-26-2011, 12:58 AM

I think I saw your truck in Wynantskill like 2 weeks ago maybe

BradLewisLawnCare · #4 07-26-2011, 05:22 AM

We have the contract for the post office there along with that being our mailbox.
Posted via Mobile Device

olebrooklawn · #5 07-28-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradLewisLawnCare

We have the contract for the post office there along with that being our mailbox.
Posted via Mobile Device

How do you get post office jobs? is there a gov biding site? I got % post office in my area that will be helpful.

BradLewisLawnCare · #6 07-28-2011, 10:56 AM

I think it is simple. They get 3 bids fOr both lawn care and plowing. Lowest bidder wins. There is a postmaster in each office. They give the info. I actually can't complain. They paid me the whole season up front. Well in June. So much for net xx days.
Posted via Mobile Device

GreenI.A. · #7 07-28-2011, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olebrooklawn

How do you get post office jobs? is there a gov biding site? I got % post office in my area that will be helpful.

Saw this thread and thought I would chime in on your post office question. The post office doesn't fallow the same guidelines as other parts of the government. They do not need to put jobs out to bid, when it comes to issues such as supplies and maintanence they can call anyone they want out of the phone book same as any company can. Usually though the higher managers who oversee multiple postoffices/postmasters in an area will require the postmasters under him to obtain multiple quotes before signing a contract for work. If you can get your foot in the door at one po and do a good job for a good price, they will often give you first dibs on other jobs/locations as well

JTVLandscaping · #8 07-30-2011, 05:16 PM

My PO has been plowed by the same guy for as long as I can remember, They never seem to put it out to bid. The lawncare is done for free by the village DPW.