Author: Weed Man Lawn Care

Weed Man is Growing!

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With over $140 million in system sales, our growth shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, we’re on pace to grow by another 15% this year alone! We are rapidly expanding across the United States and are looking for like-minded partners to grow with us. Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Here are some of biggest reasons business owners like you have decided to partner with Weed Man.

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Unparalleled Network of Support

The entire Weed Man team is 100% committed to helping franchisees achieve success within their business. When you become a Weed Man franchisee, you’re not only continuing your entrepreneurial journey, you are joining the extended Weed Man family! We will work together to ensure you receive all the support required in order to excel. Every Weed Man franchisee is supported by their local sub franchisor, who all have decades of experience in the green industry under their belt. Even if you don’t currently have an agronomic background, our unparalleled network of support will help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Out-of-This-World Reputation

Did you know we were named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes? What an honor! We have also been ranked the #1 Franchise in Lawn Care by Entrepreneur. Our great reputation in the industry has served us well and it’s all in thanks to our hard-working franchisees! Additionally, Weed Man has been ranked with the best of the best, by Franchise Business Review (FBR). With a spot in FBR’s Top 10 Franchises and a #2 ranking in the Top Service Franchises category, it’s no wonder that Weed Man continues to soar above the competition.

Effective Systems

With over 45 years of experience in the industry, we have perfected our systems. We offer franchisees effective systems in everything we do, from administration, to marketing and technical. Our systems are based on scalable results that can be compared across the entire Weed Man network, in order to establish benchmark for success. By taking the time to create these procedures, we ensure the ability to duplicate our successes.

If you are interested in learning more about franchise opportunities in your area, visit us at www.weedmanusa.com, or give us a call at 1-888-321-9333. We look forward to hearing from you!

Better Your Business with Weed Man!

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Feel like your business is running you and not the other way around? You’re not alone! According to Forbes, eight out of ten businesses ultimately fail. Possessing that initial desire to become an entrepreneur is great, but there are a number of other things that contribute to being successful in your venture. Businesses can fail for a number of reasons, including anything from not having an effective business plan in place, which will result in not generating enough revenue to stay afloat, to lack of uniqueness and not having enough brand recognition in order to stand out among competitors. Luckily for struggling entrepreneurs, there are solutions that can help revive a business that is suffering.

If you own a lawn, landscape and/or pest control business, Weed Man could be that solution. We have helped thousands of business owners better their business and increase their bottom line. As a franchise, we have had years to perfect our business model. We have systems for just about everything, including administrative, technical and budgeting (to name a few). The Weed Man brand is very well-known across North America, thanks to our great reputation – recently we were named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes magazine and have also been ranked the #1 Franchise in Lawn Care by Entrepreneur. Not to mention, our commitment to customer service has served us well, with an impressive customer retention rate of 75-80%. We offer unparalleled support provided by a knowledgeable corporate staff, as well as a remarkable group of regional consultants. Cross-marketing opportunities are available, which can help companies bring new customers on board. Regardless of your industry background, we can help you achieve your entrepreneurial aspirations. Our award-winning systems and recession-resistant business model have led to substantial, year-over-year growth for our franchisees, no matter the economy.

If you are interested in bettering your business and securing your future and retirement plans, Weed Man could be for you! Visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com for additional information, or give us a call at 1-888-321-9333. We look forward to hearing from you!

Business Up to Speed - Speedometer Measures Growth

A Leadership Q & A with Weed Man COO Jennifer Lemcke

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What is the best job you’ve had? Running the marketing rooms during my earlier years with

Weed Man. I loved being a part of that and watching the company grow, as well as working and

motivating people.

What about the worst? Definitely when I first started out at Weed Man, doing the physical

work of being out on the lawns was tough. It’s not an easy job!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? When you’re hit with a challenge, don’t think

you’re alone. Reach out to others and LISTEN to what they have to say and learn. It’s okay not

to have all of the answers. One of my biggest assets is having a great network to reach out to.

My fellow sub franchisors are truly family, and it’s nice to be able to depend on their

backgrounds and expertise for support.

What has been your biggest challenge? Being the boss’s daughter. I work harder and longer all

the time so people don’t think I was handed this job on a silver platter. I work twice as hard to

alleviate that. I don’t want to be ashamed of my job and accomplishments, so I am always

trying to prove people wrong. I have been on several boards and have grown my career outside

of Weed Man.

Have you ever experienced a “fork in the road?” Definitely! When I become a mother. As a

woman, it was very difficult. I always want to be the best COO I can be, but also be the best

mother. Weed Man was growing very quickly and working long hours was a struggle at times. I

eventually found balance by hiring a nanny who is still very much a part of the family.

Sometimes, I travelled more than I was in the office. I am so very proud of all three of my

children. They have all become leaders in their own way! I love the ‘compass’ – grounded, but

off kilter just a little bit. Right now, it is aligned with where I need to be.

How do you achieve a good work/life balance? I’m not very good at this, but I’m getting

better. Family, work, myself (in that order). I’m good at some of it, but not great at a lot of it. I

enjoy watching my kids play sports, coaching and being on the bench. I work more to have

more time to do things like that, so my kids know they can lean on me if they need it.

Are there any quirky or unique things that are a part of your daily routine? Coffee. I love my

coffee! I am very energetic and hands-on. The thought of ‘I am COO of Weed Man’ never

crossed my mind.

When is the best time for brainstorming? In the shower. I wake up and my brain just comes to

life with all of these ideas in my head. My drive to the office is also very important to me for

this reason.

What technology helps with productivity? Outlook.

What’s next for Jennifer and Weed Man? To continue growing a strong, respected and national

brand. To stay relevant to and support franchisees. And I would potentially consider expanding

into other brands in the future.

Chief Operating Officer of Weed Man USA

Behind the Scenes: Turning Prospects into Success Stories

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Lately, it seems as though we have been writing one Success Profile after another when it comes to Weed Man USA franchisees (click here for one of our latest profiles). Of course, we’re not complaining, but it is likely that a lot of our readers wonder just how we do it! Well, there are many different factors that contribute to our company’s overall success, but prior to success comes finding the right people, building a relationship and introducing the many facets of our award-winning franchise system. Let’s take a deeper look at the behind-the-scenes of turning prospects into success stories, and all that goes into providing Weed Man USA franchisees with the smoothest possible path to success.

Finding Valuable Prospects

We receive a number of leads per week, from people who are interested in investing in Weed Man. As well as receiving an influx of incoming leads, we also put a lot of effort into targeting existing lawn, landscape and pest control business owners, offering them a great opportunity to diversify their services. We reach out to potential prospects by using various social media outlets, attending networking events and trade shows, such as the Green Industry Expo, as well as carrying out calling and direct mail campaigns, among other things.

Why Franchise?

Weed Man franchisees enjoy exclusive rights to the territory or territories they invest in. We also provide franchisees with an exclusive computer system, effective marketing systems, and dominant purchasing power. We are an award-winning franchise network and have an excellent reputation as well. Did you know Weed Man USA was named One of the Best Franchises to Buy, by Forbes?

Mutual Investigation

Next, comes the beginning of a usually long, but informative process. Various phone calls are scheduled with a Weed Man USA franchise consultant, in order to determine whether the opportunity is a good fit for both parties. This is an imperative part of the overall process, as prospects are asked questions regarding their current career and finances. Our franchise consultant also takes the time to get to know prospects on a more personal level. Prospects are also encouraged to ask us questions in order to learn more about Weed Man and the opportunity as a whole.

Talking Testimonials

Once the various stages of the mutual investigation process are complete, we suggest prospects contact existing Weed Man USA franchisees, to gain an even better understanding of what the company is all about. Written testimonials are great, however speaking with a successful franchisee is even better! For the same reason, our franchise consultant will then set-up a meeting with Weed Man USA’s COO Jennifer Lemcke and/or the appropriate franchisor, to finalize the process.

Comprehensive Training

Once the decision has been made to hop aboard the Weed Man train, new franchisees will attend a 10-day training session held at Weed Man USA’s corporate office in Ontario, Canada, addressing all aspects of business operations, including administration, technical, marketing, business planning and budgeting.

It Doesn’t Stop There

Inevitably, the success of a Weed Man franchise really is dependent on a franchisee’s commitment and dedication to their business. At the same time though, ongoing support is a great benefit of partnering with us. Our team of regional franchisors includes some of the biggest names in the green industry. They are never more than a phone call away, and are always ready to provide franchisees with expert consultation as their company takes off. If franchisees ever require a refresher, they are always welcome to attend additional training sessions at our corporate office. Our franchisees are our business partners, and we’re all in this together!

Achieving Success

If owning a business is something that you’ve seriously considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit center, Weed Man is a great option! We would be happy to meet you, guide you and help you form a strategic partnership. For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

Three Reasons Why Weed Man Businesses are Awesome

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Are you an aspiring entrepreneur, but can’t decide on what industry you want to delve into? Do you own an existing business, but are interested in ramping up your growth? Weed Man could be your solution! Lawn care may not be ‘sexy,’ but it sure is profitable. We have managed to grow our annual revenue by over $40 million in just the last five years! People are hiring Weed Man to ease the burdens of maintaining their homes, and to help them free up more time to enjoy life’s pleasures. And by all means, we are happy to help!

Consumers recognize that hiring Weed Man is a truly compelling value when compared to the retail costs of products, as well as the labor that goes into mixing and applying those products. It is not uncommon for Weed Man franchisees to receive phone calls from prospective customers dealing with the angst of uncertain results incurred by “DIY-ing” their lawn. There are also environmental benefits of maintaining a lush and healthy green space, which further increases the demand for professional lawn care services.

Aside from these favorable demographic trends, there are a few other reasons why Weed Man businesses are, to put it bluntly, awesome!

Recurring Revenues

Recurring Revenues

A well-run lawn care company can count on the vast majority of its customers automatically renewing each year. For instance, fertilizer needs to be applied multiple times throughout the season and weeds don’t come and go on a schedule – they need to be tended to! This brings in recurring revenues and allows us to focus marketing efforts on net growth rather than repeat sales. Weed Man offers top-of-the-line customer care and so, majority of our customers are repeat business. In fact, Weed Man boasts an impressive customer retention rate of approximately 75-80%.

Economic Stability

Economic StabilityWeed Man businesses offer limited exposure to recession. While no business is recession-proof, lawn care is a low-cost and high-valued service, a small slice of the consumer’s disposable income that can add as much as 15% to a home’s value. In addition to these undeniable facts, Weed Man franchisees are always building on a growing database of renewing customers, creating equity and expanding their business in the process.

Facts & Figures

Year after year, research shows a significant increase in the use of professional lawn and landscape services. Some of these statistics include:

Lawn care services continue to be a desired service by dual-income families and maturing baby boomers. Across these demographics, consumers understand the value of a healthy looking lawn and landscape and enjoy the tranquility that a lush, green lawn can provide.

If owning a business is something that you’ve seriously considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit center, Weed Man is a great option! We would be happy to meet you, guide you and help you form a strategic partnership. For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

10 Tips to Maximize Your Productivity

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Do you feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day? You’re not alone! When you’re a business owner, especially, it can be difficult to get everything done. And although some distractions are inevitable, and you might think working through your lunch break will decrease your work load (TIP: it won’t!) – there are a number of ways that we, at Weed Man, maximize our productivity.

  1. Plan in advance. This might mean something different for everyone, but our first tip comes down to being organized. Spend a few minutes the night before each day to get on track and save you the hassle of stressing the next morning.
  2. Get plenty of rest. Being well-rested has been linked to productivity for as long as we can recall, and it’s true. Getting the suggested 8 hours of sleep per night really does wonders. Wake up refreshed and ready to start your day.
  3. Eat breakfast. As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Don’t skip it! Provide your body with the nutrients it needs (and deserves) to keep your energy up. Coffee never hurts either.
  4. Don’t just drive. Weed Man USA’s COO, Jennifer Lemcke, spends her morning commute brainstorming ideas for the day ahead. The drive to the office every morning is very important to her.
  5. Fashionably late isn’t fashionable. As a business owner, arriving to the office early is a great way to keep not only yourself on track, but also your employees. It also allows you to get more done – especially after that brainstorming session on your drive into work!
  6. Stay focused and have goals. Do you have certain tasks that you dread? Complete those ones first. Minimize your distractions –turn off your email notifications, commit to not surfing Facebook and turn your phone on to silent mode – in order to successfully keep your goals in sight at all times. If you have a number of things to do, try setting a timer for individual tasks and make it into a game.
  7. Give yourself a break. This is an important one. Taking time away from your desk is imperative for maximizing your productivity, whether it be taking a half hour lunch break or committing to not working on the weekends. This goes hand-in-hand with maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
  8. Ask for help. “When you’re hit with a challenge, don’t think you’re alone. Reach out to others and listen to what they have to say, and learn. It’s okay not to have all of the answers. One of Weed Man’s biggest assets is having a great network to reach out to,” Lemcke says, while discussing her best advice for franchisees.
  9. Reward yourself. After a productive day, week, or month, don’t forget to reward yourself. Setting goals and achieving them is something to be proud of! Don’t forget to reward your employees for a job well done. A simple pat on the back is all it takes to boost office morale.
  10. Love what you do! Last, but most definitely not least, love your job. At Weed Man USA, we pour our hearts into what we do – and it is that, along with many other things, that has allowed us to become to #1 Lawn Care Franchise.

If you are a business owner, or if you are an aspiring entrepreneur, being productive is imperative. When franchising with Weed Man USA, we provide you with effective tools and an unparalleled support network, to help you stay on track and remain productive, in order to achieve success in your business.

If owning a business is something that you’ve seriously considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit center, Weed Man is a great option! We would be happy to meet you, guide you and help you form a strategic partnership. For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

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GIE+EXPO 2015 – Will You Be There?

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The Green Industry & Equipment Expo is just around the corner. Join Weed Man as we ramp up for this year’s event in Louisville, Kentucky! We’ll be at booth #5019 from October 22-23. Pay us a visit and meet the support team behind our award-winning franchise network!

Whether you’re looking for a career change or for an opportunity to diversify and grow your existing business, we can help you take your career to new heights. We have helped hundreds of landscape professionals make their mark in the industry – you could be next! Our franchisees are growing an average of 20% annually and boast customer renewal rates of 75-80%.

Weed Man was recently named One of the Best Franchises to Buy, by Forbes magazine – thanks in part to our state-of-the-art systems, recurring revenues and unlimited growth opportunities. With over $140 million in system sales, we are the leading franchised lawn care company in the green industry. Year after year, Weed Man has been named the #1 Franchise in Lawn Care by Entrepreneur magazine. Currently sold out in Canada, we have seen rapid growth across the United States and we don’t plan on slowing down any time soon! Join us at this year’s GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky to learn more about our award-winning business model. Stop by booth #5019 to speak with various company representatives and find out what makes our franchisees so successful.

To receive 50% off your GIE+EXPO registration, click here: http://weedmanfranchise.com/news/2015-gie.html

See you soon!

GIE Expo

We’re the #1 Lawn Care Franchise for a Reason!

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Becoming one of the fastest growing lawn care franchises across North America wasn’t an easy task, but Weed Man strives for nothing but excellence, and clearly, we have achieved that! Recently we had the pleasure of being named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes. And year after year, Weed Man USA has been named the #1 Franchise in Lawn Care by Entrepreneur magazine. “Weed Man USA is honored to receive the No. 1 ranking in the lawn care sector. It truly reinforces our strength as a brand,” said Jennifer Lemcke, COO of Turf Holdings, Inc. and Weed Man USA. “We take great pride in making sure the right systems are in place to help our franchise owners be successful. Without their passion and dedication on a daily basis, we would not be where we are today.” Below are just a few of the reasons we made it to the top!

Our History

Weed Man has been committed to delivering superior lawn care services to residential customers since 1970, when it was just a single-truck operation. Currently sold out in Canada, we have seen rapid growth across the United States since moving across the border in 1996 – and we don’t plan on slowing down any time soon! With over $140 million in system sales, Weed Man is now the leading franchised lawn care company in the green industry.

Our System

In everything we do, there are systems that have been conceived, tested, refined and ultimately proven to increase efficiency and profitability. Our systems are based upon measurable results that can be compared across the network to establish benchmarks for success. Proprietary software and algorithms have been created to ensure ease of operation and uniformity in the measurement of our franchisees’ results.

Our Network

Our network of Weed Man franchisors represents decades of lawn care operation experience. Their collective wisdom has been fine-tuned into a system that allows franchisees to run a successful lawn care operation with no prior lawn care or agronomic training or knowledge. In addition to that, every Weed Man franchisee is supported by their local franchisor who serves as a personal consultant and mentor, providing not only experience, but also guidance and encouragement in order to achieve long-term success. This is a unique benefit franchisees are unlikely to find elsewhere.

Our Passion

The many people who are a part of the Weed Man network not only bring valuable experience to the table. They also bring heart and passion, which definitely helps in the making of a successful business. The entire Weed Man organization is 100% dedicated to providing franchisees with the best possible (and enjoyable) opportunity available. When you become a Weed Man franchisee, you join the extended Weed Man family. We work together, all of us collectively, to ensure that franchisees excel, and become as passionate as we are in their new businesses.

If owning a business is something that you’ve seriously considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit center, Weed Man is a great option. We would be happy to meet you, guide you and help you form a strategic partnership! For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

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Lawn and Landscape Business Struggles and Solutions

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Being a successful lawn and landscape owner requires many traits – patience, dedication, great management skills, passion and the ability to make smart decisions. At Weed Man USA, we interact with industry people on a daily basis, and we’ve found that some of the biggest struggles they experience in owning a business have to do with employee management and retention, as well as having a poor bottom line. Every business-related struggle has a solution, whether it be taking on a different leadership style, offering competitive incentives or diversifying your services.

Struggle: Effectively Managing Employees

Solution: Every business owner is different in their employee management approach. If, as a business owner, you find that you are having difficulty effectively managing your employees, there are a number of strategies you can try to improve your efforts. To achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency when delegating tasks, ensure your employees understand exactly what you want them to do. Spend a few extra minutes to successfully communicate what the task is and let them know you expect feedback throughout the process, as this will allow you to monitor their progress and assess whether or not the final product is up to your standards.

As an added benefit, this approach requires less micromanaging Determine in advance how you’ll reward employees for a job well done. Successful delegation of authority takes time and energy, but it does pay off in the end. Empowering and trusting your employees and appreciating their success will build their self-confidence and provide you with a higher caliber product.

Struggle: Employee Retention

Solution: Owning a business in a seasonal industry can be difficult. With the possibility of a 4-month layoff period in the winter, it’s hard to sometimes keep employees. Although offering a competitive wage plays a significant role in retention, there are definitely other things to consider when it comes to keeping your employees for the long term. Instead of layoffs, look at downtime as an opportunity for staff to explore other skills relevant to your company. It’s always smart to cross-train employees in case you require some extra help. This also gives you more confidence in promoting from within, when and if that time comes. Or why not consider diversifying your business and offering winterized services during the colder months? Additionally, if you do find quality people, offer them incentives to stay, such as increased responsibility, a new and better title, or improved compensation. Good workers are the backbone of any successful company, after all. Make them feel a part of the team and not just like it’s a temporary position.

Struggle: Poor Bottom Line                                                                       

Solution: There are many ways to better your bottom line. It’s often hard to balance your time focusing on business developmentwhile remaining visible and active in the field. Improve cash flow, gain more market share and balance your time more effectively by making smart investment decisions. Weed Man has helped hundreds of landscape professionals better their businesses. Today’s markets are filled with opportunity, but owners need to move fast. Several Weed Man franchisees owned existing businesses and saw the value in aligning themselves with a national brand. They were looking to diversify their services and Weed Man was their answer.

We are the fastest growing lawn care franchise out there, and we don’t plan on slowing down any time soon. We were recently named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes magazine! We currently have several franchise opportunities available throughout the U.S. If owning a lawn care business is something you’ve considered, or if you already own a business and are looking for an additional profit center, Weed Man is a great option, and we would be happy to meet with you to determine whether it would be a good fit for us both. For more information on franchising with Weed Man USA, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

Weed Man Franchise Meeting

The Benefits of Diversifying & Cross-Selling

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Starting and maintaining any business, in any industry, isn’t an easy feat. Franchising, though, provides business owners with proven systems and tools for success. If you own a landscaping company, for example, diversifying your services by expanding the lawn care segment of your business can be a lucrative option to help you achieve long-term success. And from an owner’s perspective, there are many benefits to cross-selling by franchising with Weed Man USA.

Maximize Profitability

Our business model at Weed Man is designed to help maximize your profitability, giving you the opportunity to cross-sell between both your existing company and your Weed Man franchise. We offer franchisees in-house, proprietary software to help produce and send out email campaigns, promoting our services, current discounts and any other interesting news. This is just one of the many great ways to cross-sell and promote your existing landscaping business and additional services that may be available to your customers. Aligning yourself with a national brand never hurt, either!

Seasonality

In many markets, particularly in the North and Midwest, landscaping services aren’t needed all year long, forcing industry owners to put their businesses on hold during the colder months. However, Weed Man services start in the early spring and run right through to the late fall. In the few months of off-time, franchisees are busy business planning, hiring, and selling for the year ahead, allowing them to maintain a full-year, recurring revenue stream. We also encourage Weed Man owners to offer early sign-on incentives to customers.

Benefitting Customers

Diversification also benefits customers, and keeping your customers happy should always be a priority. By expanding the existing lawn care segment of your business, customers are able to ‘kill two birds with one stone’ by only having to hire one company, rather than two. If you already have a loyal customer-base, this should be a breeze!

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of cross-selling services between green industry businesses – or if you’re interested in learning more regarding Weed Man franchise opportunities in your area, visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com.

cross-selling