Hey everyone! I'm 29 years old and just made the leap to start my own landscaping business. I grew up helping my dad mow lawns and do yard work, so this has always been my passion. After a couple of months working with a family-owned company, I decided to go solo due to a lack of work. I'm excited to say I've got two clients lined up for this season and I'm already making more money than I ever have! I'm planning to buy the necessary equipment to expand and bring in more cash flow. However, I'm feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about this journey. If anyone here has experience starting a business from scratch, I'd love to hear your advice on things to avoid and tips to help me grow my business effectively. Thanks!
3 Answers
Congrats on your new venture! My advice is to keep an eye on cash flow and avoid over-leveraging yourself with debt for new tools. Also, consider using organic methods and learn about your local plants—that knowledge can set you apart. Finding your niche can also help you stand out in the market. Research and understand the basics of landscaping and make sure to keep your equipment costs manageable. Good luck!
I've built a lawn business twice and here’s what I've learned: start small with what you have. I began with an old self-propelled mower and gradually upgraded my gear as my business grew. Focus on saving up before making big purchases and use cash when possible—it’ll help you avoid debt. It's also essential to build a good client base; I ended up with 60 residential clients the first time around before selling the business to focus on college. Just stay persistent and efficient, and you’ll scale up!
A few quick tips: don’t rush to buy fancy equipment right away. Stick to the basics like a rake, a leaf blower, and a hand saw. You can find great deals from older folks selling their used tools online. Also, get involved in your local community on platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook; a lot of people will pay for yard clean-up services. And don’t undervalue your time—$65 an hour should be your starting point. Just remember, you’re building something great, so be patient!
Definitely! Also, remember not to get discouraged. It takes time to build a client base, so give yourself some grace as you get started.