After working five full seasons
as a professional landscaper, Gerhart E. Arndt IV decided to become his own
boss, and, at the same time, give back to the environment.
Seeing the environmental
benefits from less cars traveling during the pandemic, Arndt, of Conshohocken,
used that as a catalyst to launch his eco-friendly landscaping company, Sustainable
Land Solutions in
August 2020. Through his business, Arndt provides many of the same services as
other landscapers: spring cleanups, snow removal, leaf cleanups, flower bed
maintenance and lawn maintenance.
The big difference between
Arndt’s company and traditional landscaping: He uses electric landscaping tools
and push mowers instead of their gas-powered counterparts.
“I provide a cleaner alternative to conventional landscape gas
companies,” Arndt said. “I want to do what I can to heal the world.”
In addition, Arndt said
customers prefer electric-powered tools.
“It’s three to four times
quieter,” he said. “They don’t have fumes lingering outside their house. It’s a
win-win all around.”
The initial investment for
electric-powered tools was a bit more, but Arndt said he’s saving more money in
the long run and doesn’t have to worry about fluctuating gas prices.
Arndt worked part-time in his
business last year, but as 2021 began he looked to take it full-time. In
January, he began mentoring with Steve Wolfson and Marvin Deitch of SCORE Bucks
County, a local chapter of a national nonprofit organization focused on
providing guidance to Bucks County and Montgomery County business owners and
entrepreneurs throughout every stage of their business venture.
Since founding his business
Arndt has worked primarily for residential customers in Plymouth Meeting,
Lafayette Hill, King of Prussia, and Fort Washington. However, he has set his sights
on incorporating more commercial business and using Sustainable Land Solutions
as a springboard for franchises.
“I knew I needed to get real business advice from
people who have done it,” Arndt said of his collaboration with his SCORE
mentors. “If I have business questions, I just reach out. It’s very comforting …
I’ve got people who’ve got my back.”
Wolfson and Deitch, both
long-time business owners with expertise in launching a business, helped Arndt
find an accountant to ensure his financials were on track. The mentors also
helped make sure he had the appropriate insurance and advised him to hire a
lawyer as well. Wolfson and Deitch also provided him with business management
and customer relations insight, as well as the confidence to take his business
full-time in April.
“Gerhart is innovative, hardworking, and always looking
ahead on how his business can improve,” Wolfson said. “Customers are so
impressed with his landscaping skills that he's gained a loyal
customer base within select neighborhoods. Gerhart has developed into
an entrepreneur with a bright future.”
With his first full-time season
wrapping up, Arndt is now looking to hire an employee to join him next season.
Whether Arndt or his employee provide the landscaping services, Arndt said
customers can expect the same level of care and service.
“It’s going to be someone in a uniform to provide the same exact
quality all the time,” Arndt said. “I want to provide a very professional,
quality product that is just better, better for the world, better for
consumers.”
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million aspiring entrepreneurs. Each
year, SCORE provides small business mentoring and workshops to more
than 375,000 new and growing small businesses.?With 50 members across the
county, SCORE Bucks?County?provides
over 1,500 free mentoring services annually to local small
business owners through one-on-one counseling and small business
seminars. To stay up to date on news and happenings, join SCORE Bucks
County’s email list. Text SCOREBUCKS to 22828.
