At Lawn Doctor, the 600-plus-unit national lawn care concept, one of the reasons the brand’s franchisees have such success is because the company ensures they are backed by a comprehensive network of support. The brand is committed to aiding owners with all aspects of the business, starting even before operations begin with an in-depth training course. 

“The week was filled with detailed information and getting to know more about Lawn Doctor and understanding the theme behind the brand, what it stands for and what its goals are,” said Todd Voss, multi-unit owner in Central Texas, who attended the November training and graduation. “The company made sure to provide us with everything we need to feel confident and ready about operations.”

Voss, alongside a dozen new franchise owners and their partners, convened at Lawn Doctor’s New Jersey headquarters in November for a week-long training – one of the company’s largest groups in recent history. Company executives and trainers held detailed sessions on important topics like marketing and agronomics, to equipment and local sales management. Lawn Doctor’s training classes are built to go deep dive into the brand’s model, but also to give new owners a chance to network with staff and each other.

“There was a healthy mix of owners there. Some were new to the business, some were repurchasing franchises and myself, converting an existing fertilization and weed business to a Lawn Doctor,” explained John Perry, who will launch Lawn Doctor of Charleston–Huntington-Ashland in 2023. “Having the collective viewpoints leads to very productive conversations.”

Perry also appreciated the camaraderie formed within the group, saying they can all look to their contemporaries for constant support through launching operations and beyond. 

“It's very beneficial to have a built-in peer group,” Perry said. “One or two years down the road from starting, we’ll be able to reconvene and discuss our progress, work through any growing pains and offer solutions to each other.”

The week of learning and preparing for launch commenced with a graduation ceremony, where each franchisee received a framed certificate marking their accomplishment and had their photo taken in front of Lawn Doctor branded messaging. At the conclusion, CEO Scott Frith offered insight and encouraging words to the new business owners.

“Scott congratulated us and told us that it takes gumption to embark on a journey like this. He applauded us for taking this leap to success with the brand and let us know that we always have the franchisor’s support whenever we need it,” said Gregory Dombrowski, who signed an agreement for Lawn Doctor of McKinney-Allen earlier this year. “Going forward, I know who I can reach out to and get assistance from when needed. It’s apparent that they really provide a great support system, so I left feeling very solid in my decision to take this route.”

Logan and Janel Rogers, owners of Lawn Doctor of Valparaiso-Chesterton-Portage, agreed that the training they underwent gave them the skills and knowledge they need to launch their operations in March. They commended the franchisor for offering unwavering support in getting owners prepared to start their businesses.  

“The Lawn Doctor team really does go out of their way to make sure new franchisees get an answer to every question. The brand is set up very well, with step-by-step processes, and they know exactly what they're doing,” Logan said. “They sincerely care about your success because they know they cannot be successful without yours. Everyone has been great to work with thus far, guiding us, so we feel comfortable leading into the 2023 season.”

Eric Martin, senior vice president of franchise development for Lawn Doctor, said that the session was a great example of how the brand works with owners to ensure they feel more than prepared to start operations in the spring.

“We have built a proven, step by step approach, to get our owners prepared to embark on their new business. Training is step one toward starting the business, and we don’t skip steps or skimp on substance,” Martin said. “By the time they launch, new owners have been through all stages of preparation including software training and on-site coaching visits, they’ve received equipment, and have had ample marketing ramp-up to the spring power window opening”

The startup costs for a Lawn Doctor franchise range from $116,465–$141,815. To learn more about franchising with Lawn Doctor, visit https://lawndoctorfranchise.com/.

ABOUT LAWN DOCTOR:

Since its first franchise in 1967, Lawn Doctor has established itself as a leader in the lawn care services industry through innovative technology, its ability to satisfy the needs of consumers on a national level, and its development and expansion within the industry. Lawn Doctor specializes in treatment and conditioning services, such as fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration and tree and shrub care. The Lawn Doctor brand has hundreds of locally owned and operated franchises and is the #1 ranked lawn care franchise in the United States.