In this episode of The Green Edge with C.J., we sit down with Colten Delehanty, owner of Cole’s Lawn & Landscaping LLC in Germantown, Ohio. Colten shares his journey from mowing lawns in high school to launching his own business and growing it while balancing a full-time job as a machinist. He discusses the challenges of scaling, managing employees, and deciding when to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.

C.J. and Colten dive into the importance of route density, customer relationships, and expanding services beyond mowing to landscaping, hardscaping, and excavation. They also talk about equipment choices, business lessons, and strategies for sustainable growth.

If you're looking to start or scale your own lawn care business, this episode is full of real-world insights and practical advice to help you succeed.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Start small but think big – Growth should be steady, not rushed. Overextending can lead to inefficiencies.
✅ Route density matters – Grouping jobs close together increases efficiency and profitability.
✅ Diversifying services can increase revenue – Mowing is great, but adding landscaping, hardscaping, or excavation can set you apart.
✅ Balancing a job and a business is tough – Strategic time management is key when working full-time while growing a company.
✅ Investing in quality equipment is essential – The right tools make a big difference in efficiency.
✅ Customer trust is everything – Being a reliable, full-service provider helps retain long-term clients.

Notable Quotes:

💬 “If you're thinking about starting a business, just give it a try. You might be surprised at what you can make out of it.” – Colten Delehanty
💬 “Don’t grow too fast. Take on what you can handle and do it well.” – C.J.
💬 “A lot of customers want a one-stop shop—they trust one company to handle all their landscaping needs.” – Colten Delehanty