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Spring-Green Lawn Care CEO Tom Hofer grew up on a farm in Peoria county, Ill. Befitting his midwestern roots, he’s a practical man. As the Plainfield, Ill.-based lawn care company celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, Hofer will take a moment to enjoy a slice of cake, but that’s about it. There’s too much work to be done.
That’s because Spring-Green – one of the top five lawn and tree-care companies nationwide – has quietly been solidifying its reputation as America’s neighborhood lawn-care provider.
In an industry where slow and steady growth is the norm, Spring-Green has been busier than a patch of backyard grass sprouting after a warm spring shower. The company has enjoyed an average of eight percent growth annually since its founding in 1977 – it was almost 11 percent in 2006 – and systemwide revenue has increased 45 percent during the last five years alone.
With systemwide sales of just over $26 million in 2006, Spring-Green is climbing toward the company’s long-term goal of becoming a $100 million franchise system; a status Hofer says can be reached in about 15 years if the growth rate of the last several years is maintained.
“Homeowners are desperately seeking a professional, local alternative to large, national companies,” Hofer said. “Spring-Green Lawn Care fills that niche and we believe our strength is that local connection to the communities we serve.”
It’s understandable that such a bright future has the 60-year-old Hofer anticipating tomorrow as much as he has enjoyed the past since joining Spring-Green as its third franchisee shortly after the company’s founding. A former Navy pilot, Hofer was named company president in 1987.
“I don’t want to dismiss the past, but I certainly don’t want to be sitting around talking about the good old days,” Hofer said. “Let’s recognize that time, but we really need to give all our attention to the future.”
Spring-Green has 114 franchises operating in 24 states. Eleven franchises were added in 2006 and 15 more are expected to be added in 2007. The environment for growth couldn’t be any better for Spring-Green, its franchisees and customers. Many homeowners are seeking professional, locally owned alternatives to national lawn care companies.
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