The SpringGreen Story • Since 1977

Build Something Great

A history of entrepreneurship, lasting relationships, and growing together.

Our Story Begins With a Shared Vision

Bill Fischer and Tom Hofer left their respective Illinois family farms to study agriculture and economics at the University of Illinois. They joined the same fraternity and developed a mutual desire to pursue opportunities beyond the family farm. After college, Tom went off to the Vietnam War, and Bill pursued a brand new industry called lawn care. In 1977, he founded Spring-Green Lawn Care.

When the friends reunited and began evaluating Bill’s growing lawn care franchise enterprise, Tom saw an opportunity to scale the success. Tom became one of the first SpringGreen franchise owners and his business doubled in size each of its first three years. In 1980, he rolled his business into SpringGreen Lawn Care Corporation and joined the company’s executive team. The company’s destiny as a pioneering lawn care business committed to franchising and its franchise owners was set in motion.

Growing Together Since 1977

The people, progress, and milestones that shaped SpringGreen.

1977

A Business Takes Root

Tom Hofer begins with one truck as a neighborhood based lawn and tree care service in Naperville, Illinois. Founders William R. Fischer and Richard G. Gretz form Spring-Green Lawn Care Corporation.
1980

A Shared Vision for Growth

Tom Hofer rolls his franchise into Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp. and joins the executive team.
1981

Expanding Our Services

Core Aeration service introduced.
1982

Helping Shape the Industry

Bill helps form the lawn care industry’s first trade association and later went on to serve as president.
1987

Leadership for a Growing System

Tom Hofer assumes the role of president and CEO after the unfortunate passing of his fraternity brother and business partner, Bill Fischer. The franchise system grows rapidly in the Midwest and expands throughout the East, South, Southeast and Pacific Northwest.
1997

Celebrating 20 Years

Spring-Green celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Revenue reaches $15.2 million.
2000

Serving More Communities

Spring-Green serves 7,500 neighborhood communities in 24 states throughout the nation.
2002

Introducing Perimeter Pest Control

Perimeter Pest Control service is introduced.
2005

Planning for the Next Generation

Ted Hofer rejoins company with a long term succession plan in mind.
2006

Investing in Marketing and Technology

James Young is named President of Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp. and leads a transformation of marketing systems and an infusion of technology.
2007

30 Years of Progress

Spring-Green celebrates its 30th Anniversary and also receives a 4-star rating from Franchise Business Review.
2008

Growth and Recognition

Revenue has more than doubled over 10 years to $32.4 million. Spring-Green receives World-Class Franchise distinction by the Franchise Research Institute.
2009

Expanding Franchise Support

Spring-Green campus expands with build out of a state-of-the-art call center facility.
2010

A New Chapter in Leadership

Ted Hofer is named CEO. The focus intensifies on “Growth through independently owned franchises and a renewed commitment to deliver profitable growth is issued.”
2012

Celebrating 35 Years

Spring-Green celebrates its 35th Anniversary and is featured in 100 fast and growing Business Entrepreneurs.
2014

New Opportunities for Business Owners

Spring-Green formally introduces its Green Industry franchise program offering diversification opportunities to landscape, hardscape, pest control and other existing business owners. Consistent growth year after year lifts revenue beyond $45 million annually.
2015

Industry Recognition

Spring-Green ranks among the top third in 2015 Top 100 Lawn & Landscape Companies.
2017

Celebrating 40 Years

Spring-Green celebrated its 40th anniversary and will continue its expansion beautifying the environment by delivering lawn and tree care services through a network of high caliber lawn and tree care professionals.
2018

Welcoming Pet Butler

Spring-Green Enterprises acquires the Pet Butler brand.
2019

Recognition From Forbes

Spring-Green is featured in Forbes as a Top 10 Franchise to purchase.
2020

Supporting Growth Through Uncertainty

Spring-Green announces a Stimulus Package to encourage growth in the midst of a global pandemic.
2022

A Refreshed SpringGreen Brand

SpringGreen launches a brand refresh that aligns with the changing demographics and service preferences of our customers.
2024

Brad Johnson Named Brand President

Brad Johnson gets promoted to Brand President.
2026

Connecting Technology and Marketing

Matt Jevne gets promoted into the new Chief Technology & Marketing Officer position ensuring business strategy translates into scalable marketing, technology and data capabilities.