While many 20–year–olds are wondering how to spend their summer vacations, one young man decided to invest in himself. With only $400 dollars and a good idea, he developed a business that earned him $150,000 in just one summer. If you want to launch your own venture, his story may motivate you.
What type of business did he start?
It all started with a very common yet often overlooked business: lawn care. This young entrepreneur chose to focus on a specific niche – cleaning yards, clearing out overgrown areas, and basic lawn maintenance. Yard work is one of those services that almost everyone needs but few have the time or desire to do themselves. It’s one of the most accessible ways to start a small business in the U.S.
Here’s why lawn care is such a great option for a small business:
- Low startup cost: The only major expenses are basic lawn tools, gas, and possibly transportation.
- High demand: Most homeowners need yard maintenance, especially during the spring and summer months.
- Flexible hours: You can work around your schedule, making it a great option for students or those balancing another job.
How did he make $150,000 in one summer?
The key to his success was not just hard work but smart work. He did not just mow lawns – he expanded his services by offering additional tasks like trimming trees, clearing out large debris, and pressure washing. By diversifying his services, he was able to charge higher rates and appeal to a broader customer base.
He also:
- Advertised locally: Using flyers, word of mouth, and social media to reach nearby neighborhoods.
- Focused on customer service: Building relationships with clients led to repeat business and referrals.
- Hired help when needed: As the demand grew, he brought on friends to assist, allowing him to take on more jobs without sacrificing quality.
How much can you earn from lawn care?
Lawn care businesses can be highly profitable, especially in suburban areas where homeowners are willing to pay for convenience. While starting with just $400, this entrepreneur was able to scale his business to earn over $150,000 in one summer. It’s not uncommon for successful lawn care businesses to make between $50,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on the location, services offered, and number of employees.
What challenges did he face?
No business is without challenges, and this young entrepreneur faced his fair share. One of the biggest hurdles was learning how to manage a growing business. With more clients came more responsibility, and scaling up meant hiring more workers, scheduling jobs efficiently, and maintaining quality control.
Here are a few other challenges he faced:
- Weather-related delays: Rainy days could sometimes force him to reschedule jobs, which meant staying flexible.
- Managing customer expectations: Some clients expected miracles for low prices, so it was important for him to set clear expectations from the start.
- Learning to delegate: As the business grew, he had to learn how to trust others to do the work while maintaining his high standards.
How can you start a similar business?
If you are inspired by this story and want to start a lawn care business yourself, it’s easier than you might think. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Invest in basic equipment: You don’t need much to begin – just a lawnmower, trimmer, blower, and possibly a truck or trailer for transportation.
- Set competitive rates: Check what others in your area are charging and set your prices accordingly. Start with lower rates to build a customer base, then gradually increase as your reputation grows.
- Advertise locally: Print flyers, use neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, or advertise on social media. You can even go door-to-door offering your services.
- Focus on customer satisfaction: Make sure every customer is happy with your work, and ask for referrals. Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful tools for growing a small business.
Why is lawn care so popular in the U.S.?
One of the major factors contributing to the growth of lawn care businesses in the United States is that lawn care services are sought after by the majority of house owners. However, not everyone has the time or the tools to do it themselves, which leads to a persistent need for services. Whether it’s a small residential lawn or a large commercial property, those ready to put in some work and earn for rendering quality service can always find work with endless possibilities.
This 20-year-old’s success story is just one of many that illustrate the potential growth of a very simple business concept. With a little cash and a lot of hard work, it is possible to establish a money making venture and one can even become as successful at it.
This experience is based on the true story of Jacob Shaidle, from Ontario, Canada.
