Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Conti.
Zachary, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Both my business partner and I worked for a landscape company starting in 2011. We both had zero experience and I was hired in sales and he was hired to as a crew foreman. At the time, I was 19 and he was 23 or 24 so we both lacked experience. While working for this company we noticed many deficiencies and lack of customer service and it was frustrating as I would sell the work/designs and then my business partner would be assigned to the project. The client was normally always satisfied but when it came to warranty concerns and follow up service that company was horrible. Clients normally would end up disgruntled because they could not get anyone back out there to fix problems they were having after the initial install. It is normal in this industry to have punch list items that crop up after the install but it is unacceptable to not take care of those concerns. After about two years we left that company and I went to work for a family business and my business partner left to go work for another landscape company.
Over the course of the following year, we communicated and decided we should start our own landscape company. We are both young, lots of energy and had a good eye for landscape, pool and outdoor living design. So end of 2014 we got together and made a business plan. We only had about $3500 saved up. Not really much to start a business endeavor. We also took out a $17,000 loan from my business partners Dad to buy one truck and trailer. I also sold my car and got a second truck and trailer so we could start off the business with two trucks. From day one we began knocking doors and pounding pavement but it was not long until we landed several jobs and had over $100,000 of projects that needed to be done in the next month from our door to door sales. This is all within the first 45 days of starting. From that point on, its been reinvesting money to grow our business. We bought additional truck and trailer and a sales vehicle after we did those jobs and within 6 months had an office and .5-acre yard. Now here we are and its been since March of 2015 since we started. We have 8 Trucks, 8 trailers, A skid steer, a 2000 sq. ft. office, 1-acre yard and currently we are putting together a showroom from customers. We have 24 employees including me and my business partner as we are active in day to day operations and sales. We have 9-10 projects going on simultaneously and we are currently pursing large commercial projects as we continue to grow. We revenued $1.1 Mil in 2015, then $2.1 Mil in 2016 and this year we should finish $3.2-$3.7 mil. Sales are increasing as we reinvest money into equipment, employees and advertising/marketing strategy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been pretty smooth. I would say our biggest struggle has been trying to grow so fast we take on too much with the current employees and equipment we have. We are eager to be successful and have a top company in DFW or even Texas. We are learning to slow down, take a deep breath and look at the fine details. Sometimes we get carried away selling projects and winning contracts that we do not look at other areas of our business that need improvement. We are implementing software, accounting and other systems to help us grow long term and not stunt our growth.
Clients First Landscape Solutions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a full design/build/install landscape company. We do not provide any lawn maintenance services. Our only maintenance service is a seasonal package where we keep your landscape looking perfect with fresh mulch, seasonal flowers and trimming/weeding of flower beds. We are known for our awesome landscape design and installation experience. We have salaried crew drivers who run our projects and work with the home owners to deliver the final product. We have skilled stone masons and carpenters who build amazing outdoor kitchens and Arbors. Our company is a one stop shop as you can call us to design your pool, outdoor living space and to put in all your landscaping. Its a convenience for the client as they can work with one contractor while they get their projects done. We are most proud of our commitment to quality of work and responsiveness. Our reputation online and throughout the community speaks for itself because not only is the product good but when our Clients have problems we handle them face on. When they have concerns we listen. I would say our professionalism and responsive is the big game changer.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
On a personal level its reaching new levels of business. As an entrepreneur, I live through my business. I think once I reach a certain level in this industry I will pursue other industries. For now, the definition of success is making it on the Top 100 grossing landscape companies in DFW. That means reaching revenues of $15 million or more. That is how I currently define my success. I live and breathe my business and both my business partner and I are passionate about our company.
Pricing:
- $2500 Project Minimum
- Average pool construction start at $45,000
- A full outdoor kitchen with patio cover starts at $30,000
- A full landscape renovation can range from $10,000-$200,000
Contact Info:
- Address: 521 J Pl. Suite A
- Website: www.cflandscapes.com
- Phone: 469-531-9071
- Email: sales@cflandscapes.com
- Instagram: clientsfirstlandscapesolutions
Image Credit:
Bill Young Photography
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