Posted:12-August-2026
One Year In: Why Ross Beer Chose TruGreen and Hasn't Looked Back
A year ago, Ross Beer made a decision that many people think about but never take.
After 15 years working in sales and business development, he left employment behind and became the owner of TruGreen West Sussex through a franchise resale opportunity. Twelve months later, he looks back on a year of learning, growth and building a business he can genuinely call his own.
More Control Over the Future
Like many professionals, Ross enjoyed his career. But he wanted more control over his future and the chance to build something that was his.
Rather than starting a business from scratch, he chose to acquire an established TruGreen franchise. That gave him an existing customer base and an operational business from day one.
Ross said: "I wanted to build something of my own, but I also wanted a business with a solid platform for growth. The TruGreen resale route gave me that. There was already a customer base and a proven way of operating, which allowed me to focus on developing the business and gaining experience from day one."
No Industry Experience Required
One of the biggest misconceptions around the TruGreen Lawn Care franchise is that you need industry experience.
Ross proves otherwise.
Before joining TruGreen, his background was in sales and business development, not professional lawn care. What he did have was commercial experience, strong people skills and a desire to grow a successful business.
Over the last 12 months, he has run the business himself, carrying out consultations and treatments while developing a deep understanding of the operation.
His first year has been a successful one. The business has grown by 34%, demonstrating what can be achieved with the right mindset, hard work and a willingness to learn.
His experience reflects what TruGreen looks for in franchise owners. Not lawn care experts, but commercially minded people who can build relationships, provide excellent service and grow a local business.
Building Something Bigger
While Ross currently operates the business himself, his ambitions extend beyond being an owner-operator.
He plans to continue growing the customer base, recruit technicians and gradually transition towards a more management-led operation. That opportunity for long-term growth was one of the reasons he chose franchising in the first place.
For Ross, this was never about creating another job. It was about building a business with a future.
Ben Stacey, Brand Leader at TruGreen, said:
"Ross has had an excellent first year. He has embraced the opportunity, built strong customer relationships and demonstrated exactly the qualities we look for in franchise partners. His success shows that you don't need industry experience to build a successful TruGreen business."
Could You Be Next?
Ross's journey highlights an important point for anyone considering business ownership.
You do not need a background in lawn care to become a TruGreen franchise owner.
Instead, TruGreen looks for ambitious, commercially minded people who are willing to learn, build relationships and grow a local business.
With the UK professional lawn care market worth an estimated £1.5 billion, there continues to be strong demand for specialist lawn care services.
As he enters year two, Ross remains focused on growing the business and taking the next step towards his long-term vision.
For people considering a move into business ownership, Ross's story shows that a franchise resale can provide an established starting point, while still giving you the opportunity to grow and shape the business yourself.
Interested and want to know more about TruGreen?
The TruGreen profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
