truly green OUTLOOK

SmartGrass enabled this park pool area to stay clean, green and lush over the summer, delighting the public and generating even more business

The SmartGrass franchise is passionate about creating amazing places and caring for our environment

At SmartGrass, they believe that success comes from having a clear and meaningful purpose. ‘That’s core in everything we do, from the design of our products through to the amazing landscapes we create with our clients and the journey in between,’ says managing director Jack Kennedy.

‘It’s demonstrated in our work with homeowners, schools, gyms, commercial developers and landscapers, as well as regional and national government agencies. Our clients get it and love us for it, and that continues to generate significant growth in all sectors. And it’s that purpose and growth which is at the heart of the SmartGrass franchise opportunity.’

Positive environmental impact

Jack says helping our communities look after their environment is a big motivator for clients and a major business driver for the franchise, which specialises in the supply and installation of artificial grass.

‘Water is a massive resource issue, whether it’s too little or too much, and SmartGrass solutions really assist here. It doesn’t require water in dry periods, but enables water to fully permeate in wet periods. In doing so, it reduces potentially harmful run-off. Water challenges aren’t about to go away, but SmartGrass can and really is helping in this critical area.’

Another significant positive impact Jack notes is the reduction in the use of chemicals in the form of fertilisers and sprays. ‘Aside from the ongoing costs in manufacture and transport, these are often poorly or overapplied by users and really harm our environment and waterways.

‘With SmartGrass, mowing also becomes redundant, with less power usage and less green waste needing to be managed on site or collected by big trucks. The overall impact reduction is significant and the icing on the cake is SmartGrass’s NZ-exclusive Earth Series product which is 100 percent recyclable at end of life – along with being one of the longestlasting artificial landscape grasses in the world.’

Market demand continues

With clients confident that SmartGrass has market-leading solutions, as well as the experience to get the job done, there’s growing demand all around NZ – and that’s where the franchise opportunity comes in.

‘To get good results and a long-lasting surface worthy of the investment, preparation and installation of SmartGrass products is a job best performed by a properly-trained professional. The role of our franchisees is to develop sales and manage a team of employees or contractors who carry out the installations to our high standards,’ explains Jack.

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

‘This is achieved via a three-pronged revenue channel: a margin on product supplied; the installation fee; and regular maintenance which provides an ongoing income stream. Another reason the franchise can be so profitable is its simplicity. There’s good cashflow and relatively low overheads, with no requirement for leased premises and very little capital tied up in stock. The franchise requires an investment of around $200,000, which includes a vehicle and all machinery needed to get started. Finance options are available through Westpac.’

For sales and business people

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 business and is highly motivated, a great relationship builder 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 creating and converting proposals as well as coordinating their 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 a good practical problem-solving ability is essential for learning 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 six 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 and we’ll send you a full disclosure document for you to review with your advisors. If our “Why” aligns with your “What”, 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