Author: Weed Man Lawn Care

Franchisee Success Profile: Andy Kurth

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Andy Kurth

FRANCHISEE SUCCESS PROFILE: ANDY KURTH

Market: Madison, Wisconsin

Number of Locations: 6

Education: I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and received my degree in Soil Science with an emphasis in Turf Management and Agri-business.

Career Background: I got involved in the lawn care business starting in high school. During the summers, I worked for a company full-time installing irrigation systems. I began attending college right around the same time that my father purchased his first Weed Man location in Madison and I spent my summers working for him. It was great to begin that way with the company because I was able to learn many different roles within the business. After college I began working full-time for Weed Man selling franchises. Then by chance, I was given the opportunity to work as a Sales Manager in my dad’s office, which I did for a couple more years before I was promoted to General Manager. Today, I am the president for our six offices in the Midwest.

How has your father influenced you as a business leader? My father Terry Kurth has been a great resource and someone that I go to simply to bounce ideas off of. I worked alongside my dad and together we grew our Weed Man from one location to six through building positive relationships with employees and customers. He is a great communicator, which is one of the areas where I try to model my leadership from the example he set. I’m very thankful that he allowed me the freedom to run the business my way and allowed me to make some mistakes along the way. Now that my dad has stepped back a little from the business I feel much more confident making decisions that impact the business because I have those personal experience to draw on. But there are still times when I need his advice and he’s always willing to help when I ask for it.

What are you most proud of so far as a Weed Man franchisee? Being able to provide opportunities for advancement to our most valuable team members and show how much we appreciate their dedication.  We work hard on generating a culture of talent development. When I took an operational role, I wanted to provide our team with a bigger vision of where we can go and who is going to help us get where we want to be. I truly believe that the backbone of this country is the small business because we are providing people within the community with an opportunity to give back to the communities in which they live. It’s amazing to think that we’ve been able to serve 16,000 customers in the past year and hire nearly 300 employees to help take our business to the next level.

Another proud moment for me and my team was receiving an American flag from an Iraq war veteran. While serving his 5th tour in Iraq we volunteered through an organization to care for his lawn so his family would have one less worry while he was away. One day he surprised us at the office with an American flag that had been flown in their camp in honor of our service to his family. The flag hangs in my office as a reminder of the impact that we are making every day.

What’s next for you and your franchise? The efforts at developing our team and providing them with new opportunities is starting to pay off. We put our valued team members in a position to expand into Texas and Colorado this year. We’ll be working on ways our team can stay informed and work together even though our network is a lot more spread out. It’s a great challenge to have and we look forward to leading the way in developing new systems and processes to accelerate our expansion.

If you are interested in learning more about franchise opportunities in your area, visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 888-321-9333.

New Year. New Technology. New Beginning?

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At Weed Man, we’re constantly aiming to improve the overall experience for our customers, all while helping our franchisees better their businesses and innovating to stay aligned with industry trends. Over the past 45 years, not a lot has changed in terms of Weed Man’s business plan, but with technology booming, it’s important that the brand continues to grow in the digital space.

Saying this, customers, franchisees and potential Weed Man owners can expect our new website to launch TODAY! Are you interested in seeing our new look? The easy-to-navigate design and image-based content is what the new and improved Weed Man site is all about. Visit us at www.weedmanusa.com!

Not only does Weed Man offer top-of-the-line marketing support, the head office team is also available for help in administration, agronomics, social media and so much more! We even take care of franchisees’ public relation needs. And to take results to the next level in 2016, our PR firm has added a wide array of new technologies to help extend our reach to thousands of additional media outlets, both traditional and online. The new platforms provide increased media monitoring and results tracking for the whole brand, nationwide.

Check out some of our latest secured placements below:

When it comes to creating a name for ourselves online, it’s safe to say we’re doing a pretty good job. A new website, numerous secured placements, both local and national, and not to mention, we’re also very active on social media! Want to see for yourself?

Check us out on social:

A new year means new technology and many new things to come for Weed Man! Are you interested in a new beginning? If you’re interested in learning more about opportunities in your area, contact us today at 888-321-9333or visit www.weedmanfranchise.com.

New Year

 

Top 10 Reasons to Invest in a Weed Man Franchise

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There are many perks to franchising, especially with Weed Man! Check out our Top 10 Reasons to Invest in a Weed Man Franchise.

Brand Awareness

One of the most obvious reasons why franchising is a better option than starting from the bottom, is the fact that you’re buying into an already-established brand. Weed Man has been around for over 45 years. We are the fastest growing lawn care franchise in North America, having added 40+ territories to our roster in 2015 alone.

Proven Systems

With a strong brand and 45 years in the industry, comes a lot of conceiving and testing our systems. We are constantly innovating to provide our customers and franchisees with the most efficient and effective way of doing things. We offer Weed Man owners proprietary software and extensive business planning to ensure nothing but success.

Easier to Obtain Financing

With an extremely thorough business plan, obtaining financing is much easier. Don’t believe us? Listen to this testimonial where Brandon Burns, owner of Weed Man Arlington Heights, IL discusses his experience with applying for financing.

Track Record of Success

Weed Man has a great reputation in the franchise industry. Entrepreneur has ranked Weed Man the #1 Franchise in Lawn Care and we have also been named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes magazine. Over the 45 years in operation, we have witnessed several franchisees become successful and with our exponential growth and continuous innovation, we don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

Extensive Training Provided

When a new franchisee comes aboard, Weed Man hosts extensive training at our corporate headquarters located in Oshawa, Ontario. Everything from administration to marketing to technical and agronomics is covered. Meet the entire head office staff and learn more about why the Weed Man opportunity is so great!

Ongoing Support

New franchisee training isn’t the last you’ll hear from head office. The Weed Man team and your local sub-franchisor are always just a phone call or email away. Not to mention, when you invest in Weed Man, you are part of a family. Your fellow franchisees would be happy to lend a hand, if ever needed.

Marketing Assistance

Need help creating a marketing piece? Contact us! Need help with your social media efforts? We’re here for you. Interested in gaining some PR for your local initiative? No problem! Whatever your need, the Weed Man team is here to support you and the success of your business.

Purchasing Power

Purchasing power is a big advantage of buying into a big franchise such as Weed Man. We have approved vendors for just about everything new Weed Man owners require. When supplying for more than 455 territories, the savings are tremendous.

Hard Work is Rewarded

At Weed Man, we strive to be successful and when our franchisees do a great job, we let them know. Celebrating hard work is important and a great motivator for anyone. In addition to celebrating your everyday successes, we also distribute several awards at our Annual Conference and announce when a franchisee has become a part of our network’s coveted ‘Million Dollar Club.’

Exclusive Territory and Option to Own Multiple Locations

Weed Man has franchises across the country and is even sold out in Canada! When you join the Weed Man team, you invest in your own, exclusive territory, which typically services around 150,000 people. You also have the ability to buy more than one territory. In fact, most Weed Man owners start out with at least two. Want to expand in a different market? No problem! Become a multi-unit franchisee today!

For more information on franchise opportunities in your area, visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call us at 888-321-9333.

Top 10 Reasons to Invest in a Weed Man Franchise

#BusinessTips with Weed Man’s COO

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Over the years Weed Man has remained the #1 Franchise in Lawn Care. The company has also been named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes magazine. Last year alone, the company secured over $83 million in system sales, a 13% increase over 2014. For 2016, the organization is on track to hit the $100 million mark, as we expect to add as many as 50 new territories throughout the United States. Weed Man COO Jennifer Lemcke has helped grow the company “from humble beginnings – one customer at a time.”  And with that said, the savvy business woman has some words of advice for business owners across the globe.

What productivity hack ensures you’re hitting your top priorities and focusing on the right tasks?

I use Outlook religiously – for to-do lists, reminders, scheduling for my personal life and business, appointments, sports games etc. But, if I’m feeling really overwhelmed, I will go ‘back to the basics’ and set up a binder, organize it, highlight things, make indexes and check tasks off as they’re completed. It brings a level of calmness to me.

How did your past work experiences impact your leadership style today?

I have been blessed to have great mentors throughout my working life. The one thing I’ve learned from them over the years is simple: be nice to people and listen. Say ‘hello’ in the morning, smile and be positive. Talk and give your opinion where needed, but also listen to what people have to say, reflect and take other people’s opinions to heart.

Weed Man is very customer-service focused and committed to informing their customers. How do you train that type of commitment?

Every single employee who could possibly be in contact with a customer has a training program, not just outlining the basics, but also explaining the appropriate attitude to have and how to act. A great definition of customer service is ‘a wave’ and with that, comes an analogy that I love to use. When you’re sitting in traffic and someone is trying to merge, if you let them in and they wave and smile, you feel satisfied and happy; but if the driver who merges doesn’t wave or acknowledge your kind act, drivers will typically become agitated and depending on their driving style, could mutter something under their breath, follow tightly behind that car or not let anyone else merge in front of them. It’s the same way in business. Smile, be positive, acknowledge your customers’ needs and desires and they’ll keep letting you in…or, in Weed Man’s case, they’ll keep letting you service their lawn. It’s that simple!

If you are interested in learning more about franchise opportunities in your area, visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call us at 888-321-9333.

#BusinessTips from WM COO

Weed Man’s Reputation

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With over 45 years of experience in the industry, Weed Man has always strived to give customers a beautiful and healthy lawn to enjoy. Not only do our integrated services provide peace of mind, but also result in increased property values. We know lawn care and we tailor our programs for each individual green space.

In everything we do, there are systems based upon measurable results, which have been tested, improved and ultimately proven to increase efficiency and profitability. Proprietary software and algorithms have also been created to ensure ease of operation and uniformity in the measurement of our franchisees’ results.

In addition to our experience as a company, our proven systems and ease of operation, the entire Weed Man organization is completely dedicated to providing franchisees with the best possible opportunity available. We’ve developed extensive training programs and have an unparalleled support network. Every Weed Man franchisee is supported by their local and experiences franchisor who serves as a personal consultant and mentor, providing experience, guidance and encouragement along the way.

With all of this in mind, there’s no doubting how we have achieved such a phenomenal reputation in the industry. Last year we were named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes magazine and year after year, Entrepreneur has named us the #1 Franchise in Lawn Care on the Franchise 500® list. In fact, Weed Man has jumped 5 spots from 2014 and a whopping 305 spots since 2009.

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Finishing up last year with $84 million in annual system sales, it is evident that our franchisees have been working hard and achieving success in their businesses. But, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to grow! We plan to hit the $100 million mark by the end of this year. Are you interested in helping us meet our goal and making a name for yourself? We have many opportunities available across the U.S. Call us today at 888-321-9333 for more information, or visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com.

>> View our franchising video below!

 

Weed Man’s 2016 Initiatives

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Happy New Year! With 2016 finally here and a new lawn care season just a few months down the road, the entire Weed Man team is excited for what has yet to come.

Last year was a great year for us. Collectively, the company secured an impressive $84 million in system sales, was named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes magazine, was ranked #7 on Entrepreneur’s Top 10 list and opened several new franchise locations across the United States.

With a new year, come new opportunities. There is so much that we have to look forward to for this coming year, including new technologies, new innovations, as well as new products.

Our 2016 Initiatives

We are getting ready to launch an exciting new website at the Weed Man headquarters. With an expected launch date of February 2016, our new site will boast a new and modern design and will offer similar functionalities as our current site, but new and improved for added convenience, making it extremely user-friendly.

We are excited to offer our franchisees new technology, which will Weed Man owners to target specific demographics and areas in their market, making marketing, advertising and recruitment a breeze.

All of our 2016 initiatives are being implemented to help our company, our franchisees, our business, reach a goal; and together, that goal is attainable. In 2016, Weed Man is on track to reach $100 million in system sales!

Join the Extended Weed Man Family Today!

If you’re looking for an exciting new opportunity that offers limitless growth potential, an unparalleled support system who are committed to helping you grow your business, an undeniable reputation in the industry and so much more, Weed Man may be for you!

If you own an existing business and are looking to diversify or are an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to secure your future and/or leave a legacy for your family, no matter your industry background, Weed Man can help you achieve your career aspirations. For additional information on franchise opportunities in your area, call us at 1-888-321-9333 or visit us online at www.weedmanfranchise.com.

2016 New Year Initiatives

Top 10 Tips for Running a Successful Business

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Have a vision. Most entrepreneurs have a vision prior to just up and starting a business, whether it a passion for something or a dream of leaving a legacy for their children. In order to be successful as a business owner, you must have a vision for your business and for your future.

Believe in what you’re selling. So many people make the mistake of starting a business that they’re not passionate about. If you don’t believe in what you’re selling, your customers won’t believe it in either. Love what you do and live what you love.

Focus on finding the right talent for your company. Finding star talent can be difficult, but if you put in the leg work now, it will pay off in the future. Remember, quality is better than quantity. Take the time to find great employees, rather than struggling with employee retention down the road.

Take the time to train your employees. Once you’ve started building your team, don’t forget to train, train, train. Knowledge is power and if your employees are confident in their role, customers will notice and be more confident in what they are buying. Don’t forget to motivate your staff as well. Keep the morale high by offering positive feedback, incentives and even promotions!

Take care of yourself. Being the business owner, it is imperative that you keep yourself and your family happy and healthy. Exercise, eat right and spend time with your family and friends. Encouraging your employees to do the same will benefit not only themselves, but your company as a whole.

Network. It is so important to network within your community, with customers, potential customers and even possible business partners. Keep an open mind and make a great reputation for yourself and your company. Not only will it look good on you, but it will also help business.

Put yourself in your customers’ shoes. Offering great customer service is imperative to running a successful business. If a customer has a complaint, suggestion and/or concern – listen to them, help them and put yourself in their shoes to really better the situation.

Be creative. Marketing plays a large role in the success of any business. Be creative with your efforts and utilize as many avenues as possible – social media, Internet, print, radio, public outreach, community events – you won’t know if it works until you try!

Be consistent and realistic. Remember, starting your own business is not a get-rich-quick solution. Building a successful business takes time. Be consistent with your efforts and realistic with your vision for the future.

Franchise. Franchising is a great alternative to starting your own business from the ground up. Weed Man knows our competition and we know how to excel in the green industry. We have been doing what we do for over 45 years, have a great reputation, a diverse skill set and a business model that has been practised and proven to be effective.

Looking to expand your current business or make a career change? Find out if Weed Man is right for you: call 1-888-321-9333 or visit www.weedmanfranchise.com. 

Why to Invest in a Franchise

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Franchising is in a class all of its own. Many people overlook franchise opportunities because they assume they won’t be in charge of their own business, but Weed Man franchisees are a great testament to how effective franchising is and how it can change someone’s life.

We have many Success Stories to tell. In fact, you can find our latest, written on Weed Man Fresno owner Jeff Kollenkark right here. Many other satisfied franchisees’ testimonials can be found on our website as well!

People typically will go into business for themselves because they get to call the shots and be their own boss, enjoy the convenience of having a flexible schedule, provide jobs within their communities and build a legacy for their family. With franchising, all of these things can be accomplished – you’re just not doing it alone. Here’s Why to Invest in a Franchise.

  1. An incredibly knowledgeable support system. The Weed Man family is made up of industry professionals who have decades of experience in lawn care or other related industries, such as landscaping and pest control.
  2. You don’t have to start from scratch. Weed Man was established over 45 years ago. Our systems have been practised, proven and improved over the years.
  3. New to entrepreneurship? We provide extensive 10-day training at our corporate office for all new Weed Man franchisees.
  4. With a proven business model and extensive business plan, Weed Man franchises are more likely to gain financing from financial institutions, as opposed to start-ups.
  5. Purchasing power. Need we say more?
  6. Weed Man has secured over $140 million in system sales, due to our franchisees’ hard work and commitment to the brand – numbers don’t lie!
  7. Lastly, Weed Man has an amazing reputation in the green industry, and more specifically in the franchising side of things. Recently, yet again, Weed Man made Entrepreneur’s Top 10 List. Weed Man has also been ranked by Forbes as One of the Best Franchises to Buy.

If you are interested in learning more about franchise opportunities in your area, visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call us at 888-321-9333.

7291 Mike in Front of Trucks

Navigating the Future, Charting the Course – Weed Man Annual Conference

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The Weed Man team recently returned from Orlando, Florida, where the Weed Man USA Annual Conference was held. It was a busy few days, spent catching up with fellow Weed Man owners and staff, learning ways to better our businesses and celebrating our success as an organization. As a team, Weed Man has achieved $84 million in system sales and with our track record, we are planning to reach the $100 million mark by the end of 2016. And with the leadership, drive and determination we were so lucky to witness at this year’s conference, we have no doubt that our franchisees will get us there!

Weed Man’s annual conference is a time to celebrate our franchisees’ accomplishments – recognizing the leaders in the group and helping the others rise to the top! At the annual Awards Gala, we were happy to award many franchisees and other staff for their hard work and dedication to the business and brand itself. The awards included Rookie of the Year; Most Improved; Emerging Leaders; Online Outreach, Ambassador Award; Community Champion; Marketing Performance (three categories); Referral Engagement; Customer Loyalty; Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year; Award of Excellence and a 20-Year Tenure award, which was  awarded to our longest standing U.S. franchisees, Dwight and Debbie Wolfe.

We had many first-year attendees and hope to welcome even more at Weed Man’s 2016 conference. If you are interested in learning more about franchise opportunities in your area, visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call us at 888-321-9333. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Weed Man’s Million Dollar Franchise Recipe

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Recently, Small Business Opportunities magazine named Weed Man a million dollar franchise recipe. And with our franchisees growing their businesses an average of 20% annually, we can’t say we blame them! Many Weed Man owners have reached $1 million in annual sales, and many have even surpassed that goal. We are proud of our amazing franchisees and all that they have done for their businesses and the company as a whole.

View the full article here >>

If you have ever considered franchising, we would be happy to hear from you! Why lawn care, and why Weed Man? We’re glad you asked!

Lawn care is part of the rapidly growing green industry. A greater percentage of homeowners are hiring professional lawn and landscape companies after recognizing the compelling value of our services, compared to the retail cost of good and taking the DIY route.

The vast majority of Weed Man customers automatically renew their services each year, which ultimately brings in recurring revenues and allows the company to focus marketing efforts on net growth rather than repeat sales. Despite the vulnerability of the economy, lawn care continues to be a desired service by many. Our customers truly understand the value of a healthy turf. As a Weed Man franchisee, you’ll have all of the tools required to take advantage of this positive trend in the industry!

Call us today for additional information on franchise opportunities in your area, at 1-888-321-9333.

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