The typical image of a green industry business owner is likely a man. However, a growing number of female owned lawn care business entrepreneurs are successfully breaking into the traditionally male-dominated industry.
The lawn care industry has long been perceived as a man's world, with physical labor and operation of heavy equipment seen as better suited to male workers.
However, women are increasingly challenging these outdated notions and carving out their own place in the field.
From solo operations to larger companies with multiple crews, female owned lawn care business entrepreneurs are sprouting up across the country.
In this article, you’ll discover:
Whether you’re a new or established female owned lawn care business, or you want to know how to support female entrepreneurs, this article will tell you everything you need to know.
Did you know, female entrepreneurs have gone up 48%? That outpaces male entrepreneurs by over 20%.
Women entrepreneurs have grown 48% YoY (i.e. year-over-year), which exceeds men entrepreneurs by 22%.
In addition, even though women between 25-34 remain the largest group of female entrepreneurs, there’s still strong growth among these age groups as well:
Plus, there are several factors driving the uptick in the realm of female owned lawn care business:
The lawn care industry has relatively low barriers to entry, making it an attractive option for women looking to start their own businesses.
With some basic equipment and skills, it's possible to begin servicing residential lawns and grow from there.
Owning a lawn care business can offer freedom and flexibility that's appealing to anyone wanting to balance a career and personal life.
The ability to set one's own schedule is a major draw for many entrepreneurs looking for a more flexible work environment on their own terms.
Many people are drawn to working outdoors and helping to beautify their communities through lawn care and landscaping.
As more women enter the field, it inspires others to see lawn care as a viable career path.
While female entrepreneurship is an emerging trend, it still makes up a small sector of the green industry space.
In 2020, an estimated 9.86% of landscapers are women, which is a jump from 2014 when it was 8.43%.
This slowly emerging growth in female owned lawn care businesses encourages others to take part in the green industry.
Since the green industry is still mostly male dominated, it provides a unique branding opportunity for any female owned lawn care business.
While opportunities are growing, female owned lawn care business entrepreneurs still face some unique challenges:
Lawn care can be physically taxing work. Depending on their stature, some women may need to find creative solutions or build strong teams to handle the more labor-intensive tasks.
Some leads and clients may be skeptical of a woman's ability to handle lawn care. Educating clients and proving competence through quality work is key.
Industry events and supplier relationships have traditionally catered to men, requiring women to actively build their own professional networks.
Much lawn care equipment is designed with the average male body in mind, potentially requiring adaptations for female users.
As with anyone running a solo operation, extra precautions to ensure personal safety are crucial if you end up working alone.
If you're a woman considering entering the lawn care industry, here are some tips to help you succeed:
As with anyone starting a new business, it’s crucial to become an industry expert. Then, you can use this knowledge to build confidence, credibility, and a local reputation for being the best.
Take a look at a few simple ways you can become the leading industry expert in your area:
Begin with basic services like mowing. Then, gradually expand your offerings as you gain clients, experience, and capital.
Reliable, well-maintained equipment is crucial for any lawn care business trying to maintain efficiency and professionalism.
These are a few essential pieces of equipment to get started:
Connect with other women and fellow entrepreneurs in the industry through social media groups and professional associations.
Here are a few professional networks to consider joining:
Whether it's superior customer service, attention to detail, or eco-friendly practices, identify what sets your lawn care business apart from the competition.
As a female owned lawn care business, you have a unique leg up against the competition.
Making your female owned lawn care business a piece of your branding will help you to establish a unique reputation in your area.
In turn, you can help challenge stereotypes and attract clients who value diversity.
In order to prioritize safety, it’s important to invest in proper PPE (i.e. personal protective equipment) and develop safety protocols for yourself and any employees.
For example, these are a few basic PPE items you’ll need to invest into:
Specializing in areas like organic lawn care or xeriscaping can help differentiate your business from others.
As a result, you’ll be able to further solidify your unique niche against other local lawn care businesses to maintain long-term success.
Choosing the best lawn care software allows you to streamline your business with:
Service Autopilot allows you to put your daily tasks on autopilot while ensuring your long-term scalability and maximum profitability.
Instant invoicing
Better scheduling
Manage your clients and employees all in one system
The rise of female owned lawn care businesses has begun to diversify and change the shape of the green industry.
This new generation of female business owners is increasing the visibility of women in lawn care, which also inspires a new wave of entrepreneurs.
Plus, the influx of women-owned businesses may drive changes in equipment design, with more ergonomic and adaptable tools being developed to suit a wider range of users.
While challenges remain, the growing presence of women in lawn care is a positive trend that benefits the entire industry with fresh perspectives and passion for the work.
Whether you're a woman considering starting a lawn care business or you want to support female entrepreneurship, it's clear that female owned lawn care businesses are here to stay—and they're helping to make our world a little bit greener, one lawn at a time.
Related: Empowering Your Team Through Technology and Empathy: Lessons from Libby DeLucien
Originally published Aug 14, 2024 11:35 AM CT
Tags: Business Operation, Featured Post
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