Ever wonder if success in landscaping requires more than just hard work and a green thumb? Tune in to this riveting episode of Roots of Success, where host Tommy Cole sits down with industry leader Kyle Cahill. Discover how Kyle's innovative approach to a four-day work week and the 980 work schedule not only prevents burnout but also creates a thriving, motivated team. Learn about the game-changing model of invoicing on actuals, plus how handling client requests in a better way could revolutionize your business.

Emphasizing Balance

05:39 Learning from experience, growing a successful business. 07:38 Enhanced service model increased growth and satisfaction. 12:15 Explaining services, building relationships, and setting expectations. 14:19 Build trust with clients, learn from mistakes. 21:31 Managing work-life integration in a busy industry. 28:29 Finding the right property involved size and location. 31:47 Developing a sustainable campus with native plants, leadership. 38:15 Embrace integrating culture, avoiding burnout, and learning.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

What are the benefits of a four-day work week?

How to prevent employee burnout in the landscaping industry?

What is the 980 work schedule and how does it work?

How to create a sustainable work environment in a service-based business?

What is the time and materials (T&M) billing model in service industries?

How to effectively manage client expectations in landscaping services?

How to implement a detailed client intake process for better service alignment?

FOR SHOW NOTES AND MORE, GO TO: https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-036-building-sustainable-teams-and-culture-with-kyle-cahill/

Do you think revenue is the only metric that matters? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of "Roots of Success," Tommy Cole chats with Justin White, the trailblazing CEO of K&D Landscaping. Justin discusses why fostering a robust company culture—even at the expense of short-term profits—can lead to unstoppable growth. Unpack the strategic decisions behind K&D's market dominance, from innovative water management solutions to empowering and nurturing top talent. Tune in to hear about Justin's journey from family business to industry leader and gather actionable insights to elevate your landscape company to the next level.

Culture-first approach = excellence

[06:59] Define and prioritize company culture over everything. [12:03] CEO role: Earned responsibility, guiding small companies. [17:22] Micromanaging inhibits growth and hinders progress. [23:16] Efficient water management saves clients money. [27:00] Seize opportunities, get educated, and execute. [34:05] Scaling requires self-mastery, discipline, and vision.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

How do you define and maintain a strong company culture?

What are the benefits of a company having core values and fundamentals?

What strategies help small businesses scale and achieve extreme growth?

Why is value creation important in business success?

What impact does strong branding have on a company's success?

How can industry associations influence business regulations and standards?

FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO: https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-035-mastering-disruptive-growth-in-the-landscape-industry/

What does it take to build a multi-generational landscaping business that stands the test of time? In this compelling episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole interviews Ryan Malone, a second-generation landscape professional who has defied the odds and transformed his family business into a thriving success story. Ryan shares his secrets for building a legacy company, from the importance of early morning rituals to the power of surrounding yourself with a supportive peer group. Discover how Malone has navigated the challenges of family business transitions, prioritized team well-being, and embraced strategic expansion to cultivate a flourishing enterprise. Whether you're looking to take your landscaping business to the next level or seeking inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is a must-listen.

THE BIG IDEA:

Communication is key in family business transitions

KEY MOMENTS:

[05:27] New management opportunity in small maintenance division. [12:11] Communication and transparency key to successful succession. [16:17] Tracking client touches, closing percentage, and sales. [21:55] Prioritizing health and fitness is important. [25:37] Attended growth conference, joined peer group, transformed. [32:29] Success driven by the quality of people.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

1. What are the benefits of joining a peer group for business owners?

2. What strategies can help accelerate the growth and success of a landscaping company?

3. What role does a strong support system play in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges?

4. How can a family-owned landscaping business create a legacy spanning generations?

5. How can diversifying a landscaping company's services help hedge against economic downturns?

6. What are the key factors for successful communication and transition of leadership in a family-owned business?

FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-034-building-a-legacy-profile-of-a-family-landscape-business/

What if we told you holiday lights could be your landscaping company's most unexpected revenue stream? On today's episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole delves into the festive world of holiday lighting with Tim Hikade, who has successfully integrated this service into his business, Full Circle Lawn Care. Uncover the strategies Tim uses to keep his crews working through the winter and how he maintains high profitability by keeping things simple yet professional. From planning and training to client satisfaction, get the blueprint you need to light up your seasonal earnings. Don't miss this enlightening discussion!

Basic holiday lighting with existing clients first.

[05:37] Office plans for sales season and client bookings. [07:36] Prepare budget, plan for peak season operation. [12:32] Diversify landscape business with holiday lights. [13:19] Winter slows down work, but Christmas is busy. [17:00] Start, focus on service, ignore comparisons. [20:50] Christmas lights are profitable for service providers. [22:49] Tim Hikade celebrates Christmas in July joyfully.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

What are the benefits of adding holiday lighting services to a landscaping business?

How can landscaping companies stay busy during the winter months?

What is the best training for installing Christmas lights safely?

How do I start a holiday lighting business?

How do I market holiday lighting services to my existing landscape clients?

FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-033-christmas-in-july-unlocking-winter-revenue-with-tim-hikade/

What does it take to turn a business struggling through a recession into a multi-million-dollar success story? On this episode of Roots of Success, Michael Hupf, CEO of Lifescape Colorado, reveals the blueprint behind growing his landscape company from the brink of collapse to earning $36 million in revenue. Get ready to explore the powerful impact of focusing on people, process, and product, and how a growth mindset can propel your business to new heights. Michael shares invaluable lessons on maintaining client loyalty, implementing effective sales and maintenance strategies, and the essential role of smart, ambitious team members. Tune in to learn how Lifescape pivoted from mere survival to exemplary excellence in the landscaping industry.

Growth mindset and strategic planning ensure business resilience.

[04:30] Invested in landscape business, sought opportunities in Colorado. [08:57] Choose business over corporate career, achieve rapid growth. [14:22] Discussing growth strategies with team [17:35] Designer turned COO manages all aspects efficiently.. [21:42] Focus on service, drivers, and long-term growth. [27:43] Healthy business needs profit for sustainability. [31:27] Enhance client experience through efficiency and preparation.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

What are effective strategies for scaling a small business?

What are key metrics to track for business growth?

What are the best practices for managing cash flow during economic downturns?

How to improve client experience in service-based industries?

How to implement a growth mindset in business?

FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-032-growth-and-resilience-insights-from-lifescape-ceo-michael-hupf/

What if the key to your landscaping business's success isn't just hard work, but smart work? On this episode of "Roots of Success," host Tommy Cole introduces Mark Bradley, the CEO of LMN, who reveals the secrets behind his rapid business growth and the systems that keep it thriving. Delving into the importance of apprenticeship programs, key financial metrics, and goal setting, Mark's journey from nuclear industry to landscaping leadership offers lessons every business owner needs. Tune in to discover strategic ways to boost efficiency, enhance employee morale, and achieve continuous improvement in your enterprise.

Enjoy the journey

[05:44] Scaling business led to challenges in efficiency, quality. [07:31] Business success depends on optimizing customers and employees. [12:50] Embrace continuous improvement for business success. [18:57] Key financial metrics and supporting ratios for business. [22:29] Key metrics inform key performance action for improvement. [30:38] Training and higher wages attract skilled workers. [34:08] Career ladder is key for growing people.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

What are the benefits of implementing apprenticeship programs in landscaping?

How do I measure the success of my business using key financial metrics?

What systems and processes should I use to optimize my landscaping business?

How do goal setting and continuous improvement contribute to business success?

How do I set and achieve business goals in the landscaping industry?

FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-031-secrets-to-success-strategies-from-lmn-ceo-mark-bradley/

Is your financial strategy prepared to outlast the end of easy sales? In this eye-opening episode, Tommy Cole sits down with Jennifer Murray, finance savant and executive coach at McFarlin Stanford. Discover the hidden pitfalls of fraud risk in landscape companies and why internal processes can make or break your success. Learn how to maintain liquidity, manage leverage, and optimize asset efficiency. Jennifer's insights reveal why profitability, growth, and risk management are not just buzzwords—they are essential habits for a thriving business. Don't miss out on actionable advice that will transform how you perceive business health, from top to bottom.

Financial checkups sustain long-term business viability.

[03:02] What is a financial health checkup?. [05:28] Profitability in Landscape Companies [07:13] Importance of Revenue Growth [10:50] What is asset efficiency? [13:29] How to leverage your finances. [17:33] Deepdive into cash flow [22:38] Financial risk management [17:33] How Organizational Structure can affect finances

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

What is a financial health checkup?

How should I structure payment approvals and financial oversight in my business?

What is the difference between a "wagon wheel" and a "wedding cake" organizational structure?

How do you strategically use debt for business growth opportunities?

How can I reassess and streamline my client base for better profitability?

Think change is too difficult to manage in your landscape business? Think again. In today's episode of Roots of Success, Tommy Cole interviews Kevin Keim, an executive coach and CRO, who shares game-changing approaches to sustaining momentum when implementing new strategies and technologies. Learn how to cultivate a resilient company culture, simplify your service offerings with bundled packages, and adopt the right software solutions to uncover hidden efficiencies. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories that will help you elevate your business to new heights.

Enjoy the Journey

[04:14] Bundling services for streamlined customer experience. [09:54] Refocus service strategy to set clear expectations. [13:07] Quarterly service growth outpaced old software. [21:16] Transitioning to a new role, managing change effectively. [24:08] Efficient software helped reduce employee needs. [29:50] Consensus-driven decision-making [35:54] Embrace change and have fun with it.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

What are effective strategies for managing and sustaining change in a company?

Why is it important to have fun at work, and how does it affect productivity?

How can bundled services benefit my business?

What are common challenges when implementing new software in a company?

How do I improve accountability and habit formation in the workplace?

FOR SHOW NOTES AND MORE, GO TO:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-029-from-chaos-to-control-embracing-change-and-enjoying-the-journey/

Think landscaping is just 'glorified hole-digging'? Think again. In this compelling episode of Roots of Success, we're joined by industry innovators Robyn and Bret Schmitz of High Prairie, who are transforming perceptions and practice through high-level training and cutting-edge robotic technology. Discover how they tackle the industry's biggest challenges and why prioritizing professionalism and innovation is key to success.

Innovation + Training + Professionalism = Growth

[03:46] Design work and implementation - a powerful team. [09:27] Reacting rapidly to curveballs. [13:39] Respond with grace and self-reflection to challenges. [19:36] Training is an investment in business success. [28:37] Industry game changers advance with robotic mowers. [34:12] Collaborating with a manufacturer to create new products. [42:57] Grateful for new skills, best golden nuggets.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

How can training improve employee retention in small businesses?

What are the benefits of robotic mowing in landscaping?

What strategies do companies use to maintain high standards in customer service?

How can small businesses leverage technology to compete in traditional industries?

How do companies develop effective training programs for technical and soft skills?

FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-028-using-innovation-to-revolutionizing-professional-landscaping/

Are you protecting your hard-earned cash flow with a pen or just a handshake? This week we dive deep into the world of legal fortification in the landscaping business with Karalynn Cromeens, a seasoned construction lawyer bringing 20 years of industry-specific expertise. We unravel the secrets to not just surviving but thriving through the legal jungles of contracting and employee classification. Learn why the phrase "get shit done" is more than just a motto—it's the attitude that transforms challenges into opportunities and financial metrics into profit. Tune in as we lay down the roadmap for navigating legal pitfalls and steering your landscape company to flourish amid the thorns of business growth.

Protect Yourself.

[05:44] Protect personal assets when incorporating your business. [08:07] Clear contracts manage expectations, avoid later disputes. [12:10] Contract protects you, assigns work, clarifies status. [12:47] Subcontractors need to be additionally insured. [18:38] Daily tracking of numbers to improve profitability. [23:36] Balancing sales, operations, and business health. [29:36] Different lawyer's approach; focus on quick resolution.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

How do you ensure legal compliance when classifying employees? What daily financial metrics should a business monitor for success? How can businesses manage subcontractor insurance effectively? How does lien law vary by state and impact landscaping businesses? What are common legal mistakes made by contractors and how to avoid them?

FOR SHOW NOTES AND MORE, GO TO:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-027-legal-ease-tips-for-protecting-your-business-with-karalynn-cromeens/