As a senior executive of the Weed Man USA franchisor, Jennifer Lemcke has a predictably crowded schedule during GIE+EXPO. The landscaping industry tradeshow began today with a preview for dealers and formally kicks off Thursday for all industry participants. Co-located with Hardscape North America at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, the show lasts through Friday.
Jennifer Lemcke
For Lemcke, chief operating officer of Turf Holdings, which owns the expansion rights for Weed Man USA, “GIE week” isn’t just about winning new franchisees. Because owners of numerous Weed Man territories attend the show, much of her time in Louisville will be devoted to nurturing existing relationships.
That became obvious during a chat with Lemcke on Wednesday near the coffee bar of a Louisville hotel. Every minute or two, again and again, people walking by called out to greet her or stopped to say hello.
“I’ve been very involved with this industry for a long time,” she said, “and I really do love it.”
Weed Man USA sold 89 franchise territories in the United States last year, pushing the company’s revenue to nearly $73 million, or more than twice the company’s total revenue five years earlier. Weed Man USA franchises provide fertilization, weed control and integrated pest management services.
“While there is an uptick in lawn care and maintenance spending across the country, our growth has primarily been driven by our franchisees, who are continuously increasing sales through superior customer satisfaction and retention,” Lemcke said. “Beyond increased revenue, we expect our strong interest from independent landscape and pest control business owners will promote significant expansion of our brand.”
Along with her other appointments, Lemcke will be making time to participate in Weed Man USA’s exhibit at this week’s tradeshow. The company is in Booth 5019. She’s also scheduled to participate in a “town hall” discussion with other industry executives beginning at 9:45 a.m. at the Expo Center.
