“The biggest thing holding entrepreneurs back is the six inches between your ears.” — Jason Lee

• E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
• The E-Myth Landscape Contractor by Tony Bass and Michael Gerber
• Jeffrey Scott's Peer Groups
• GIE Expo (Green Industry & Equipment Expo)
• Green Side Up Podcast 

[00:00] Introduction and Jason’s Background
Rob introduces Jason Lee, founder of SkyFrog Landscape and co-host of the Green Side Up podcast, and previews a discussion on entrepreneurial growth and operational efficiency in the landscaping industry.

[10:39] Starting in Landscaping and Horticulture
Jason shares how he grew up in a horticulture-focused family, started selling plants as a child, and developed an early passion for landscaping.

[12:32] Running a Design-Build Business in College
Jason talks about starting a small design-build company with a friend during college, laying the foundation for his future business.

[13:06] From Working at Austin Outdoor to Launching SkyFrog
After gaining experience at Austin Outdoor, Jason decided to return to Gainesville and start his own landscaping business during the 2009 recession.

[20:47] Hitting Growth Challenges and Plateauing at $3 Million
Jason describes how SkyFrog quickly scaled to $3 million in revenue but faced significant operational challenges and inefficiencies.

[22:47] The Impact of Peer Groups and Mentorship
Jason highlights how joining Jeffrey Scott’s peer groups provided valuable insights and support, helping him address leadership and business issues.

[24:22] Identifying and Solving Operational Inefficiencies
Jason discusses the operational inefficiencies that were holding the business back, such as long morning setup times and disorganized equipment management.

[31:10] Implementing a 4-Day Workweek for Efficiency
Jason explains how transitioning to a four-day workweek improved productivity, reduced overtime, and helped his team handle Florida’s unpredictable weather.

[38:34] Launching the Green Side Up Podcast
Jason shares how the idea for Green Side Up came about after candid conversations with his friend and co-host Jordan, aiming to share real-life entrepreneurial lessons.

[46:32] Key Resources and Personal Development
Jason mentions key resources that influenced his journey, such as E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber, Tony Bass’s seminars, and the importance of personal development through books and mentorship.

• Joining peer groups provides invaluable insights and support for business growth.
• Identifying and addressing operational inefficiencies is crucial for scaling sustainably.
• Running a 4-day workweek can significantly improve productivity and employee morale.
• Surrounding yourself with the right team and delegating effectively is key to success.
• Continuous learning and personal development are essential for long-term entrepreneurial success.

“We didn’t just want to create a product; we wanted to change the way hardscapers work.”

• Perma Edge: permapaveredging.com
• Hardscape Mentor: A professional community for hardscape contractors
• SYNKD UP Event: Industry networking and learning event
• ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute): Training and certification programs for hardscapers
• Dan Preston: Hardscape professional and founder of Hardscape Mentor

[00:46] Meeting Chris Yancey
Robert introduces Chris Yancey, highlighting their initial meeting at a SYNKD UP event and the unique story behind Chris’s transition from hardscape services to product innovation.

[01:35] Chris’s Early Days in Landscaping
Chris shares how he started in the green industry at 15, grew his skills in hardscaping, and eventually launched Ganton’s Outdoor Living in Beaver Creek, Ohio.

[03:58] Scaling Back to Stay Profitable
Chris explains how he realized he didn’t want to run a large company with multiple crews and opted for a leaner, more focused operation with a smaller, highly skilled team.

[05:55] The Birth of Perma Edge
Chris talks about his frustration with spiked edging and how he identified a need for a better product, leading to the development of Perma Edge.

[11:43] How Social Media Transformed the Industry
Chris reflects on how social media has made the industry more open, collaborative, and professional, creating opportunities for networking and learning.

[16:25] Service Business vs. Product Business
Chris discusses the differences between running a service-based business and transitioning into a product-based business, emphasizing key challenges like distribution and pricing.

[22:30] Biggest Growth Constraints in the Industry
Chris advises entrepreneurs to avoid growing too fast and highlights the importance of prioritizing customer service and communication.

[30:16] The Power of Customer Obsession
Chris and Robert talk about how being customer-focused can set businesses apart and lead to long-term success, echoing advice from Warren Buffett.

[37:31] Hardscape Mentor and Industry Support
Chris shares how Hardscape Mentor, a community led by Dan Preston, has supported his business and contributed to the industry’s growth.

[38:44] Where to Learn More
Chris shares where listeners can find more information about Perma Edge, including Instagram and their website’s dealer locator tool.

• Start Small and Scale Smart – Avoid the temptation to grow too fast or buy unnecessary equipment early on.
• Customer Obsession Matters – Consistently communicating with clients and delivering on promises is key to long-term success.
• Adapt to Change – Stay open to industry innovations, whether through new equipment or evolving best practices.
• Build a Strong Team – Retaining reliable employees creates stability and enhances project quality.
• Network and Learn – Take advantage of industry events, social media, and peer networks to stay informed and build connections.
• Test Thoroughly Before Launching – Ensure your product or service is reliable before going to market to maintain credibility.
• Get the Pricing Right – Launching with the correct pricing structure is critical, as adjustments later can harm your business.

“Every day I got on that mower, I was valuing myself at $14 an hour. It wasn’t about the mower—it was about the tasks I chose to take on. To grow, I had to relinquish that duty and step into my potential.” — Jordan Daneker

• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• Blue Collar Cash by Ken Rusk
• The Five-Second Rule by Mel Robbins
• You’re Not the Boss of Me by Betsy Brown Braun

• National Fire Academy Leadership Training (Levels 1, 2, and 3)

• Evolve Design Build

[00:33] Introduction
Rob introduces Jordan Daneker, a landscape entrepreneur from North Carolina, and previews a discussion on growth, delegation, and overcoming barriers in the green industry.

[01:32] From Maintenance to Design-Build
Jordan shares how he started in lawn maintenance, scaled to a $3.4M company, sold it, and transitioned to running a design-build firm focused on outdoor living.

[02:51] The Value of In-House Control
Jordan highlights his company’s ability to handle 95% of projects in-house, emphasizing the importance of quality and process control.

[05:23] The Biggest Growth Constraint
Jordan explains why entrepreneurs themselves are often the biggest obstacles to their business growth and elaborates on the importance of delegation and coaching.

[08:57] A Pivotal Lesson on Self-Worth
Jordan recounts a life-changing conversation with a client that shifted his perspective on valuing himself and his role as a business owner.

[11:08] The Power of Delegation
Jordan discusses how letting go of tasks and empowering his team allowed him to scale his business effectively.

[17:14] Building Administrative Strength
Jordan explains how investing in administrative roles, like a procurement manager, improved efficiency and customer satisfaction, paving the way for growth.

[23:16] Learning from Clients
Jordan emphasizes the value of seeking advice from successful clients and how their insights have shaped his business strategy.

[27:10] Investing in Personal Development
Jordan shares his journey of self-improvement through audiobooks, leadership training, and constant learning, highlighting the importance of working on yourself as an entrepreneur.

[32:09] Recommended Resources for Growth
Jordan lists books and leadership training programs that have had a significant impact on his mindset and business success.

[36:48] Coaching with Patience
Jordan offers tips on effective coaching, emphasizing the importance of patience, active listening, and allowing team members to learn through mistakes.

[38:36] Letting Go to Grow
Jordan underscores the importance of letting team members take ownership of tasks, even if it means making mistakes, to enable long-term growth and scalability.

[39:55] The Future of Trades and Landscaping
Jordan reflects on the growing opportunities in the trades and how the green industry is positioned for massive success in the coming years.

• Prioritize Delegation: Letting go of tasks and empowering your team is essential for growth.
• Build a Strong Administrative Team: Processes and efficient communication are crucial for scaling.
• Invest in Personal Development: Read leadership books, attend training, and constantly improve yourself.
• Learn from Your Clients: Successful clients often have valuable business insights to share.
• Focus on Long-Term Goals: Avoid being shortsighted; think in terms of 3-5 years to make meaningful progress.
• Coach and Mentor Your Team: Patience and effective coaching can turn your team into a powerhouse.
• Create Efficient Processes: Streamline operations to improve customer experience and productivity.
• Embrace Mistakes: Allow team members to learn and grow through trial and error.

“Friction is anything that takes more time than it feels like it should, and solving those inefficiencies can transform how businesses operate.” – Ross Peterson

1. Bulk Delivery Pro Website: bulkdeliverypro.com
2. Podcast: How I Built This: Inspiration for entrepreneurial storytelling.
3. John C. Maxwell: Leadership books and resources.

[00:00] Introduction
Rob introduces Ross Peterson, co-founder of Little Dumps and Bulk Delivery Pro, and previews a discussion on solving logistics challenges in the green industry and scaling businesses with innovative technology.

[01:10] From Skate parks to Soil Delivery
Ross shares his journey from building skate park websites to creating a solution for delivering bulk materials, sparked by a real-world problem he encountered with a landscaping contractor.

[04:32] The Birth of Little Dumps
Ross explains how a small website and a single truck turned into Little Dumps, solving logistical challenges for consumers needing small-scale material delivery.

[06:47] Scaling to Bulk Delivery Pro
The transition from a minimum viable product to a full-fledged software platform that helps businesses across North America streamline bulk material logistics.

[09:18] Green Industry’s Tech Challenges
Ross discusses the lag in technology adoption within the green industry and the opportunities it presents for innovative solutions.

[12:33] Frictionless Online Sales
How Bulk Delivery Pro simplifies selling materials online by removing barriers and making the process seamless for customers.

[18:11] Selling by Volume vs. Weight
Ross explains the consumer preference for buying materials by volume and the challenges of adapting traditional industry practices.

[22:27] Identifying and Eliminating Friction
A deep dive into finding pain points in business processes and removing inefficiencies to save time and enhance profitability.

[29:51] Target Customers for Bulk Delivery Pro
Ross outlines the key customer segments for Bulk Delivery Pro, including nurseries, quarries, and entrepreneurial truck owners.

[35:18] Real-World Impact
Examples of how businesses are using Bulk Delivery Pro to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and increase profitability.

[41:31] Mentorship and Learning
Ross reflects on the value of mentorship and entrepreneurial podcasts like How I Built This in shaping his approach to problem-solving and business growth.

1. Identify and Eliminate Friction: Look for inefficiencies that waste time in your business processes, and implement solutions to streamline operations.
2. Adopt Consumer-Centric Models: Make it easy for customers to order and interact with your business through online platforms.
3. Leverage Technology for Growth: Integrate tools that simplify logistics and reduce the need for manual interventions.
4. Focus on Contractors’ Needs: Cater to contractors with tailored features like job-specific ordering and seamless pickup/delivery processes.
5. Build Momentum: Capture customer excitement and act on it quickly to enhance the buying experience.

“It’s never crowded along the extra mile.” – Shane Humble

• Elevate Conference: A resource for finding innovative tools and strategies for landscaping businesses.
• Clintar Franchise: Insights into franchising and the green industry.
• Shane’s Father’s Quote: “It’s never crowded along the extra mile.”

[00:00] Introduction
Rob welcomes Shane Humble, founder of Complete Property Maintenance, and sets the stage for a conversation about scaling a landscaping business and overcoming industry challenges.

[01:01] From Drilling Rigs to Landscaping
Shane recounts his journey from selling drilling rigs to starting his landscaping business with a lawnmower and a trailer, all sparked by his wife’s suggestion to find a “recession-proof” career.

[02:04] Scaling from Solo to 530 Employees
Shane shares how his business evolved from residential lawn care to a 530-employee operation focused on HOA landscape maintenance.

[02:53] Growth Constraints in the Green Industry
Shane explains how private equity firms have impacted the industry, creating challenges with inflated labour costs and competition.

[06:15] Doubling Down on Core Customers
Shane discusses why focusing on existing clients during turbulent times helped his company maintain stability and foster long-term relationships.

[08:43] Building 12-Year Client Relationships
The importance of presence, customer interaction, and handling the unique challenges of HOA dynamics in retaining clients for over a decade.

[10:37] Post-COVID Industry Shifts
Shane reflects on how the industry has changed over the past few years, emphasizing the importance of client fit and selective growth.

[13:00] The Art of Managing Expectations
Why setting honest, realistic expectations upfront helps build trust and ensures long-term client satisfaction.

[14:35] Mindset and Positivity in Leadership
Shane highlights how maintaining a positive and intentional mindset drives business success and fosters a strong company culture.

[17:15] Employee Involvement and Retention
The value of involving employees in decisions and creating an environment where staff feel valued and supported leads to long-term loyalty.

[22:05] Delegating Effectively
Shane shares his journey from labourer to leader and provides tips on how to delegate responsibilities while empowering the team.

[29:27] Focusing on Core Services
Shane discusses the strategic importance of sticking to what the business does best and avoiding distractions that dilute focus.

[31:16] Growing Leaders Within the Team
The importance of encouraging employee growth and celebrating when team members take on new opportunities, even outside the company.

• Focus on Core Customers: Doubling down on existing relationships can weather uncertain times and foster long-term loyalty.
• Mindset Matters: A positive outlook and intentional focus on opportunities can drive better results.
• Honest Communication: Set realistic expectations with clients upfront to build trust.
• Involve Your Team: Gain buy-in by seeking input from your staff on decisions that affect them.
• Delegate Effectively: Provide clear context and expectations, then trust your team to deliver.
• Specialize and Simplify: Focus on what your business does best to maximize efficiency and profitability.
• Celebrate Employee Growth: Encourage team members to pursue opportunities, even if it means they leave your company.

“Landscaping combines science, creativity, and grit—it’s not just a job; it’s an art form.”

• SYNKD Website – Explore the platform and event details.
• Highgrove Partners – Landscape project tour partner.
• Take It Outside – Nonprofit for landscape professionals.
• Piedmont Precast – Donor for SYNKD’s therapy garden project.
• Festivals Acadiens et Créoles – A three-day festival celebrating the music, crafts, and food of South Louisiana.

[00:00] Introduction
Rob introduces Angelique Robb, an engineer turned landscape business owner, and founder of SYNKD, setting the stage for a discussion on industry challenges and innovation.

[01:00] Angelique’s Career Journey
Angelique shares her transition from petroleum engineering to landscaping, highlighting how her engineering mindset influences her approach to design and construction.

[06:00] Starting a Landscape Business in Scotland
Angelique discusses her experience building a successful landscape design and construction company while balancing her career and family life.

[09:32] Challenges in Running a Landscape Business
Angelique opens up about managing her business remotely during COVID-19, emphasizing the struggles of leadership transitions and adapting to unexpected circumstances.

[15:25] The Importance of Design and Construction Synergy
Angelique explains the need for collaboration between designers and contractors, sharing her insights on bridging gaps to improve project execution.

[19:31] Growth Constraints in the Green Industry
Angelique identifies waste and rework as the biggest bottlenecks for landscapers, stressing the importance of tracking inefficiencies to protect profits.

[27:39] Critical Path in Landscaping Projects
Angelique introduces the concept of critical path management, explaining how to optimize schedules, manage overheads, and anticipate defects.

[33:03] Launching SYNKD: A Platform for Collaboration
Angelique talks about founding SYNKD to connect professionals across landscaping disciplines, promoting communication and sustainability within the industry.

[38:57] Launching SYNKD During COVID-19
Angelique shares the challenges of introducing a new platform and event-based business amid the pandemic and how she adapted to the circumstances.

[41:32] The SYNKD Event in 2025
Angelique gives an overview of the upcoming SYNKD event, detailing its multidisciplinary approach to fostering industry-wide collaboration and efficiency.

[44:20] Community Projects and Industry Impact
Angelique discusses SYNKD’s involvement in nonprofit initiatives, including a therapy garden project, and how collaboration benefits both professionals and communities.

[46:13] Closing Remarks
Rob thanks Angelique for sharing her journey, insights, and vision for the future of the green industry.

1. Measure Rework: Track how much time and money are lost to fixing defects, and consider budgeting for these costs.
2. Understand Critical Path: Identify and manage tasks that directly impact project timelines to optimize efficiency.
3. Prioritize Quality: Invest in training and high-quality materials to reduce maintenance and rework.
4. Embrace Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Connect with professionals across design, construction, and horticulture for better project outcomes.
5. Stay Agile: Be prepared for unexpected challenges, such as weather delays or labour shortages, with a proactive mindset.
6. Continuous Improvement: Learn from past projects to anticipate issues and refine processes.

“Doing the right thing in every instance not only builds trust but reshapes the culture of your organization and your community.”

• Doing Good Better by William MacAskill
• The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity by Toby Ord
• Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I Porras
• Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham
• B Corp Certification

[00:00] Introduction
Rob introduces guest Alex Zalewski, co-owner of Infinite Possibilities Landscapes and Design, discussing the theme of overcoming growth constraints in the green industry.

[01:11] Alex’s Journey in Landscaping
Alex shares his family’s multi-generational history in landscaping, detailing how Infinite Possibilities was born from his experiences working with his grandfather and co-owner Rob.

[03:35] Core Services of Infinite Possibilities
Alex describes their focus on bespoke residential landscape design-build, along with a growing maintenance department.

[06:10] Growth Challenges in the Green Industry
Alex identifies rising project costs and managing client expectations as major challenges impacting growth.

[09:37] Transparency in Pricing
Alex explains how their website’s project portfolio includes pricing details to help clients understand budget expectations upfront.

[12:58] Charging for Design Work
Discussion on the benefits of charging for design work, including how it attracts clients serious about high-quality outcomes.

[15:46] Using High Anchors in Quotes
Alex shares his strategy of using high quote estimates in initial sales meetings to manage expectations effectively.

[19:39] Team Retention and Unique Benefits
Alex discusses the company’s innovative approach to team retention, including catered lunches, breakfasts, and cultural initiatives.

[24:17] Ripple Principle for Core Values
Introducing the 'Ripple' principle—Respect, Integrity, Professionalism, Positivity, Leadership, and Excellence—as a foundation for company culture and team recognition.

[27:29] Employee Engagement During Winter
Alex talks about keeping the team engaged during winter through training, project prep, and leadership development tasks.

[31:36] Future Initiatives and B Corp Certification
Infinite Possibilities’ commitment to becoming a B Corp, reflecting their dedication to people, planet, and profits, with a rigorous focus on sustainable practices.

[37:28] Wrap-Up and Book Recommendations
Alex shares inspiring books, including Doing Good Better and The Precipice, that influence his leadership approach in business and life.

• Set Client Expectations Early: Use transparency in initial quotes and website project portfolios to align client expectations with actual costs.
• Invest in Your Team: Small but meaningful perks like daily catered meals and culture awards can significantly enhance team morale and reduce turnover.
• Charge for Design Work: Asking clients to invest in the design phase filters for those committed to quality outcomes, which leads to better projects and relationships.
• Anchor High in Initial Quotes: To avoid later negotiations and manage expectations, use an initial “high anchor” in cost discussions.
• Create a Values-Based Culture: Reinforce core values with regular recognition, employee-driven awards, and engaging events, which strengthens team alignment.

“Your business is a reflection of you and your leadership. When the business hits a wall, it’s usually because you’ve reached the limit of your leadership skills.”

• LMN (Landscape Management Network) – A solutions-based operating system for landscapers, by landscapers. Budgeting, estimating, time tracking, and employee training all rolled into one platform.
• Landscape Ontario Association – An industry leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticulture industry in Ontario. A valuable resource for mentorship and networking.

[00:00] Introduction
Rob introduces Mark Bradley, founder of LMN and a veteran in the landscape industry, setting the stage for a deep dive into leadership and business growth.

[01:18] Mark’s Early Career and the Birth of LMN
Mark shares his journey from starting a landscape business at 23 to founding LMN, discussing the challenges and growth he faced along the way.

[03:44] The Role of Leadership in Business Scaling
Mark emphasizes the importance of evolving as a leader to match the growing needs of the business, explaining that leadership limitations often cause growth bottlenecks.

[06:00] Understanding Company Culture Through Leadership
Mark describes culture as the natural byproduct of leadership, stressing that how a leader manages influences how a company operates.

[07:25] Key Phases in Business Growth
Mark introduces the “ones and threes” concept for scaling, highlighting the distinct shifts required from $300,000 to $1 million, and beyond.

[09:38] Developing Trust and Setting Clear Goals
Mark explains how sharing business plans and building a culture of trust help teams operate effectively and scale operations.

[12:54] Building an Autonomous, Metric-Driven Team
Mark and Rob discuss the value of using metrics and data to empower team autonomy, particularly in a $3 million+ company.

[18:13] Establishing a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Mark shares how aligning teams with the company's mission can foster a culture of ongoing growth and improvement.

[20:58] Five Pillars of a Successful Landscape Business
Mark outlines five core objectives for landscape businesses: revenue growth, people development, customer acquisition, operational efficiency, and delivering top customer experiences.

[25:05] Mentoring and Developing Future Leaders
Mark discusses the importance of growing the next generation of leaders within the business to sustain growth.

[27:29] The Personal Cost of Leadership Growth
Mark opens up about the personal challenges he faced in prioritizing leadership development, including its impact on his health and relationships.

[32:25] The Importance of a Personal Foundation in Leadership
Mark explains his approach to balancing personal health, relationships, and business goals to maintain a strong foundation for sustainable leadership.

[35:44] Mentorship and the Value of Industry Associations
Mark emphasizes the role of mentorship and how joining Landscape Ontario and engaging in industry associations helped shape his career.

[37:10] Building a Strong Foundation in Business Growth
Mark discusses the importance of foundational growth—both in business and in personal life—using the analogy of building a pyramid for sustainable success.

• Embrace Leadership Evolution: Scaling a business requires continuous growth and improvement in your leadership skills to match the business's demands.
• Culture Reflects Leadership: The quality of leadership shapes the company's culture—good or bad, it’s a reflection of the leader’s actions.
• Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Define objectives for your team at every level, allowing them to understand what success looks like.
• Develop Autonomy in Teams: Use data to measure progress, establish metrics, and ensure each team member has the resources to achieve goals independently.
• Prioritize Mentorship: Seek guidance from industry experts and peers, and foster mentorship within your organization.
• Balance Personal and Professional Development: Building a solid personal foundation is essential for sustaining the energy needed for business growth.
• Engage in Continuous Improvement: Small, consistent improvements build morale and drive long-term success in both leadership and business performance.

“The work is secondary; the human experience trumps all. If we build for people, we build something lasting.”

• Books:
  • Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
  • Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet
  • The New Gold Standard by Joseph Michelli
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Consulting Services:
  • Southbrook Consulting for business insights and analytics
  • Knowledge Tree Consulting for operations efficiency
• Podcasts:
  • The Ultimate Landscape CEO by Jeffrey Scott
  • How I Built This by Guy Raz

[00:31] Introduction
Rob introduces Will from Cudmore's Landscape and Design, highlighting Will’s background and dedication to the family business.

[01:17] Will’s Journey to the Family Business
Will shares his story of growing up in the family landscape business, leaving for a career in advertising, and later deciding to return after a life-changing experience.

[02:22] Primary Growth Challenges in Landscaping
Rob and Will discuss common growth constraints in the landscape industry and the unique challenges of managing a multi-generational business.

[02:53] Transitioning a Family Business
Will reflects on the experience of taking over from the first generation and how he was given the freedom to modernize and grow the business.

[05:58] Learning to Trust and Delegate
Will discusses the importance of trust and delegation, sharing how letting go helped him build a strong and motivated team.

[07:46] Redefining Leadership Styles
Will compares his leadership approach to his father’s, focusing on building a team-oriented culture that allows for growth and delegation.

[12:34] Defining Company Standards and Values
Will explains the importance of defining clear company values and how he integrated those values into the company’s everyday operations.

[14:02] Embedding Values in Decision-Making
Will shares how Cudmore's uses their company values as a decision-making tool, allowing staff to align with company principles even in his absence.

[22:50] Evolving Roles in a Growing Business
Will discusses the need to separate sales and operations roles as the business scaled, ensuring each area received dedicated focus.

[26:52] Creating a Value-Driven Workplace
Will details the steps taken to build a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated, making recruiting and retention easier.

[34:51] The Importance of Proactive Business Planning
Will emphasizes the importance of starting business planning early to ensure the company is positioned for success in the coming year.

[38:31] Recommended Resources for Growth
Will shares his go-to books and podcasts for leadership and business insights, including “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and “How I Built This.”

• Define Your Company Values: Integrate a values exercise with the whole team, not just management, to create a shared understanding of your company’s mission.
• Delegate to Empower Growth: Identify areas for delegation to free up time for strategic planning, allowing others to contribute and grow.
• Prioritize Proactive Planning: Start planning for the next business year early to ensure marketing and staffing readiness.
• Use Leadership Tools: Consider tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks and balance long-term goals with urgent needs.
• Recruit with Purpose: Create a work environment that appeals to potential recruits beyond just a paycheck, focusing on growth, learning, and alignment with values.

“If you invest in your people, provide them with career development opportunities, they’re far more likely to stick around and grow with your company.”

• The Snow & Ice Workplace Report
• Wolf Works Consulting: Steve Wolf’s market research and consulting firm.

[00:00] Introduction
Rob introduces Steve Wolf from Wolf Works Consulting and provides an overview of his expertise in market research and consulting, particularly for the snow and ice industry.

[02:30] Key Workforce Challenges in the Green Industry
Rob and Steve discuss the primary growth constraint in the landscape industry: hiring and retention, and how this is impacting business growth.

[07:00] Insights from the Snow and Ice Industry Report
Steve shares key takeaways from the snow and ice workplace report, focusing on staffing challenges and retention strategies.

[12:00] The Impact of Low-Cost Competitors on Pay and Hiring
Rob and Steve discuss the pressure to compete with low-cost competitors and how it affects wages, recruitment, and employee quality.

[18:15] Recruitment Strategies That Work
Steve highlights the importance of using employee referrals, social media, job boards, and career pages as effective recruitment tools.

[25:30] Career Pathways and Employee Development
Steve explains how offering career development and clear advancement paths can improve retention and employee satisfaction.

[32:10] The Role of Company Culture in Retention
Steve shares the importance of fostering a positive company culture and how leadership can influence the workplace environment.

[40:00] Salary Benchmarks in the Snow and Ice Industry
Steve walks through salary data for various roles in the industry, including management and field staff, to help listeners gauge their compensation strategies.

[50:00] Benefits and Retention: What Firms Are Offering
Rob and Steve discuss the types of benefits offered by snow and ice firms, including health insurance, retirement plans, and additional perks.

[57:00] The Importance of Differentiation in Recruitment and Retention
Rob emphasizes how offering even small benefits and career development opportunities can make a firm stand out as an employer of choice.

• Invest in Competitive Salaries: Offering 20% above market rate can help you attract top talent that performs the work of multiple employees, improving overall efficiency.
• Create Clear Career Pathways: Developing career advancement plans for employees—even simple two- to three-step pathways—can dramatically improve retention and employee satisfaction.
• Leverage Referrals for Recruitment: Encourage employee referrals by offering bonuses, creating a cost-effective way to find quality workers.
• Utilize a Career Page: If you don’t have a dedicated careers page on your website, this is a simple yet impactful way to consistently attract potential candidates.
• Enhance Your Benefits Package: Offering basic health benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities can set you apart from the competition.