In this focused episode of Grow by Design, we tackle the challenges service businesses face during the spring rush. Learn three actionable strategies to manage the seasonal influx without compromising quality or burning out: keeping the main thing the main thing, controlling growth through strategic pricing, and automating redundant tasks. Discover how to identify your true priorities, use price modulation as a tool to manage demand, and implement automated communication systems that mind the gap between sale and service delivery. Whether you're in landscaping, HVAC, pressure washing, or any seasonal service industry, these practical insights will help you navigate busy periods while building a foundation for sustainable growth.

Ben Boss, a physical therapist and financial professional who bridges two seemingly different worlds with a common purpose: helping people recover and grow stronger. Ben shares his journey from University of Kentucky to becoming passionate about innovative physical therapy techniques like NewFit direct electrical stimulation while simultaneously entering the business financing industry through Bluegrass Lending. Discover how Ben helps businesses overcome cash flow challenges with same-day financing solutions when traditional banks aren't an option, including merchant cash advances for urgent needs like covering payroll or seizing growth opportunities. As an avid marathon runner with a 3:14 PR and ambitious sub-3-hour goals, Ben explains how athletic discipline influences his professional approach and why he's drawn to helping both injured athletes and cash-strapped businesses recover quickly. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge physical therapy innovations, alternative business financing options, or the connection between athletic endurance and professional success, this conversation offers valuable insights on building resilience in both body and business.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tyler Pedersen, founder of Endurance Dad Life, as he shares his journey from struggling with alcoholism to becoming a dedicated triathlete and father. Tyler opens up about his 648 days of sobriety, how endurance sports became his pathway to recovery, and his mission to build a supportive community for fathers balancing family responsibilities with athletic goals. Discover practical triathlon training advice for beginners, including swimming strategies, affordable equipment options through Facebook Marketplace, and realistic training expectations for busy parents with limited time. Tyler also shares vulnerably about parenting a child with Williams Syndrome and how these challenges have shaped his perspective on life and purpose. Whether you're interested in triathlon training, overcoming personal challenges, or finding balance as a father, this authentic conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance for your own journey.

Every business owner faces difficult clients, but few talk about when to cut ties. In this episode, I share honest insights about balancing customer satisfaction with business sustainability. Learn how to evaluate problematic client relationships, identify patterns versus one-off situations, and handle termination conversations professionally. Discover why documentation is crucial, how to create objective systems for making these tough decisions, and why your bandwidth spent on impossible-to-please clients hurts your ability to serve others well. Whether you're dealing with scope creep, unreasonable demands, or clients who blame you for everything, this episode provides actionable strategies to maintain your sanity while protecting your company's reputation and culture. For service business owners tired of the emotional drain from difficult clients, this conversation offers both validation and practical solutions.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Bob Turner, founder of Summit Coaching & Consulting and experienced contractor turned business coach. Discover how Bob helps contractors overcome cash flow challenges, build stronger teams, and create sustainable growth strategies. Learn why leadership development is crucial for business success, how to maintain focus on what truly matters, and why accountability is the foundation of any high-performing organization. Bob shares his journey from running a contracting business to following his passion for coaching entrepreneurs, along with practical advice on creating business systems, managing teams effectively, and finding fulfillment in your work. Whether you're struggling with growth challenges or looking to scale your service business, this episode delivers actionable strategies from someone who's been in the trenches and understands the unique challenges contractors face.

In this episode of Grow by Design, we sit down with landscape industry veteran Caleb Almond, founder of Almond Landscape and Hardscape Academy. Caleb shares how he's scaling to $2.2 million in 2025 by investing in key hires and creating boutique client experiences. From selling high-end landscape design services to managing work-life balance, Caleb offers honest insights about his journey from "kid contractor" to established business owner. Learn practical strategies for creating systems that scale, how to transition from selling projects to selling experiences, and why solving client problems is more valuable than competing on price. Whether you're a solo operator or managing multiple crews, this conversation delivers actionable advice for growing your service business while maintaining what matters most. Don't miss Caleb's candid revelations about marriage in business and the personal development journey that transformed his company.

The single most critical metric that could make or break your service business in 2025 is Labor to Revenue ratio. This crucial number directly impacts your profitability, and even small improvements can double your net profit. Learn exactly how to track, measure, and fix labor efficiency issues before they become major problems. Understand how to calculate and monitor your labor revenue properly, identify early warning signs, and make data-driven decisions about pricing and staffing. Whether you're struggling with profitability or looking to scale efficiently, this episode provides the knowledge you need to take control of your business metrics. Perfect for service business owners who want to stop guessing and start measuring what really matters for sustainable growth in 2025.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Zoe, our office manager and cake pop entrepreneur, as we explore how company values drive business success. Learn why accountability matters more than skill, how to build a high-performance culture, and why 'common sense' isn't enough to run a successful operation. Perfect for business owners and leaders looking to improve their team's efficiency while maintaining strong company culture. Discover practical insights on implementing urgency in your operations, managing accountability, and creating systems that scale.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with marketing expert Michael Tandridge about business growth strategies for 2025. From the psychology behind marketing decisions to practical tips on YouTube SEO, Google Local Service Ads, and building a strong digital presence. Learn how to generate more leads, understand the power of process implementation, and discover why traditional marketing methods still work in a digital age. Perfect for business owners looking to scale their operations and improve their marketing strategy in 2025.

In this episode Jacob chats with longtime friend and fellow business owner, Matthew Pennell. Together, they reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys, lessons learned in 2024, and how to stay focused while balancing family, business, and personal growth. They dive into the power of narrowing your focus, scaling your business effectively, and exploring exciting new ventures like fitness, nutrition, and longevity programs. Tune in for insights, laughs, and actionable tips to kickstart your 2025 goals!