Franchising Opportunities

TruGreen

Invest

£27,000

Website

Business Type

Homecare & Property Maintenance, Pest Control, Services

Every day is different

TRUGREEN FRANCHISE OWNERS LEARN HOW TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT A HOST OF LAWN AILMENTS, ENABLING THEM TO OFFER A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES AIMED AT IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING LAWNS

One of the first things you will learn as a TruGreen professional lawn care franchisee is that a leather jacket isn’t just an item of clothing, nor is a chafer grub only found on the menu for celebrities in a Bush Tucker Trial.

As a TruGreen franchise owner you will learn how to diagnose and treat a host of lawn ailments, enabling you to offer a full range of services aimed at improving poor lawns and maintaining them in first-class condition. Treatments include scarification, aeration, lawn weed/feed and hard surface weed control.

BESPOKE

TruGreen prides itself on offering a bespoke package to customers and placing an importance on understanding customers’ needs while tailoring a package accordingly.

Ed Lawrence has operated TruGreen Hertfordshire with his father Tony since August 2004. Talking about his TruGreen business, Ed comments: “I like the flexibility the franchise brings in terms of me managing my own hours. I like the freedom I have in running my business and knowing support is always there for me. And working with dad is great, especially having someone I trust and who can give me advice based on his years of experience.”

TruGreen’s franchisee support is led by network manager Steve Welch, who has 30 years’ experience in the turf industry. “We offer franchisees a very clear support network, continually working with them,” he says. “The model never changes in terms of set up, but flexibility of operation can change, allowing the franchise owner to tailor their business to their own specific needs.”

Ed continues: “The franchise support is going from strength to strength. Steve Welch is a fantastic guy to have supporting you, as he’s been working with turf at a top level for many years. He visits me throughout the year and if any problems occur with a lawn that needs his expertise he will always come down within a few days to help me sort it out.”

Additional training and business advice is available whenever required and includes seminars held at prestigious places such as Headingley Cricket Ground and Wimbledon.

Steve adds: “There is a high level of standard support. Information and technical support is there to use, and the franchisees are using it.”

Franchisee training begins with a comprehensive two-week ‘academy’ that all new TruGreen franchisees undertake before trading. This includes extensive technical and business training, marketing advice, and techniques for acquiring and retaining customers. During this time you will also qualify for National Proficiency Tests Council certification.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Despite the current economic climate, Ed states: “The business continues to grow every year, mainly through recommendations. Last year we had a fantastic year, despite the current financial climate, and this year so far everything is looking good. We’re getting to the point where more staff would be helpful, but at the moment we’re coping with just the two of us. I believe the more you put in to the business the more you get back, which is not always the case in employment.”

Ed continues: “I would recommend TruGreen as a franchise; it keeps you busy, fit and working outside away from a desk. Every day is different and you meet all kinds of people. Every year has been different so far due to our ever-changing climate, so there’s always a challenge to get stuck into.”

With TruGreen part of the ServiceMaster family of brands, Ed has recognised the synergy between TruGreen and another of the company’s franchises.

“I have been thinking about starting a Merry Maids business,” he explains. “I enjoy working and I’d hope to be able to run the two alongside each other and build the Merry Maids business off the relationships I have with my current TruGreen customers. At the moment I’m giving it serious consideration as to whether I could run the two together, so we will see what happens in the future.”

TruGreen is committed to helping you build a successful and valuable business. It should be seen as an ongoing business relationship with long-term rewards.