Franchise Support

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.

Time to Franchise

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

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.

The Story Behind Weed Man

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When looking into franchising opportunities, being able to relate to the brand and the background of the company is imperative; and so, for any of you who don’t know how Weed Man came to be, this is our story…

In 1970, over four decades ago, Weed Man was founded by a couple named Des and Brenda Rice. The name ‘Weed Man’ happened coincidentally when Des decided to start a weed control business within his local community. The kids would yell “Mom, the weed guy is here,” “Dad, the weed man is here!” any time Des pulled up to a home, ready to start a job. This eventually led Des to the bright idea of keeping it simple and naming his company after his nick name, inspired by the neighborhood children. In 1976, Weed Man started franchising in Canada. Years later, in the summer months, Des and Brenda were having a barbecue and their neighbors, the Mongeons, were over for a bite to eat. While everyone was socializing in the yard, Roger Mongeon, now the CEO of Weed Man, and Des, were discussing business in the basement. At the time, Roger was actively pursuing business opportunities and after much debate between different industries and reviewing Des’ business plan, he decided to franchise with Weed Man in 1986 and he couldn’t have made a better decision! From there, the business grew quickly. Roger purchased seven more territories in Montreal and gathered a group of shareholders to expand into Ontario. Soon after, in 1992, Weed Man franchises were sold out in Canada. Roger’s daughter, Jennifer, and her partner Chris, were in university, when Roger asked them both if they wanted to join in on his venture with Weed Man. They both saw the wealth and success of the business and knew it would be a great opportunity. Now, Jennifer Lemcke, COO of Weed Man and her husband Chris Lemcke, National Technical Director, are seeing nothing but ongoing success in their future. Weed Man is now an international brand, having expanded into the US after selling out in Canada and even opening locations in the UK. Weed Man is the top lawn care franchise in North America and was just recently named one of the “Best Franchises to Buy” by Forbes. You can read more on Weed Man’s history here.

Weed Man is proud to have started several partnerships with franchisees across the nation and helped them all achieve the success and freedom they deserve. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about franchising with Weed Man, visit www.weedmanfranchise.com.

Making the Decision to Franchise

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When looking into franchising opportunities, it’s imperative that you develop a good feel for the company and the brand itself before making your final decision. Franchising is not a get-rich-quick solution, although if you work at it, you can certainly be successful. Just like starting any business, though, it is an investment – one that could change your life. So, do your research and get your feet wet before jumping right in! Here are some tips to review before taking the plunge.

1. Speak to existing franchisees (as many as you can). Even pay them a visit if it’s feasible. Make up a list of questions that could help you determine whether the franchise is for you or not. Ask questions like, ‘Why did you choose to franchise here?’ or ‘What did you do before you started with the company?’ or ‘How has this choice affected your day-to-day life?’ And lastly, one of the best questions to ask is, ‘If you could do it all over again, would you?’ This will allow you to get to know the franchise owner on a personal level, so you can relate to him or her and get a feel for whether or not the franchise brand in question would suit your lifestyle, values, and direction.

2. Next, talk business. Ask about franchise costs and revenue, how long it has taken other franchise owners to get where they are now, how they deal with their employees and what they are paid, etc. These are all questions that you can reference if you decide to buy into the company in the future; and the answers you receive will allow you to get a sense of how successful you could be.

3. Create a rating system. Another way to gauge their experience with the company is to ask franchisees to rate, on a scale of 1 to 10, how they feel about various aspects of the business. This could include anything from how useful initial training was to how effective the systems are. If you speak to a handful of franchisees and their ratings are similar, you can begin to rely on the numbers and develop a well-researched picture of what to expect. You can also do some digging to see if there are any reports, such as this one, where Franchise Business Review rates Weed Man.

4. Use the tools at your disposal. In today’s technology-driven world, the Internet is a great resource for doing research. Aside from speaking with franchisees, get online and check out the company website, customer reviews and how they compare to their competitors. Be thorough when reading over any important documents, such as the business plan and what your investment includes, so you can grasp where your money is going and what you’ll get out of it.

5. Don’t forget to reflect. Lastly, when all of your research is done, take some time to reflect on your findings. Determine whether you can relate to the company and the franchisees, whether you see yourself being successful with the material provided and whether or not you would enjoy owning a franchise with the company. If you are confident that the company can help you achieve your dreams and goals, you’ve got a winner!

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.

How to Succeed as a Franchisee

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When it comes to owning your own franchise, there are many factors you should consider. Franchising is not a get-rich-quick solution – it requires work and determination to reach your goals and become successful. Sure, there are several perks to franchising, but you need the skills, the attitude and the passion in order to succeed.

Weed Man USA has several success stories to tell – and that’s something we take pride in as a company. Our franchisees know what it takes to be successful and they do their best to achieve their goals. At the end of the day, it’s the small stuff that separates the top performers from the mediocre results.

Check out these 8 tips for success for more information on how to be the best business owner you can be!

Passion

You must have the passion for the product you’re selling or the industry you’re working in, otherwise the novelty of owning your own business will wear thin fast.

People Skills

You must have great people skills and provide excellent customer-service. This is imperative in any business. If you do not treat the consumer with respect, they will not come back. In fact, they’ll go buy from your competition and then, you’re not only losing their business, but you’re also giving your competitor the upper hand.

Follow the System

In a franchise, the systems are there for a reason. The company has invested money in perfecting the business model and that is essentially what you’re paying for, so if you decide not to follow the system, you are likely not to be successful.

Marketing

Don’t sit back and just expect success with no work. Marketing is a huge aspect to any business. The more marketing, the better. Offer new customers a discount for their service, sponsor a local event or throw a barbeque for your existing clients. Have fun with it!

Network

Be active in your community and make as many connections as you possibly can. The more people you know, the more business you’ll get. Word-of-mouth means a lot.

Sub franchisor, Phil Forgarty discusses Weed Man‘s company culture of giving back to the community in big and small ways through events. Check it out!

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When you buy into a franchise, the company wants you to succeed. If you have a question, ask it! Fellow franchisees can also be a great resource.

Attitude

Having a positive attitude in life (and in business) will help you in any situation. Nobody wants to work with a Negative Nancy. Put a smile on that face!

“Attitude is everything” is a phrase many of us have heard before. Click here for tips on how to coach yourself and your team to stay positive and enjoy coming to work!

Employee Relations

Your employees are the face of your company. Make sure you treat them right and they will be loyal to you.

When it comes to learning styles, no two employees are alike. Click here for more information on pumping up your team and acknowledging your employees’ needs.

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 centre, 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, visit http://www.weedmanfranchise.com.

From Golf Courses to Lawn Care: Finding Success with Weed Man

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Weed Man’s Terry Kurth recently spoke to us about his former role as a golf course superintendent and why he decided to embrace his entrepreneurial spirit and make a major career change.

  1. Weed Man FranchiseBriefly describe your educational background and early career.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1975 with a B.S. degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Turf Management. I worked at Nakoma Golf Course in Madison while going to college, which gave me incredible experience in caring for turf. I was hired upon graduation to become the Golf Course Superintendent at Peninsula State Park Golf Course in NE WI.

  1. Explain your transition into lawn care. Why lawn care? Why did you decide to leave the golf course industry?

After two seasons of being a superintendent, I realized that my chance for substantial advancement in that industry was limited and wanted to broaden my experiences. I was then hired by the Scotts Company in Ohio to give educational seminars around the country to golf course superintendents, landscape contractors and lawn care operators. While working for Scotts, I moonlighted in sales in the summer of 1977 for their former spinoff, Barefoot Grass Lawn Service in Columbus, OH. I had substantial success selling for them and felt I could go back home to the Madison, WI area and open my own Barefoot Grass franchise, which I did in March of 1978.  I grew it and my expansion areas to over $3,000,000 in sales and ultimately sold it to TruGreen in 1997 after they had acquired my franchisor.

  1. Why Weed Man?

Though set financially after selling my Barefoot Grass franchises, I was only in my mid 40s and certainly looked forward to more business challenges in my life. After I honored my non-compete agreement, I looked into starting anew with Weed Man. When I did my due diligence on their systems, branding, ethics and quality of people, I felt that it was a no-brainer in terms of joining forces with them. So I started over in January of 2001 with Weed Man in Madison.

  1. a) How has franchising helped you succeed?

Most people will spend way too many man hours trying to reinvent the wheel that a quality franchise system has already created. The training, systems, marketing concepts, support people and in-house consultants prove invaluable over time. I would bet that if a business study was done, it would be found that a franchisee in a given industry generally will outperform an independent in that same industry in the same market.

b) How has Weed Man helped you succeed?

It simply delivers what it says it will and goes beyond what it promises. The systems are unbelievable and the business planning is like no other. These two mandatory ingredients of success are exceeded by the people involved. The mentoring by all involved from the Weed Man franchising support staff is typified by great, caring attitudes and a desire to participate in your success. We now have reached about $5 million in sales for our franchise network in 14 years.

  1. What advice would you give to anyone considering making the transition into franchising?

Do your homework. See how the particular franchise you are looking at is rated by their current franchisees. Entrepreneur magazine does this for you. Talk with current franchisees and see if they are happy, are they buying more franchises, etc. Go to the headquarters of the franchisor and see if your culture and goals mesh with theirs. Once the decision is made, don’t look back. Bring a tremendous passion to succeed, make sure you can manage time well, compete with yourself in the initial year or two so you keep driving forward with your goals. The Brass Ring is there for most — you just need to have the intestinal fortitude to make the first step and then decide that failure is not an option.

To hear more from Terry, listen to his latest podcast HERE.

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.