Posted:27-October-2026
TruGreen franchise owner Steve Graves wins Great British Franchisee Award 2026
TruGreen franchise owner Steve Graves has been named a winner of the Which Franchise Great British Franchisee Award 2026, recognising his resilience, determination and commitment to building a successful business.
Steve Graves owns TruGreen South Bedfordshire, which now serves more than 400 customers. The business was originally started by his dad in 2010. Steve Graves joined him in 2012 after around 15 years in management roles with Tesco and later took over the day-to-day running of the business. His dad remains involved today, supporting with administrative tasks.
But Steve Graves’s journey has not always been straightforward. Around 2020, he came close to selling the business. Instead, that period became a turning point. He changed his approach, focused on what he could control and began working differently.
“I realised that success was not only about working hard, but it was also about mindset. Before that, I had spent too much time comparing my business to others in different areas and focusing on things outside my control.”
Turning challenge into growth
Since then, Steve Graves has focused on strengthening the business and making greater use of the TruGreen model. Adopting TruGreen’s treatment plans and monthly payment model has helped make income more predictable, improve cash flow and reduce the impact of seasonal changes.
In 2026, completed work increased by 31% year on year, from £63,688 to £83,598, while invoiced revenue increased by 23%.
The Great British Franchisee Award judges said:
“Steve is an exceptionally deserving winner of a Great British Franchisee Award, having demonstrated outstanding resilience, determination and a genuine commitment to building a successful and sustainable business. Over 15 years with TruGreen, he has transformed his approach to business ownership, embracing the strength of the franchise model and implementing new strategies that have delivered impressive growth, increased recurring revenue and created strong foundations for the future.”
Why the right support matters in business ownership
Steve Graves’s story shows why the right franchise model can make a difference, particularly when business ownership becomes challenging.
As a TruGreen franchise owner, Steve Graves runs his own local business, while having access to support, tools, structure and other franchise owners who understand the challenges of building a business.
Ben Stacey, TruGreen Brand Leader, said:
“Steve is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and a willingness to keep learning. Like many business owners, there have been times when doubts have crept in, particularly as the business and the wider TruGreen model have evolved. But one of the things I admire most about Steve is that once he commits to something, he's all in. He's embraced change, challenged himself to work differently and is now seeing the rewards of that commitment.
“Having worked closely with Steve, I've seen first-hand the pride he takes in his business, the relationships he builds with his customers and his willingness to share his experiences with others across the TruGreen network. After more than 15 years, his enthusiasm for improving and developing the business is stronger than ever.
“I'm absolutely delighted to see Steve receive this recognition. It's thoroughly deserved, and I'm excited to see what he achieves next.”
What could you build with TruGreen?
Steve Graves is now looking towards the next stage of growth. His plans include increasing capacity and moving the business beyond its current owner-operated model over time.
His view of the franchise relationship is simple:
“I believe in the TruGreen franchise model. ServiceMaster Ltd gives the support, tools and structure, but the business still belongs to you locally. That is what I like about it.”
For people considering business ownership, Steve Graves’s story shows both sides of the journey. You still need to put the work in, adapt and make decisions for your own business. But you do not have to build it without support around you.
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.
