Getting/Keeping employees

[Braxton]

I actually asked this in another thread, but no replies.. I thought I'd try in a fresh thread. Here goes:

I plan a startup next spring, but would like to build it to the point that I can hire employees to do the actual physical labor (most of it) in 3-5 years. How does one go about hiring full-time quality employees for what is by necessity a seasonal business?

Is there actually enough "other stuff" in the winter to keep employees over the winter and still make a profit? Of course, I'm in Tennessee, and while I would love to hear from anyone, I'd especially like to hear from people close to me who deal with the same climate.

Also, how do you determine what to pay employees?

Braxton

[Sasquatch52]

I'm in Chattanooga and i usually stay pretty busy in the winter. Leaf clean up is a big one. But if also do alot of mulching in the winter. I like to recommend to my customers that their beds will look 100% better than their neighbors with fresh mulch in the winter. Cleaning out gutters and trimming bushes are the other jobs that keep me going most of the winter. Hope this helps.

[thompsonlawncare]

i live in arkansas and we have pretty much the same searon as u do and i stay pretty buse this fall i have had people calling left and right wanting me to get rid of there leaves . the way i look at it is donw sweat the small ****
just my 2 cents

[Braxton]

Fall isn't so much a concern as winter--late November to late February/March. What to do then? Do y'all lay off employees, and if so do they come back? Also, what do you pay them (in TN)?

Once I get a good guy or two, I'd like to keep 'em.

Thanks.

Braxton

[Phil Nilsson]

You're asking perhaps the "most important question" there is ... (constant and continuing cash flow) is the answer ... that's what you need to get them and keep them, and CONSERVE your earnings.

[Braxton]

You're asking perhaps the "most important question" there is ... (constant and continuing cash flow) is the answer ... that's what you need to get them and keep them, and CONSERVE your earnings.

OK. Now for the other part of the question.

Fall isn't so much a concern as winter--late November to late February/March. What to do then?

Obviously if there is "constant and continuing cash flow" you can pay employees and keep them. Tha doesn't seem like much of a problem to me, except in winter. TN has a very mild climate with little snow, so snow removal isn't an option. Leaf cleanup is for the fall and will be done by the winter. Perhaps mulching/pruning? Or what else and is there enough winter work to keep "constant and continuing cash flow"?

Thanks.

Braxton

[Phil Nilsson]

There are plenty of companies "out there" that go thru all their hard earned in-season cash "stash" just to get through the winter and in spring are back at square one.

[backsmackwristcrack]

well wood is good brotha'. choped fire wood even if your just getting some cash out of it while your employeee is getting some hours in. Friend of mine has a great gig supplying restaraunts with firewood here in miami. miami. land of the sun burn. so I recon it wood ( alittle tree humor there) be good to check out. do you chip a lot of wood? make compost sell it etc? Best seasonal job security I ever saw wa a guy with a trained skunk. stuff it under the wealthy patron house at night get the phone call in a day or two to remove (being the only skunk removal service listed in the phone book (seriously) guy did a great side business. respectable no but clever. any how what do I know thats my two cents and I gotta get back to work.. good luck pal.

[RRS]

Best seasonal job security I ever saw wa a guy with a trained skunk. stuff it under the wealthy patron house at night get the phone call in a day or two to remove (being the only skunk removal service listed in the phone book (seriously) guy did a great side business. respectable no but clever. any how what do I know thats my two cents and I gotta get back to work.. good luck pal.

That's funny as hell!