The Ultimate Landscape CEO - Jeffrey Scott

Firing Half My Staff with Derek Wells

5 snips

Feb 20, 2025

Derek Wells, CEO of Wells Lawncare and Landscaping, shares the rollercoaster ride of downsizing his team by half. He discusses the challenges of letting go of the wrong hires, the impact on morale, and how innovative hiring strategies fueled a remarkable 30% growth. Derek emphasizes the importance of accountability in cultivating the right team and the balance between work and family life. With personal anecdotes, he reflects on how pushing through discomfort has shaped him into a more effective leader, enhancing both his business acumen and personal growth.

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ANECDOTE

Firing Half the Staff

Derek Wells fired half his field staff after a frustrating snow event where only half the team showed up.
This drastic decision, made two weeks before the spring season, stemmed from his realization that he had hired the wrong people and held onto them for too long.

INSIGHT

Initial Staff Reaction

Initially, the remaining staff felt scared and frustrated by the sudden firings.
However, they quickly realized it was the right move, as A-players generally appreciate being surrounded by other high-performers.

ADVICE

Continuous Hiring

Maintain continuous hiring, even when fully staffed, to build a strong candidate pipeline.
Be transparent with candidates about potential future opportunities to keep them engaged.

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Derek Wells is CEO of Wells Lawncare and Landscaping in Bloomington, IN. They do 3M in revenue of a mix of commercial and residential, and are growing over 30%. For more information on Derek Wells and Wells Lawncare and Landscaping in Bloomington, Indiana, visit their website.

In this conversation, Derek Wells shares his journey as a business owner detailing the challenges he faced when he made the difficult decision to let go of half his staff. He discusses the impact of this decision on his business, the subsequent hiring and training challenges, and the systems he implemented to improve accountability and metrics. Derek also reflects on his personal growth as a leader and the influence of his wife in navigating these challenges. In this conversation, Derek Wells discusses his journey of leadership growth, the importance of hiring the right team, and the transition from residential to commercial business. He emphasizes the need for balance between family and work commitments, the value of peer support in business, and the necessity of embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth.

Takeaways:

Derek Wells runs Wells Lawn Care and Landscaping for 20 years.
He made the tough decision to let go of half his staff.
The decision was prompted by frustrations during a snow event.
Derek realized he had hired the wrong people and held on to them too long.
Post-staff reduction, they adopted a continuous hiring approach.
They simplified their training process with ‘pirate maps’.
Derek learned the importance of accountability in hiring.
The company experienced a 15% growth after the staff reduction.
Derek recognized his fear of conflict as a leadership challenge.
His wife’s influence helped him confront business challenges. Being overly involved can hinder company growth.
Hiring at the top of the market is crucial for success.
Surrounding yourself with better people enhances leadership.
Transitioning to a general manager role can relieve pressure.
Building relationships is key in commercial business.
Persistence in following up can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Balancing family commitments requires intentional planning.
Peer support provides accountability and shared experiences.
Embracing discomfort is essential for growth.
Proactive hiring can set a company up for future success.

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