The Ultimate Landscape CEO - Jeffrey Scott

By Jeffrey ScottBusiness Entrepreneurship Marketing

The Ultimate Landscape CEO - Jeffrey Scott episodes

March 11, 2025Setting and Achieving Big Goals with Jerry Schill
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
You can’t do it alone; teamwork is essential.
Growth requires setting big, uncomfortable goals.
Continuous learning and mentorship are vital.
Integration of new businesses needs a thoughtful approach.
Stay disciplined and relentless in pursuing goals.
Surround yourself with experienced mentors.
Entrepreneurs must be comfortable with discomfort.
Celebrate team achievements and individual growth.
Leadership involves preparing others to take over.
Business is about solving challenges collaboratively.
The post Setting and Achieving Big Goals with Jerry Schill appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
34 min
February 20, 2025Firing Half My Staff with Derek Wells
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%. For more information on Derek Wells and Wells Lawncare and Landscaping in Bloomington, Indiana, visit their website.
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:
Derek Wells runs Wells Lawn Care and Landscaping for 20 years.
He made the tough decision to let go of half his staff.
The decision was prompted by frustrations during a snow event.
Derek realized he had hired the wrong people and held on to them too long.
Post-staff reduction, they adopted a continuous hiring approach.
They simplified their training process with ‘pirate maps’.
Derek learned the importance of accountability in hiring.
The company experienced a 15% growth after the staff reduction.
Derek recognized his fear of conflict as a leadership challenge.
His wife’s influence helped him confront business challenges. Being overly involved can hinder company growth.
Hiring at the top of the market is crucial for success.
Surrounding yourself with better people enhances leadership.
Transitioning to a general manager role can relieve pressure.
Building relationships is key in commercial business.
Persistence in following up can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Balancing family commitments requires intentional planning.
Peer support provides accountability and shared experiences.
Embracing discomfort is essential for growth.
Proactive hiring can set a company up for future success.

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55 min
February 06, 2025Ultimate Team Player with Donn Vidosh, Jr.
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. Donn 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
Donn emphasizes the importance of leadership and team building.
His background in sports has greatly influenced his business approach.
Starting from humble beginnings, he learned the value of hard work.
Diversifying services has been key to his company’s growth.
Custom fabrication allows for unique offerings in landscaping.
Learning from mistakes is crucial for business success.
Hiring the right people is essential for growth.
Financial mindset shifts were necessary for personal and business success.
Implementing profit-sharing has motivated his team.
Peer groups have provided accountability and support. Profit sharing is relative to what employees earn.
Transparency in sharing company performance fosters teamwork.
Quality must be prioritized alongside profit for long-term success.
Mistakes should be openly discussed to promote accountability.
Leadership requires stepping back from daily operations to focus on growth.
Personal challenges can impact business resilience and leadership.
Hobbies provide essential time for reflection and mental clarity.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development.
A culture of continuous improvement leads to sustained success.
Team support is vital during personal hardships
The post Ultimate Team Player with Donn Vidosh, Jr. appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
53 min
January 09, 2025Building Two Brands with Zech Strauser
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:
Zech learned through hands-on experiences and mistakes.
He transitioned from residential to commercial landscaping during the 2008 financial crisis.
Financial accountability was crucial for business growth.
The pandemic forced a reevaluation of business operations and team dynamics.
Zech’s vision for Urture is to blend urban and nature aesthetics.
He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in branding.
Zech believes companies should not define personal identity.
He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to think big and articulate their vision.
Knowing your financials is essential for business success.
Zech aims to make an impact in the trades and apparel industries.
The post Building Two Brands with Zech Strauser appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
57 min
December 12, 2024The Power of Visualization to Beat Cancer with Kristi DeLima
Kristi Delima (owner of Snips Landscaping in Ontario Canada) shares her inspiring journey of resilience and determination as she faced a breast cancer diagnosis while managing her landscaping business.
She discusses the challenges she encountered, including navigating her health, family dynamics, and business operations.
Kristi emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and visualization techniques to beat her cancer. She also shares the support she received from her community and her peers in the Leader’s Edge peer group.
Kristi reflects on her future aspirations, the legacy she wants to leave, and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs facing their own challenges.
Key Points:
Kristi was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer but chose to fight.
She utilized visualization techniques to maintain a positive mindset.
Her family and employees were supportive throughout her journey.
Kristi learned valuable lessons about her business during her health struggles.
She emphasizes the importance of having systems in place in business.
Community support played a crucial role in her recovery.
Kristi aims to support others going through similar challenges.
She believes in the power of a clear vision for success.
Despite setbacks, her business has shown growth and resilience.
Kristi’s experience has changed her perspective on life and legacy.
The post The Power of Visualization to Beat Cancer with Kristi DeLima appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
39 min
November 08, 2024Selling or Retiring-In-Place with 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
Building a strong business is critical for future transitions.
Buyers are motivated by job security, expansion, or personal freedom.
Selling a business is often a lengthy and complex process.
Myths about selling include misconceptions about speed and ease.
Alternatives to selling include retiring in place or developing a leadership team.
Private equity firms prioritize EBITDA and cash flow in their evaluations.
Recurring revenue models are attractive to potential buyers.
Brand reputation and market presence are essential for business value.
Financial metrics like net profit and cash flow are crucial for valuation.
Understanding buyer motivations can help tailor the selling process. Buy a company with a low mod factor and good safety history.
A strong leadership team is essential for business success.
Proving the strength of your team can enhance business value.
Identifying new market opportunities requires careful analysis.
Both new revenue and renewal revenue are crucial for growth.
Valuation is key before entering the market to sell your business.
Trust and integrity are vital in buyer-seller relationships.
Competing offers can significantly improve negotiation outcomes.
Tax implications can greatly affect the sale of a business.
Family succession planning requires careful consideration and structure.
The post Selling or Retiring-In-Place with Jeffrey Scott appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
1 hr 3 min
October 24, 2024The Pivotal Role of the Second in Command with Desiree Bouchard
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:
Desiree has been in her role for about seven years.
The transition to integrator involved building trust with her boss Ivan.
Implementing EOS provided the necessary structure for growth.
Desiree’s journey started with identifying process gaps.
Sean’s second in command evolved through experience and maturity.
Trust and communication are key in this working relationships
Having a clean plate allows for better problem-solving by the General Manager
Cultural shifts can create initial resistance but lead to growth.
Open communication is key to overcoming team dynamics.
Peer support (from our Second in Command Peer Group) provides valuable insights and encouragement.
Accountability should be mutual between owners and second-in-commands.
Mistakes are part of the learning process in leadership.
The post The Pivotal Role of the Second in Command with Desiree Bouchard appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
58 min
October 10, 2024Surviving the Asheville Floods with John & Shane Phillips
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

In this episode, they share their experiences during Hurricane Helene, detailing the unprecedented rainfall and flooding that devastated their community. The conversation covers personal stories of loss, the impact on their business, and the challenges of recovery, including insurance claims and community support.
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 storm was preceded by record rainfall.
Many communities were completely washed away.
Personal stories highlight the human cost of the disaster.
The flooding caused significant damage to their home and business property.
Insurance claims are still being sorted out.
The nursery suffered the most devastating losses.
Community support is crucial during recovery.
Returning to work helps restore normalcy.
Economic stability is vital for community recovery. The Asheville community is resilient and will rebuild.
Leadership requires showing fortitude and determination.
Treating employees with respect fosters loyalty and morale.
Community support is crucial during crises.
Peer networks provide invaluable assistance in tough times (John is a member of Jeffrey’s Leaders Edge peer group)
Preparation for crises includes knowing employee locations.
Investing in durable materials is essential for future projects.
Building relationships with neighbors enhances community ties.
Learning from past experiences can improve future crisis management.
Stream bank restoration is a growing need in the community.
The post Surviving the Asheville Floods with John & Shane Phillips appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
1 hr
October 03, 2024Converting Design-Build to Maintenance with Jeffrey Scott
Jeffrey Scott is interviewed by Kelly Dowell (owner of Keldo Digital) where Jeffrey discusses various aspects of converting design-build into maintenance clients.
Jeffrey touches on topics such as the role of the enhancement salesperson, the timing of introducing the maintenance account manager to clients, and strategies for kickstarting a weak maintenance division. They also explore marketing methods for maintenance services and ways to showcase the long-term benefits of maintenance. Jeffrey Scott shares many insights from his own business and also from his high-impact peer group community and how it helps landscape companies achieve their goals.
Takeaways from this podcast
Converting design build projects into ongoing maintenance customers is important for the stability and long-term value of a business.
Companies often struggle with selling maintenance due to a lack of focus, the wrong salespeople, and a lack of a sales process.
Clients may opt out of purchasing maintenance due to existing providers, cost concerns, or the belief that the project is maintenance-free.
Selling maintenance requires selling the need, selling the vision, and selling the maintenance team.
Structuring maintenance offerings can include tying warranty to maintenance, but including maintenance in the price may not be the best approach.
Tailoring custom maintenance plans can help meet the specific needs of clients and maximize margins through enhancements.
Different salespeople should handle design build projects and maintenance, with account managers often selling enhancements. The enhancement salesperson is a separate role with their own crew, and the account manager invites them in to make the sale.
Robotic mowers can be a way to extend a design build company into maintenance, but it’s not a complete solution.
Introducing the maintenance account manager to clients should be done strategically, either in the middle or towards the end of a project.
To kickstart a weak maintenance division, create mini games to track client conversions and offer incentives to the sales team.
Marketing for maintenance services can be more challenging than marketing for design build, but it’s not impossible.
Showcasing long-term benefits of maintenance can be done through client testimonials, garden tours, and videos.
Joining Jeffrey’s Leaders Edge peer group community can provide support, tools, and guidance for achieving business goals in the landscaping industry.
The post Converting Design-Build to Maintenance with Jeffrey Scott appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
58 min
September 19, 2024When and Why to Make Your Next Big Hire with Mitch Katz & Sean Baxter
In this episode, Mitch Katz and Sean Baxter (Executive Coaches at Jeffrey Scott Consulting) discuss the critical aspects of hiring in the landscape industry.
They explore the common pain points business owners face when considering new hires, the benefits of proactive hiring, and the importance of defining roles and responsibilities.
The conversation emphasizes the need for a clear vision, effective onboarding, avoiding burnout and the potential advantages of hiring from outside the industry. They also highlight the significance of budgeting, tracking metrics and taking action to ensure successful scaling of the business. You need to make money in order to scale!
Takeaways:
Recognizing when to hire is crucial for business growth.
Hiring a salesperson can significantly relieve workload.
Being a bottleneck in operations is a common issue for owners.
Burnout among staff can be mitigated by hiring appropriately.
Creating an org chart helps visualize future hiring needs.
Proactive hiring requires a clear vision for the company.
Using recruiters can streamline the hiring process.
Onboarding is essential for the success of new hires.
Hiring from outside the industry can bring fresh perspectives.
Regularly tracking metrics is vital for assessing hiring effectiveness.
The post When and Why to Make Your Next Big Hire with Mitch Katz & Sean Baxter appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.
1 hr 10 min