Sales made Simple for Outdoor Living Pros, Landscapers and Hardscapers (formerly Outerspaces) Why Outdoor Living Pros Should See Retirement as a Redirection, Not an Exit w/ Jon Valenta from General Pavingstones
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Jan 21, 2026 Jon Valenta, owner of General Pavingstones and a nearly 30-year hardscaping pro, reflects on life after running a specialty pavers and retaining wall business. He discusses planning retirement as a redirection, becoming choosier with projects as you age, spotting client fit issues, and ways to stay involved in the trade without doing the heavy lifting.
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Plan Retirement As A Direction
- Plan your exit with intention instead of waiting for your body to force it.
- Start with the end in mind and work backwards to create actionable steps toward retirement.
Succession Conversations Still Pending
- Jon admits he hasn't fully planned his business exit and his son chose a different trade path.
- He recognizes the need to discuss succession with long-term employees before abruptly closing shop.
Select Projects To Preserve People
- As contractors age they naturally become more selective about projects, which preserves health and margins.
- Choosing projects that fit your equipment, skills, and enjoyment increases quality and longevity.