"Consistency in customer experience, from $7,000 to $70,000 projects, is what makes us stand out." — Kevin Butler

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Andy Frisella’s Podcast – A series that focuses on delivering more than expected in business, helping you stay ahead of the competition.

Brandon Dawson's Business Growth Strategies – Provides practical advice on overcoming business hurdles and scaling operations effectively.

Synkedup – Networking and learning opportunities for business owners to improve operations and scale their businesses.

10x Health System – Focuses on strategies for scaling your business and personal growth, perfect for those looking to expand their operations.

The Outdoor Living Company’s Website – The company’s home for information on their services, portfolio, and how they deliver top-tier landscaping solutions.

Topics Discussed:

[00:03] – Introduction to Kevin Butler and Jame Toribio, the founders of The Outdoor Living Company

[00:55] – How Kevin and Jame transitioned from working at a large company to starting their own landscaping business

[02:02] – Current business focus: Creating outdoor living spaces in Southern Maryland

[03:05] – How COVID-19 affected their business and accelerated growth opportunities

[04:15] – The economic uncertainty and its impact on client decisions

[05:33] – Growth constraints and how inconsistency in operations can hold them back

[09:04] – How to provide a consistent and exceptional customer experience for every project

[12:01] – The importance of consistency in leadership with the crew and maintaining morale

[13:13] – Overcoming "fires" and staying prepared for the unpredictable demands of the business

[17:16] – The challenges of not having an office admin and how it affects the team's productivity

[19:48] – When to hire and the risks associated with bringing in new staff for growth

[22:10] – Transitioning from a big company to entrepreneurship and the challenges that came with it

[29:48] – How Kevin and Jame made their business look professional with new equipment and branding

[32:17] – Over-delivering on customer service and its direct effect on business growth

[34:33] – Inspirational business growth strategies from Andy Frisella and Brandon Dawson

[37:36] – Closing thoughts: The power of networking, podcasts, and the landscaping community in helping them grow

Actionable Key Takeaways:

Consistency is Key: Whether in personal habits or customer experience, consistency sets the stage for sustained success.

Every Customer Matters: Deliver the same high-quality experience regardless of the project size.

Invest in Tools and People: Spending on the right equipment and hiring the right staff is essential for scaling your business.

Clear Leadership: Being consistent in leadership and setting the right expectations ensures your crew performs efficiently.

Take Risks for Growth: Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, like hiring new team members or investing in high-quality tools, to propel your business forward.

Customer Service is the Differentiator: Over-delivering on service is what sets you apart in the competitive landscaping industry.

Use Networking to Your Advantage: The landscaping community is a great resource for support, inspiration, and collaboration to push your business forward.