Today, we're joined by Luis Barrett of Neosho, Missouri. He shares his lawn care business startup story with us and spends a few minutes talking about their struggles with cash flow, keeping up to date with bills, and how failing to plan is planning to fail.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Luis's background in entrepreneurship and how he got started in the lawn care and landscaping industry
• The importance of cash flow management in a business
• Lessons learned from facing financial struggles and debt in a business
• Strategies for improving cash flow, including prepayment options, deposits, and draws on projects
• The significance of budgeting for off-season expenses and preparing for slower months
• Tips for negotiating with vendors and suppliers to manage cash flow effectively
• The value of communication and working with others to navigate financial challenges
• Personal experiences and insights shared by Luis to help others in similar situations

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Today, we're discussing a few critical items that we can pay attention to that will pay big dividends this spring rush. A lot is happening this time of year, but you can still catch your breath and make sure these items don't fall through the cracks this April.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Importance of checking and updating your website
• Tips for improving your voicemail message for your business phone
• The significance of Google reviews and keeping your Google listing active
• Upgrading your phone for better business use, including taking photos and videos
• Registering for industry events like Equip Expo and Link Membership
• Managing bookkeeping and invoicing for your business
• Ensuring that all work is scheduled, invoiced, and completed
• Utilizing Audible credits for business-related books
• Tips for staying active on social media to promote your business
• The importance of staying organized and on top of tasks during the spring rush

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Today, we're joined by Damian Bush, owner of one of the Jim's Mowing franchises in Tanzania, Australia! Damian shares how he purchased a Jim's Mowing franchise, transitioned out of the food and beverage industry, and wanted to even out a work-life balance instead of working 100 hours a week.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Insights into starting a franchise business in the lawn care industry
• Benefits of joining a franchise for those looking to transition from the corporate world
• Details about Jim's Mowing franchise in Australia
• Personal experience and success story of transitioning to a franchise business
• Importance of customer service in running a successful business
• Overview of the support and services provided by Jim's Mowing franchise
• Hindsight reflections on the decision to join a franchise
• Advice for individuals considering starting a franchise business
• Personal experience of balancing work and family life as a franchise owner
• Details on the training and support provided...

Today, we're sharing an excerpt from our most recent live stream part of our Facebook group called LINK. We had a great question from a group member, which parlayed into a 20-minute rant about line items, bids, and customer service. I hope this snippet helps you guys out on your spring bids, and we hope to see you on the next LINK Live!

In this episode, you will learn:

• The importance of not line-iteming every material and labor in quotes
• Tips on quoting, bidding, and estimating for landscape work
• How to handle pricing for tools and recover overhead costs
• Insights on bidding for residential and commercial properties
• Strategies for pricing mulch jobs and communicating with customers
• Information on Lawntrepreneur Academy's LINK membership and exclusive offers
• Advice on being transparent with customers about pricing and job expectations

Want to Listen to More Episodes about LINK?

• Ep 593. LINK IS HERE! Your Link To Success!
• Ep 602. A Community Focused On Growth: LINK Membership...

Today we're sharing about bidding commercial sites and some of the real frustrations that come with it along the way. Not every site is a home run, not every decision-maker is the understanding type. Sometimes, these accounts take maintenance to keep the relationship going, which is our job as business owners to make sure everyone's happy and the job gets done.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Tips on finding the right customers for your lawn and landscaping business
• Dealing with frustrations and challenges in customer service
• Handling bid comparisons and multiple quotes
• Importance of communication and building relationships with clients
• Strategies for addressing price increases with customers
• Knowing when to let go of difficult or unresponsive clients
• Importance of setting prices profitably and standing firm in negotiations
• Real-life examples from Brian's own experiences 

Want to Listen to More Episodes on Bidding?

• Ep 615. Bidding, Budgeting, Systems & Processes w/...

Let's dive into a topic that can make or break your business—mastering profitability. In the competitive world of lawn care, understanding your numbers isn't just a bonus; it's a necessity for sustainable success.

Check out these tips to help you navigate the profitability maze:

1 Know Your Costs: Take a deep dive into your expenses, from equipment maintenance to labor costs. Knowing your costs down to the dollar ensures you're pricing your services right and not leaving money on the table.

2 Pricing Strategies: Don't just guess your prices—strategize them. Value-based pricing lets clients see the real worth of your services, leading to more profitable jobs and satisfied customers.

3 Transparent Communication: Clear communication is crucial. Set expectations upfront, discuss scope of work, timelines, and payment terms to avoid misunderstandings that can eat into your profits.

4 Continuous Learning: The lawn care industry evolves, and so should your knowledge. Stay...

Today, we're joined by special guest Kory Ballard, owner of Ballard Products and previous owner of Perficut in Des Moines, Iowa! Kory has grown two incredible businesses along his entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, Kory shares how he navigated focusing on one at a time, and how he built a team with a dream for both to succeed.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Insights on running a successful business from Kory Ballard
• Balancing multiple businesses and focusing on customer service
• Importance of communication and vision casting in a company
• Strategies for keeping company morale high
• Updates on Ballard Products and Perficut
• Information on new products and facility expansion

Want to Listen to More Episodes with Kory Ballard?

• Ep 499. Q&A About Scaling Past A Million & New Facility Excitement!
• Ep 390. Revolutionizing Their Business Into A Site Management Powerhouse w/ Kory Ballard Of Perficut
• Ep 339. A Legacy Of Success & Explosive Growth With...

Today, we're sharing about our second meeting with our team, where we had the opportunity to establish company core values! This was an exciting conversation and exercise that I would encourage any growing company to spend a few hours doing.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Importance of developing a mission statement, vision statement, and core values for a company
• The process of refining and finalizing mission and vision statements with the team
• The significance of core values in guiding company culture and behavior
• Examples of core values: humility, accountability, professionalism, passion, being equipped, no excuses
• Explanation of each core value and its application in the company's operations
• Anecdotes and insights on the importance of maintaining standards and expectations within a team

Want to Listen to More Episodes on Company Culture?

• Ep 647. I've Always Wanted To Do This! Mission & Vision Statement!
• Ep 340. A Pillar In The Community & Why Good Branding Matters...

Today, we're joined by Chris Howell, owner of Back Forty Land Development, as he shares his startup story and how he is getting back into dirt work, seeding, and reclamation work.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Chris Howell shares his journey from starting out as a kid mowing lawns to owning a successful business
• Chris discusses his experience working in the construction and green industry for over 23 years
• He talks about his time working in the solar division and the challenges he faced with the company's acquisition
• Chris shares insights on managing cash flow, learning from failures, and the importance of knowing your numbers in business
• He emphasizes the value of hands-on experience and internships for learning about tractor work, dirt work, and reclamation
• Chris highlights the importance of supporting the trades and training the next generation of workers in the industry.

Want to Listen to More Episodes on Leaving the Corporate World to Pursue Entrepreneurship?

• Ep 200....

Today, the team sat down together and created our company mission and vision statement, both of which have been a long time coming! We were excited to do this to help give us a rudder for the growth we anticipate for the coming years. We believe this will help not only our customers, but also our future team members, to know who and what Brian's Lawn Maintenance does, and why we exist.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Importance of creating a mission statement and vision statement for your company
• How to develop a mission statement and vision statement
• The role of mission and vision statements in attracting good talent and clients
• The process of creating company values and core beliefs
• The significance of having a clear direction and purpose for your business
• Examples of a mission statement and vision statement for a lawn maintenance company
• The value of setting long-term goals and plans for the future of your business
• Tips on involving your team in the development of mission and...