Thanks Everyone For The Support!

I once had a customer who said to me i dont like your answer i am calling your office and talk to the boss! I said ok give me 15 minutes to get home so i can talk to you :)

I had a customer from hell once. I agreed to mow an old ladies grass for only $20. It took about 15 minutes and I did the trimming with a weed eater. She was elderly and had no one else to help her. I mowed each week and did a fine job. She was a long time customer. After a few years she started to complain that her neighbor got her lawn mowed and only got charged $15. She thought $15 was more than fair. She tried to use the excuse that "$20 is a lot of money, I am on a fixed income and that's $80 a month". I was polite and told her that the $20 she gave me paid for my gasoline, string for my trimmer and vehicle to go to and from her home. I continued to mow but it got to the point that every time I mowed and got paid she constantly complained that the $20 was a lot of money and she could get it mowed for $15. Finally, I got sick and tired of her shit and told her to just go ahead and have someone else cut it and I was not going to come there anymore and mow her grass. She said "you could lower your price" and I said "I am not going to do that". She said "I think you are taking advantage of me". I told her "You said you could get it done for $15 so go ahead and do it. I don't like your attitude and I will not be coming back next week since you won't shut up about it". She said "don't you get smart with me!, I'll call your mother". I said "go ahead grandma but i'm still not cutting your grass anymore!".

If it don't feel right it ain't right. Think you did the right thing. GOD WILL PROVIDE! just do the right thing. Have a ton of respect yall guys..well n gals included lol. You do things the right way. As you stated..hard to come by now days. Truth be told it is. I was raised the same way. Need more people like you spreading the good morals. Don't forget where you come from. Many people do. Greatly enjoy the vids the honesty..and how you take viewers along for the ride. Truly shows what type of person you are man. Thanks for the content and thanks for being a stand up guy. Keep doing what ya do.

Something to keep in mind before taking on those large commercial accounts and being on contract with is that if a big nor’easter storm hits especially in March or April where you could get 2-4 feet of wet heavy snow that a pickup truck won’t even begin to push you have to know you can get a front loader in there quickly to move that snow according to contract. I think that doing residential driveways and maybe a few small parking lots would be more manageable. Guys that own excavation companies have no trouble with large accounts when a freaky big storm hits.they have the toys. Just sayin

My brother had a business like yours. Landscaping in warm weather and snowplowing in winter. As he got older, he got really tired of going out in the cold weather. In the mid 90s we had 2 record snow winters. He charged by the inch for the plowing. He made so much money in those 2 years that when someone offered to buy him out, he sold the plowing route. He then used the winter to rebuild his equipment and saved a lot on his equipment expenses for the landscaping business and he got to take a vacation in the winter. I think that you made the right decision. Merry Christmas

We do 80% residential and 20% commercial. Yep...you’re right always take care of those long time residential customers 💯

Don't really know how i got to your channel but i did. I have been a small business owner now for over 20yrs and a very successful one at that. Even tho our businesses are a 180 degrees apart its still business. In short you probably just made one of the most important decision in your life. Its your regular customers that made you what you are today and its your regular customers that will keep you and your family fed. Its carrying on that pride and those principals that our fathers taught us when we were young. My word or a simple handshake is like a written contract and all my customers know it. I never forgot in business where i came from. Those large contracts come and go with the wind. A slight fall in the economy or a bad business decision and they shut their doors leaving you high and dry and sometimes owning you several thousands of dollars. That company will call you back one day when they need your service because that's what they do. Also remember in life when one door closes another door opens. Your on the right track keep it heading that way and you will sleep good at night. Have A Merry Christmas Spencer Lawn Care

I think that you did right too. I use to plow driveways with my 4x4 quad in Nevada. I had 1 customer that complained because I did not go to the exact edge on his driveway. I was within 2 inches, and I did not want to hit his lawn sprinkler system. He also wanted me to put the snow into the street. I told him that it was illegal to do that. He did not care. I dropped him! I had another that had a very steep driveway. I always plowed him out first because he could not even get out with his 4x4 if I didn't. he was usually there to pay me, but once we had several storm systems one after the other, and I was always missing him. I did not even know that he knew my address, but he sent me a check for 4 times that I had already plowed him out, plus prepaid for 2 more times. One good customer is worth many poor customers. I hate people that think that just because you do work for them, that they own you.

Takes a long time to establish a good reputation, and 5 minutes to ruin it, you made the right decision.

I just want to say good for you, my friend!! I have a lawn care business myself and have also done some soul searching this past winter. I had been trying to keep customers at the same pay as when i first started in business and just couldnt. I also sat with my trimmer queen!! Lol and discussed things and decided that i would have to change my prices. Ive been mowing most my accounts over ten years.....with no increase even though my overhead has jumped around 50 grand. I have lost about half of my commercial accounts, as we kind of figured would happen, due to being able to find other companies who can do it cheaper than me, but after paying out almost double of what i brought in, i knew something had to change. Making a big decision about being mr nice guy, an keeping prices the same wasnt easy, but keeping a business making a profit is what the game is all about. Good luck in your business plans for the future.

It's good that you bought a new truck. The first week I bought a used truck/plow it cost me about about $500 for new brakes and few other things. $1000 for new tires, $100+ for alignment, $100+ for muffler, $200+ for alternator and belt, $20 for wipers, etc, etc. Now I'm looking at $100+ to change plow fluid, $100+ for new plow hoses, and $350 for squeak from air conditioner pulley, $100+ for a spark plugs/tune up.

Years ago I was doing lawns as a side service, one couple who lived in county wanted me to come twice a month to mow and trim. We settled on a price, then on in the season they told me when I came out to only come once a month or less on as called basis because grass was not growing as fast. On top they wanted me to "trim" in the tree line as well. So a month goes by and they call, grass is way high, trimming is over run, I spent most the day getting it back in shape and they had gone out of town. All this cost me more fuel, more wear and tear on equipment - basically had to mow the yard twice because it was so high - and way more time. When I went to get paid they only wanted to pay the price for one week instead of the every two week deal and nothing for the extra trimming. Their "reasoning" was I only came once in five weeks so only paying for one time. I explained that even though it was one time that it took the same hours, actually more, as coming every two weeks. While we were discussing it on my next time out, a man and his son show up with equipment walking the yard and talking to the other home owner while I'm mowing. I was told the man and son would do it cheaper and would I come down on price. I walked away having lost to much time and money already.

You made the right decision brother. Sacrificing the clientele you already have for one client, is a no no for me.

When my 3 brothers and me started our business in 1975 we built quite a client base. Then one day we were offered a big deal like you and we went with it. Our hand shake meant something to us however, their lawyers and greed meant more to them. They snookered us into signing a contract that of course we didn't show to our attorney and we got it shoved so far up our a___ we never dealt with the big guys again and we were way better off for it! Good luck!

Man I really needed this. I own a business that is not a franchise, but an affiliate with a larger company. Within the last year another affiliate has moved into our territory and my repeated requests to the parent company have gone unheeded. I was told a great many things, but when the rubber met the road it all changed. After some amount of prayer my wife and I have decided to let it all go. Three years I've been a spokesperson for their product/service and felt I was being boxed in. Other areas I had been marketing in could have been taken as well after lots of input. I just wasn't willing to allow a newbie to walz in and capitalize off my hard work. I was the only person who was actively marketing for them. Without me, none of the new affiliates will succeed unless they learn to pick up the ball and market, but I doubt it. The stress and aggravation just aren't worth it. It's good to see people doing the right thing. Some people really need their lawns taken care of. A business can find someone else. Good on ya!

👍👍 up to you. You stuck to what made your buisness to what it is today. You also stuck to your values. Highest respect to that from me. World needs more people with those values.

I've NEVER been able to figure out what the draw to commercial accounts is in lawn care. Using basic math, vs. the REASON I'd say the bulk of us quit our jobs and are even DOING lawn care for, a commercial account or two out of the entirety of our clientele would be more than enough and ONLY as long as it's beneficial for US! I never look for work, have gone from a small ad campaign to almost hoping the phone never rings again! And ENJOY every day I go to work, a smile on my face, and a great outlook on life I'd like to keep it that way. Keep your $100k accounts. I think you're stretching the truth to start with.

My family has owned Brookside Nursery and Garden Center in SW Michigan since my grandpa started in 1958, We have done small residential accounts to large commercial accounts and balancing your time,your crew's time and the account's expectations can be very difficult at times. The worst is when a crew would pull back into the yard with a dump truck full of tree trimmings or a trailer full of trash when their route that day was just a simple in and out. I'd ask,what the heck is all this? Then I'd be told how the owner or the commercial property manager had our guys cut a tree down or haul of trash/debris from a recent renovation simply because we had the truck,the gear and the crew. But when Id go ask the owner/manager about it and submit a bill,they would say it's part of the contract,or they would say,it was only a little extra work... We all know..Time IS money. The time that truck is running,or tractor or a crew is working..IS money. So after being burned numerous times,we had rules put in place for all our crews and we also explained it to our customers. Rule was. If the job calls for leaf removal and priced as such,the crew is there to do leaf removal and that IS all. Any requested work by an owner or manager to one of the crew,must be called in to the shop for us to determine a course of action. Then the owner would be called and told what we would do or not do. The crew had a strict policy to follow or risk write ups,because if they are working extra and we are paying them and no one is paying us,its a big problem. When you are in business as long as our family business has been,you can kind of pick and choose who you work for but it is difficult to balance all the needs of the customers while maintaining your bottom line. Every customer thinks their needs should be first on top of the list. With contracts,we got 1/3 down before we even touched the yard. We would put in wording on weather related delays or even wording about an unexpected increase in growth of said lawn which would require more time put into maintaining or increased amount of times being at that lawn in a week. You have to cover your butt. The big contract sound like winning the lottery but 10 small contracts may end up better in the long run and cause you less stress. Great video and keep up the great work,it will put you where you want to be.

Keep to your guns, you made the right decision. I had a commercial account about 5 years ago with a local business. The account was to clear the parking area and sidewalks. We had terrible storms come through that literally lasted for months. Not a big deal. Things didn't go wrong until the business owner called me one Saturday night and said the shipping side of his business was snowed in. Normally, all of his shipping docks and routes were heated in the pavement to keep them clear. Something in the heating system broke so no snow was melting. They would not be able to fix the breakdown until the spring so he asked me to expand our arrangement. I told him I would just charge him an hourly rate for the extra work so we wouldn't have to modify the contract. Big mistake. I had a bobcat tied up at his business every other night for 2 hours per night for 2 months. The bill added up quickly. At the end of the season, I sent him the invoice. He refused to pay the extra on the grounds that I should have consulted with him every time before I cleared with the bobcat. After talking with my lawyer, I just wrote it off as a loss on taxes and dropped his contract for failure to pay. My story has a silver lining, the next year he couldn't find anybody to do the work so he called me back. I took the contract back, but made him pay what he owed me and increased my rates by 15%. What all of this taught me was make your contracts cover every contingency. If its not in writing, you have nothing. Good luck.

You are very wise for a young man. Also, admitting you made a mistake is EVERYTHING. I always told my sons, "Making a mistake is not the end of the world. We all make mistakes. The question is....how do you respond to adversity." Do u just give up....or make the same mistake over and over....or do you take a hard look in the mirror and fix the issue? You watch, down the road, they will come back to you. Paying "as needed" sounds great when not snowing.....or when a guy says he will do,it for a super low price. But, after he does it twice....the third time they REALLY are counting on him because there was a blizzard....and then he says, "gee...this job is a lot harder than i thought....i know i to.d you low price, but we dont have a contract.....so now i am going to need my low price x 20 = $$$$....oh yes....and i will need that in cash.....lol

I turn down a lot too! For me. nothing more than five miles away because it cost $10.00 gas to get there, using 4x4 and on snowy roads.

I watched this video multiple times, just because you have helped me understand so much about how hard decision making can be when it involves corporate accounts, versus homeowner accounts. You have built your business by being an honest, and fair priced owner, keep up your great work, keep inspiring all of us to do better, and never just accept just doing what we have to get by, reach for the stars. Hoping you and your family have a very Merry Christmas, and Happiest of New Years

Your prior clients, even if they are smaller paying accounts make up your bread and butter bro. You did the correct thing by declining that potential client's offer to do their business. You never ever want to throw all your eggs in one basket with one large clients account when it puts your pre-existing clients accounts in risk of dropping your services and looking for a new vender to replace your services. Again, lesson learned and you almost allowed yourself to cut off your noise to despite your face in the long run, just happy your realized what you would had eventually cost yourself in the long run my friend. Best wishes to you and your future endeavors.

Any time a big account can't keep there help it because they don't pay,I only had problems with people who had money.they will screw you over in a heart beat.

I did something similar, it was £30,000 of a job that I could have cut corners on to do, and possibly effect the waterproofing of a buildings' foundation in the process, the owner is a property developer and buys and sells, they said "when its sold it's not our problem" I said ok but that's not how we run our business, our reputation would cost us more than £30k and possibly open legal grounds to be sued in the future if the house flooded, I'd only just gone full time with the business as well since being part time and my truck driving full time saving uo for 3 years to go full time, it was so so hard to turn down such a huge ammount of money, but there is always a bigger better job round the corner, if we build off of a rock foundation our house still stands! I love that parable 👍🏻

Your contract should have a total amount of snow covered under the contract. Like a total of 35" anything over that goes back to " per push"

Money cannot repair a reputation. I think you made a wise decision. If you do a great job a customer will tell 2 to 4 people at most. If some thinks you did them wrong, i/e a bad job, they will go out of their way to tell 10 to 20 people, especially with the internet today. Keeping your current customers happy, ones that you have on retention, you will grow your business and they will stick with you in the long run. New business, especially commercial business are looking to save money any way they can so if someone comes along at a cheaper price loyalty will mean less to them. I had an IT / computer sales and repair business for years and my most loyal customers were the individual and 5 employees or less customers I pick up in the first 3 years of starting my business. If I quoted a price I stuck with that price even if my cost was more. I was like you where my word of mouth and my hand shake was my bond. I was constantly adding customers and adding employees. I pray you add business. Business owners like you are not the norm today. Good luck and God Bless!

With seasonal commercial snow removal contracts, it is usually a 3 year deal. So bad winters (for either the customer or snow removal contractor) averages out the "good" winters. If you structure your 1 year seasonal contract to protect you on the really heavy snow winters, do you also have clauses in there to protect the customer if you get a really low snow year?

Do not want all your eggs in one basket! Good decision. Slow and steady wins the race.

when you make these decisions just make sure you're not rationalizing your way out of stepping up to the plate and doing what needs to be done. All I'm saying is don't let this scenario solidify a mindset that takes money away in the future. If you want to create more than just a job for yourself, you will have to make sacrifices. ask yourself...Did I start this business to create a job for myself or did I start this business to be in business? If you choose the later, then develop the business acumen it takes. It is possible that if you made the sacrifices and kept that account and did what it took to run your business successfully no matter what, that you may have broken through to a higher level of business. Its a great learning experience and take the knowledge of it to the next guy and get the contract. Hell or high water and you'll be a wiser and better man for it.

I own a small auto repair shop with 4 mechanics on commission. I also have an account with a small pest control company. That has 8 trucks I keep running and maintained. I made sure I factored in unexpected repairs to these vehicles when I originally proposed the contract. So if my costs go over what was originally proposed. That's on me, that's not the customers problem. I do the same thing with non commercial vehicles. When I give them a price for repairs I let them know exactly what needs to be repaired. And the amount of money it's going to be. If I misdiagnose or over look something. That's on me, not on my mechanics or the customer. I'm not going to pile on repair costs just because I have to do a little more work than originally proposed. Yes, I lose a little money here and there from time to time. But my shop stays full, and I have several customers that will not take their vehicles anywhere else but to my shop.

I think you made a good and well thought out decision. True, it takes money to survive, to pay for bills and expenses, but at the same time, you don't need to be a puppet on a string for them as well, just for the cash. I like and respect how you thought this out. It's really a juggling and balancing act when it comes to business. I ask Him all of the time to help me make the right decisions. Merry Christmas to you, the Mrs, family and your business into 2019 and beyond!

The Lord can not fill a closed fist. I wouldn't even have gone through a lengthy explanation as to why you're dropping their account. All I do is text them or call them and tell them I'm sorry I can't help you any longer,,, thank you have a nice day. They are the first ones to drop you like a hot rock and not give you an explanation for anything so tit for tat. I have a 5-star rated business, and the reason I have a 5-star rated businesses is because I don't deal with cheap people or people that try to dictate how I should run my business on their terms. Always remember that our business is just that, our business. when we start letting customers dictate how we run our business that's when the failure occurs. My ball my rules.... Don't like it, go get somebody else so I can make room for more high-quality customers.

I think you made the right decision, big accounts aren't all that they're cracked up to be. Plus you have to look at it like this too...it's a 40k contract on paper but in the end what will it be, could only turn out to be a 2k contract at the end of the year and assuming all the liability, materials and the labor at this place might only bring you peanuts/hour. I don't know about you but I certainly don't need the practice!

good decision...I've been caught in exactly the same circumstances....its always a commercial account that does this...don't get caught plowing every other day for four or five months and paying your expenses out of your pocket.....nobody can predict how harsh a winter can be...I guarantee you that account will have a hard time keeping a reliable plow company....they will end up getting poor service in bad winters...you don't want customers who put you behind the eight ball from the start of winter....they may even call you back for a serious sit down....keep your level of service high for all your accounts.....word of mouth is the best reference.....

Customer base and customer loyalty are the foundation of a good business operation. There are other ways to operate, constant stream of new accounts, and high turnover - not for me. Climb the mountain, build a solid customer base and also cement your place within the community. That's what a real business does. Good on ya dude, you are gaining wisdom. :)

As a contractor myself i respect your decision to obviously take care of who got you there. What i disagree with however is not playing hardball back. They want YOUR services, not the other way around. You should have left option open for them. NEVER completely close door unless they are just complete trouble, and your gut will tell you that. Its all a game. If you knew they probably would not have agreed as you stated, i wouldve jacked the number even higher. They hire someone else who then looses their butt or fails and the company comes crawling back to you, and now you are making even more as well as being in complete control. You can also get creative with your contracts for all snow customers. “In normal conditions this is how it works, and these are the these are the services provided.” “In abnormal conditions this is what you should expect.” You explain to them that you are NOT a weatherman and you just cant do a 1 contract fits all. You have to be able to protect yourself for a much worse winter than normal. Most customers can and will respect that position if explained properly and politely. Your buddy losing $50K is exactly why. I just will never agree with completely closing the door. That business will NEVER come back to you, which also means they will never recommend you either, and word of mouth is the best advertisement there is.

Never forget where you came from. I'm in the same boat. Your regulars will get you more work. Well said. stay true!

I have a grew of three, four plow trucks.one for a spare. A Bobcat, and an old pay-loader. We do mostly commercial properties. Run about 40 tons of salt per. season. I can’t get one of my employees in at the proper times in the early hours of a dusting or for a plow run. I have a large quote that has to be submitted by the 15 of September 2019. The young man knows his stuff. Here it comes... But, he’s out at night goofing off. He’s been with me forever. He might grow up I bitt.

That's how it goes in a weather related business, I am in a weather related business and you have to take the good weather with the bad. Your banking on a mild winter to make money and to me that's risky for the customer. If its a bad winter it's risky for you, there should be no risk involved. Somebody is getting screwed and that is not good business. I think a pay as you go plan is what is fair for both sides. One thing I have learned in business is big accounts can be a major pain in the ass, the moneys good sure but if they stiff you its bad. Having numerous little accounts is always to me a better situation, you can pick and choose and if you get stiffed you can absorb it, it is never good to have an account bigger than your company, by that I mean one that can put you out of business. I am in the Golf business if it rains they don't come and we had a ton of rain last year and I suffered, but that is the way it goes if we have a mild winter I will get it back.

For Snowplowing I used to only do residential. Now I have grown and I only do my residential when it’s done snowing. While it’s snowing and business hours I focus on my commercial clients

Sometimes you just got to go with your gut and make the right decision, which I believe you did. Keep your head up another door will definitely open for y'all. Much blessings bro!

Good work man. I think you made the right decision! Its hard to turn down a huge paycheck but what if it ended up that they were unhappy or what have you and in turn you lost that account and the others you put off. I imagine this went through your head. You guys are a honest hard working family and you have integrity which shows in these situations. Keep up the good work! I also changed my youtube name to my business name :D Took me a minute to figure it out lol. Maybe someday ill start recording my lawncare journey. Merry Xmas

Shawn and Trimmer Queen... I believe you made the right decision for your current situation. It looks like virtually everyone below agrees. It is amazing, and just as Proverbs says, "in the multitude of counselors there is safety".

"All I have in this world is my balls and my word,and I don't break em for no one.'' -----------Tony Montana

Props to sticking to your guns and believing in your yourself and decision. That said, I feel like you just hit a huge growth opportunity and missed. If it's truly 40k gross, I'd be picking up a used truck and hiring. Granted help is a struggle, but growing pains are a PAIN. Every time we buy or add, it's a pain, but you can keep growing and hiring. Maybe run that second truck in summer, add additional services, etc. You limit yourself to an extent not taking these options on. We have a couple seasons to the tune of 30k, but fought to get them and adjusted trucks/equipment accordingly that made sense for all year stuff. I feel you on this, just a gut feeling you should have signed up and worked through it to grow, potentially

I did service plumbing but i preferred dealing with people not boards of people. Let the commercial guys handle the big work. The offices need you to run and act fast, but when you need an ok for a price, we'll put before the board in 2 weeks. My side is you wanted the services today, i probably rescheduled someone else to service them but now i have to wait and many times i never even met the person making the decision.. It's not for me.

Your head is in the right spot sir. Never bite the hand that feeds. Everything happens for a reason, watch out for number one and don't step in number two!!! Happy holidays.

I can respect that. Thinking about starting a simple lawn care and snow removal here in Wisconsin. Thanks for your videos and honesty.

Option number two add50% to whatever you were going to do it for resubmit the bid on the per plow bases just in case nobody else bids then you can sub it out to somebody that has the equipment to do it.

Sounds like you made the right decision. Money is not everything. Keeping what you have and giving them the best you have counts for more than you know. Other accounts will come, and go, and working at what you have established already is the right thing. Hats off to you and your wife for not chasing the money. Todd from behrlawn (Illinois).

Exactly, loyal customers deserve the most respect, and should be a priority. Money is great, but not everything in life.

Grow at your pace there snow removal company left them in panic mode your at your comfort zone spencer

I know about handshake accounts. I have done contracts like that in the past years ago. One customer I had for 22 years got a new CEO and he terminated with me because I did not have a written contract and refused to accept a written one. I'm in entirely different line of work than you are, but the concept is still the same. Any more to cover your butt you have to think of every little contingency that could possibly happen and put it in a contract. I'm now retirement age and getting ready to hang it up cuz I'm over screwing with this crap.

Long term vs new.. In general I take care of my long term.. But some exceptions apply.. Being a one man show time to time I get customers who want way too much for the money they pay me. So as a replacement pops up they are gone.. About one a year over the last 10 years.. But none this year .. Plus big job over a bunch of little ones that pay well.. I like feeling in control.. The odds of 10-20 people not paying vs one large account.. Been screwed over in my previous business by more than 20 Grand from a "large" account.. I swear that will NEVER happen again..

I owned a portable toilet company from 2005 to 2011. I had a large contract with a power company out of Chicago and I supplied around 100 plus toilets throughout the year. In emergencies, I had to deliver toilets when they had water issues at their nuclear plant. They had a Marina that I had to pump a holding tank when it filled up when they called at any time in the summer. They kept me afloat during the winter months when the seasonal toilets weren't out. They came first. I dropped most of my seasonal rentals because their demands were high and they're payments were always late. Other contractors would bid so low that you would almost have to give them away and I was not going to lose money. The money looks good on paper at times but when you win the bid and do it for a summer you realize you losing money. Stick to the customers who pay on time and are not demanding. Keep your business where you can afford to say no to that customer who doesn't appreciate the service you give. I sold it and will never own a business again.

Congratulations for learning the valuable lesson many failed businesses didnt learn....There IS business we can ALL afford to miss. Bravo!

Here in NY my auto insurance wanted $10k a year for commercial plow insurance. What a joke, commercial jobs not always worth the trouble. And then there is the liability issue....if someone slips and falls in the parking lot or sidewalk you can be sued.

That's awesome that you didn't sell out your present customers and those who've been with you guys through the thick and the thin over the years. Great job! 😎👍 And ya know what? You're right, God will provide bc you are treating ppl right and not treating them like they are paychecks for you and that's all. Once again The Golden Rule prevails. ☝️😊 And who knows, maybe some of those ppl already have connections with the bigger accounts that pay more. Here's a idea: make up a survey sheet asking ppl what you can do better and/or need help on and where you do very well. Like a number rating system like the doctor or ER give you. Then leave some blank area or let them know (and have it written on the sheet) that they can write whatever on the back and give it back to you. And maybe this can make your business thrive better where others lack. But have a question or two that allude to AND one simple question like this. Do you have any leads on new jobs or prospective clients for me to contact? These are the types of jobs that I'm looking for. (Then list them) But if you say "...or that you will contact for me." They might not and most likely will not ever get around to do it bc they either forget or just let it slip to the wayside bc it's not THEIR bread and butter that's being addressed there. Just food for thought. (Another pun, sheesh!) It's worth a shot brother. And what could it hurt? I think that it could only help you guys and your business. And maybe it'll help you now and during the years to come. And way down the road when you may consider selling your business, if you plan on retiring, a bigger business commands more money than a smaller one that hasn't been worked up there yet. Like it's said: "Work smarter, not harder". 😉😁 Being open to "change" gives you more room to grow, brother. And sometimes changing perspective (like utilizing the results of your customers point of views from the survey) let's you see things that you would ordinarily or do miss often or always.

Good decision, apart from the moral side of looking after your customers who got you where you are, its risky to build your business on one big client. What would happen if they dumped you. I find it easier to have lots of smaller customers than a few big ones. Its messier when I want to do price rises and holidays, but its more financially secure and less stressful when I lose one. And yes, the money isnt everything. The minute it becomes your main priority, it becomes the unachievable goal and leads to never being satisfied.

I hate contracts when it comes to Lawn Care because one side always makes out and the other side always loses..... usually the side that makes out is always the landscaper.. what happens when someone pays you for a seasonal contract for snow plowing and it hardly snows? do they get any money back ? More than likely not which is why I hate contracts if there's not a lot of snow they don't get any money back but if there's a bunch of snow the contractor wants more money then. It only works one way most of the time..... with that said good luck and i hope one day you have a big ass garage couple trucks couple trailers in a couple Crews to send out and all you have to do is play customer service and get to just sit back and finally relax a lil

If you made the deal ALREADY then because someone told you that you had made a bad deal you try to renegotiate during a snow storm? Seems if it was you who where making the ultimatum IMO

Awesome point . All money isn't good money. Always respect and never forget where you came from. Peace and Blessings

Your decision proves you are a smart business Man, you made the wright decision , go with your GUT FEELING its always wright you will get there, it takes time to grow. Next year you might be ready to take them as a customer or not; you might have better accounts by then and wont need them, build the foundation solid and it will stand forever. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS

Amen brother. People don't realize that there is an emotional turmoil that takes place when it comes to doing a good job for customers. I spoke with a friend who runs a wild animal control business and he always gets asked what the worst animal to deal with is, to that his response is " the human being". People can be horrible to deal with . It really hurts when you get taken advantage of by people you go to church with. Profit is not a bad word

I usually try to subtly ask "What happened with the other guy?"... If their answer is anything like "He died.. He's sick... It's too far for him.. I don't know he just stopped coming..." -every worst client ever... Ever. Worst. Good job!!

Great video. You and your wife are what the world needs more of. Stand up for what you know is right.

Good decision for this season, there’s always next year, just need to make sure you can handle the amount of work, not to mention bulk salt this year in Ohio and the Midwest is crazy expensive

8:04 powerful words. Verbal contracts are for people with clean hearts and good intentions. Lowering a conversation to a written paper contract is a must but it has no value without the good character of both parties.

Sounds like snow removal is bs head ache. I think I would save back enough Durning the year of lowning and leaf removal to not do snow. I do salt and sanding in a big truck on the hwys I can't see my self doing it at all for anyone

The profit margins on commercial accounts is much smaller than residential accounts. You keep talking about "making this $45K" well your actually talking about grossing $45K not MAKING $45K. You could easily ended up not making any profit just handling money. I have owned and ran several businesses in my life. You hear of the 80/20 rule. The top 20% of your customers gross 80% of your total. This is amazingly true. The trouble is that 80% usually does not generate 80% of your profit. You will make a higher margin on the lower volume customers. I have found weeding out the low margin customers, regardless of size, makes life better. You can end up making about the same net/profit and work much less. So you can then focus on growing the profitable side of your business not the volume side.

Money is not everything in this world!!! Yes, it is nice to make great money. However, I believe that this point in your life you have made a great decision and along with that will also come peace of mind and soul that will change your life. It may not be tomorrow or the next day, but your time will come because of this. I also believe having that huge contract would have put a stress in your life because you wanted to be true to your other customers. Health is what keeps you going as I found out after 911 and found myself losing a 28 year career with an engineering company. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will prosper.

I had a county approach me to do their mowing last year. It would have been lucrative but it would have been my main priority. Same as you current customers would have been on the back burner so I had to decline like you did. Never looked back. I see those guys out in the rain, late at night on weekends too that’s not for me.

I’m glad you stuck to you’re guns you have to take care of the costumers who have taken care of you they made you who and what you are today, great call on getting back to your roots 👍👊

Man! I'm so proud of you!!! We desperately need more people like you!!! Very impressive!! Proud of your declaration of faith as well!!! You're an amazing young man! Keep up the good work!!!

There needs to be more contractors like you those days. Of course you care about the money. But the reputation of your business with the clients you have now is more important. Very wise decision. Thank you for the update. Good luck this winter may that white money treat you good this season.

The Commercial sounds like they are real poker player, I am glad you got advice from someone else experience👍it great to have that in job. Mmmm don’t beat yourself about priorities with customers who comes first or last👍 you made right decision, if commercial had any sense they would come on board with open n honestly setup knowing what works for both parties so no one losers out.

My personal opinion- commercials aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. My first year deep into snow removal I had 2 commercials and they both ended being nothing but a headache. Actually had to go to small claims with 1 of them... Good move, I probably would have done the same. And you’re right, just throw all your other accounts to the birds cause this 1 is a “big one”. Nah.. That’s not how I do business either..

Good choice plus if your truck breaks or plow breaks what would you do on a big account like that. Good luck from Abf junk removal and lawn care in Toledo ,ohio

Your handshake and your word will allow the $ to find you.

I own my own welding business...That's the only way to be is old school..and to treat the one's that got you where you are today the best...good luck man...

Always smart to build in contingencies for the work. Some people will put out a description of work that is super heavy on the labor or equipment...but oddly light on the payment. I try to steer clear of that kind of customer if they can't be more reasonable once they are educated on the labor, time involved, equipment, and costs to do the work.

Bravo. Your word is your bond. You did the right thing. I owned a cleaning company and i had 163 employees. I did this for 10 years with a handshake. I turned 50 10 years ago and retired now that im 60 and look back i can hold my head high. Its all about the quality and service. Its just that simple. Well done

You need a lot more information besides it's a 40,000$ account. How many men are used, how much equipment, fuel costs, salt, hours spent. 40g could be 2 storms.

shaun good decision. that account was most likely too big for your small company right now. once you get things really going and figure out what you can really handle things will fall in place. once you get a bit bigger and maybe get another truck and plow on board then start taking bigger and bigger accounts.

I had a manager that decided against doing a contract for the season and pay per visit. Then he got upset because we were not a priority, I told him that was because he dropped the seasonal contract and those other customers who had a seasonal account prepaid were now priority. It was his decision and a bad one at that, because workers at our site were complaining about how poor the snow removal now was.

If the customer wanted to take advantage of you. You can't go broke being nice...Just how business works. He wants to make a profit. At your expense... I turn away many a customer for the same reason. I can always make money. I can't get time back that is wasted. As I tell them. You want cheap. Hire Mexican Bob.. You want it done right the first time. Then it cost you more... Nobody works for free..

It’s nice hearing that and you’re absolutely right all money isn’t good money. My little lawn business just got 76 accounts for 13k a month it’s just me and my one employee. I think I’m doing this right. Is 100 accounts too much for a guy? I can do Roughly 23 of them solo in a day. I’d like to be at 15k a month. I’m 30 years old and I just want my business to succeed.

Ok. What about putting on extra help to service that 40G account. ?

I think your gut told you that this was not going to be a good relationship with this customer. Right to end it before it begins IMO. Nice to have younger old school people around with good god given values. good for you and stay strong. the work will come. Merry Christmas

You made the correct choice. In my 40 years of retail/customer experience I saw many successful small businesses put under by large accounts. Must always take care of what got you there.

All right I have been plowing for over 35 years in Buffalo New York so I know snow. I have learned to get my price and make it worth my while. If you are not happy with the account and price you will be pissed off every time you plow it and it is a crappy feeling. My biggest customer I have been plowing since 1991 and they're loyal to me so I kiss their backside because of it. I could be getting more money from them but I don't care because of their loyalty. My millionaire snowplowing friend sez "pigs get fatter hogs get slaughtered'. So go slow and steady.

Same here odd ball weather is giving the leaf season more time

Spencer keep your customers that helped you start taken care of, word of mouth travels quick.I took over a complex contract 4+ years ago that got me into landscaping. That complex trumps over anything else I pick up including my property! Within those 4 yrs if something else needs done at the complex they ask me if I want the extra work, I just completed pressure washing the complex and it paid off my company. I also have 15 residences that I keep happy, that is where I keep it for now.

Our leaves are under a foot of snow, had snow since nov15-20..

You made a tough, but wise choice. It's not a paycheck, until it's in your pocket.

“Money is numbers and numbers never end. If it takes money to be happy, your search for happiness will never end.” - Bob Marley -

I LEARNED ALONG TIME AGO THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO WIN THEM ALL! 1. YOU CAN CHARGE A PREMIUM PRICE FOR A PREMIUM JOB. 2 DON’T EVER DO A HACK JOB EVEN FOR A HACK JOB (PEOPLE ARE WATCHING) 3. DRIVE A CLEAN OLDER TRUCK SO FOLKS DON’T GET THE IDEA THAT YOU CHARGE TOO MUCH JUST TO PAY FOR YOUR LUXURY STUFF. 4 CHANGE YOUR OIL, CHANGE YOUR OIL, CHANGE YOUR OIL, 5 5 PAY TAXES ON WHAT YOU MAKE, 6

there just aren't enough thumbs up on the internet to give you for your service to the customer attitude. You sir have renewed my faith in human kind to show that money isn't everything and that your word to another is more important than a dollar. Well done, well done.:)