In this episode of The Untrapped Podcast, Keith gets real about money, mindset, and risk. After dropping $9,300 on a brand-new enclosed trailer, Keith dives deep into how he approaches investing in his landscaping business — and why he refuses to buy anything until it’s absolutely necessary.

From avoiding unnecessary debt to setting financial safety nets, Keith shares the exact philosophy that’s helped him stay profitable and sane while running multiple businesses. This isn’t about flashy spending — it’s about working smarter, protecting your peace, and building real security.

 

 

"If other people can do this, so can you. You're being forced to expand in your maturity and your growth." – Keith Kalfas

 

Topics Covered:

• Why Keith only buys tools “the morning of the job”

• The difference between wanting and needing new equipment

• How to calculate a 50% profit margin on every job

• Setting your “safe number” — the bank balance that calms your stress

• How to balance growth without sacrificing your health or family

• The mindset shift from risk-taking to smart scaling

 

Key Takeaways

• Only Buy What You Need — When You Need ItKeith’s golden rule: never buy a new tool until the morning of the job that requires it. This keeps your risk low and your cash flow strong — no fancy toys gathering dust, just smart, purpose-driven purchases.

• Know Your “Safe Number.”

  Set a financial cushion that lets your nervous system chill. Whether it’s $5K or $50K, define the amount in your bank account that makes you feel secure — and never dip below it. That’s how you build peace and profit at the same time.

• Growth Without Burnout

  Big businesses aren’t always better businesses. Keith reminds us that stretching too thin can cost more than money —

 

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: 

Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith

The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance

Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources

🙋♂️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

Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone

Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower

Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

LevelUp Your  Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP