Hi everyone! I manage a landscaping department at a large nursery, and I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the paperwork. We generate around $400-500k in revenue annually—mostly from design and installation work, with a smaller portion from maintenance. Since I've taken over, I've been working extensively in the field, leaving little time for admin tasks. Right now, I'm putting in long hours during the week and handling paperwork on weekends, which is taking a toll on my mental health and personal life. I've just hired someone for full-time scheduling and customer service but I'm unsure if it's too early for that given our growth has been rapid. Should I consider hiring more help, or would raising prices be a better option? Experienced landscapers, when did you decide to hire an admin person? How did you find the right fit and how do you keep them motivated? I could really use any tips on training and organizational strategies too!
3 Answers
From my experience running a $2.2M landscaping business by myself, I can tell you that balancing admin work and fieldwork is almost impossible. If you're already struggling to meet customer demands, you should absolutely hire someone to take over the admin tasks. You'll make more money by focusing your skills on what you do best—landscaping—rather than pushing papers. When you find that right person, just bring them up to speed on everything they need to do. Having organized processes and documentation will help them learn quickly. For motivation, try maintaining a friendly work atmosphere and make things as clear as possible. They'll appreciate that!
You seem past the point of needing help already. Hiring an admin should happen the moment you can’t keep up without burning out, and it looks like that's where you're at. If you have your pricing right, there’s a good chance you can sell enough work to cover that admin salary and more! Finding someone isn't too hard; posting on platforms like Indeed works well. During training, make sure you emphasize what needs to be prioritized. And for motivation, just aim to foster a positive work culture so they feel part of the team!
It sounds like you're at a breaking point where more help is necessary. If you can't keep up with demand without sacrificing your personal life, hiring an admin is a smart move. Managing a landscaping business is tough because you need to focus on both the fieldwork and the numbers. You might be hesitant given your relatively short time in the role, but if customers are waiting weeks to hear back, then it’s definitely time to get more help. As for finding someone, using job sites like Indeed can be effective. Once they’re on board, training them involves showing them the ropes and providing them with clear documentation on their tasks. Don’t forget to create a supportive work environment to keep them motivated!
Definitely agree with you there! The admin should help alleviate the pressure. Just make sure you train them well and set clear expectations.
Exactly! A positive workplace goes a long way to keep everyone engaged and efficient.