The Grounds Guys Franchise

The Grounds Guys franchise system began in 2010 through its predecessor, The Grounds Guys LLC. The current franchisor, The Grounds Guys SPV LLC, was formed in November 2020 and took over franchising in March 2021. Based in Waco, Texas, the brand operates within Neighborly’s family of service franchises. Lori Johnson has served as brand president since April 2023.

The business serves a broad range of outdoor property needs, from routine grounds and turf maintenance to landscape installation, hardscaping, irrigation maintenance and landscape lighting. Snow and ice management and other approved services depend on the territory’s climate and local demand. Owners manage crews, equipment, scheduling, sales and customer relationships while following the brand’s service and presentation standards.

Starting or converting a grounds-care business

The standard initial franchise fee is $43,750 for a territory of up to 125,000 people, with an additional charge of $350 per 1,000 people above that base. Qualified existing operators can apply to convert their businesses. A home office is possible where zoning allows, while some owners use commercial premises or storage space. Vehicle, equipment and facility needs depend on the business already in place and the services offered.

Training begins with online learning and coaching before Phase II instruction in Waco or another designated setting. Phase II generally lasts four to five days and covers leadership, financial management, marketing, recruiting, sales and landscape services. The program also teaches measuring, estimating, scheduling, routing and invoicing through the operating software. Required field training adds one to five days observing office and field procedures at a designated franchise or through a virtual alternative.

Initial Phase I and Phase II instruction is provided for the owner and one additional person without extra tuition; travel and living costs remain the franchisee’s responsibility. Before opening, The Grounds Guys provides operating manuals, site guidelines, approved supply specifications, supplier information and opening support. Owners arrange their vehicles, equipment, premises and any required local licenses.

Ongoing support includes operational communication, manual updates, periodic consultation visits and access to optional continuing education and technical training. The required software system supports business administration and field operations, while the call-center program handles rollover and after-hours customer calls. Refresher courses, regional meetings and the annual Reunion can involve separate expenses. The franchisee remains responsible for employee management, local marketing and daily service delivery.

The Grounds Guys offers a way to organize multiple outdoor property services within one franchise business. Maintenance work can sit alongside approved landscape, irrigation, lighting and seasonal services, allowing an owner to build a service mix suited to local customers and climate. Existing landscape operators can also explore the conversion option while bringing their equipment, experience and customer relationships into the system.

The franchise fits someone interested in leading field teams and managing an equipment-based service operation. Training combines business management with estimating, scheduling and service education, supported by supplier resources and the Neighborly organization. Owners are expected to supervise operations directly unless an approved, trained manager takes that role, making leadership and consistent customer service central to the opportunity.

For questions about service mix, equipment, staffing, seasonal scheduling and owner workload, read our outdoor-service franchise comparison. Compare the work authorized by each offering separately.