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

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 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.”

Topics Discussed:

[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.

Actionable Key Takeaways:

• 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.