Should You Go LEGIT With Your Small Business? Here's My Advice.

A question I receive a lot is: when should I go legit with my business? Whether you're cutting a few lawns on the side, or your side hustle has started to mature into a decent sized business, going legit is a vital step to making things work and minimizing risk.
What about the folks who are cutting grass on the side, maybe 10-20 lawns, and you sort've fall in that gray area. You're not a full fledge lawn care company, but you're also not a weekend warrior just doing 3 extra neighbors for extra cash. Well, here's my conservative answer for you.
Love to hear what you guys did when you first got started in business. Did you do things correctly, cross the T's and dot the I's, or did you just figure things out a little bit each year, each season, sort've like myself.
I will say this, the more legit you run your business, the greater the lessons learned and the more you'll profit in your business, and I don't just mean monetarily. There is a ton of fun things to learn as you grow a business as an entrepreneur, and I'd hate to see folks miss out on those awesome opportunities!
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[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Did you guys go legit from day one? Or was it a progression sort of like my frat year in business? Love to hear what you guys did and if you would’ve did it differently!

[@tyjones2819]

I did and I got alot of people asking why I did. I did it because I was growning and i did not want to get in trouble with the government

[@stevedyke639]

I wish I had gone legit. I’m 20 and now paying $30k/year for college

[@benkohler3671]

Yea my grandfather is a cpa who retired from owning a firm

[@3-dlawncareservicedavis135]

What's up Brian, your my go to lawn man. Watch all the videos and still learning. I like the flyer video.

[@joshuadunn7116]

Great advice brother! I’m trying to be legit as possible. I started my business two weeks ago. I’ve ran out of money to get the llc but will have the funds next week so llc here I come. I’ve got a whole long story of why I’m doing what I’m doing but I’ll spare your youtube comment section. But best advice from a older fella (myself) do everything legal, the government will catch up to you sooner or later or some sort of mishap is going to happen, it’s the nature of the beast. Spend the $200-$400 to get a llc and have that piece of mind. Get the proper insurance to cover your hard earned assets. If your planning on doing it as just a hobby you can probably squeeze by for a bit but if your going fill time, invest in yourself and cya (cover your a$$). I plan on doing a video soon to give everyone my background and show what I’ve some so far. I’m 37 and have started watching your videos two weeks ago and honestly have learned tons of info, thanks brother, keep the awesome info coming and stay blessed!!

[@loganc1839]

I think the biggest reason people don't get started with an LLC and what not is because they don't know if they want to pursue it as an actual business or they might just stop mowing whenver they feel like it.

[@owencounts8662]

A sole proprietorship is the way I went, simplicity without a huge cost. Great vid!

[@SnookOnTheFly]

I'm kind of half and half right now. Some parts are completed for legitimacy, but some are still in the works. My plan has been an llc from the start. I've been mowing about 5 years now. It's time to make it official. For the record though, I do pay taxes and I don't undercut to get a job. I may not be legit yet, but I work with legit ethics

[@boehmassociates8714]

Excellent attitude and way of thinking !! There are too many guys out there in the area I live in that drive around in there cars with rakes hanging out of the trunk of there car and a ladder strapped to the roof looking to make a quick buck . It is very sad that older folks are Taken-In by the $30 price tag for cleaning out their gutters . Years ago I was Taken-In myself by one of these guys because of his sad story of " getting of drugs and trying to get his life in order ". When he did come by he came with another guy who had not taken a shower in a week and smelled like dope . BIG RED FLAG TO ME !! They took 10 minutes , I paid them , and they bolted ! Good thing I paid by check because I new HIS NAME . By the time I looked at the gutters ( that were still full of leaves ) they were GONE . So I looked in the phone book and found his address and number and it turned out that he had the same name his father and he was living with him . It turned out that his father was a well known and respected Landscape / property management guy . So needless to say he told his 28 year old son to finish the work and return my money . The father followed up on the work done . This man was Legit in every way !! Lesson learned for me , I hire only guys who have PROVED themselves honest and trustworthy and that a good reputation comes into play WITH ME PERSONALLY ! This all takes time of course .

[@timdagg1699]

I went a couple seasons kind of cash part time now I’m licensed and insured charge tax all that .The problem in my city is there is more work then people and alot of what I call fly by nighters who can underbid because no over head and no tax. Slowly people realize I use commercial gear and do good work and can deal with problems a guy in. A 10 dollar 5 colour truck with no muffler can’t always fix the window of a $ 100 000 BMW or the house I have some money credit and insurance so I can fix my wrongs

[@gabrielj1620]

I started by business in November and I am waiting a little to get legit for tax reasons and I’m only 14 lol.

[@mattb8269]

I registered my business as an LLC before I got my commercial mower. Spent all last winter setting up my office, paperwork, my Yardbook, figuring out accounting software, setting up the bank account, EIN, vendors license, etc. So much goes into it but it's definitely worth it all in the end. Estimating taxes on the other hand and some of the tax stuff is a bit hard to get figured out. I save every receipt and document everything so when the time comes it might not be too bad. Currently saving to talk with a CPA to make sure I'm doing it right. Love the content of your videos Brian. You've been an inspiration and really have helped with all your knowledge. Thanks man!!!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s really awesome pal. Wish you the best, sounds like you’re off to a great start.

[@davidtravis1367]

Matt B what is a vendors licenses?

[@Fencearmor]

It is really great to see all of these important topics being discussed. Fantastic job, Brian.

[@larrysiers9369]

another good video....one of first things i did was get commercial insurance, set up business account, but i am still sole proprietor

[@AZMDHI]

Maximize profits whenever you can! I cut grass when I was a kid but never saw profit in it. I'm a landscape designer and perform stone work as well. I found that running my butt off for 12 hours in the heat and trying to keep schedule with clients was wearing me out so I starting landscaping in my early 20s. I was making in 4 hours what I did in 12. Not everyone can relate to this. Instead of cutting 15 yards in a day for $25-$40 per yard, I design or reface a garden and am able to operate on 1 job for the day and make $1,000+. It's a luxury service and I'm not burned out at days end. To each their own and we all do our thing!

[@jakeduffin4626]

I really enjoy your video's and the subjects you discuss. Thank you!

[@Dsheppard1828]

This is my first year in the business, I am starting out part time hoping to build up some clients so when I retire in 7yrs I can go full time. I started out legit but the one thing I am having a problem with is taxes. The accountant i was going to said they don't help with quarterly taxes that i have to do it myself. So i have been looking for a new accountant. So this is the stressful part for me. I have insurance, EIN and my LLC I wanted all of this before I started because I wanted to be covered and doing it correctly. Thank you Brian for sharing.

[@paulanderson4985]

quarterly taxes is just an estimation of what you will owe at the end of the year divided by 4 equal payments. the state and fed gov't send the slips and all you pretty much need to do is fill in the number and write a check. The idea is to not have a whopping big number owed to the gov't when it's tax time. You adjust numbers according to what your income is. You may be assessed a penalty if you way underpay the estimated amounts. Just look at last year's taxes owed and adjust from there. This is not legal tax advice, I'm just a lawn barber like you. It's not rocket science though. Keep it real and don't try to steal. You'll be okay.

[@area51smallenginerepair83]

For the most part I started out legit as I could with the money I had and the knowledge that I had. I was going to business college and I ended out taken out some school loans where I ended up taking out a couple school loans to start my business venture and this is where I bought some small equipment and started going door-to-door and I used my network capability of people that I knew.

[@jrblandscapingandsnowplowi4935]

Love your attitude bud, motivation. Thanks brother anyone can learn something new. Im open ears.

[@ryanhatfield8793]

This is good, this is my first year and I have a busy who runs another small business and he said cash is king, but I been tracking everything even cash and I feel being legit keeps me honest!

[@elgerio3490]

Yeah thats true wh at your saying .. as a person starting his own businesses, im in my fist year amd i already have plans on going legit before i start to pick up with jobs and these videos are really helpful. Thanks

[@JustinJoyinglife]

I started subcontracting through a business that took care of all the licensing, customer acquisition, insurance and payments to be sure that I could even do the job before starting my own business (previous injuries prevent me from doing more than 5 or 6 a day). Then a few bumps in the road and haven't been able to dedicate as much time towards working so haven't been mowing but for family and friends. Contemplated going back next season since I'd only have to worry about the taxes. Schedule was easily filled and basically made it hassle free. Goal is to get enough clientele to justify the Staris 32" 😁

[@danp5154]

Hey Brian, this video has been such a great help, I really appreciate it!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

You bet buddy

[@Krazyk007x2]

I'm starting out with a DBA, but plan to go LLC as soon as I start actually making money. Thank you for this.

[@grumpy1311]

So on point Brian! The transition from under the radar to commercially insured, and on paper was one of the biggest growth factors for us! It gives the confidence to bid bigger jobs with strong numbers! If the customer doesn't like it, they may not be the right fit for us and it's good to figure that out early. Some people are always looking for a deal or a cash guy... I would run as fast as poss from them and focus on clients who respect and understand the costs associated with running a legitimate business!

[@brandonsmith5692]

Is it a diff between comercially insured and just insured?

[@grumpy1311]

@@brandonsmith5692 yes there is a difference. Commercial insurance costs a little more but is a necessity. Regular auto insurance is not going to cover you in the event of an accident while engaged in commercial activities.

[@brandonsmith5692]

But isn't that called business imsirsnce. I pay $49 a month thru hiscox for 2 million dollars of coverage. But I will see if they offer commercial and see what they tell me. Thx for reply

[@Trentcallender113]

Love the Rogue shirt again man!! Crossfit Games start in 9 days!! So excited!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Ha! This one is one of my favorites!

[@meegstomtom]

I went legit from day 1. I went all in. And I couldn't be happier. I'm not making as much as I was before but I love it and am gaining customers often.

[@meegstomtom]

@@phattygoodness7347 I agree and I feel customers see it that way also. My biggest investment so far in my enclosed trailer with logos on it. But I receive a lot of compliments on it and it shows I'm invested I'm my business too!

[@dustinbotten9596]

Went legit with our auto shop before we even touched our first car. If you run the numbers and do things right, you can actually come out ahead, especially in a high deduction business (Basically any service business) while keeping all the overlords happy. It's worth saying as well, if you're scared of the business formation process or just can't wrap your head around it, there are many online companies, LegalZoom for example, that will handle it for a couple hundred bucks.

[@donbush9091]

Great video Knowing is key Thank you for sharing your experience... god bless us all

[@dr.grayslawncare6399]

I am working on getting my LLC and setting up business accounts now should have it by the end of next month. I am growing pretty quick and revenue is increasing every month. By next season I should be 100% legit. I work full time and when I get off I do 5 to 6 lawns a day, then go home to help with the 3 kids. So the process has gone slower than I wanted, but that why I started early this year to build my route density, customer base, advertisements and service portfolio for next year. 2020 here we come.

[@hudsonjamesc]

Yes, I would love to get a good aerator and dethatcher and start doing that on the side. Do it infrequently enough to not be seen.

[@JoeDavis82]

Cash is king baby, lol

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

😉

[@RavensHardCore]

Great information Brian!! 👍

[@danfontaine6992]

And thanks a lot for all this information great video keep up the good work

[@LeeL-bt7mx]

🔥Great video Brian🔥

[@hernandezlawncare3215]

Thanks for the advice brian

[@hockinghillshoneyfarm9273]

Good advice started out the same way 25 years ago and they got me and ended up costing me $110.000 k i preach this to every young guy starting out do it the legit way and you will sleep much better and fill better about your business if you are charging what you should you will still make good money

[@toddbehrends1373]

I got liability insurance my second year. Starting a LLC in Illinois is almost $600.00 a year. So, I did not do that. I am on track to make almost $7000.00 less expenses. Love your videos and the honesty that you portray.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s awesome stuff man. And thanks we just share what we’ve done that’s all. Nothing to hide and hopefully can save folks a lot of headaches too

[@slmlawncare7077]

Awsome video actually in my first legitement year learning curve 😊but. We started 3 years ago and built up to a point were we had no choice but to become legetimate from 5 to 70 yards needed to become liscensed and insured etc

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Great job pal. It’ll make you a better entrepreneur!

[@marvinbentley2752]

That's a fact that you rest and can work better with everything being legal ! I got a call from the BBB office and the lady was very helpful and nice and it cost little to nothing to get started compared to operating in fear!

[@Dale.Nienow]

Great video Brian, I offer in my business lawn care, landscaping, fertilizer and spraying, aeration and over seeding, tree trimming and removal and irrigation and sprinklers! I went LLC and US Dot and insurance my second year in business just in case!

[@brandonwheeler.surprise-la2226]

Usdot? Your a trucker ?

[@Dale.Nienow]

@@brandonwheeler.surprise-la2226 no, I am a lawn care and landscaper, but we travel on highways a lot to go and get materials from our supplier so just be safe we went with dot #

[@thelawncaregivers6034]

Jim Rohn’s speech about ‘becoming a happy taxpayer’ is a good speech.

[@lewistaylor9546]

One issue with going legit right away is insurance. When I started my business and went legit right away, I was rejected by multiple insurance companies as they didn't want to insure a brand new business. Everyone wanted at least 1 year in business. I had to ask the owner of an agency that I knew to pull a favor for me to get insurance, or I would have had to go without my first year. I could understand them charging more for first year until you prove yourself, but flat denying me was definitely frustrating.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yeah buddy I feel ya. We had a super high premium our first year, I know what you mean

[@ABetterLifeInc]

I’m currently 37 and recently got a house in the county with 3.6 acres. My employment background is very broad but considering starting small with lawn care. Plan on practicing with my own yard. Cutting, trimming, already working on hedges. Very close to to financing a Scag Tiger Cat II for my own yard but just don’t know if it is the right model for me.

[@pauldalgarn2116]

Sometimes I watch your videos for the cool intro graphic. You and the "Ask a Mortician" gal have the best intro's😀

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

lol mamamama make the ground shake 👊💪

[@BIGJAFFORDABLELAWNCARE]

Best time to go legit is as soon as you start getting the commercial equipments you need for your business. My opinion 👍its best to be legit asap

[@legioncollector4218]

I started my business completely legit,now that I'm moving and having to start all over again I'll be doing things off the books till I can save up a good enough war chest

[@w.phillips1939]

Inspired, after watching you, and Stan! Day-1! Logo, Attorney, Sub-S-Corp, Tax Professional, marketing, just completed web content now, Yard Book! Reading! And more readings, flyers. Next up: a truck, a Wright Stander-B, enclosed trailer. I continue to watch and learn. I will now, check out the ‘Lawntrepreneur’ content. Thanks!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Get it buddy 💪👊

[@alancolannino9225]

Great video!

[@andyslawncareandoutdooradv]

Great tips!

[@IggyDalrymple]

Make sure your liability policy names you personally as named insured in addition to naming your LLC, because if your LLC is sued you will likely also be sued personally. If sued personally and lose, the plaintiff can go after your personal assets. An LLC will not shield your personal assets if you are personally involved in the management of the LLC. If your agent will not name you personally as named insured, find another agent.

[@AsLawnandLandscaping]

Nice video dude!

[@ASMRSoldier]

Awesome advice...

[@bengeskie9840]

I'v been doing lawn care for the past year now. I'm 13 years old I'm not licensed or insured but my company is 'Blade warrior lawn care & snow removal' and I just love doing it. I meet and work for a bunch of great people doing what I do! I love your content and your mowers lol legit though your super positive and you remind me of me. God bless man!!!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Thanks buddy, wish you the best too

[@MIHYLLC]

Wow... you got my attention here. I am registered with the state of Ohio, FEIN, County Vendor License, Business Bank Account. Apparently where I'm falling short is... I'm a Sole Proprietor DBA. I'm def going to look into LLC. Thanks👍 Btw... see you at GIE. Just submitted registraton via your promo code @ 50% off. Thanks for that as well😃

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s awesome man. Thanks for the support and yup, we’ll be there!

[@Laynie_247]

Good content! We are moving as well.

[@EGreen-pz5qr]

Great video really dope

[@kyleslawnmaintenance7984]

This is my first year. In Arkansas we have a small business center managed by the state. I went to them for advice. I got a business license and business insurance before i took customers. My CPA advised me to set up a seperate account and only use it for my business. I keep a expense report and I have used Yardbooks from the beginning to track all my invoices. I currently only offer residential lawn Maintenance because it does not require sales tax. Next season I will start offering more services and move to an LLC so that i can start the process to hire an employee. That will also allow me to get into the commercial market and do minor landscaping. I think it is important to do it the legal way. It will save your butt in the long run!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Great work pal

[@kyleslawnmaintenance7984]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance I have your great content to thank.

[@MrJRod891]

Great thinking. I plan on doing it this way too when I start my business. Good luck with everything Kyle!

[@kyleslawnmaintenance7984]

@@MrJRod891 thank you! If you want you could always subscribe to my channel and follow along 😏 shameless plug.

[@marktangney9467]

Hi Mark from quality lawn care I'm just a weekend warrior 10 accounts that I d do after work I had a d.b.a at one point with a partner but didn't work out unfortunately I had l liability insurance too but I just do cash now

[@JohnPetrie]

I spent the money up front before I even got started to form an LLC, get insurance, business license, business cards, etc. I desperately need to get a better trailer set up going in to 2022 because my 6x10 that I already owned is too small and I have to manually deploy ramps at each stop to load and unload the mowing equipment.

[@laarshegdish6016]

Good evening Brian! I got into the lawn care business when I lost my job as a software engineer. I've enjoyed it ever since and haven't looked back. I started out legit with a DBA. I had to do State business tax returns every quarter, and didn't mind until one day I found I owed $1,100 for taxes to the state, even though I'd just gotten started and essentially made only $1,500 the entire quarter. I had to report the value of assets and equipment, even though I'd paid nothing for it. I called the state comptroller and she said I didn't have to be legit if I made less than $5,000 per year. So I've skated for now on the state level, but the IRS said I needed to report this kind of income as business income anyway. So I'm definitely going legit this year and your video was my wake-up call!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Awesome pal!

[@nicksalzo5146]

Ur inspired me to cut lawns and I’m only 13

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Awesome pal. Wish you the best. Be safe and make sure you wear safety glasses and ear protection

[@nicksalzo5146]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance thx a lot also i always wear proper ppe. keep making vids it helps a lot

[@MrJRod891]

Good luck Fife! And like Brian said, be careful too. Definitely wear ear protection!!

[@zscape3233]

To start a business bank account you have to have proof of business license and an EIN, kinda hard to run a business without a bank account. Unless you have ten shoeboxes full of cash somewhere

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Great tip

[@kenholcomb3172]

Not required at bank of America, just need a business name I believe. I used to do service calls for semi trucks and trailers, my business account was thru BofA, the blue card.

[@jamesherder3712]

It's always been a side hustle for me but I was planning on taking it full time legit when I retire from my main job in two yrs unfortunately all my tools & equipment were stolen and my truck vandalized beyond repair two yrs ago and I've still been unable to replace them

[@tylerestopinal9619]

Shout out to us FIREFIGHTERS💪🙏

[@MC-rr3ew]

Guys its simple...get legit from day 1. and document everything. Remember an llc is only good if its followed to letter of law. Working without license,liability, comp insurance is illegal. Dont pay employees in cash. Etc...

[@loganmobeck1912]

Great advice Brian, when’s the podcast coming?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

When we have the new garage setup, I would love to do videos and podcast style videos. I don’t think logistically I’ll do a podcast, just bc that’s a whole different animal to learn. Any topics you’d love to have us talk about? I’d love to do 30-60 minute joe rogan style podcasts haha

[@loganmobeck1912]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance awesome man can’t wait! You could always put them In KZbin and in a podcast like keith kalfas does. Some good topics would be how to hire your first employee, employee culture, and growing the business so it’s more automated with systems. You’ve done a great job showing us how to start now we need the next couple steps past that if you know what I mean

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Logan Mobeck sure buddy, great topics

[@krystaldelacruz2010]

I went legit after 6 months because that's the only way to keep the commercial properties. And is where I'm making more money.

[@ksjohnson219]

I started right away

[@gustavomarin6535]

Before my dad went legit, he used to run a 1995 f150 with 2 guys mowing and 2 guys doing construction the first 2 years, he’s never made more money than those 2 years he profited over 200k in a short time. We spent 150k of land back in the homeland not worth over 350k of land

[@stevenvandensen967]

become legit at fast as you can because when because if you're not but I did buy LLC or insurance and a rock kid the kid or something to get ginger your goals everything you want and then some

[@optimuscrime608]

Cash is king. Period.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Cashflow*

[@ryantheentrepreneur4040]

The only problem with going legit you realize your rates need increased...

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s a good problem, in my opinion. How’s that a negative?

[@ryantheentrepreneur4040]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance Good point!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

💪👊

[@colestaples2010]

Yeah and think of the problem it causes for legit companies having illegitimate companies undercut their prices! Go legit, or get out of our way is my opinion

[@awno6627]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance the fear of customers picking the next guy who'll do it cheaper.

[@UncleFester2240]

Forgive my rant, but rant I must. What I learned-when you "go legit" just about every dollar that passes through your business is taxed about three times. In our city, we have a BPOL (Business Professional Occupation License) where you pay a tax on the amount of money that passes through your business (as reported) whether you make a profit that year or not. Then you have the machine-tool tax where you have to account for and pay a tax on every piece of equipment you buy/have annually despite having already paid sales taxes on it when you bought it, then there's the license fees to the state, workman's comp, Federal and state income taxes, Obamacare's overpriced health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, etc., etc., etc. Let's not forget insurance, tax preparation and once you "go legit," every telemarketer on the PLANET gets your phone number so they can call from Pakistan and try to sell you a website or you get the ones that ask "can I speak to the business owner please?" because they don't even take the time to learn anything about the customer they're cold-calling. Oh, let's not forget the guys who want a job, have felony records so no one else will even consider hiring them but you want to be a good guy and offer someone an opportunity, then they don't want to work and still expect you to pay them because in their idiot-minds they think that because you OWN the business, you "got all the money" and owe it to them anyway just for showing up. Or, the guy doesn't show up all week and his old lady/girlfriend/baby mamma calls and demands to know "why you ain't paid Reggie since he worked all week for you!" "Yo', chick, Reggie ain't been here since the police showed up with an arrest warrant!" And don't forget about getting served papers from the state to start garnishing someone's wages because they don't pay their child support-and they're mad at YOU for "takin' my money!" Yea, that guy is really going to stick around through the season and put in an honest days work for you! Oh, did we also forget about all of the documents you have to keep track of when you hire a person and if you fire them, they try to get unemployment and you have to pay that tax, too? And no, I don't offer free health insurance, dental or vision insurance, a 401k, two weeks of paid vacation during peak season, Credit Union membership, a profit-sharing program or stock-option. Worse are the politicians who don't know the first thing about what you do, still want more and more regulations ON what you do so they can "show the voters how serious they are", but also seem to think that your revenue-generating business is now either an extension of or an unlimited funding source for their social welfare programs-oh, and they want you to come and cut their lawns but don't want to pay market prices. Then the government tells you how many women and minorities you have to hire to achieve their vision of "diversity" but if you fire one of them, you get to deal with an alphabet-soup of State of Federal agencies who naturally assume that you've discriminated against someone. Let's not forget the customers who think you're overcharging them because they're (fill in oppressed minority here) and the Better Business Bureau wants answers-and a few hundred dollars to give you an A+ rating as well as "Angie's List" where unhappy customers can trash you in front of the entire community and you have little, if any recourse to defend yourself unless you Lawyer-up and take them to court for defemation. Then there's the zoning issues to deal with, actually having to ask the local government if it's okay to use one of your rooms in your own house as an office, but you can't store any of your business equipment on your own property/in your garage because someone complained, so you have to rent a commercial $pace and in$ure that, too. Let's not forget the thieves among us who will steal whatever they can carry whenever they can to sell for drug money. Meanwhile every charity to the moon and back call because they want YOU to give them money or free services to support their causes, everything from disabled Circus freaks to Veterans with disabilities to military families with loved ones deployed overseas and the wife is out every night bar and bed-hopping or their teenager is making meth in his bedroom. Them every August you're being tapped to donate school supplies for kids because parents don't want to buy them anymore and let's not forget the well-to-do-Senior Citizens who still think they should pay the same thing to mow their spacious lawns they were paying in the 1970's, or those who want that Golf-Course-like lawn and think it just happens all by itself with no financial commitment (fertilizer, grass seed, WATER) on their part or simply don't understand that it takes time and resources. Oh, a soil test would help, but they usually don't think that's something that they should ever have to pay for because "that should be included in the service!". My personal favorites are those who got a notice from code-enforcement because they haven't cut their now-knee-high-grass in about a month and are mad because you have to charge them twice what it normally costs to clean up their own mess. Apparently, they're special because they shouldn't have to pay anything more than what anyone else would pay who gets their lawn mowed every 10 days. Don't believe me, just ask them. Or, those who "are on a fixed income" and believe that they shouldn't have to pay anything near market rates. So, would someone PLEASE tell me again about all the "advantages" of "going legit" because I honestly feel like I've opened Pandora's box, spending an inordinate amount of time coming up with last minute solutions to IMPOSSIBLE problems caused by OTHER F'ING PEOPLE before I ever START the lawnmower. Then I have to try and make the CUSTOMERS (You know, the people who actually pay for a service) happy campers and that can be hard enough on a good day. It's all the OTHER nonsense that literally sucks the enjoyment out of life. Looking back, I started doing this to get AWAY from a high-stress job I had grown to hate. I had far-fewer headaches and much more latitude when I was "under the radar." I actually liked what I was doing then because I could focus on doing what I enjoyed the best way I could to get the best results that were possible. Now I feel more like a bureaucrat or worse, a case manager at Social Services. If I get one more phone call from some stupid cow that spent too much time on her back, looking for her boyfriend/baby-daddy (or more accurately, his money) I think I'm going to go into full nuclear meltdown.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s a lot to digest lol. But I hear what you’re saying 100%

[@UncleFester2240]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance I get a little worked up sometimes.... "Valium, table for one, please."

[@SuperMarkolsen]

Oh my god

[@Kokoelloteria]

Wtf

[@thekevorlando]

okay you have to remember that I did this in 1988 I was cutting a couple yards a week residential mower edger electric string trimmer I determined I was going to go ahead and do it so I got a trailer and I made the decision that I would pay for my equipment and then go legit will you know when you get your first big mower it really speeds things up I was legit after only a couple months real competitive here in Florida you had people sugar in your tank I'm stealing your equipment that was back before the lockable racks but still the fuel was a problem

[@zscape3233]

kevin cater wait a minute people would put sugar in your tanks?? That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard dude

[@thekevorlando]

@@zscape3233 yeah it sucked but it was the wild West in 88 89 and 90 gear everybody was fighting for the business like there wasn't enough yards in Central Florida I don't know if people still use them but we used to have kind of a buddy system cuz we get so much rain here gal couple days you get behind y'all jump on his locks jump on your lot the guy Mark I used to do it with they firebombed is trailer burned up everything you own it was sketchy

[@Meyerwoodworks]

Just started a month ago, I do it on the side and everything so far has been one-time cuts. I think if/once I get a steady client base, I'll file. Right now I'm enjoying the freedom to up and leave it if I wish without having "wasted" money filing for an LLC ($150) and commercial insurance. As of now, I haven't made much and if I were to purchase those two things, I would be negative. If I gain a few clients and still want to continue next year, it's definitely something I plan on doing. Any chance you can review/demo the Exmark Radius E 44"? That's what I'm thinking about getting.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s awesome pal. I don’t have access to a Radius but I will grab some footage for you when we’re at GIE!

[@derek5463]

Consult a cpa ASAP!!!

[@paulanderson4985]

Dang dude, you're vids are addictive. It's burning my daylight...Good content though.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Haha thanks pal 🤘

[@moneyshift8919]

Can you please talk about what you do during winter

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

We do snow removal currently

[@713skywalker]

I went legit 3 years back once I started picking up commercial properties...before that I was under the radar about 6 years 👀

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Haha yikes!

[@Michael-Whalen]

I wouldn’t let people know that online haha

[@tonyedmonds42]

It is always the best advice to get legit as soonest possible, a guy tray to get me crashing into the back wheel of my dump trailer, been legit on everything and having a commercial insurance helped me almost put in jail that guy. His car was all bit up and he tried to sue me for injuries.

[@brandonsmith5692]

Commercial insurance?? What's the difference than just liability insurance for mowing. Is it 2 different kinds

[@tonyedmonds42]

It is about pulling mowing trailers and dump trailers with heavy materials not just mowers and having your business name on them . But the best way is to talk with your insurance company representative and all what Brian was talking about in the video.

[@brandonsmith5692]

Awww ok. Yea I have an 5x8 trailer and not weighted to the max. Its like 1200 pounds. Maybe pushing it. So I don't think I need all that. I will just talk to my current insurance provider who i am with now. I just kept seeing commercial insurance so wasn't sure if i was missing soemthomf or not

[@brandonsmith5692]

No worries. Thanks for the reply. Stay dry and keep on cutting!..

[@tonyedmonds42]

Yes! Let’s keep mowing men! You will keep growing and upgrading your equipment trailer and trucks, and then you’ll need to upgrade your insurance too.

[@familyownedlawncareservices]

great video . hey who made your logo i need one made

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Local print shop. Artworks Graphics Novi MI. Ask for Sheila

[@MrCotaman98]

How do you figure out how to add that extra insurance expense? Or do you have a video explaining that? A true cost per hour of what it costs you covering ex and clearing a profit. Ty.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

We’ll have a tool for that very soon on Lawntrepreneur Academy.

[@stevenvandensen967]

what's the that did not make sense I'm sorry about that what I meant is because LLC and get you insurance because you can lose everything if something gets hurt and mostly the card by that IRS or by the the city or a county anything like that you can get heavily find so just be careful

[@bernietoth]

🤠

[@christhorndike4614]

What if your 17 working a full time job and doing landscape on the side? Especially when he would be making about 5-10g?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

You're probably fine but try to run it legit asap or when you're 18! You'll learn a lot of life experiences and it'll make you a better entrepreneur!

[@baliviano5979]

How do you get a permit to advertise your business ..im thinking about just putting a small banner behind the trailer

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

You shouldn’t need one for your own property and trailer buddy

[@freddyquesada8720]

hello Brian. why llc and not dba? im tryin to decide whats the best step for me. Im just getting started and dont have many customers. someone recomended a dba because of the amount of customers and income.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

LLC better protects your assets and business. A DBA/Sole Prop doesn’t provide you any asset protection. Go with an LLC ASAP.

[@derrickhenry6423]

once you get setup with LLC. How did you use buisness credit? How did you build buisness credit? I was gonna buy second hand mowers but would be nice if I can get a cheaper mower financed

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Talk to your banker, they can give you ideas to help your business build credit 👊

[@derrickhenry6423]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance how did you start out? Did you finance? Pay cash? Buy second hand or new?

[@thelawncaregivers6034]

Oh oh! Have you read The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelo, Brian? If you haven’t you should. Reminded me of The Richest Man In Babylon, by George S. Clason.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I haven’t!

[@thelawncaregivers6034]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance 😧 you’re missing out

[@kingguevara1624]

Great Info Bryan__ I’m starting on this business and the only thing I know it that I want to do it right and legit

[@boehmassociates8714]

Very good advice !! If you ( small business owner ) want to be successful , the key is to play by the RULES ! There is absolutely NOTHING WRONG WITH CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH HONESTY !!!! Remember , your customers or potential customers go by YOUR REPUTATION !! Be honest with them and it will go a long way !! As Brian mentioned , EDUCATE YOURSELVES in regards to the type of insurance coverage that your business needs . Yes , It is easy to say that , but just starting out on my own venture ( over two-years now ) , I do what I can to LEARN from those who have been through what I have been through or MAY go through . You do not have to personally experience the devastating effects of a tornado to learn that it is not a good thing to sit around and do nothing . So LEARN from those who have made mistakes and they can pass along to you ways in which you can AVOID THE PITFALLS that are ahead of you . A NO BRAINER ! By the way , I am new to all of this . I was in a professional atmosphere for over 40 years , and now , PLOWING SNOW IN A BEACH TOWN , WOW , CRAZY RIGHT ? . No , not at all . I apply my life lessons such as being honest , truthful , and most importantly , being RELIABLE TO MY CUSTOMERS . Trust me , Brian has a understanding of what it takes to connect with his audience ( You and Myself ) .

[@dustinheylmann3030]

Any reccomendations on a logo creator?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Fiverr.com is a great cheap option.

[@playgroundofsound7683]

Why LLC and not DBA Brian? Thanks!

[@patrickcoyne2598]

My business made $90k last year in sales. I’m not legit at all. I was 15 years old last year. State won’t let me get licensed until 18. Parents don’t want to be liable for my biz

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Awesome. You’ll have a good bass for when you do go legit.

[@paulanderson4985]

Walked away from a customer that wanted me to put the service address different from the home I was mowing. Found out from a neighbor the FBI "visited" them in 2005. Thanks but no thanks. I'm guessing they were looking for a tax writeoff or something.

[@benkohler3671]

Ok so how do you do it when you are a teen and have commercial property’s and have to do taxes this year and are making over 5 grand after purchases. I don’t know how yet to get a llc and get insured I can file as a company and get all that stuff but I don’t know how to yet so how do I do it ? Thanks for the good vids!

[@Michael-Whalen]

Kohler Lawn Service you can’t in my state until you’re 18

[@benkohler3671]

Yea, what state are you in ?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s a good question, I’m not sure actually. Have your parents ask a CPA perhaps. Maybe they can get you pointed in the right direction.

[@QuickScopeCousins]

I know many guys who run there landscape business under the table including one guy that has 3 crews. It’s insane to me that some how they are running businesses like that and how much liability they are risking everyday operating. It only takes an accident or a worker getting hurt to end up being sued for everything they own.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yup. The $1K in liability and workers Comp isn’t worth the risk when you could literally lose it all with one simple accident. Well said

[@show-memowsnow1250]

Started out legit. Not worth the risk in my book

[@prairiecreekfarm922]

I’m 14 and trying to get into the lawn and landscaping business but my parents are not supportive of it at all and won’t let me do it any advice

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Ask them why they don’t want to support you making some side cash. I’d be very encouraging if my kid wanted to mow grass and make a few bucks 🤷‍♂️👍

[@brandonsmith5692]

In Indiana I looked up all this LLC stuff and biz license stuff. They said we don't need one? So really confused on that now. Do I just do an LLC or what. It's just me mowing

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Everyone needs to register their business. A DBA at a minimum, but an LLC is best. Ask a lawyer or CPA. Or look at Legal Zoom etc

[@brandonsmith5692]

I will look into what you said. I didn't even see an option for Indiana for Lawn Care. But has to be a way. As I just wanted to follow all correct routes. All it said was i needed insurance and nothing else. But I will look into registering it

[@dustinryan9671]

Brandon, I live in the same state its much more conservative here than many other places. I just do side stuff in our area I don't report anything. Until I depend on it to support my family I don't give a crap, I like to make some pocket money it's no ones damn business what we do to make money.

[@toddeberlein965]

Brian, Absolutely spot on with this video. Funny you mentioned firefighters (EG-85 B shift here). Gotta hustle and make extra on days off for sure. But the best thing I ever did hands down was get insurance (liability). I get more people with this one to say the least. Here’s a legit question I’m sure you get all the time. Been at it for 5 years solo and it’s obviously time to increase prices, but when is the best time to do it? I want to invest (get a staris but waiting to see if it’s remade). So gotta bring better cash to the table. Yes I’m a $20 a yard guy for a lot of yards (hence my full time pays my bills), wanna break from the mold and possibly grow and get some commercial to take the void. Solid video again man!!!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Raise prices anytime man. I just raised prices on a dozen customers July 1. We did a bunch more this spring before the season started. My only advice would be to do it at the beginning of a new billing cycle, so it’s not to confuse the customer, that’s all. Wish you the best!

[@chriscostlow4210]

Play mostly by the rules if you wanna play to win. Mostly. If you play 100% by the rules you'll be playing to win only to lose.

[@bigtexas7580]

Good advice man, very helpful. Summary of this vid from my perspective: *Cover Your Ass*

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Always CYA. And remember your ABC’s too. Ha!

[@WildCardMMA]

This was my first year, I did about 10k in credit card transactions, I am gonna look to go LLC next season along with the correct insurance.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Nice!