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Starting and growing a lawn care and landscaping business takes more than hard work—it takes the right equipment, reliable support, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. In this episode of Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell, Nate Zeitler sits down with Jeremy from J&R Lawncare to talk about what it really takes to build and sustain a successful operation.
From humble beginnings to running a full fleet of equipment, Jeremy shares real-world insight into the decisions that helped shape his business—and why switching to John Deere made a difference.
Like many small business owners, Jeremy didn’t start with a full lineup of premium equipment. Early on, he ran other brands while building his customer base and learning what worked—and what didn’t.
As his business grew, so did the demands. Bigger properties, more services, and tighter timelines required equipment that could keep up. That’s when he connected with Riesterer & Schnell and made the switch to John Deere.
Moving to larger, more capable equipment, like a 60-inch zero-turn mower, allowed him to take on more jobs efficiently and improve productivity across the board.
Today, Jeremy’s operation includes a well-rounded fleet designed to handle a variety of jobs throughout the year. From mowing and seasonal cleanups to snow removal and stump grinding, versatility is key.
His lineup includes:
• John Deere 3046R Compact Utility Tractor with cab for year-round work, including snow removal and property maintenance
• Two John Deere Z950M ZTrak™ zero-turn mowers with 60-inch decks, built for efficiency and performance across a wide range of properties
• Collection systems, including a dump-from-seat hopper, to speed up cleanup and material handling
Having the right mix of equipment allows him to serve different types of properties and customer needs without slowing down. It also gives him the flexibility to shift between services as the seasons change.
When you’re running a business, efficiency matters—and the right features can make a big impact on daily operations.
One standout for Jeremy is the dump-from-seat collection system. Instead of stopping, unloading, and restarting, he can quickly dump material and keep moving through a job. This small improvement saves time on every property and adds up over the course of a full day.
Comfort also plays an important role. Upgrades like improved seating and tire configurations help reduce fatigue and allow for longer hours in the field when needed—especially during peak seasons.
Technology is playing an increasing role in modern landscaping operations, and tools like the John Deere Equipment Mobile app help simplify day-to-day management.
Jeremy uses the app to:
• Track service intervals and maintenance schedules
• Look up parts and operator manuals
• Check local dealership inventory before making a trip
For a business that often runs with minimal help, having that information in the palm of your hand makes a big difference. It allows for quicker decisions, fewer delays, and more time spent getting work done.
In Wisconsin, landscaping doesn’t stop when the grass stops growing. Snow removal becomes a major part of the business, and equipment reliability is more important than ever.
Jeremy shared his experience working through a major snow event, logging long hours over several days to keep customers’ properties clear. His equipment handled the workload without missing a beat, allowing him to stay on schedule and continue serving his customers.
This kind of reliability is critical when your business depends on uptime, no matter the season.
While equipment performance matters, Jeremy emphasized that dealer support plays just as important a role in his success.
Working with Riesterer & Schnell gives him access to:
• Strong warranty coverage
• Responsive service support
• Financing options to help manage equipment investments
Knowing that help is available when needed provides peace of mind and keeps his business moving forward.
For anyone thinking about starting a lawn care or landscaping business, Jeremy’s advice is simple: invest in equipment you can rely on and find a dealer that stands behind it.
The right combination of equipment, support, and efficiency can set the foundation for long-term success—whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow your operation.
At Riesterer & Schnell, we’re proud to support customers like Jeremy who are building their businesses with John Deere equipment. From product selection to ongoing service and support, we’re here to help you succeed every step of the way.
