As retirement approaches, many firefighters start thinking about their next steps. Some choose to pursue hobbies or travel, while others look for ways to continue working and supporting their families. Being a firefighter with a wife and two children, opening a stump grinding business was the perfect solution.
I had always been interested in side businesses mainly just to make ends meet. I knew that there was a demand for stump grinding services in my community and saw an opportunity to turn a side business into a full time operation. The Peachtree City, Senoia, and Fayetteville areas are perfect locations with a dense population that provided a good opportunity to grow.
With the support of my wife and children I took the plunge and invested in a stump grinder, trailer, and safety gear. It was risky so I started small with a 25hp Rayco grinder.
I first advertised my services through word of mouth and social media like Facebook and quickly discovered that there was a real need for the stump grinding. I was able to take on more work than I had initially anticipated, and the business started to grow.
I was able to invest in a larger grinder and purchased a Carlton 4400-4 an older version of the 7015, which was very scary at the time.
One of the biggest benefits of owning a stump grinding business is the flexibility it provides. As a firefighter I had worked long, unpredictable hours, which could be difficult for my family. However, with this new business, I am able to set my own schedule and prioritize family time.
With my wife and children helping with administrative tasks, marketing, and customer service we all work together as a team, supporting each other and contributing to the success of the business.
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