Career Change

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

What Sets Weed Man Apart From Other Lawn Care Franchises?

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When opening a business, it’s important to consider your potential competition. In any industry, having competition is inevitable – and can actually help drive your success! In lawn care, it’s no different. Although we are in the same industry and offer similar services to other lawn care franchises, there are several factors that set Weed Man apart from the competition:

Locally Owned & Operated

At Weed Man, we’re proud of the fact that all of our franchises are locally owned and operated, meaning that we live and work in the very communities that we serve. With other lawn care franchises, franchisees act as managers, while corporate controls day-to-day activities. Hiring locally is important to many consumers in today’s day and age. Our model allows franchisees to run their businesses independently, while only asking for support or guidance when wanted or needed. Owners are also able to cater to their communities in the best way they see fit, whether through involvement in local initiatives, giving back, or building a visible presence at community events.

Supportive Extended Weed Man Family

On the flip side, when franchisees do require our assistance, we have the best support in the industry in the form of regional sub franchisors and a dedicated corporate team. When new franchisees come on board, they immediately become part of Weed Man’s extended family, and we will do all we can to help them achieve success in their new endeavor.

One of the Best Franchises to Buy

Did you know? Just recently, Weed Man was named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes magazine. The decision was made based on data compiled by the franchise industry research firm FRANdata. Each and every franchise brand was analyzed and ranked by cost of initial investment. Five-year growth rates, five-year continuity rates, consistency of ownership, and level of franchisee support were weighed heavily in the process.

Reasonable Start-up Costs

Having been ranked #10 by Forbes of all franchise companies with entry fees less than $150k, Weed Man is an affordable investment for entrepreneurs. When investing in a double territory (300,000 population), like the majority of new franchisees do, the total capital investment can be as low as $118,450. That investment includes rights to the territory; initial and continuous training in all aspects of the business, including marketing, administration, technical, computer, business training and long-term planning; and our state-of-the-art computer system – developed especially for Weed Man.

Exclusive Products

Our exclusive, golf course quality slow-release fertilizer is top of the line and only accessible to the Weed Man network. This product provides our customers with visible, long-lasting results, which allows us to build our reputation of excellence.

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.

Weed Man Lawn Care Franchise

Exploring the Common Myths of Owning a Lawn Care Business

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A question we get asked a lot at Weed Man, especially from franchisee prospects, is ‘what do you do during the off-season?’ Many people believe that lawn and landscape companies put their businesses on hold in the colder months, which isn’t true. There are many things business owners can do to keep their business and employees thriving during the winter. With the summer months coming to a close, today we’re going to explore the most common myths of starting a lawn care business by discussing several things Weed Man owners do when, baby, it’s cold outside!

Myth: Lawn and landscape companies close during the winter.

Debunked! This is one of the biggest myths out there. In fact, lawn and landscape businesses that simply close during the winter months often have low employee retention rates and also experience difficulties when trying to gain momentum in the new season. Several business owners in our industry decide to diversify and offer season-relevant services, such as snow plowing or holiday lighting. However, there are still several ways to keep busy and generate revenue if companies do not offer winter services. The off-season is a great time to run a thriving sales room, meet and plan for the upcoming season, and make structural improvements in preparation for the following season.

Myth: Lawn care employees get laid off each winter season because they have no work to do.

Debunked! There is always something to be done during the winter season, regardless of whether or not technicians are needed in the field. The off-season gives businesses the chance to tend to vehicles and equipment, as well as focus on training. This is also a great time to acquire new customers for the upcoming season- a project that requires a steady employee base.  As a Weed Man franchisee, you’ll always be building on a growing database of renewing customers, creating equity and expanding your business in the process.

Myth: Lawn care businesses don’t generate revenue in the off-season.

Debunked! We’re sure there are probably lawn care businesses out there who don’t work at all during the off-season. At Weed Man, we believe the colder months are a great time to sell, sell, sell and plan for the upcoming season. We encourage franchise owners to offer early sign-on incentives to customers to keep the momentum going all year long. Offering discounted rates for pre-paying is a great way to generate revenue during the winter season. Additionally, our skilled corporate team has mastered the art of marketing lawn care, no matter the season. We are the #1 lawn care franchise, after all! Not to mention that our services run through to the fall months and start in early spring.

Myth: If a recession hits, lawn care companies will go out of business fast.

Debunked! Year after year, research shows a significant increase in the use of professional lawn and landscape services. Despite the ongoing vulnerability of the economy, lawn care services continue to be a desired service by dual-income families, maturing baby boomers and consumers who are choosing to enjoy vacations at home. Across all of these demographics, consumers understand the value of a healthy looking lawn and landscape and enjoy the tranquility that a lush, green lawn can provide. Lawn care is just a small slice of the consumer’s disposable income and one of the last budget items to be cut when belt-tightening is necessary. While nothing is recession-proof, many of our companies have flourished during recessions. Also shielding lawn care from exposure to recession is its high perceived value as a low-cost service that enhances both property value and pride of ownership. In fact, studies have shown that professional lawn and landscape services can add as much as 15% to a home’s value at resale.

Yes, lawn care businesses are booming in the spring and summer months. After all, this is when our lawns need the most care; however, as we’ve laid out above, there are still ways to successfully run your lawn care business in the winter. With the support of a franchise, especially, there are also ways to maintain recurring revenues.

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.

Why Proper Training and Support Are Imperative

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At Weed Man USA, we believe that proper training and support are imperative. Whether new employees are experienced in the industry or not, training is a great opportunity to expand the knowledge base of all staff members. We encourage franchisees to provide ongoing support to all of their staff, to support the success of employees and allow them to handle any issues they may have on the field or in the office, with more confidence. In a franchised business like ours, franchisees can utilize Weed Man’s large network of experienced and knowledgeable contacts to train appropriately, rather than spending a large part of their budget on development, like many independent businesses do. A little bit of training goes a long way, providing both the company and the employee with benefits that make regular training worthwhile. These benefits include:

Employee Satisfaction & Improved Performance

Giving employees the opportunity to learn while on the job is a great way to boost morale. Taking the time to work with staff will help improve the overall performance of your team. Supporting your team members in their roles will also provide them with more confidence that will ultimately result in a better overall employee retention rate. Everyone wins!

Less Supervision

As mentioned above, when employees are equipped with proper training, everyone benefits. Less supervision is required on behalf of the employer, eliminating the need for micromanagement. This also goes hand-in-hand with boosting employee morale, as your team will feel trusted and work harder to maintain that trust.

Chances of Promotion

Not only does ongoing training increase employee confidence, it is also a tried and true method of molding your employees into the brand ambassadors you want them to be, giving you the confidence to promote key players. This will save you time and stress when you need a position filled; rather than hiring externally and having to spend hours of time training a new employee, you can simply provide existing employees with increased responsibilities and career opportunities.

Opportunity to Address Weaknesses

Training is an integral part of bettering your business. Inevitably, employees will always have different personality traits, strengths and weaknesses. One-on-one training sessions will allow you, as a business owner, to address their weaknesses in an appropriate way, allowing them to learn and work with more confidence.

Fewer In-Field Accidents

Health and safety is always a concern. It is important that we keep our employees safe. Proper training helps lower the number of in-field accidents, especially in industries where large machinery is used.

When Weed Man USA brings a new franchisee on board, we provide extensive, 10-day training at our head office in Ontario, Canada. We take the time to really teach new franchisees about our systems and our business model as a whole. Additional training is always available down the road, anytime our ‘zees’ feel the need to spruce up their skills or take a refresher course in business systems, marketing, admin, or agronomics. Proper training and support largely contribute to the success of Weed Man, and remain one of the reasons we have become North America’s leading national lawn care franchise.

If you own a business in the green industry and are looking for an additional profit center, or if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur and are interested in learning more about franchise opportunities with Weed Man USA, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

Training and Support

Making the Transition

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Being an eligible prospect for franchising with Weed Man doesn’t have much to do with your career background; in fact, we are proud to cater to anyone interested in joining the extended Weed Man family, so long as you have the right attitude and approach to ownership. Our network of lawn care professionals includes men and women from all walks of life and various careers.

Are you looking for a career change? Interested in being in control of your future and running your own business? Franchising with Weed Man not only gives you that opportunity, but also equips you with the necessary tools and support system needed to become successful. Making the transition from one industry to another can be a frightening and life-changing decision. Many onlookers believe that all Weed Man franchisees must have derived from a lawn care background, but this is not the case. See below for some of the many backgrounds our existing franchisees have come from.

Lawn and Landscape

If you have experience in the industry, making the transition to becoming a Weed Man franchisee will only be easier for you. We have helped hundreds of landscape business owners enjoy an additional lucrative revenue stream by diversifying with lawn care and, in turn, expanding their service offerings. If you own a lawn care maintenance business, aligning yourself with a nationally recognized brand could be a smart move. Because the majority of Weed Man customers renew year after year, a dependable model of recurring revenues becomes a part of your financial profile.

Pest Control and Other Green Industry Careers

Many of our franchisees have decided to diversify their businesses by adding Weed Man’s services to their pest control, nursery, or irrigation offerings. This is a great opportunity to cross market, giving franchise owners the ability to grow by appealing to a wider range of clients.

Corporate

Are you stuck in a corporate job, bored and looking for a change? We’ve welcomed candidates from teaching, marketing, and accounting backgrounds, and the list continues to grow each year. Our franchisees are their own bosses, have the ability to work outdoors, and learn new skills each and every day. Don’t have an agronomic background? No problem! We offer extensive, 10-day training for new franchisees – and we’re always there for anything you need along the way.

Military

At first glance, it may seem difficult to see the connection between lawn care and the military. However, the military demands structure, teamwork, and discipline – the very elements upon which a successful franchise is built. Weed Man believes in military personnel, past and present, and would like to help you transition back into the business world. Our military incentives are some of the best in the industry, and we are working hard to offer more every day. As well as being a member of the IFA’s VetFran program, we provide franchise fee discounts and different options of financing for qualified military personnel.

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 and 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 or to read our many Success Profiles on existing franchisees, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

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How Weed Man Sets You Up For Success

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At Weed Man USA, our franchisees’ success and dedication are two of the most important aspects of our brand’s great reputation. Their success is our success, which is why we do all we can to train and support Weed Man owners across the country, to set them up to be the best they can be.

Building a profitable business isn’t easy, but after over 45 years in the game, we have what it takes to help franchisees rise to the top. Weed Man franchisees are set-up for success from the very beginning, and here are just a few reasons why:

  1. How do you do? New prospects are initially introduced to the Weed Man brand via an informative phone call with our Franchise Consultant. This call is used as a tool to get to know one another, on both a personal level and a business level. If both parties determine the partnership to be a good fit, potential franchisees go through an initial webinar to get a feel for our systems, what the franchising process looks like and to learn more about our brand.
  1. We offer extensive, continuous training. Once the mutual investigation process is complete and the FDD has been signed, new franchisees attend our 10-day long training at the Weed Man head office in Ontario, Canada. Several topics are discussed, including administration, technical, marketing, business planning and budgeting, as well as all of the training tools required to manage new employees. But it doesn’t stop there. We help franchisees stay current and on the cutting edge of lawn care with ongoing training and regular seminars. And through our team of regional franchisors, you’ll have constant access to an experienced consultant who wants your franchise to succeed.
  1. We’re swimming in a wealth of ‘green’ knowledge. When you become a Weed Man franchisee, you join the extended Weed Man family. 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 you to run a successful lawn care operation with no prior lawn care or agronomic training or knowledge.
  1. Forty-five years has been good to us. Weed Man has been around for over 45 years, so we have quite the history to back us up. Over those almost five decades, we have earned a solid reputation that we are very proud of. Not only are our customers happy, but we are also known in the business world for having outstanding franchisee satisfaction. Just recently we were named one of the “Best Franchises to Buy” by Forbes. Also, Weed Man has consistently ranked amongst the best of the best by Franchise Business Review and Entrepreneur.
  1. We teach fundamentals. It’s not all about knowing lawn care and agronomics! New franchisees are trained on how to build a successful Weed Man franchise, as well as how to manage growth and profitability. Head office provides ongoing support when it comes to all facets of the business.
  1. We make it easy for anyone. We have hundreds of franchisees, all with different career backgrounds and strengths. Whether you are currently a part of the green industry, or you are in a completely unrelated field, we make it easy for entrepreneurs with the right attitude to become Weed Man franchisees. It all comes down to your approach to ownership and your drive! Click here to read more about the diverse owners of Weed Man.

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 can make franchise ownership easy for you, too. 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/.

Weed Man Lawn Care Franchise

How to Grow Your Business

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Starting your own business is no easy feat. If you are starting an independent business without the support of a franchise system, it can be tough to get your feet off the ground. Once you are on the path to success and you’ve made it over that hump of uncertainty, the next step is to grow your business. When franchising, it may take less time to get where you want to be, thanks in part to proven systems, the vast number of contacts in your newly founded network, as well as the support of your fellow franchisees and franchisors. But, there are still steps you can follow in order to grow your business accordingly.

  • Target Other Markets
    • Now that you’ve got a handle on the basics, why not consider expanding? When it comes to franchising with Weed Man, investing in an additional territory is often simple and the natural next step in growing your business. Doing so will allow you to target other, potentially lucrative markets and gain more market share. In addition, Weed Man offers a declining royalty structure, which rewards franchise owners for growing their business. If you are an independent business owner, consider opening up another location in a different area, but ensure the location you choose is a suitable market for your company and product.
  • Form an Alliance
    • Partnering with another business owner is a great way to generate more work, additional customers and a larger community presence. First, ensure that the other business’s product and/or services mesh well with your current product or service offerings. For instance, if you own a pest control company, you could partner with a lawn care company to contract out their services to your existing customers, and vice versa – countless cross-marketing opportunities exist. Another option is diversifying your services and forming an alliance with a national franchise, or doing it on your own. For example, if you own a landscaping company, why not offer lawn care services to meet the growing needs of your customer base?If you are considering a franchise to help grow your business, Weed Man currently has several franchising opportunities available throughout the U.S. For more information, visit weedmanfranchise.com.
  • Focus on Your Online Presence
    • In today’s day and age, the Internet is a terrific resource for free and/or inexpensive marketing. If you’re not online, you’re missing out on a lot of potential business. Invest some time in bettering your web presence by working on your website’s SEO, as well as getting onto social media outlets and engaging your customers. This is a great way to see what people are saying about your business, too! If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, analyze your budget and hire someone to do it for you.
  • Sell, Sell, Sell
    • Focusing on sales, whether you’re a new business or an already-established one, is imperative. According to Forbes, if you own a new business, 80 per cent of your day should be spent on sales – reviewing, recording, customer retention, etc. If you are already established, you should still be spending 30 per cent of your time on selling. After all, without those sales, where would you be?

 Business Growth

Starting your own business is not a get-rich-quick solution. However if you are fortunate enough to own a successful venture, expansion and diversification are great options for bettering your company. Franchising gives you the security of working with a business model that has been proven to be successful, removing much of the risk for aspiring entrepreneurs. If you or someone you know is interested in franchising with us, feel free to visit www.weedmanfranchise.com for more information.

A Day in the Life of a Weed Man Franchisee

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When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re usually in a career and field that you enjoy. You take pride in your business and look forward to each day, as you get the chance to participate in something you’re passionate about. You don’t have to answer to anyone, you make your own hours and the success of your company is in your hands. You get the chance to contribute to your community and leave a legacy for your children (especially with Weed Man’s family-friendly model). Once you become successful, you reap the benefits; but that’s not to say that entrepreneurship isn’t hard work. This is a typical Day in the Life of a Weed Man Franchisee.

  1. Arrive at the office to start your day.
  • Coming into the office to enjoy a coffee and get your day started is something a lot of people do to start their day on the right foot. This is the perfect time to review paperwork and prepare for the day or week ahead. Before your day gets busy, this is a great time to check up on your customers as well. Answer your messages and schedule new appointments. Great customer service contributes to your overall success, so this part of a franchisee’s day is imperative.
  1. Check-in with your technicians.
  • Safety and communication are important for all Weed Man franchisees. Once your technicians arrive, holding a daily tailgate meeting is a great idea. This will give you the chance to go over the day’s schedule, discuss proper procedures and give your team a pep talk to get them motivated for the day ahead.
  1. Prepare the shop for a busy day.
  • After your daily tailgate meeting, franchisees and technicians can spend some time tidying up the shop, getting equipment ready and preparing themselves for a full day’s work. Perform a vehicle check to ensure technicians will be safe on the road. This will ensure quality service, with no unexpected hiccups throughout the day.
  1. Time to get to work.
  • One of the great things about owning a Weed Man franchise is you get the opportunity to get out of the office and work outside. Turf care applications are the foundation of Weed Man’s service. Franchisees and technicians alike are well-trained and state-certified chemical applicators. Technicians will inspect soil quality and thatch samples and explain their findings to the customer.
  1. Practice great customer service.
  • Of course, practising great customer service is imperative at all times, in any industry. Between jobs, franchisees and technicians take the time to meet with prospective customers. Gaining new customers is easy, as the results of our services are so visible. Weed Man owners create greener spaces for families to live and play.
  1. Return to the office to wrap up your day.
  • After all of your customers’ lawns have been serviced, franchisees return to the office to catch up on afternoon paperwork, check in with their office staff and update records of production for the day. Weed Man systems are built to provide predictable results based on accurate information. If franchisees ever have questions, local franchisors are only a phone call away; and even if there aren’t questions to be answered, they love to hear about franchisees’ progress in the field.
  1. Love your lawn.
  • After a long, yet satisfying day, it’s time to love your own lawn and spend some much-deserved time with your family and friends!

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving additional information on franchise opportunities with Weed Man, please visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

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The opportunity to franchise with Weed Man is an exciting one. Of course, there are always preliminary questions candidates must ask before making the decision to go forward with the process. See below for a list of common FAQs.

Is Weed Man a franchise system?

Yes, it is. Franchises provide many advantages. Among them are proven systems (training, marketing and business planning, to name a few), processes and support. In the business world, smaller players are often swallowed up by larger corporations, causing many small businesses to struggle without the proper systems in place. Franchising, on the other hand, allows you to enjoy the stability of a larger organization, while still maintaining independence.

You can learn more about Weed Man’s commitment to training and proven systems here.

What services do you offer?

Weed Man specializes in lawn fertilization and weed control, as well as a wide variety of other optional services (varies by location). And great customer service, of course!


How does it work when I am already offering those services in my existing business?

The companies that we bring on that already offer our main services within their existing business(es) set up lawn fertilization and weed control as a separate division of their current company, but under the Weed Man name. Doing it this way allows our franchisees to continue to offer their other services under their existing name, as well as utilize the national brand recognition we have.

What does it cost?

This is a question we get a lot. At the end of the day, it’s less about the cost and more about the investment. The exact number depends on the size of the market area/number of territories that the interested candidate wants to service.  Our franchise fee for a single territory is $20,000, plus training fees and start-up costs.

You can learn more about capital requirements and what your investment includes here.

What sets Weed Man apart from other lawn care franchises?

Although we are in the same industry and offer similar services to other lawn care franchises, there are several factors that set up apart from the competition:

  • Our exclusive, golf course quality slow-release fertilizer
  • The best support in the industry in the form of regional sub franchisors and a dedicated corporate team
  • Low start-up costs
  • A successful direct marketing approach that truly helps our franchisees grow and develop their businesses
  • Locally owned and operated franchises

To add to the list, Weed Man was recently named one of the top 10 “Best Franchises to Buy” in our investment category, by Forbes. We were the only lawn care franchise that made the cut. Weed Man has also been honored by Entrepreneur Magazine as the number one lawn care franchise in the country.

Do you offer discounts to veterans?

Yes, we provide franchise fee discounts and various financing options for qualified veterans. Weed Man believes in military personnel, past and present, and strives to help them transition back into the business world. Many veterans possess qualities such as assertiveness, leadership, and strong judgment skills, making them the perfect candidates for Weed Man franchise ownership.

Learn more about our military opportunities here.

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 www.weedmanfranchise.com.