“Every day I got on that mower, I was valuing myself at $14 an hour. It wasn’t about the mower—it was about the tasks I chose to take on. To grow, I had to relinquish that duty and step into my potential.” — Jordan Daneker

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Books:

• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• Blue Collar Cash by Ken Rusk
• The Five-Second Rule by Mel Robbins
• You’re Not the Boss of Me by Betsy Brown Braun

Training:

• National Fire Academy Leadership Training (Levels 1, 2, and 3)

Instagram:

• Evolve Design Build

Topics Discussed:

[00:33] Introduction
Rob introduces Jordan Daneker, a landscape entrepreneur from North Carolina, and previews a discussion on growth, delegation, and overcoming barriers in the green industry.

[01:32] From Maintenance to Design-Build
Jordan shares how he started in lawn maintenance, scaled to a $3.4M company, sold it, and transitioned to running a design-build firm focused on outdoor living.

[02:51] The Value of In-House Control
Jordan highlights his company’s ability to handle 95% of projects in-house, emphasizing the importance of quality and process control.

[05:23] The Biggest Growth Constraint
Jordan explains why entrepreneurs themselves are often the biggest obstacles to their business growth and elaborates on the importance of delegation and coaching.

[08:57] A Pivotal Lesson on Self-Worth
Jordan recounts a life-changing conversation with a client that shifted his perspective on valuing himself and his role as a business owner.

[11:08] The Power of Delegation
Jordan discusses how letting go of tasks and empowering his team allowed him to scale his business effectively.

[17:14] Building Administrative Strength
Jordan explains how investing in administrative roles, like a procurement manager, improved efficiency and customer satisfaction, paving the way for growth.

[23:16] Learning from Clients
Jordan emphasizes the value of seeking advice from successful clients and how their insights have shaped his business strategy.

[27:10] Investing in Personal Development
Jordan shares his journey of self-improvement through audiobooks, leadership training, and constant learning, highlighting the importance of working on yourself as an entrepreneur.

[32:09] Recommended Resources for Growth
Jordan lists books and leadership training programs that have had a significant impact on his mindset and business success.

[36:48] Coaching with Patience
Jordan offers tips on effective coaching, emphasizing the importance of patience, active listening, and allowing team members to learn through mistakes.

[38:36] Letting Go to Grow
Jordan underscores the importance of letting team members take ownership of tasks, even if it means making mistakes, to enable long-term growth and scalability.

[39:55] The Future of Trades and Landscaping
Jordan reflects on the growing opportunities in the trades and how the green industry is positioned for massive success in the coming years.

Actionable Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize Delegation: Letting go of tasks and empowering your team is essential for growth.
• Build a Strong Administrative Team: Processes and efficient communication are crucial for scaling.
• Invest in Personal Development: Read leadership books, attend training, and constantly improve yourself.
• Learn from Your Clients: Successful clients often have valuable business insights to share.
• Focus on Long-Term Goals: Avoid being shortsighted; think in terms of 3-5 years to make meaningful progress.
• Coach and Mentor Your Team: Patience and effective coaching can turn your team into a powerhouse.
• Create Efficient Processes: Streamline operations to improve customer experience and productivity.
• Embrace Mistakes: Allow team members to learn and grow through trial and error.