In today’s episode, Keith Kalfas opens up about how he started his landscaping business with no money, no car, and a mountain of debt—offering raw, actionable advice for anyone ready to escape a dead-end job and take control of their future. With motivational insights and no-nonsense truths, this is a deeply personal look at entrepreneurship, survival, and the drive to transform your life against the odds.

 

                  "Nothing's going to change unless you change it." – Keith Kalfas

Episode Highlights:

 

[00:00:01] Equip Expo Promo

• Keith shares details on the Equip Expo, the biggest green industry event in America, taking place in Louisville, Kentucky (Oct 21–24). Listeners can save 50% on tickets with promo code KEITH50.

[00:00:38] How to Start a Landscaping Business With No Money

• Keith introduces the core topic—starting a landscaping business from scratch. He talks directly to those stuck in dead-end jobs and struggling to take the leap into entrepreneurship, addressing common fears about money, equipment, and providing for a family.

[00:02:09] Keith’s Personal Story: From Rock Bottom to Six Figures

• Keith shares his own journey, revealing the desperation that drove him: job loss, debt collectors, eviction notices, and the terrifying uncertainty he faced with no startup money or resources.

[00:04:58] The Turning Point: Getting Off the Ground

• Driven by imminent eviction and overwhelming debt, Keith describes the gritty first steps he took—posting Craigslist ads, knocking on doors, handing out homemade business cards, and pulling weeds for cash. He transparently shares the realities of using his wife’s car and borrowed equipment just to get started.

[00:06:30] Bootstrapping and Beating the Odds

• Keith recounts pulling his life together: borrowing a truck, working countless hours, fighting discouragement, and doing everything necessary—even poorly paid jobs—to survive and build his business from nothing.

[00:08:02] Hitting the Breakthrough: Quitting to Go All In

• Keith reaches his breaking point, describing the day he finally quit his job after replacing his income with landscaping work—then pouring himself into his business, putting in 90–100 hour weeks. He talks about the emotional and financial risks, but also the payoff: freedom and self-respect.

 

Key Takeaways

• Starting With Nothing Is Possible: Keith’s story proves you can start a business with zero money, no vehicle, and even bad credit—persistence and hustle are key.

• Let Go of Excuses: The only way out of being stuck is to take uncomfortable, consistent action—even if it means humble beginnings.

• Leverage Relentless Hustle:  Overcome obstacles by working harder and longer—90 to 100 hours a week if needed to break through.

• Accept Humble Beginnings: Start small—even if it means hauling weeds in someone else’s old pickup. Humility is part of the journey.

• Claim Your Freedom: True freedom comes from betting on yourself and taking massive, sometimes scary, action toward your own vision. 

   

  Connect with Keith Kalfas:

  • 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 & Sponsor Links

• Equip Expo: https://plus.mcievents.com/equipexpo2025?RefId=KEITH50— 50% off tickets with code KEITH50

• Footbridge Media: footbridgemedia.com/keith

• Jobber (Exclusive free trial + discount): getjobber.com/kalfas