Weed Man

Our Top 10 Quotes on Failure

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In every aspect of life, including business, failure at one point or another is inevitable. Although many people fear failure, many entrepreneurs do not; and that helps provide them with the ingredients they need to succeed. Accepting any fear can be scary, but accepting the fear of failure, for many, can be too much to stomach, and instead, forces people to give up on their entrepreneurial aspirations. But with the right expectations, that fear can be powerful and lead you on a path to success – one that you will never look back on. Here are our Top 10 Quotes on Failure for a little bit of motivation for anyone considering leaving their dreams behind and living a life they don’t love.

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy

“Giving up is the only sure way to fail.” – Gena Showalter

“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” – Denis Waitley

“It’s failure that gives you the proper perspective on success.” – Ellen DeGeneres

“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” – Johnny Cash

“It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” – Bill Gates

“I think you have to try and fail, because failure gets you closer to what you’re good at.” – Louis C.K.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” –  Thomas Edison

“You always pass failure on your way to success.” – Mickey Rooney

“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

If you are interested in learning more about the Weed Man franchise opportunity, visit us online at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333.

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.

 

#BusinessTips with Weed Man’s COO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#BusinessTips from WM COO

Weed Man’s Reputation

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

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

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

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

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

>> View our franchising video below!

 

Weed Man’s 2016 Initiatives

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

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

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

Our 2016 Initiatives

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

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

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

Join the Extended Weed Man Family Today!

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

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

2016 New Year Initiatives

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. 

Giving Back to the Community

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Join sub franchisor Phil Fogarty as he discusses Weed Man‘s company culture of giving back to the community in big and small ways through events such as Renewal & Remembrance at Arlington Cemetery and GreenCare for Troops. These projects not only benefit the region or community, but also boost team building, camaraderie and overall business success.

For an in-depth look at our current franchise opportunities, visit www.weedmanfranchise.com.  

Join Weed Man at the 2014 TNLA Expo!

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Nursery and Landscape EXPO

Weed Man will be at this year’s Nursery/Landscape Expo in San Antonio, Texas…will you? If so, stop by our booth (#305) to learn about our award-winning franchise opportunities!

What: The 2014 Nursery/Landscape EXPO

Where: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX (Booth #305)

When: August 14th-16th, 2014

Find out how Weed Man can help take your existing business to new heights. Click here for more information.