Key Lessons from Mike Andes on Everything from Lawn Care to Business Success

The way Mike went from cutting lawns when he was 11 years old to building a successful business is truly inspiring. Here are the key points of their conversation, along with steps that people who want to start their own business can take right now.

Key Points

Early Years and Schooling

To save money for college, Mike Andes began cutting grass when he was only eleven years old. He started schooling at age 13 and wants to become a doctor. But after an event that changed his life in Africa, he decided that he wasn't cut out to be a doctor. He chose to focus on his yard care business instead, which he had been running with his brother part-time.

Start a full-time business

At age 18, Mike quit medical school and started working full-time at Augusta Lawn Care. Initially, he worked alone, but he quickly hired his first worker. In just a few years, the business grew a lot and was making around $200,000 a year.

The Road to Franchising

After a near-fatal accident, Mike realized that the business was relying too much on him. That's when he had the idea for franchising. He started making courses and material online to help other landscapers, which led to the idea of franchising. He opened the first ten franchises five years ago. The goal for Augusta Lawn Care today is to hit 1,000 places.

Pay-for-performance (P4P)

The Pay for Performance (P4P) model is one of Mike's most important business accomplishments. The goals of the business are aligned with the incentives of the employees. This method makes sure that hard work and efficiency are rewarded. Using the P4P model has helped cut down on callbacks and make workers happier with their jobs overall.

Pay Attention to the Right Things

At different times of the business, Mike stresses how important it is to focus on the right parts of it. As an example, the owner should focus on labor from $0 to $200,000 in sales. While the amount goes from $200,000 to $800,000, the attention should shift to management. When the business makes more than $800,000, the owner should become a planner and focus on strategy and growth.

Steps to Take

1. Start a system of pay based on performance

If you have a service-based business, you might want to use a P4P method. This plan not only gives workers a reason to do a good job, but it also makes sure that their goals are in line with those of the business. In your quotes, you can start by breaking down the prices of labor and materials. Then, you can give your employees a share of the money you make from their work.

2. Pay attention to the right part of your business

Figuring out what stage your business is in will help you focus on the right jobs. When you first start out, you should focus on labor and getting the work done quickly. As your business grows, you should focus on managing your team and then on long-term planning and progress.

3. Learn from other people

Mike's story shows how important it is to learn from other people. Always look for information and advice from people who have been through what you're going through, whether it's through online classes, books, or interviews. Mike learned a lot from franchises like Anytime Fitness, which helped him set up the franchise setup for Augusta Lawn Care.

In conclusion

Mike Andes' story shows how important it is to work hard, think strategically, and keep learning. You can get your business off to a good start by using a P4P method, focusing on the right stage of your business, and learning from other people. You can use these rules to help your lawn care business or any other service business grow and do well.

Resources

Website: https://www.mikeandes.com/

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@MikeAndes/videosername

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themikeandes/ame

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/themikeandes/name

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mikeandes?lang=enUsername

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