Is this a good idea

[MOWANDGO]

Ok so here it goes. I've already got a well established lawn care company in the area in which I service, and have noticed a need among my current clients for landscaping. I know very little when it comes to landscaping. In fact I know next to nothing. I'm wondering how to hire people who can run a landscaping business for me. Is there anyone out there who has done this? Is it feasible to pull off such a business. I've already got a Landscape designer who is willing to do designs for free if I buy directly from him. Is this a good start? Sorry I know these are very random questions, but any and all input is very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Scaper-S2k]

Or sub the work to a company close by!

It is worth considering. You get the design, tack on a finders fee and a certain percent of the job, have someone else do the install. Chances are, in the end, you will end up with a very decent profit without the need to hire additional employees, or buy all the equipment. You may actually end up with the same amount of profit because if you don't have the proper equipment, the job may take you longer, which would lower your pocket money. Know what I mean?


I have also considered opening a landscaping location in your general area within 3 years. At least I think you are around West Chester, right? Maybe you and I should talk about what could be done with two heads instead of one. I haven't decided whether it will share our current biz name or anything just yet.



If none of that sounds good at all, I think it would be a bit difficult to hire people to run the biz without you doing a lot of the leg work and paper work to start off. The people you are speaking of hiring would probably just be running their own biz instead.

[rckid57]

Do Like I Do, Small Jobs That Can Be Done In One Or Two Days We Do Ourselves Larger Jobs I Have A Deal With Large Landscape Co I Give It To Them And They Pay Me Finders Fee. Small Jobs They Dont Want They Give To Me. If I Need Bigger Equip They Lend It To Me All I Have To Do Is Pick It Up

[Phil Nilsson]

Jeff ... it would be easier and perhaps wiser for you yourself to oversee the landscape installs and have crew leaders run the routine (easy logistics) maintenance, because of ... the selling, costing, pricing, materials lists, designing, installs, heavy duty equip etc. etc. learning landscapes installs is not a big deal ... get yourself a few of Orthos books on installing lawns, grading, drainage, hardscapes, lighting, shrubs, etc down at Home Depot. It's a lot easier than you think.

[Team Gopher]

Hi Mowandgo,

I'm wondering how to hire people who can run a landscaping business for me. Is there anyone out there who has done this? Is it feasible to pull off such a business.

Donald Trump is always saying he hires people smarter than him to run his businesses. If he can do it, you can too! I think you have a lot of great ideas there.

[Phil Nilsson]

Hi Mowandgo,Donald Trump is always saying he hires people smarter than him to run his businesses. If he can do it, you can too! I think you have a lot of great ideas there.

Get real! ... mowandgo doesn't have money to hire qualified foreman let alone even find them ... like I said, it's wiser for him not to trust installs to others at this point in his business.

[Scaper-S2k]

Uh Phil, that's where OPM comes into play......remember?

[Phil Nilsson]

Do Like I Do, Small Jobs That Can Be Done In One Or Two Days We Do Ourselves Larger Jobs I Have A Deal With Large Landscape Co I Give It To Them And They Pay Me Finders Fee. Small Jobs They Dont Want They Give To Me. If I Need Bigger Equip They Lend It To Me All I Have To Do Is Pick It Up

In other words ... don't bite off more than you can chew.

[rckid57]

Phil ! Was that a dig at my smarts that I have no clue to what Im doing?

[Phil Nilsson]

Phil ! Was that a dig at my smarts that I have no clue to what Im doing?

No ... thumbs up

[Shane Scaife]

Learn as you go

I might be new to lawn care and landscaping but I'm not new to running a business. Like the other guys said, take the jobs you know you can do, or can learn before you do it (Do the research). Make sure you have the equipment to do the job! You don't want to start and not be able to finish. As for the bigger jobs, contract out. BUT!!! Make sure the people you contract out too will let you work with them! This way you learn as you go and can use that knowledge the next time you have a similar job!
Just my two-cent!
Shane