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