[Smokey]

I first started when I was 15 and didn't want a McDonalds job ha ha. Been in it 8 years and loving it I'm only a spring chicken most of you guys have been in the game for longer than I've been alive ha ha

[crocster]

I've had 3 spells mowing - 82-87, 2002-2005 and 2015-

 

biggest advances I've seen have been in my type of work would be petrol blowers and self drive mowers - when I first started there was a Rover Super 4 53cm which had a pair of spring loaded driving dogs that dropped onto the rear wheels - never owned one tho - 25 year old legs - now I wouldn't be without a SP for most jobs - likewise the blower - I don't remember if we used to broom off hard surfaces or not - probably just ran the mower over them as best we could.

 

Overall I'm enjoying this spell most of all - I do it part time so don't have the pressure of trying to build an empire - and very satisfying to see the finished result after years of trying to look after computers - cash is nice too

[TXL]

1980 

Only used self propelled mowers from day one which has carried me the distance

[Lucky]

my 3rd year in as my only income. Its just started to come together.

Damn..time does get away.. 

 

Its still just coming together..lol

[john22]

My story is a little different, I grew up on acreage and got my first job at 14 part time at the local mower shop. Worked part time untill the end of school then did 4 years working on small engines. Ended up downing tools and managing a store looking after sales and spare parts. Worked is a few other management roles and even was a crane operator for two years. I started full time in 1998, I guess I had a head start being around outdoor power equipment and having the tickets and experience when I started. I have known contrators all my life, when I started I was lucky enough to be given 25 clients by a fellow who's equipment I repaired. It would be hard starting now without any help or clients to begin with. I'm always so pleased to read members storys here and how they built up a good business quicky. Very good clients are the key to success, they get you through the hard times and pay what the job is worth. Bad clients make you hate your job and either they go or you go back to working for the man.

[plucka]

Started full time just over 1 year ago, was part time a few months before that while working my other job.  Worked 25 years sitting on my arse in IT before that so it's been quite a change.   The business took off better than I hoped and I have a enough clients now to be working average 6 hours a day/8 mows a day, which I think is a good number for me.  Already started weeding out any bad clients, my goal for this year is to have all "blue ribbon" clients only and to reduce my service area to within a 2km radius.

[Mattie]

Smart move plucka , keep it tight area and premium customers

[AndoTheMando]

I quit my Job as a trucker for 20 years..  and I severed and apprenticeship as a plumber 

  

I don't necessarily like mowing lawns all day, but I love the lifestyle that comes with it...  I love being my own boss

Don't think I have worked more than a 4 day week since I stopped driving

 

So far have been doing this Gig for 7 months and I love it

[biggles]

This is my 2nd stint the first being 1987-1990 in Sydney

 

Started again in 2016 in Brissy. Really enjoyable working for myself. The key as many have suggested is quality clients in a small radius of your home.

[Fred]

Started my gardeners apprenticeship in 78 & been in the game ever since, pretty sad hey ?
Oh well, plenty has changed over the years, back in the day, turning on a tranny meant something else, & so it goes !

Cheers Fred.

[CGAHS]

Started my gardeners apprenticeship in 78 & been in the game ever since, pretty sad hey ?
Oh well, plenty has changed over the years, back in the day, turning on a tranny meant something else, & so it goes !

Cheers Fred.

got 4 years on me ya old bugger

[scorpNZ]

I may as well join in dredging up a really old thread

18 years as self employed. Previous to this i was 2 years as a mowing employee. 20 years all up mowing