22 Year Old Starts a $200K/Year Lawn Care Business | EP. 3

Do you want to know how to start a lawn care business? Nic Reed opened his landscaping business last year and has brought in more than $200K in revenue in his first year-pretty impressive considering he’s only 22. We’ll hear about his progress and what’s next for his business in this follow-up interview.
When we first talked to Nic, he was in the process of starting a lawn care business with the guidance of his mentor, Augusta Lawn Care owner Mike Andes. Nic worked in Mike’s lawn care business for two years before setting out on his own, and we’ll hear how that experience has helped him transition to his new role as a franchise owner.
One of Nic’s biggest challenges has been hiring a team so he can scale up his revenue and client base. We’ll hear if he’s had any luck bringing on employees, and which talent pools and strategies have been most successful for finding and attracting reliable lawn care workers.
Part of the reason Nic needs to hire is the success of his marketing, which brought in more work than he could handle alone within a few months of starting lawn care business. Today, we’ll hear if he’s changed his advertising approach during his first year, along with his advice and hacks for quickly building a reputation as a landscaping business.
We’re excited to hear what Nic’s been up to the past few months and we hope you are, too! You can find out more about Augusta Lawn Care online at www.augustalawncareservices.com/.
If you haven't seen the first two episodes, watch them here ►
• 21 Year Old Starts a L...
Want to hear about business advice from founders? Check out our podcast: www.upflip.com/podcast
For more insights into starting a lawn care company, you can check out our other interviews:
How Mike Andes Makes $133K/Month in Lawn Care (Progress Update) ►
• How $1.6M Lawn Care Bu...
How to Start $58K/Month Landscaping Business ►
• How to Start $58K/Mont...
Resource:
www.upflip.com/academy - Launch and scale your business with our expert-led Academy
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:30 Meeting Nic
2:04 How Nic’s Business Has Grown
3:32 Impact on Profit Margins
4:28 Revenue
6:07 Amount of Hours He Works Per Week
6:55 Salary
8:44 What It Was Like Working with Mike
10:25 Marketing
12:04 Buying Trucks
13:06 Marketing Platforms
14:35 Advantages for Starting Your Own Firm
15:58 Process For Hiring Employees
16:56 How To Grow During Slow Seasons
18:07 Cons of Franchising
18:49 Biggest Challenges
20:37 Project Management Advice
22:43 Monthly Coaching Calls with Mike
24:22 Blitz
28:22 What’s Next For Nic’s Business
29:09 How to Keep It Simple
30:28 Biggest Mistakes Made
#lawncare #howtostartalawncarebusiness #startingalawncarebusiness

[@UpFlip]

Check out Mike's course to help you start, build and grow your landscaping or lawn care business: bit.ly/LandscapeBusinessCourse

[@matthanf6126]

My name is Matt. I work with Nick everyday. Couldn't be more proud to work with this individual. He started this. I'm thrilled to be his number 2 as you see in this video. We are a PERFECT 2 HEADED MONSTER 😎

[@Mike-bs5xi]

Sacrificed my 20’s going to be 30 next week. Went from making 55-60k at 28 years of age until I started my own excavation business made 560k gross and 315k profit this year. I had little to no fun in my 20s had to work at work 55 to 60 hours a week. Than remodeled my house after hours weekends and holidays but it finally paid off. It’s a great feeling remembering the grind and working so hard for a small wage and now finally reaping the rewards ,but it took 8 years of hard hard work for a small buissnes to finally start my own buissness.

[@UpFlip]

You are doing Amazing Mike. 💪💪💪💪Hard work truly pays off. Do you have any advice for those who may feel like giving up?

[@ekebireblessing2241]

Hey mike, please can i connect with you i would love to learn one or two things from you…. I’m an entrepreneur

[@benjaminhartman2866]

I've watched these back to back and I noticed that with each one, his confidence goes up. He clearly has a vision and is making it a reality.

[@jayland6904]

I'm 23 and finally after 5 years of straight working and saving I'm finally going to start my business next month so I'm soaking in everything I can from you like a sponge, you are to me what Mike is to you. Thanks bro

[@UpFlip]

Congrats Dys. Funcshinal. We're so happy for you. Please let us know if you have questions along the way. Will you be starting a business in lawn care as well?

[@jayland6904]

@@UpFlip yes I will I have experience in lawn care, just not the business side. So I still got sum ways to go. I was thinking of KZbin videos on business and marketing lol.

[@esexavo]

you got this

[@Esz94]

​@@jayland6904 hows it going ?

[@NoCommentaryGaming7]

I’ve just come across your channel and I’m obsessed! Love the content… What he said about client communication, not leaving them in the dark and explaining why is HUGE! Biggest takeaway on this video! Keep up the amazing work UpFlip 💪🏼😎

[@urbanrootslandscaping3874]

Love keeping up on Nick’s business journey. Very inspiring.

[@UpFlip]

It is SO inspiring! Thanks so much for watching!

[@davidmartin7124]

Great job Nick! You are wise beyond your years!

[@larrymolina8425]

BIGGEST lesson future business owners should take away from this is that he TAKES a salary of only 30 stacks.. Most will sink themselves by paying themselves $170k

[@UpFlip]

YES! Great point!

[@ezgames3713]

How will they sink themselves

[@MrBigStuffCOD]

This is very accurate!!! Pay yourself the minimum and continue the growth of your business first

[@zackwhitehead4018]

He could always take a chunk as an owner as well as being on payroll. Pretty sure you're good if you are structured as an s Corp. Burn off liabilities at the end of the year, buy new equipment and take a bonus or dispersal.

[@Richorob]

Yep take a small salary & put everything through the business to minimise tax…

[@rmb7355]

My favorite UpFlip video!! Thank you so much!!

[@activegreenlawncare8472]

very good video I have a lot of experience in this kind of business but one thing I have seen that you never finish learning all these videos are helping me to strengthen my company every day. GOD BLESS YOU

[@nofacemechanic2328]

You should continue to do more videos of business owners that are in their 20s. I’m 22 and seeing people my age gives me hope for humanity. That all of us young folks are not slacking around using parents or governments money we go out in the world and make a name for ourselves.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!

[@hashrosinking1608]

I make 60k a year part time landscaping 4 hours a day by myself. I don't care about high profit margins. I like being a very small business owner. It let's me pick and choose what work I want to do and get really picky about what I want to do not what I have to. Currently 26 and this is my 4th year alone.

[@UpFlip]

That's awesome that you're able to work independently and still get the job done HashRosin. Congrats. What would advise would you give for someone who'd like to start the same type of business?

[@futbol2293]

Awesome content. It's a testament to Nic's modesty for using regular earbuds for all this landscaping, not even airpods!

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! He's the man!

[@eyeshezzy]

Great progress.. am proud of him. Work your work season, don't worry about social life, it will come

[@UpFlip]

We're so proud of him too. What a great story!

[@BrenttheGreat]

I got to meet him last weekend. He will do big things in his career.

[@luism8609]

Love mike and Augusta can’t wait to start next year

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!

[@Augustalawncareofreddeer]

Awesome vid!

[@jonniehenry1599]

Very inspiring...great business idea

[@justenjoying5147]

This video is very helpful and informative , thank you 👌

[@UpFlip]

Glad it was helpful Mid! 😀 Thanks for watching. Are you in the lawn care industry or would you ever consider getting into it?

[@hispanicwaffles3499]

Love this channel very inspiring

[@UpFlip]

Fantastic! Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!

[@elmeno4972]

he is telling the truth landscaping is where you really make money but not a lot of people are willing to pay for those jobs

[@expresslawnmowing5969]

Way to go Nic!

[@moventrashvlogs5416]

Great video, very informative.

[@UpFlip]

Thanks so much for watching! We appreciate you.

[@aurafangz3635]

Major respect! Not many can live off of 15% off of their income.

[@liamstandley4021]

Bright lad Great mindset Brilliant content 🙌🏻😍

[@UpFlip]

Glad you enjoyed it Liam. Would you ever get into a business such as this?

[@dezzign-2929]

Look at this another Banger of a video!!🤘🤘

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you.

[@mwv25]

Great info on hiring employees. I’ve been in business 12 years. And employees were/are the hardest part of being in business. I’m still learning.

[@UpFlip]

Hey JR! It really is the hardest part for so many business owners. What tips would you give someone starting out?

[@mwv25]

My tip is to educate yourself about whatever business your going into first. Do the small things first so you don’t have to back track. And be mentally prepared to work hard and involve yourself more than you e ever done for anything in your life. Because being a business owner is a 24 7 365 lifestyle. And whatever you put in you will get out of it.

[@mwv25]

@@UpFlip also I own a appliance repair company. You should consider looking into doing one of your videos on a company like mine. It’s an underrated industry. But it’s a good business. I’ve been in the industry since I was 17 now I’m 39 and own my own company.

[@omargavarrete1078]

Great video bro thanks

[@UpFlip]

Thank you Omar. We're happy you enjoyed. What type of business should we do next?

[@estebanazcarragasada9386]

Magnificent Video

[@UpFlip]

Thank you! We appreciate you!

[@musc258]

Flat tyre? Great little series, I'm definitely subbing and gunna checkout the podcast.

[@UpFlip]

Thank you Musc. Is this the first video you've seen?

[@08Sasasa]

I asked a question two months ago to learn more about the salary of the people that appear in UpFlip and they're actually listening to the feedback. Don't know if it was because of my comment but just wanted to compliment on engaging with your community, good job UpFlip!!

[@UpFlip]

Hey Saro. We do look at all of our comments and questions from viewers and take those into account with our interviews. THANK YOU for being an awesome subscriber and for your feedback! 😍

[@EmanuelGurzhuy]

Great video

[@UpFlip]

Thanks so much for watching! We appreciate you!

[@nobrakes7567]

This guys a winner.

[@UpFlip]

Hi No Brakes! We think so too and so are you😀. Is this a business you'd ever consider getting into?

[@pane2125]

What a bright kid.

[@UpFlip]

He is incredible!

[@Realizinq]

This kids gonna go far, very conservative with his risks, but he'll go very far 100%

[@Largepapa2]

Most of us who made it have no friends in our 20s and work 7 days a week. That's the life in a blue collar business. If you have the energy to hike, you have the energy to mow lawns.

[@UpFlip]

Wow! We would love to hear your story. How long have you been in the business?

[@Largepapa2]

@@UpFlip 15 years.

[@samtx5518]

@Jeffrey Koenig - right👏 My brother and I started a State Licensed lawn sprinkler installation company in high school worked after school and weekends…sure we missed “stuff” but didn’t have mental breakdowns. Jeez 😂

[@kingdrogba11463]

Great videos! That green coat is awesome! What brand is that?

[@UpFlip]

Hey Elliot! Thanks so much for watching!

[@rayeckert9425]

How long is your grass cutting season? We are in the greater Toronto area and we cut from May until end of October. What is your average charge per lawn cut? Mine is $50.

[@muzamilahmad2219]

Update on Stephen from North West softwash please please please

[@UpFlip]

We've actually done a follow-up with Stephen, check out our podcast upflip.com/podcast ;)

[@pabspabs2736]

DO A PAINTERS ONE PLEASEEEEEE !!!!

[@UpFlip]

We'll see what we can do!

[@petekelvin2736]

It’s almost a new year with bright and beautiful ideas hope you’ll got a huge list for this 2022. Coz 2021 was kinda messed up due to many weren’t wise enough to consider investment. But the question,what will you achieve this year?.

[@robbie6028]

Nothing other than the gift of life. And have considered venturing into something lucrative and profitable, last year was a lesson to everyone especially me. Well seeing 2021 is enough reason to sit down and think about your financial life.

[@henryjames335]

Dana Roy is holding a very high prestige and reputation in personal financial management. I’m happy you mentioned her. My spouse recommended her to me after investing 4 grand and she really helped us in times of this bad pandemic crisis. I’m close to my retirement and this has been and well remain a good survival for me.

[@henryjames335]

@Mitchell James you can reach her on WhatsApp for swift response she pays good attention to her clients

[@henryjames335]

@Mitchell James you can reach her on WhatsApp for swift response she pays good attention to her clients

[@UpFlip]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate you!

[@AceEverett]

Seems like a hard worker. Franchising can definitely be a good way to learn the ropes, though I wonder how much of his profit they are taking and if it's worth it. 500k a year sounds real nice, until you find out it's at a 10% profit margin.

[@UpFlip]

Hey Ace! Great questions! We'll see if we can get some answers in a follow up interview.

[@miguelboisvert7375]

I believe it is quite high because he has no labour expenses

[@angeloutdoors757]

I think Augusta only charges around $1200 a month for the franchise.

[@cleancutslawncare]

I basically said the same thing, a different way, and everyone scolded me for it lol

[@hashrosinking1608]

@@cleancutslawncare they mad cuz u were right

[@samuelpo3378]

when is the next update coming out

[@raulsortiz6334]

Episode 4

[@lawngevityvictoria]

what kombi motor did he choose

[@wokuphumlamabusela4399]

hello I'm in South Africa, I want to start a lawn care company in my neighborhood but I see a few contractors mowing the yards around the neighbourhood, how can I make it? Do I even stand a chance?

[@107g]

I wish he will hire me

[@ajeesht6813]

😳 wow

[@UpFlip]

Right?! So cool!

[@haggai3.477]

Anything UNRECOGNIZED becomes UNCELEBRATED. Anything UNCELEBRATED becomes UNREWARDED. Anything UNREWARDED eventually LEAVES YOUR LIFE.

[@cracowlawnpros]

When's the next episode with Nick?! :D

[@UpFlip]

Later this year ;)

[@daniamsalem]

If hiring is such a difficulty, why not start every new employee with this idea: I’m looking to grow the team even more, if you can send over people who you think will be a good fit, I’ll give you $250 for every person I hire who stays on past 90 days. Further, I know you may not want to stay with me for the next 20 years, so when you do consider leaving, if you help me find your replacement and they stay on past 90 days, I’ll give you $500.

[@UpFlip]

Hey Dani! Great idea! Hiring can be extremely challenging for businesses. This could work!

[@anh7807]

I work in HR. With this method, you would not keep employees more than 90 days.They'd take that money and leave right after. You'd have people scamming you by making deals to split the money. My organization gives 50% after 90 days probation and the other after 1 year. For a small business this could really bring it down financially. Just pay the employees well, treat them good and they'll stay longer.

[@privateequityguy]

*Many people will panic to find a charger before their phone dies, but won’t panic to find a plan before their dream dies*

[@caidenpyrzewski6799]

whats a good price point to start at?

[@UpFlip]

This is a 3 part episode. Were you able to watch the first 2? ☺️

[@bitchybrunette6232]

Man where are you located Nick 😭

[@Jayh5]

Whats some other you tube channels like this

[@UpFlip]

I'm sure there are some, but we are so awesome - why leave?!? 😎

[@cleancutslawncare]

Dude could have started his own business without a franchise and been very successful without paying a franchise fee.

[@UpFlip]

Hey there! Thanks for watching! Sometimes it's better to buy a franchise....all depends on the person and location. How long have you been in the industry?

[@cleancutslawncare]

@@UpFlip oh I know it has its benefits. I just think this guy is such a hard worker and smart that he would have been successful on his own. Probably in any industry he wanted too. I’ve been in the industry most of my life but in business 1 year. Your episodes are awesome. I watch them all. Have learned a ton.

[@SuperMatt2112]

Sure, anyone can do that, but from the sounds of it and to be more fair then what you appears to be insinuating is that a francize is all bad and nothing good when that's not always the case, there are literally hundreds of thousands if not millions of francizes such as McDonalds, Wendy's, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Tim Hortons and the list goes on an on, what your not thinking about however are the benefits of a francizes. in Augusta's case they offer the Call Center, Help and support, templates, advice and so on, if you had to pay for all these individually yourself it would probably cost a lot more. plus how many people know everything their is to know just starting out. so yeah, it's not that easy, a francize helps especially starting out. so their are two sides, remember that the next time you attempt to criticize others for helping themselves. constructive crits are good, one sided ideology's are usually not here to help

[@firstname6208]

For most when starting a biz, you don't know what you don't know. Franchise investment is really purchasing the systems that make up the back end decisions to succeed. The school of hard knocks is expensive, difficult, long, and can defeat the spirit long before success is stumbled upon. The monthly coaching calls will help in all of those, and i believe you can call on other franchisees for help also.

[@zackwhitehead4018]

@@SuperMatt2112 the real dream is to build a franchise chain. It's brilliant really, take all these guys with a brain and extract a 10 percent fee from every lawn care business, while making ad revenue from youtube and his other couple of businesses. The real owner is king of Agusta, not its local branch. 🙌

[@shanebrown2963]

In this business he is just throwing money out the door being franchised! Sounds like all they do is scheduling for you which is useless. Your doing everything on your own so get out on your own and quit pissing that money away

[@UpFlip]

Hey Shane! Thanks for watching! It's so hard to get started with no income/customers. Sometimes franchises are the way to go. Are you in the lawn care business as well?

[@querrymejia9160]

Do a hauling and junk removal next ....??

[@garywinebrenner7452]

How about showing something from the entertainment section? I own a small one man balloon company. It would be nice to see a balloon company, magic or face painting. Please think about it. Thank you

[@UpFlip]

Hey Gary! We'll see what we can do!

[@LargerThanCats]

So he works six days a week for $30,000?

[@itscoolpapapump3812]

Yeah and ya know yeah and ya know..

[@richardgagnon7887]

need to by a stand on mower the pusher is for the birds

[@UpFlip]

Good observation Richard. Do you think the pusher mower could still be used for smaller jobs?

[@barriepkr]

He has like 12 employees? How is 200 thousand a year accurate

[@muzamilahmad2219]

He has 2

[@muzamilahmad2219]

Him and another

[@martinlutherkingjr.5582]

Sounds like he’s netting around $80-90k per year, not $200k.

[@JamesnNoell]

No one said he nets 200k a year. Revenue is before taxes, overhead etc.

[@bwabot]

Who else is here because of the vaccine mandate?

[@UpFlip]

Welcome! We are happy to have you here

[@user-fw8rd5ud4q]

He’s now paying 200k in fuel bills. Let’s Go Brandon!

[@joecooper8527]

Yep

[@colestaples2010]

Scam

[@nobrakes7567]

Anyone scared of the common cold...Bye 👋🏼

[@UpFlip]

Hi there No Brakes! Did you enjoy the video?