What does it take to start a successful landscaping business? The answer is probably less than you think! Trevor Kokenge started Plan-It Vision with $300, running it out of his apartment, and in this interview you’ll find out how he did it.
Trevor has a degree in Landscape Architecture, but he was still having trouble finding a good-paying job after graduating. He started picking up side jobs doing landscaping design and maintenance and soon realized he could make much more if he switched to that full-time. Today, Plan-It vision has an average revenue of $22,000 a month, with profit margins up to 33%.
Today, Trevor will share his insights on how to start a landscaping business on a shoestring budget. He’ll share how he spent his initial $300 and what tools and equipment are an absolute must-have. Just as impressive is the fact that Trevor runs his business out of a 12X12-foot shed, and you’ll see how he runs his business within those space constraints. We’ll also talk customer acquisition and the best advertising strategies for a start-up landscaping company.
When he started doing landscaping jobs Trevor was a one-man operation, but he’s since expanded his team to take on more work. He’ll share his tips and strategies for hiring and managing employees, including what systems he uses to keep jobs organized. Whether you’re considering a career in landscaping or looking for tips to run your current business better, you’ll want to hear Trevor’s insights.
Looking for more interviews with landscaping business owners? Check out some of our past videos:
0:00 Intro 0:52 Getting Into The Landscaping Business 1:30 Finding the Right Service for You 2:35 Tricks to Finding Good Employees 3:39 How To Manage Start-Up Costs 4:21 Tips on Offering Landscape Design 5:32 Let’s Talk Numbers 6:43 Profitable Services to Offer 7:49 How Trevor Found His Jobs 8:56 Comparing the Good Months to the Bad 10:04 Appealing to Customers’ Needs 10:48 Tool Must-Haves 12:49 How Plan It Visions Stands Out 13:35 Blitz Time with Trevor! 14:25 Tips on Growing Revenue 15:10 Tools for Beginners 15:42 Why Having Plant Knowledge is Useful 16:39 Tricks to Doubling in Revenue 17:21 Solid Advice for Beginners 17:56 How to Find Customers TODAY 18:34 Space You Need To Start This Business 19:26 THIS is Why You Should Start Your Own Business 20:50 The Benefits of Employees 21:42 How a Degree Can Help You 22:41 How To Avoid These Mistakes 24:04 Overcoming the Biggest Challenges 24:49 Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs
