The Ultimate Landscape CEO - 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.

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.

Donn is the owner of 14 yr old Vidosh North, Petoskey, MI, 10M in revenue with 63 employees. Jeffrey and Donn discuss his journey in the landscaping industry, discussing his leadership style, the impact of sports on his business philosophy, and the evolution of his company. He emphasizes the importance of team building, diversifying services, and learning from mistakes, particularly in hiring and financial management. Donn also highlights the significance of implementing profit-sharing structures to motivate his team and ensure the company’s success. In this conversation, Donn Vidosh, Jr. discusses the intricacies of profit sharing and employee motivation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in business. He shares insights on maintaining quality while focusing on profit, the significance of leadership in fostering a positive work culture, and the personal challenges he faced, including a divorce. Donn highlights the value of hobbies for reflection and the role of mentorship in his journey, concluding with a message of gratitude and the pursuit of continuous improvement. Takeaways Donn emphasizes the importance of leadership and team building. His background in sports has greatly influenced his business approach. Starting from humble beginnings, he learned the value of hard work. Diversifying services has been key to his company’s growth. Custom fabrication allows for unique offerings in landscaping. Learning from mistakes is crucial for business success. Hiring the right people is essential for growth. Financial mindset shifts were necessary for personal and business success. Implementing profit-sharing has motivated his team. Peer groups have provided accountability and support. Profit sharing is relative to what employees earn. Transparency in sharing company performance fosters teamwork. Quality must be prioritized alongside profit for long-term success. Mistakes should be openly discussed to promote accountability. Leadership requires stepping back from daily operations to focus on growth. Personal challenges can impact business resilience and leadership. Hobbies provide essential time for reflection and mental clarity. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. A culture of continuous improvement leads to sustained success. Team support is vital during personal hardships The post Ultimate Team Player with Donn Vidosh, Jr. appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Zech Strauser shares his journey from struggling in school to becoming a successful entrepreneur in both the landscaping and apparel industries. He discusses his current ventures, including his real estate business, a farm, and the Urture apparel brand. Zech emphasizes the importance of financial accountability, community engagement, and having a clear vision for the future. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of knowing your numbers and making an impact beyond profits. Takeaways: Zech learned through hands-on experiences and mistakes. He transitioned from residential to commercial landscaping during the 2008 financial crisis. Financial accountability was crucial for business growth. The pandemic forced a reevaluation of business operations and team dynamics. Zech’s vision for Urture is to blend urban and nature aesthetics. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in branding. Zech believes companies should not define personal identity. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to think big and articulate their vision. Knowing your financials is essential for business success. Zech aims to make an impact in the trades and apparel industries. The post Building Two Brands with Zech Strauser appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Kristi Delima (owner of Snips Landscaping in Ontario Canada)  shares her inspiring journey of resilience and determination as she faced a breast cancer diagnosis while managing her landscaping business. She discusses the challenges she encountered, including navigating her health, family dynamics, and business operations. Kristi emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and visualization techniques to beat her cancer. She also shares the support she received from her community and her peers in the Leader’s Edge peer group. Kristi reflects on her future aspirations, the legacy she wants to leave, and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs facing their own challenges. Key Points: Kristi was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer but chose to fight. She utilized visualization techniques to maintain a positive mindset. Her family and employees were supportive throughout her journey. Kristi learned valuable lessons about her business during her health struggles. She emphasizes the importance of having systems in place in business. Community support played a crucial role in her recovery. Kristi aims to support others going through similar challenges. She believes in the power of a clear vision for success. Despite setbacks, her business has shown growth and resilience. Kristi’s experience has changed her perspective on life and legacy. The post The Power of Visualization to Beat Cancer with Kristi DeLima appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

How To Successfully Transition Your Landscape Business. Should you plan to sell your business, or to retire-in-place? Either way, you will need to transform the business in many ways, from accounting to leadership and operations. Plus you will need to negotiate the sale, if you decide to go that route. In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott (interviewed by Kelly Dowell) discusses the intricacies of selling a landscaping business, including understanding buyer motivations, common myths about selling, alternatives to selling, preparing a business for sale, building a sustainable revenue model, strengthening brand reputation, and key financial metrics for valuation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating a strong business foundation and understanding the market to maximize the value of a business when selling. In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott discusses essential strategies for business acquisition, emphasizing the importance of financial metrics, strong leadership, and effective negotiation. He provides insights on evaluating revenue streams, understanding market opportunities, and the complexities of business valuation. Additionally, he addresses the significance of tax implications and offers guidance on family succession planning and post-sale considerations. Takeaways Building a strong business is critical for future transitions. Buyers are motivated by job security, expansion, or personal freedom. Selling a business is often a lengthy and complex process. Myths about selling include misconceptions about speed and ease. Alternatives to selling include retiring in place or developing a leadership team. Private equity firms prioritize EBITDA and cash flow in their evaluations. Recurring revenue models are attractive to potential buyers. Brand reputation and market presence are essential for business value. Financial metrics like net profit and cash flow are crucial for valuation. Understanding buyer motivations can help tailor the selling process. Buy a company with a low mod factor and good safety history. A strong leadership team is essential for business success. Proving the strength of your team can enhance business value. Identifying new market opportunities requires careful analysis. Both new revenue and renewal revenue are crucial for growth. Valuation is key before entering the market to sell your business. Trust and integrity are vital in buyer-seller relationships. Competing offers can significantly improve negotiation outcomes. Tax implications can greatly affect the sale of a business. Family succession planning requires careful consideration and structure. The post Selling or Retiring-In-Place with Jeffrey Scott appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.