Roots of Success McFarlin Stanford

What if we told you holiday lights could be your landscaping company's most unexpected revenue stream? On today's episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole delves into the festive world of holiday lighting with Tim Hikade, who has successfully integrated this service into his business, Full Circle Lawn Care. Uncover the strategies Tim uses to keep his crews working through the winter and how he maintains high profitability by keeping things simple yet professional. From planning and training to client satisfaction, get the blueprint you need to light up your seasonal earnings. Don't miss this enlightening discussion!
 
THE BIG IDEA:  Basic holiday lighting with existing clients first.
 
KEY MOMENTS: [05:37] Office plans for sales season and client bookings.
[07:36] Prepare budget, plan for peak season operation.
[12:32] Diversify landscape business with holiday lights.
[13:19] Winter slows down work, but Christmas is busy.
[17:00] Start, focus on service, ignore comparisons.
[20:50] Christmas lights are profitable for service providers.
[22:49] Tim Hikade celebrates Christmas in July joyfully.
 
QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
What are the benefits of adding holiday lighting services to a landscaping business?
How can landscaping companies stay busy during the winter months?
What is the best training for installing Christmas lights safely?
How do I start a holiday lighting business?
How do I market holiday lighting services to my existing landscape clients?
 
 
FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-033-christmas-in-july-unlocking-winter-revenue-with-tim-hikade/

What does it take to turn a business struggling through a recession into a multi-million-dollar success story? On this episode of Roots of Success, Michael Hupf, CEO of Lifescape Colorado, reveals the blueprint behind growing his landscape company from the brink of collapse to earning $36 million in revenue. Get ready to explore the powerful impact of focusing on people, process, and product, and how a growth mindset can propel your business to new heights. Michael shares invaluable lessons on maintaining client loyalty, implementing effective sales and maintenance strategies, and the essential role of smart, ambitious team members. Tune in to learn how Lifescape pivoted from mere survival to exemplary excellence in the landscaping industry.
 
THE BIG IDEA:  Growth mindset and strategic planning ensure business resilience.
 
KEY MOMENTS: [04:30] Invested in landscape business, sought opportunities in Colorado.
[08:57] Choose business over corporate career, achieve rapid growth.
[14:22] Discussing growth strategies with team
[17:35] Designer turned COO manages all aspects efficiently..
[21:42] Focus on service, drivers, and long-term growth.
[27:43] Healthy business needs profit for sustainability.
[31:27] Enhance client experience through efficiency and preparation.
 
 
QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
What are effective strategies for scaling a small business?
What are key metrics to track for business growth?
What are the best practices for managing cash flow during economic downturns?
How to improve client experience in service-based industries?
How to implement a growth mindset in business?
 
 
FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-032-growth-and-resilience-insights-from-lifescape-ceo-michael-hupf/
 

What if the key to your landscaping business's success isn't just hard work, but smart work? On this episode of "Roots of Success," host Tommy Cole introduces Mark Bradley, the CEO of LMN, who reveals the secrets behind his rapid business growth and the systems that keep it thriving. Delving into the importance of apprenticeship programs, key financial metrics, and goal setting, Mark's journey from nuclear industry to landscaping leadership offers lessons every business owner needs. Tune in to discover strategic ways to boost efficiency, enhance employee morale, and achieve continuous improvement in your enterprise.



THE BIG IDEA:  Enjoy the journey



KEY MOMENTS: [05:44] Scaling business led to challenges in efficiency, quality.
[07:31] Business success depends on optimizing customers and employees.
[12:50] Embrace continuous improvement for business success.
[18:57] Key financial metrics and supporting ratios for business.
[22:29] Key metrics inform key performance action for improvement.
[30:38] Training and higher wages attract skilled workers.
[34:08] Career ladder is key for growing people.



 
QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
What are the benefits of implementing apprenticeship programs in landscaping?
How do I measure the success of my business using key financial metrics?
What systems and processes should I use to optimize my landscaping business?
How do goal setting and continuous improvement contribute to business success?
How do I set and achieve business goals in the landscaping industry?
 
 
FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-031-secrets-to-success-strategies-from-lmn-ceo-mark-bradley/

Is your financial strategy prepared to outlast the end of easy sales? In this eye-opening episode, Tommy Cole sits down with Jennifer Murray, finance savant and executive coach at McFarlin Stanford. Discover the hidden pitfalls of fraud risk in landscape companies and why internal processes can make or break your success. Learn how to maintain liquidity, manage leverage, and optimize asset efficiency. Jennifer’s insights reveal why profitability, growth, and risk management are not just buzzwords—they are essential habits for a thriving business. Don't miss out on actionable advice that will transform how you perceive business health, from top to bottom.
  THE BIG IDEA:  Financial checkups sustain long-term business viability. 
 
KEY MOMENTS: [03:02] What is a financial health checkup?.
[05:28] Profitability in Landscape Companies
[07:13] Importance of Revenue Growth
[10:50] What is asset efficiency?
[13:29] How to leverage your finances.
[17:33] Deepdive into cash flow
[22:38] Financial risk management
[17:33] How Organizational Structure can affect finances
 

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
What is a financial health checkup?
How should I structure payment approvals and financial oversight in my business?
What is the difference between a "wagon wheel" and a "wedding cake" organizational structure?
How do you strategically use debt for business growth opportunities?
How can I reassess and streamline my client base for better profitability?
 

Think change is too difficult to manage in your landscape business? Think again. In today's episode of Roots of Success, Tommy Cole interviews Kevin Keim, an executive coach and CRO, who shares game-changing approaches to sustaining momentum when implementing new strategies and technologies. Learn how to cultivate a resilient company culture, simplify your service offerings with bundled packages, and adopt the right software solutions to uncover hidden efficiencies. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories that will help you elevate your business to new heights.
 
THE BIG IDEA:  Enjoy the Journey 
 
KEY MOMENTS: [04:14] Bundling services for streamlined customer experience.
[09:54] Refocus service strategy to set clear expectations.
[13:07] Quarterly service growth outpaced old software.
[21:16] Transitioning to a new role, managing change effectively.
[24:08] Efficient software helped reduce employee needs.
[29:50] Consensus-driven decision-making
[35:54] Embrace change and have fun with it.
 
 
QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
What are effective strategies for managing and sustaining change in a company?
Why is it important to have fun at work, and how does it affect productivity?
How can bundled services benefit my business?
What are common challenges when implementing new software in a company?
How do I improve accountability and habit formation in the workplace?
 
 
FOR SHOW NOTES AND MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-029-from-chaos-to-control-embracing-change-and-enjoying-the-journey/

Think landscaping is just 'glorified hole-digging'? Think again. In this compelling episode of Roots of Success, we're joined by industry innovators Robyn and Bret Schmitz of High Prairie, who are transforming perceptions and practice through high-level training and cutting-edge robotic technology. Discover how they tackle the industry's biggest challenges and why prioritizing professionalism and innovation is key to success.
 
THE BIG IDEA:  Innovation + Training + Professionalism = Growth
 
KEY MOMENTS: [03:46] Design work and implementation - a powerful team.
[09:27] Reacting rapidly to curveballs.
[13:39] Respond with grace and self-reflection to challenges.
[19:36] Training is an investment in business success.
[28:37] Industry game changers advance with robotic mowers.
[34:12] Collaborating with a manufacturer to create new products.
[42:57] Grateful for new skills, best golden nuggets.
 
QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
How can training improve employee retention in small businesses?
What are the benefits of robotic mowing in landscaping?
What strategies do companies use to maintain high standards in customer service?
How can small businesses leverage technology to compete in traditional industries?
How do companies develop effective training programs for technical and soft skills?
 
FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-028-using-innovation-to-revolutionizing-professional-landscaping/