Big thank you to Jake and the team for allowing us to come and record this video to help educate others in the industry! Before judging, keep in mind that it is not easy to have cameras come into your business when you are struggling. It take a lot of humility and I appreciate Jake for that! If you want me to come turnaround your business apply at MikeAndes.com/turnaround
Ok, this is fantastic. This industry has needed this kind of content for 10 years. I’m so happy to the high production, high quality that’s been invested in this piece.
I wish Jake and his team all the success and hope that they bounce back from this money issue. Jake seems like the kind of guy that I'd want to work for. This video is professional tier; very well put together.
I was in Michigan and met a guy who just started and excavation business. Driving a $90k truck, bought his wife a G Wagon, new equipment. All of it financed. he said he had $15k a month in payments. I told him good luck, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night with that much debt. IF the economy tanks... Nobody is going to go bankrupt faster than that poor guy.
@Travis12861 , Yep. That would be me. Driving a 10 year old vehicle. Cash flow equipment purchases. I'd take the time to buy used and clean it up. Think how much more profitable you'd be without all that debt. Why give the bank such a big cut?
@@chucknorris277 At least with the old equipment you can in the expectation that it's going to break down when you buy it. And depending on the equipment, you can avoid paying for "bells and whistles" that new stuff seems to be loaded up with.
You having the ability to right off the bat see the cost of equipment and how it’s hindering the growth and financial freedoms of a company is brilliant. You’re a great sound business mind but also kind hearted. That’s a recipe for success and a great leader.
I knew a guy that had a great site construction business. He started doing very well and went out and bought all new trucks, trialers, equipment and had it all painted with his logo and letterhead etc. He was doing fine wirth the older equipment, he should have upgraded slowly, instead, within 2 years he lost it all and then his wife left him because her lifestyle was affected...
If she was contributing to the marriage, her lifestyle would not have been affected at all. That dude actually won the lottery by getting rid of dead weight.
My lawn service was only a commercial lawn business. It was really hard dealing with people who only wanted the cheapest bed and waiting a year or 30 days until he decided to switch services. Needless to say I made millions of dollars on association but it is a grind and you are only as good as your last job. Then I sold my company and I only do tree removal jobs. Better pay and it’s less over head
No one will understand the struggles of entrepreneurship until they’re in it. I went through this struggles and still go through some as well. We have a whole different beast of a market here in Los Angeles but same principles apply. It’s hard to explain to someone what you’re going through unless that person has been in your shoes. Great job by Mike and the team on this. Best of luck to the business and the owner. He needs to rise up, take on these issues head on, and affirm to his employees that he will do all he can to better the situation as long as all of them are pulling their own weight as well.
Man every single one of these videos should have millions of views. They are SO WELL MADE! Jake and EVERYONE on his team is just so awesome! They're gonna make it!
I have ADD as well and am a fence company owner. This can be a good thing if channeled in the right way. I take lots of notes and have lists that help me stay organized. I try to minimize the issues it causes the best I can.
Truck, trailer, scag, blower, trimmer, dethatcher, snowblower. 8k Total cost. Hourly charge $70. Daily profit $500. 16 work days to pay off loan or add another truck setup. Don't need the expensive stuff
This is my 5th time watching this video man I feel like I learn something new every single time I watch it. From the little details of how your influence alone can change an organization to the bigger picture of making the company more profitable. Can’t wait to be a part of Augusta one day!! 💪🏼
I'll never do 6 figures....I just cut grass and trim bushes by myself. But my overhead is only 10% of my income. I can't imagine grossing nearly $700k and yet not making much...all that stress for not much profit.
Just goes to show you have to be the proper demographic to start a business, and have the right connections. Not at all about how good of a business you can run!
1% profit margin!! I have a hardscaping business and I make a minimum 30% profit. I don't have any fancy trucks or new equipment but everything I own is paid for. I add more services to my company all the time and if I have any concern as far as how to price something I just do time and materials. It is a total no brainer.
I really respect how accountable and honest he is about his faults. I’m a veteran so that’s the first thing I look for I love someone like that as a leader
Since the company is having to go to the gas station every day, it would be cheaper to get above ground fuel tanks and have them filled by an outside fuel company. They would get the fuel cheaper and for the diesel vehicles, they can use red dye.
Even if the price of the fuel is the same or a little bit higher, in the long run, you’ll save a ton of money because of the time saved. Think of all of the payroll for a crew going to the gas station every day.
I am just a couple of towns over from them and we are charging $95 per man hour. This is for removal of the leaves off the property. We then charge a disposal fee on top of that. Even $80 seems to be a little low for the Hudson area.
The skid steer is the best thing this guy did, it's the most versatile piece of equipment you can own, and I wouldn't trade mine for the world. He could make 200k a year off that one piece of equipment if he ran it alone. It's worth 20 guys when you get the right attachments. Bucket, Forks, Skeleton Bucket, Trenchers, Mowers, Skeleton, Grapple, Augers, Cement Mixers, Forestry Mulchers, Rock Crushers, Sand and Compost Baggers, Laser Graders, Asphalt Saws and Planers. I wouldn't want to lose mine for anything.
@@tyler558806 Yep, but just imagine losing a job because you hired some laborers on meth who worked real hard for the first day or two, then no-where to be found or heard from after you sold 3-4 more jobs hoping they would help you finish, now you are back to square one kicking yourself thinking that you should have bought the attachment that would have replaced those 20 druggie laborers that didn't even have their own transportation. I'd rather load a piece of equipment up rather than water jugs and porta potties on a job site and have to deal with all that.
A lot of skid steer work is low priced waste of time work everyday you can rent one for $200 so a lot of guys just give away the work mine sits 90% of the time and the specialized niche equipment is what makes $$$
It's wonderful to hear an owner doing nice things for his employees that are in need. A good heart like that naturally attracts good people. But the most amazing thing to see here overall is the level of concern and commitment by the employees when it comes to the business. It's landscaping...not the most interesting of pursuits yet to the employees, is. Again, that speaks to the owner...just a likeable guy, and that's huge!
Being self employed the past 45yrs I can tell you when employees go home at 5 I'm still on the clock. When they get the sniffles & take a few days I'm still bidding jobs showing samples doing dump runs collecting on invoices washing and organizing the trucks etc. It never ends. But best thing about being SE is taking time off when I want & hitting cruises or trips to Hawaii or disneyworkd 3-4x a year. Your young You have the experience and I believe things will get better for you. Thin the crew out & pay the keepers well. Clean up & Thin equipment out while you still can get decent price for it & carry on. You got this! GL
Ultimately, many landscaping businesses face challenges in retaining employees. The solution lies in increasing wages. When your workers can't afford basic necessities and enjoy some comforts, neither can the "small" business owner.
It's not usually a money problem. Landscape employees generally have a money management problem. They are either young or have had issues in life that prevent them from having a higher paying career. Not always, but usually. Pay them a livable wage, higher than the national average is fine if they earned it, but don't expect them to be great just because they are making decent pay. Some ambitious people might come along, but you can't expect them to stay interested when there's a cap on what you can earn doing labor for a landscaping company.
@@jamiepippin3892this. I’ve had a few coworkers where they start off strong, and then you see the big decline in their performance after a little bit, say a month max. Even being paid 25$+ hour, and not too much responsibility. With my boss, he’s taken care of me because of my work ethic and loyalty to him. Everyday i try to earn the money he pays me, instead of just showing up to collect a paycheck. Not everyone else looks at it that way, however it is the way i was raised.
It's so true, I didn't increase my fees for almost a decade in fear that I would lose clients, earlier this year I had no choice but to lift fees. In some cases, it was 50-100% and we probably lost no more than 3-5% of clients. Don't get trapped by low fees.
I have a base price per year, if diesel goes above $x I raise prices mid year. Haven't lost 1 customer. They understand inflation. That said, this guy has an awful lot of nice equipment. Have got to prove it will pay before you buy it.
I don’t know if my comment will be read because this was posted two months ago the best piece of advice I could give and remind you I’m only 31 and I’ve been in the business only five years, but from what I’ve seen there are ups and downs. Of course it is seasonal, is don’t stray too far from your humble beginnings
I recently moved away from doing business with hoa. They kept pushing to drop more services from the contract. We were making less and Less over last couple years. We lost 10k worth of mulch and shrubs the 1st year. Last year, they moved our snow plow trigger from 2" to 4". We used to weed beds and trim teees also. Not in last 3 yrs. They showed signs of being broke. I quit them. We got alot more business to fill that spot. Should have done it sooner. Don't let people haggle with you when you do amazing work. Your work sells the jobs
First thing I would have asked is how much is he (Jake) taking out out of the business, I bet money it's a lot more than it should be, and he's trying to live a higher lifestyle then he has the means to , as soon as I saw that truck its the first thing I thought and could be one of the biggest reasons why they're just floating on top of the water
It's a very good guess on MSRP. Ours ended up being 85k with attachments. I hated the task of getting in and out of it with the safety bar and load position. Plus you can only see what's in front of you.
For real man I love UA-cam. The fact I can watch this is more entertaining then the History channel could release now. This is great documentary and real life scenarios for your normal man. Love you bro keep it up 😊
I'm new to finding this channel and I've been watching it in my spare time with vengeance. I'm glad I'm watching others mistakes but it confirms all my concerns with growing my business to the next stage. I'm currently a solo guy with 40+ accounts in less than 6 months. I know once I hit 60+ I'll need to start finding help. After I hit the 100 marker I know I'll have to expand everything. I just hope I can utilize what I'm learning here and with a bit of luck I'll pull a rabbit out of my hat
Having that Bobcat as a yard ornament........and the 2023 Chevy 2500 hd optioned out the wazo theres nearly 180k right there. Living the dream............A bad financial hit and hes out of business, he has no cushion.
As a retired multi business owner since 2011 I have rarely seen a less qualified owner. Starting and making a business successful is a hard arduous path that involves individules willing to thru passion and love put the company interests first, even ahead of family by realizing that families well being depends on the company remaining viable. For most this is not possible and this lack of drive/passion is what makes most companies fail. This owner stated early in your interview process a lack of love and low levels of interest in his companies vital functions. Too bad as it is appearent that he can choose involved employees and their future at this company appears bleak. Sometimes the best advice is to sell this gives the employees a chance, which in this case unless the owner undergos an epiphany and becomes a new dedicated at all costs to success owner this company will in my opinion fail. Ray
These guys have way too many trucks and equipment for a company doing 675K a year in revenue. We usually add a new truck for every $400-$500k in revenue.
The problem is this owner is focusing on gross sales and not profit. He's got it all backwards. He needs to build an IDEAL CLIENT profile for the services he does best that are most profitable and that the company enjoys doing and then find out how to target those ideal customers to become clients.
That’s awesome. I own a custom deck building company in Hudson as well (Modernize it llc). It’s awesome to see you help local companies grow and be more efficient.
Hey, Mike my son Jameson who is 14 years old recently started mowing lawns for the past 2 seasons. He is looking forward to starting his own landscaping business by time he is 18 years old or sooner. We live in Hudson, NH and after watching this video we wanted to see if you would be interested in coming back to Hudson, NH to do another video with Jameson on how to start a landscaping business as a teenager. Thanks!
I'm a small IT business owner and landed on one of your previous videos. Great operating ideas and advice Mike. Funny thing is I don't even mow my own yard! haha
MIKE! dude, this is by far one of the best informative videos for guys out here in this business !👍👍trying to step up and evolve. Keeping an Eye on the expenses is the number one thing your talking here. I talk about it all the time in my videos. It's the backbone of the whole business. It affects everything! A business owner that is smart with his money is a better owner because he can share the wealth with employees. There is a fine balance and you did a great job in this video explaining that love the content, man!
Great video Mike! This is a real life video showing the struggles of a lawn and landscape company. Its a tough buisiness. To the owner, thank you for being honest. Wanted to say thank you and keep up the great work! It takes a certain person to do what you do and keep everything in order day in day out. Wish you continued sucess
I love that I am not in any debt with my business, they call me every single minute trying to get me to sign a loan for 150k+ but I ain't doing it, ya'll ain't trickin me into losing my business lol
@@sledhead904 I agree 100%, but just started your business I don't think it is a good idea unless you are already well set. Debt can make you money for sure.
I understand the temptation to buy new stuff for your business. At the same time, it always feels better to outright own something used that will get the job done than to finance something that becomes another albatross around your neck.
I'm not in landscaping but this was the best small business crash course I've seen, especially the part about raising prices and growth. Also, focusing on the parts of the business that are the most profitable
I am so thankful you are available to these other business owners. Such a help to them and their staff. It's good for all of us to see these people, and to see you with them. Thank you!
I tell all HOA’s who contact me, that I don’t do business with HOA’s. Too much drama and making the payment process strung out. If you can’t Venmo or Zelle me then I’m not doing business with you.
Wow, I haven't seen Alvirne in such a long time, I guess since I left it in 82. Hudson and Nashua used to be my old stomping grounds. I actually worked for a landscaping company in Hudson where I eventually progressed until I was driving one of the dump trucks. Today I own my own Dump truck.
This is the definition of; revenue is vanity and profit is sanity… Can’t believe how much staff and equipment a company with such little revenue is running. Also, Absentee owner when the company isn’t big enough to simply be the chairman with a CEO running the show under you.
Thank you Mike for your video. It’s very helpful and very educational. To see other companies on how they react with situations and challenges, that happened to all business owners.
Any small business would kill to have Michela in admin. She is a serious player even at a young age. There definitely seem to be some good people in the mix here.
The key to building a successful, profitable small business is to do it in cash. Paying cash for everything takes all the hype and craziness right out you and replaces it with cold logic. You have no choice but to raise prices when you need to save money for new equipment
I had forty eight years in construction, 35 running my own general contracting business. I spent a decade and half wanting to be the cheapest guy and get all the work. What I learned was to not be afraid to ask for the price I need to make a decent living. If I don’t get that job I moved on. I did The work that paid and now retired.
You might not lose a lot of customers right away, but that is just around the corner. 2006, > $5000 quote to remove 3 large oak trees. 1/3/2010 those 3 trees plus 3 tall pines, requiring a crane, $3400, including crane. He is too late. Strike when the iron is hot. I'll tell you how it's going to happen. First most business stops. Even banks are in fear. After a few years, those still left are working, but for a lot less. BTW, their expenses will fall, too. This is being worked on right now. The huge inflation, forced it.
Fantastic video as always! The production of the media team is getting insane! I love those “Borderland” style intros to each of the people in the business. Keep up the great work!
This is my first video I have watched of Mike Andes. I guess he's like the Gordan Ramsey of landscape companies. It is cool to have someone making content about this. I myself am in the industry.
This was such a positive video with so much helpful knowledge for the company. Really enjoyed this clip. Nice to see a business with employees that truly care, just need a little push in the right direction for success.
1m a year is the crap-zone. Too big to be small & too small to be big. Falling between 2 stools. I had a 1m a year business - it sucked. Most 100k a year businesses are better off. 1m is the "Dying zone" where you either get to 10m a year fast or you fail fast. Jake also talks an aaawfulll lot of vague. Clarity is required.
You can't tell this guy cares so much that he hasn't learned how to be the boss. It's very hard when you grow from working with the crew daily to now the Buisness requires you to be the ceo. The guys who doesn't wear the tools, the guy who's sole focus is to sell jobs and ensure standards are being met. You got this Jake. I believe in your company. Take care of the ones that take care of you. Loyalty is the most important thing in this buisness.
Good note. I’m in finance so I looked for a YTD * on the graphic. When I didn’t see it I thought maybe the owner told you it was $1mm but you found out otherwise. That’s all besides the point. Great video!
Mike I wish you made this video in 2016 I gave up and lost everything when you hit capacity raise prices man I was a idiot now we only do install and I live job to job 😢 I going to start and rebuild build maintenance now you just convinced me
Need to get a mower brand that doesn’t overprice their parts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at Hustler, if you have a dealer nearby anyway. You’ll pay 1/2 for deck belts and several grand less on each mower. BUT Hustler invented the zero turn in 1964!
Pops started in 79 and have had some same accounts 35+ yrs. Town house community 30+ yrs. Alot of people see me and think I'm a mechanic............ Honestly you need to scale WAY WAY WAY back and start with proper maintenance programs. Guess what, most maintenance crews don't need and can't even cover operating costs of brand new truck + equipment. Make them responsible for maintenance of there work equipment.
There is companies that come in and help companies become profitable. Educated people that do that only, make changes in other peoples business's . Without allowing outside help to help you , your chances of success are reduced. Get the help you need and do not be afraid of using it.
I could reason with this owner. I rebuilt a business like this in 2018, and it's a tough ordeal. It's a personal dilemma at the end of every day. The veteran is correct about service offerings. No subbing unless it opens the door for something bigger. I get loss leaders, that's your best marketing, but the balance comes down to cash flow. If you can't afford it before payroll is due, you don't do it.
It always seems to be a major ego issue with the ones who are struggling in your videos. I love the content my friend, very professional edit work. Much love 🙏
As a 16 year old landscaper in NH who is trying to go, who does a vocational program at alvirne, that highschool you showed. Wish I could’ve met you while you were up here
Big thank you to Jake and the team for allowing us to come and record this video to help educate others in the industry! Before judging, keep in mind that it is not easy to have cameras come into your business when you are struggling. It take a lot of humility and I appreciate Jake for that! If you want me to come turnaround your business apply at MikeAndes.com/turnaround
Great Advice Mike. I hope that he takes advantage of the advice you have given him. Also for anyone else that's in a situation like his.
Another amazing video Mike.
By the way, the media team is killing it!
God these videos are good.
Hope to meet Jake at Landscape Summit next week!!
Thanks Mike and Jake! Videos like this and the others helps keep us grounded and focused on the real issues of managing our entities.
Where was he when I needed him!😂
Mad respect for that guy to be so willing to learn and change. God be with you man!
Ok, this is fantastic. This industry has needed this kind of content for 10 years. I’m so happy to the high production, high quality that’s been invested in this piece.
I wish Jake and his team all the success and hope that they bounce back from this money issue. Jake seems like the kind of guy that I'd want to work for. This video is professional tier; very well put together.
I was in Michigan and met a guy who just started and excavation business.
Driving a $90k truck, bought his wife a G Wagon, new equipment. All of it financed.
he said he had $15k a month in payments.
I told him good luck, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night with that much debt.
IF the economy tanks... Nobody is going to go bankrupt faster than that poor guy.
@Travis12861 ,
Yep. That would be me. Driving a 10 year old vehicle. Cash flow equipment purchases. I'd take the time to buy used and clean it up.
Think how much more profitable you'd be without all that debt.
Why give the bank such a big cut?
When u find out the new equipment breaks do0wn just as much as the old stuff.... downtime sucks
@@chucknorris277- better to have two used pieces debt free than one brand new under payments
@@chucknorris277 At least with the old equipment you can in the expectation that it's going to break down when you buy it. And depending on the equipment, you can avoid paying for "bells and whistles" that new stuff seems to be loaded up with.
But if everybody buys old equipment.
Then there’s not enough used equipment to go around.
You having the ability to right off the bat see the cost of equipment and how it’s hindering the growth and financial freedoms of a company is brilliant. You’re a great sound business mind but also kind hearted. That’s a recipe for success and a great leader.
This should be the first thing you learn is business like this.
I knew a guy that had a great site construction business. He started doing very well and went out and bought all new trucks, trialers, equipment and had it all painted with his logo and letterhead etc. He was doing fine wirth the older equipment, he should have upgraded slowly, instead, within 2 years he lost it all and then his wife left him because her lifestyle was affected...
If the wife left for that reason then it was well worth going bankrupt. He saved himself millions in the long run.
@@User-tc9vtwomen are so worthless these days 😅
The wife so often leaves
If she was contributing to the marriage, her lifestyle would not have been affected at all. That dude actually won the lottery by getting rid of dead weight.
It’s called a one hit wonder
HOA always looking for the cheapest lawn services all the time ,don’t take it personal
I hate them
That's why there's contracts.....if you can prove there lying they need to pay up
Facts, and still can’t pay their bills.
I dont know but I think getting a good deal is universal...not just hoa's
My lawn service was only a commercial lawn business. It was really hard dealing with people who only wanted the cheapest bed and waiting a year or 30 days until he decided to switch services. Needless to say I made millions of dollars on association but it is a grind and you are only as good as your last job. Then I sold my company and I only do tree removal jobs. Better pay and it’s less over head
No one will understand the struggles of entrepreneurship until they’re in it. I went through this struggles and still go through some as well. We have a whole different beast of a market here in Los Angeles but same principles apply. It’s hard to explain to someone what you’re going through unless that person has been in your shoes. Great job by Mike and the team on this. Best of luck to the business and the owner. He needs to rise up, take on these issues head on, and affirm to his employees that he will do all he can to better the situation as long as all of them are pulling their own weight as well.
Man every single one of these videos should have millions of views. They are SO WELL MADE!
Jake and EVERYONE on his team is just so awesome! They're gonna make it!
Totally agree
I have ADD as well and am a fence company owner. This can be a good thing if channeled in the right way. I take lots of notes and have lists that help me stay organized. I try to minimize the issues it causes the best I can.
Thanks for sharing!
Truck, trailer, scag, blower, trimmer, dethatcher, snowblower. 8k Total cost. Hourly charge $70. Daily profit $500. 16 work days to pay off loan or add another truck setup. Don't need the expensive stuff
Insurance?
Insurance, Admin cost, Office space, Employees, Branding?
@@AlzCustomz All unnecessary until grown a bit.
This is my 5th time watching this video man I feel like I learn something new every single time I watch it. From the little details of how your influence alone can change an organization to the bigger picture of making the company more profitable. Can’t wait to be a part of Augusta one day!! 💪🏼
💛
I'll never do 6 figures....I just cut grass and trim bushes by myself. But my overhead is only 10% of my income. I can't imagine grossing nearly $700k and yet not making much...all that stress for not much profit.
Just goes to show you have to be the proper demographic to start a business, and have the right connections.
Not at all about how good of a business you can run!
What a 🤡
They do it for the cash out at the end man. They'll be able to sell everything or the company for one big payday.
1% profit margin!! I have a hardscaping business and I make a minimum 30% profit. I don't have any fancy trucks or new equipment but everything I own is paid for. I add more services to my company all the time and if I have any concern as far as how to price something I just do time and materials. It is a total no brainer.
I really respect how accountable and honest he is about his faults. I’m a veteran so that’s the first thing I look for I love someone like that as a leader
Work hard, like Elon Musk, for 10 years, buy real estate and you will be OK.
Since the company is having to go to the gas station every day, it would be cheaper to get above ground fuel tanks and have them filled by an outside fuel company. They would get the fuel cheaper and for the diesel vehicles, they can use red dye.
Even if the price of the fuel is the same or a little bit higher, in the long run, you’ll save a ton of money because of the time saved. Think of all of the payroll for a crew going to the gas station every day.
I am just a couple of towns over from them and we are charging $95 per man hour. This is for removal of the leaves off the property. We then charge a disposal fee on top of that. Even $80 seems to be a little low for the Hudson area.
That comment didn't come off the way that I intended it to. I just wanted to let them know they are probably leaving money on the table.
20 years ago was 100 bucks for 2 men and a truck
The skid steer is the best thing this guy did, it's the most versatile piece of equipment you can own, and I wouldn't trade mine for the world. He could make 200k a year off that one piece of equipment if he ran it alone. It's worth 20 guys when you get the right attachments. Bucket, Forks, Skeleton Bucket, Trenchers, Mowers, Skeleton, Grapple, Augers, Cement Mixers, Forestry Mulchers, Rock Crushers, Sand and Compost Baggers, Laser Graders, Asphalt Saws and Planers. I wouldn't want to lose mine for anything.
and every one of those attachments costs thousands or tens of thousands of dollars 🤣
@@tyler558806 Yep, but just imagine losing a job because you hired some laborers on meth who worked real hard for the first day or two, then no-where to be found or heard from after you sold 3-4 more jobs hoping they would help you finish, now you are back to square one kicking yourself thinking that you should have bought the attachment that would have replaced those 20 druggie laborers that didn't even have their own transportation. I'd rather load a piece of equipment up rather than water jugs and porta potties on a job site and have to deal with all that.
True. It’s also true that every piece of equipment is a 100% write off against profits for taxxxes.
A lot of skid steer work is low priced waste of time work everyday you can rent one for $200 so a lot of guys just give away the work mine sits 90% of the time and the specialized niche equipment is what makes $$$
@@XRXCORP Then you *really* need Mike Andes help.
It's wonderful to hear an owner doing nice things for his employees that are in need. A good heart like that naturally attracts good people. But the most amazing thing to see here overall is the level of concern and commitment by the employees when it comes to the business. It's landscaping...not the most interesting of pursuits yet to the employees, is. Again, that speaks to the owner...just a likeable guy, and that's huge!
Being self employed the past 45yrs I can tell you when employees go home at 5 I'm still on the clock. When they get the sniffles & take a few days I'm still bidding jobs showing samples doing dump runs collecting on invoices washing and organizing the trucks etc. It never ends. But best thing about being SE is taking time off when I want & hitting cruises or trips to Hawaii or disneyworkd 3-4x a year. Your young You have the experience and I believe things will get better for you. Thin the crew out & pay the keepers well. Clean up & Thin equipment out while you still can get decent price for it & carry on. You got this! GL
Ultimately, many landscaping businesses face challenges in retaining employees. The solution lies in increasing wages. When your workers can't afford basic necessities and enjoy some comforts, neither can the "small" business owner.
It's not usually a money problem. Landscape employees generally have a money management problem. They are either young or have had issues in life that prevent them from having a higher paying career. Not always, but usually. Pay them a livable wage, higher than the national average is fine if they earned it, but don't expect them to be great just because they are making decent pay. Some ambitious people might come along, but you can't expect them to stay interested when there's a cap on what you can earn doing labor for a landscaping company.
@@jamiepippin3892this. I’ve had a few coworkers where they start off strong, and then you see the big decline in their performance after a little bit, say a month max. Even being paid 25$+ hour, and not too much responsibility. With my boss, he’s taken care of me because of my work ethic and loyalty to him. Everyday i try to earn the money he pays me, instead of just showing up to collect a paycheck. Not everyone else looks at it that way, however it is the way i was raised.
99% of guys don't want to work.
@@jamiepippin3892can be said for people in general. There’s a reason most people live paycheck to paycheck upwards of 250k annual.
@@jamiepippin3892well said. Everyone thinks throwing money at employees suddenly makes them more competent.
It's so true, I didn't increase my fees for almost a decade in fear that I would lose clients, earlier this year I had no choice but to lift fees. In some cases, it was 50-100% and we probably lost no more than 3-5% of clients. Don't get trapped by low fees.
100k pickups.......... The trend has to end. I have seen more guys just making it, or just starting out, go buy a 100k pickup.
Great episode Mike and the media team! Best of luck to Jake and his team in the future. We are rooting for you!
I love these type of videos. Raw real life footage. No bs.
I have a base price per year, if diesel goes above $x I raise prices mid year. Haven't lost 1 customer. They understand inflation. That said, this guy has an awful lot of nice equipment. Have got to prove it will pay before you buy it.
We all want the good stuff. This biz is not efficient. Fertilizing was a good one.
This is a great dive into improved leadership. Mad respect to Jake for doing right by his employees and not letting ego hold him back.
He's got too many people in the office getting paid. Got to trim them off.
I don’t know if my comment will be read because this was posted two months ago the best piece of advice I could give and remind you I’m only 31 and I’ve been in the business only five years, but from what I’ve seen there are ups and downs. Of course it is seasonal,
is don’t stray too far from your humble beginnings
His business would’ve been more profitable driving a Corolla and using a push mower.
I did this when I started 🤣 seen alot of lawncare fold while we survived
I recently moved away from doing business with hoa. They kept pushing to drop more services from the contract. We were making less and Less over last couple years. We lost 10k worth of mulch and shrubs the 1st year. Last year, they moved our snow plow trigger from 2" to 4". We used to weed beds and trim teees also. Not in last 3 yrs. They showed signs of being broke. I quit them. We got alot more business to fill that spot. Should have done it sooner. Don't let people haggle with you when you do amazing work. Your work sells the jobs
Build in a 5% early cancellation fee for cancelling a contract early, if it is not due to performance or communication
14 Taco Bells in New Hampshire? Wow
First on-site interaction is a dude in a brand new 2500 Diesel GMC. I think I know the issue.
One of the most informational videos I've seen on UA-cam regarding real world struggle and how to improve your business.
First thing I would have asked is how much is he (Jake) taking out out of the business, I bet money it's a lot more than it should be, and he's trying to live a higher lifestyle then he has the means to , as soon as I saw that truck its the first thing I thought and could be one of the biggest reasons why they're just floating on top of the water
It's a very good guess on MSRP. Ours ended up being 85k with attachments. I hated the task of getting in and out of it with the safety bar and load position. Plus you can only see what's in front of you.
For real man I love UA-cam. The fact I can watch this is more entertaining then the History channel could release now. This is great documentary and real life scenarios for your normal man. Love you bro keep it up 😊
I'm new to finding this channel and I've been watching it in my spare time with vengeance. I'm glad I'm watching others mistakes but it confirms all my concerns with growing my business to the next stage. I'm currently a solo guy with 40+ accounts in less than 6 months. I know once I hit 60+ I'll need to start finding help. After I hit the 100 marker I know I'll have to expand everything. I just hope I can utilize what I'm learning here and with a bit of luck I'll pull a rabbit out of my hat
Welcome to the channel! Thanks for watching!
Having that Bobcat as a yard ornament........and the 2023 Chevy 2500 hd optioned out the wazo theres nearly 180k right there. Living the dream............A bad financial hit and hes out of business, he has no cushion.
As a retired multi business owner since 2011 I have rarely seen a less qualified owner. Starting and making a business successful is a hard arduous path that involves individules willing to thru passion and love put the company interests first, even ahead of family by realizing that families well being depends on the company remaining viable. For most this is not possible and this lack of drive/passion is what makes most companies fail. This owner stated early in your interview process a lack of love and low levels of interest in his companies vital functions. Too bad as it is appearent that he can choose involved employees and their future at this company appears bleak. Sometimes the best advice is to sell this gives the employees a chance, which in this case unless the owner undergos an epiphany and becomes a new dedicated at all costs to success owner this company will in my opinion fail. Ray
These guys have way too many trucks and equipment for a company doing 675K a year in revenue. We usually add a new truck for every $400-$500k in revenue.
The problem is this owner is focusing on gross sales and not profit. He's got it all backwards. He needs to build an IDEAL CLIENT profile for the services he does best that are most profitable and that the company enjoys doing and then find out how to target those ideal customers to become clients.
Such a good program. This is better than anything on network TV. Top notch show here.
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
That’s awesome. I own a custom deck building company in Hudson as well (Modernize it llc). It’s awesome to see you help local companies grow and be more efficient.
Hey, Mike my son Jameson who is 14 years old recently started mowing lawns for the past 2 seasons. He is looking forward to starting his own landscaping business by time he is 18 years old or sooner. We live in Hudson, NH and after watching this video we wanted to see if you would be interested in coming back to Hudson, NH to do another video with Jameson on how to start a landscaping business as a teenager. Thanks!
Great Information seen here Mike. Thanks for coming to our Granite State to help out Jake. Wishing him and team much success.
I'm a small IT business owner and landed on one of your previous videos. Great operating ideas and advice Mike. Funny thing is I don't even mow my own yard! haha
MIKE! dude, this is by far one of the best informative videos for guys out here in this business !👍👍trying to step up and evolve. Keeping an Eye on the expenses is the number one thing your talking here. I talk about it all the time in my videos. It's the backbone of the whole business. It affects everything!
A business owner that is smart with his money is a better owner because he can share the wealth with employees. There is a fine balance and you did a great job in this video explaining that love the content, man!
He keeps saying 100k. Skid steer is used. Worth around 40k. One big construction job write a check for skid steer
They have such a great team i see huge potential in jake and his team i really pray that what Mike said truly does help them, awesome video man!
Great video Mike!
This is a real life video showing the struggles of a lawn and landscape company.
Its a tough buisiness. To the owner, thank you for being honest. Wanted to say thank you and keep up the great work! It takes a certain person to do what you do and keep everything in order day in day out. Wish you continued sucess
I love that I am not in any debt with my business, they call me every single minute trying to get me to sign a loan for 150k+ but I ain't doing it, ya'll ain't trickin me into losing my business lol
Debt isnt always an enemy. Only if wasted on deprecating assets vs used to expand or capture more capitol
@@sledhead904 I agree 100%, but just started your business I don't think it is a good idea unless you are already well set. Debt can make you money for sure.
I understand the temptation to buy new stuff for your business. At the same time, it always feels better to outright own something used that will get the job done than to finance something that becomes another albatross around your neck.
The owner needs to work with his crews in order to be successful. He needs to BE THERE!!!
That’s ridiculous, does Jeff bezos drop off your Amazon packages?
@@parkaveultra93 this is a landscaping company NOT AMAZON! 😂
I'm not in landscaping but this was the best small business crash course I've seen, especially the part about raising prices and growth. Also, focusing on the parts of the business that are the most profitable
Would love some follow up videos for these companies down the road
I work there I can give you the update haha
@@YoungAnticswhat is it ?
It’s gonna take some time to turn around but it’s not too far gone
@@YoungAntics good owner and great employees. Hope everything works out.
I am so thankful you are available to these other business owners. Such a help to them and their staff. It's good for all of us to see these people, and to see you with them. Thank you!
UA-cam algorithm needs to pick this up, ik people of all interests would love this.
I tell all HOA’s who contact me, that I don’t do business with HOA’s. Too much drama and making the payment process strung out.
If you can’t Venmo or Zelle me then I’m not doing business with you.
Wow, I haven't seen Alvirne in such a long time, I guess since I left it in 82. Hudson and Nashua used to be my old stomping grounds.
I actually worked for a landscaping company in Hudson where I eventually progressed until I was driving one of the dump trucks. Today I own my own Dump truck.
This is the definition of; revenue is vanity and profit is sanity…
Can’t believe how much staff and equipment a company with such little revenue is running. Also, Absentee owner when the company isn’t big enough to simply be the chairman with a CEO running the show under you.
I'm really surprised a show like this kept my attention from start to finish. Well done. Great host.
Thank you Mike for your video. It’s very helpful and very educational.
To see other companies on how they react with situations and challenges, that happened to all business owners.
Glad it was helpful!
Any small business would kill to have Michela in admin. She is a serious player even at a young age. There definitely seem to be some good people in the mix here.
This is the side of landscaping they need to see
Is it just me or is the GM better leader and business owner than the actual owner?
Watched this episode twice lol best one yet. He has an amazing team. He’s really lucky to have them
The key to building a successful, profitable small business is to do it in cash. Paying cash for everything takes all the hype and craziness right out you and replaces it with cold logic. You have no choice but to raise prices when you need to save money for new equipment
I had forty eight years in construction, 35 running my own general contracting business. I spent a decade and half wanting to be the cheapest guy and get all the work. What I learned was to not be afraid to ask for the price I need to make a decent living. If I don’t get that job I moved on. I did The work that paid and now retired.
Well, this just popped up in my feed, first time watching, and wow! The information you provided in this video, I'm subscribing!
Awesome! Thank you!
You might not lose a lot of customers right away, but that is just around the corner. 2006, > $5000 quote to remove 3 large oak trees. 1/3/2010 those 3 trees plus 3 tall pines, requiring a crane, $3400, including crane. He is too late. Strike when the iron is hot. I'll tell you how it's going to happen. First most business stops. Even banks are in fear. After a few years, those still left are working, but for a lot less. BTW, their expenses will fall, too. This is being worked on right now. The huge inflation, forced it.
Landscaping companies run way thin margins, it’s easy for a downturn to wreck them especially with wildly varying materials cost
We had to jump into a lot more hardscaping and it was very worth it. We make 3x more then we ever did just doing maintenance
Fantastic video as always! The production of the media team is getting insane! I love those “Borderland” style intros to each of the people in the business. Keep up the great work!
So if Rebecca was manager material for 2 landscape companies...why couldn't she make it work there? Is she a good hire🤔
This is my first video I have watched of Mike Andes. I guess he's like the Gordan Ramsey of landscape companies. It is cool to have someone making content about this. I myself am in the industry.
Yes chef! 😂
Great advice from Mike! Leave the on site stuff to on site staff, focus on core business activites, raise prices and fix the financials.
Mike sitting down to make her feel more comfortable was golden
That's called "hunkering down".
This was such a positive video with so much helpful knowledge for the company. Really enjoyed this clip. Nice to see a business with employees that truly care, just need a little push in the right direction for success.
1m a year is the crap-zone. Too big to be small & too small to be big. Falling between 2 stools. I had a 1m a year business - it sucked. Most 100k a year businesses are better off. 1m is the "Dying zone" where you either get to 10m a year fast or you fail fast.
Jake also talks an aaawfulll lot of vague. Clarity is required.
You can't tell this guy cares so much that he hasn't learned how to be the boss. It's very hard when you grow from working with the crew daily to now the Buisness requires you to be the ceo. The guys who doesn't wear the tools, the guy who's sole focus is to sell jobs and ensure standards are being met. You got this Jake. I believe in your company. Take care of the ones that take care of you. Loyalty is the most important thing in this buisness.
Lol I literally saw a guy riding a hover board/blowing and immediately though INSURANCE haha
I've seen the same thing on a couple of large properties in my area a few times now and always think the same thing. Must be working, though.
Just pointing out the obvious- $674k in revenue in 2023 does NOT equal $1MM company Mike. That’s some serious rounding up.
That was YTD and there was still 4 months left with snow payments
Good note. I’m in finance so I looked for a YTD * on the graphic. When I didn’t see it I thought maybe the owner told you it was $1mm but you found out otherwise. That’s all besides the point. Great video!
I'd like to see some more videos about the Redmond location. Great video.
More to come!
This is the best one of these type of videos yet!
A wheeled bobcat is not 100k lol
That thing is older too. I'm going to guess 40k
Yes they are, just priced a couple..but I'm in Canada so a little more. Everything is going through the roof..
@@martinfarrell5778 my brand new track machine was only 67k with attachments
Right
@@martinfarrell5778 my takeuchi TL8R2 way 67k with a grapple in 2022. The price has went up a little bit and the same setup would now run about 75k
Unreal editing on this video Mike! Well done to the whole team!
Mike I wish you made this video in 2016 I gave up and lost everything when you hit capacity raise prices man I was a idiot now we only do install and I live job to job 😢 I going to start and rebuild build maintenance now you just convinced me
These videos are absolute gold. Thank you so much Mike
Need to get a mower brand that doesn’t overprice their parts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look at Hustler, if you have a dealer nearby anyway. You’ll pay 1/2 for deck belts and several grand less on each mower. BUT Hustler invented the zero turn in 1964!
Or if you like the red colored mower, get a Big Dog Mower… which is a hustler with a different paint job
Pops started in 79 and have had some same accounts 35+ yrs. Town house community 30+ yrs. Alot of people see me and think I'm a mechanic............ Honestly you need to scale WAY WAY WAY back and start with proper maintenance programs. Guess what, most maintenance crews don't need and can't even cover operating costs of brand new truck + equipment. Make them responsible for maintenance of there work equipment.
There is companies that come in and help companies become profitable. Educated people that do that only, make changes in other peoples business's . Without allowing outside help to help you , your chances of success are reduced. Get the help you need and do not be afraid of using it.
Working for HOAs is your first mistake.
Was lucky to be able to get out of that deal with the bobcat
Truly 😅
I could reason with this owner. I rebuilt a business like this in 2018, and it's a tough ordeal. It's a personal dilemma at the end of every day. The veteran is correct about service offerings. No subbing unless it opens the door for something bigger. I get loss leaders, that's your best marketing, but the balance comes down to cash flow. If you can't afford it before payroll is due, you don't do it.
It always seems to be a major ego issue with the ones who are struggling in your videos. I love the content my friend, very professional edit work. Much love 🙏
the 1% profit margin was a great idea, to trigger looks / youtube ad revenue for all the attention that will get
As a 16 year old landscaper in NH who is trying to go, who does a vocational program at alvirne, that highschool you showed. Wish I could’ve met you while you were up here