Looking to scale, need advice
Hello, I am just seeking advice, I am a one man crew (with 1-2 helpers when available) for Lawn care, Parging & Snow removal (all insured). I am getting a large quantity of calls, bookings & deposits. But how can a sole proprietor scale up from me, to a crew of 5 and pay $25 an hour and be able to keep them working for months, or years to come? I cant see the "vision" of how to achieve that, sure I can get more clients. But its definitely tough with the massive undercuts of prices. Just some friendly advice will do, thanks all! Matt539Views6likes13CommentsJobber Summit is BACK for its 5th year! 🎉
Registration is open for Jobber Summit, the ultimate professional development event for home service pros on March 5, 2025! 👉 Claim your spot now! Here’s what you can expect: Proven advice from industry leaders Build connections with live networking Attend when it works best for you All online and completely free 👉 Claim your spot now! What are you most excited about for Jobber Summit!?624Views6likes5CommentsReal Talk: The Ups and Downs of Running a Business
Let’s start a real conversation — no filters, no fluff. What’s it really been like running your business? I’m talking about the mistakes that taught you lessons, the wins that made it all feel worth it, the burnout you didn’t expect, and the goals that keep you going even on the tough days. Whether you’re just starting or deep in the game, your story can inspire someone else (and maybe theirs will help you too). Drop your honest take below 👇 Let’s build something real — together.50Views5likes3Comments🌟 Feeling burnt out? You aren’t alone. Let's share, vent, & connect with Ask an Expert guest, Chanique Stewart 🌟
34% of entrepreneurs experience burnout—and home service pros are no exception! As a business coach and entrepreneurship influencer for over four years, I’m dedicated to helping other business owners succeed personally and professionally. 🚀 From Dec. 11 - 17, I want to use this opportunity to spark discussions about your experience with burnout. What strategies work or don’t work for you? Need feedback on your planning strategies and daily habits? Let’s create a realistic balance between your health and your work together. 🙌1.3KViews5likes27CommentsFranchising Your Home Service Company
Playing in the 'major leagues' is not as hard you might think. Have you ever wondered how national brands grow & dominate their spaces? Franchising your home service company is a tremendous way to limit risk, add new revenue, grow with other people's money, give employees a REAL track of growth to dominate your space. I started using jobber in 2013 for my window cleaning company. I franchised it in 2020 and sold 13 locations in Ut, Az, Kansas & the midwest. (Now they all use Jobber) I'm obsessed with helping others do the same. Did you know that Home Service Franchises are the #1 most sought after franchise concept? It's true. I used to make fun of Fish Window Cleaning & other brands because their services were "sub-par" in my eyes. However - I realized, that just doesn't matter because the franchisor (Fish Corporate) has 350 locations & makes tens of millions, so who's really laughing? If you've ever thought about franchising your business this is the discussion for you!539Views4likes7CommentsBusiness books
Anyone care to share recommendations for good business books. I have a couple Markup and profit a contractor's guide - Mike Stone (without a doubt the best book on contractor financial math and lots of other good stuff) Profitable Sales a contractor's guide - same author as above: (really comprehensive books on construction and construction related sales) Playing to win - A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin: the best book on business strategy I've ever read, goes from high level concepts right down to nuts and bolts of creating a strategy with a team effectively. One of the authors is the CEO of Proctor and Gamble who oversaw their rise to the absolute market juggernaut it is today. Unfortunately most of the examples involve mega-corporations as this is the experience of the authors but the concepts are just as applicable to small business and everything in between The 7 Power contractor - Al Levy: also really great book with a lot of practical advise. Breaks down the 7-powers of an effective contractor, best practices within each of them and how to put it all into action. Clockwork - Mike Michalowicz: great book on the practical side of business operations, how to develop your business to be able to operate without you Essential reading for contractors, the order above is just how I wrote them down. In my opinion, the order of reading/study would be 1,4,2,5,3 at least that's what seems most logical to me from my experience with these books and contracting.373Views4likes6CommentsWhat Podcasts Are You Hooked On Right Now?
Let’s be honest—when you’re driving between jobs, grinding away solo, or just trying to unwind after a long day, podcasts are clutch. I’ve been on the hunt for something new lately, and figured I’d throw it out there—what podcasts are you listening to that actually fire you up, teach you something, or just help you zone out and reset? Could be trades-related, mindset, money, business, or even total random entertainment. I don’t care if it’s about tools or true crime—if it’s good, drop it. Always looking to stack the playlist. What’s in your rotation?585Views4likes15Comments1 more crew isn't going to build your Empire
Its a new year --- My guess is you're thinking about expanding by adding more crews... yes? It's a good goal but not the right one. This approach leads to increased headaches, higher costs, and more frustration. "If I could just find the perfect employee I'd be golden" - I hear it almost every day. If you're serious about winning without piling on loads of risk, franchising is the way. The Pitfalls of Adding More Crews Adding more crews means more equipment, more training, and more management. You're multiplying your responsibilities and expenses. Coordinating multiple teams can become a logistical nightmare, and maintaining consistent service quality across the board is a constant challenge. Plus, all the financial risk falls on you! Franchising: The Smarter Path to National Expansion Franchising lets you grow your brand by partnering with independent entrepreneurs who invest their own money to operate under your name. This strategy allows you to break into new markets without draining your own resources. Why Franchising Works Shared Risk: Franchisees put their own skin in the game, sharing the financial burden and reducing your exposure. Driven Operators: Franchisees are highly motivated to succeed because they own their slice of the business. This often leads to better performance compared to hired managers. Rapid Market Entry: Franchising enables you to enter multiple markets at once, leveraging local knowledge and connections for faster growth. Cost Efficiency: A larger franchise network can lead to bulk purchasing and shared marketing efforts, boosting profitability for everyone involved. Making Franchising Work for You To successfully franchise your business: Prove Your Model: Ensure your business is profitable and can be replicated. Train Thoroughly: Provide comprehensive training to maintain consistent quality across all locations. Offer Ongoing Support: Be there for your franchisees with marketing, operations, and management assistance. Protect Your Brand: Implement strict quality control to maintain your brand's reputation. In short, adding more crews might seem like a path to growth, but it's fraught with challenges and risks. Franchising offers a smarter, more efficient way to expand nationally without overextending yourself. By partnering with motivated franchisees, you can build a national presence and achieve the growth you're aiming for. Think bigger this year. Franchise your business to build an empire. I've done it myself. You can do it too!201Views4likes3Comments