How Nolan Gore Grew a Lawn Care Business to $7 Million

Growing a successful business isn’t just about having the right tools or funding—it’s about vision, persistence, and learning from the journey. Nolan Gore, the owner of Top Choice Lawn Care, embodies all of these qualities. When Nolan bought into the business in 2016, it wasn’t exactly a dream scenario. The company was losing money, and he stepped in with no guarantees—but with a firm belief in its potential. Fast forward a few years, and Top Choice has transformed into a thriving business, generating $7 million in annual revenue.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key moves Nolan made to turn things around—and how you can apply these principles to grow your own business.

Starting Small: Taking the Leap Without Overthinking

In 2016, Nolan made a bold decision: he agreed to take over Top Choice Lawn Care, even though the business was operating at a loss. He didn’t overanalyze the risks. He simply saw the opportunity and committed to fixing what was broken. One of his first smart moves? Taking on the company’s debt. This allowed him to reset the business without legacy constraints and begin shaping it into something new.

Lesson: Sometimes, the best opportunities don’t come neatly packaged. Trust your instincts, commit fully, and bet on your ability to figure it out.

Financial Discipline: Frugality Fuels Growth

One of Nolan’s core strategies was separating his personal and business finances. This gave him clarity and allowed him to reinvest intelligently. Instead of draining money from the business, he prioritized keeping funds inside the company to drive sustainable growth. He also stayed frugal. Every dollar mattered, especially early on. This mindset helped him avoid unnecessary overhead and make calculated decisions that paid off long-term.

Lesson: Keeping your business lean and financially healthy is key to long-term success. Reinvest wisely, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture.

Employees First: Building a Positive Company Culture

While finances and strategy are critical, Nolan knows that no business thrives without great people. He made it a point to treat employees fairly—ensuring they were paid well and felt valued. This approach not only boosted retention but also built a strong internal culture. Employees were more invested in their work, and that translated to better service and results.

Lesson: Great businesses are built by great teams. Treat your people right, and they’ll help you scale sustainably.

What You Can Learn from Nolan’s Journey

Nolan’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s full of actionable lessons for any business owner. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to scale, here are some key takeaways to guide your path:

• Separate personal and business finances to stay financially sharp.
  
  
• Prioritize frugality—especially in the early stages of growth.
  
  
• Be proactive about pricing and contracts to protect your margins.
  
  
• Value your team—fair pay and a positive culture go a long way.

Want the Full Story? Tune in to The OWNR OPS Podcast. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, this episode is a must-listen.

Nolan dives deep into the mindset, challenges, and breakthroughs that took Top Choice Lawn Care from a struggling operation to a $7 million powerhouse. Whether you're in lawn care or another industry, the insights are universal—and powerful.

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