Weed Man Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$81,150 - $109,400
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Min Cash Required
$25,000
Total US Locations
154
Business Summary
WEED MAN operates a business that maintains quality turf and controls mosquitos and perimeter pests for both homes and businesses. It offers various professional services under the WEED MAN trademark, focusing on lawn care, mosquito control, and perimeter pest control services for clients within a specific assigned territory.
Corporate History
Turf Holdings Inc., the franchisor for WEED MAN, was incorporated in Delaware in July 1995 and began offering franchises in the United States on October 1, 1995. The company is a master licensee of TH Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation that developed the WEED MAN System and has offered franchises in Canada since 1976. In 2019, TH Canada Inc. expanded the WEED MAN System to include mosquito and perimeter pest control services. In 2023, WEED MAN introduced a new royalty calculation method based on a percentage of gross sales, leading about 95% of existing franchisees to convert to new agreements by January 1, 2024. Effective January 1, 2025, Turf Holdings Inc. merged with many of its sub-franchisors and is now 82.6% owned by its Canadian parent corporation, #1051080 Ontario Inc., which also operates Weed Man franchises in Canada. Turf Holdings Inc. is also under common ownership with Robotic Smart Solutions Inc., the franchisor of the TurfBot robotic lawn mowing system, which started in December 2021.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$81,150 - $109,400
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$50,000
Minimum Cash Required
$25,000
Royalty %
6.5%
Marketing %
1.2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$21,200
Equipment Costs (High)
$23,200
Working Capital
$27,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
WEED MAN's financial statements show a positive net income of $3,057,228 in 2024, an increase from $2,912,608 in 2023. The company experienced a significant increase in cash and restricted cash, from $3,911,886 in 2023 to $11,012,569 in 2024, largely due to $8,318,500 in advances from its parent company. While retained earnings decreased in 2024 due to substantial dividends paid ($4,639,146), the auditors issued an unqualified opinion, indicating the financial statements present fairly. A significant subsequent event in January 2025 involved the purchase of assets from eight sub-franchises for approximately $69.2 million, funded by cash, promissory notes, and common stock issuance, which will substantially change the company's asset and debt structure.
Financing Details
WEED MAN offers direct financing to qualified franchisees for parts of the initial franchise fee, initial training, and start-up costs, up to a maximum of $50,000. The loan amount depends on the franchisee's financial qualifications. This financing is provided through a Demand Promissory Note payable in 60 equal monthly installments at a 9% annual interest rate. For example, a $50,000 loan would require monthly payments of $1,030.19. Payments are made via electronic ACH transfer. As security, franchisees must grant WEED MAN a security interest in the Franchise Agreement, business equipment, vehicles, inventory, client lists, accounts receivable, and related insurance. A personal guarantee is also required for business entity franchisees. Defaulting on payments for more than 15 days can lead to the entire loan balance becoming due immediately and may result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement, with franchisees waiving rights to object to court venue, make counterclaims, or have a jury trial.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
154
Franchised Units
121
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
1,425
Franchising Since
1995
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
WEED MAN has a clean legal record with no litigation cases or legal disputes to report. As of the FDD issuance date, no litigation is required to be disclosed for the franchisor, Turf Holdings Inc., its predecessors, or affiliates.
Bankruptcy History
WEED MAN has no bankruptcy history to report. No bankruptcy proceedings are required to be disclosed for the franchisor, Turf Holdings Inc., or its key management personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their WEED MAN franchise, franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew between 9 and 12 months before the agreement expires. They must be in substantial compliance with all of their obligations to WEED MAN, including paying all amounts owed. Franchisees are required to purchase or lease new equipment as reasonably required by WEED MAN to match current standards for new licensees. Designated personnel must successfully complete WEED MAN's current training program. At the time of renewal, franchisees must sign the then-current form of WEED MAN license agreement, which may have terms and conditions substantially different from their previous agreement. Additionally, franchisees must sign a general release of any claims they may have against WEED MAN and its associated parties, and pay a renewal fee equal to 50% of the initial franchise fee that is current at the time of renewal.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
WEED MAN provides substantial support both before and during the operation of the franchise. Before opening, WEED MAN offers guidance on preparing the business, including equipment packages, inventory, uniform requirements, forms, and an initial training program with a detailed business plan. During operation, WEED MAN advises on operating problems, provides technical guidance through bulletins, know-how, and developments in lawn care, weed eradication, mosquito, and perimeter pest control services. Franchisees receive two site visits during their first year and online access to the System Operations Manuals. WEED MAN also holds annual Conventions, refresher training, and periodic seminars covering sales, personnel training, accounting, inventory control, performance standards, and advertising. The franchisor administers an Advertising Fund, which both franchisees and WEED MAN contribute to (WEED MAN contributing 50% until December 31, 2033), to create national, regional, and local advertising programs and public relations activities. Franchisees are required to use a specific computer system and software (WEMMS.net), and WEED MAN provides initial setup and ongoing support for this system.
Initial Training Hours
68
Training Location
Orono, Ontario, Canada (in-person) and Online/virtual
Ongoing Support
After opening, WEED MAN franchisees receive ongoing support including advice on operating problems, technical guidance through Technical Bulletins, and updates on new developments, techniques, and improvements in lawn care, weed eradication, mosquito, and perimeter pest control services. Franchisees receive two site visits to their place of business during their first year and have online access to WEED MAN's Operation Systems, which contain mandatory and suggested specifications and procedures. WEED MAN holds an Annual Convention, refresher training, and periodic seminars to discuss sales techniques, personnel training, accounting, inventory control, performance standards, advertising programs, and motivational techniques. Franchisees are encouraged, but not required, to attend up to two of these courses per calendar year. WEED MAN also maintains and administers an Advertising Fund for national, regional, and local advertising programs, and provides ongoing support for the required WEMMS.net computer software package, with costs based on a percentage of sales after the first year.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
WEED MAN seeks qualified individuals who can operate a highly professional lawn care, mosquito, and perimeter pest control business. While personal participation in the day-to-day operation is not mandatory for the franchisee, a designated manager (who could be the franchisee) must successfully complete WEED MAN's training program, be approved by the franchisor, and dedicate full-time, on-site attention to managing and operating the business. Ideal candidates are expected to demonstrate strong management skills, business acumen, and the ability to adhere to WEED MAN's methods and procedures. The business also requires adherence to specific regulations and licensing for pesticide application, implying a need for a capable and responsible operator.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
commercial
Owner Participation
absentee-allowed
Territory Type
limited
Territory Size Requirements
WEED MAN defines its franchise territories based on factors like population density, market statistics, and local competition. A typical single franchise territory is designed to include a population of up to 150,000 people, though, by mutual agreement, territories in isolated areas might be awarded with as few as 50,000 residents. WEED MAN uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau for population figures. The precise boundaries of a territory are officially described using maps that outline county lines, township lines, municipal boundaries, census tract boundaries, and state and U.S. highways.
Staffing Notes
WEED MAN franchisees are responsible for hiring, compensating, and training all employees for their business. Franchisees must implement an employee training program that adheres to WEED MAN's prescribed standards, and employees must complete this training to the franchisor's satisfaction. A designated manager, approved by WEED MAN, must act as the full-time, day-to-day operator of the business, devoting all attention to its management and being on-site during all business hours (excluding reasonable absences). Furthermore, the operation requires compliance with federal, state, and local regulations specific to lawn care and pest control, including obtaining a Pesticide Business License and ensuring at least one person in the business is a licensed Pesticide Control Operator (PCO).