From a $500 Start to 80 Lawns a Week: Mitch Rademan’s Lawn Care Story

What would you do if a fire destroyed your lawn care equipment? For Mitch Rademan, owner of Wayne Systems LLC in Jefferson City, Missouri, rebuilding was part of the journey of growing his business. On this episode of the GreenPal Lawn Care Business Growth Show, Mitch shares how he turned a weekend side hustle into a full-time lawn care business with approximately six employees and 65–80 lawns per week. Mitch discusses the lessons he learned from losing equipment in a storage-unit fire, why equipment insurance matters, and how he rebuilt using secondhand tools. He also explains how he prices lawn mowing jobs, plans efficient routes, and attracts customers through word of mouth and social media. Plus, hear his advice for anyone who wants to start a lawn mowing business with just $500—and why having control over your schedule makes entrepreneurship worthwhile. In this episode, you'll learn: How to start a lawn care business on a limited budget What to consider when pricing lawn mowing jobs Why route density affects efficiency and profitability How to recover from unexpected equipment losses Ways to find new lawn care customers without a big marketing budget The rewards and challenges of running your own business About the guest: Mitch Rademan owns Wayne Systems LLC, a lawn care and landscaping business serving Jefferson City, Columbia, and surrounding communities in Missouri. Follow the GreenPal Lawn Care Business Growth Show for real stories and practical advice on building a profitable lawn care business.