How did you get into the stump removal industry?
I bought a flashlight from an auction who buys truckloads of returns/merchandise from home depot’s, and when I went to pick up the item, saw a small, non-running, stump grinder tucked behind some scratch-n-dent tool boxes. Bought it for what I though was a “can’t lose” price, posted a neighborhood ad, and people started to respond! Many years, multiple machines, and thousands of customers later, it’s time to bring the business I love to the greater public.
What’s New in the ByeBye Stumps Business or in the Franchise Model?
Stump Grinding is a new concept in the franchising world, so it’s all pretty new. But after you analyze figures, competing industries, and how replicable it is, I can’t believe this concept hasn’t entered the arena sooner. We’ve also incorporated technology and innovation at the core of our business model to help stay ahead of the game.
Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the ByeBye Stumps Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
Like many new concepts…it’s new, which can be viewed as a challenge to get the beginning units sold. But on the other hand…look around…trees are everywhere…and so are left-behind stumps. The product literally re-grows itself. The opportunity lies in an easily repeatable operation, endless product, happy customers, and great margins.
A second, and even bigger opportunity I see, is for it to be a vehicle toward success for huge groups of employees feeling burned out in their corporate setting or others feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied in their current role. I’ve been there and knew my skills went beyond spreadsheets.
What is your Goal for the Business Moving Forward?
To strengthen (structure the entire industry with standards) the stump grinding business owner community by selling 10-20 units per state depending on the population. Right now, the industry is all over the place with pricing and standards – kind of a “wild west” of sorts.
Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver?
Franchisees will get to spend a week in my shoes. From phone scripts, in-person customer interactions, CRM trainings, how to market your business and get more leads, maintenance, and in-field practice with the equipment.
Your most difficult moment at the Franchise Business?
Getting the word out and selling the first few units. It’s a great product, but doesn’t have a track record that some franchises do to help with a candidate’s evaluation. But when someone takes the time to deeply compare value propositions, I believe ByeBye Stumps still comes out ahead due to it’s start up size and passion.
Define the ByeBye Stumps Franchise Model:
A. Training and Support Model?
In-person training for a week and ongoing support. We are all in this together, so proper support is non-negotiable. Every franchisee needs to be successful and I will do everything I can to support their business.
B. What is the Fee Structure?
$40k buy in, 10% royalty. Enough to keep away the tire-kickers and engage with those serious about starting and developing their business, but low a low enough entry point not to sink someone before they start.
C. Territory Definition?
It is currently set at approx. 400k population. Nothing for certain yet, but I can see as time goes on and successes roll in, territory sizes will get smaller. I know the size and numbers I am seeing currently, and think those figures can be even higher in a smaller area. It’s also an advantage of getting in early.
D. Day in the life of a Franchisee?
Walk my kids to their bus, then start the work day by notifying the first customer you’re on the way and head out. Take/return lead calls, book new work/estimates between jobsites – enter activity into the system. Fuel up/maintain equipment at end of day to make ready for the next. Set schedule (auto-notifies customers) for following day. Get back to family time. For the most part, I’m on the first jobsite at 8am and wrap up around 3:30pm. For me, spending time with my family is very important, but others can run longer hours if they wanted.
What does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?
Grow the business. Sell. Fulfill promises. Repeat. Try not to overthink it. Quality service and interactions will generate more sales, but it takes time. Do quality work with a good attitude from the start will pay off 100x.
Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
I’ve heard countless “desk-job” customers say “I can’t believe you do this for a living, I would love to do it too”. One group of candidates we’d love to have discussions with are the burned out workers in corporate America that are tired of working spreadsheets and meetings all day left feeling unfulfilled in their current career. These folks typically understand how a business operates, have access to funding, and have motive to build a legacy business.
Success Stories and Failures with Franchisees?
Since we’re just getting started out, I only know my story, however it’s brought us to the point of franchising the business out because of so many successful indicators. What I do know, is when I’m sliding into the finish line at the end, I want to look back and know I’ve helped people accomplish goals and dreams in their life. I believe a ByeBye Stumps franchise can be used as a vehicle toward those successes .
What Goals Do You Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?
As for unit number goals, I would like to see 5 units in operation by the end of 2025, 11 in 2026, 25 in 2027, 54 by 2028, and 118 by 2029. We definitely want to be methodical about the growth, and not grow too fast. The success of our franchisees is paramount and do not want to jeopardize it by expanding too fast.
That’s a great segue to another, even more important goal, and that is helping to create successful people across the country. Whatever their goals, or burdens may be, if I can play a role in helping others, I’m all in.
For more information on Chris Mehrkens, connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismehrkens/
For more information on the ByeBye Stumps services, visit the corporate site: https://byebyestumps.com/
For more information on the ByeBye Stumps Franchise model, visit the franchise site: https://byebyefranchise.com/