Jono Fries, VP of Operations for Schill Grounds Management based in Cleveland, OH. Schill is a multi-state 31 branch landscape firm.  In this conversation, Jono shares his journey from the restaurant industry to the landscaping business, discussing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the techniques he learned in restaurants, namely how good systems build good culture. He also discusses team dynamics in achieving success. Jono reflects on his landscape experiences first at Grasscor in Cincinnati, and then at Schill, highlighting the lessons he learned along the way. The discussion also touches on financial strategies and how it impacts team culture.

Link to Summer Growth Summit:

https://jeffreyscott.biz/2025-summer-growth-summit/

Takeaways:

The post From Restaurants to Landscaping: Building a winning culture with Jono Fries appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Todd Hardy is the Director of Sales for Schill Grounds Management, a 31 branch company across the Midwest US and Canada. Todd shares his extensive experience in the landscape business, focusing on the importance of servant leadership in sales (business development), the dynamics of managing a sales team, and the significance of company culture and core values. He discusses the challenges of hiring and onboarding business developers, the need for performance management, and how to navigate personal challenges within a sales context. Todd emphasizes the importance of networking and recruiting top talent, and he shares insights on preparing for the upcoming Summer Growth Summit.

Link to Summer Growth Summit:

https://jeffreyscott.biz/2025-summer-growth-summit/

Takeaways:

The post Building A Successful Sales Team with Todd Hardy appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Jerry Schill, CEO of Schill Grounds Management, shares his journey from starting a small landscaping business to leading a company with 31 locations. He discusses the importance of team culture, setting big goals, and the challenges of integrating new acquisitions. Jerry emphasizes the value of mentorship and continuous learning, as well as the entrepreneurial mindset required to navigate the complexities of business growth. He expresses excitement for the upcoming Summer Growth Summit, where he aims to showcase his team’s achievements and share insights with others in the industry.

Link to Summer Growth Summit:

https://jeffreyscott.biz/2025-summer-growth-summit/

Takeaways

The post Setting and Achieving Big Goals with Jerry Schill appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Derek Wells is CEO of Wells Lawncare and Landscaping in Bloomington, IN. They do 3M in revenue of a mix of commercial and residential, and are growing over 30%.

In this conversation, Derek Wells shares his journey as a business owner detailing the challenges he faced when he made the difficult decision to let go of half his staff. He discusses the impact of this decision on his business, the subsequent hiring and training challenges, and the systems he implemented to improve accountability and metrics. Derek also reflects on his personal growth as a leader and the influence of his wife in navigating these challenges. In this conversation, Derek Wells discusses his journey of leadership growth, the importance of hiring the right team, and the transition from residential to commercial business. He emphasizes the need for balance between family and work commitments, the value of peer support in business, and the necessity of embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth.

Takeaways:

The post Firing Half My Staff with Derek Wells appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Donn is the owner of 14 yr old Vidosh North, Petoskey, MI, 10M in revenue with 63 employees. Jeffrey and Donn discuss his journey in the landscaping industry, discussing his leadership style, the impact of sports on his business philosophy, and the evolution of his company. He emphasizes the importance of team building, diversifying services, and learning from mistakes, particularly in hiring and financial management. Don also highlights the significance of implementing profit-sharing structures to motivate his team and ensure the company’s success. In this conversation, Donn Vidosh, Jr. discusses the intricacies of profit sharing and employee motivation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in business. He shares insights on maintaining quality while focusing on profit, the significance of leadership in fostering a positive work culture, and the personal challenges he faced, including a divorce. Donn highlights the value of hobbies for reflection and the role of mentorship in his journey, concluding with a message of gratitude and the pursuit of continuous improvement.

Takeaways

The post Ultimate Team Player with Donn Vidosh, Jr. appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Zech Strauser shares his journey from struggling in school to becoming a successful entrepreneur in both the landscaping and apparel industries. He discusses his current ventures, including his real estate business, a farm, and the Urture apparel brand. Zech emphasizes the importance of financial accountability, community engagement, and having a clear vision for the future. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of knowing your numbers and making an impact beyond profits.

Takeaways:

The post Building Two Brands with Zech Strauser appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

The post The Power of Visualization to Beat Cancer with Kristi DeLima appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

How To Successfully Transition Your Landscape Business.

Should you plan to sell your business, or to retire-in-place? Either way, you will need to transform the business in many ways, from accounting to leadership and operations. Plus you will need to negotiate the sale, if you decide to go that route.

In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott (interviewed by Kelly Dowell) discusses the intricacies of selling a landscaping business, including understanding buyer motivations, common myths about selling, alternatives to selling, preparing a business for sale, building a sustainable revenue model, strengthening brand reputation, and key financial metrics for valuation.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating a strong business foundation and understanding the market to maximize the value of a business when selling.

In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott discusses essential strategies for business acquisition, emphasizing the importance of financial metrics, strong leadership, and effective negotiation.

He provides insights on evaluating revenue streams, understanding market opportunities, and the complexities of business valuation. Additionally, he addresses the significance of tax implications and offers guidance on family succession planning and post-sale considerations.

Takeaways

The post Selling or Retiring-In-Place with Jeffrey Scott appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Jeffrey Scott is joined by client Desiree Bouchard, General Manager of Great Lakes Landscape Design, in Oak Park Michigan. And by Sean Baxter, owner of Lawn and Landscape Solutions (KC) and he is also an Executive Coach at Jeffrey Scott Consulting.

In this episode, Jeffrey Scott discusses the pivotal role of seconds in command with Desiree and Sean. They explore the journey of becoming a second in command, the importance of trust and communication in leadership, and the dynamics of managing teams effectively. Desiree shares her experience transitioning from marketing to integrator, while Sean reflects on his own journey with his second in command. The conversation emphasizes the significance of having a clean plate for effective leadership and the collaborative nature of successful business operations. In this conversation, the participants discuss the importance of trust and honesty in leadership, the challenges of implementing structured systems like EOS, and the cultural shifts that occur when new leadership is introduced. They emphasize the value of peer group support for second-in-commands and the need for accountability in leadership roles. The discussion culminates in practical advice for both second-in-commands and CEOs on fostering effective working relationships and empowering team members.

Takeaways:

The post The Pivotal Role of the Second in Command with Desiree Bouchard appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Join John Phillips (owner, Gardens For Living, Asheville, NC) and his son, as we discuss how they survived the 500+yr flood that hit Asheville, and how they and their landscape team are powering through it.

Their company’s GoFundMe is https://gofund.me/f5ed660d

Shane and John emphasize the importance of getting back to work to help their community heal and rebuild after the disaster. In this conversation, John emphasizes the importance of leadership, employee morale, and community support. They reflect on their experiences during a crisis, the lessons learned about crisis management, and the significance of peer networks. Looking to the future, they share their strategies for rebuilding and innovating, including a focus on stream bank restoration and the need for durable construction practices.

Key Points:

The post Surviving the Asheville Floods with John & Shane Phillips appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.