i currently employ 3 full time and 2 seasonal mowing guys. We all will agree employees might be biggest aggravation. While things have gone ok this year I'm turning away mow request and have subbed some mowing out.
I need to really have a sit down with myself about the future of this business. Can I sell mowing and go apps only? Will my market support that? 2012 censuses says county had 50k people. It's a farming community and somewhat rural.
If I could find solid guys who wanted to work I feel I could train and allow them to make a career of this. I just have missed on a lot of guys and growth is there.
Any tips on how you made the jump? What worked? Contacting mow guys? Expanding territory? Buying out?
I will continue direct mail and may increase it in 2018 with possible specific timing and apps.
If you are that small, it is dubious that ppl are looking at your firm for a career. It is more likely that they see your firm as a paycheck. If someone paid them $2 to $3 more an hour, they would go there.
Traditionally, small companies are were ppl gain experience in order to get their foot in at a much larger, much more established and much more stable company.
Keeping in mind that service companies grow much slower than product companies. Partnerships and buyouts of smaller companies are the fastest way to grow.
We do a fair amount of work and I'd say pretty good size for the area. 35% apps/renovation/aeration and 65% mow/prune/mulch.
Need to find a better source of employees, train better, etc. we've had multi year emloyees. We are also due for some price increases and will push more year round/monthly mowing contracts.
I have stepped away from mowing the last 2 years and concentrated on apps and business side. Year 1 we couldn't seem to keep guys. This year has been much better but still guys just working for a paycheck and want to find a way to reward excellent work or take pride in the jobs.
We do a fair amount of work and I'd say pretty good size for the area. 35% apps/renovation/aeration and 65% mow/prune/mulch.
Which side of the business is more profitable? By how much more is it profitable? These numbers will be a good indication as to which direction to go in terms of finding a partner or a smaller company to buy. My guess is that Appl's are more profitable.
Where are exactly are you. I went apps only long time ago. I drive an hour to commute to a much larger area. I live in Scranton pa and travel to Allentown/Bethlehem area for work. Massive developments compared to where I live. I now have 400 customers in that area and 200 in my home area. If your willing to commute for apps then do it. Find population density and go for it.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Lawn Care Forum
7M posts
202.7K members
Since 1999
A forum community dedicated to lawn care and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!