NaturaLawn of America Testimonial: Oxford, MS

Before becoming a NaturaLawn of America franchise owner, Justin Sapp spent about 15 years in computer software, helping develop software for banks and mortgage companies.

“I've always had that dream as a kid growing up. Always wanted to own my own business one day,” Justin said.

That goal led him to start looking at different industries and franchise opportunities. During that search, he came across NaturaLawn of America through Franchise Gator.

“So I actually came across NaturaLawn of America on Facebook through Franchise Gator,” Justin said. “They said these are the franchises that want to be in your area and NaturaLawn was one of them.”

Finding the Right Franchise Opportunity

After learning more about NaturaLawn of America, Justin went through the due diligence process and reviewed the franchise disclosure document. One part of the process that stood out was the chance to speak with other franchise owners.

“I got to speak to about three or four other franchisees who went through what I was about to go through,” Justin said. “So I was able to ask them the questions that I wanted to ask and they even gave me some information that I wasn't even thinking to ask.”

That access helped Justin feel more prepared as he considered whether the franchise was the right fit.

Feeling at Home During Validation Day

As part of the validation process, Justin visited the NaturaLawn of America home office and met with the departments he would work with as an owner, including marketing, accounting, purchasing, IT and operations. He also met with members of the leadership team.

“I went in with like a lot of nerves, kind of nervous, but as soon as I walked in, it honestly felt like home away from home,” Justin said. “I mean, it absolutely felt like a family.”

The experience helped him feel more comfortable with the people behind the franchise system.

“Very welcoming. It was just very laidback,” Justin said. “So, I felt very comfortable meeting everyone.”

Learning a New Industry

When Justin launched his business, he was entering an industry that was very different from his software background. That made onboarding and continued support especially important.

“I came from the computer industry so I didn't know the first thing as far as what to do, how to do it, etc.”

Justin said the early support from NaturaLawn of America helped him get started.

“My regional manager came down the week that I opened and helped me get started for that first full week,” Justin said. “Anytime I needed anything I could FaceTime or call anyone from the home office to help me get through any issues that I had at that time.”

Staying Open to Advice

Now going into his sixth season, Justin says one of the most important things a new owner can do is stay ready to learn.

“Go in ready to learn and take any advice that you can,” Justin said.

For Justin, being open to the system and willing to take guidance made a difference as he built the business.

“I didn't know what I was doing,” Justin said. “I listen to everything that NaturaLawn had for me to learn how to be successful and do that full-heartedly and you'll be successful like I have been.”

Justin Sapp's journey from computer software to franchise ownership shows how NaturaLawn of America’s training, validation process and ongoing support helped him move into a new industry and build a business of his own.