Case Study - Kevin and Sue

In 2007, having spent many years in the Hotel and Pub industry, we decided that it was time to make a change to our pressurised lifestyle.  However, we were unsure exactly what we wanted to do when an article in a national newspaper on franchising caught our eye. This form of owning your own business was a new concept to us and we therefore decided to investigate further.

During our research we looked at various franchise opportunities in a very diverse market but were drawn to one that involved garden maintenance and lawn mowing. The idea of an outdoor lifestyle was attractive but the financial outlay seemed very high for the return anticipated. Having learnt a lot more on the fundamentals of franchises, we decided that we would just end up competing with anyone who owned a lawnmower, so abandoned the idea.

At this time, our pub beer garden was being looked after by LawnTender. Their regular treatments and services had improved the quality of the grass enormously, allowing it to take the knocks of very busy summer seasons with ease. Looking at their franchise opportunity compared to others and seeing that lawn care was differentiated from general garden maintenance, we decided that a lawn care franchise with LawnTender was the right road for us to go down.

After being accepted as franchisees, we received excellent training from LawnTender in all aspects of the business and also in the actual setting up of the franchise. The training involved many days of intensive “in the field” tuition, detailing the technical aspects of lawns and lawn care activities and equipment. It also included a three day course at a local agricultural college in order to gain the necessary qualifications and licence needed to dispense the various weed killers, fungicide and insecticides that we use. 

It also involved help and advice on setting up the office, accountancy and general business administration which was thorough and invaluable. This help and support continues should any problems arise or advice needed.

Now, three years on, we are running a successful and profitable business. It’s hard work, challenging and yet very rewarding. We have developed a large and regular customer data base. However, we cannot afford to be complacent, so when time permits, it is spent leaflet dropping and attending local shows in order to promote our business and attract new customers.

Being franchisees we still have equally long days, but with greater satisfaction and less stress, plus a lifestyle in the fresh air. Taking on a LawnTender franchise was definitely a positive move for us and we would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves at a crossroads in their life