It's not as easy as some people think... Here's my perspective on why you should take pride in running a legit lawn business.
Пікірлер: 105
@ericstinnett9182 Жыл бұрын
Great video, so very true. Especially when you're cutting grass in 105' degree weather 🌡️🌡️🌡️🥵🥵🥵🥵. Thanks
@cameronmcnulty87322 жыл бұрын
Watching this 3 years later and it’s still GOLD
@adammiltongreen59906 жыл бұрын
I love when people say shit like how can mowing lawns be stressful? What you miss a spot? This business is a grind and you gotta be dedicated. Changing blades, equipment maintenance, break downs, estimates, marketing etc it never ends cant get complacent. When I was young I used to think yea why doesn't everyone just start a lawn care business its an easy way to make more money then most jobs but in reality its really challenging. There are some moments where you feel like your on top of the world then some moments where you wish you had a 9-5. Most customers look at us as joe blows but in reality we probably work harder and have a better understanding of business then a majority of people.
@FloridaTurfPros6 жыл бұрын
Adam Milton “It never ends” is the perfect way to describe it. You gotta have a routine and be comfortable being uncomfortable.
@flfishing9476 жыл бұрын
Been at it 16 years part time, this year I am full time. My best advice I can give is stay away from a lot of debt. My business has 0 debt including vehicle. I am a solo operator so take that as is. When buying mowers just remember how much work has to be done for a $10k machine. Take pride in your work, your name is on it.
@Quetalkin3 жыл бұрын
Anybody can do ANYTHING if dey put dey mind 2 it
@EcoNeighbor3 жыл бұрын
Much respect for the transparency and information.
@WarriorWillTv6 жыл бұрын
Appreciate your thoughts and honesty man. It helps guys like me to keep my staying power and keep going!!!!
@VicsYard6 жыл бұрын
Well after about 20 years of cutting grass I agree with you. Good points sir. Have a good day!!!! Keep your lines straight!!!! Vic
@PCGonline6 жыл бұрын
Good video but have we been able to catch the illusive "guy" who does yards for $10 and cheap labor yet? Think we need to start putting bear traps in grass to catch this mythical creature.
@keliandjaz6 жыл бұрын
I totally enjoy and agree with you...thank you for sharing
@jacobrincon26412 жыл бұрын
Lol, me and my friends were talking about how our week went one day at church, and I have my own business and was like,”yeah work was pretty good this week”. And this one girl looked at me and said,” well I don’t know if I would call mowing a job or work”. I just kind of chuckled to myself. I definitely do not have as many yards as people like Jonathan here, but I was at my limit because of being in high school, and there were days where I had to do like 8-10 yards because of rain by myself, and those days definitely wore me out. Lawncare definitely ain’t easy, especially when it’s really humid, and there were some nights where I had to stay up late working on equipment and then after that was finished headed inside to start on homework. I’m currently finishing up my senior year in high school and plan on going full time next year once I finish an internship with another lawn and landscape company. I still have plenty of lawns that do bring in a good profit for someone my age, but I know that it’s a long road ahead of me. The Lord has blessed me with much and I am very thankful to have opportunities to pursue this business. Right now I’m really trying to focus on the financial side of running a business and Jonathan’s videos have been a great help and encouragement to me. Keep it up John!
@FloridaTurfPros2 жыл бұрын
Let me tell you that if you are grinding in high school already then you are ahead of the game. Always track your numbers, make sure your business is as efficient and profitable as possible, keep your stress to a minimum, and you will have a business that surpasses all your expectations. Good luck.
@cleancutslawncare2 жыл бұрын
I remember right before I got started, my girl said “are you sure you can do that?” I said “run a lawn mowing business? Not like it’s that hard” lol. Yup, that was my answer. The work isn’t hard to me because I been working hard my whole life. It’s everything else that comes with it.
@tlanden6 жыл бұрын
Man I absolutely love your videos. They’re informative, educational, inspirational etc.. Keep it up
@mrbeeslawncare48906 жыл бұрын
Jonathan, you're spot on man! We are four years running and love this business but it's not all roses. But hey what is? Anything good you want out of life is hard and worth fighting for. I was once those guys who thought hey I''ll just buy a push mower and undercut everyone. I quickly realized 1. A push mower is not the way to go into this business and 2. Mowing yards is not easy work at all! Thank you for all of your videos!
@nealfeldpausch70196 жыл бұрын
Respect man !!! Great vid.
@fullmylegroundsllcmyles9706 жыл бұрын
Great video and so true. Been at since 2001 and can still be a struggle, especially finding help
@elieagle92993 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much fornthus Video, I am starting in this and I see why not everybody can do this. I am commited to make it happen for me and my family. Very encouraging... Thank you again and God bless you.
@corbinnicholl92305 жыл бұрын
The best advice I can give, is do not focus on "Maintenance". Set a max limit on the amount of maintenance accounts you are willing to accept. Focus on targeting the higher-end clients who want then entire package. Mowing, Trimming, Fertilizing, etc.. This will open up the doors for installs. Don't be afraid to turn down jobs from people who are trying to low-ball you b/c they know you are newer company and most likely looking for work. I promise the work will come, focus on where you want to be Year 3, Year 5 and manifest!
@calebncontreras-1173 жыл бұрын
Yeah people looking for maintenance are hoping you take on their entire neglected property for 80$ a month. So you get to clean up month maybe even years of leaves and overgrowth for 80$.
@bpestcontrol19265 жыл бұрын
Enjoying your content. I too am self-employed. Over twenty years in the pest control industry and now cutting a few existing customer lawns going on four years. Pounding the pavement knocking doors, asking for referrals, cross selling and clover leafing was the way I hoofed it and The Lord gave his blessing with increase. I received encouragement from you today...Thanks
@rodclydesdale80046 жыл бұрын
great video!!!!!
@chrislawnservice10776 жыл бұрын
Great video
@randycottengain44486 жыл бұрын
Market, Market,Market is the key too staying power. Referrals come later. Keep your contact list and guard it with your life.
@jayp99276 жыл бұрын
I'm in my 7th year of business and I've done well for myself. I can relate to this video because of all the people who have started a business because of all I've accomplished and not because of the hard work, discipline, time, and strict money management that was put throughout the years. I enjoyed listening to this video.
@grassmonkeylawncare60566 жыл бұрын
really good video. Half the people I run into or know are amazed by how hard the work we do is and the other half are like what you just mow. Makes me laugh because they have no clue what the equipment cost, the hours spent in the office at night and the amount of time effort spent on other things besides mowing and landscaping. This is a great business to be in but you better really want it to stay in it and last.
@JsCrazyCutzLLC6 жыл бұрын
Good talking point..
@lawnlionlawncare6 жыл бұрын
Good stuff. I appreciate the video. The non-billable hours is something that the average non-business owner does not understand.
@figamblitz6 жыл бұрын
Jonathan, for every one of us (full time serious lawn/landscaper) there are 10 people who go out there with a push mower in the back of their trunk every May. They last until June, maybe July before they quit down here in South Florida.
@yardenvyofvirginia87805 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jonothan, you’re always so helpful and positive. A very slim percentage of Americans will be just fine not working for “the man”. Everybody else must suckle from the teet of corporate America. They simply do not possess the vision, integrity, confidence, and discipline to run their OWN business. I managed multi million dollar institutions for well over a decade, yet I was challenged to profitably run my own lawn care business. Took me over a year to get dialed in and I’m still learning. Luckily I had learned most of the business acumen and skills from my former career. It ain’t easy guys and not just anybody can do it. We are a niche group, a fraternal order. So have pride, we are a select group and the sky is the limit. There’s always room at the top.
@TheFantasticphotos5 жыл бұрын
I understand all u are saying yes I am new to it have been doing little lawn care work now I’m going full in to it in 2019 I am equipped to start me as new I have riding lawn more weed walker trimmer and stuff u need to start small as solo and I have got couple Clients and been watching ur video to help me business way and I’m very determined and ready for this thks for all the vedios and the comments I have read thks
@andydavis15086 жыл бұрын
Well said my friend!!!
@anwarjoemmankhan34024 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@allstarlawnlandscape84286 жыл бұрын
Happens alllll the time to me man. Couldn’t agree more.
@shwaynelikely39056 жыл бұрын
Preach Bro!!!
@marleneisnarcfreepeaceful70605 жыл бұрын
Thank you. :)
@larrysiers93694 жыл бұрын
good video , first year solo owner /operator.....retired teacher.....thanks to you and lots, and i mean lots of other guys like you on here giving great information so guys like me have a chance to succeed....first year, not killing it, but im about where i thought id be...25 regular customers....hoping to get to 40 next year, and thats my cut off.....im wore out most days, but loving it....
@inthelawn32415 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed that video. Opened my eyes to some cons. I'm starting to put some things together to do a lawn care business full time but definitely in a different situation than you. I am the sole income and my wife does the stay at home mom thing. We are in the middle of a franchise project though but that probably wont bring a whole lot of income right away. Just trying to figure out how to transition without too much financial headache. I do have some reserves and a cushion in the bank to float me for a little while but I have to have buy in from my wife. Finding the best strategy is the hardest part currently.
@judasplow256 жыл бұрын
So true!
@TheCubs22406 жыл бұрын
I want to personally Thank you for all your help and motivation. I look forward to each video bro. You’re always spot on and have helped me tremendously in starting my business. The question I have, when do you start to switch customers from every 2 weeks to weekly cuts. I’m having trouble with this with my customers. Thanks and l look forward to your input.
@FloridaTurfPros6 жыл бұрын
Cenla Turf We switch around mid May in my Market.
@landscaper41934 жыл бұрын
Hear it all the time.
@woh46645 жыл бұрын
I also have a degree in finance and after college part of me was always embarrassed to tell people that i own a landscaping business. Now....I could care less, I'm a college grad that stayed in a trade and its been the best decision I've ever made. Its also been the hardest, back in the starting days it was 80 hours a week between 2 jobs and a hell of a sore body but the harder you work to start the faster you progress!
@ltdlawnservice45866 жыл бұрын
Been a subscriber since the start of your channel almost and really like your channel and I am searching for a video about actually hiring employees in kind of the tax implications it come with it and I’m wondering if you have one and if not if you could do one now that you have
@Paulstevenfrazer5 жыл бұрын
Didn't discourage me at all brother, if anything, it made me feel more like i fit in this line of work with the type of character you need for it as a business owner
@uzidude31132 жыл бұрын
I’m 16 yrs old starting to mow lawns do I need to have an LLC or something in order to keep going?
@paulreints22794 жыл бұрын
This spring I'll be launching my own lawn care business. I'm starting to choose the neighborhoods in my area to advertise in. I'm scared to death I won't find enough customers to support myself. I'm not scared of the work, I'm scared there won't be any to perform. Hopefully in a year I'll be complaining about being too busy to get the work done!
@michaelflaherty18124 жыл бұрын
Hey Paul, I’m curious to see how it’s working out for you. I am planning to start up at some point but slowly getting all my ducks in a row. I’d love the feedback if you don’t mind!
@paulreints22794 жыл бұрын
@@michaelflaherty1812 hey Michael, the hardest part is making the decision to start. Door hangers and word of mouth are the best ways to get your name out there. On average I've noticed for every 100 door hangers I land at least one landscaping job. I don't have any lawn care customers, but landscaping is where the good money seems to be, at least in WI where I'm at. I have not been without customers yet & actually make more than I did at my J-O-B. I'm also an LLC & pay my taxes, which is why I'm not the lowest priced guy around, which may be why I don't have any lawn care customers, but I think it's a good thing as far as landscaping. Best advice I can give is always answer the phone calls & be honest with your customers. There are plenty of hacks in this business & they aren't your competitors. Any advice you should want as you start, feel free to reach out. God bless you & your business!
@d_dizzie_druck57534 жыл бұрын
well said. i have had a coupke buddies come out, & try to hang with me. Their legs got sore, & they weren't prepared for the weather, deslite being warned about the weather.
@krishathcox79236 жыл бұрын
AMEN
@Grassology-vs1hn6 жыл бұрын
This is my rookie year PT fully licensed and insured with 12-16 lawns weekly with a 30” push mower is not easy I have so much respect for this industry and I do love mowing. So true about staying power in this industry I’m praying that I can upgrade to a 48” walk behind so I can be more efficient and be home earlier than 9 pm.which 48” walk behind would you recommend?
@texasghost67255 жыл бұрын
Grassology4610 find the best dealer in your area, go off reviews, and call them, how a business answers the phone says alot about them. Once you find your dealer, then just pick a color.
@Grassology-vs1hn5 жыл бұрын
Texas Ghost, I ended up getting a snapper pro 48” walk behind zero turn 2 weeks ago I paid $5500 delivered from Connecticut I would have purchased the Exmark Turf Tracer but it was $7300 at my local dealer.The snapper pro has a bigger Kawasaki motor and same hydro pumps.
@texasghost67255 жыл бұрын
Grassology4610 Thats good info, my favorite dealer carries snapper, ill have to look into it. $5500 a big pill to swallow. Im a part timer, although i have commercial stihl, its hard to transition to commercial mowers.
@Grassology-vs1hn5 жыл бұрын
Texas Ghost, yes it was a big pill to swallow.I have a FT job in the medical field that I’ve been working for 22 years with benefits for my wife and college age boys. This was my first season doing PT lawn care. My wife did all bills and taxes which is more work that mowing since she was home. The boys helped with cleanup and mulch jobs that is where I made some big cash. It went better than I planned lots of prayers though especially out in the field fighting the weather and the spring spikes Of the grass I wanted to give up at times but I knew I wanted to pay off $14000 worth of equipment a Chevy Silverado included in that total $14000.2019 is all about paying off the mower and learning how to drive a zero turn without tearing up clients lawn.After mower is paid off I would like to purchase a 6x10 open trailer and college tuitions for our boys.
@defdef52575 жыл бұрын
my 48" John Deere stand on is a beast and I got it with $1700 down and the rest with zero interest ($7300 financed).
@austynkephart24466 жыл бұрын
As an employee/foreman of a lawn care i know the stuff my boss goes through daily and monthly paying amd watching people drop us not due to shotty work but due to them not sble to pay or they found somebody cheaper its a cut throat industry
@willardwood32426 жыл бұрын
The best part is they’ll come crawling back once that cheap lawn care provider stops coming
@Grassology-vs1hn6 жыл бұрын
Austyn Kephart , I just started PT to help our 2 boys to get through college.im only 4 months into it and I have so much respect for guys who have been in it for years.I never thought I would have 16 clients my first year and a couple of mulch and cleanup jobs I. Very thankful to the Lord for answering our prayers it’s a hard business I’m learning.God bless all of you
@nzzenith6 жыл бұрын
Willard Wood do you charge more when you go back the first time as the lawn had likely overgrown?
@austynkephart24466 жыл бұрын
Ive been doing this the past 14 years i love what i do i take alot of pride in being able to show my boss and the clients what ke and my guys have done we do 30 yards a day with 2 guys
@willardwood32426 жыл бұрын
Joseph Collins not really. It depends on how bad it got. As a general rule, I charge 50% more if the grass has gotten to 6” or higher. I have a compact zero turn and it takes the grass down pretty easily no matter what.
@crewmax42405 жыл бұрын
Having not started, or even decided to pursue a business, I am very apprehensive about what it would require of me to be successful. I hope I am not in the 90%.
@patstotler34913 жыл бұрын
Is it a good idea to start an LLC for my new lawn care business in Florida and is it easy to do on my own
@karlchristofferson35885 жыл бұрын
Yup, make sure the wife has a great job with insurance. And remember, it's a family job. The wife needs to be invested and understanding also. If she isnt, it will add stress to your marriage, that will work against you.
@MowerManLawnService6 жыл бұрын
Great video! I am Owner / operator but still managed to become a social media influencer in the landscaping community while supporting family and working M-F. It take a lot of discipline to do what we do in our industry.
@obedg46146 жыл бұрын
Factsss ! Some lady didnt like my quote she got mad at me and said "so expensive !! Ill just have my 12 yr old neighbor do it he can do wat you do for way cheaper" i just walked away i felt angry man
@FloridaTurfPros6 жыл бұрын
Obed Garcia that’s crazy! I’ve heard it before too
@willardwood32426 жыл бұрын
There’s a guy in my area quoting $25 for 1/4 acre lots. He gets a bunch of calls, but they’re all crap properties and the clients pinch pennies on every service. I hate clients that think these services come for free.
@obedg46146 жыл бұрын
Willard Wood thats just sad but that GOOD thing is that guys like those dont last in the industry cant afford break downs or tools or fuel itself you lose money doing crap like that , saw an ad "any yard big or small $16" how like how i dont get it
@robertswift61016 жыл бұрын
you should have said told that lady then why isnt that 12 year old over here cutting it already then? because most 12 year old today rather sit inside watch tv and play video games ,,,he wont last cutting her lawn,if he even does it at all
@obedg46146 жыл бұрын
Robert Swift exactly they know them selves why they hire professionals, bt they use stuff like that to try n get their way or simply degrade us
@LowerLawns6 жыл бұрын
Great video! Cutting your lawn is super easy...cutting 30 is less easy...cutting 50 is a lot less easy haha. Also, lawn care in general is straightforward, making a profit doing it is not. Marketing is not. Closing a sell is not. Accounting is not. I am 3 seasons in living with family (thankful for them) and I am just now starting to see a (comfortably)livable profit...a few years down the road. Its definitely something you have to figure out and the thing that is making a huge difference for me is low quantity and high quality. For example, someone with 8 customers that pay $3k per year is much better than stretching that same amount across 30-50 clients. Another way to look at it...if you want to make $50k next season do 50 jobs that get you a 1k profit(meaning after expenses) or 25 jobs that get you $2k profit. Bigger jobs, but less running around the city loading and unloading dozens of times. I am finding it hard to believe that there is a mowing route dense enough to beat making profit by staying in one spot and having supplies like mulch delivered.
@dandylawnandmaintenance44076 жыл бұрын
Its a Grind baby you know it! I think back when I was tired after just mowing my own yard. I kinda laugh about that now. 7 years running. First year two hernias and operations to go with it end of year. Really was wondering myself it I could do it. I am pretty fit now at 58. You have to love doing it. Anyone can cut grass right and everyone normally gets really tired of it thankfully.
@donhgr6 жыл бұрын
Sorry to burst your bubble but it's not brain surgery and anyone with drive and money management can do it. LOL You'd be surprised what someone can do when they have to.
@TiggerNyeah5 жыл бұрын
I think that is the point, at least the one I would make. So many people today lack drive and/or money management skills.
@housemachine5094 жыл бұрын
Florida has way to many unlicensed workers I wanted to start a a service just to catch all those that are unlicensed and help the state.
@michaelgutter20044 жыл бұрын
Nice video, but that massive tattoo on your left arm was a bad idea.
@jmakaylaad5 жыл бұрын
Yes anybody can cut grass and take care of a lawn IF THEY REALLY WANT TOO. That man came to you because he needed a job to take care of his family just like you when he started out. Please dont be selfish Think about it . No body needs to hear low blows while there already down and if he dont know how to do the lawn care buisness whats wrong with helping him out.
@tacticalredfishing61366 жыл бұрын
Would you agree one of the top factors to being a success is how much Hustle and Grind you have I think to own a business and be successful you got to have some grittyness roughness some balls some Gladiator mindset?....Don't know if you have read Art of War great book...The Successful walk a little faster,They stay a little longer,They work at it a little harder,They just teter between falling off the cliff and sanity
@imadoofus12482 жыл бұрын
Please, majority of people watching this, realize this guy is blatantly obviously attempting to dissuade merely on the premise of competition. Like anything else, all it takes it effort and focus. Seriously, it's mowing. Not rocket science.
@achigurh885 жыл бұрын
it's honestly not that hard. I've quickly picked up a few dozen clients at $5 a yard
@defdef52575 жыл бұрын
🤣
@russellpugh55545 жыл бұрын
At five dollars a yard you have to be kidding me, it’s people like you that drive down the market. There is no way that you are making any money at all.
@defdef52575 жыл бұрын
@@russellpugh5554 I hate lowballers too but this guy's obviously kidding 😉
@jakeduckworth91103 жыл бұрын
sorry bro. lawn business is one of the easiest to start and get into.
@FloridaTurfPros3 жыл бұрын
Sorry, bro. 60% of lawn businesses owners quit their first year. Over 90% quit by the 3rd.