In this episode, Emmanuel Tajada interviews Daniel Haynes, owner of Magnolia Landscape Construction. Daniel shares his journey of how he accidentally got into landscaping and eventually started his own business. He discusses the challenges he faced and the steps he took to grow his company. Daniel emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers and charging the right amount for your services. He also highlights the value of finding mentors and seeking coaching to improve your business. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and advice for landscapers looking to start or grow their own businesses.


Magnolia Website: https://www.magnolialandscapeconstruction.com/

Magnolia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnolialandscapeconstruction/

Takeaways

• Accidental entry into landscaping can lead to a successful career and business
• Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur requires taking calculated risks
• Passion for residential landscapes and building customer relationships can drive business success
• Knowing your numbers and charging the right amount for your services is crucial for profitability
• Finding mentors and seeking coaching can provide valuable guidance and support for business growth

Sound Bites

• "If you're not making money with one crew, you're not making money with two"
• "The point of business is to play the game another day"
• "You gotta figure out what to charge, you know what I mean?"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

02:13
Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur

03:18
Passion for Residential Landscapes

09:27
The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers

14:20
Finding Leads and Growing the Business

18:06
Training and Managing Crews

20:14
The Role of Daniel's Wife in the Business

21:20
Working with Designers and Custom Projects

25:36
Advice for Landscapers Starting or Growing Their Business

32:03
The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship

35:37
Closing Remarks and Contact Information


Keywords

landscaping, entrepreneurship, business growth, knowing your numbers, mentorship, coaching

Riley Rivers, owner of Rivers Landscaping, shares his journey of starting and growing his landscaping business. He started the business with a friend in college and now, seven years later, they have a revenue of over four million and 22 full-time employees. Riley emphasizes the importance of taking care of clients and team members, as word-of-mouth referrals have been crucial to their success. He also highlights the need for systemization and delegation to scale the business. Riley recommends starting by focusing on doing what you say you will do, taking care of clients and team members, and gradually delegating tasks to free up time for business growth. In this conversation, Riley Rivers shares valuable insights on team management, sales and marketing, systemization, and open book financials. He emphasizes the importance of empowering team members to take initiative and find solutions, as well as the benefits of open communication and transparency in the company. Riley also discusses the role of sales and marketing in acquiring new clients, highlighting the impact of word-of-mouth referrals and social media presence. He shares the systems and tools his company uses, such as Google Drive, QuickBooks, and Slack, to stay organized and efficient. Overall, Riley's approach to business focuses on creating a positive work environment, setting clear goals, and fostering a strong team culture.


Rivers Landscaping Website: https://www.riverslandscapingmt.com/

Rivers Landscaping Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverslandscaping/

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

09:22
Starting the Business and Early Challenges

12:09
Systemization and Efficiency

15:27
Learning from Peer Groups and Mentors

21:29
The Role of an Office Manager

24:28
Empowering Team Members and Focusing on Growth

25:42
Empowering Team Members to Find Solutions

27:18
The Role of Sales and Marketing in Acquiring Clients

31:34
Systemization and Organization for Efficiency

36:11
Open Book Financials: Transparency and Goal Setting

Takeaways

• Focus on doing what you say you will do and take care of your clients and team members.
• Gradually delegate tasks to free up time for business growth.
• Systemize your processes and create clear expectations for your team and clients.
• Networking and learning from others in the industry can provide valuable insights and ideas for improvement. Empower team members to take initiative and find solutions
• Open communication and transparency are key to a strong team culture
• Word-of-mouth referrals and social media presence are effective marketing strategies
• Use tools like Google Drive, LMN, QuickBooks, and Slack to stay organized and efficient
• Open book financials can help team members understand the company's financial health and goals
  
  
  
  Keywords
  
  landscaping, business growth, systemization, delegation, client care, team management, team management, sales, marketing, systemization, open book financials, empowerment, communication, transparency, word-of-mouth, social media, organization, efficiency, Google Drive, LMN, QuickBooks, Slack, positive work environment, team culture

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

Craig Daniels, owner of Prolific Outdoor Living, shares his journey from starting as a grass cutter to becoming a successful landscape designer and builder. He discusses the decision to expand his business from Chicago to California and the importance of having a support system in a new market. Craig explains the shift in his business model from doing both design and construction to focusing solely on design and project management. He emphasizes the value of having a detailed design plan and the benefits it brings to both clients and contractors. Craig also discusses the importance of choosing materials that complement the architectural style of the home and the client's budget. Craig Daniels shares his journey from lawn care to landscaping to hardscaping to becoming a full designer. He emphasizes the importance of finding your why and having a mentor and he advises young landscapers to focus on their mental and set goals to build towards their desired future. Craig can be contacted through Facebook or Instagram.


Instagram: @prolificdesignandmanage

Website: https://prolificdesignandmanage.com/


Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

02:01
Expanding to California: Taking a Leap of Faith

07:09
The Benefits of Focusing on Design and Project Management

09:35
The Importance of Detailed Design Plans

13:58
Educating Clients on the Importance of Design

21:25
Providing Value and Understanding the Client's Budget

23:25
The Importance of Good Design

26:26
The Power of Mentorship

27:32
Investing in Yourself

29:23
Leadership and Team Culture

31:10
Craig's Interests Outside of Work

34:58
Creating Unique and Personalized Designs

36:21
Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges

44:36
Finding Your Why and Setting Goals

47:45
Getting in Contact with Craig Daniels

In this episode of the Digital Toolbox Podcast, Luis from LTR Concrete shares his journey from a young landscaper to the owner of a successful concrete company. He discusses the challenges of working with concrete, building a strong team culture, and the transition from exterior to interior work. Luis and his wife, Julie, also talk about their roles in the business and the importance of staying organized. The conversation covers the journey of LTR Concrete Inc, from starting the business to managing commercial and residential projects. It delves into the challenges of client management, payment terms, and the importance of office management. The couple shares valuable insights on the field and office sides of the business, emphasizing the significance of delegation and patience.

Takeaways

• The journey from a young landscaper to the owner of a successful concrete company.
• The challenges and intricacies of working with concrete and transitioning from exterior to interior work.
• The importance of building a strong team culture and treating employees as valuable team members.
• The roles of Luis and Julie in the business and the significance of staying organized and leveraging software for company management. Delegation and office management are crucial for the success of a construction business.
• Patience and relationship-building are key to sustainable growth in the construction industry.
• Understanding payment terms and financial management is essential for navigating commercial projects.
• The journey of LTR Concrete Inc highlights the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the construction industry.

Chapters

00:00
The Journey to Concrete Success: From Landscaper to Business Owner

03:20
Navigating the Challenges of Concrete Work: Exterior to Interior Transition

08:06
Building a Strong Team Culture in the Construction Industry

25:20
The Journey of LTR Concrete Inc: A Story of Growth and Challenges

39:25
Navigating Commercial and Residential Projects: Insights from LTR Concrete Inc

45:36
The Importance of Delegation and Patience in Construction Business


Keywords

concrete, construction, landscaping, business journey, team culture, interior work, company organization, construction business, client management, payment terms, office management, delegation, patience, commercial projects, residential projects

Kevin from Muskoka Landscapers shares his journey from high school dropout to successful business owner in the landscaping industry. He discusses his transition from working in the golf industry to starting his own business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of relationships in business. Kevin also provides insights into project management, equipment management, and the use of software for organization and communication. Kevin's wisdom is from another world!

Muskoka Landscaping Website: https://muskokalandscapers.ca
Muskoka Landscaping Instagram: @muskokalandscapers.ca

Takeaways

• Transitioning from employee to business owner requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to take on new challenges.
• Building strong relationships with customers and maintaining a high level of service can lead to valuable referrals and repeat business.
• Effective project management involves careful planning, clear communication, and the use of software tools for organization and documentation.
• Don't be afraid to sub out work. Don't be afraid to hire staff. You know, think about the savings, not about the cost. Value the work and value the relationship.

Keywords

landscaping, entrepreneurship, business growth, project management, equipment management, software, relationship building

In this episode of the Digital Toolbox podcast, host Enmanuel Tahara interviews Weston from Synked Up, a leading software provider for landscapers and hardscapers. Synked Up helps contractors solve the two main problems that lead to profit loss: inaccurate estimates and incorrect resource allocation. The software provides tools for budgeting, estimating, job costing, and production rates. Weston emphasizes that Synced Up is for contractors in the 250k to 5 million revenue range, serving both owner-operators and companies with multiple crews. He also highlights the importance of qualifying leads and finding the right market to sell services at profitable rates. Synked Up is a software solution that helps contractors track job costs in real time, allowing them to make more accurate estimates and avoid financial problems. The software tracks hours and materials used, compares estimated versus actual costs, and provides insights for future estimates. Contractors can react in real time if they are off track and minimize damage. Syncked Up also allows for easy updating of material prices and offers the ability to import client data. The company's vision is to help hardworking contractors succeed and prevent them from going out of business due to financial challenges.

SynkedUp Website: https://synkedup.com/
SynkedUp Instagram: @synkedup

Takeaways

• Synced Up helps landscapers and hardscapers solve the problems of inaccurate estimates and incorrect resource allocation.
• The software provides tools for budgeting, estimating, job costing, and production rates.
• Synced Up is best suited for contractors in the 250k to 5 million revenue range, serving both owner-operators and companies with multiple crews.
• Qualifying leads and finding the right market are crucial for success in the landscaping and hardscaping industry.
• Synced Up offers a white glove onboarding experience to help contractors set up their budgets and understand their costs. Sync'd Up helps contractors track job costs in real time and make more accurate estimates.
• The software allows contractors to react in real time if they are off track and minimize financial damage.
• Sync'd Up provides insights for future estimates based on historical track records.
• The company's vision is to help hardworking contractors succeed and prevent business failure.

Sound Bites

• "Synced Up solves the math problem by building a budget to help us understand exactly what you need to charge per hour to the penny."
• "Synced Up serves the contractors that are doing construction a little better from an operational standpoint, like the design, build, the one-off projects."
• "If you're doing work at a loss, meaning you don't have your stuff together and you are pricing your jobs incorrectly, doing work is just gonna dig you a deeper hole."
• "We're going to track those hours and materials that you had in the estimate. We're going to track how much you actually used, and then we're going to show estimated versus actual in real time."
• "Job costing gives you the answers to the source of those problems in real time."
• "It allows you to react in real time so that the very next estimate that you're sending out is already adjusted based on what you have learned from your past track record."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Synced Up and the Problems it Solves

03:08
Synced Up's Target Market and Focus

07:27
The Importance of Getting Organized and Pricing Jobs Correctly

09:40
Selling to the Right Market and Qualifying Leads

15:29
Finding the Right Market and Charging Profitable Rates

23:48
Real-Time Job Cost Tracking

In this conversation, Enmanuel Tejada interviews Bryton, a young landscaper who started his business at the age of 12. They discuss Bryton's journey in the landscaping industry, his approach to client relationships, and his dedication to providing high-quality work. Bryton shares his strategies for finding clients, estimating projects, and building a team. He also emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication in running a successful business. In this conversation, Bryton shares his experience reaching out to other landscapers and influencers in the industry. Bryton contrasts this with his positive interactions with other landscapers like Chase Gallagher. He emphasizes the importance of humility, kindness, and collaboration in the industry. Bryton also talks about his motivation, inspired by his father and grandfather's hard work, and his commitment to providing quality service to his clients. He shares his strategies for growing his business, including building relationships with neighbors and offering flexible payment options. Bryton encourages young landscapers to be persistent, work hard, and be willing to work with others in the industry.

Takeaways

• Starting a business at a young age can be challenging, but it is possible to succeed with hard work and dedication.
• Building strong client relationships is crucial for success in the landscaping industry.
• Estimating projects accurately and providing high-quality work can help differentiate a landscaper from the competition.
• Finding the right team members and fostering a positive work environment is essential for growth and success.
• Passion and dedication are key drivers in running a successful landscaping business. Collaboration and support among landscapers can lead to mutual success
• Humility and kindness are important qualities in the industry
• Building relationships with neighbors can lead to more business
• Offering flexible payment options can attract clients
• Hard work and persistence are key to success in landscaping

Sound Bites

• "I'm just trying to express what I love and my passion."
• "I'm hanging out with 40 to 50 year old dudes that run multi-million dollar businesses."
• "All the risk is on me, man."
• "I hate that mindset. I wanna see them as like, hey, when I expand to your state, what's connect on business?"
• "Being cocky just doesn't take you far places in life, man. But if you be humble, go the extra mile, help people out, man. It brings so much more to your pocket than just money."
• "He was giving me advice on what I can improve on my content. Bro, he's a fucking G, bro. I want to shake that motherfucker's hand one day, bro, and I want to take a picture, and I'm going to be like, yo, you're the fucking guy, bro, for real."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:08
Bryton's Journey in the Landscaping Industry

04:24
Transitioning to Hardscape Projects

07:41
Building Strong Client Relationships

09:03
Estimating Projects and Providing High-Quality Work

14:19
The Power of Passion and Dedication in Landscaping

20:30
The Importance of Mentorship and Giving Back

24:07
The Power of Humility and Kindness

26:34
Positive Interactions with Other Landscapers

29:03
The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence

35:22
Building Relationships with Clients and Neighbors

38:02
Strategies for Growing a Landscaping Business

41:33
Offering Flexible Payment Options


Keywords

landscaping, business, client relationships, estimating, team building, passion, dedication, landscaping, influencers, collaboration, humility, hard work, relationships, payment options