Testimonials

John Davy - TruGreen Northumberland & Carlisle

"Prior to buying my TruGreen franchise, I was General Manager for a major motor retailer and based in the North East.The fact that I had been involved in motor retailing for over 30 years was a significant factor in my decision to become self employed, as I could not envisage a further 10 or more years doing a job which was failing to deliver personal satisfaction any longer.

"The prospect of "doing it for myself" was highly motivating and I always felt that with a management background heavily biased towards sales, all the ingredients were there and given the right franchise opportunity, my future success was more likely.

"One of the main reasons for deciding on a Professional Lawn care business, was that I have always had a keen interest in all things horticultural and having carried out in depth research into the basis of this particular programme, I knew it was the right route to go down, offering me an opportunity to grow my own business from scratch in a region that I knew had serious potential.

"I am into my second year now and the only regret I have, is that I did not decide to do this 10 years earlier! The old adage "you get out of something what you put into it" is especially true when you work for yourself, but there is a greater feeling of satisfaction knowing that what has been achieved is really down to your own efforts entirely. I work hard, but always make time to enjoy my golf, because in my opinion, the ability to be "flexible" with your working hours is a key element of self employment.

"Working outdoors has to be one of the major benefits of this franchise and I do get to work in some stunning gardens and in all weathers, but I think that just adds to the appeal for me, perhaps getting a bit closer to nature through all the seasons offerings!

"Professional back-up and support are a fundamental requirement and reason for taking on a franchise in the first place and I am never short of either, with a telephone conversation, email response or personal visit from a member of the network management team being an integral part of the �package�.However, the level of involvement from ServiceMaster is not over bearing, which is very important to me, given that it is after all my business to grow and develop, but I do value them as a resource to tap into as and when I need it.

"Even at this early stage in the life of my business, the results are encouraging and the next major decision I look forward to taking at some point in the future will be how I implement the extra resources required to meet the increasing demand for my services."

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Bob Anderson - TruGreen West Yorkshire

"After thirty years running a textile business and being seriously ill, I decided, in 2004, to look for pastures new - something that would provide a good living but which I could really enjoy.

"I had always been my own boss and didn't want to change that so I went to the franchise show at the N.E.C. to have a look around.

"I had always been a keen gardener so the TruGreen stand caught my eye. The people seemed very friendly and helpful and I came home with all the literature.

"My wife was unsettled in her job and we decided that this was some thing we could do together. We went on the two-week training course and came away equipped to start, full of enthusiasm and some trepidation.

"The business has built over the following four years and has fulfilled our hopes and expectations. We enjoy our work, have made friends with many of our new customers and enjoy a high degree of job satisfaction.

"The support we have received from our fellow franchisees and from Servicemaster has been superb and we have never regretted our decision to take on the TruGreen franchise for West Yorkshire."

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Tony Lawrence - TruGreen Hertfordshire

"In finding an advert for lawn-care franchise TruGreen in a national newspaper, I had unwittingly found the future business that I would run together with my son.

"When I saw the opportunity it immediately grabbed my attention In fact, I had no intention at the time of looking to invest in a franchise, but the TruGreen concept really interested me.

"At the time, I was working in financial services and my son was about to finish his A-levels: My son has always wanted to work outdoors It was something that was very important to him, so I thought that this would be brilliant opportunity for him to start his working life.

"After speaking to the TruGreen, we found the business concept appealed even further and our Hertfordshire business was launched in 2004.

"My son received plentiful and comprehensive training. There was a lot to take in but it covered everything from marketing plans to banking to product knowledge to lawn-care itself. With an effective initial marketing campaign, I was delighted when work started coming in straight away. However, the business started to grow quickly and was going so well that I decided to join my son in running the business.

"I was planning to wind down my career but the TruGreen business was going from strength to strength. Taking on a behind the scenes role in their home based business, I left my son to do what he loves - getting outside to do his work while meeting new people everyday, Whilst enjoying our independence and ability to work on our own terms.

"I also benefit from Trugreen's continual support: They give us good advice and are always there at the end of the phone should we need them. Now advertising in the local press, as well as sponsoring a youth golf tournament, Tony is positive that the business will continue its success.

"The business benefits from a very high level of customer referrals and this is only going to get better. With Tony�s younger son planning to work with them in the near future, their TruGreen franchise is turning into a real family business."