Planting the Seeds of Success: NaturaLawn of America

When John Vollmer first discovered NaturaLawn of America in 1999, he was searching for financial stability. However, it was the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility that ultimately won him over. By Jessica Petrucelli

When John Vollmer first discovered NaturaLawn of America in 1999, he was searching for financial stability. However, it was the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility that ultimately won him over.

“I had my own commercial landscaping company but was having a rough time because people weren’t paying,” Vollmer said. “I also worried about the chemicals I was exposed to on a daily basis. I saw an advertisement for NaturaLawn in a magazine and was very attracted to the idea of natural, organic-based lawn care.”

The franchise system has been offering organic-based lawn care services to homeowners and businesses since 1987, concentrating on building healthy, sustainable soil without traditional, heavy synthetic chemical fertilizers. NaturaLawn of America now operates nearly 100 franchises in more than 25 states.

For Vollmer, who had two young children at the time, the choice to join this brand simply made sense.

“I had already been exposed to 2,4-D, a toxic herbicide with known health risks, for years,” he said, stressing the rapid growth of eco-friendly home services. “I knew I had to make the change.”

He entered the franchise system in debt and worked long hours and sometimes weekends to make sure his new endeavor would be a success. Within two years, Vollmer said everything began to balance out.

“It’s pretty amazing what you can build with all of the key pieces in place,” he said. “If you put in the time and effort to create a successful business, not just a successful job, it really pays off. And NaturaLawn gives you the tools to do just that.”

Vollmer, who now operates several franchise territories in Danbury and Rocky Hill, Connecticut, said his role as a franchisee has offered him flexibility for family time and provides plenty of guidance on his path to success.

“When my children were young, I planned estimates around their schedules,” he said. “And the company provided marketing materials and helped guide many of my financial decisions.”

As an experienced owner now doing over $15 million in revenue, Vollmer offered his advice to potential NaturaLawn of America franchisees.

“There is a lot of competition in this industry,” he concluded. “But if you put in the hours and stay committed, you will find success.”