Roots of Success McFarlin Stanford

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/

Are you protecting your hard-earned cash flow with a pen or just a handshake? This week we dive deep into the world of legal fortification in the landscaping business with Karalynn Cromeens, a seasoned construction lawyer bringing 20 years of industry-specific expertise. We unravel the secrets to not just surviving but thriving through the legal jungles of contracting and employee classification. Learn why the phrase "get shit done" is more than just a motto—it's the attitude that transforms challenges into opportunities and financial metrics into profit. Tune in as we lay down the roadmap for navigating legal pitfalls and steering your landscape company to flourish amid the thorns of business growth.
 
THE BIG IDEA:  Protect Yourself.
 
KEY MOMENTS: [05:44] Protect personal assets when incorporating your business.
[08:07] Clear contracts manage expectations, avoid later disputes.
[12:10] Contract protects you, assigns work, clarifies status.
[12:47] Subcontractors need to be additionally insured.
[18:38] Daily tracking of numbers to improve profitability.
[23:36] Balancing sales, operations, and business health.
[29:36] Different lawyer’s approach; focus on quick resolution.
 
QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
How do you ensure legal compliance when classifying employees?
What daily financial metrics should a business monitor for success?
How can businesses manage subcontractor insurance effectively?
How does lien law vary by state and impact landscaping businesses?
What are common legal mistakes made by contractors and how to avoid them?
 
FOR SHOW NOTES AND MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-027-legal-ease-tips-for-protecting-your-business-with-karalynn-cromeens/

Are your managers leaving HR in a bind regarding employee relations? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the often-underestimated power of HR coaching alongside Barrett Chow of the McFarland Stanford team. With his impressive background at the Ritz Carlton, PGA Tour, and Lifescape Colorado, Barrett unpacks the essentials of empowering managers and the transformative effects of non-monetary compensation on workplace culture. Let this be your guide to rewriting the handbook on employee satisfaction and discover how a seemingly simple document can make waves in your company's operational success.
 

THE BIG IDEA: 
Start Day One
 

KEY MOMENTS:
[05:01] Importance of consistent and meaningful first impressions.
[10:58] Managers support, train, and develop employees effectively.
[10:58] Managers support, train, and develop employees effectively.
[14:58] Essential policies and legal counsel for employees.
[19:38] Bookmark and secure changes for handbooks annually.
[22:35] Perspective on non-monetary compensation in HR issues.
[29:26] Non-monetary compensation benefits and effective onboarding strategies.
 

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
How do you update employee handbooks effectively?
What are examples of non-monetary employee compensation?
How can non-monetary benefits boost employee satisfaction?
What are the best onboarding practices for new employees?
How do first impressions affect employee retention?
 
 
FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-026-the-hidden-value-of-hr-coaching-for-landscape-leaders-with-barrett-chow/

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion for landscaping into a thriving enterprise? Find out on this enlightening episode of "Roots of Success," as we chat with the power couple behind RJ Lawn and Landscape, Ryan and Annette McCarthy. Discover their journey from overworked entrepreneurs to industry leaders, focusing on client-centric practices, workflow unity, and strategic planning. Host Tommy Cole brings to light the vital role of understanding how to delegate, evolve, and harmonize company dynamics, ensuring that each root planted leads to sustainable success
 
THE BIG IDEA:
Winning with Empowerment & Efficiency
 
KEY MOMENTS:
[05:33] Recognize the need for assistance, quality, detail, and proactiveness.
[11:24] Focused on questioning, refining, and pivoting strategy.
[16:08] Simplify process and support, not hinder progress.
[22:26] "Image matters, attracts mature and professional candidates."
[27:43] Educating support staff on job complexities is vital.
[35:12] Unwillingness to delegate, led to overwhelming workload.
[37:07] Delegate at 80% or 90%, not perfection.
 
QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
1. What are the best strategies for effective delegation in a landscape business?
2. What is collaborative decision-making and how does it work?
3. How do you prioritize essential landscape tasks without getting lost in details?
4. How do you maintain a professional image in your landscape business?
5. Can you use job costing and process improvement to grow a small business?
 
FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-025-using-empowerment-efficiency-to-scale-your-landscape-business/