Newbie interested in starting new lawncare biz

[mt123]

Hello,

1st I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong forum.

I'm very interested in starting my own lawncare business in chicago.

Not sure how all this works someone told me I should buy a route? (Person who told me this is not in the business)

Would anyone have a newbie guide on how to startup or other info?

Thanks!!! this forum is exactly what I was looking for!

[Phil Nilsson]

Chicago is a great market ... play your cards right and I wouldn't be surprised to see you break one million in sales in way under 5 years ... if residential, under 3 years if commercial. West of the city looks good as does to the north.

[mt123]

Hi Phil

Seems you have some info on the area , do you live in chicago?

Do you know of any litertuare on how to startup a lawn care business?

thanks!

[BCSteel]

lol oh man, that is so funny. Check out the other forums on this site.

Im not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you.

[RRS]

Do you know of any litertuare on how to startup a lawn care business?

He has written books on the subject. Take a look at the ads on Lawnservicing home page.

[mt123]

Ok yes , I just read his listings for books, need to order some of those.

Anyone else have any tips of the trade to get started? I will immerse myself in reading for now.

Whats does everyone do in winter???

thanks!

[backsmackwristcrack]

be polite. be ontime (amazing what that does alone) do what you say you are going to do and if not have a very sound reason why not.(reason - not excuse) Neverever ever leave the equipment alone. invest in yourself in the company sacrifice now and it will pay in dividends. stay healthy work out eat right and if you do not know the answer your client asks you say you do not know. your BS detector workd and so does thier's. thats my 2 cents.
Chicago..man what a wonderful city spent three weeks in July there many years ago ...some of the nicest people around,. I agree with Phil it is a top notch market that has great potential.
In the winter I cut lawns (miami) Had a tree service in New england did well fell in love moved south had a life change (the nickname is a hint) so now..its my second year in the lawn world. last year I grossed a modest proffit but very sustainable income - this year Im on my way to double the effort and the pay off. Im working towards six figures post taxes. I figure five years maybe six. Maybe Im just innocently incorrect but I feel it can be done. Put it this way my friend has an lco he nets 140k on average year after year. good luck my friend.

[Phil Nilsson]

Hi Phil

Seems you have some info on the area , do you live in chicago?

I have strong ties with several of the "wheelers & dealers" all the way up to Lake Bluff from the the city and those guys are on fire making the big bucks. Heck if you can't make it in Chicago ... you can't make it anywhere.

The city has well over 100 parks right? Would you care to guess what the total contract dollar amount is spent in tree care alone? You're too low, guess higher ...

Forgive me for saying this and I'm not pointing fingers at anyone in particular but many people in this industry think too small ... and are totally unaware of the real potential out there. Grow slowly they say ... be cautious they say ... dont bite off more than you can chew they say ... hogwash ... get out there are go through them like crap through a goose and take no prisoners. You ain't gonna get anywhere ***** footing around behind a mower (yourself) at $35 a cut ...

[Elwood]

Chicago is a good market. Work smart. You are on your way via this board and looking to educate yourself.

You need to know more about business than cutting the lawn, so spend your time there. Some of the best people I have ever seen on a lawn or landscape failed because they did not know how to run a business.

Welcome to the board!

[mt123]

Thanks All, So far this forum has been very helpful . Searching through previous post has helped tremendously.