In this episode, I explore the profound similarities between endurance running and building a successful business. Drawing from my own journey as both a business owner and runner over the past three years, I break down three key parallels: how building an aerobic base through boring, consistent Zone 2 training mirrors the slow, unglamorous daily work required in business; how proper nutrition for athletic performance parallels feeding your mind with quality information while weeding out negativity; and how advanced race fueling strategies compare to leveraging mentors and conferences to accelerate business growth. I explain why there's no overnight success in either discipline—only the compound effect of small, consistent efforts over time that eventually create the "hockey stick" growth curve everyone wants. This perspective has transformed how I approach both running and business, reminding me that excellence in any area requires the same core principles of consistency, patience, and strategic improvement.

In this episode, I share a critical realization I had while running around putting out fires during our busy spring season. I explain how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of daily emergencies and lose sight of what truly matters in your business. Drawing from my own experience of being too busy to sell work and ending up with no jobs in August, I break down why business owners must identify their highest priorities and maintain consistency even when overwhelmed. I discuss the importance of creating action lists, planning your day before it starts, and accepting that progress is often slow and invisible. Whether you're in the middle of spring rush or just feeling buried by daily operations, these practical mindset shifts will help you stay focused on growth while managing the inevitable fires of business ownership.

In this episode, I break down why knowing your numbers is absolutely critical to business success. I've learned through growing my landscaping company that setting a detailed budget isn't just about tracking expenses—it's about calculating exactly what we need to charge per hour to cover all overhead, equipment costs, and still generate profit. I compare business budgeting to calorie counting because staying under budget consistently leads to financial health, just like staying under your calorie count leads to weight loss.I share my personal experiences with both sides of the financial spectrum—being cash-rich and being heavily leveraged with debt—and why understanding your numbers gives you the confidence to make growth decisions. I explain how we calculate our hourly rates by dividing total operating costs by billable hours, then adding our target profit margin. This approach has allowed us to reinvest profits rather than rely too heavily on debt, though I'm honest about times I've felt the pressure of a "debt spiral" when taking big opportunities.Most importantly, I emphasize that perfect numbers don't exist when you're starting out—you have to make your best estimate and then adjust as you learn. Knowing your numbers isn't about perfection; it's about having the clarity to make decisions, manage stress, and guide your business toward consistent profitability.

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.