Long-Standing Lawn Doctor Franchisee Speaks on the Brand’s Success

When investing in a business, it is critical to examine the company’s track record. Becoming a franchisee is a process that involves a lot of time and trust, and you want to make sure it’s going to the right kind of brand.

Dave Mlotkiewicz knows this all too well. He’s been a franchise owner with Lawn Doctor, the 600-plus-unit lawn care franchise, since 1989, alongside his wife, Dawn. In his 32 years with the lawn maintenance business, he has expanded to own multiple franchise territories on the Jersey Shore.

“When researching franchising, you have to look at the brand, how long it's been around and how they've evolved with the business world,” said Mlotkiewicz. “Lawn Doctor was started in 1967 when there weren't too many franchise brands out there, and they still remain a strong competitor.”

Franchise growth history

When he started, Mlotkiewicz had 150 lawns that he serviced and made about $80,000 in cash flow. Fast forward to today, their multi-unit system includes 6,500 lawns and brings in around $2.8 million in cash flow annually.

“We are in a very mature area, and had the fortunate opportunity that other franchisees around us were selling, so we were able to scoop up those territories and build our brand,” he explained.

Mlotkiewicz is proud that he and his wife, who serves as executive vice president, have set up a legacy of success for their family. The brand has afforded them flexibility and work-life balance over the years as they became parents and grandparents.

“We were able to start it out of our house. Now Dawn is still very involved, and she can run the office remotely and still help the staff, which we have grown to four full-time employees,” Mlotkiewicz added. “It's allowed her to take a step back and have flexibility with our family while still supporting our business.”

Family legacy and succession

Their eldest son also works with the company, and as the couple nears their late fifties, they have begun contemplating the future.

“As I'm approaching the big 6-0, we're thinking about the exit plan,” he said. “Our son will end up taking over, which seems common in the industry with Lawn Doctor, for the business to be passed on generationally. It’s an admirable atmosphere.”

“Here at Lawn Doctor, we’re proud to be a brand that has several multi-generation owners and values familial success. It’s one of the many key factors that make this franchise stand out,” said Eric Martin, senior vice president of franchise development at Happinest Brands, Lawn Doctor’s parent franchisor. “Franchisees create an annuity-like business, building a business with many recurring customers and high retention. Keeping it in the family makes a lot of sense.”

Since its first franchise in 1967, Lawn Doctor has established itself as a leader in the lawn care services industry through innovative technology, its ability to satisfy the needs of consumers on a national level, and its development and expansion within the industry. Lawn Doctor specializes in treatment and conditioning services, such as fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration and tree and shrub care. The Lawn Doctor brand has hundreds of locally owned and operated franchises and is the #1 ranked lawn care franchise in the United States.