In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, host Keith Kalfas talks with Joel Kouski from Kouski Landscaping, who has built a $2 million business with 20 employees. Joel shares his story and talks about why staying emotionally detached in customer service is important, while still building real connections with customers. They discuss overcoming challenges, leading with humility and strong character, and using smart sales strategies. Joel also gives practical tips for handling the busy spring season, boosting team productivity, and staying focused on personal growth and faith. This episode is packed with useful advice for landscaping business owners and entrepreneurs.

 

 

" We're trying to be a lot of things for good reasons, but what if trying to be that thing in the first place is actually the thing holding you back? Just take the pressure off, " – Joel Kouski

Topics Covered:

• Joel Kuski’s Business Journey

• Challenges in Entrepreneurship

• The Role of Encouragement in Business

• Solving Technical Issues in Business

• Balancing Personal Life and Business

• Building Systems and Automations

• Personal Growth and Humility in Leadership

• Customer Connection and Sales Success

• Pricing and Value in the Landscaping Industry

• Employee Management and AI Tools

Key Takeaways

• Building Real Connections in Business:

  Joel stresses the importance of genuinely understanding and connecting with people — whether it's customers, employees, or family. For example, instead of just selling a pool, he suggests creating a space that fits the customer's real desires, which builds trust and loyalty.

   

• Emotional and Mental Health:

  Both Keith and Joel talk about how important it is for entrepreneurs to take care of their emotional and mental health. Joel shares how stress and poor emotional management hurt his relationships and emphasizes the value of self-awareness, admitting mistakes, and focusing on personal growth.

   

• Value and Pricing:

  Instead of focusing on discounts or low prices, Joel advises businesses to focus on understanding their customers’ needs and offering high value. By doing so, they can justify higher prices and build customer loyalty.

 

Connect with Joel

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoelKouski Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelkouski/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kouski-9b751a73 Website: https://www.joelkouski.com/

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

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

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