Running a successful lawn care business requires more than just knowing how to mow lawns and maintain properties. It involves effective leadership to guide your team toward excellence. In the world of lawn care, the best way to spell "leadership" is by setting an example. Being a leader who leads by example not only fosters a positive work environment but also attracts and retains top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore why leading by example is crucial for your lawn care business and how it can help you build a thriving team.

Setting the Standard

As a lawn care business owner, you are the face of your company. Your actions and behaviors set the standard for how your employees should perform their tasks and interact with clients. If you are yelling in frustration and swearing when you’re upset, what kind of example is that setting? Would that make you want to come to work? Instead, if you lead by a positive example, you establish a clear and high standard of...

As a lawn care business owner, you're undoubtedly passionate about keeping lawns lush and green. However, there's another green you need to keep in mind – your taxes. Understanding how much to save for taxes is crucial for the financial health of your business. In this blog post, we'll delve into this topic and provide you with some valuable insights.

How Much Should You Save for Taxes?

One of the most common questions among small business owners, including those in the lawn care industry, is how much to set aside for taxes. The simple answer is 15-20% of all gross receipts that come in for your company. This rule of thumb can help you avoid last-minute financial stress when tax season arrives.

Let's break down this percentage and see how it works in practice.

Example Scenario:

Imagine your lawn care business has gross receipts of $100,000 for the year. Using the 20% guideline, you would set aside $20,000 for taxes.

However, here's an important caveat: this 20% rule assumes...

Q : Are site checks necessary?

A : At the start of the winter season before any snowfall I take the time to ride around to all of our commercial sites and take videos. Not only am I checking the sites with my very own eyes, but I also have a video for reference. I perform site checks for several reasons. Primarily, I want to ensure we have documentation of the condition of the site prior to any work being completed. If the property owner raises any issues we can definitively say whether it was there prior to the start of the season. Another reason we take videos is because we want to point out all the abnormalities - smashed curbs, damaged manhole covers, downed wires, locations of street lamps, conditions of the loading docks and so on.
As the season progresses, we also complete site checks after a storm and at the end of the season. After every storm when we go around doing our final clean up we check the sites to ensure no damage was done during the last storm. We also want to...

As a dedicated lawntrepreneur, your commitment to delivering top-notch lawn maintenance services is unquestionable. However, it's crucial not to lose sight of the fact that while we may be in the business of maintaining lawns, we are ultimately in the people business. Beyond the meticulous mowing and trimming, we are providers of a service that directly impacts the lives and satisfaction of our customers. So, let's delve into the heart of the matter – the journey from being an employee in the field to becoming a successful business owner, and why people skills are the key to true greatness in this industry.

1. Embracing the Employee Perspective

Imagine starting your career as a member of the mowing crew. At this stage, the emphasis is understandably tilted towards acquiring technical expertise, with a focus of 80% on mastering the intricacies of mowing, trimming, and ensuring everything is done to perfection. Interactions with customers are limited as your immediate...

As I embarked on my journey to interview young lawntrepreneurs for our LawnTOURpreneur Series, I had the incredible opportunity to meet numerous young men who have transformed their passion for lawn care into successful businesses. These young entrepreneurs exuded some remarkable attributes that set them on the path to prosperity. So, whether you're a high school student with dreams of entrepreneurship or a parent questioning your child’s path, read on to discover the key qualities shared by these remarkable individuals.

1. Purpose: Paving the Way for Passion-Driven Ventures

Every successful lawntrepreneur I encountered on the LawnTOURpreneur Series had one thing in common: a deep sense of purpose. They weren't just in it for the money; they genuinely loved what they were doing. This sense of purpose fueled their determination and commitment, setting them apart from the rest.

2. Financial Discipline: Sowing Seeds of Fiscal Responsibility

Running a successful business requires...

In a world that often equates success with a college degree, it's time for the lawn care industry and the trades industry for that matter to break free from this limiting perspective. As seasoned lawntrepreneurs, you understand that not all valuable life skills and experiences can be obtained within the confines of a classroom. This blog post aims to empower you with insights into the immense potential of building a successful lawn care business without a college degree, while challenging the notion that traditional education is the only path to respect and accomplishment.

1. Climbing the Ladder: Starting at the Bottom, Reaching the Pinnacle

Contrary to popular belief, success is not reserved for those who hold a college degree. Many who embark on a journey in the lawn care industry without formal education find themselves on a path of growth and prosperity and they do so quite quickly. The beauty of the industry lies in the opportunity to start at the bottom and work your way up,...

As a lawn care business owner, you understand the importance of diversifying your services to maximize your revenue streams. One often overlooked but highly lucrative avenue is leaf cleanups. With the right approach and strategies, you can turn this seasonal task into a major source of income for your business. Let’s look into the key insights to help you make big money in leaf cleanups.

1. Don't Underestimate the Power of Added Services

Expanding your service offerings can significantly boost your business's bottom line. Leaf cleanups present a prime opportunity to capitalize on the changing seasons. While you might already have a reliable customer base for lawn mowing and maintenance, introducing spring and fall cleanups can attract new clients and increase your revenue from existing ones.

2. Price Your Services Strategically

Determining the right pricing structure is critical for success in leaf cleanups. A transparent and competitive pricing strategy will set you apart in...

In the competitive world of lawn care business, the true differentiator lies not just in the quality of your services, but in how you serve your customers. Customer service isn't just a department – it's a mindset that can set your lawn care business apart from the rest. In this blog post, we'll explore how to put the "SERVE" back in customer service, creating meaningful connections and fostering customer loyalty.

1. Smile and Greet:
The first impression is a lasting one. When interacting with customers, whether on the phone or in person, always greet them with a warm smile. A simple smile can go a long way in making customers feel welcomed and valued. Remember, your attitude sets the tone for the entire customer experience.

2. Empathy Matters:
Listening to your customers is key to understanding their needs and concerns. Put yourself in their shoes, empathize with their lawn care challenges, and show genuine concern. When customers feel heard and understood, they are more...

Building on our previous discussion, let's delve into the world of commercial plowing – a critical aspect of a lawn care business that can greatly impact its profitability. There's a range of pricing models when it comes to commercial snow removal, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Some businesses opt for per-push contracts, where they charge each time they clear the snow. Others prefer an hourly rate, while there are those like me who find that flat rate pricing fits the bill.

As we continue our conversation, it's important to recognize that your business's financial structure can impact how you choose to charge your clients. For my residential customers, I stick with flat rate prepay. Why? Because these residential accounts make up the backbone of my operations. They cover my overhead, ensuring that my family and team are taken care of. As a result, my commercial accounts seem like an added bonus – a cherry on top, so to speak.

Now, let's talk about...

Entering the snow business can be like stepping into a whole new world. There's a lot to grasp, and not all of it is as straightforward as it seems. As lawn care business owners, you know the importance of mastering your craft, and the snow game is no different. When you embark on the snow business journey, remember that investing time, money, and energy into education is a non-negotiable.

In today's world, you have many choices when it comes to learning avenues. You can opt for courses, such as those offered by Lawntrepreneur Academy, designed to equip you with practical insights and strategies. Industry events like EQUIP and LAL provide valuable networking opportunities and a chance to learn from the best in the business. And let's not underestimate the power of connecting with fellow professionals who've been where you are.

Speaking of learning from the pros, let me share how my good friend Mike Bedell became my snow mentor. Imagine hours spent over dinner, absorbing his wisdom...