Storms help keep lawns thick, green, weed free

By: Noelle Rulseh, Herald Times Reporter

Name of business: STORM … The Lawn Pro
Ownership: Stacy and Debra Storm
When business started: January 2006
Location: Manitowoc
Phone number: (920) 684-1500
E-mail: Storm@lakefield .net
Hours and days of operation: Sunrise to sunset, Monday to Saturday

Services provided: lawn treatments of weed control and fertilizer, as well as aeration of turf area.

How has business changed since opening: The Storms said they have had continuing increases in the number of customers. Stacy's brother, Jay Storm, became a licensed and certified lawn pro and has joined the business.

Who are the customers and from where: The Storms said they have customers from throughout Manitowoc County who take pride in the appearance of their lawns.

Who or what is the competition: The Storms said they concentrate solely on the health and treatment of lawns, and believe they can do a superior job by not also cutting lawns or only coming into the area for a days a month.

How is marketing done: The Storms said the majority of their marketing efforts are done through a reward system with referrals from their satisfied customers. They also use direct mail, local newspaper advertising, and "reader's choice program."

What are the keys to future success: The Storms said they need to continue to treat each customer's lawn as if it was their own. "We need to listen to our customers' needs, and give them more than they expect at a reasonable price," Stacy Storm said.

He said the company can do what people want, when they want it, with products safe to kids, pets and wildlife.

Factors under control or not under control of ownership: Storm said they can control the quality and quantity of products applied.

"We can't control the weather or the insect and fungus outbreaks that may occur due to extremes in weather conditions," Storm said. He said he does have preventive and curative solutions for lawns with insect and fungus problems.

What is the role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling the products-services? "It is truly a blessing to run our own business, so we can and did develop a lawn beautification program for our customers driven by their lawn needs … as opposed to profit margins," Storm said.

He said customers receive seven full treatments each year. Storm writes and distributes a newsletter for customers with information designed to help customers get the most from their services.

What is challenging? Storm said it is a challenge to keep prices low with a constant increase in product costs.

What is enjoyable? "The company is growing in leaps and bounds while having the opportunity to see and talk with our family of satisfied customers," Storm said

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