<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=598808433589178&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
    Blog_Hero.jpg

    THe GREEn insider

    Thoughts from a Lawn Care Business Owner on the Spin Off of TruGreen

    Posted by: Robert Palmer on November 20, 2013

    Rob Palmer Owner Weed ProThe recent news regarding TruGreen Lawn Care being spun off from its parent company ServiceMaster may have an impact for thousands of homeowners throughout Ohio.  Service Masters decision announced with its third quarter earnings report, showed TruGreen’s financial performance has continued to decline over the last several years.  While the announcement came as a surprise, the most intriguing part of the announcement is that it will happen by December 31, 2013.  No specific reasons were provided, but most observers believe there may be more changes in the near future.

    How Might This Affect Trugreen Customers?

    Considering TruGreen, based in Memphis, Tennessee, has many branches in Ohio and serves thousands of customers in the Buckeye State.  While most lawn applications have concluded for this year as we enter the winter season, the questions remain what changes may occur over the next several months.  Because of the seasonality of the business, Spring application do not begin until March, but like most lawn care companies, customers are offered pre-pay discounts for paying for services in advance.  It’s quite possible this may have a serious impact on TruGreen’s ability to collect advanced cash in lieu of uncertainty.  Moreover, it is possible that restructuring may occur and branches maybe relocated or merged to reduce overhead and this can have a huge impact on their ability to serve the customers. 

    These Thoughts Are My Own

    In full disclosure, I own a small lawn care company in Ohio, Weed Pro, and compete against TruGreen every day.  Having been in business for 13 years and previously selling lawn care supplies to other lawn care companies, TruGreen has always been the largest lawn care company in the world so this news sent shock waves across our Industry.  No matter your opinion of the service they provide, the sheer size and scale of an organization like TruGreen absorbing the challenge they now face is humbling for all business owners.

    The Lessons The Green Industry Should Take Away

    The lessons we should all take from this news is to take stock in the values and service we offer our customers every day.  Focus on meeting and exceeding customer’s expectations and the financials will take care of themselves. 


    Robert Palmer
     
    is the founder and owner of Weed Pro Lawn Care. Since opening in 2001, Weed Pro Lawn Care has become one of the nation’s leading lawn care companies. A respected leader in both the local community & industry, Rob has received many industry awards, including receiving one of Lawn & Landscapes 2013 Leadership Awards. Additionally, Rob is a regular contributor to the Weed Pro Blog, and other industry magazines and blogs. 

    Rob on Google+     Rob on LinkedIn     Rob on Twitter 
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Robert Palmer

    As the owner and president of Weed Pro, Rob Palmer is committed to helping Ohio properties look and feel their best. With years of experience in the field and a passion for helping property owners, he offers useful lawn care insight and advice on the Weed Pro blog.

    Save 33% On a Lawn Care Package

    SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL

    Stay Up-to-Date with All of Our Lawn Care Insights & Company News

    POPULAR POSTS

    CTA_Strip_Bg.jpg
    Ebook-1.png
    LATEST RESOURCE

    Lawn Care Company Hiring Guide

    How should you compare lawn care companies? We'll walk you through step-by-step of what you need to look for when hiring a lawn care company.

    Get Your FREE Quote!

    Looking for a price estimate on your lawn? Fill out the form below to receive a free quote.