Always In Demand

SmartGrass creates the perfect lawn – and the perfect business – 365 days of the year

There are no wintertime blues for the team at SmartGrass. Like its grass, the business rolls on the whole year through, no matter what the weather – or the economic climate.

‘After one of our driest summers ever, with people trying to keep their grass lawns alive at considerable time and expense, we now jump into our wet and cool period,’ says Jack Kennedy, managing director of SmartGrass. ‘These conditions are challenging for maintaining a functional and great-looking lawn: the grass struggles to grow, and brown patches soon turn to mud patches, which kids and pets soon bring inside the home – if they’re allowed on the grass at all! So the phone calls and email request for help are soaring, and we need franchisees to meet demand.’

SmartGrass is a Christchurch-based business that has been supplying and installing artificial grass lawns and sports courts throughout New Zealand for five years. ‘Franchisees have access to an exclusive product,’ Jack explains. ‘It’s not only more realistic than competing products – it drains five times faster, is three times stronger, lasts longer, and is 100 percent locally recyclable right here in New Zealand. But to get good results and a long-lasting surface, it’s a job best performed by a properly-trained professional. SmartGrass is the only franchise in New Zealand that specialises in installation, which adds up to massive growth potential for franchisees.’

A business with resilience

Another key factor in SmartGrass’s success is the ongoing demand for the product through changing economic cycles. ‘Residential clients understand that what we provide is a long-lasting, secure capital investment in their properties,’ Jack says. ‘As well as offering reduced maintenance costs, SmartGrass adds a valued premium feature to promote when the time comes to sell.

‘The business model also has strength in the breadth of its markets. Demand comes from residential and commercial property owners, council and Government entities. We also partner with landscapers and builders. Artificial grass is a big trend overseas for many positive reasons, and now it’s fast gathering momentum in New Zealand.’

Great cashflow

‘This is a great cashflow business that, from our experience, can generate significant profits early on,’ Jack points out. ‘We expect franchisees to be comfortably profitable in year one, and to scale this significantly after two years.

‘This is achieved via a three-pronged revenue channel: a margin on product supplied; the installation fee for each new job; and regular maintenance, which provides an ongoing income stream. In addition, the franchise is so profitable because of its simplicity and relatively low overheads – for example, there’s no requirement for leased premises, and no need to hold high levels of stock.’

And the product has national appeal, with operations already established to prove the demand in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Franchise opportunities are still available throughout the country (apart from Christchurch and Wellington) meaning big opportunities in some of the fastest-growing parts of the country.

Proper installation by SmartGrass franchisees creates a premium feature that adds value

Job done!

For sales and businesspeople

So who would make an ideal SmartGrass franchisee?

Jack says he or she is likely to be a sales and/or business-oriented professional who can turn leads into contracts, and is highly motivated and well-connected in their community. He emphasises that this business is no side hustle. ‘It’s not a part-time business or something that can be initially run alongside other ventures. Franchisees need to focus on selling the product and coordinating the installation teams, and only pick up the tools if really needed.

‘We provide full training to make sure you get off to a flying start, so you don’t need previous experience in the installation of artificial grass or general landscaping. However, a love of DIY and good, practical problemsolving abilities are essential for making the most of the SmartGrass system.’

The franchise package includes:

• Ongoing lead generation;

• Commercial client relationship management;

• Local and national marketing campaigns;

• Social media, website and video content created and handled for you;

• National business development, sales and trade exhibitions.

The green light

‘After five years, we have a lot of experience in this business and are confident that SmartGrass has what it takes to deliver for both clients and franchisees,’ Jack says. ‘Anyone who follows our system can do really well.

‘Contact me today to find out more. If our values align and you’re ready to get started, we’ll send you full disclosure documentation for you to review with your advisors. Should you be granted the franchise, we’ll arrange launch marketing in your area while you are being trained, then your new business will be up and running – and generating revenue from Day One.

‘We have so much business coming in, and customer feedback has been so positive, that we know there is a bright future ahead. Call me now.’

Advertiser Info

SmartGrass

www.smartgrass.co.nz

Contact Jack Kennedy

P 0800 TURF NZ M 027 822 9006

jack@smartgrass.co.nz