In this eye-opening episode of The Off the Clock Show, Shawn Gervais and Marshall Hill dig deep into the mindset that separates high performers from the excuse-makers. Whether it's blaming the economy, small-town limitations, or a slow season, excuses are the weeds in your business garden — and it's time to pull them.

Through lively metaphors and real-world examples, the duo breaks down:

How to identify underperforming team members before they tank your culture

The importance of timing and teamwork — in business and in the garden

Why “just showing up” isn’t enough anymore

How Canada's shifting sports culture parallels evolving business trends

Strategies for building trust, enhancing your mission statement, and keeping your team aligned

Why product and service expansion isn't optional — it's survival

And most importantly, how consistency and transparency drive real, lasting growth

This one’s for the no-nonsense entrepreneur who’s tired of babysitting and ready to build an all-star team.

Takeaways

Gardening requires timing and teamwork.

Sports culture in Canada is evolving with new interests.

Excuses can hinder business growth; focus on solutions instead.

Consistency in operations leads to better performance.

Evaluating staff performance is crucial for business health.

Adding products can enhance service offerings.

Trust issues can arise in business relationships; transparency is key.

Mission statements should reflect company values and culture.

Community engagement is vital for business success.

Business growth requires continuous evaluation and adaptation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Fresh Perspectives on Gardening

03:02 Soccer and Sports Culture in Canada

05:48 Excuses in Business and Overcoming Challenges

09:02 The Importance of Adaptability in Business

12:12 Innovative Business Strategies and Product Offerings

26:54 The Importance of Vision and Mission in Business

27:44 Core Values Over Mission Statements

30:50 Consistency as a Key to Success

32:46 Customer Care as a Business Foundation

35:37 Observing Staff Dynamics for Improvement

41:54 Evaluating Staff Performance and Energy Levels

46:06 The Reality of Business Ownership

52:55 Taking Control and Avoiding Mediocrity