For decades, climbing the corporate ladder has been the hallmark of the American dream. But today, feeling the pressure of layoffs and corporate restructuring, a new wave of entrepreneurs are turning to business ownership in pursuit of their new American dream: self-sufficiency. With college tuition skyrocketing in recent years, many graduates have been left with significant debt and few job prospects in the ever-shifting corporate world. The return on investment is no longer a sure bet in today’s market, which is favoring business ownership.
Owning a business offers something the corporate world doesn’t: asset building. When you earn $100,000 in a job, that’s all you have, when you build a $100,00 business, you have a tangible asset that continually builds equity and in turn can be sold for a significant profit in the future. This is true self-sufficiency. This is something that will never be attained working for someone else.
Franchising offers a higher rate of success in business ownership than the alternative of starting from the ground up. It offers a solid pathway to build a sustainable business, one that maximizes revenue potential by leveraging the resources, support, and experience of an established brand. What’s more, starting a franchise can be done for less than the cost of a college education and the potential for financial gain is often much greater. As a result, we are seeing more and more young people are choosing to enter the franchise industry and reaping the rewards that come with it, including greater self-sufficiency.
Specializing in everything from landscaping to plumbing, service and trade-based franchises are on the rise. There is a need for these services regardless of what is going on in the economy and there are fewer people who are specializing in these “blue collar” trades due the short sighted and outdated ideas of the old American dream. Due to this high demand, these industries are quickly gaining traction as a lucrative and fulfilling alternative to traditional white-collar careers due to stability and recurring revenue providing these services provides.
The need for business-minded individuals to build and run these service-based businesses is at an all-time high. Performing the trade and running the business are two very different things. While there is the rare individual who can do both, most will find the business will reach an inevitable ceiling when you do not have an owner who can rise above the day-to-day operations and work on growing the business.
Running any business requires business acumen and the ability to build and lead a team, skills transferable to any industry. It is an education on how to make money. Skills learned while running a business are transferrable anywhere, and the experience gained invaluable. Running a successful business requires a strong understanding of finance, marketing, and customer service, all of which are valuable skills in any industry.
A strong franchise model offers an excellent support network that can help you achieve your business and self-sufficiency goals. In the ever changing tides of what constitutes the American dream, it represents a path to professional development. U.S. Lawns exemplifies this idea. As leaders in the commercial landscape industry, they offer a comprehensive training program and ongoing support that has helped their franchisees build sustainable businesses for over 30 years.
One of the most significant advantages of the U.S. Lawns franchise model is the recurring revenue stream that comes with commercial contracts. Unlike residential landscaping, commercial contracts often provide a consistent source of income throughout the year, even during slower months.
Additionally, U.S. Lawns offers a range of services beyond landscaping, including snow removal, irrigation, and tree care. This allows franchisees to diversify their service offerings and capture more business from their commercial clients.
Along with the pursuit of self-sufficiency, this new wave of entrepreneurs are placing more importance on values than ever before. One of the reasons U.S. Lawns has been successful over three decades has been because of its consistent brand values. At its core, the brand represents a core mission of service, stability, discipline, integrity, responsiveness, professionalism, community, nature, and environmentalism. These strong values are woven into everything the brand does and throughout our franchisee network.
Our greatest achievement as an organization has been our commitment to staying close to our network and tapping into the power they represent as a collective whole. From a robust owners advisory committee, mentor programs and annual conventions, every franchisee has a voice. With their commitment to 100% satisfaction, U.S. Lawns makes it clear that they value their franchisees.
More and more people are breaking free from the “golden handcuffs” of the corporate world in favor of business ownership. With business ownership comes the opportunity to lead and make a difference in your community in a more impactful way. And franchising increases your chances of success. U.S. Lawns’ mission is to help our franchisees build sustainable businesses with unlimited revenue potential.
Business ownership is not without its challenges. It requires hard work, dedication and a willingness to take risks. However, the potential rewards, both financial and personal, can make it an incredibly fulfilling and satisfying career choice.
Minneapolis and St. Paul, collectively known as the Twin Cities, offer a dynamic landscape for business growth and opportunity. Amidst the urban sprawl and natural beauty, the demand for top-tier commercial landscaping services continues to rise.
Here are some reasons why Minneapolis and St. Paul present an ideal environment for starting your U.S. Lawns franchise:
The Twin Cities boast a robust and diversified economy, spanning industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing. This economic diversity translates into a steady demand for commercial properties and landscaping services. As businesses thrive and expand, the need for professional landscaping solutions become increasingly apparent, presenting ample opportunities for a U.S. Lawns franchise to flourish.
Minneapolis and St. Paul’s real estate market is experiencing a period of growth and expansion. With a steady influx of new businesses and residents, commercial properties are in high demand. Property owners and developers recognize the value of well-maintained landscapes in attracting tenants and customers. A U.S. Lawns franchise can capitalize on this trend by providing high-quality landscaping services tailored to the unique needs of the local market.
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have made significant commitments to sustainability and environmental stewardship. From green building initiatives to renewable energy programs, the Twin Cities are leading the way in eco-friendly practices. As business seek to align with these values, there is a growing demand for sustainable landscaping solutions. A U.S. Lawns franchise can position itself as a leader in environmentally conscious landscaping, appealing to eco-mined clients and contributing to the Twin Cities’ sustainability efforts.
The Twin Cities boast a diverse commercial landscape, encompassing a wide range of industries and business types. From corporate office parks to retain centers and educational institutions, each sector has unique landscaping needs. A U.S. Lawns franchise can leverage its expertise to provide customized solutions that enhance the beauty and functionality of commercial properties across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Minneapolis and St. Paul are renowned for its strong sense of community and civic engagement. Business that actively participate in community events and initiatives often enjoy widespread support and recognition. By becoming an integral part of the local community, a U.S. Lawns franchise can build valuable relationships with clients and stakeholders, further solidifying its presence in the Twin Cities market.
Minneapolis and St. Paul offer a fertile landscape for entrepreneurial success in the commercial landscaping industry. With a thriving economy, expanding real estate market, commitment to sustainability, diverse commercial landscape, and strong sense of community, the Twin Cities provide an ideal environment for a U. S. Lawns franchise to thrive. So, if you are looking to embark on a rewarding business venture, consider planning your roots in the Twin Cities and watch your landscaping business flourish amidst the urban oasis of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Pittsburgh, PA with its rich industrial history and vibrant cultural scene, is not just a city of bridges and steel: it's also a city of green possibilities. For entrepreneurs looking to tap into the profitable industry of commercial landscaping with the support of an industry leading brand, Pittsburgh offers a unique blend of opportunities and advantages. The Steel City is an excellent choice for starting your own U.S. Lawns franchise.
Pittsburgh has successfully transformed its economy from a steel-centric industry to a divers, knowledge-based economy. With focus on technology, healthcare, and education, the city has seen steady economic growth, attracting businesses and residents alike. A thriving economy means more commercial spaces, and these spaces require top-notch landscaping services.
The real estate market in Pittsburgh is experience a resurgence, with both commercial and residential properties on the rise. As business establish themselves in the city, the demand for aesthetically pleasing and well-maintained landscapes is higher than ever. A U.S. Lawn franchise can tap into this market, proving essential landscaping services for property owners looking to enhance their curb appeal.
Pittsburgh is committed to sustainability and green initiatives. The city has invested in green spaces, parks, and environmentally friendly practices. As businesses strive to align with these principles, the need for eco-friendly commercial landscaping solutions has increased. A U.S. Lawns franchise can capitalize on this trend, offering sustainable and environmentally conscious services to business looking to go green.
Pittsburgh’s diverse business landscape, ranging from tech startups to healthcare facilities, provide a wide range of opportunities for commercial landscapers. Each sector has unique landscaping needs, and a U.S. Lawns franchise can tailor it's services to cater to the specific requirements of different industries.
Pittsburgh is known for its tight-knit communities and strong sense of pride. Businesses that contribute positively to the community are often embraced, and a U.S. Lawns franchise can become an integral part of the city’s landscape, beautifying public spaces and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
Pittsburgh is not just a city of bridges: it's a city of green opportunities for those looking to join a fast growing and profitable industry and start a commercial landscape business. With a growing economy, a thriving real estate market, a commitment to sustainability, diverse business sectors, and strong community values, Pittsburgh provides an ideal environment for a U.S. Lawns franchise to flourish. So, if you are considering staring our own commercial landscaping business, look no further than the Steel City for a landscape of success. Click here to learn more.
Suzy and Carlos Montes came to a point where they wanted more for their lives. Both felt weighed down by the constraints of their careers and wanted to build something more for their family and contribute to their community in a meaningful way. Their inspiring journey from career burnout to becoming proud U.S. Lawns franchisees demonstrates how embracing change and trusting the process can lead to a fulfilling and successful business venture.
Suzy, a dedicated occupational therapist with experience in a variety of healthcare settings, began to feel disillusioned by the healthcare industry. “It began to feel as if patients were just being seen as a number. We were asked to do the impossible in terms of productivity. I felt that quality care was being compromised,” recalls Suzy. Not willing to sacrifice her standards, Suzy knew she had to make a change.
After leaving the healthcare industry, Suzy knew she wanted to make a difference but wasn’t sure where to turn next. “I was still thinking in terms of the healthcare industry, but my husband saw the stress and how it burnt me out and didn’t want that for me,” she said.
Carlos, an army veteran and pilot, also yearned for a change. He felt undervalued and underappreciated in his current career. Most of all though, he wanted to spend more time at home with his wife and children. With business ownership on his radar, Carlos started exploring opportunities.
Wanting to be closer to family, the Montes moved back to their hometown, Mercedes, Texas.
“We wanted our children to spend more time with their abuela and abeulo. It was important for us to have them know their family,” Suzy says, “We love the community and the vibrant Hispanic culture of the area. We take pride in it and wanted to contribute to the community in positive ways.”
Situated near the U.S.-Mexico border, this area of southern Texas has recently undergone a significant transformation, experiencing tremendous economic growth and development. The astute and business-minded Carlos saw the opportunity and need for high-quality landscaping services. He also saw alignment with his and Suzy’s desire to be of service to their community, by way of offering quality employment while enhancing the beauty of their surroundings.
As Carlos did more research, he found franchising to be a good fit for his and Suzy’s business goals. Coming from a military background, he knew he could be successful within a set of systems and processes with a clear cut business model. As he learned more about the U.S. Lawns franchise offering, he saw an industry leader with the support and systems that could help them achieve them build a sustainable business and contribute to and beautify their community in meaningful ways.
Ever the visionary, the decision to join U.S. Lawns was clear for Carlos. Suzy, however, took a little time to convince. While she was familiar with the landscape industry and her father owned a residential landscape company, she initially didn’t take to the idea of opening a landscape business. “I have fond memories of helping my dad, him on the mower and me on the string trimmer, working side by side. I was just unsure if we could do the work on the scale that would be required to meet our financial goals.”
Despite her reservations, Suzy followed Carlos’ lead and they became U.S. Lawns franchisees in June of 2023. One of the key factors that eased the transition was the brand’s training and support systems. Suzy emphasized the availability of advisors and mentors whenever needed was a huge game changer. “Lee, Todd, and the others, including Dave in the Home Office, have been surrounding me and supporting me, especially when those feelings of inadequacy creep in,” she explained.
She adds that in addition to the support from U.S. Lawns, the power of the network has been an invaluable resource to her, namely the brand’s mentorship program. U.S. Lawns pairs new franchisees, like the Montes with more experienced franchisees to help them navigate the early stages of starting a business. “Jamie Carruth and her son Alex, have been wonderful mentors. They invited us in to see how they operate on the day to day. I have learned so much from them. Their support has been amazing.”
As with any new business, there has been a learning curve, but with their complementary skills and the comprehensive support and training of U.S. Lawns, the Montes are on their way to building a thriving and sustainable business. Suzy’s attention to detail and Carlos’ knack for seeing the big picture has made them an ideal team.
The Montes’ story underscores the importance of having a supportive franchisor like U.S. Lawns. Suzy highlighted the constant support, even when things felt overwhelming. “It’s important to trust the process,” she emphasized.
Carlos and Suzy Montes have come a long way, from career burnout to proud U.S. Lawns franchise owners. Their story serves as a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the support and mentorship provided by U.S. Lawns. If you, like the Montes, have a vision to make a positive impact in your community while enjoying the journey of business ownership, U.S. Lawn might be the perfect fit for you! Join the U.S. Lawns family and together let’s create beautiful, vibrant landscapes and strong, connected communities.
Whether he's piloting a Marine Jet or leading his commercial landscaping team, Garrett Vick understands how important a strong network is to achieve his goals. His leadership is characterized by strong communication and a willingness to ask for help, exemplifying U.S. Lawns’ brand values. Garrett recently spoke with the U.S. Lawns Podcast about his journey with the brand.
After earning an engineering degree, Garrett planned on taking the obvious path and enter the corporate world. However, feeling the call of duty he ended up joining the Marines. What he initially thought would be a four-year stint before returning to his original plan of a corporate career, turned into 12 years of active-duty service where Garrett became a pilot.
As Garrett was pivoting his full-time military career to the Marine Corps reserves, he once again saw himself as he puts it, “staring down the barrel of corporate America”. After some soul searching, he realized what he really wanted was to have an equity stake in something rather than working for someone else.
In his conversation with the U.S. Lawns Podcast hosts, Garrett recalls his initial exploration in business ownership. “I wasn’t really looking for a franchise. Many I looked at cost a lot of money to essentially just use a brand name and that was the extent of it.”
It wasn’t until he found U.S. Lawns that he saw what a good franchise offers its franchisees. “What I have experienced with U.S. Lawns is overwhelming support and the tools franchisees need to be successful. And not just from the Home Office, but also from the advisors and other owners in the network. They have a depth knowledge and a shared interest in you succeeding,” explains Garrett.
As he began to further explore the brand, Garrett tells the podcast hosts, “The more I looked into it, I could feel that it was 'the one'. Since then, I haven’t looked back. It’s been a great experience.”
Stepping into his new role as a U.S. Lawns franchisee, Garrett embraced the challenge of managing multiple territories, despite having no prior landscaping experience. As he navigates his new role, he finds himself turning to the wisdom of fellow U.S. Lawns franchise owners. “I am constantly calling other owners and leveraging their experience,” Garrett says, “I don’t have it all figured out yet.” By tapping into the collective expertise of the U.S. Lawns network, Vick has been able to swiftly overcome obstacles and forge a path towards success.
In addition to the power of the network, Garrett also credits the tools and systems provided by U.S. Lawns as helping him scale his business. He comments, “All the tools are available to you. You just have to trust the system. It's there for a reason. They are always looking for new and better ways to do things and it has resulted in a system that works. Trust it.”
Along the way, Garrett came to understand the importance of client relations and communication, telling the podcast, “You have to understand that you are not just in the landscape business you are in the people business.” For Garrett, it is not just about transforming landscapes; it's about building meaningful relationships and fostering a partnership of success with clients in his community.
Drawing from his own experiences, Garrett urges new owners to establish a genuine connection with clients, involving them in the process and addressing their concerns. “In the beginning I failed to communicate with my clients to the degree that I should have. I finally realized that your customers want to hear from you more than you think they do,” he advises. “Be a partner, not a vendor. Let them know that you want them to succeed. Get to know their pain points and what makes them profitable. Learn how they define success. And share your vision for your business too.”
Garrett shares his definition of leadership with listeners, “It's the art of inspiring others to want to struggle in a shared aspiration”. This has translated in his philosophy on leadership. He emphasizes the importance of engaging employees in the vision and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the journey. “Share your vision with your employees and involve them in the process of how to get there. Give them responsibility.”
Garrett goes on to offer this wisdom to the podcast, “Leaders don’t concern themselves with the immediate. Don’t be reactive,” he says, “If at the end of the day you are exhausted, you are giving too much energy to the ‘machine’.” Garrett’s message is clear. Embrace the broader perspective, empower your team, and keep your eyes fixed on the horizon of success.
Garrett Vick’s journey to business ownership is a good reminder that success is not just business growth, it’s about cultivation meaningful connections, inspiring leadership, and embarking on a journey of shared aspiration. Vick’s transformation from military service to landscape leadership exemplifies the spirit of U.S. Lawns and our commitment to fostering a community of dedicated franchisees.
Having been with the brand for more than 31 years, Mike Carlo has a lot of insight to share. In the latest episode of the Discover U.S. Lawns Podcast, Mike explains what initially brought him to the brand and what things he has been intentional about as he has built his business over the past three decades. Dubbed “the godfather” of U.S. Lawns, Mike pours a lot of energy into mentoring and encouraging others and is a tremendous asset to the network of owners.
It all started when Mike was in his last year of college at the young age of 23, when his sister was looking to invest in a business as a silent partner. The two teamed up and set out to find a proven business model that was also highly scalable. They found U.S. Lawns offering to be a good fit for their investment goals.
Mike is the first to tell you that landscaping has never been a passion of his. Instead, he says, “I hire people who are passionate about it and my job is to keep them going.” For Mike the passion lies in being a business owner and leading his team. “The U.S. is a land of opportunity and being a business owner is the only thing to be,” says Mike.
Freedom and time are two of the most important things to Mike and he has built his business around these principles. One example of this is that he spends two months in the summer at his family lake house in northern Georgia, something he is only able to do this because of the great team he has in place. “I give them enough rope to do their job and nudge them when they get off board. But they have to have the opportunity to grow and also to make mistakes. It is their job to take advantage of the opportunity and run with it,” explains Mike. “My team is wonderful. I trust them implicitly and they trust me,” says Mike.
Among the many advantages that come with joining the nation’s #1 commercial landscape brand, the power of the U.S. Lawns network is one of them. “I love seeing other franchisees at meetings and conferences. My biggest takeaway from the meetings is the battery charging I feel when I am around them. It pumps me up and makes me want to do better,” says Mike, “When you are a business owner, you don’t really have anyone to talk to. There are no coworkers. But with U.S. Lawns, I have a whole network of owners to share the highs and lows with. It means a lot to me.”
In this episode, Mike also goes into why it is important to stick to the U.S. Lawns process and what he learned when he didn’t “stay in his lane”. Learn more about Mike’s journey by listening to the podcast episode here.
You can also subscribe to the Discover U.S. Lawns Podcast by searching for it in your podcast player of choice.
As a Tugboat captain, Bryan Smith kept a stressful schedule. He would spend 30+ days out on the boat pushing barges, and then just seven to ten days at home before he had to do it all again. “I knew I wanted a family and that wouldn’t work being gone all the time,” says Bryan.
In 2004, Bryan’s dad approached him with the idea of starting a U.S. Lawns franchise in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area. “I immediately said ‘Let’s do it!” I was all in,” says Bryan. “My dad was semi-retired at the time, and it was something we enjoyed doing together.” By 2010, Bryan’s dad stepped back and Bryan, who was also a new father at the time, took over the business.
Recalling those early days, Bryan says, “My Culture Index profile is a Persuader, and my charter boat days taught me how to interact with clients to create a great customer experience. I have always been a bit of a chameleon,” explains Bryan, “In the early days of the franchise, I was doing both sales and operations. We only had two employees then. I would be weed whacking one property and see a place across the street that wasn’t being kept up. I always kept a spare U.S. Lawns polo in the truck, so I would get that and go across the street and ask them for their business.”
Bryan’s business has come a long way since those early days. Today he has 43 trucks, 16 maintenance crews, a chemical crew and an irrigation crew. This is in addition to his sales and office staff. He says, “Our biggest growth has been in the last two and a half years. My upper management team has been the driving force for that. They are the reason we have made bigger deals with bigger customers.”
Creating a best place to work culture has been central to how Bryan has been able to grow his business. “U.S. Lawns provides a pathway for my team to grow and develop. I also think providing incentives is very important. My Business Developer has been with us for over 11 years and has done every job in the company. Having good people on your team is key,” says Bryan.
Bryan will also tell you that having the support from such a strong brand has helped him made all the difference, “I can always count on the Home Office. I would never be where I am today with my franchise if it wasn’t for the other franchisees and the franchisor. There is always someone with the expertise I need to level up my business. When I have a problem, they are always there to help. If this was Bryan’s Landscaping, it wouldn’t be a success because I wouldn’t have that relationship with the U.S. Lawns brand.”
He goes on to say, “I also had some amazing mentors help me when I was getting started. Steven Keys, who at the time owned the Columbia territory, let me shadow him. William Atwell also was a great source of information and knowledge. The power of the U.S. Lawns network is incredible.”
Bryan is honest about some struggles he had over the years as a franchisee. “For a few years there, I went rouge. Most of my work was in installation and not in maintenance,” he explains, “This goes against what the brand teaches. I soon found out why. The economy crashed and all that enhancement work dried up. I took a hit and had to spend some time course correcting.”
Bryan’s life as a business owner is very different from his life as a tugboat captain. “I have so much flexibility now. I get to go on a boat when I want to, not because I have to. And best of all I get to be there for my 13-year-old son and do stuff with him. We can go hunting and fishing. I am also creating a legacy of business ownership for my family. I 100% accomplished what I set out to by becoming a business owner,” adding, “I feel like a poster child for U.S. Lawns. If I can do it anyone can! I had no previous business knowledge. It doesn’t matter what your background is, you can make a good living and you get to be outside.”
After 20 years with the brand, Bryan is taking on the role of mentor to new franchisees joining the system saying, “It is rewarding to now be in that role. It feels good. I enjoy seeing people be successful. It excites me.” And his advice for new franchisees just starting out is this: “Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call for help. Someone probably has already made that mistake. The help is there. I also want to say that at the end of the day, you can’t be scared, you just have to go for it.”
Recently Bryan was honored by the International Franchise Association with one of their highest honors: Franchisee of the Year. “When I found out I was named Franchisee of the Year, I thought, ‘Me? What did I do?’ This was really my team’s award, not mine. My name might be on the award, but it really should say Team 157,” adding, “When you are out on the water, a captain is only as good as his crew and that applies to my business as well.”
Learn more about how you can build a sustainable business that helps you achieve your goals like Bryan, with the help of the #1 commercial landscape franchise in the nation. We look forward to hearing from you.
As more people and businesses are priced out of the coasts, Denver, Colorado is an attractive option for those looking for more affordable cost of living, low corporate tax rate, and a thriving economy. Due to its diverse range of core industries and access to natural resources, the area enjoys considerable economic stability even during international downturns. Denver is a business capital with staying power.
Industries ranging from healthcare, aerospace, energy, finance, bioscience, broadcasting and telecommunications, all call Denver home. Increased interconnectivity and real time connections across the globe have solidified Denver’s business presence in the world stage. As such, Denver has become a leading business destination.
With its growing reputation as a business capital, U.S. Lawns also sees Denver as an ideal market for the right entrepreneur to grow a sustainable and profitable commercial landscape business. The large number of business parks and corporate housing properties are increasing every year. From the spring planting and summer growing season, fall leaf removal and drainage improvements, and winterization, snow removal and deicing, the four seasons mean the need for commercial landscaping is a year round business.
Dave Wells, vice president of U.S. Lawns has this to say about the Denver market. “There is a reason people are flocking to Denver and all of the things that make it an incredible place to live, also make it an incredible place to start a business. This is especially true of our business where four distinct seasons and a robust concentration of commercial properties combine to create high demand for our core service offering.”
For more 30 years, smart entrepreneurs have leveraged U.S. Lawns’ proven business model, strong support, and power of their network to build their own successful commercial landscape businesses. If you are interested in doing the same in the dynamic market of the Denver area, or one of U.S. Lawns’ other available territories, the time to act is now to take advantage of favorable conditions. Schedule a conversation today! Come grow with us.
Since 1998, Steven has grown a highly successful commercial landscape business with U.S. Lawns. And as such, he has a lot of wisdom to share. Having accomplished the many goals he set for himself over these almost three decades, Steven is now enjoying the fruits of his labor. When the U.S. Lawns Podcast set out to interview Steven, it was fitting that he called in from the Florida Keys, where he is now able to spend half of the year.
When Steven first joined U.S. Lawns, he tells of not having any experience in selling, “I had worked as a sprayer for a chemical lawn care company and also did some residential landscaping. I knew nothing about sales. Turns out it’s all about sales!”
“U.S. Lawns taught me how to approach sales. Long before we had the call center, I would just call someone up and ask for the opportunity to bid. If they already had a contract, I would ask them to let me bid just for practice! Now there is a call center that helps with that, so we walk into already warm leads. But I loved cold calls.”
When asked what he learned over the years about sales, Steven offers this advice, “You need one person dedicated to lead generation. It takes time and cultivation. There must be consistency and follow up with everything to get that foot in the door.”
With the support from U.S. Lawns, Steven was able to bridge the gap in his sales knowledge and quickly grew his initial two franchise locations into $1 million each. From there he went on to purchase a total of 11 territories with 13 offices over three states.
The drive to succeed was in Steven from Day One. Seeing this, his U.S. Lawns advisor helped him make a plan and budget and then told him to get in there and get after his goals aggressively. “My plan was to grow my offices to $1 million each and resell them. To grow, you can’t just sit back and wait for it to happen. There are too many professional options out there. You have to go in and ask for the work.”
Adding, “I had a dream, made a plan and executed that plan. My advisor helped me make a budget. I didn’t know the first thing about making a budget. He told me, “A budget is a plan. We need to plan to know where to go.” Now one of the most important reports I get is the Budget versus Actual.”
Having been successful in his goal to grow his territories and resell them, Steven now owns only one territory and spends half his year in the Florida Keys, a 12 hour drive from his current territory. “I am able to do this because I have the right people in place,” says Steven, “I have a general manager, an operations manager, an account manager, office staff and a call center. The rest I am able to manage by computer or phone.”
He goes on to say, “I had to learn to let go and trust. I knew my goal was to travel and get out of the office. It was a process. I made mistakes. I was always trying to hire the perfect person to take over for me. I learned that if it’s not working, its best to move on and find someone who is more suited for the job.”
Steven believes that in addition to learning how to hire and when to fire, learning how to train effectively and then not micromanaging has been key to his success. “Train people to do the job you need them to do and then get out of their way and let them do it. You can’t grow if you are micromanaging. If you want to grow to the next level, you need to allow people to do the job you hired and trained them to do. That means allowing them to sometimes make mistakes.”
Having spent the time getting the right people working for him, Steven is now able to promote from within. “My account manager started as a gardener,” he explains, “Jonathan was willing to do work and now he’s one of my best employees. There is a pathway to success for them with U.S. Lawns.”
When asked if he had any advice for his younger self, Steven says, “I was very competitive and got caught up in being top sales. I drove sales on and on, but I didn’t drive profit. You also have to focus on delivering. Track profit per job and then evaluate every year. Ask yourself, “Did I profit? Was I efficient?”
Another piece of sage advice Steven mentions is in regards to the power of the U.S. Lawns network. He says, “I highly recommend going to the annual conference. One of the best parts of the conference is networking with the other owners.”
In conclusion, Steven offers this to sum up his journey with the brand, “If you ever see a turtle on top of a fence post, you better believe he had help getting there. U.S. Lawns has helped me tremendously.”
To hear the entire Keys in the Keys U.S. Lawns Podcast episode, click here.
To learn more about how U.S. Lawns can help you build your own sustainable commercial landscape business, click here.
Beginning almost 23 years ago with a single mower and a snow shovel, Wanda Magana worked her way up in the landscape and snow removal industry in Bordentown, New Jersey. “We had to use two boards to get the mower up into the back of the truck!” From those humble beginnings, Wanda and her husband now own a substantial residential landscape business. Their book of business includes 200 accounts and has contracting accounts with several national commercial landscape companies. Wanting to take her business to the next level, Wanda recognized the need for some support. She turned to U.S. Lawns for assistance, converting her established business to a U.S. Lawns franchise.
“It’s hard to do things all on your own, especially in an industry where there are so many smaller companies willing to undercut you,” says Wanda. Now with U.S. Lawns, Wanda can take advantage of U.S. Lawns’ negotiated partner programs and other cost-saving measures that would not be available to her as an independent operator. She will also be able to leverage a wealth of resources, including a comprehensive system for managing her business, training and support from industry experts, and a network of fellow franchisees who can offer advice and guidance, helping her scale her business. All while operating her business more effectively and offering competitive pricing to her customers.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Wanda, a mother of six daughters, is a strong role model. “This industry is very competitive and often I find I am underestimated because I am a woman,” she says. However, she has been able to win over many of these skeptics by conducting her business with integrity and approaching conflicts in a constructive way. As she notes, “You can’t take anything personally in this business. You also can’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. But you don’t need to change yourself or ‘become more masculine’. There is a place for women in this industry.”
Wanda has found that knowledge and hard work can go a long way in overcoming some of the challenges she faces as a woman in the industry. She notes that while she may not have the physical strength of some of her male competitors, she can hire the muscle she needs to get the job done. More importantly, she recognized the power of knowledge in the landscape industry. “I am not afraid of hard work but there is also power in knowledge. I am always trying to gain more knowledge. I take any class I can find on plants, ways to promote growth, and anything else I can do to provide my clients with the best possible service. Then will take the time to educate my clients on how to get the most out of their investment. The appreciate it and this level of care differentiates me from the other companies.”
Going above and beyond to provide customers with exceptional service is something that attracted her to U.S. Lawns. Over the years, Wanda has built strong relationships with her clients to retain their business year after year. She says, “If a customer isn’t happy, we figure out how to fix it. U.S. Lawns’ brand promise of 100% customer satisfaction is very much in alignment with how we have always done business.”
Something else Wanda liked about the U.S. Lawns brand was their commitment to improving the communities they service. “It is so important to give back. We are looking for ways to help our local girl scout troop build a community garden. We have long been involved in our community, sponsoring youth sports leagues, and local church organizations.” And with U.S. Lawns structure and defined career path, Wanda’s business is providing quality employment opportunities within her community.
With her husband, stepson and two oldest daughters also working in the business, the Magana family is building a legacy of business ownership. “The years go by, and you can’t get those back. It’s important for me to build a business that gives me the flexibility to be there for my younger kids, and that I can include my older ones in, while also building a sustainable business. U.S. Lawns has what we need to scale our business to the next level.”
When asked why she chose to go into landscaping, Wanda has this to say, “I love the green industry. It is always in demand. During the pandemic we were as busy as ever. We never stopped working. There is always a need when it comes to lawns and snow.”
The landscape industry has traditionally been a male dominated industry, which may seem daunting to some women entrepreneurs. However, Wanda, and others like her, are proving that women can make their mark in the industry and build sustainable businesses while still being authentic and not changing themselves. In fact, U.S. Lawns looks forward to helping more women enter the industry by providing a comprehensive system with support, strong buying power, and a well-known and respected brand name.
“U.S. Lawns is excited for what is in store for Wanda and the Magana family. They are a great addition to our network.” says U.S. Lawns vice president, Dave Wells.
To learn more about U.S. Lawns can help you scale your existing landscape business or how you can start your own commercial landscape business, click here.
All Rights Reserved. | Powered by U.S. Lawns © 2022 | Sitemap | Disclaimer
