The Ultimate Landscape CEO - 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.

Ted Ventre is the sole owner of Hively Landscapes in south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. It services high end residential with revenue mix of 33% hardscape, 26% landscape and 41% maintenance. Ted is experienced in both commercial and residential and enjoys serving picky comprehensive wealthy clients the most. We dive into how he came to buy this current business, his approach to delegation, and his unique customer service model. Ted and I discuss some of his favorite sports, and how his membership in the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association has really changed his life for the better as an owner. The post From Commercial to Residential with Ted Ventre appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Industry expert and consultant, Jeffrey Scott, shares seven lessons from 2023, including prioritizing cyber security, harnessing AI and technology, and revamping marketing and sales. He also provides ten predictions for 2024, such as focusing on residential business value and strengthening relationships at the top. Additionally, he highlights the importance of improving financial management and investing in real talent. Listen to gain insights and prepare for the upcoming year!

Tim Johnson is co owner of Tim Johnson Landscaping, a two branch, 10+M mixed-services landscape business situated in Statesville and Charlotte, NC Tim has experienced all the growing pains, including ’not being on the same page’ with another owner, carrying everything on his shoulders without a strong leadership team, operating reactively, and being overly focused on the top line. You will learn about his journey solving those struggles, and some secrets of the trade that he has developed. The post More than a Father and Son Business, with Tim Johnson II appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Marc Nissim is the owner of Harmony Design Group in Westfield, NJ. It’s 18 years old and does $5million in mostly DB business, with 10% maintenance. Marc shares how he overcame Dyslexia, found his true passion in the visual arts, and opened up a design business. He then pivoted from a design only to design-project mgmt, to design-build that relies on sub contractors, and now he it taking it further. We discuss his super powers, his journey to high profit, and his goal of helping others with learning disabilities. The post Overcoming Dyslexia with Marc Nissim appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Jeffrey Scott, author, investor and founder of Jeffrey Scott Consulting, talks about “giving back” to charities and the community, from five unique angles.   1. The true meaning of Thanksgiving, and how you can live it every day. 2. How we pledged to raise money for charity from our Summer Growth Summit, and the results of that pledge. 3. Why giving back is good for you personally and your business, based on scientific studies and personal experience, 4. When is the right time to start giving back? 5. Two secrets to giving back, to help you do a better giving. The post Walking the Talk, Giving Back with Jeffrey Scott appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.