South Portland’s City Council caused a stir last year when it discussed a potential ban on gas-powered lawn equipment. One landscaper said, “I’d have to stop mowing in South Portland… It’s going to hurt everybody and the price of having your lawn mowed is going to go up.”1
Here in Scarborough, Paul Beaver watched with mild amusement. At Greencare Landscape Management, the company he runs from its headquarters on Broadturn Road, he is riding electric-powered lawn equipment into the profit-sunset. In the end, he expects others in his industry will follow.
Paul’s conversion to electric began when he acquired two residential lawncare businesses that both used electric mowers. He and others were impressed by their performance and ease of use. The machines are quiet, fast, and powerful. They didn’t get bogged down in high grass. The large electric batteries lasted all day and crews didn’t have to stop to fill gas tanks. There were no filters or fluids to change. When the employees on his commercial crews tried the electric mowers, they asked if they could have them too. Soon, Paul was growing his electric fleet.
Clients like the new machines as well. People are glad to avoid the drone of gas-powered machines by their window when they are on a work call or enjoying their morning coffee. Paul says they have received many compliments, particularly in residential neighborhoods and office parks. Greencare customer and ReVision Energy co-founder Phil Coupe says, “Clean air is good for everyone and we love the fact that Greencare keeps our lawn looking beautiful with zero pollution by using 100% electric mowers and trimmers.”
Last spring, Paul purchased the first Mean Green electric commercial mower sold in Maine from Chad Little Outdoor Power Equipment in Scarborough. He explains that the initial cost was high – $30,000 compared to about $17,000 for a conventional gas-powered industrial mower. But these machines qualify for a $7,500 electric vehicle (EV) tax credit, and at the time of Greencare’s purchase the manufacturer offered a $2,500 rebate. Between these discounts and lower maintenance and fuel costs, Paul estimates they will break even within one to two years. He admits there is some uncertainty about how long the electric mowers will last, but he is optimistic based on what he has seen thus far. “I don’t see myself buying any gas-powered mowers any time soon.”
The residential side of his business is now 100% electric, including mowers, string trimmers (“weed whackers”), and hedge trimmers. His commercial side is 30% electric. He hopes to increase this to 50-75% over time by buying electric when gas-powered equipment needs replacement. For now, the only tools for which he has not found a suitable electric alternative are the high-powered leaf blowers needed for fall cleanups.
Paul recognizes the environmental benefits of converting his industry to electric, even if they are not his primary motivation. The small gas motors that power most lawn equipment are notorious for their outsized impact on air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. “If we can get this industry to change over, I think we’ll have a much bigger impact on the environment [than converting cars].”
The true root of Paul’s conversion may be his fascination with new technology. “I have been a gearhead my whole life.” He became intrigued with electric cars early and has enjoyed being an early adopter. He likes questioning the status quo and he values open-mindedness. Today, you may see him driving around Scarborough in his Tesla Cybertruck. (Which easily makes him the coolest dad in the school pick-up line.)
Paul was working in the automotive industry when his brother Alex asked him for help thinking through some business ideas. Paul has a degree in economics from the University of Southern Maine and has always had an eye for business opportunities. One thing led to another and they ended up starting a construction company called Beaver Building.
The Southern Maine market of contractors and sub-contractors is crowded and competitive. As newcomers, they struggled to be profitable. Looking to diversify, they acquired Greencare when it was a small business with just two trucks and three employees. That gave them the flexibility to supplement their building work with landscaping jobs. But the challenges continued.
After losing money on one building project, they decided to refocus solely on landscaping, adding snow removal and plowing during the winter months. In 2013, they purchased two other lawncare businesses. Things “went haywire” as they struggled to combine the cultures of three teams. “Greencare’s story is one of false starts and learned lessons,” Paul admits.
In 2017, Alex left to start another business and Paul revamped Greencare’s business model, shifting toward commercial landscaping jobs and away from less profitable residential projects. The move paid off, creating stability and laying the foundation for future growth.
Seven years later, Paul proudly says, “We’re out of the rat race.” Greencare is large enough to handle any size job, he’s no longer chasing work, and he can think more deliberately about how he manages and grows his company, which now employs about 30 people.
Paul focuses on three things. First, remaining profitable for the benefit of both him and his employees. He does this by striving to always offer the highest level of service in his industry and by making sound investments, as in his electric fleet.
Second, attracting and maintaining a great workforce by offering careers, not jobs. He offers competitive pay, 401Ks, health and dental benefits, and profit sharing. He supports his employees’ growth – paying for their time to take classes and gain certifications – and their personal successes. He connected with a transitional house to give nonviolent offenders a second chance. “They end up being the best, most loyal employees we’ve got.” Paul is also quick to share credit for his success with Greencare’s COO, Zack Black, and CEO, David Perron. “We couldn’t do what we do without their intellect, support, and shared ideology.”
Third, Paul focuses on giving back to the community through Greencare Cares, a program that supports local nonprofits through donations of both services and money. For example, when hired to build a patio at the library in Alfred, where his stepfather once lived, he donated a garden section in his stepfather’s name.
Paul stands as a beacon of innovation in the landscape industry, not just in electrification but in leadership. As he guides his company with foresight and compassion, his vision extends far beyond mowers and balance sheets. He sees his business and others as having a holistic role within the community – creating jobs and wealth for all involved, modeling best practices, and supporting valued community organizations. His electric conversion is as much a testament to being openminded as the viability of green alternatives.
Thinking of Going Electric?
Paul says there are a lot of good options for the average homeowner who does weekly lawncare. The Dunstan and Oak Hill Ace Hardware stores in Scarborough carry electric equipment by Ego, Milwaukee, Craftsman, and DeWalt. Ace’s Rebecca Wood says, “Ego is the big one because they have a full line of mowers in addition to smaller tools. Typically, people stick to one brand so they can interchange the batteries. So, if you’re already all-in on Milwaukee power tools, you can use their outdoor equipment with your existing, compatible batteries.”
1 Kenny Roberts in “Prospect of ban on gas-powered lawn equipment draws pushback in South Portland,” Kelley Bouchard, Portland Press Herald, 14 March 2023.
