Women in the Industry – Catrina Jurdan, Part Two
May 8, 2019
"What used to be a "good ol’ boy" profession is now starting to level out. Women are starting to be taken seriously, and the credit has to be given to all the women out there that have worked their fingers to the bone to prove they deserve a spot in this industry."
Catrina Jurdan from Kansas City Metro area runs Viking Lawn Care together with her husband Douglas King Jr. since 2018. You can find part one of her interview here and read about Catrina’s first goals and steps in business.
In Part Two we talk to Catrina about a bias against females in landscaping, her personal inspirations, and favorite online resources for women in the industry.
1. Catrina, you and your husband started Viking Lawn Care less than a year ago and a lot of new business owners can relate to what you’re going through. Have you considered sharing your journey on social?
Yes, I have strongly considered starting a YouTube channel. Some of the stuff I have run into since starting is almost unbelievable. Men stopping just to laugh at me for doing a "man’s job", women telling me I will never succeed, etc.
Let’s not forget the fact that almost all lawn equipment is made for men, and being a woman using the equipment can present challenges. I’m also very tech savvy, and have found ways to cut down on quoting times and ways to keep paperwork organized that could be useful.
2. Do you follow other lawn care pros online? Any favorite channels/profiles you would recommend to other females in the industry?
I ran into UAG Member Danny Lanier of Lanier Lawncare by chance and we became immediate friends. He sat down with me to discuss some business strategies and provide priceless advice in getting started.
Without blinking an eye, he took me seriously as a woman in a man’s world and encouraged me to continue. That is something I can not say about corporate life.
ECHO Means Business has been an area of comfort for me as well. The people of EMB are down to earth great people with so much knowledge and experience. I never feel out of place, everyone makes me feel like just another lawn care professional, I couldn’t ask for more.
Lastly, Lawn Life ran by Scott Hans on Facebook is a very welcoming place to ask all lawn care and business questions that pop into your head. They will answer your questions while razzing you, it’s perfect.
They have a #brotherhood and #sisterhood they use to remind everyone that we are in this together.
3. Do you think the culture of women-empowering movements of the last few years has had an impact on the landscaping industry?
Yes, most definitely. What used to be a "good ol’ boy" profession is now starting to level out. Women are starting to be taken seriously and the credit has to be given to all the women out there that have worked their fingers to the bone to prove they deserve a spot in this industry.
4. What main advice would you give women who are interested in entering the landscaping industry?
Begin networking as soon as possible and do not shy away from the men in the industry. Most everyone you will meet want to help you succeed. It’s important to remember, lawn care professionals are like a second family, including the weird Uncle you have to avoid at all cost.
Most importantly, never give up - if you feel like you have reached the end of your rope, call someone. Talk to your network, talk to a friend, you can even talk to me.
About Catrina: Catrina and her husband Douglas King Jr. are the owners of Viking Lawn Care serving the Kansas City Metro area. You can see more from Catrina and Viking Lawn Care on Facebook.