In the fast-paced world of lawn care and gardening services, it’s rare to find a business that can achieve meteoric growth in such a short period of time.
But that’s exactly what Jim’s Mowing franchisee Gerald Schlebusch has accomplished.
Gerald shared the incredible story of how his Jim’s Mowing franchise skyrocketed from a modest $1,500 per week in revenue to an astounding $194,000 per month – all in the span of just 6 months.
What’s even more remarkable is that Gerald achieved this level of growth with a team of just 5 full-time employees.
His secret? A relentless focus on building an exceptional team, optimizing operations, and delivering unparalleled customer service.
Learn from the key strategies and insights that allowed Gerald to transform his Jim’s Mowing franchise into a $2 million per year powerhouse.
Whether you’re a current franchisee looking to scale your business or an aspiring entrepreneur considering a Jim’s Mowing franchise, you’re sure to find valuable lessons and inspiration in Gerald’s story.
The Power of Paying Your People Well
At the heart of Gerald’s success is his unwavering commitment to his team.
He firmly believes that paying his employees exceptionally well is the key to building a thriving, loyal, and high-performing workforce.
Gerald’s approach is simple yet effective.
He ensures that his team members are compensated at a level that makes them feel valued and appreciated, leaving them with little incentive to look elsewhere for employment.
But it’s not just about the money.
Gerald also fosters a strong sense of culture and camaraderie within his team, creating an environment where everyone feels like they’re part of something special.
By investing in his team and creating a positive, supportive work environment, Gerald has been able to attract and retain top talent, which has been a crucial factor in his rapid growth.
Mastering the Art of Operational Efficiency
In addition to his focus on people, Gerald has also placed a strong emphasis on optimizing his business operations.
He understands that in order to scale a mowing and gardening business, you need to have the right equipment, systems, and processes in place.
One of the key ways Gerald has achieved this is by heavily investing in his fleet of equipment and vehicles.
Over the past 6 months, he’s spent over $100,000 on new machinery, trailers, and service vehicles to ensure his team has the tools they need to work efficiently and effectively.
But it’s not just about the equipment.
Gerald has also implemented a rigorous maintenance and service schedule to keep his fleet running smoothly.
He has a dedicated technician who comes to the yard every two weeks to service the trailers, brakes, and other critical components.
This attention to detail has paid off in a big way, as Gerald’s team has been able to minimize downtime and maximize productivity, allowing them to take on more jobs and generate more revenue.
Leveraging the Power of Scheduling and Routing
Another key factor in Gerald’s success has been his team’s ability to optimize their scheduling and routing.
By carefully planning out their weekly schedules, they’re able to maximize the number of jobs they can complete in a given day, while also ensuring they’re able to provide high-quality service to each and every customer.
But it’s not just about scheduling.
Gerald’s team also takes a strategic approach to routing, often finding ways to minimize travel time between jobs and maximize the number of jobs they can complete in a single day.
By optimizing their scheduling and routing, Gerald’s team has been able to dramatically increase their productivity and efficiency, allowing them to take on more work and generate more revenue.
The Power of Networking and Customer Engagement
While Gerald’s focus on his team and operations has been a key driver of his success, he’s also recognized the importance of networking and customer engagement.
One of the ways he’s been able to generate new business is by actively engaging with potential customers in the neighborhoods where his team is working.
This simple act of greeting and engaging with customers has paid dividends for Gerald’s business, as it has allowed him to build relationships and generate new leads.
But it’s not just about engaging with potential customers.
Gerald also places a strong emphasis on networking and building relationships with other business leaders and influencers in his community.
By leveraging his network and building strong relationships with other professionals, Gerald has been able to generate a steady stream of referrals and new business opportunities.
Delivering Exceptional Customer Service
At the heart of Gerald’s success is his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
He understands that in a highly competitive industry like lawn care and gardening, the key to standing out is by providing a level of service that exceeds customer expectations.
One of the ways Gerald has achieved this is by implementing a rigorous quality assurance process.
After each job, his team conducts a walkthrough with the customer to ensure they’re completely satisfied with the work that’s been done.
But it’s not just about the quality of the work.
Gerald also places a strong emphasis on communication and responsiveness, ensuring that his team is always available to address customer concerns and questions.
By delivering exceptional service and going the extra mile for their customers, Gerald and his team have been able to build a loyal customer base that continues to drive repeat business and referrals.
Overcoming Pricing Objections
One of the challenges that many lawn care and gardening businesses face is the pressure to keep prices low in order to remain competitive.
But Gerald has taken a different approach, opting to quote higher prices and then working to justify those prices to his customers.
By quoting higher prices, Gerald is able to ensure that his team is properly compensated and that the business is generating the revenue it needs to reinvest in equipment, training, and other critical areas.
But he doesn’t just quote high prices and expect customers to accept them.
Instead, he takes the time to explain the value that his team brings to the table, highlighting the expertise, equipment, and level of service that customers can expect.
By taking this approach, Gerald has been able to overcome pricing objections and win over customers who are willing to pay a premium for the exceptional service they receive.
The Importance of Networking and Asking for Feedback
One of the key lessons that Gerald has learned is the importance of networking and asking for feedback from customers who don’t choose his business.
By actively seeking out feedback from customers who didn’t choose his business, Gerald is able to identify areas where he can improve his offering and better meet the needs of his target market.
But it’s not just about customer feedback.
Gerald also places a strong emphasis on networking and building relationships with other business leaders and influencers in his community.
By actively engaging with his network and seeking out new opportunities, Gerald has been able to generate a steady stream of referrals and new business leads, further fueling the growth of his Jim’s Mowing franchise.
Overcoming the Challenges of Scaling a Business
While Gerald’s story is one of remarkable success, he’s also faced his fair share of challenges along the way.
One of the biggest hurdles he’s had to overcome is the mental and emotional toll of scaling a business.
Gerald has recognized the importance of being humble and seeking out the advice and guidance of more experienced business leaders.
He’s actively engaged with other Jim’s Mowing franchisees and industry veterans, tapping into their knowledge and expertise to help him navigate the challenges of scaling his business.
But it’s not just about seeking out advice.
Gerald has also had to learn to let go of certain aspects of the business and delegate more responsibility to his team.
By empowering his team and trusting them to take on more responsibility, Gerald has been able to free up his own time and focus on the strategic aspects of the business, further fueling its growth.
The Importance of Work-Life Balance
Finally, one of the biggest challenges that Gerald has faced is maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
As his business has grown, he’s found it increasingly difficult to “switch off” and enjoy time with his family.
To address this challenge, Gerald has made a concerted effort to create more opportunities for rest and relaxation, whether it’s taking a weekend getaway in a camper van or simply carving out time each day to disconnect from the business.
By prioritizing his own well-being and work-life balance, Gerald has been able to maintain the energy, focus, and clarity of mind needed to continue driving his business forward.
Gerald Schlebusch’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a relentless focus on building a high-performing team and optimizing business operations.
In just 6 short months, he’s been able to transform his Jim’s Mowing franchise into a $2 million per year powerhouse, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Whether you’re a current Jim’s Mowing franchisee or an aspiring entrepreneur considering a franchise opportunity, there’s a wealth of valuable lessons and insights to be gleaned from Gerald’s experience.
From the importance of paying your people well to the power of networking and customer engagement, Gerald’s story is a masterclass in building a thriving, scalable business in the lawn care and gardening industry.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, be sure to check out the Jim’s Group website to learn more about the franchise opportunities available.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the More Than Just Mowing podcast to stay up-to-date on the latest insights and strategies from industry leaders like Gerald Schlebusch.
Key Takeaways:
- Pay your people well to build a loyal, high-performing team
- Invest in the right equipment and systems to optimize operations
- Leverage scheduling and routing to maximize productivity
- Engage with customers and build relationships to generate new business
- Deliver exceptional customer service to build a loyal customer base
- Overcome pricing objections by justifying the value you provide
- Seek out feedback and networking opportunities to identify growth opportunities
- Delegate and empower your team to free up your own time and focus
- Prioritize work-life balance to maintain the energy and focus needed to drive growth