Starting a lawn care business comes with challenges, but with the right support, products, and technology, it can also be a deeply rewarding venture. Chris Griffin, owner of CG Turfcare, shared his journey of growth with the help of Spraye CRM and Harrell’s. Below, we capture his insights and experiences, offering valuable lessons for lawn care businesses striving to scale and improve their operations.

From New Business to Fertilization Expert

Chris’s journey into lawn care began after his retirement from a different field. He decided to turn his passion for working outdoors into a business focused initially on mowing and basic lawn maintenance. However, as his customer base grew, he noticed increased demand for specialized services like fertilization and weed control. He knew he needed both training and the right products to elevate his offerings and chose Harrell’s as his trusted supplier.

“I started to grow my business focusing on weed control, fertilization, aeration, and overseeding,” Chris said. “I felt like I needed guidance to refine my skills and improve my craft, so I reached out to Harrell’s. My representative was extremely knowledgeable, took the time to educate me, and helped me feel supported. This partnership made a significant difference as I transitioned into more specialized services.”

The Impact of High-Quality Products

Chris highlighted the importance of using reliable products that consistently deliver results. Harrell’s products stood out for him, not only because of their quality but because of the results they helped deliver.

“For me, the way I measure the value of these products is through the results I get on my clients’ properties. When customers tell me, ‘My yard has never looked better,’ I know I’m doing something right. The high-quality products from Harrell’s have allowed me to grow my reputation within my community—starting with just a few lawns and expanding to serve over 60 homes in one neighborhood.”

Using POLYON® controlled-release fertilizers from Harrell’s has also made a big difference in how Chris manages his lawn care program. The controlled-release technology allows him to maintain a consistent nutrient supply for lawns, even in situations where customers cannot irrigate properly.

“It took away the fear of burning lawns when customers couldn’t water or if there was no rain,” Chris explained. “It also allowed me to offer more tailored programs by combining granular and liquid components to achieve superior lawn health.”

Choosing Spraye CRM to Streamline Operations

Managing a lawn care business comes with significant paperwork and logistical challenges. As Chris’s business grew, he found it increasingly difficult to keep track of scheduling, billing, and chemical tracking without the right software. In 2024, he decided to take the leap and start using Spraye CRM to streamline his operations.

Chris was drawn to Spraye because it seemed aligned with his goal of providing high-quality customer service, and it offered features that directly addressed his needs.

“My business had grown so much that I needed something to cut down on the paperwork side of it—text notifications, follow-ups, chemical tracking, billing—all those different types of things. I felt Spraye fit me best. It’s designed for the way I wanted my business to run,” Chris said. “It’s already greatly improved my daily operations and customer communications, and has drastically cut down the time it takes me to get billing done and get paid.”

A Smooth Onboarding Process with Spraye

Chris’s experience with onboarding to Spraye CRM highlights the importance of a supportive and hands-on approach. Spraye’s team provided guidance throughout the setup, helping to integrate customer data into the system while allowing Chris to get hands-on experience with the software.

“The onboarding process wasn’t just a one-time setup,” Chris explained. “It was more of a continuous partnership. If I had questions, I could reach out, get a quick response, and even set up Zoom calls for more in-depth help. This ongoing support made all the difference, and I feel confident I’m getting the most out of Spraye as I learn more about it.”

Saving Time and Increasing Efficiency

For Chris, the greatest benefit of using Spraye CRM has been the time and efficiency it’s brought to his operations. By automating tasks like sending customer notifications, tracking chemicals, and handling billing, Chris has freed up significant time that he can now devote to customer service and growing his business.

“I was a spreadsheet and text message guy before, which worked but wasn’t scalable as my business grew. Now, I still get to communicate with customers how I want to, but in a much more efficient way. I have more time to focus on what I love—providing great lawn care service—because I’m not bogged down by administrative tasks.”

Building a Partnership with Harrell’s and Spraye

Chris spoke highly of his relationship with both Harrell’s and Spraye. With Harrell’s, the support extended beyond just delivering products—it was about providing knowledge, helping him grow, and being a partner in his success.

“My Harrell’s rep took the time to coach me. It wasn’t just about selling products; it was about genuinely helping me grow my business. The more successful I am, the more successful they are, and we both understand that.”

Similarly, Chris has found Spraye to be more than just a tool. He sees it as a partner that helps him be more efficient and effective, while maintaining the level of customer service that made his business successful in the first place.