The Ultimate Landscape CEO - Jeffrey Scott

In this discussion, John Munie, Founder and President of Focal Pointe, shares his journey of scaling a $55M landscape company. He emphasizes the importance of emotional connections with stakeholders, diving deep into how this enhances company culture. John highlights strategies for organic growth versus acquisitions, discusses maintaining quality while expanding, and explores the complexities of hiring and team dynamics. He also reflects on the transformation of the landscaping industry and the significance of strong financial management for sustainable success.

Christian Ruf, owner of Uncommon Elite, specializes in recruiting veterans from special forces for leadership roles. He shares insights on the unique skills veterans bring to civilian workplaces, such as leadership and adaptability. Ruf emphasizes the importance of focusing on innate attributes rather than just experience. He discusses the challenges veterans face when transitioning to corporate environments and the critical role of effective onboarding. Overall, Ruf highlights how military training equips individuals to thrive in dynamic business settings.

Matthew Knick shares his inspiring journey from addiction to leading a successful landscape company. He emphasizes the importance of core values in shaping company culture and alignment across teams. Knick highlights effective strategies for productive meetings and the significance of hiring individuals who excel in areas where he may not. Through meditation and journaling, he finds balance in a high-pressure industry. His insights on leadership and personal growth offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to create a thriving, values-driven environment.

Marcus Sheridan is the author of “They Ask, You Answer” and “Endless Customers,” which show you why and how to use content marketing to become the go-to company on the internet. In this conversation, Marcus discusses the evolution of marketing and sales in the home improvement industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding today’s buyers, building a trusted brand, and implementing effective pricing strategies. He shares insights from his journey with River Pools and the principles outlined in his brand new book, ‘Endless Customers,’ highlighting the need for transparency, customer education, and adapting to the changing landscape influenced by AI and self-service tools. Marcus also discusses the importance of pricing estimators and self-service tools in enhancing customer engagement and generating leads. He emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to modern marketing strategies, including the use of video content and disruption in traditional practices. The conversation concludes with a focus on building trust and taking control of one’s brand in a rapidly changing market. Takeaways: Today’s buyers are more informed and impatient than ever. 75% of buyers prefer a seller-free sales experience. Building a known and trusted brand is crucial for success. Transparency in pricing can differentiate your business. Video content is essential for engaging customers. Understanding the ‘Big Five’ topics is key to customer research. Referral-based businesses need to invest in marketing to scale. Your personal brand is more important than your company brand. Pricing estimators can significantly increase lead generation. AI tools can simplify the creation of pricing estimators. Consistent, higher quality visits lead to better customer engagement. Pricing estimators increase customer investment in your company. AI tools make it easier to implement pricing estimators. Self-service tools are becoming essential for businesses. Video content is crucial for brand visibility and engagement. Disruption can change industry standards and practices. Building trust is fundamental for long-term business success. Understanding customer needs is key to effective marketing. Businesses must adapt to multiple platforms for brand growth. The post They Ask, You Answer: The Secret to Content Marketing, with Marcus Sheridan appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Jeffrey Scott interviews Jon Rick, the Owner of two landscape firms totaling $3.5M in revenue: J. Rick Lawn & Tree in Colorado Springs, CO, and Dakota OutdoorScapes in Bizmark, N.D. Jon shares insights into his diverse business ventures, including a couple non-landscape companies. He discusses the challenges of finding the right operations manager, his approach to financial management and profit setting, and strategies for scaling both businesses. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism as part of his sales advantage and reflects on balancing work and family life after becoming a father. He also highlights the significance of responsiveness in business and the impact of setting clear goals for growth. In this conversation, Jon Rick discusses the intricacies of managing a landscape business in North Dakota, focusing on efficiency in estimation, seasonal challenges, and profit expectations. He reflects on the balance between growth and stability, the dynamics of his team, and the need for future leadership. Additionally, he shares insights into his personal life, including family activities and interests, while navigating the complexities of real estate investments and business management. Takeaways His Colorado Springs company focuses on chemical lawn care, while Bismarck specializes in landscape construction. Finding a suitable operations manager has been a significant challenge. Jon prioritizes financial management and aims for a minimum 20% profit margin. The North Dakota ranch services business has shown substantial growth and potential. Professionalism in the landscaping industry can set a company apart. Jon balances work and family life after becoming a father. Clear growth goals and incentives are crucial for employee motivation. Jon handles all estimating for his Bismarck, ND company, ensuring quality control. I need to hire a general manager if I want to grow that business. I got offered 15 times EBITDA for my business. It’s a grind, and I love it. To learn about Jeffrey Scott’s landscape business consulting services, go to: https://jeffreyscott.biz/consulting/ The post Crushing It With 2 Profitable Businesses In Different States with Jon Rick appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott talks to Mary Vales, Chief People Officer at Schill Grounds Management. She shares her secrets to success in HR, recruiting tips, software support, onboarding processes, and of course the importance of company culture. She discusses her career journey, the need for great processes in HR, and the challenges of HR in the field of mergers and acquisitions. She shares the significance of hiring practices (do’s and dont’s) in shaping a successful organization. Mary emphasizes the need for honesty and critical interview skills when recruiting, and when assessing a company to buy. Link to Summer Growth Summit: 2025 Summer Growth Summit Takeaways · Mary Vales is the Chief People Officer at Schill Grounds Management. · She emphasizes the importance of being close to the business operations in order to suc · Compliance and onboarding are critical, but just the beginning in HR success. · Mary’s career journey includes diverse experiences across industries. · Hiring practices should focus on finding the right fit for the company culture and the job. · Mergers and acquisitions require careful due diligence and cultural understanding. · HR professionals should have a continuous improvement mindset. · Technology plays a significant role in modern HR practices. · Honesty in recruitment leads to better employee retention. For more information on Schill Grounds Management, go here: https://www.schilllandscaping.com/ The post The HR Advantage with Schill’s Chief People Officer, Mary Vales appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott interviews Dave Leff, ex-co-owner of TLC Landscaping (Ontario Canada), and regional manager of Schill Grounds Management. They discuss the journey of Dave’s business over 35 years. They explore the growth strategies, the importance of account management, and the impact of diversification in the landscaping industry. Dave shares insights on the significance of (Jeffrey Scott’s) peer group, the story behind their safety training company Greenius, and the lessons learned from selling their businesses. The conversation emphasizes the value of employee development and the importance of analyzing business numbers for growth. Link to Summer Growth Summit: 2025 Summer Growth Summit Takeaways · Dave Leff has been involved with TLC Landscaping for 35 years. · The partnership between Dave and Jay has been crucial for the business’s success. · Diversification in services has helped TLC Landscaping thrive during economic downturns. · Account management is key to maintaining customer relationships and business growth. · Peer groups have significantly influenced Dave’s approach to business management. · Greenius was created to enhance safety training in the landscaping industry. · Selling businesses requires careful consideration of timing and strategy. · Employee satisfaction and fair wages are vital for retaining talent. · Analyzing business numbers is essential for making informed decisions. · The future looks promising with new partnerships and growth opportunities. The post Building a Legacy: The TLC Landscaping Journey with Dave Leff appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Jono Fries, VP of Operations for Schill Grounds Management based in Cleveland, OH. Schill is a multi-state 31 branch landscape firm.  In this conversation, Jono shares his journey from the restaurant industry to the landscaping business, discussing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the techniques he learned in restaurants, namely how good systems build good culture. He also discusses team dynamics in achieving success. Jono reflects on his landscape experiences first at Grasscor in Cincinnati, and then at Schill, highlighting the lessons he learned along the way. The discussion also touches on financial strategies and how it impacts team culture. Link to Summer Growth Summit: 2025 Summer Growth Summit Takeaways: Jono transitioned from the restaurant industry to landscaping after a life-changing experience. He emphasizes the importance of systems and processes in business growth. Culture can be built into a company through systematic approaches. Winning is a byproduct of focusing on doing things right. Effective communication is crucial for team trust and success. Adjusting to a diverse workforce requires understanding and adaptation. Financial strategies must be reevaluated regularly for success. Team dynamics play a significant role in company culture and performance. Integration of companies requires a common operating system for success. Cooking for others is a way to show love and build relationships. For more information on Schill Grounds Management, go here: https://www.schilllandscaping.com/ The post From Restaurants to Landscaping: Building a winning culture with Jono Fries appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Todd Hardy is the Director of Sales for Schill Grounds Management, a 31 branch company across the Midwest US and Canada. Todd shares his extensive experience in the landscape business, focusing on the importance of servant leadership in sales (business development), the dynamics of managing a sales team, and the significance of company culture and core values. He discusses the challenges of hiring and onboarding business developers, the need for performance management, and how to navigate personal challenges within a sales context. Todd emphasizes the importance of networking and recruiting top talent, and he shares insights on preparing for the upcoming Summer Growth Summit. Link to Summer Growth Summit: https://jeffreyscott.biz/2025-summer-growth-summit/ Takeaways: Servant leadership is crucial for success in sales. A focus on client needs over personal gain drives success. Company culture should prioritize employee and customer satisfaction. Hiring the right talent takes time and a clear understanding of values. Performance management requires consistency and clear expectations. Navigating personal challenges is part of managing a sales team. Networking is essential for finding top talent. Authenticity and presence are key in sales interactions. Sales plans should be collaboratively developed and critiqued. Continuous improvement is necessary for personal and team growth.   The post Building A Successful Sales Team with Todd Hardy appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Jerry Schill, CEO of Schill Grounds Management, shares his journey from starting a small landscaping business to leading a company with 31 locations. He discusses the importance of team culture, setting big goals, and the challenges of integrating new acquisitions. Jerry emphasizes the value of mentorship and continuous learning, as well as the entrepreneurial mindset required to navigate the complexities of business growth. He expresses excitement for the upcoming Summer Growth Summit, where he aims to showcase his team’s achievements and share insights with others in the industry. Link to Summer Growth Summit: https://jeffreyscott.biz/2025-summer-growth-summit/ Takeaways You can’t do it alone; teamwork is essential. Growth requires setting big, uncomfortable goals. Continuous learning and mentorship are vital. Integration of new businesses needs a thoughtful approach. Stay disciplined and relentless in pursuing goals. Surround yourself with experienced mentors. Entrepreneurs must be comfortable with discomfort. Celebrate team achievements and individual growth. Leadership involves preparing others to take over. Business is about solving challenges collaboratively. The post Setting and Achieving Big Goals with Jerry Schill appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.