Opt Out Of Your Perceived Obligation To Misery
Have you ever pondered the ideal business model for the lawn care industry? Well, here's the truth: there's no definitive answer to that question. What may be considered "best" for one person and their company may not hold true for someone else. Our own business model has evolved over the years, and just because you initially settled on one approach doesn't mean you can't adapt and evolve. As priorities shift, it may be necessary to adjust your business model accordingly. When it comes to the lawn care industry, I've observed four paths that people choose to pursue:
Maintenance:
Some companies opt to exclusively offer mowing services, and this isn't a bad choice because it provides a steady stream of recurring income. You never have to second-guess your weekly earnings since your routes remain consistent. To increase your income within this model, you simply need to establish a daily income goal and consider raising your prices or taking on additional properties if your current rates are appropriate. Personally, I appreciate simplicity and predictability, but even so, mowing lawns day in and day out can still become monotonous.
Landscaping:
Certain businesses focus solely on landscaping jobs because they tend to be more lucrative. Generally speaking, landscaping projects can generate higher profits while requiring less running around compared to weekly lawn maintenance. With more money comes the potential for greater profits, but it's important to note that relying solely on landscaping can be highly unpredictable. There may be weeks without work, particularly in July and August when people prioritize indoor projects before the cold weather arrives. When summer draws to a close, individuals aren't as focused on preparing their properties for outdoor gatherings and events. If you have a family to support, relying solely on landscaping income can feel risky.
Hybrid:
Currently, I am following a hybrid model where we dedicate three days a week to mowing and fill the remaining two to three days with landscaping jobs. This way, we maintain the benefits of predictable recurring income while also enjoying increased profits from larger landscaping projects.
Two Crews:
For those running slightly larger operations beyond the owner-operator level, having two crews can offer the best of both worlds. One crew focuses on lawn maintenance, while the other tackles landscaping projects. This setup provides regular recurring income from maintenance work while also possessing the manpower to handle larger-scale landscaping jobs. With greater scale comes the opportunity for higher profits. By engaging in both fields full-time, you can diversify and expand your business.
So, how have these four different models impacted my own business? Well, I transitioned from being a company that solely focused on lawn maintenance to selling off my Friday route. Initially, the Friday route was located too far away, so it was finally time to let it go. Once I did, I started filling it back up with lawns closer to home. However, by refiling my Friday route I was not achieving my goal of spending more time with my family and earning more money. So eventually, I sold off the new Friday route because I wanted to take on higher profit landscaping jobs. Currently, my schedule consists of three days of mowing and two to three days of landscaping. When I let go of the Friday route, I appropriately raised my prices by sending out Price Adjustment Letters. As a result, I could bring home just as much money while maintaining a smaller number of lawns.
Change can be intimidating, and I cannot overstate how apprehensive I felt when selling my Friday route. However, once I took that step, I knew I had made the right decision for my business. I didn't want fear to hinder my business from changing for the better. Your customers shouldn't dictate your income or the future of your business, and neither should your fear. Overcoming fear can be challenging, but it's absolutely possible! Continue striving to build your dream and find the path that will work best for you in achieving your income goals.
