Franchise Support

Weed Man Ranked #1 in Home Services by FBR

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Looking for a great opportunity?

Every year, Franchise Business Review surveys franchisees across hundreds of today’s leading franchise brands – Weed Man USA being one of them. This year, we are honored to be ranked #1 in Home Services. 

Do you want a franchisor who is honest and ethical?

Weed Man was given an overall score of 93.2%, 13/5% above FBR‘s 2016 benchmark.

What about long-term growth? Is that something you’re interested in?

Weed Man franchisees rated the long-term growth opportunity provided by the business at an 84.2%, 13.1% above FBR‘s 2016 benchmark.

How do our franchisees rate the overall quality of Weed Man’s products and services?

Weed Man franchise owners rate the overall quality of the products and/or services provided at 86.8%, which is 11.8% above FBR’s 2016 benchmark.

At Weed Man USA, we pride ourselves on offering franchisees ongoing support.

Franchisees agreed, ranking ongoing support at 84%, a whopping 18.4% above FBR‘s 2016 benchmark.

For more information on Weed Man’s rankings, conducted by Franchise Business Review, click HERE.

Take control of your future with the leading lawn care company in North America. We invite you to visit www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333 to find out why our franchisees continue to give us top ratings, year after year.

Meet Weed Man’s Regional Franchisors

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At Weed Man, out team of regional franchisors is comprised by some of the biggest names in the green industry. When you become a Weed Man franchisee, your personal franchisor is always ready to help, providing you with expert advice and guidance as your company takes off. With the support of our franchisors and corporate team, you will have access to local support, regular business planning meetings, ongoing training and weekly teleconferences to make sure you’re on the right track; and it doesn’t stop there – when you become a Weed Man franchisee, you are becoming a part of the extended Weed Man family. Feel comfortable knowing you can rely on other franchisees for mutual support and advice. Meet our proven, successful Weed Man consultants!

Steve and Chuck Russell
MN, IN, KY, TN & Southern IL

Steve has over 15 years of experience as an active advocate for the green industry and small businesses, while his brother Chuck has thorough industry experience, as well as a high level of expertise when it comes to small business. Together, they provide direct support to local Weed Man franchises. Their varied experience have allowed them to offer franchisees exceptional support in all areas of the business.

Read more about their experience in the industry HERE.

Ken Heltemes
NC & GA

Ken has an extensive background in the green industry, having ran a large, multi-unit franchise operation with Barefoot Lawn Care. With years of small business management experience under his belt, along with his education in Agricultural Economics, Ken is able to provide exceptional support to local franchisees in every aspect of the Weed Man system.

Read more about his experience in the industry HERE.

Terry and Andy Kurth
WI, MN, ND, SD & Northern IL

Terry’s resume boasts a long history both of lawn care operations and franchising. He has extensive experience as a gold course superintendent and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. His son, Andy, has been involved with Weed Man since his college years, where he graduated with a degree in Soil Science, specializing in Turf Management and Agribusiness. His advanced technical and managerial experience has allowed him to set a prime example for fellow Weed Man franchise owners and mangers.

Read more about their experience in the industry HERE.

John Sanders
NJ, Eastern NY & Eastern PA

John  has been known as a green industry entrepreneur since he was a teen. Later, during his years spent studying at Yale University, he started his own lawn care company, which grew to over 2,500 customers prior to merging with ServiceMaster (the parent company of TruGreen Chemlawn). With his green industry experience and educational background, John is able to support local franchisees through the various stages of their business.

Read more about his experience in the industry HERE.

Phil Fogarty
OH, Western NY & Western PA

With over 30 years of industry experience, Phil is able to share his vast industry knowledge with Weed Man franchisees across the country. He established the first Weed Man franchise in the U.S. in early 2000, making a great foundation for the rest of the company to grow. Then and now, he offers franchisees his unparalleled team building and management skills, which have earned him repute across various industry channels throughout the country.

Read more about his experience in the industry HERE.

Bruce and Brandon Sheppard
VA, WV, MD, DC, DE, SC, LA, MS, AL & Northern FL

Bruce started with Weed Man as a supplier early on, and eventually went on to help launch the company into the U.S. market. His educational background in Agricultural Science, experience in the industry and current owner of the highly successful Weed Man Winchester franchise, he has been a sounding board for new franchisees everywhere. His son, Brandon, joined Weed Man full-time in 2004 after receiving his Juris Doctorate from the West Virginia University College of Lawn. He plays an instrumental part in developing Weed Man’s brand strategy and promoting the company within his markets. Together, Bruce and Brandon provide all-around support to local franchisees.

Read more about their experience in the industry HERE.

Jon Cundiff
MO, KS, IA, NE, AR, OK & Northern TX

Jon has over 30 years of experience, actively participating in every aspect of running a lawn care business. Since joining Weed Man in 2001, he is an excellent advocate for the company, providing dedicated support to Weed Man owners in his area. Being a member of the Mid America Green Industry Council for over 20 years, he effectively mentors franchisees on leadership, customer service, business management and staff development.

Read more about his experience in the industry HERE.

Jennifer Lemcke and Turf Holdings, Inc.
WA, OR, UT, CO, MY, WY, Southern TX, Southern FL, MA, VT, NH, RI & CT

Jennifer is highly regarded in the lawn care industry, both in Canada and the U.S. With over 20 years experience in the industry and currently Chief Operating Officer for Weed Man USA, she is responsible for training and supporting all of Weed Man’s sub-franchisors. She has worked in every position within the company, from marketing to administration to field technician, providing her with the insight required in order to run some of the largest Weed Man Lawn Care operations to date, which she has done.

Read more about her experience in the industry HERE.

If you’re interested in learning more about franchising with Weed Man, visit us online at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333.

Franchising With Weed Man USA

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Are you looking for a new, exciting business opportunity? Maybe you’re sick of the 9-5 office job you currently work and want to plan for your future? Leave a legacy for your children? Whether you’re experienced in the green industry or don’t know a thing about agronomics, Weed Man Lawn Care could be for you!

Weed Man has been one of the best in the biz for over 45 years. Recently being ranked #1 in Home Services by Franchise Business Review, Weed Man franchisees across the country are extremely satisfied with their decision to partner with North America’s #1 Franchise in Lawn Care (according to Entrepreneur magazine). Also, having been named One of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes magazine, it’s no order our franchisees have seen so much success throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. Their locally owned and operated businesses are testament to the company’s overall, consistent success in the industry.

The Weed Man franchise opportunity is all about growth! In everything we do, there are systems that have been conceived, tested, refined and ultimately proven to increase efficiency and profitability. The entire Weed Man network is dedicated to providing you with the best possible franchise opportunity available. Every franchisee is supported by their local and experienced franchisor, serving as a personal consultant and mentor, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

Take charge and be your own boss with Weed Man USA, giving you the support you need to ensure a successful business.

For more information on franchising with Weed Man, visit us at http://www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333.

Reasons to Love Entrepreneurship with Weed Man

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Weed Man has a robust marketing system that is scalable and allows you to grow at the pace you want.

“We became a Weed Man franchisee because we wanted brand recognition, marketing, support and growth.  Weed Man truly has a robust marketing system that is scalable and allows you to grow at the pace you want. I found their commitment to franchisee support, in every aspect of the business, to be outstanding. Our business has grown over 10 times since we became a franchisee.”

– Stephen Hillenmeyer, Weed Man Lexington, KY and Stephen Hillenmeyer Landscape Services, Weed Man franchise owner since 2002

Weed Man is proven to be a recession-resistant business that experiences growth year over year.

“We started our business in the fall of 2008, at the beginning of the economic downturn.  However, we built a business plan with an aggressive marketing outline and followed that plan to meet our goals.  In the first several years, we have seen tremendous growth in our company.  In fact, we doubled our customer count from year 1 to year 2. In our 4th Year, we were almost at 5 times the amount of customers as we did in our first year.  Looking forward, based on our historical data, we are predicting many more years of extensive growth, even in a down economy.”

– Andy Behrens, Weed Man Champaign, IL, Weed Man franchise owner since 2009

As a Weed Man owner you are building equity in a marketable business.

“We have been able to show growth year over year since we bought our Weed Man franchise.  It has proven to be a recession-resistant business.  Anyone looking at buying any type of business, regardless of if they are already in the green industry or not should definitely consider a Weed Man franchise!  The value of our renewing customer base and outstanding products/services is unmatched in our industry.  We know that we are building a sustainable legacy to pass along to our family and provide a very nice retirement lifestyle in the future.”

– Kim & Mark Kosberg, Weed Man Midland, MI., Weed Man franchise owner since 2007

Being part of Weed Man instantly offers group purchasing strength.

As soon as we purchased our first Weed Man franchise, we immediately saw the benefits of the purchasing power.  Our small lawn care company could not compete with some of the larger companies such as Weed Man, because we would go to local service centers and basically be spending double on any of the products that we needed.  We realized that our profit margins were not where we wanted them.  Now that we are a Weed Man franchise, we have seen our profit margins skyrocket and it is all because of the number of Weed Man dealers out there, driving prices down.  We are no longer that small fish in the large sea!”

– Thomas Ladd, Weed Man Louisville, Ky. Weed Man franchise owner since 2006

The Danger of Doing Everything Yourself

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Dangers of Doing Everything Yourself

Starting a business is no easy feat, but taking the road to entrepreneurship is a dream for many. The idea of being your own boss is appealing and being in control of your own destiny only makes the pie taste sweeter. But before you sit down and write up your business plan, consider your options. Franchising, in any industry, can offer you everything you’ve dreamed of, including business success and the chance of owning your very own business.

If you decide to start from the bottom, on your own…

  • Beware of product risk. It’s important that you’re 100% confident in the product you’re selling. Choosing your product(s) may sound like a simple task, but make sure you do your research so you can clearly explain the product itself, as well as what problem it solves and why your customers should invest in it.
  • Know your market. Study your potential customers, learn about their personalities, likes, dislikes, buying habits, demographic etc. This can take up a lot of time, but it’s imperative to know who you’re selling to and whether the market is big enough to even pursue.
  • Be prepared financially. You never know what unexpected costs are going to pop-up when you’re starting your own business from the ground up. Have more than you need in the bank prior to your launch. To be fully prepared, you’ll need to create a detailed business plan with weekly, monthly and yearly schedules. This will also be time-consuming, but it will help build confidence in your potential investors, if you plan to seek financial help elsewhere.
  • Recruit the right people. The idea of leading a one-man show is ideal, no doubt; but if you’re planning to grow your business, it’s important to have a reliable, knowledgeable staff to lean on. Employee retention is a concern when it comes to many business owners, so make sure you hire people who are knowledgeable in your industry of choice and ones who plan to be long-term employees.
  • Lastly, execution. New entrepreneurs can easily get distracted by the excitement of starting their own business and often lose sight of the important stuff. It’s important that you stay calm, organized and keep your overall strategy in mind while running your business.

What franchising can offer…

  • Weed Man’s exclusive blend fertilizer cannot be bought in stores. It has served our customers’ needs for over 45 years and that is priceless. Because we purchase in bulk, our franchisees get to take advantage of our national buying power and receive the best pricing available.
  • We know our market. In fact, we utilize data management software to pin-point the exact demographic of our customers, right down to their income, number of children (if any), occupation, what type of car they drive, specific buying habits and more. We offer an impressive customer retention rate of 75-80% and our franchisees also enjoy recurring revenues year after year.
  • Once we determine that the Weed Man franchise opportunity is a good fit for both parties involved, we are happy to help provide financing assistance, if needed.
  • Our network of Weed Man franchisors represents decades of lawn care operation experience, which has been fine-tuned into a system that allows franchisees to run a successful lawn care company with no prior lawn care or agronomic training or knowledge.
  • The entire Weed Man organization is 100% dedicated to providing franchisees with the best possible opportunity available. We’ve developed a training, systems and support network unlike any other and when you join the Weed Man family, we work together to ensure that you receive all of the support you need in order to excel in your new business.

For more information on the Weed Man franchise opportunity, visit us online at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 888-321-9333.

Why Lawn Care?

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Why Lawn Care

Are you considering starting your own business? Franchising could be the option for you! Become a part of an already-established company in the green industry. But, why lawn care?

A greater percentage of homeowners are hiring professional lawn and landscape maintenance companies. Dual income families and maturing Baby Boomers alike, people with more disposable income, are employing the services of the green industry so they can spend more time enjoying life and to ease the burdens of maintaining their homes. In addition to the increased priority of living life to the fullest, consumers are starting to recognize the value of a home lawn and a professionally maintained one at that! Many “do-it-yourselfers” are proof enough – the price of the products, the hassle of mixing and applying those products and, of course, the angst of uncertain results are all viable factors as to why Weed Man services over 350,000 customers. A lush and healthy turf also promotes a healthy environment and can even increase the value of a home, further increasing the demand for our services.

As a Weed Man franchisee, you’ll have access to our proven business model, exclusive software, an unparalleled support system and so much more! You’ll have all of the tools required to take advantage of the success the green industry is seeing. Not to mention, you can count on majority of your customers automatically renewing their contract with you each year, providing you and your business with recurring revenues and allowing the company to focus marketing efforts on net growth rather than repeat sales, leaving you with the confidence of knowing your business is constantly expanding.

And despite the ongoing vulnerability of the economy, our business plan is as recession-resistant as possible. Lawn care services continue to be a desired service by many homeowners. Across all demographics, consumers understand the value of a healthy looking lawn and our services allot for only a small slice of -the average consumer’s disposable income. While nothing is 100% recession-proof, many of our franchisees have flourished during recessions.

Join Weed Man today! For more information on opportunities in your area, visit us at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 888-321-9333.

Leadership: An Interview with Weed Man’s C.O.O.

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“True leadership lies in guiding others to success – in ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they are pledged to do and doing it well.”
–Bill Owens

Weed Man USA C.O.O Jennifer Lemcke believes that “positive thought leadership is so important – not focusing on just the problem, but bringing up solutions.” Being the C.O.O. of the largest franchised lawn care company across North America, Lemcke has a lot on her plate, but she does it well. Not only does she exude several character traits of a true born leader, she also puts the work in to better herself, the company and the success of Weed Man franchisees.

What is the most important question leaders should ask themselves to gauge their effectiveness, and why?

 It is the role of a good leader to always be asking themselves, “What is my end goal?” Whether it is a long-tern or short-term goal or project, it’s important to have that in mind to help prioritize what is important on any given day. Business leaders tend to get pushed and pulled in so many directions over the course of a day that they may start to equate the amount of work – no matter what it is – as progress. When in fact, a lot of that work is busy work and isn’t helping them to reach that end goal. The best way to stay on track is to make sure metrics are implemented. At Weed Man, we use metrics for everything and it’s what keeps me focused on where my time needs to be spent. When the metrics are telling our team that something is not working right on a big project, I know that I need focus my efforts on figuring out what the metrics are communicating to our team and where we need to adjust – but always with the goal in mind.

How can this kind of self-assessment and introspection help you become a better leader?

 Staying focused on the end goal and following the metrics designed to get me there has helped me become a leader that really takes ownership of projects. I am always thinking about work and how we can be doing things better. Instead handing something off, I really immerse myself in the project until it’s complete. Even if that means putting on a uniform to go out into the field! Sometimes that’s the only way to get a real answer for any problems and as leader that kind of attention to detail will filter through the whole organization.

As M.D. Arnold once said, “A good leader leads the people from above them. A great leader leads the people from within them.”

Do you have any general advice for leaders who are trying to improve?

 Align the work you do with the goal you are trying to achieve. Ask yourself whether the work you’re doing is getting you closer to your goal or is it just busy work? Whenever I oversee a project, I want to show to my team that I have our ultimate goal in mind, whether that be driving more customers to our service or supporting our franchisees in growing their business.

What do you think sells prospective franchisees on Weed Man USA? What do you hear from existing franchisees?

The fact that we’re a family. We are a close-knit group. We know each other’s kid’s names, hobbies, what the weather’s like etc. Sometimes, I’m probably too engaged, but we have trust, which is something we take pride in, especially within the sub-franchisor group. When we say we’re going to do something, we do it and if we mess up, our franchisees know we will fix it. In addition to that, our systems are a large factor of our franchisees’ success. Prospects are encouraged to contact existing franchisees and they always open up about financials and back up their success. We really don’t have to sell it anymore.

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

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.