Is the CRM provider owned by Augusta Lawn Care a required supplier?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As of May 2023, we own and operate Copilot Software LLC, which is an approved (but not required) CRM provider to our franchisees. As of January 2025, we own and operate Mike Andes Media Group LLC, which is an approved (but not required) media provider to our franchisees. Other than this, neither we, nor people affiliated with us are Approved Suppliers. We reserve the right to designate us or any of our affiliates as an Approved Supplier with respect to any other item you must purchase in connection with your Franchised Business in the future.
Required Purchases and Right to Derive Revenue
There are no products or services we require you to purchase or lease from an Approved Supplier, or purchase or lease in accordance with our standards and specifications.
Source: Item 8 — RESTRICTIONS ON SOURCES OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (FDD pages 17–20)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Augusta Lawn Care Franchise Disclosure Document, Copilot Software LLC, which is owned and operated by Augusta Lawn Care, is an approved but not required CRM provider for franchisees. As of January 2025, Mike Andes Media Group LLC, also owned and operated by Augusta Lawn Care, is an approved but not required media provider. This means franchisees are not obligated to use Copilot CRM software, although it is recommended.
While Augusta Lawn Care does not currently mandate the use of Copilot, they reserve the right to designate themselves or their affiliates as an Approved Supplier for any item a franchisee must purchase in the future. This could potentially include the CRM software. Currently, franchisees are recommended to use Copilot CRM software at a cost of $250.00 per month; however, there is no additional cost currently associated with the software.
Augusta Lawn Care also specifies that there are no products or services that franchisees are required to purchase or lease from an Approved Supplier, or purchase or lease in accordance with their standards and specifications. However, the FDD estimates that required purchases, purchases from Approved Suppliers, and purchases that must meet their specifications will total approximately 15-25% of the initial investment and 50-75% of ongoing operational purchases. This indicates that while specific suppliers aren't mandated, a significant portion of a franchisee's spending will likely be influenced by Augusta Lawn Care's recommendations and requirements.