This episode comprises discussions with Steve DHondt, a successful landscaping businessman, covering the dynamics of running his Michigan-based landscaping business. They delve into his strategies, from staffing to project management, and handling unforeseen issues such as environmental challenges. They highlight the significance of pricing, maintaining a strong team, client relationships, and showcasing a unique showroom experience. The second part discusses the shift of his business to an 'by-appointment-only' setup due to COVID-19, thereby enhancing customer service and experience. They encourage simplicity and value in life; investing back into the business instead of seeking grandiose lifestyles. The conversation ends on a philosophical note promoting non-material wealth, emphasizing family ties, and mental and spiritual fulfillment.

 

"The processes are important because that's how you get people to be able to be productive, feel good about what they've done, right?"

 - Steve Dhondt

Topics Covered:

• Landscaping Business and Mindset
• Winter Challenges in Landscaping
• Balancing Sales, Marketing, and Operations
• Physical Labor in Landscaping
• Dealing with Job-related Issues
• Respect for Employees' Work
• Business Growth and Challenges
• Handling Mistakes and Client Communication
• Team Appreciation and Efforts

Key Takeaways "I like that saying, you got to keep them how you got them. Some of these customers that knew you,  the old identity, you, the first three years, first five years, whatever they. 

See you in a certain through a certain lens. And then as you're, they don't know you're out there um, earning,  growing your business going, cause you're showing them a professional face. You're not showing them everything you go through. And as you start to level up your whole identity and your worth, your knowledge base grows, you're just, you have to start raising your prices and Hey, you want to live a good life too." - Keith

 

"I feel more fulfillment helping people. So if I can drive a car like that, I would feel I wouldn't feel right. What is it? This car is not practical at all. It doesn't do anything. Nobody wants to be you. They'd want a They want your car and they picture them in the car.

There's no reason for the car if you don't, especially if you're just trying to show off, and that's what most people are trying to do is show off. Or do they want you to think I just heard this? You're going to compare your life to someone else's highlight reels. And it's not, that's not, you have no clue what those people are going through with the struggles at most of the stuff that you see out there, the flash and all that.

It's, it'll never bring you happiness, invest it back into your company and your company will keep paying you. And it's just this.  Ying yang relationship with your company that your company will take care of you and you take care of your people and you have your, like you said, your own ecosystem where everybody is not capped." - Steve

 

Connect with Steve

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dhondt-534b23166Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weretheguys/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChx5v0dBiCB8UaGNfn4S4Ng/videos Website: https://www.weretheguys.com/about-us

Connect with Keith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas

 

Resources and Websites: 

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇  Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS  How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs

Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/

Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget