The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

Keith Kalfas
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The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

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

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Double Down on Your Goodness in 2025

    In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, Keith Kalfas gets personal and pretty inspiring as he talks about how even the smallest positive gestures can have a massive impact on the world. He shares some cool stories about passing on the right book at the right time or making a YouTube video when you least feel like it can be life-changing for others. Keith digs into how trusting your gut and doing random acts of kindness aren't just lovely things to do—they can totally transform lives, including your own. He also talks about the highs and potential lows of success, urging everyone to make the most of their unique gifts. It's all about taking action, being kind, and letting your light shine brighter than ever. Tune in for some real talk and motivation to double down on your goodness this year!     Check out these episode highlights 💡: 00:00 - Inspiring Impact Through Sharing and Connection 09:05 - Choosing Intuition Over Navigation Maps 10:14 - "Destiny Shaped by Tiny Decisions" 15:17 - Inspiring Entrepreneurial Success Stories 18:11 - True Fulfillment Beyond Success and Wealth 22:02 - Inspiring Others Through Random Kindness 25:41 - Reversing Roles: Buying for the Wealthy 28:55 - Navigating Success and Dealing with Envy   🔑 Key Takeaways:  Harness the Power of Small Acts: Even the most straightforward act of kindness can set off a chain reaction that leads to significant changes. Whether it's sharing knowledge or a chance encounter, you never know the impact of your actions. Pursue Your Vision with Confidence: Moving forward with your dreams is essential, regardless of whether others see your vision. Your determination and courage can turn naysayers into supporters as your success story unfolds. Recognize and Use Your Gifts: We all have unique gifts and talents given to us, which, if not utilized, can be lost. Embrace these gifts and take action to fulfill your purpose, as ideas and opportunities won't wait around indefinitely.   🌐Resources and Websites 🔗:  Untrapped Alliance -  https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance 🙋♂️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 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     Transcript (Note: this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)   Keith Kalfas [00:00:05]: My friend, you have power that goes way beyond what you might be currently aware of. Something as simple as one positive interaction with even a stranger can impact that person's life and create a butterfly effect that goes on to impact millions of people's lives. That's the power that you have. So, I wanna encourage you to take a leap and double down on your goodness this year and reach deep down inside of yourself and pull out the courage and the determination to let your light shine. See, God made you in his likeness and image, and he made you for a reason. And some other people around you might not see the vision that you have and that's okay. They're not supposed to so you don't have to waste any more time worrying about what anybody else thinks because when you step forward confidently in the direction of your dreams You start putting one foot in front of the other and you don't ask for permission or approval of anybody you just put together a plan and you start taking action take that next step what happens is when you are committed and you're 100% confident that's a foregone conclusion in your brain. That's when the people around you that maybe might have been naysayers or didn't believe, they'll back you up, and they'll support you.   Keith Kalfas [00:01:35]: And the support will come from nowhere, and it'll come too late. You could have used it in the past when you really needed it But it's amazing that all those things will come when you no longer need them All the things you want in your life will show up when you no longer want them so badly that cause you suffering. It's the very suffering that pushes them away. So, you can start with small things. Random acts of kindness is a good way to go. Sorry, I'm stuttering. I just came from a wedding very loud for hours on end so my ears are readjusting I'm in a hotel room right now in Florida, a wedding I went to so There's people that came up to me at this wedding that I didn't know they were friends of my friends and I said like Keith, you're Keith, this Keith I've been hearing about and then they wanted to thank me because they said that I'll make this very short of talking about the power that you have Many years ago one of my very very close friends I started loaning him books because I love to read books like Robert Kiyosaki, Rich Dad Poor Dad, and Cashflow Quadrant all these phenomenal books that changed my life and really opened my eyes and My friend was very ambitious at the time. I'd give him a book.   Keith Kalfas [00:03:01]: I'd see him a week later and he'd be like I already read it I'm like you already read the entire book? Right? And this went on and on and basically a bunch of his dreams came true and I wasn't even aware that he held me in such high regard as a friend who was a catalyst for him that basically put the right information I don't take any credit for any of his action but I put the right information in his hands at the right time and since then he has gone on to inspire many other entrepreneurs and it was so funny at the wedding he's like this is Keith he's the reason why some things have happened that and I'm like no no no no no and then these guys came up to me and they're like no dude you have this impact and it's interesting I see myself as a super-connector What do you see yourself as? My YouTube videos have helped start over 10,000 businesses have prevented people from hurting themselves, and have made a big impact in the green industry, and I meet people that say, and you know why that is? It's because I made videos when I didn't feel like it I've pulled myself out of bed at three and 04:00 in the morning because I felt in the bottom of my heart that I need to make this video. Now I had to speak this and so in the moment like me It's just me speak I'm by myself speaking to a camera the microphone. What difference could that make? It's insane to think anything other than this base reality very fundamental, right? But with the leverage of technology and everything we have at our disposal, these conveniences, a lot of them we traded our rights for, that's a different conversation. It's fascinating that when you use and you leverage technology if you have a message that you want to share with the world or maybe you have a service business, you know, I have a landscaping business You can impact people in such a positive way. Here's my point You can become instead of like candle is fine, a lamp post is fine. I'm talking like a lighthouse, a watchtower for people and you don't even know it that so you have a tremendous impact on the people around you whether you're aware of it or not and there's people that love you and care about you and they actually have your best interests at heart and They love you so much that there's nothing you can do about it. Think about that and I just really hope that you don't I hope that you're not being hard on yourself or beating yourself up and I hope that you're not seeing yourself in a negative light or overanalyzing or psychoanalyzing any little negative thing that you said or done to the point where you're not giving yourself enough credit devaluing of your goodness so when you understand what's really at stake in the responsibility, your ability to respond, because once you have the information, right, now you gotta do something because not doing anything is a choice. Doing nothing is a choice. Sometimes that's the best thing to do is do nothing.   Keith Kalfas [00:06:27]: Choose your battles wisely. But what I'm saying here is don't despise small beginnings because small things can turn into big things really quickly. I placed a newspaper ad years ago in my landscaping business. I talked about this in a video. I couldn't even find my debit card. I didn't even have a company credit card yet.   Keith Kalfas [00:06:50]: And I was on the phone with a newspaper company in the car with my wife, and I was like, oh, never mind. I don't have my question. My wife is like, no. You just take my credit card and run the ad. And I was like, no. No. No. She's like, no. It's fine. I'm like, sorry. I took credit card, ran, like, a little tiny sixteenth of a page ad in a the city newspaper. Think about that for marketing and advertising. You know, my for my landscaping business, very simple ad, that ad, I got a phone call, and it was from elderly woman who need a couple bushes trimmed. Right? And then I went there, we trimmed the bushes. A tiny job. It was barely worth it, but the neighbor came out and did a whole property trim.   Keith Kalfas [00:07:35]: Then the other neighbor needed some bushes trimmed, and this little tiny job, this elderly woman's nephew turned out to be a real estate guy and hooked me up with him, and we ended up doing, like, all 25 of his properties for years. He's still my client today. And then we launched the window cleani

    31 min

  2. FEB 6

    "Why I'm ONLY Doing Quotes In My Landscaping Business On Monday's Now"

    In this episode, Keith opens up about the rollercoaster ride of building and running his own landscaping business. You’ll hear about why he now schedules all his landscaping quotes for Mondays. It's part of a strategy to bring more sanity into his hectic schedule and ensure that he’s not just drowning in work but enjoying life. Keith dives into those early days of hardcore hustle when he was grinding seven days a week to keep things afloat. Whether you’re in the landscaping business or any other venture, you probably know the strain it can put on your personal life — missing dinners with family and events with friends. That's where his newfound love for batching tasks comes in. By tackling quotes all in one day, he's improved efficiency and reclaimed some downtime. He also doesn’t shy away from the challenges—like managing employees, dealing with unexpected problems, and the nerve-wracking task of raising prices. These are real-talk moments that many small business owners face, and Keith shares his journey with humor and honesty. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or starting, Keith’s stories about figuring out how to make better money in less time and dealing with the daily chaos of running a business will resonate. He wraps it all up with a reminder to be grateful, stay committed, and always keep pushing forward. So, grab your headphones, get comfy, and enjoy this episode full of real-life insights and inspiration!     Check out these episode highlights: 00:00 - Adopting Batching for Efficiency and Balance 03:24 - Monday Quote-Only System Success 06:28 - "Struggles in Legalizing Small Businesses" 13:14 - "Seeking Rock Star Employees" 14:55 - Launching New Crew: Monday Rollout Plan 20:55 - Newlywed Arguments and Hurt Feelings 24:41- Prioritize Selfishness for Business Success 28:05 - Weekend Motivation and Mike Andes Recognition    Key Takeaways:  Efficient Batching: Discover how dedicating a single day to client quotes can enhance your time management, allowing for deeper focus and increased productivity throughout the week. Work-Life Balance: Transitioning quotes to a fixed schedule has helped reclaim personal time without sacrificing business success, marking a significant shift towards a healthier work-life balance. Growth through Challenges: Hear stories on navigating the complexities of scaling a business, from handling employee challenges to making tough pricing decisions while maintaining a committed and grateful mindset.   Resources and Websites:  Unstrapped Alliance -  https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance 🙋♂️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 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   Transcript (Note: this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)   Keith Kalfas [00:00:07]: We're live. What's up? This is Keith Kalfus with the Unstrapped podcast. Hope you guys are doing awesome. In this video, I wanna talk about why I'm only doing landscaping quotes on Mondays now in my business. And I hope you're doing well. I hope you're enjoying your week. This is that time of year where you're over the hump, over the hundred days of hell, they call it, from the break of the spring in, like, April 1 all the way to July 4 where you're running nonstop to just book out as many clients as you can and get the business to a just a good positive cash flow. If you notice that in the first few months of the season in your business, you're not really clearing much of a profit because if your business is anything like mine, you've got year-end taxes, then first quarter taxes, all your insurance policies are renewing.   Keith Kalfas [00:00:58]: And the next thing you know, you have a ton of expense. Then coming into, like, late June and then in July, that's when you break into the profit. And then just that you gotta hustle. It's like getting a plane off the ground. But, nonetheless, I was always doing quotes on Saturdays and Saturdays only, working six, seven days a week in my landscape business, seven days a week for sure, the first three years just to get the business off the ground, then five years always constantly working. And I know you guys know what that's like. You're hustling. And let me know if you can hear me clear.   Keith Kalfas [00:01:28]: I got this new studio environment set up. I'm testing some stuff. So I apologize if the sound is a little bit off, but I'll be fixing it as time goes. But I was out late at night and in the evenings doing quotes every single day after work, destroying my personal life, destroying my family life, basically never being at the dinner table with my wife and, missing family events, and things like that. So I said, it is impossible to only do quotes once a week. How is this gonna work? Then I started learning about batching and listening to audiobooks about getting things done and being efficient and time management. And I learned that if you let things pile up and then batch them into one or two days a week, then you get on a specific train of thought or cord a cord, and then you can bang stuff out with a lot of proficiency and efficiency. I started doing that with Saturday quotes.   Keith Kalfas [00:02:14]: I said there's no way customers are gonna wait all the way till Saturday. It worked. It actually worked. And so I'd run the business all week, and then I go out on myself, or there might be some guys finishing something up. But I usually I'd be out by myself on Saturday doing quotes. What's up, guys? I see all your comments coming in here. And I would go bang out, you know, anywhere from 10 to 15 quotes on a Saturday, sell a bunch of work, and book us out. Well, after a few years of doing this and being totally burned out and not even experiencing what it's like to have a weekend to myself, I wasn't complaining because I was happy, and I'm still happy and super grateful just like you guys are to have your own business.   Keith Kalfas [00:02:52]: I mean, be your own boss, make your own hours, and you can make as much money as you want in your own service business as much as you're willing to take on. Right? But it started to take its toll to the point where I was like, the saying, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. It's very true, and I got really frustrated. And my friend, William, the tree service guy, you see him in my videos, a guy with the big beard. He's a maniac with the chainsaw. He was talking about how he only does quotes on Mondays. I'm like, how do you do that? That's impossible. What do you mean? Mondays.   Keith Kalfas [00:03:24]: He's like, well, we work four days a week hard, but then on Mondays I do quotes. So I'm like, well, I can have the guys go out and work Mondays without me, and then I'll sell and run the business all week. But Mondays specifically, I'll do quotes. I was afraid to do it. And then I started doing it, and I exclusively only do quotes on Mondays now, and it actually works. Let me know in the comments below, when do you do quotes? Do you do them after work? Do you do them on the weekends? Do you pick a specific time? Do you do them all virtually on Google Earth? Do you have a system of square footage? I sell landscaping projects, installs and ripouts and maintenance projects. So for the most part, I have to see what's going on. I have to lift things up and look underneath and find out.   Keith Kalfas [00:04:10]: Right? I gotta be there. And, you know, when you're not there, it doesn't work. So it's been great, and nothing has changed. And now we're booked out for two months, and I can't take on any more work. So I went back, and now I'm working Mondays too, because we were so booked out and it's interesting. But nonetheless, I really wanted to test out this new studio environment. I've been working on this for a long time, kind of getting this all set up here. And I hope you're enjoying your Saturday.   Keith Kalfas [00:04:40]: Let me get to some of the comments here. What's up? Launch Gates of America. Can you guys hear me clear? Give me a thumbs up. Tap the like button if you can hear me clear. Everything's looking good on my end. Let me check out my phone here. What's up, Taylor man? Zib boss. I just noticed I can look on my phone here at the comments.   Keith Kalfas [00:05:01]: Yeah, dog. Alright. Sweet, sweet. But all this I'm saying not to be confused if you are new in your business or just getting started. Man, I suggest working seven days a week if you can to get as much momentum going in the business as you can. Keep throwing mud at the wall to see what sticks. Your attrition rate is normal, which means things are gonna fall off. You gotta keep throwing mud at that wall nonstop, nonstop until some good stuff starts sticking, which are good clients who don't complain about the price.   Keith Kalfas [00:05:31]: They like you. They appreciate you. Are they willing to pay what you need to make? They support your business. 80% of the clients don't even care. It's just a transaction to them. But 20 of them, you gotta dig through that 80% to get to the 20% of clients that'll actually kinda make sense for the level you're at in your bus

    30 min

  3. FEB 4

    Landscaping Customer Tried to Trick Me Into Doing Free Work

    In this live episode, Keith Kalfas dives into the realities of running a landscape business, especially when dealing with customers who try to get free work. He shares hard-earned lessons on setting boundaries, valuing your services, and handling tough conversations with confidence. Reflecting on his journey from solopreneur to business owner, Keith explores the internal challenges and strategic shifts needed for long-term success. He also discusses his passion for personal growth, continuous learning, and the books that have shaped his mindset. Whether you're in the service industry or looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.   "Success in business isn’t just about skill—it’s about setting boundaries, valuing your work, and having the tough conversations. Growth starts with self-awareness, a strong mindset, and the willingness to evolve." - Keith Topics Covered: Customer Tricks and Free Work Starting a Landscape Business Learning to Say No Handling Extra Work Requests The Importance of Boundaries Dealing with Difficult Conversations Books and Resources for Growth The Victim Mindset Personal Growth and Business Challenges Promoting Books and Services Audiobooks and Learning from Giants Consumer Mindset and Value Perception Engaging with the Audience Studio Setup Tips Streaming and Podcasting Insights Turning Passion into Profit Customer Follow-Up Strategies Business Growth and Pricing Balancing Work and Personal Life Virtual Receptionists and Service Efficiency Key Takeaways Customer Interactions and Boundaries: It's crucial to establish clear boundaries with customers to avoid being taken advantage of. Keith emphasizes the importance of not agreeing to do extra work for free and always maintaining a professional attitude.   Business and Personal Growth: Transitioning from an employee to a business owner involves significant internal and external challenges. Personal growth, learning to say "no," and having difficult conversations are part of the entrepreneurial journey.   Understanding True Value: Keith discusses the difference between being nice and being a pushover. It's essential to recognize your worth and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your work.   Confronting Fear and Uncomfortable Situations: Overcoming burnout and maintaining sanity in your business requires facing fears and discomfort head-on. Practicing difficult conversations and setting boundaries are key.   Intellectual Investments: Keith highlights the importance of continuous learning through books and resources to improve both personally and professionally. He recommends several books, indicating how these resources have helped him.   Balancing Business and Personal Life: He talks about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, emphasizing regular date nights with his wife and not letting business stress affect personal life.   Digital and Online Presence: Building a substantial online presence, including multiple YouTube channels and using social media strategically, can significantly bolster a business's visibility and credibility.   Pricing and Services: Keith gives practical advice on setting prices for services such as mulch installation, stressing the importance of considering all factors, including hidden costs, to avoid financial losses.   Philosophical and Spiritual Insights: Keith delves into deeper philosophical and spiritual reflections on life, consciousness, and business practices, encouraging a holistic approach to entrepreneurship.   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 8m

  4. JAN 27

    Lawn Care vs Landscaping - Can You Do Both Full-time? Live with MACK

    In this episode, Keith Kalfas and Mack explores the challenges and strategies of balancing lawn care and landscaping services. It features a discussion between two lawn care business owners on the benefits and fears of transitioning to landscaping, focusing on how to streamline services and manage both effectively. They discuss how to schedule and price recurring maintenance, charge for additional services like shrub trimming, and ensure steady revenue without overwhelming their small crew. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a consistent, stress-free approach, customer loyalty, and the value of confidence in business operations. They also touch on the influence of sports on handling rejection, the significance of Google for marketing, and the emotional aspects of running a business. Inspirational anecdotes about overcoming challenges and keeping a positive, confident mindset round out the dialogue.   " If you don't get on Google, you are shooting yourself in the foot. You're really killing yourself. If you talk confidently, then you can charge anything."  - Mack Topics Covered: Lawn Care vs. Landscaping: Can You Do Both? Transitioning and Structuring Services Pricing and Customer Management The Power of Confidence in Business Marketing and Reputation Handling Challenges and Embracing Company Culture Community and Personal Growth Key Takeaways Team Resilience and Positivity: The ability to laugh about difficult situations, such as being soaked after a rainstorm, indicates a positive and resilient attitude among team members. This kind of environment can foster a supportive and resilient workforce.   Emotional Fulfillment: Working together in demanding conditions can lead to emotional fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment. The hardships shared build stronger connections, making the work more than just a job but an enriching experience.   Shared Experiences Foster Trust: Trust is built through shared experiences and overcoming obstacles together. When team members know they can rely on each other in adverse conditions, it strengthens their overall bond and trust in one another.   Cultural Significance of Teamwork: The repeated reference to tribal importance suggests that teamwork in this industry goes beyond practical collaboration, encompassing cultural and personal significance. This cultural aspect underlines the depth of connections formed within the team.   Connect with Mack Podcast: On the Attack with Mack Podcast Podcast: Lawn Care Power Moves Youtube: Mack Landscaping and Lawn Care   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 2m

  5. JAN 26

    When You See With "Eyes of Equity" The Things you See Change | IDENTITY SHIFT

    After his recent trip to Atlanta for a speaking gig, Keith's got some fresh insights about how the way we see ourselves can really shape our success. He's breaking down the difference between a scarcity mindset that holds you back and an abundant mindset that drives success. Keith shares some personal stories and drops some knowledge bombs on how shifting your identity and aligning with the right energy can totally change your game. If you want to level up in business or life, this episode is packed with tips and wisdom you won't want to miss. Let's dive in!   Check out these episode highlights: 00:00 -  Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs and Burnout 06:03 -  Spiritual Alignment Attracts Positive Opportunities 07:53 - Elevating Identity to Overcome Scarcity Mindset 11:12 - "Exploring Purpose and Seeking Guidance" 14:41 - "Embrace Clarity Through Higher Perspective" Key Takeaways:  Identity Dictates Perception: The same piece of information can lead to vastly different outcomes depending on one's mindset. Whether you're stuck in a scarcity mindset or thriving in an abundance-focused one, your identity steers the ship. The Power of Conviction: Aligning with high beliefs and developing strong convictions in your actions can attract the right people and opportunities. Conviction is an unparalleled influence that can't be easily replicated. Faith and Action: Faith isn't just belief; it's action. It's about courage and the commitment to move forward, trusting in your ability to figure things out. This approach opens up new perspectives and higher levels of opportunity.   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 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   Transcript (Note: this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast) Keith Kalfas [00:00:06]: All right. So this is a shift, a breakthrough that I've been waiting 20 years to figure out. Just came to me now. And just a quick disclaimer: I just got back from a speaking engagement in Atlanta, and I'm sick from traveling. But I didn't even want to make any videos, but I have to document this. So imagine your identity controls everything. You can have a high-quality piece of information. I've been meditating 1 to 2 hours a day and listen to what I'm gonna say.   Keith Kalfas [00:00:39]: And if you don't listen, then it's not for you. Your identity controls everything. When I heard things like that, because I didn't understand what that meant, I've heard that stuff a bunch of times. I just push it off. That's not for me. This when the student's ready, the teacher will appear. You can take the same piece of information and put it in front of a 100 different people, and depending on the lens in which they look at it through, you're gonna get a 100 different responses. Do you want me to to go in the studio? Okay.   Keith Kalfas [00:01:08]: My wife's right here. She's hot. Anyways, I was like, I wanna do this video right in front of you. Alright. Even better. Take a person who is in a scarcity victim mindset who's just making ends meet, Or maybe they got their own little small business and they're just struggling. And now put them next to a person who has a multiple 6 or 7 figure business. They're a seasoned entrepreneur.   Keith Kalfas [00:01:30]: They know marketing. They know production. They know administration. They know how to facilitate. They understand how business works, and they've made a lot of money, and they've been through processes and workflows. And they live in an opportunity-abundant mindset. Right? A different identity. Now give them a piece of information about maybe a great business idea that's relevant.   Keith Kalfas [00:01:51]: It'll work. The person who is stuck in the victim scarcity mindset might intellectually be very intelligent and, awake, and understand. They're conscious. They're here and now. They'll understand all the information coming in, and they'll get excited. They're like, yeah. Oh my god. That's a genius idea.   Keith Kalfas [00:02:07]: See how I'm looking up? That's a genius idea. Oh my god. I could actually do that. They could get excited. They could start forming plans in their head, and it's great. And as soon as they feel like they're going to reach up and start doing it, and they might actually take some action and get a little bit of progress. But what's gonna happen is because of where their identity is, take a pendulum swinging like a grandfather clock. Right? Their identity is here.   Keith Kalfas [00:02:34]: Then the self-limiting beliefs that are controlling from behind the scenes, pulling the puppet behind the strings, the deep subconscious negative programming from growing up broke, grown-up broke parents, people crying about money, whatever it is, guilt, what are people gonna think, whatever it is. It's gonna pull them down like prep, prep, prep, prep, and make them feel like it's so hard. And maybe they're approaching it with just a technician mindset that they don't have the integrated relationship entrepreneur mindset of how to approach it as a facilitator. They're approaching it as try-hard technician work, dig with the shovel. So they might make a little progress, but their identity is gonna pull them back like this, like an anchor, and they won't be able to actually just do it. And even if they make some progress, they might quickly get burned out and the pendulum will just swing back to where the identity rests, and it's holding them, and they'll give up. It's too hard. I can't do it.   Keith Kalfas [00:03:30]: I thought I could do it. I was excited, and they don't understand why because the identity is controlling them behind the scenes. Now same pieces of information to the multiple 6 and 7-figure entrepreneur whose identity lens is at a different spot, just different, different relativity. When they hear that information about the good idea, they might already be you won't even have to finish telling them all the information. All they need is the inspiration, and they're already setting plans of action. They already see the end result, and they're already extrapolating other people that it can help that the original information didn't even imply. Because they're thinking not linear, but they're thinking geometric because they're spiritually in the quantum, which is not bound by space and time. It's not stuck in linear units of measurement.   Keith Kalfas [00:04:19]: It's geometric. Right? It's not 1 +1 equals 2. It's like 1 +1equals18 type shit or 25. So what I mean is their identity lens is up here. So when they hear an idea, it swings up to their identity. They already see it already done, and they're like, oh my god. This is a great idea. This needs to be done yesterday.   Keith Kalfas [00:04:41]: And what sector or fashion or sector of our business who can we already have tools? We can boom. We can get this done, and it's already done, and they're already done. Listen to what I'm saying. With it to the point where it might even be an underqualified a day like, is that going to make us 20,000 in the 1st 30 days? Like, they're qualifying it. Like, can we fit this in because this is a good idea? How is this get like, how could I say this, man? Their identity lens of qualifying opportunity is they're operating from the end result. As soon as they hear about it, they already see what the result looked like. That's the next thing I was gonna say.   Keith Kalfas [00:05:23]: Now, I want you to fast forward an identity past the identity that I'm talking about to an even higher identity. And higher beyond that to where ideas like that, you're like, oh, that was 15 years ago. I remember when we used to do that. That was spooky in the sandbox-type shit. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That led us all the way up to this.   Keith Kalfas [00:05:41]: So it's so far down. It's so much an easy task, and they say, what would this look like if it were easy? Then it's like way down there. Oh, yeah. I remember we had that idea. That's when we were thinking small. Now, the victim mindset, that little tiny thing is like, oh my god. It's this little mountain. This little mohail is a big f*****g mountain, and they can't do it. But the only difference in all that is the identity.   Keith Kalfas [00:06:03]: Now the victim's gonna say, well, of course, they've got money in the bank, and they've got connections, and they've got all these things. Fuck that. They do have that, but why? Here's why. Because people who have identities that are aligned with spirit, You say God's law, consciousness. I'm not talking about fleshy, living in sin, b******t, living in shame, guilt, and fear, and anxiety, which triggers negative belief and negative belief systems, which pushes opportunity and pushes positive people away from you. I'm talking about when you get rid of negative shit in your life, and you cut anchors, and you align with God, the holy spirit, and then you develop high beliefs and high expectations, and you develop conviction and confidence, and you become convicted in your beliefs and what is right and you know it, and you're doing it no matter what, you're gonna start attractin

    17 min

  6. JAN 19

    How to Start a Landscaping Business for Beginners in 2025

    In this episode, Keith explored the crucial skill of discernment in business decisions. He shared insights from his experiences in the landscaping industry, emphasizing that saying no can be more beneficial than saying yes to everything. He discussed the importance of focusing on core services, understanding the risks of overextending, and utilizing smart subcontracting. Success lies in mastering what you do best and making decisions that align with your expertise and capacity. When you narrow down what you offer, you’re not only cutting out stress but also boosting your profits and efficiency. It's about breaking free from those nagging fears and old stories in your head and realizing you don't have to do it all to succeed. And hey, there's more! Keith’s got some exciting updates on what's brewing with the Untrapped Podcast and other projects that are in the pipeline. So, if you’re here for no-nonsense stories and solid tips to make running your biz a breeze, you’re in the right place! Stick around, and let's jump in! Check out these episode highlights: 00:00 - Optimize Landscaping Business Strategy 03:19 -  Launching a Landscaping Business 07:12  - Transition to Quieter Battery Trimmers 10:45 - Effective Equipment Management Tips 13:57 - Skill Building and Pricing in Landscaping 18:50 -  Unlocking Business Success Mindset 20:04  - Commitment Yields Significant Revenue Potential   Key Takeaways:  Market Research and Strategy: Begin by analyzing successful local businesses and defining your service area to target the most lucrative neighborhoods. Use tools like Google to research and map out income per zip code. Invest Smart in Equipment: Start with affordable, used equipment from places like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. As your business grows, reinvest in new, reliable equipment. Remember, "buy nice or buy twice." Pricing and Profitability: Ensure proper pricing strategies by charging enough to cover costs and desired profit margins. Aim for at least a 50% gross profit margin by multiplying your cost estimates by two.    Resources and Websites:  Here's the video and story about our Window Cleaning brother in the UK I was talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F_pxfE8A4k Tree Work Electric hazard awareness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7QgzAauFCQ  Tree Work Electric hazard awareness:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILGSn9Rx8f8&t=0s The Time William and I climbed 115ft. in a tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVmT_Nhohjk&t=0s Tree Work and Arborist Videos playlist:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLub0_q7i2mDRR3pk7GpX3k8JhZiE2IvYm 🙋♂️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 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 Transcript (Note: this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)   Keith Kalfas 00:00:00 - 00:00:48 How to start a landscaping business in 2025. Let's go. So, before we get started, I just got a comment on my YouTube channel. There's a guy who's trying to start his landscaping business, and he found himself on another YouTube channel that talks about how to become a millionaire and wealth and abundance and all that stuff, which is great. He left that channel, and now he's binge watching my videos because he specifically wants to learn how to start a landscaping business right now. So that's step number 1 because you gotta cut all the other fat of all this other information that's not helping you get your business to the next level. Step 2 is do market research. We're gonna talk about the equipment you need in a minute, but this is really important.   Keith Kalfas 00:00:48 - 00:01:41 1st, go on Google and type in landscaping businesses near me and look at the most successful ones and analyze how are they running their business how are they marketing their business. You can learn a ton just by doing that. And I want you to go on Google Maps and create your service area, right? So ours is a 6-mile radius from our home base. And what I also want you to do is go on Google and type in income per zip code in your area and find out where all the money is at, and then you'll know where to market. I like to go in specific neighborhoods, market, and advertise repeatedly. You drill deep in specific neighborhoods, and that's where the most potentiality, the most amount of clients, the fastest is, and make the most amount of money. Let's go to step 3. Step number 3: you gotta get your business legitimized with something like an LLC.   Keith Kalfas  00:01:42 - 00:02:10 And open up a small business checking account, which is exciting because now this is official. You can go online. There's tons of options. I have some in my resources below. What I did was I went to my accountant.  How do you find an accountant? You basically ask people who own small businesses around you. You say, where can I find an accountant? And they'll be like, oh, my guy Bill. You know what I mean? And you find an accountant, and I asked him, dude, I need to make my business legit. He's like, oh, easy.   Keith Kalfas 00:02:10 - 00:02:37 Paid him some money, fill out all the paperwork, Boom. I was an LLC, and I went to the bank with that paperwork opened up a small business checking account. I was in business. Now, all the money that comes through your business flows through the checking account, and now you legit, daw. Number 4, you need a truck. Don't despise small beginnings. I don't know where you're at, but I literally Facebook or Craigslist for sale by owner. Look at this. Keith Kalfas 00:02:37 - 00:03:19 2008 Ford Ranger Super Cab 4 by 4 185,000 miles, $29100. 2,003 Ford Ranger. You're like Ford Ranger. I want a brand new, then go buy one if you can afford it. I don't know where you're at. 2,009 Chevy Silverado, 2,002 Dodge Dakota, 2009 F150. So anywhere from 2 to $7, you can get a smaller series truck used that will get you making money now. Now, when you go to buy a truck, obviously, you wanna pull the dipstick and check all the fluids, test drive it, turn it all the way to the right and to the left, check for any bumps or grinds or vibrations. Anything going on that doesn't feel right that could be an issue, and you might be able to get it fixed cheap. Keith Kalfas 00:03:19 - 00:03:59 And that's why the person selling it, and if you're mechanically inclined, it's gonna be amazing. But definitely don't buy something that's gonna blow up on you. That's why you wanna take it on the freeway and run it through all the gears and make sure the transmission shifts smoothly, and then you're in business. There's a lot of great trucks out there you can get for cheap and literally go make a $100,000. Real quick, we're about to go to Weingartz and look at some equipment, but I wanna tell you I started my landscaping business out of the back of the trunk of my wife's car with debt collectors calling me. I didn't have a truck and didn't have anything. I was terrified working a dead-end lawn care job at during the day and going out at night and on the weekends to get my business off the ground. I made enough money to dump out change to get a piece of crap.   Keith Kalfas 00:03:59 - 00:04:23 Well, actually, I love this truck. It's called the Blue Goose. It was a 1991 Dodge Dakota with a quarter 1000000 miles covered in rust, and that thing actually drove like a dream. So we started with nothing, bro. It was terrifying, and I pulled it off. Let's go. And the most important piece of equipment you really need to even get started is I'm just playing with you. Step 5: you need equipment right away. Keith Kalfas 00:04:23 - 00:04:51 Of course. But you can go on Facebook Marketplace and buy equipment used. I got my stuff from pawn shops, Craigslist because I couldn't afford any brand new equipment. The problem with used equipment is it's beat up. It's gonna be gunked up. Like, the carbs, the carburetor inside of it, you're gonna have to pull it 20 times to get it started. Sometimes, you have to do a tune-up by yourself, but you can get lucky. But as soon as you possibly can, you need to get brand new equipment, in my opinion. Keith Kalfas 00:04:51 - 00:05:22 I'm gonna walk around and show you some of my favorite stuff. I've been doing this my whole life, so I know what all the good stuff is. Now, the new battery-powered technology is amazing, but it's crazy expensive right now, so you probably won't get started there. But my favorite equipment always comes down to, well, steel because it's just a powerhouse. Steel's expensive. It's heavy-duty. This literally could last you 5, 6 years of beating on it. Right? This edger, if you're doing lawn care, everything's steel, by the way. Keith Kalfas 00:05:22 - 00:06:00 It's just heavy and expensive. The next step that's a little bit cheaper is echo. Check this out. I've actually toured the Echo factory in person. I've seen all this stuff. And the echo power tools, like here, you got articulating hedge trimmers for trimming bushes, and this is a power pruner pull saw. Dude, Echo stuff doesn't have the power of steel, but you can just beat on this stuff for dude, you can just beat the hell out of an Echo trimmer, and that mug

    21 min

  7. JAN 9

    Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Landscaping Business

    Keeping your landscaping and service business on track can be challenging, but Keith has some great tips and stories today. In this $13,000 project, he and his crew dealt with everything from chopping down massive arborvitaes to detecting hidden PVC pipes. Keith explains the importance of saying "no" to things that aren't in your wheelhouse and why sometimes you need to learn the hard way. In addition, Keith shares some insights from other successful businesspeople who have discovered that streamlining your services can transform your business. It's a proven fact that focusing on your team's strengths will save time, reduce costly errors, and increase your bottom line. The key is letting go of the mental blocks and old stories that make you think you have to do everything when focusing on what you're good at is more efficient. We've covered you with real-life business stories full of practical advice to help you run your business more smoothly and efficiently.   Check out these episode highlights: 00:00 Focus on big jobs; skip tricky extras. 06:05 Stick to core job duties and skip extra work. 07:14 Turning down a stressful job taught lessons. 12:36 Identify what you enjoy and focus on that. 16:30 Join for business advice and expert insights! 17:12 Want to chat? Hit me up at keithkelphus.com/call for some business advice! Key Takeaways:  Discernment in Service Offerings: Knowing when to say 'no' to client requests outside your expertise is vital. This protects your business reputation and helps avoid unnecessary complications and delays. As tempting as it might be to take on every opportunity, focusing on what you excel at brings better results and client satisfaction. The Power of Specialization: Concentrate on a select few services your team performs exceptionally well. This approach not only streamlines operations but ensures consistent quality and efficiency, allowing you to train new employees and serve your clients with excellence quickly. Embrace and Overcome Mental Barriers: Understand that many perceived obstacles in managing a business, such as controlling quality and needing to be physically present, often exist in your head. Trusting and empowering capable team members can lead to broader success beyond individual efforts. 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:  Durable AI Website: Durable AI Website Builder and Small Business Software Here's the video and story about our Window Cleaning brother in the UK I was talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F_pxfE8A4k Tree Work Electric hazard awareness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7QgzAauFCQ  Tree Work Electric hazard awareness:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILGSn9Rx8f8&t=0s The Time William and I climbed 115ft. in a tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVmT_Nhohjk&t=0s Tree Work and Arborist Videos playlist:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLub0_q7i2mDRR3pk7GpX3k8JhZiE2IvYm 🙋♂️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 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   Transcript (Note: this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)   Keith Kalfas - 00:00:10 - 00:01:02 But when I'm going through my notes thinking of what content to create for you, I always go back to what's valuable and its mistakes to avoid. In the landscaping business, or any business for that matter, every time you take on something new, there's a learning process where it could be easy, could be really hard, and expensive. And so, like, we took on this job, and I wanna tell you a couple of stories and mistakes to avoid. This is so valuable. This job was, like, $13,000, and I always think of that song, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, from like the eighties because every rose has its thorn. So a job that is like, yes, it's a jackpot job. It's gonna have something in there, and you feel like you have to say yes to that thing, or you might have to do that thing. It's just you have to have discernment here.   Keith Kalfas  00: 01:02 - 00:01:55  For instance, we removed these huge arborvitaes that were growing up as part of this $13,000 job. These huge arborvitaes were growing up behind the house and we had to cut them down and grind the stumps because the customers wanted them gone completely. And after we dug out all of the arborvitae trimmings, all the dead stuff, there was this white PVC pipe with the, basically the roots growing right up against it, and we had to grind it. And I told my guy, I was like, dude, you have to be so so so careful. Use a sawzall, chip around, cut around, whatever you do, do not hit that pipe. And I can't say that I wouldn't have hit the dang thing because he's extremely careful. He's on that thing for 3 and a half hours grinding around up against the house, and there's this pipe that was hidden, and he nicks the pipe. So we had to get this PVC repair stuff, and luckily, it was just like a drainage.   Keith Kalfas  00:01:56 - 00:02:40 It wasn't anything crazy. And we were able to completely repair it with this PVC stuff and then smooth it over and sand it. And the moment the question mark comes up, you're like, So that's what you do, you get paid to solve problems. I have a friend who, I can't say his business, but he told me, once he started standardizing his business and saying, this is what we do, this is what we don't do. It could be a $50,000 job, and the customer could be like, well, can you repair the railing on my steps? Because I really need it fixed. And in the moment, you might feel like you have to say yes because this whole $50,000 job is hanging on it. But you will eventually get to the point where you can confidently say, oh, no. I'm sorry. We don't offer that service.   Keith Kalfas  00:02:40 - 00:03:28 We can do the $50,000 job. We're experts at this, but we're not going to repair your railing because we're not experts at it. Right? And the customer, my friend, told me, he said that he was afraid to say no, and once he started saying no because he said it's the little tiny; the devil's in the details. It's those little tiny things that will snag you and mess up a whole job because then you try to fix the railing, and you realize it has parts that are discontinued. Now you have to special order them. Right? And it's part of the job. It's on the service contract. So then it takes 4 weeks for them to arrive, and it's the wrong dang parts, and then you have to reorder them from somewhere else, and you have to fine them. And you're waiting on a $50,000 check being held up or your final deposit because of some stupid little parts from a railing coming off that you're not even supposed to be doing anyways, but it's part of the job.   Keith Kalfas   00:03:28 - 00:03:48 You agree to do it. So you gotta be really careful. My friend told me when he started saying no, the customers just went, “Oh, okay. No worries. I guess I'll have to find somebody else to do that”. He's like, boom. It was all in his head. Another friend of mine said that he got completely out of all the labor in his business, and I'll tell you some other stories here.   Keith Kalfas  00:03:49 - 00:04:31 He subcontracts only. Right? But it's a type of higher profit industry that allows you to subcontract and to standardize its commercial work. And he said, I said, “Wait a second. How do you control the quality if you're not there inspecting everything?” And my friend starts laughing, and he goes, “Bro, all the stories we told ourselves all these years as service business owners, a lot of it was just stupid stories in our heads of what we're afraid of. It's all in your head.” And he reiterated it. He's like, and you're so stuck on the story of, like, I have to be there to control the quad, I have to be there. He's like, when you find the right people, or you have the right people or people that are accountable or have an invested interest, it's all completely in your head.   Keith Kalfas 00:04:31 - 00:05:03 And so the most successful people know that you don't have to be there. Right? You just have to find somebody who's, like on and on. A hundred examples. So anyways, this PVC thing, we fixed it and repaired it when removing these large arborvitaeys from behind this house on this $13,000 job. There was a hidden PVC pipe. We had to grind it and cut it around it with a sawzall to get the roots out and accidentally nicked the pipe and had to fix it and we did. And then we're removing these pine trees. They have very shallow roots.   Keith Kalfas  00:05:03 - 00:05:27 No big deal. Grind them down. Topsoil, grass seed, done. We get called Miss Dig. There's electricity, high voltage utility lines running directly underneath them. So we have to, like, change our approach and do a surface grind. I think we only went, like, 4 inches deep, and we had to cut and pull the roots up by hand. That took an extra few hours.   Keith Kalfas  00:05:28 - 00:06:05 Here you go. So you feel like you have to say yes to

    19 min

  8. 12/30/2024

    How I Almost Died Doing Tree Work | Safety Warning to All Landscapers

    In today's episode, Keith dives into a pretty intense story that could really make you stop and think.  A few years back, in 2021, Keith had a near-miss that none of us would ever want to face—he almost got seriously hurt while working on a tree job near some high-voltage power lines. And he's shared why that experience serves as a major wake-up call about the realities and risks of working close to electricity. Keith's not just telling this story for kicks—he hopes it opens eyes and might even save a few lives. We'll hear how important it is to be cautious and learn about electrical safety so that nobody finds themselves in a similar scary situation.  So, if you're in the green industry or know someone who is, you'll want to stick around and listen to this one!   Check out these episode highlights: 00:00 Trimmed branches with a telescopic pole saw. 03:17 Felt weird after a close call with danger. 07:13 Firefighter calls it a miracle: mild injury. 10:09 Assume wires are live; check safety videos.   Key Takeaways:  Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Power lines might look like they're far away, but give them respect and distance—always. Assume Every Wire is Hot: Whether it’s an electrical, phone, or even a cable line, treat them all like they’re live. Better safe than sorry, right? Know Before You Go: Watch safety videos on electrical hazards and tree work. A little knowledge goes a long way toward keeping you safe.   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:  Here's the video and story about our Window Cleaning brother in the UK I was talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F_pxfE8A4k Tree Work Electric hazard awareness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7QgzAauFCQ  Tree Work Electric hazard awareness:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILGSn9Rx8f8&t=0s The Time William and I climbed 115ft. in a tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVmT_Nhohjk&t=0s Tree Work and Arborist Videos playlist:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLub0_q7i2mDRR3pk7GpX3k8JhZiE2IvYm 🙋♂️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 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   Transcript (Note: this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)   Keith Kalfas 00:00:05 - 00:00:49 So this goes out as a warning to everybody in the green industry. I almost died a few years ago at work, and I keep avoiding making this video because of my ego is afraid of looking stupid and getting criticized, but I believe that what I'm about to talk about can very much save lives, and so I'm gonna tell you the story. I can't believe I'm making this video. So I'm not doing it for me. I'm doing it for the safety of others. Alright. So 2021, we're doing a tree job, and I'm removing a jack pine tree. This tree was maybe 25 feet tall behind a shed in a backyard. And so I'm actually pretty experienced doing tree work. Keith Kalfas 00:00:49 -00:01:53 I just don't post it on social media, and well, there was primary power lines, but they were 15 feet away from the tree and way high up, so they're about 10 feet away and then another 12 feet up. I mean, they were so far back and up in the air that once I was up in the tree and I started removing branches, they're behind me. I stopped paying attention to them because they were literally really far away. Right? Well, there's this thing I needed to trim a branch in front of me that I couldn't reach and get out to. So I'll tell my guy on the ground, I'll be like, yo, hand me the Stihl PP 800. It's a telescoping 18-foot aluminum pruning telescoping pruner pole and with the saw head on it. Right? You attach the saw head. And what I'll do with it, I'm up in the tree, is he'll extend it all the way out and then push it up to me, and I'll reach down and grab it, and then I'll fish it up behind me, and then I'll collapse it back down and just trim what I need to trim. Keith Kalfas 00:01:53 - 00:02:23 Well, in this instance, dude, I got my gear on ropes, I got my gaffes, which are my spikes, I got my saddle. I got my buck strap my lanyard around the tree. I've got my pruning saw. I'm fully geared up, and I'm in the tree. It's a dry, hot July day. Very hot, very dry out. And as I'm fishing, the saw up, and it's going higher and higher and higher behind me because I stopped paying attention to this wide-open aluminum primary line. I don't know how many volts it is. Keith Kalfas 00:02:23 - 00:03:16 Like, let me know in the comments. 12,000 volts. And I've watched a lot of electrical videos. Like, you should just stay the hell away from electrical lines because you could touch something that's touching something that's touching something, and it'll take a full Thanksgiving turkey and set that mug on fire and fry it in like 20 seconds. So anyways, as I'm fishing it up, my hands on the aluminum, bare hand, and I take my hand off the aluminum because that's where, like, there's a rubber grip, and it's not insulated for electrical safety. Soon as my hand goes off the aluminum, I push up one more time, and I grab the rubber grip. I hear tink, and I felt a buzz go through me, and my hair stand on end. And I look behind me and I hit the primary line, and it swings back and goes pink and hits again. It goes bzzzz, dude. I pulled the pole away from the line. Keith Kalfas 00:03:17 - 00:04:14 Right? Real quick. And my just whole heart my energy dropped. I got rid of the pole real quick, put it through down on the ground, rappelled to the ground, took my gear off, and immediately just walked and sat in my truck. So, as I'm sitting in my truck, this sounds really weird, like an out-of-body experience, and I'm still freaked out about this. There was a part of me that believed that I had died and that my spirit walked over and was sitting in my truck waiting for, like, the ambulance to come and watch my body get carried away and that I was just a witness. Because when you touch an electrical line, aluminum line with an aluminum pole, you don't just not get injured. It either sets your body on fire, your organs explode, your legs explode, you get stuck on it. You're toast. Keith Kalfas 00:04:14 -00:05:02 You don't touch an electrical line without, first of all, dying, having an instant heart attack, being set on fire, or having severe injuries. And one of our brothers, he's actually in UK, is a window cleaner, and he's water-fed pole. He's cleaning windows two-story building, working hard, and building his business family at home. There was an airline, and the water, it was windy, was like misting off in the air because there's water jets when you clean windows. It's a really cool window-cleaning system, and this could happen to anybody. It arced, and it traveled along the water, ran down the pole into his hands, blew this guy back, like, 10 feet, and left burn marks in the grass. And this guy is I think he's just getting out of the hospital. He's had, like, 20 surgeries. Keith Kalfas 00:05:02 - 00:05:41 It's affected his kidneys. He has burnt necrotic tissue, several infections, blood clots. They've had to remove part of his forearm tons of muscle tissue in his legs, and this is permanently negatively affected this guy for the rest of his life. And if you're part of, like, the tree care safety and being a certified arborist, which I'm not, and what is it? The ANSI standards and all this stuff. There's reports that come in every single week about all the injuries that happen across the United States. Most of them are actually homeowners with chainsaws trying to do work themselves or people getting electrocuted, people getting injured, people could it's like it's such a high severe risk. Words From Our Sponsor 00:05:42 - 00:06:36 More of the untrapped podcast right after this. Hey. If you're looking for what is probably the greatest software ever to run your business on, go to get jobber.comforward/Keith. You can create proposals, invoices, collect payments, even track your entire business directly on the Jabber smartphone app. And if you wanna get a totally free trial of Jabber right now, open your browser, type in get jobber.comforward slash Keith. And if, after the trial, you decide you wanna sign up with Keith's link, you'll automatically get 20% off your 1st 6 months. So what are you waiting for? Go to get jobber.comforward/Keith. This is untrapped with Keith Kalfas. Keith Kalfas 00:06:37 - 00:07:13 But especially electrocution. So I got on the phone. I instantly called one of my landscaping clients who climbs power poles and works on electrical lines, and I told him immediately what happened. I was embarrassed on a care. I say, “Hey, Mrs. Jones. Can I talk to Mr. Jones? I know he does this for a living.” I'm I'm the land “What's going on, Keith?” And I was like, I tell him what happened, and he says, “Brother, all I can say is that the good lord was on your side today, and that's a miracle that you are not burnt, and you are still here with us. The good lord is on your side.” Keith Kalfas

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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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