Lawn Tech - Idaho Falls

Kurt and Kim Johnson are no strangers to the challenges of small business. Prior to establishing Lawn Tech, Ampro Inc., they operated multi-state produce stands in the summer and fall and Christmas tree lots during the holidays. The challenge of managing their diverse operations and their constant travel away from their young family caused them to search for a better way to do business.

In April 1982, Lawn Tech was launched with an emphasis on tree care. Kurt and Kim were the only employees, and revenues hit $19,000. Since that time Lawn Tech has grown to 30 employees and is in the top 5 percent of lawn and tree care businesses in the country. The business has hundreds of clients - from Island Park to Pocatello, and Salmon to Jackson.

Lawn Tech's relationship with the Idaho Falls Small Business Development Center dates back 10 years to when the Small Business Administration provided a 504 loan for the purpose of constructing the company's current facility. For the past three years the Johnson’s have used the consulting services of the Idaho SBDC and have attended several of their seminars.

The Idaho SBDC has provided an unbiased evaluation of their business and offered valuable advice regarding management succession, external payroll services, and a larger budget for Yellow Page marketing. Two years ago, the Johnsons considered selling Lawn Tech but were counseled to instead implement a management training program. Their net income has since more than doubled.