[tiedeman]

I have to say it, I am almost done with all my spring clean ups and I absolutely love being back to a solo operation.

I don't have to worry about employees; calling them updating them on the schedule for the week, giving out paychecks, hearing them complain, not having to run from property to property to make sure that their hours are not that high, etc.

I am totally relaxed. Yes, I have turned away probably 8-12 customers already, because I won't have time to fit them in the schedule, compared to before where I could fit them into the schedule, but I don't have to worry about dealing with new customers and getting to know their properties.

I love being solo again.

 

[Evan528]

How is your salary compared to last year?

 

[tiedeman]

I have made a net $2731 more this year so far, compared to last year. Now that is a huge difference!!!!

The last two months espeically have been great. Averaging about $1,100 more a month in net. Yes I do admit that I raised up my prices, but still, this is great. I can't imagine the profit that I am going to have once the mowing season begins.

 

[Vladslawn]

Congratulations. Glad to hear the enjoyment is back into your daily work routine. Stress is a real killer and the doesn't pay that well either. (1 extra day of living = $$$ ??? )

Up here we haven't started yet and looks like it might be another 3 to 4 weeks before we can start. Still snow and ice arround. I'm itchy to get started!

Good luck in the upcoming season.

Vlad

 

[Vladslawn]

Didn't see you post before sending previous.

Enjoyment & increased profits; how can you bet that.

Vlad

 

[tiedeman]

I give a lot of the credit to the amount of snow that we received up here and the early melt off for early spring clean ups to make my huge difference.

My wifes grandparents live in Edmonton Vladslawn and they said it was like 23 C up there not too long ago. Unbelievable!

 

[Vladslawn]

This time of year we don't know what to expect.

Last year was clearing snow on Mar.11/03 and first spring clean was on Mar.31/03. Then cleared snow again April 4/03 and restarted April 15/03. Go figure!

Vlad

 

[lawnguyland]

tideman, i made the same move from a couple of years ago and it's like being FREEEEEEEEE! Done early? Go to beach. Slept a few minutes late? So what. No one destroying my equipment, truck or sanity makes things peaceful and serene! I like to buy myself any equipment that will make life easier also and I can because there is no one to pay but me! Cash flow problems are greatly reduced also. It's a heck of a lot of work and sometimes that bites, but being Hans Solo is sweet.

 

[Evan528]

The decrease in all the headaches and problems associated with employees sound great. But seriously just how long can your own body take all the abuse? I only have 2 full time employees and try to keep operations as small and profitable as possible. I do infact make alot more money now then I did when i worked solo but yes....i do have alot more to worry about. I do not know how these guys with 3 crews can do it......better them then me. And to tell you the truth...judging my the "big LCo's in my areas houses, trucks etc.....It dosnt look like there Personal salrary is even as good as mine.

 

[tiedeman]

I actually feel that there is less abuse on my body. Because I can take my time more, and not rush things because I don't have to worry about employees and their time cards

 

[jt5019]

Im mostly a family operation but with my father a full time firefighter(with a broken foot)Dont ask lol and my older bro in college im gonna be solo for a few months.Its probably a lot different then having workers not related but its still nice to be on my own for a little. I feel like i know the jobs are getting done right and i dont have to babysit anyone.Now i need the flooding rains to stop so i can work

 

[scott's turf]

Being an employer is not for everyone. If you are making more profit solo than it is clearly not for you. I have a FT job and run my LCO as well with the help of 1 to 2 FT employees. There are more headaches and things to worry about but the fact is they are bringing me in money while I sit behind my desk and make even more money. The fact is that when you are solo you cap out your income and with employees there is technically no limit. For instance if you desire to gross $50/hr and work 40 hours per week 40 weeks per year you will gross 80k. Now in reality you will probably be working at least 50 hrs per week, 10 of them not billable (paper work, maintenence, etc). Of that 80k it would be impressive to have a taxable income of 55k. Now that isn't a bad income but you are absolutely busting your balls to get there.

-Scott

 

[dvmcmrhp52]

Good for you tiedeman,Hope you continue enjoying it.
I hope it's a profitable and busy year for you.

 

[wriken]

Stress can be very hard on a body, probably worse then the hardest work you could imagine. I'm glad I have a great crew leader, takes alot of the stress from my operation. Good luck

 

[bobbygedd]

there is no piece like peace of mind

 

[amar]

Still looking for a quality, reliable, honest, hardworking, on time, crew leader.
Where are you.


What do you guys pay your crew leader?

 

[clcare]

I pay leaders $15.00 and they make life alot easier on me!

 

[tiedeman]

I think the hardest thing that I am doing is turning away potential customers. I am up to 14 customers that I have turned away because I don't or won't have the time to do the work. Disappointing, but at least I know my limits