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. 

Are you a landscape business owner in California struggling with stagnant sales? Have you reached a ceiling in your business’ growth? U.S. Lawns has an exciting opportunity in California for independent landscapers wanting to take their business to the next level.  

Converting your existing landscape business to a U.S. Lawns franchise allows you to leverage the resources and support of a nationally recognized brand while continuing to independently own and operate your own business. You don’t have to do it alone. U.S. Lawns is the nations largest landscape franchise and, for over 30 years, we have been helping business owners just like you acheive and far exceed their growth goals. 

California’s landscaping industry is one of the countries most vibrant markets, yet its commercial properties are currently underserved. The mild climate of the west and ever-growing urban cores offers a tremendous opportunity for the right entrepreneur. U.S. Lawns is ready to support new or existing landscape businesses who wants to grow their business and capture a share of the Golden State’s expansive market. Territories in southern, northern, and central California are available and there is endless potential for growth into multiple territories.    

Rebranding with U.S. Lawns gives you access to a multitude of benefits independent landscapers lack. Franchisees receive specialized training, as well as continued hands-on support in areas such as operations, sales, marketing, and business development. We have proven systems, proprietary software, and well thought-out processes to help you build a sustainable business with unlimited potential for growth. And when you join U.S. Lawns, you also have access to another powerful resource: our network of franchisees, who can offer ideas, feedback, and suggestions. 

Becoming a U.S. Lawns franchisee gives you an edge over your competitors. Throughout our three decades in the green industry, we have established relationships and connections with many companies and industry partners. So much so, they often seek out our franchisees to do business with. Our name can help get you in the door and land those big accounts. And our commitment to excellence helps keep them. With our support and systems, you will now have the freedom to focus on customer service and growth. This gives you a huge advantage over independent landscapers who do not have these resources and brand recognition. 

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? We have many territories throughout California and the rest of the country available. Join the number one commercial landscape franchise in the nation and enter a new phase of growth, one with unlimited potential. 

Still unsure and have more questions about converting your business? Read 4 Common Myths about Converting Your Landscape Business. 

Have more questions? Contact us here. 

Purchasing a franchise is a big investment, in both time and money. Initial investment costs are often one of the main determining factors when deciding which opportunity is best for you.  We understand the weight of this investment and want to walk you through the fees and start up costs associated with owning a U.S. Lawns franchise to help you make an informed decision. 

We offer everything you need to get your business up and ready, positioned for success. With more than 35 years in the industry we know what it takes to build a sustainable commercial landscape business. While there is no guarantee that you won’t run into any unexpected costs, our expertise means you can be confident that we have thought about just about everything you’ll need to get your business up and running. 

So, let’s break down some of the costs that make up your initial investment and what they cover. We will also look at some of the variables that will change that cost depending on your individual situation. For a more in depth and detailed list of startup costs, schedule a call with our franchise representative today.

Initial Franchise Fee 

This onetime fee grants you the right to use the U.S. Lawns name, brand, and business system, as well as access to our training, support programs and team of experts. The franchise fee for a standard franchise is $34,000. If you are a veteran, we offer a $5,000 savings on this fee. For conversion candidates this fee is $24,000-$29,000, depending on the size of the business you are converting. For standard franchises, U.S. Lawns offers internal financing up to 70% of the franchise fee and up to 80% for veterans and conversion candidates. 

Training Expenses

Our thorough preopening classroom training occurs at our headquarters in Orlando, Florida and is followed up by field training in your local market.  This is where you will learn everything you need to know to run the day to day of your franchise. While there is no fee for your initial training, you will incur travel, lodging, meals and other incidental expenses during this two to three -day stay. Depending upon how you run your business, you may have additional people attend training, which will affect your costs. These expenses typically run between $2,000 and $4,000. 

Operating Expenses and Additional Funds

Operating expenses are going to vary greatly depending upon your business model. If you are starting your business from the ground up, you will need to lease a truck and trailer, purchase or lease equipment, tools, and office supplies. You might also need to rent a place to store the equipment. If you are converting your existing business these costs will be considerably lower as you will already have much of the equipment in place. If you are hiring a manager to run your business for you, you will also have to factor their salary into your operating expenses. We also recommend that every new owner sets aside at least three months of operating costs to help them start out on solid ground, not allowing insufficient capital to hinder your start up period.  Our team has determined that the budget for your 3-month operating expenses will range between $8,800 to $20,000.

Adding up all the costs, a typical standard initial investment in a U.S. Lawns owner operator franchise ranges between $59,500 and $108,600. A semi-absentee franchise model, where you can hire a manager ranges from $112,700 to $192,600. And an existing business conversion runs from $40,800 to $98,600. Veterans will receive $5,000 off those amounts. You will also need a minimum credit score of 650. Lastly, you should be prepared to cover personal living expenses through reserve capital or alternative sources of income for the first six to 12 months of operation. 

Remember, starting any business has its costs. However, the benefits of owning a U.S. Lawns franchise can be significant. By joining our team, you are joining a well-established brand with a proven business model, with a support team dedicated you helping you build a business, quickly and sustainably. As a U.S. Lawns franchisee, you will have access to our extensive training and support programs, which are designed to help you succeed. This includes everything from marketing and advertising support to training in the latest landscaping techniques and equipment. Furthermore, U.S. Lawns strong reputation and brand recognition can help you attract customers and establish your business in your community. With the U.S. Lawns name and brand behind you, you can be sure that you are providing your customers with the highest quality landscaping services. By joining the U.S. Lawns team, you can be on your way to owning a successful and profitable business. 

After considering the costs and the value proposition behind it, we would be happy to answer any questions that you might have about the initial investment. Making the decision to invest is monumental, and we want to provide you with all the information you need to make the choice that is best for you.  To learn more or join an informational webinar, contact us today to start your journey to business ownership.

Zach Bini is no stranger to hard work. From running a small residential lawncare company, to field supervisor in commercial lawn care management, to most recently working for UPS, Zach has always risen to the challenge at hand. However, he found himself no longer content with just working for someone else. He wanted more control over his life. “I’ve had a great career, but the hours were crazy, and honestly, I was fed up with management,” says Zach. 

Zach and his wife Jeannette started to discuss what they wanted to create for their future and for their family.  The recent sale of their home presented an opportunity; an opportunity to invest in that future.  “I have always wanted to own my own business. My kids are getting older and whether they choose to join the business or not, we wanted to create a legacy of business ownership in our family.” 

With no clear direction as to what type of business they wanted to invest in, Zach turned to the internet, requesting information from different franchises. “We looked a few different business models, such as a gym and fast casual restaurants, but those didn’t really fit. Startup cost for many were more than we were interested in spending. We were looking for something that offered high earning potential but with low startup costs,” he says.  

The couple was also looking for an opportunity where they could leverage their individual skill sets while also allowing them to balance their family commitments. Jeannette would also be continuing her career as a colonel in the military specializing in human resources. “I am a hands-on person and will be in the day to day of the business. Jeannettewill lend her help with strategy and some of the other business aspects,” explains Zach, “With the right support and training, I am up for any kind of challenge. I am ready to put in the work to make a business successful.” 

Once Zach came across the U.S. Lawns offering, things started to fall into place. Recalling the first time he saw a U.S. Lawns crew years ago, “I remember being impressed by their branding. Their uniforms and logo were so professional and commanded authority. At the time investing wasn’t on my mind, I just remember taking notice.” 

U.S. Lawns’ low startup cost and ability to finance the franchise fee was exactly what Zach and Jeannette were looking for. Further delving into the brand’s offering, Zach says, “I appreciate how scalable the business model is. We can grow a sustainable business at our pace. The structure, support systems and processes are all in place.” 

What the brand stands for also appealed to the couple.  “A big part of U.S. Lawns is servicing the community and giving back. This aligns with our family’s beliefs and how we want to do business. Being able to contribute to our community in a meaningful way as business owner is important to us,” explains Zach.  

Getting to know the leadership and support teams during his discovery process, Zach remarks, “Everyone had the same shared genuine enthusiasm and exhibited kindhearted support. This type of culture trickles down from the top down, throughout the brand. The same goes for the network of franchisees, they were encouraging and ready to offer help.” 

In September 2022, Zach and Jeannette took advantage of the opportunity their home sale presented and invest in their future as U.S. Lawns franchisees in Arlington, Virginia. Zach says, “I am ready to get to work. I know that where there are gaps in my knowledge on how to run a commercial lawncare business, but U.S. Lawns has every resource I need to help bridge that gap. The support and processes are in place, I know I am in good hands.” 

Zach is looking forward to the future and embarking on this new journey. “Becoming a business owner is something that I have always wanted to do. When you get the opportunity, you just have to take it. It is exciting and rewarding to take on something new, but it takes having to step out of your comfort zone.” 

Leveraging the support and systems of the nation’s leading commercial landscape brand, Zach and Jeannette are on their way to building a sustainable business that allows them to create the future they envisioned for themselves and their family. 

Welcome to the U.S. Lawns family Zach Bini and Jeannette Molina!  

St. Louis, Missouri, the 19^th largest metro area in the country, has long been intentional and strategic in its business planning. As a result, the Gateway to the West has become herald for its business-friendly environment. In fact, it ranks in the nation’s top 10 of most cost-competitive places to do business. 

Low tax rates and labor cost continue to attract businesses to St. Louis. Competitive wage rates, unemployment rates below the national average and low cost of living all position this Midwest metropolis for continued growth. 

As home to many major corporations, St. Louis has an abundance of office complexes and business parks. In fact, there are more than 10,000 commercial properties in the area. There is also no shortage of multi-family homes and homeowners’ associations. With so many properties in the area requiring commercial landscape services, this enormous market is currently being vastly underserved.

St. Louis has a short cold season, lasting for only three months (November 28 to February 28). Mowing begins in late March/early April and ends after the leaves fall and before the winter hits. There are also enhancements and seasonal color changes throughout the year. This extended growing season, combined with the area’s business friendly environment and plethora of commercial properties create the ideal conditions to build a profitable commercial landscape business. 

As we see it, St. Louis represents a tremendous opportunity for the right entrepreneur. Currently, U.S. Lawns has identified five available territories in the area. By leveraging the power of the brand, with its proven systems and personalized support systems, an individual can maximize their revenue potential and capture the lion share of this untapped market.  

Are you interested in building a sustainable business with unlimited growth potential in the St. Louis area? Maybe you already have a landscape business in the area and are looking to take your business to the next level? We want to talk to you. Maybe you have never worked in landscaping before but know a good business idea when you see one? We want to talk to you too. 

U.S. Lawns has been helping entrepreneurs build successful commercial landscape businesses for over 35 years. With our proven business model, strong support, and the power of our network of franchisees, we have everything you need to be successful. No experience necessary.Opportunities like in St. Louis won’t last long, so start your journey towards business ownership today by scheduling a call with our franchise development team. Find out more about this opportunity, as well as other available territories here.

U.S. Lawns has been helping people become their own bosses and build sustainable commercial landscape businesses for more than 38 years. Our proven business model, training, and personalized support in all areas of commercial grounds care means you don’t have to have to be an expert to get started. Our franchisees come from all sorts of backgrounds, and many enter with zero landscape experience.

Taylor Kelley, owner of U.S. Lawns in Las Vegas, is one of those franchisees who joined the U.S. Lawns network, as he puts it, “knowing zilch about landscaping”. Yet, in just three short years, Taylor is running an impressive commercial landscape business with multiple trucks, a crew of workers, a business manager, a tree trimmer, and a part time irrigation expert. And his business continues to grow. 

Even before joining the brand, Taylor’s resume was impressive. Over the years Taylor has worn many different hats, none of which involved a mower. He is a musician, owned a sport fishing company and worked as a manager in aerospace manufacturing. However, he found himself lying awake at night, wanting more control over his life. “As a manager, I felt like I was just feeding the next level. There was constant pressure. I wanted to build and grow something for myself; something that was mine,” says Taylor. 

Having previously started company, a sport fishing company in Baja California, Taylor knew he was not interested in building a business from scratch. This time he wanted to invest in a concept that came with a proven system and strong support.  “I narrowed my search down to two options. One being leadership, which aligned most with my experience and landscaping. I have no idea why I picked landscaping! It was the furthest thing from my previous path, but for some reason I checked that box.” 

Checking that box led him to U.S. Lawns. “I saw these other owners who were able to scale their business with the help of U.S. Lawns. I knew this was a team I wanted to be a part of,” adding,” I believe in the U.S. Lawns business model. I really feel the success of all the all stars out there in the network. Those are my dreams and milestones.”

On a recent episode of the U.S. Lawns podcast, Taylor recalls just how little experience he had when he joined the nation’s leading commercial landscape company. “My first contract was a 50-building apartment complex, but I didn’t even know how to run a mower! It was me and just one other person, one truck, a mower, a hedger, and a line trimmer, that’s it. And here I was trying to act like a national company,” he says. 

Helping him get from the guy “who couldn’t even run a mower” to a well-respected and profitable Las Vegas commercial landscape business owner was U.S. Lawns. “The support team was right there, helping me figure it out,” says Taylor, “They even went out to some properties with me to help me figure out how to establish metrics that worked for our unique situation.”  

In addition to the support and proven systems of the brand, Taylor adds, “There is a confidence that comes from being a nationwide brand with a recognizable name.”

  “It’s not about being the biggest landscape company in Las Vegas, I want to be the best, the baddest, the one everyone goes to,” Taylor says, “When you are the best your phone will ring off the hook. People know they will get what they expect from you. The work sells itself.”  

He goes on to say, “It’s about building relationships with your clients. They know I will go the extra mile for them and do everything I can to make their life easier. I want them to see me as a trusted advisor.” 

As for what Taylor thinks it takes to be successful with U.S. Lawns, none of it has to do with having previous landscape experience.  “You must be all in when owning a business. You can’t have just one foot in and be successful. In the beginning it takes putting in the hours,” he says, “You also have to believe in the system and to be willing to listen. It’s an all or nothing thing.” 

To hear more about Taylor Kelley’s journey, listen to this episode of the U.S. Lawns podcast here. And to learn more about how you can take control of your future through business ownership just like he did, click here for more information.