Today, Liz joins me again on the show to discuss our growth with Brian's Lawn Maintenance and the conversation about scaling a larger company. Along the way, we tried to answer a few submitted questions about how we pay our guys, which hopefully helps you as you grow your business.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The need for soul searching and decision-making regarding the future direction of Brian's Lawn Maintenance

• The importance of having a strong team and building a healthy company culture

• The consideration of rebranding and the potential impact on the company's identity

• The benefits of attending industry events and learning from successful entrepreneurs like Mark Bradley

• The implementation of policies and procedures to prepare for future growth and expansion

• The discussion of payroll, salary, and hourly rates for employees

• The potential for bonus and incentive structures to motivate and reward employees

• The importance of closing the

  ...

Today, we're joined by Sam Rankin of Etch Outdoor, who is sharing his company's progress over the last 7 months with us! We were there earlier this spring for a company shop tour, and since then, the company has grown by an additional million dollars in revenue; how cool is that?

In this episode, you will learn:

• Sam Rankin shares his experience and insights on scaling a business
• The importance of recognizing that the owner is both the problem and the solution in a business
• The need to focus on leadership and growth rather than getting caught up in day-to-day operations
• The challenges of managing cash flow and the impact on the balance sheet
• The importance of finding the right people and creating a strong team
• The struggle of balancing personal and business finances
• Updates on the construction of Etch's new facility
• The value of social media and expanding online presence
• The significance of accountability and the role it plays in success
• The importance of margin and cr
...

Today, the guys compare and contrast different business models at the first-ever Teen Hype House down at Equip Expo. The conversations are about trucks, snow equipment, tractors, and so much more that turn the gears about the possibilities for your business.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Differences in lawn care practices between the North and South
• The impact of climate on lawn care seasons
• Strategies for generating income during the winter months
• The benefits of seasonal contracts in the lawn care industry
• The profitability of offering lawn care applications and the importance of knowledge about chemicals
• The effectiveness of Google reviews and Instagram for marketing lawn care businesses
• The equipment and setup for leaf cleanups, including leaf loaders and trailers
• Pricing strategies for leaf cleanups and curbside pickup services
• The advantages of having a dedicated mow crew and transitioning to a landscaping-focused business
• The importance of updating photos an
...

Today we are joined by Michael Newland from The Propane Education & Research Council, sharing with us about their revolution in powering equipment. If you’re looking for alternative ways to power your equipment, we encourage you to take a strong look at propane to power your fleet.
Learn more at https://propane.com/

In this episode, you will learn:

• Discussion about the role of the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) in safety training and consumer education
• Explanation of how propane can be used to power lawn equipment
• Mention of the environmental benefits of propane compared to gasoline, diesel, and battery options
• Consideration of the cost and affordability of propane compared to other fuel sources
• Discussion of the challenges and benefits of using propane for lawn equipment
• Mention of the potential for propane to be a more cost-effective alternative to upgrading electrical systems for battery-powered equipment
• Highlighting the importance of considering propan
...

At Lawntrepreneur Academy Live we were treated to a wealth of wisdom from some standout speakers, including Sam Gembel, the owner and founder of Atlas Outdoor. Sam dished out the kind of truths that might sting a bit but are exactly what we need to hear to push our businesses forward. One golden nugget he dropped? The importance of working on your business, not just in it.

Sam cut to the chase, highlighting the real need to evaluate where your time as the business owner is truly going. If you're stuck in the weeds, spending too much time on tasks like mowing that distract you from steering the ship or handling crucial back-office stuff, it's time to reassess. His advice? Calculate the cost of replacing those time-sucking tasks and just do it. Every hour spent mowing is an hour you could be using to scale up your business, focusing on the bigger picture.

Remember that Fullerton Unfiltered episode 93 titled "Be A Quitter - Changing Your Paradigm About Success"? If not, it's worth a lis...

Today, we’re joined by returning guest and friend of the show, Jeremiah Jennings, owner of Growing Green Landscapes out of Birmingham, AL. Jeremiah provides us a business update from 2023, takeaways from our live event (LAL 2023!), and his “don’t” list for his business in 2024.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The importance of working on your business versus in your business
• The realization that delegation is necessary for business growth
• The impact of being tied down in the field on the vision and growth of the business
• The need to build a team and create a strong company culture
• The value of implementing systems and processes to streamline operations
• The importance of technology and utilizing tools like iPads or iPhones for efficiency
• The need to market, sell, and produce revenue for business success.

Want To Listen To More Episodes With Jeremiah Jennings of Growing Green Landscapes?

• Ep 475. The Power of Great Work Ethic and Maximizing Your Spring Rush
• Ep 470. ...

Today, we're joined by Michael Deel, owner of Deel's Lawn Care down in Vero Beach FL. Listen in as Michael shares about his company's growth, including how he got started in the lawn care business as a transplant to Florida!

In this episode, you will learn:

• Michael Deel shares his background and journey from coal mining to lawn care in Florida.

• Michael discusses the challenges and changes he faced when transitioning from a different climate and turf type.

• He talks about the importance of learning and adapting to the new market and turf conditions in Florida.

• Michael shares his experience in starting and growing his lawn care business, including the number of accounts he manages.

• He mentions the potential for expanding his business to include landscaping and enhancement services.

• Michael emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers and not giving away services for free.

• He discusses the challenges of working in extreme heat and the need for

  ...

After years of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to have launched Lawntrepreneur Academy LINK, a community designed to help you grow your business and connect with like-minded individuals.

We understand the challenges of being self-employed, especially when it comes to finding support and guidance from others in your industry. That's why we created LINK - a place where you can find belonging, ask questions, and learn from experienced mentors.

With LINK membership, you gain access to our exclusive Facebook group, where the conversation never stops. This is not your typical online community. We've worked hard to create a safe and positive space where you can freely ask questions, share insights, and receive valuable feedback.

But that's not all. As a LINK member, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in weekly Zoom meetings and webinars. These sessions cover a range of topics, from coaching calls to bidding strategies, and even feature guest experts who will share th...

The Importance of Focusing on Your Business, Not Just in It

Today, Liz and I sit down and discuss the experience we’ve had this year with running the company and for the first time exclusively working on verses in the business. It’s been a lot of firsts and changes, but we are primed for growth to take Brian’s Lawn Maintenance to the next level in 2024.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The challenges of working in the business versus working on the business
• The importance of delegating tasks and hiring the right people
• The need to set new goals and ambitions for the future of the business
• The importance of maintaining a healthy margin and profitability
• The benefits of buying back time
• The ongoing conversation about the future direction of the business and potential growth
• The personal growth that comes with delegating tasks and stepping back from the field work

Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

• Buy Back Your Time: Get Unstuck, Reclaim Your Freedom, and Build You...