Greensleeves Wakefield

Oliver launched his own lawncare business 14 years ago at the age of 19! His original franchise area was North Sheffield, since then he has acquired the Huddersfield & Wakefield franchise areas. The business now looks after over 8000 lawns, completing over 35,000 treatments every year!

Q&A with Oliver of Greensleeves Wakefield

How long have you been with Greensleeves?

“Fifteen years. I joined back in August 2006, when I was just 19.”

Tell us a little bit about what you do…

“Everything! I manage the general day-to-day running of the business by dealing with staff, customers, rotas, training and accounts, as well as handling the lawn issues.”

Who else is on your team?

“We run three franchise areas from one office with two full-time members of staff. On top of that, we have 14 other lawn managers who service customers’ lawns.”

Which areas do you cover?

“Wakefield, Pontefract, Castleford, Dewsbury, Batley, Mirfield. Wakefield Villages: Kirkhamgate, Wrenthorpe, Lupset, Thornes, Sandal, Newmillerdam, Walton, Chapelthorpe, Heath, Warmfield, Kirkthorpe, East Ardsley, Tingley, Lofthouse, Stanley, Robin Hood, Flockton, Grange Moor, Midgley, Middlestown, Netherton, Horbury, Durkar, Cirgglestone, Hall Green, Woolley, Notton, Ryhill, Nostell, Sharlstone Common, Ossett, Normanton, Altofts, Ackworth, Featherstone, Old Syndale, Ackton, South Kirkby, North Elmsall, South Elmsall, Hemsworth, Fitzwilliam, Havercroft, Upton. Pontefract Villages: East Hardwick, Darrington, Thorpe Audlin, Kirk Smeaton, Little Smeaton, Wentbridge. Castleford villages: Glass Houghton, Fairburn, Brotherton, Byram, Knottingley, Byram, Cridling Stubbs. Dewsbury/Batley: Thornhill, Ravensthorpe, Liversedge, Heckmondwike, Birstall”

What’s the biggest, steepest or most unusual lawn you’ve ever worked on?

“We once had to treat a 7500m2 lawn with its own golf hole and a lake! It was very impressive.”

Are you a dog or a cat person?

“Neither!”

What’s the best thing about your job?

“The customers. I love meeting new, interesting people and helping them get a great lawn.”

Why did you choose to specialise in lawns?

“By accident, really. We were customers of the company already because Greensleeves were treating my parent’s lawn. At the time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a living but I did know that I liked the idea of working for myself. When I saw the opportunity to buy a franchise, the rest is history. I now run three areas – Huddersfield, North Sheffield and Wakefield – and service over 8,000 gardens.”

Which season do you most prefer to work during?

“Summer.”

What do you listen to in your van?

“House music.”

Which is your favourite service station?

“Tebay Services off the M6. It has a farm shop.”

What’s your favourite post-work snack or lunch item?

“Pork pie.”

Are you a tea or coffee person?

“Coffee.”

What are your social media channels?

“Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, although Facebook is best for the business.”

If people would like to speak to you, what are the best ways to get in touch?

“Email or telephone.”

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