I started renting a Nutri-Lawn franchise in 1992. I built it up to be the 2nd largest fertilizing and chemical application service in Simcoe County.
This is what my trucks like when I was a franchisee.
Long story…I decided to stop operating under that logo so the trucks went “vanilla” briefly in 1998.
Then I put my customers into a new image (Lawn Depot) for 3 years.
Only 3 ways to get out of franchise:
- abandon it (leave all sunk and actual investments for the next guy),
- sell it (with the franchisor’s approval) to the next franchisee or franchisor or
- go independent (just say no).
Lessons learned from franchised to independent business:
- kept 95% of my residential customers/sales,
- achieved 115% of commercial business,
- customers buy services from people they know and trust (logo on the truck is useless in 99% of Tier 2 franchises),
- started Ontario’s 1st purchasing co-op for lawn care operators, and
- dropped 20% of my fertilizer, chemical costs.
I added lawn sprinkler service and installation in 1994. I continue today to serve these customers.
Profitably, with one spouse and without having to lie to support my family.
Glen my next-door neighbour said I went Nutri-Gone.
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