Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Childers.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lance. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I had owned my own business for over 20 years, it was very lucrative, operating in seven states (3 times zones), but at its peak I decided to sell and move forward.
In 2008, I went to work as Director of Security for the Dallas Museum of Art. It was a great job, with great people and decent benefits. I was able to participate in and network with several professional groups, both local and National
After a few years being indoors, however, I realized that I missed being outdoors tremendously. I almost felt imprisoned in the confines of the great walls of the Museum. Sometime in 2013, I started telling my assistant that I’d rather be mowing lawns than trapped indoors all of the time. I started dreaming up names, usually humorous; marketing strategies; and a business plan.
I finally decided on Gringo Green Go-which I find brings a smile to everyone’s face. The brand on my equipment symbolizes my son, Michael, who growing up was always with me. Although we lost him in 2010, he is now still with me everywhere I go, as the logo of the little boy in overalls (he wore them because my father always wore overalls). Always smiling. Always willing to please.
My other influence was my daughter, Kelli, who I am so proud of. Although she was faced with many obstacles and challenges, her tenacity rewarded her with her college degree, although it took ten years to get. Her perseverance has greatly influenced and motivated me. I am pictured in this article, on my way to work in 2015, holding her middle child shortly after her birth.
Although nearing my 60th birthday, in 2014, I announced my resignation at the Museum and boldly moved forward. It was scary, but exciting. Now, this being my third year in business,
In May of this year, I celebrated my 60th, but am still surviving and thriving. I am fortunate enough to have a really good customer base, and outstanding staff. Business is booming and I am very happy with my decision.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not so much on the smooth side. Many challenges along the way, most of them budget related: 1) purchases of the right equipment; 2) finding and keeping the right employees; researching and finding the best advertising opportunities; LOTS of competition; equipment break downs; employees coming and going; challenging North TX weather (rain, rain, rain). You can’t mow when the black ground is wet: grass doesn’t cut well, harder on the equipment, and worst of all LEAVE TRACKS IN THE CUSTOMER’S YARD. Many customers would think, well, just mow the next day. The problem with that is, we have the next day’s schedule full of customers for that day. Big challenge, which usually cost more money in overtime for my employees, or the purchase of additional equipment Most customers did not realize, or hadn’t thought of these things, nor would I expect them to. They just want their lawn mowed.
Also, you may think that mowing a lawn sounds self-explanatory. The fact is, I found that many different people like their lawns mowed at different heights. Different types of grass mows differently, also affected by humidity and topography, and previous mowing.
My crew was even in a bad vehicle accident (no one seriously injured), which totaled a truck, trailer, and one of my big mowers. For a while, I thought I was out of business. There was no way that I had the cash to replace this equipment, and I had no idea how long the lady’s (it was determined to be her fault) insurance would take to make good. Many challenges related to this event, and it came at the peak of a very busy season; yet, we were able to hang on and come through without losing a single customer.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Gringo Green Go specializes in large lawns-one acre or larger. We also have evolved into weed control and fertilization through lawn chemicals. We also do tractor mowing.
We are known as being one of the most consistent and reliable companies of our type in our area. We practice customer service through integrity and work ethics. We are also set apart by our precise work and availability to go travel to sometimes remote areas that other companies won’t do.
What were you like growing up?
I learned work ethics at a young age. My dad was a farmer/rancher. During our peak season (summer), we would often work until midnight. I would be expected to be outside doing chores by 7 the next morning-at which time I would always find that Dad had already left the house at least an hour prior.
Religion was important in our home. Although we would many times work on Sunday, we always took the time to attend services.
Like my dad, my interest was always having my own business. It just seemed like the thing to do.
Contact Info:
- Address: Gringo Green Go Lawn Care
2931 Ridge Rd, Ste. 101-166
Rockwall, TX 75032 - Website: www.gringogreengo.com
- Phone: 469-834-4447
- Email: gringogreengo@yahoo.com
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