The Ultimate Landscape CEO - Jeffrey Scott

Bryan Stolz, CEO of Winterberry (Southington, CT), shares his journey from being a junior garden designer to running the company. Winterberry is a diversified company that offers maintenance, fertilization, irrigation services, landscape design, and golf course irrigation installation. They have grown from a $10 million company when they were first my client, to a $33.5 million company with 240 employees. The ownership team consists of three partners who have different skill sets and work well together. Winterberry made the decision to close their retail garden center due to competition from big box stores and a shift in their target market. They have focused on systematizing their processes while still allowing room for entrepreneurialism. The company has experienced significant growth, with departments like seasonal color becoming independent and generating $1.2 million in revenue. The conversation explores the organizational structure and culture of the company, focusing on the matrix org chart, dotted line relationships, and the balance between creativity and accountability. We also discuss the importance of crafting roles to fit people’s strengths, the challenges of communication and involving employees in the decision-making process, and the mistakes and struggles faced by the company. The future plans include regional expansion, acquisitions, and continuous personal and professional development. Takeaways Opportunities and leaps of faith are important for growth Systematizing processes can help manage chaos and allow for scalability Closing a retail division can be a strategic decision to focus on core services Entrepreneurial spirit can be nurtured within a structured framework Departmental growth can be driven by individual initiative The matrix org chart and dotted line relationships can create a loose framework culture that allows for creativity but can be inefficient and less effective at holding people accountable. Crafting roles to fit people’s strengths and interests can lead to greater job satisfaction and upward mobility within the company. Effective communication and involvement of employees in decision-making processes are crucial for maintaining trust and alignment within the organization. Learning from mistakes and being open to change are essential for growth and success. Regional expansion and strategic acquisitions are part of the company’s future plans. Continuous personal and professional development, including seeking external knowledge and learning skills for the next level, is important for career advancement. The post From Designer to CEO with Bryan Stolz appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Greyson Walldorff is the founder of Lawn Capital in Decatur, Georgia. He shares his journey of developing an all-electric landscape business dedicated to zero gas, zero toxins and zero noise. His 8 yr old company has 3M in revenue with 25 employees. We discuss his company’s focus on sustainability and their new product, Plan Zero, which is a 100% electric, zero chemical maintenance service. We also talk about the challenges of integrating electric equipment into their operations, and of transforming his fleet and equipment in the process. He explains the financial benefits of using electric equipment, such as lower fuel and maintenance costs, and the potential for higher margins. Greyson emphasizes the importance of business development and customized systems in their growth strategy.  He emphasizes the importance of customization and CRM in the sales process and we explore the potential of robotics in landscaping. Takeaways Lawn Capital is a residential and commercial landscape provider that focuses on sustainability and offers a 100% electric, zero chemical maintenance service called Plan Zero. There is a growing trend of landscape professionals coming from finance backgrounds, possibly driven by the desire to gain a competitive advantage in the industry. Using electric equipment can result in lower fuel and maintenance costs, leading to potential higher margins for landscape businesses. Business development and customized systems play a crucial role in the growth and success of a landscape business. Customization and CRM are crucial in the sales process for landscapers. The implementation of robotics in landscaping is an area of exploration. Zero gas, zero toxins, and zero noise are important aspects of sustainable landscaping. Data and AI integration will play a significant role in the future of the industry. The post Zero Gas, Zero Toxins and Zero Compromise with Greyson Walldorff appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Ivan Katz, founder of Great Lakes Landscape Design, near Detroit, Michigan, shares his experiences in the landscaping industry, including overcoming embezzlement and a major accident. His firm will hit close to 10M in 2024. He emphasizes the importance of trust, loyalty, and investing in employees. Katz also discusses the value of customer service and the impact of his personal mission on his business. The conversation covers topics such as financial management, employee development, and creating a positive work environment. Ivan Katz discusses how his approach to business has changed over the years and the challenges he faces in pulling himself out of sales. He shares his experience of hiring a sales manager and the importance of refining processes and production rates. Ivan also talks about the need to hire salespeople who can build enduring relationships, especially in the commercial sales sector. He emphasizes the value of having a coach and being part of a peer group for learning and accountability. Ivan’s key takeaway is to run your company as if it’s already as big as it will ever be and make proactive decisions with the future in mind. Takeaways Trust is crucial in business, and implementing controls and protocols can help prevent fraud and embezzlement. Investing in employees and creating a positive work environment can foster loyalty and long-term commitment. Listening to clients and focusing on customer service can lead to valuable insights and improved business practices. Having a clear personal mission and values can guide decision-making and inspire others. Overcoming challenges, such as financial setbacks and accidents, can lead to personal growth and resilience in business. Refining processes and production rates is crucial for business growth. Hiring salespeople who can build enduring relationships is essential, especially in commercial sales. Having a coach and being part of a peer group provides learning and accountability. Running your company as if it’s already as big as it will ever be helps make proactive decisions. The post “I am doing it my way” with Ivan Katz appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Jim and I discuss his history and background in the landscape industry, and his career extensions into property development and consulting. We discuss his “visionary” appraoch to consulting and the impact it had on his business and life. We discuss his latest book, “The Depressed Motivational Speaker”, and his own struggles with depression and how he overcame them. This podcast is a discussion between the old guard (Jim) and the newer guard (Jeffrey) that came up in his wake. Jim also shares ideas on recruiting from high school and on selling and other topics. Summary: Jim Paluch, former president of JP Horizons, shares his journey from being a landscape architect to becoming a consultant. He discusses his experiences in sales, working with developers, and the importance of building relationships. Jim also talks about the creation of JP Horizons and their various programs, including the Working Smarter Training Challenge. He emphasizes the importance of enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership development in the landscape industry. Jim Paluch shares his experiences of using unique team-building exercises, such as breaking through boards, to help people overcome obstacles. He also discusses his book, ‘The Depressed Motivational Speaker,’ which explores the topic of depression and offers strategies for overcoming it. Jim emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself, practicing the right things, and focusing on what is happening through us rather than to us. He also encourages business owners to attend association meetings with key team members and to connect with high schools to promote the landscape profession. Takeaways: Building relationships with developers and clients is crucial in the landscape industry. Enthusiasm and creativity can make business principles more engaging and effective. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for success in any organization. Leadership development and continuous learning are key to personal and professional growth. Team-building exercises can help people overcome obstacles and build camaraderie. Taking care of oneself physically and mentally is crucial for success. Practicing the right things and focusing on what is happening through us can lead to positive outcomes. Attending association meetings with key team members and connecting with high schools can promote the landscape profession. The post The Visionary Consultant with Jim Paluch appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Ted Carter, is President of Pinehurst Landscape Company in Glen Arm, Maryland. They focus 85%  on residential landscape design, build, and maintenance. The company employs around 40 people during peak season and aims to surpass $6 million in revenue this year. Pinehurst was founded by Carter’s father in 1964. Initially a lawn mowing business, it evolved into a landscaping company. Ted Carter formally joined the company in 2009, following a significant revenue drop during the recession. We cover many critcal stages of growth that Ted experienced.  Challenges and Adaptations: Ted faced numerous challenges, including financial struggles and a key workforce crisis in 2018 when they didn’t secure H2B visa workers. This led to hiring issues and morale problems, ultimately teaching the importance of company values and aligning staff accordingly. Financial Health: Over the years, Pinehurst shifted its strategy by focusing on value and realistic project bidding. Ted emphasized the need for accurate job costing and avoided underbidding, which helped stabilize the company’s financial health. Developing a Leadership Vision: Ted’s leadership journey involved overcoming initial defensiveness and fear, building a supportive team, and setting ambitious goals. His focus on creating a professional work environment and strong company culture has contributed to Pinehurst’s continued success and growth. Carter is actively working on delegating key responsibilities, such as financial management and sales, to trusted team members. His goal is to focus on strategic vision and employee relationships while ensuring the company runs smoothly. Acquisition Success: Ted Carter discusses Pinehurst’s successful acquisition of a company owning a Christmas Decor franchise. This move not only extended their seasonal business but also brought in skilled employees, contributing significantly to their growth and success. Carter is exploring further acquisitions and diversification into new services like pool installations. He recognizes the potential in expanding their offerings to meet client demands and attract new business. Employee-Centric Approach: Carter emphasized the importance of a supportive and growth-oriented workplace culture at Pinehurst, focusing on employees’ well-being, personal growth, and ensuring they feel valued and respected. This is a huge cornerstone of their company. Personal and Professional Integration: Carter highlighted the inseparable nature of personal well-being and professional success for entrepreneurs. He advocates for a balance between work and personal life, believing that personal growth and support directly impact business performance. Summary Ted Carter, the president of Pinehurst Landscape Company, shares his journey of taking over the family business and growing it into a successful company. He discusses the challenges he faced during the economic downturn and how he navigated through them. Ted emphasizes the importance of investing in employees and maintaining company culture. He also shares his experience of joining a peer group and the impact it had on his leadership skills. Ted’s story highlights the significance of making the right calls, building confidence as a leader, and embracing growth opportunities. In this conversation, Ted Carter, President of Pinehurst Landscape Company, discusses the company’s growth and talent acquisition strategies. He shares how Christmas lighting has been a successful recruiting tool and talks about the potential for future acquisitions and new services. Ted also explores the importance of engaging architects and home renovators in the landscaping industry. The conversation delves into the significance of pool construction and the potential for fiberglass pools and plunge pools. Ted discusses his role as President and emphasizes the company’s employee-first culture and focus on personal growth. He also touches on the challenges of delegating responsibilities and marketing. Ted expresses his long-term involvement with the company and his passion for sailing. He concludes by expressing gratitude for the team and highlighting the value of peer groups in personal and professional development. Takeaways Investing in employees and maintaining a strong company culture is crucial for long-term success. Overcoming fear and making the right calls are essential for business growth. Joining a peer group can provide valuable insights and support for personal and professional development. Building confidence as a leader is a journey that requires self-reflection and a willingness to learn and adapt. Christmas lighting can be an effective recruiting tool for landscaping companies. Engaging architects and home renovators is crucial for business growth in the landscaping industry. The construction of pools, particularly fiberglass and plunge pools, presents opportunities for expansion. Creating an employee-first culture and prioritizing personal growth contribute to the success of a landscaping company. The post The Stages of Growth with Ted Carter appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

My guests on this podcast are the real deal: Nag Murty is an aerospace engineer turned serial tech entrepreneur.   Jarrett Herold is co-founder and COO of VC-backed startup Electric Sheep, the first large-scale outdoor maintenance company powered by artificial intelligence and robotics.   This company is acquiring traditional outdoor service providers and progressively transforming operations by deploying proprietary AI software and robots. Electric Sheep’s approach is designed to automate various physical tasks like mowing and knowledge work like inventory management. Through consolidation and AI-fueled vertical integration, Electric Sheep will become a major player in the $1 Trillion Global Market for outdoor infrastructure services.   We speak about all aspects of their business and vision.   Fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight.   Show Notes: Electric Sheep is a vertically integrated landscape and robotics company that builds autonomy solutions for commercial landscaping businesses. They challenge industry assumptions and rethink workflows and processes from first principles. The company is focused on the electrification of the industry and the development of AI models for outdoor autonomy. They have acquired and integrated several landscape businesses and are using their data engine to continuously improve their AI models. Electric Sheep’s end game is to create a platform company that leads the industry in innovation and automation. Electric Sheep Robotics is focused on using data and AI to revolutionize the landscaping industry. They believe that the core value lies in their data engine and AI model, which can be applied to different machines and products. They are eager to share their progress and journey with others, aiming to remove the guesswork and show success stories in automation and electrification. While they may not see immediate acquisition offers, they are open to partnerships with technology companies that understand the value of their AI model. The industry is slowly moving towards integrated businesses, and Electric Sheep Robotics wants to be at the forefront of this transformation. They predict that technology companies will become more tightly integrated with service companies, and private equity will shift towards growth equity investing. They also emphasize the importance of reliability before implementing a subscription model. Takeaways:   Electric Sheep is a vertically integrated landscape and robotics company that builds autonomy solutions for commercial landscaping businesses. They challenge industry assumptions and rethink workflows and processes from first principles. The company is focused on the electrification of the industry and the development of AI models for outdoor autonomy. Electric Sheep’s end game is to create a platform company that leads the industry in innovation and automation. The core value in the landscaping industry lies in the data engine and AI model. Sharing progress and success stories is crucial to remove the guesswork and gain acceptance. Quantitative case studies are needed to understand the impact of automation and electrification. Partnerships with technology companies and private equity can drive innovation and growth. The industry is moving towards integrated businesses and pragmatic approaches to technology. Reliability is key before implementing a subscription model. The post The future of landscape maintenance with Electric Sheep: Nag Murty and Jarrett Herold appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Chad Simmons is owner of Playrite, a small but powerful $2M profitable artificial turf company in Knoxville, TN Regarding artificial turf, we discuss his proactive hiring strategy, how he uses competition to drive his business, and how his vendor relationships give him a strategic advantage. Chad is also a BBQ expert, and shares some tips and tricks. You will enjoy our business and personal conversations, and you will be very hungry by the end of this special podcast. The post Artificial Turf & BBQ with Chad Simmons appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Larry Ryan is founder and owner of Ryan Lawn & Tree, based near Kansas City, KS, a 37 yr old company. Larry and his team have grown their firm organically and through acquisition to approx $75M with more growth planned this year. Jeffrey and Larry discuss the 5 most valuable growth strategies that Ryan undertakes, plus many more facets of the business that everyone can learn from. Ryan Lawn & Tree will be the host company for our upcoming Summer Growth Summit in August. For more info, visit our website, www.JeffreyScott.biz or visit https://jeffreyscott.biz/2024-summer-growth-summit/ The post Five Strategies for Growth with Larry Ryan appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Greg Crabtree is an author and financial expert, and has built a CPA firm focused solely on the needs of entrepreneurs.  Greg works with entrepreneurs all over the country in a broad range of industries. He is the author of “Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits” and “Simple Numbers 2.0: Rules for Smart Scaling.” He has also contributed to Verne Harnish’s book, “Scaling Up.” Jeffrey and Greg talk about many financial topics on this podcast, namely, valuation, labor efficiency, return on investment, and many other topics related to running a profitable landscape business — or any privately owned business. The post Simple Numbers, Straight Talk with Greg Crabtree appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Dennise J. Vidosh owns two Michigan companies, Green Acres Tree farm and RE-TREE, where she has developed five separate divisions serving the tree care space. Dennise is an innovator in the green industry, and a trailblazer in the field of mature tree preservation. Over the course of thirteen years leading Green Acres Tree Farm, Dennise observed a troubling trend in the industry. Magnificent, mature healthy trees were being felled to make way for new construction or due to spatial constraints. This frustrating element had just become an accepted part of doing business. Dennise knew there had to be a better way, a realization that sparked the inception of RE-TREE in 2018. On this podcast we discuss all five of her services, and her ideas for the future of tree care. Dennise’s mission goes beyond business; it’s a commitment to a more sustainable planet. Her expertise as an ISA certified arborist, coupled with her passion for technology and innovation, drives the valuable solutions she offers to global problems. Every day, she works to redefine the way we approach mature tree preservation, inspiring property owners, green industry peers and communities. She is the sister of one of my long time clients, Donn Vidosh, and it’s great to learn about their shared family and roots in our wonderful green industry. The post Trailblazing the tree industry with Dennise Vidosh appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.