The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

Keith Kalfas
The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

Small Business Ownership & Personal Development Hosted by Keith Kalfas from the Landscaping Employee Trap & Window Cleaning Blueprint.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Mack Landscaping & Lawn Care | Talk Real Life Business & Power Moves

    On this episode of The Untrapped Podcast, host Keith Kelfas talks with Cornell from Mack Landscaping and Lawn Care, currently attending the Lawntrepreneur Academy event in Novi, Michigan. Cornell shares his journey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he grew up learning lawn care from his grandmother to starting his own lawn care business in 2016. They discuss the importance of having commercial auto insurance, leveraging online platforms like Google for business growth, and the significance of investing in oneself through continuous learning. Cornell also highlights the value of creating a supportive network and taking action to overcome excuses and setbacks. The conversation provides insights into both the personal and professional development necessary for running a successful business in the lawn care industry.   "Know your worth and embrace it. You’re not just valuable to your industry, but to yourself, your family, the world, and to God. When you truly recognize your worth, it elevates how you see yourself—and that confidence fuels your growth."  -Cornell Mack Topics Covered: Cornell's Lawn Care Journey Starting a Lawn Care Business YouTube and Podcasting Success Networking and Personal Growth Tips for Lawn and Landscape Business Avoiding the Trap of Comparison Recognizing Your Worth Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt The Power of Knowledge and Mentorship Investing in Yourself The Importance of Insurance Key Takeaways Network and Build Relationships: Always be willing to introduce yourself and connect with other industry professionals. This can open doors, create opportunities, and facilitate personal and business growth. Attend live events, conferences, and expos to meet and learn from others in your industry. Self-Belief and Determination: Believe in your vision and stay dedicated to it, even when others don’t understand or support you. Use your self-belief to fuel your persistence and overcome obstacles. Value Continuous Learning: Leverage free resources available online to gain knowledge and improve your business skills. Consider investing in paid content, courses, or coaching if free resources aren’t sufficient. Embrace Innovation and Adaptability: Be open to trying new things and be adaptable in your business approach. Don't see change as a threat; rather, see it as an opportunity for growth. Prioritize Organization: Use CRM tools to manage your customer relationships and optimize your operations. Stay organized to maximize efficiency and reduce unnecessary stress.   Connect with Cornell Mack Youtube: @mack_landscaping412 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mack_landscaping412 Website: macklandscaping412.com   Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇  Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS  How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways LevelUp Your  Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP

    1h 1m
  2. 12 NOV

    You Can't Run a Professional Landscaping Business AND Be Undercharging | STOP IT

    In this episode, we dive into the psychological and financial struggles of running a service business, especially when undercharging creates a cycle of stress and low profitability. Keith Kalfas, shares personal strategies for escaping this 'doom loop' by setting boundaries, improving communication, and learning from successful entrepreneurs. We also discuss the value of staying positive, organized, and building a high-performance mindset, supported by strong personal relationships. Plus, stay tuned for upcoming content featuring successful business tours and interviews.   "Break free from the 'doom loop' of undercharging by valuing your work, setting boundaries, and treating each challenge as data rather than a personal failure." Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: The Doom Loop of Low Profit Work Emotional Toll of Running a Business The Importance of Emotional Detachment Personal Insights and Support Systems Learning from Successful Entrepreneurs Effective Communication and Client Management Navigating Economic Challenges Engage with Your Business Community Key Takeaways Avoid the Doom Loop: Undercharging for services can lead to a cycle of low profit, high stress, and client relationships that lack loyalty. Breaking this pattern starts with valuing your work and charging accordingly.   Set Clear Boundaries: Clear communication with clients and setting boundaries are essential to maintaining profitability and avoiding burnout.   Surround Yourself with High-Performers: Learn from successful entrepreneurs, stay organized, and build a high-performance mindset supported by strong relationships to elevate your business and personal resilience.   Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇  Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS  How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways Build Your Website: https://durable.co/    Promo Code: keith30

    18 min
  3. 31 OCT

    Are You Frustrated with Your Landscaping Business Right Now?

    In this episode, Keith Kelfas offers crucial advice for landscaping business owners facing economic uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of staying strong, learning new skills, and maintaining a positive mindset. Keith shares insights from books like 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and 'Guerrilla Marketing Tactics' to highlight resilience and strategic thinking. He also introduces a new sponsor, Durable.co, showcasing its AI-powered website-building tool tailored for landscaping and lawn care businesses. For a detailed understanding, tune in and get inspired to keep hustling and growing your business.   "If you focus on what you can control, you’ll feel more empowered. Start by spending less time with negative, victim-minded people."   Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Understanding the Current Market Frustration Advice for New and Experienced Business Owners Survival of the Fittest: Thriving in Tough Times The Power of Focus and Positivity Sharpening Skills and Staying Resilient Promoting Continuous Learning and Resources Key Takeaways Stay Resilient and Focus on Self-Improvement: In tough economic times, continue learning new skills and sharpening your saw. Your resilience and hard work will pay off when the market conditions improve.   Control What You Can: Focus on aspects within your control and avoid spending time with negative, cynical people. Surround yourself with successful, high-thinking individuals to stay motivated and inspired.   Utilize AI Tools for Efficiency: Smart tools like Durable.co can help you quickly build professional websites for your business, saving time and resources while maintaining quality.   Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇  Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS  How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways Build Your Website: https://durable.co/    Promo Code: keith30

    9 min
  4. 14 OCT

    Running a Landscaping Business is REALLY HARD!

    In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, Keith Kalfas shares the hardships and unpredictability of the landscaping business, focusing on the importance of resilience and gratitude in the face of challenges. He discusses personal anecdotes and those of others in similar businesses, illustrating how perseverance through difficulties can lead to greater growth. Keith emphasizes learning from mistakes, maintaining faith, and the significance of managing stress and uncertainty.    " The pressure turns you into a diamond, people who don't have any pressure on them sometimes they just become very lazy and lackadaisical and they don't amount to anything. "   Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: The Struggles of Running a Landscaping Business Real-Life Challenges and Stories Dealing with Business Stress and Uncertainty Success Stories and Faith Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts Free Resources and Tools for Your Business Key Takeaways Running a landscaping business is extremely challenging, especially in the first few years. Small business owners face a variety of issues such as negative reviews, unreliable employees, equipment breakdowns, and personal sacrifices. It's essential to anticipate problems, manage stress, stay positive, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Faith, integrity, and prioritizing family and customers are crucial. Overall, the message is to stay motivated, work hard, and seek inspiration from others who have succeeded despite difficulties.     Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇  Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS  How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways Build Your Website: https://durable.co/    Promo Code: keith30

    16 min
  5. 24 SEPT

    12 Questions on How to Scale a Landscaping Business | Dan Platta Home Service CFO

    In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, Keith Kalfas interviews Dan Platta, the Home Service CFO and founder of Best Dan Bookkeeping. They discuss key topics such as managing chaos in business, the importance of having the right team, effective organizational strategies, and Dan's journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. The conversation touches on the significance of recruiting top talent, leveraging checklists for operational efficiency, and the biggest lessons learned from past mistakes. Dan also shares his vision for future ventures and insights on balancing business and personal life. Throughout the episode, actionable advice is provided for small business owners aiming to scale and improve their operations.   "Find good mentors and learn from their mistakes"   Dan Platta Topics Covered: Revenue and Services: Dan's Business Insights Organizational Strategies for Success Recruiting the Best Employees Top Influential Books Overcoming Entrepreneurial Fears Advice for New Entrepreneurs Short-Term Goals and Business Philosophy Customer-Centric Business Philosophy The Importance of Zero Attrition Big Hairy Audacious Goals Overcoming Business Challenges Lessons from Business Mistakes The Value of Good Bookkeeping Key Takeaways Revenue Achievement and Service Diversification: Dan Plata discusses achieving nearly $4 million in revenue, emphasizing the importance of offering diverse services such as window cleaning, pressure washing, maid services, bookkeeping, recruiting, and marketing. Key takeaway: Diversification can lead to higher revenue, but managing multiple services requires robust organizational strategies. Importance of Support Systems: Dan highlights the critical role his wife plays in his success, even though she isn’t directly involved in the business. Key takeaway: A strong personal support system can significantly boost business performance and personal well-being. Organizational Strategies: Dan stresses the importance of checklists and to-do lists to maintain accountability and ensure that employees stay on task. Key takeaway: Simple organizational tools like digital checklists can streamline operations and prevent errors in repetitive tasks. Recruitment and Quality of Employees: Dan learned to recruit high-quality employees rather than hiring quickly to fill positions. By finding the best candidates in advance, he ensures that he can select from the top talent when needed. Key takeaway: Continuous recruitment and having high standards for employee selection can improve service quality and business growth. Influential Books: Dan recommends "The E-Myth Revisited," "Peak Performance," and "Leadership and Self-Deception" as pivotal books that have impacted his business approach. Key takeaway: Reading and learning from comprehensive resources can offer new perspectives and practical strategies for business improvement. Facing and Overcoming Fears: Dan reflects on his fear of leaving the corporate world to become an entrepreneur, but realized the risk was worth the learning experience. Key takeaway: Overcoming initial fears and making calculated risks can lead to greater opportunities and personal growth. Mentorship and Learning from Others: Dan advises new entrepreneurs to find good mentors and learn from their mistakes to avoid common pitfalls. Key takeaway: Leveraging the experiences of successful mentors can shorten the learning curve and provide valuable insights. Prioritizing Customer and Employee Satisfaction: Dan’s goal is to build a business driven by customer demand and employee satisfaction rather than solely focusing on financial targets. Key takeaway: Focusing on creating value for customers and providing a great work environment for employees can lead to sustainable business growth and profitability. Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG): Dan's major life goal is to combine his passion for busi

    34 min
  6. 16 SEPT

    He built a Multi-Million Dollar Window Cleaning Soft Washing Business | Then Created DOPE Marketing

    Join us as we dive deep with David Carroll, founder of Dope Marketing, who shares his inspiring journey of building a multimillion-dollar service business in window cleaning, pressure washing, and soft washing before transitioning into his dream venture, Dope Marketing. Discover the secrets behind his success, automation of service businesses, and how he balanced his family's priorities. Learn about the importance of personal health, making life-changing decisions, and maintaining happiness amidst the hustle. Don't miss out on this insightful interview packed with valuable lessons on business, life, and personal growth!   "Think of the last three times that you worried yourself to a point that no one could really talk you out of it. Remember that feeling? How do you feel today? It was nothing."   David Carroll Topics Covered: David Carroll's Journey to Success The Importance of Happiness and Vision Challenges in Running a Service Business Automation and Systematizing a Business Seasonal Business Insights The Role of Advertising and Marketing Mindset and Emotional Control Delegation and Trust in Business Personal Health and Lifestyle Changes Key Takeaways Automating and systematizing a business ensures it can run smoothly without constant involvement from the owner. Letting go of control and trusting the team reduces unnecessary stress and allows for better focus on what can be influenced. Understanding business cycles, maintaining consistent marketing efforts, and planning ahead for busy and slow periods are key to sustaining steady growth. Personal accountability and self-improvement are essential, with learning from mistakes and prioritizing well-being being critical for long-term success. Achieving balance in life is also vital, with family and personal health prioritized over work. Empowering employees and trusting them to make decisions without micromanagement leads to more efficient operations. Additionally, having a clear vision and regularly revisiting the original goals and purpose helps stay motivated and keep the business on track.   Connect with David LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopemarketing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davedopemarketing/ Website: dopemarketing.com   Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇  Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS  How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

    21 min
  7. 4 SEPT

    These 3 Things I Learned the HARD WAY Landscaping Business 🤮| 3 Is The Real Secret

    In this episode, Keith shares invaluable insights from a decade-long experience serving 5,000 clients in a landscaping business. He discusses the challenges and strategies to make the business more manageable and enjoyable. Key topics include the importance of consuming industry-specific knowledge through audiobooks and podcasts, avoiding unrelated distractions, and systemizing tasks. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, simplifying services, and maintaining a clear separation between personal and business life. Real-world advice on facing and learning from mistakes, setting clear boundaries, and investing in coaching programs for faster growth are provided to help landscaping business owners succeed.   " And when you make these mistakes in your landscaping business, don't resist them and stick your head in the sand,  take full responsibility, fall on your sword and eat the mistake, no matter how painful it is and eat it right. That way you'll learn. Through pain and suffering. And then that's how you get better."  - Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Challenges and ease of running a landscaping business. Importance of consuming relevant educational content. Necessity of hyper-focus and avoiding distractions. Learning from and not repeating mistakes. Systematizing the business for profitability and reduced stress. Key Takeaways  Hard Work and Focus: It's crucial to invest every waking moment productively, especially in consuming industry-relevant information and avoiding distractions. Hard work and focus are necessary to gain confidence and avoid making repeated mistakes. Simplifying the Business: Running a landscaping business can be easy when treated as a straightforward service business with integrity. Stress can be mitigated by focusing on essential services and systematizing the business. Higher Purpose: Achieving business success becomes easier when driven by a higher purpose or priority in life. This perspective forces a person to streamline operations, focus on important tasks, and systematize the business to make it more manageable and profitable.   Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇  Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS  How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

    13 min
  8. 22 AUG

    How to Implement Basis Systems to Grow Your Landscaping Business - From Solo Operator

    In this episode, Keith shares valuable insights for small business owners, particularly in the window cleaning industry. The discussion delves into overcoming anxieties associated with running a service business by implementing a thorough follow-up process similar to a 21-step system used by larger companies. Keith emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, the 'one and done' method for task completion, and the benefits of using software like Jobber for systematization. Additionally, it highlights the need for small business owners to simplify their services, raise prices, and potentially hire employees and virtual receptionists to handle administrative tasks. Real-world examples, such as receiving tips and raising prices, are provided to illustrate these strategies.   "The moment your business changes and you wake up and it starts to become successful is when you realize  that  your business isn't your whole life and you stop stressing about your business and making it this big, stupid, and stressful thing."  - Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Introduction to Window Cleaning Business Tips Challenges of Managing a Service Business The Importance of Follow-Up in Sales The One and Done Method Using Jobber Software for Efficiency Raising Prices to Improve Business Hiring and Training Employees Virtual Receptionists: The Future of Administration Simplifying Services for Better Profit Final Thoughts and Personal Insights Key Takeaways  Success often begins once you stop seeing your business as your entire life. Reducing stress and not overburdening yourself with work can positively impact your business. Recognizing and addressing the stressors in your business is essential for growth and success.     Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇  Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS  How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

    24 min

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Small Business Ownership & Personal Development Hosted by Keith Kalfas from the Landscaping Employee Trap & Window Cleaning Blueprint.

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