Opportunity: Home & Building
SmartGrass creates the perfect lawn – and the perfect business – 365 days of the year
INCOME ALL YEAR ROUND
A
s El Nino approaches, we’re looking forward to a better summer than last year’s constant rain. The summer before that was one of the driest ever, which created a different challenge for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors with a perfect lawn or playing surface. But the franchise team at SmartGrass takes such challenges in their stride. ‘Like our lush artificial grass, our business thrives year-round,’ says Jack Kennedy, Managing Director of SmartGrass. ‘With ever more extreme weather, real grass struggles to grow in summer and develops brown patches or gets riddled with weeds. Then when it does rain, it turns to mud and can’t be mown. Kids and pets bring mess inside the home – if they’re allowed on the grass at all! ‘That’s why we’re getting more requests for help than ever, and we need franchisees nationwide to help us meet demand. SmartGrass offers a sustainable way to create amazing spaces for people to enjoy while having a positive effect on the environment.’
Exclusive product SmartGrass is a Christchurch-based business that has been supplying and installing artificial grass lawns and sports courts throughout New Zealand for over seven 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.’
Economic 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 Jack says SmartGrass is a great cashflow business that can generate significant profits early on. ‘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, franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
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 available throughout the country (apart from Christchurch and Wellington) meaning big opportunities in some fast-growing areas.
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 problem-solving 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 seven 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 us 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 Advertiser Info be granted the franchise, we’ll arrange SmartGrass launch marketing in your area while www.smartgrass.co.nz/ you are being trained, then your new about-us/franchisebusiness will be up and running – and opportunities/ 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.’
Contact Jack Kennedy P 0800 TURF NZ M 027 822 9006 franchising@smartgrass.co.nz
67
