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/

Are your managers leaving HR in a bind regarding employee relations? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the often-underestimated power of HR coaching alongside Barrett Chow of the McFarland Stanford team. With his impressive background at the Ritz Carlton, PGA Tour, and Lifescape Colorado, Barrett unpacks the essentials of empowering managers and the transformative effects of non-monetary compensation on workplace culture. Let this be your guide to rewriting the handbook on employee satisfaction and discover how a seemingly simple document can make waves in your company's operational success.

THE BIG IDEA:
Start Day One

KEY MOMENTS:
[05:01] Importance of consistent and meaningful first impressions.
[10:58] Managers support, train, and develop employees effectively.
[10:58] Managers support, train, and develop employees effectively.
[14:58] Essential policies and legal counsel for employees.
[19:38] Bookmark and secure changes for handbooks annually.
[22:35] Perspective on non-monetary compensation in HR issues.
[29:26] Non-monetary compensation benefits and effective onboarding strategies.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

How do you update employee handbooks effectively?

What are examples of non-monetary employee compensation?

How can non-monetary benefits boost employee satisfaction?

What are the best onboarding practices for new employees?

How do first impressions affect employee retention?

FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-026-the-hidden-value-of-hr-coaching-for-landscape-leaders-with-barrett-chow/

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion for landscaping into a thriving enterprise? Find out on this enlightening episode of "Roots of Success," as we chat with the power couple behind RJ Lawn and Landscape, Ryan and Annette McCarthy. Discover their journey from overworked entrepreneurs to industry leaders, focusing on client-centric practices, workflow unity, and strategic planning. Host Tommy Cole brings to light the vital role of understanding how to delegate, evolve, and harmonize company dynamics, ensuring that each root planted leads to sustainable success

THE BIG IDEA:
Winning with Empowerment & Efficiency

KEY MOMENTS:
[05:33] Recognize the need for assistance, quality, detail, and proactiveness.
[11:24] Focused on questioning, refining, and pivoting strategy.
[16:08] Simplify process and support, not hinder progress.
[22:26] "Image matters, attracts mature and professional candidates."
[27:43] Educating support staff on job complexities is vital.
[35:12] Unwillingness to delegate, led to overwhelming workload.
[37:07] Delegate at 80% or 90%, not perfection.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

1. What are the best strategies for effective delegation in a landscape business?

2. What is collaborative decision-making and how does it work?

3. How do you prioritize essential landscape tasks without getting lost in details?

4. How do you maintain a professional image in your landscape business?

5. Can you use job costing and process improvement to grow a small business?

FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-025-using-empowerment-efficiency-to-scale-your-landscape-business/

Who says youth is a barrier to success? Austyn Roth, at just 21 years old, has disrupted the landscaping game with his savvy business strategies and commitment to quality. In this episode of Roots of Success, we explore how Lucky Landscaping, under Austyn's leadership, transitioned from a cash-starved startup to a strategic, customer-focused market leader. Discover the importance of keeping promises, the art of finding your niche, and the key challenges of creating a strong management team in the fast-paced landscape industry.

THE BIG IDEA:
Learning & Empowerment Elevates Success.

KEY MOMENTS:
[06:06] Young professional defies doubters and perseveres.
[11:47] Local company emphasizes personal, community touch.
[15:14] Managing rapid growth while maintaining quality and training.
[19:49] Subbing out work, self-performing, age 18.
[20:30] Started with old equipment, upgraded for success.
[25:52] LMN’s Young Professional Landscaper of the Year.
[29:02] Austin shares messages of perseverance and determination.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

1. What are the best strategies for finding a business niche?

2. What are the keys to maintaining high standards in service businesses?

3. How can young entrepreneurs gain respect in traditional industries?

4. How to shift business focus from quantity to quality clients?

5. What are effective ways to build trust and relationships with clients?

6. How do you start a successful landscaping business?

FOR SHOW NOTES AND MORE GO TO:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-024-from-pushing-mowers-to-pulling-profits-breaking-barriers-with-austyn-roth/

Are you ready to transform failures into your company’s building blocks for success? Find out how embracing mistakes can skyrocket your business, as we delve into the unique "get shit done" philosophy that quadrupled Sam Rankin's landscaping business in just two years. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Rankin, owner of Etch Outdoor, to explore his unconventional journey through accountability, empowerment, and shattering traditional management molds. We reveal the secrets behind building a culture that values quick decision-making and learning from mistakes, the fine art of delegation without micromanagement, and why Sam believes in celebrating the messier side of business on social media.

The Big Idea:
Learning & Empowerment Elevates Success

Key Moments:

[05:38] Promising action, growth, and fun as part of company culture

[06:29] Being Open, honest, transparent with your team.

[09:57] Encouraging team to make mistakes and learn.

[14:14] Leading with head, hands tied, promotes growth.

[18:07] Prioritize important takeaways based on urgency.

[23:10] Social media is about sharing the story.

[26:49] Continuous growth and high-level opportunities are priorities.

[31:29] How to take advice from others.

Questions We Answer:

1. How do you delegate tasks effectively in a startup?

2. What is the role of accountability in business success?

3. How do you cultivate a positive company culture?

4. What are the best practices for empowering employees?

5. How can failures be turned into opportunities?

6. What is a business scorecard and how is it used?

7. How can social media impact company branding?

For Show Notes & More Go To:

https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-023-empowerment-accountability-with-sam-rankin/