Neighborly’s Landscaping Brand Empowers Owners to Build Thriving, People-Focused Businesses
The Grounds Guys is a bit of a misnomer for one Ohio franchisee. The Grounds “Guy” is Lisa Garner, who launched her franchise in November 2021 as a complement to her husband’s custom home-building business. “We recognized The Grounds Guys ownership as an opportunity to enhance his projects by taking control of landscaping and providing a seamless, high-quality service to our clients.
“As a woman entrepreneur, I saw this as not only a smart investment but also a chance to develop a dedicated team, with an eye toward future expansion and growth.” The Grounds Guys offers full-service lawn care, pruning, landscaping, snow removal, outdoor lighting (including holiday lighting) and more for residential and commercial clients.
Garner had a firm handle on the franchise business model in a past role as general manager of a well-known franchised hotel. In that capacity, she built a valuable skill set in customer service, operational efficiency and nurturing high-performing teams. “My experience in managing complex operations and delivering exceptional service has been instrumental in shaping my approach to owning and running my The Grounds Guys franchise. I apply these skills to drive growth, enhance customer satisfaction and build a strong, cohesive team.”
As Garner leans on those capabilities, she simultaneously has been learning the nuances of a new industry. “I’ve gained extensive knowledge about the green industry, which has helped me navigate its unique challenges. The systems and support provided by The Grounds Guys have been instrumental in streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency. I have learned how to leverage these tools to ensure customer satisfaction. A high level of service is crucial for standing out in a competitive market and maintaining profitability.” Garner adds that encountering new business challenges with The Grounds Guys “keeps the experience both engaging and impactful.”
She manages 12 employees within “a collaborative environment that encourages open communication and teamwork. We provide opportunities for continuous learning through training programs, workshops and mentorship so employees can develop new skills and grow in their roles. To offer clear pathways for advancement, we regularly do performance reviews and have career discussions to align each employee’s professional goals with company objectives. By promoting autonomy, recognizing achievements, and encouraging cross-departmental learning, we create a supportive and dynamic workplace where employees are prepared for future opportunities within the company.”
Garner enjoys developing her employees as she operates her New Albany, Ohio franchise. “Seeing team members reach their full potential and contribute to the company’s success has been incredibly fulfilling,” she says. By implementing efficient systems and processes, she has improved her business’s productivity and financial performance. “We continuously refine our operations to scale effectively and improve.”
Quality Time
Although Lisa and her husband, Joe, have busy, intertwined careers, they carve out quality time by setting boundaries on work hours and adhering to them. They enjoy traveling together and stay close with their adult children; Joe works out with their daughter and attends sporting events with their son. For self-care, Lisa embraces regular exercise, mental wellness routines and sufficient sleep.
Today and going forward, Lisa says she and Joe “are focused on strategically preparing our business for future ownership rather than pursuing exponential growth. Our goal is to build a strong, sustainable foundation that will make the business an attractive opportunity for potential future owners. By optimizing operations, developing our team, and ensuring long-term stability, we are positioning the company for a smooth transition that aligns with our vision for continued success and value creation. This venture also represents my commitment to empowering other women in business while contributing to the broader goals of innovation and sustainability in the home-building and landscaping industries.”
The Grounds Guys, part of the Neighborly family of home and commercial service providers, has more than 250 locations in North America and Canada and is registered in every U.S. state.
For more information, visit The Grounds Guys’ franchise website.
