In this episode of the Digital Toolbox Podcast, host Enmanuel Tajada interviews Kahlan Epp, the owner of Kalkare Landscaping. Kahlan shares his journey of starting his landscaping business at a young age and growing it over the years. He emphasizes the importance of learning and gaining knowledge in the industry, especially in hardscaping. Kahlan discusses the challenges of finding skilled labor and the need for proper education and training. He also highlights the significance of having an office manager and using tools like Jobber for organization and efficiency. Kahlan’s focus on customer service and professionalism has helped his company stand out in the industry. In this conversation, Kahlan shares his experience and insights on starting and scaling a landscaping business. He discusses the importance of starting small and gradually taking on more complex projects, as well as the value of subcontracting and learning from experienced professionals. Kahlan also highlights the challenges and lessons learned in hiring the right team, taking calculated risks, and managing profitability. He emphasizes the need for systems and processes to scale the business and the importance of never quitting on a bad day. Outside of work, Kahlan enjoys fitness, rock climbing, and pursuing his interest in aviation.


Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:00
Starting a Landscaping Business at a Young Age

08:07
The Importance of Education and Training in Hardscaping

14:01
Challenges in Finding Skilled Labor

26:41
Emphasizing Customer Service and Professionalism

29:07
Starting Small and Scaling

31:35
Hiring the Right Team and Managing Profitability

34:14
Taking Calculated Risks for Growth

43:08
Building Systems and Processes to Scale

49:48
Never Quitting on a Bad Day

55:43
Balancing Work and Personal Interests



Keywords:

landscaping, hardscaping, starting a business, education, training, skilled labor, customer service, organization, landscaping, business, scaling, subcontracting, team management, profitability, risk-taking, systems, never quitting, fitness, rock climbing, aviation