Discover
The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas
361 Episodes
Reverse
Do You Have a Warrior Mentality? Story about having Humility, entrepreneurship and Raw Ambition. Keith Kalfas with the Untrapped Podcast KeithKalfas.com.
Why Your First Customers Probably Took Advantage of You. This Weird Yet Powerful Epiphany I had While Working Today To get my free 7 Steps to marketing your business. Text the work "Untrapped" to 31996.
Why you MUST Start Telling Customers NO. Grow a backbone and level up your business. Check out www,keithkalfas.com text the word untrapped to 31996
Qualifying Customers Over The Phone. If You Don't Do This, Then Nothing Else Matters. Text the Word Untrapped to 31996
Integrity and Why Contractors Get a Bad Wrap. Don't Fall Into This Trap.
How to Dominate Your Local Service Area - With Advanced Marketing Strategies and hiring VA's - Talk from the Fleet Wash Academy Live Event Hosted by Eric Trice
If You HATE Your Dead-End Job and Want to Start Your Own Business
A Powerful Tip For Handling Small Business Stress
Why You Should Fall In Your With Your Business Again
Why You Should Be Brutally Honest with Your Customers. (Selling and Communication Skills) with Keith Kalfas
How to Navigate Your Service Business Through Covid 19. Powerful episode with Brandon Vaughn from Conquer. $500k month
Powerful interview with Tommy Mello, The Home Service Expert and author of The Home Service Millionaire Book. Tommy built A1 Garage Door company from zero to multi state $35 Million company in less than a decade. Tommy is a veracious reader and loves what he does. Tune in a learn from a true practitioner. https://homeserviceexpert.com/
Seans Website https://www.consult-integra.com/ Sean Adams Linkedn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-adams-124bb568
Episode 1: Keith Kalfas shares his experience on how he manages to hire a bookkeeper. There is a time that he struggles at organizing his paperwork that makes him realize that he needs someone to do it for him. Then he met a bookkeeper from Blue skies services and all of his tasks was well-managed and it benefits him the most. It proves that bookkeepers are a good help in running a small business and the client itself. As a result, Keith had someone to work for him in his books and it makes him have less worries and now can focus on many other things important to him. TODAY’S LIGHT NOTES: 0:00-0:28 - Introduction 0:29- 1:18 - Explains how Keith had a hard time doing bookkeeping himself. 1:19-2:55 - Realization on how much he need a bookkeeper to work for him. 3:08- 3:42 - Interview with Dan Platta 3:45-4:26 - Tells a small background information of Dan Platta 4:27- 6:44 - Shows how a bookkeeper helps his business. 6:45-7:09 - Promotion of Blueskies services. 7:10- 8:44 - Explains how the bookkeeper does it job on helping business. 8:45-9:26 - Promotion about Blueskies. QUOTABLE LINES: “You can’t grow a great business, to make a great decision if you don’t have great information.”
If you're considering launching your own business—whether it's your first step or an addition to your current venture—this episode is packed with practical advice, real-world stories, and motivation to help you start strong. From knocking on doors and leveraging reviews, to upselling additional services and staying humble no matter how much you grow, Keith Kalfas lays out the blueprint for anyone ready to level up. To be clear, not every hopeful business owner follows this advice from day one. But the ones that do, inevitably find the path leads to growth, satisfaction, and success. We genuinely hope a few of these points get you moving, and help you skip a few of the nastier bumps along the way. Having made hundreds of thousands of dollars in the industry and helped over 10,000 people start their own businesses, Keith Kalfas shares candid stories, actionable strategies, and inspirational advice for anyone ready to level up, pay off debt, and transform their lives. What You Will Discover: You'll discover practical strategies like going door-to-door, starting with strip malls and storefronts, getting business cards made, creating a website, and building social proof through reviews and photos. Tips on upselling services—like gutter cleaning and pressure washing—that can turn small jobs into big paydays, and the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities as your reputation grows. The importance of humility, remembering where you came from, and treating others with respect when you achieve success. Guidance on registering your business, forming an LLC or S-corp, and getting insurance to protect yourself. "You don't have to suffer anymore. You've gone through enough. You deserve this, and it's going to be really, really hard, but you are worth it." - Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: 00:00:01 – Welcome & Inspiration Keith Kalfas opens up with his own journey, discussing the potential income available in window cleaning, his viral videos, and the thousands of businesses started thanks to his advice. 00:00:28 – Honest Truth: The Struggle & Reward Learn what makes window cleaning tough—earning high-paying clients, the physical demands, and overcoming frustration. But if you're committed, you'll quickly outshine your competition! 00:01:43 – Keith's Bestseller & Core Strategies Discover Keith's bestselling book "How to Make $500 a Day Cleaning Windows," and why taking action beats waiting for perfection. Register your business, get your LLC/S Corp in order, and invest in insurance. 00:02:46 – First Steps & Marketing Start with strip malls and storefronts, carry business cards, build a website, and collect social proof with 5-star reviews. SEO, photos, and customer permission matter! 00:04:12 – Lessons Learned: What NOT to Do Keith shares tough lessons—why to avoid storm windows, antique homes, and pitfalls from old customer stories. Binge on Keith's videos to sidestep painful mistakes. 00:05:29 – Dealing with High-End Clients & Complex Jobs Navigating cookie-cutter vs. custom luxury homes; beware of costly accidents. Upselling with gutter, pressure washing, and exterior cleaning can transform jobs from hundreds to thousands. 00:07:36 – Growing Pains & Sacrifice As your business grows, learn to say yes more often, manage work-life balance, and hear the real-life sacrifices Keith made to build his business—and keep his marriage strong. 00:09:56 – Communication & Mindset Communication is key (Gary Vaynerchuk advice)—especially with loved ones during your entrepreneurial grind. Nobody's coming to save you; you have to build your future. 00:11:31 – Financial Transformation Stories How window cleaning can repair your credit, pay off debt, and build true wealth—provided you operate legitimately, scale carefully, and manage risk. 00:13:14 – Going All-In & Proactive Living The mindset shift from desperation to mission-driven action. Channel your inner lion and solve problems proactively. 00:17:00 – Embracing Your Identity & Humility From embarrassment to pride—the "window cleaning guy" story. Finding gratitude in your work and remaining humble as you succeed. 00:20:41 – The Emotional Challenge: Ego, Humility & Worth Building a business will break your ego, but you're worthy. Listen to your heart, not just advice. 00:22:23 – Business Level-Up: Pricing & Value Raising prices, qualifying clients, and believing in your worth – Coach Rob's advice to communicate confidently and attract the right clients. 00:24:03 – The Power of Community & Consistency Invest in tools, coaching, and keep momentum strong. Keith's passion and generosity are reflected in how he supports the entrepreneurial community. 00:25:10 – Closing Thoughts: Trust & Let Go Final wisdom: Let go of old identities, trust the process, find mentors, and keep growing. Key Takeaways Take Action Before You're Ready - Don't wait until you're perfect or fully prepared. Get started, learn as you go, and embrace the fact that you may not be good at first. Momentum is more important than perfection. Get Legal & Insured Early - Register your business, set up an LLC or S-corp, and secure insurance as soon as possible—even if you haven't broken a window yet, accusations can happen and protection is vital. Build Social Proof and Reputation - Create a website, collect five-star reviews, and document your work (with permission). This builds trust and credibility, helping you attract more clients. Start Small, Grow Smart - Begin with strip malls, plazas, and storefronts rather than million-dollar homes. Learn the ropes in less risky environments before moving up. You Are Not "Special"—But You Can Be Successful - Let go of fantasies and realize that success comes from hard work. Embrace being the "window cleaning guy" because it's the path to financial freedom, new opportunities, and gratitude. Know Your Worth - Believe in your value, communicate it with conviction, and customers will respond. Self-worth is key to selling your services confidently and successfully. Stay Humble & Give Back - Even as you achieve your goals, remain humble, remember your roots, and treat others with respect. Connect with Keith Kalfas: 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 Resource Links Jobber CRM Free Trial: getjobber.com/kalfas. Footbridge Media for Contractors: footbridgemedia.com/Keith Untrapped Alliance Application: keithkalfas.com/alliance Written and Edited by: Ma. Teresa Catangay-Bardinas
What if the most freeing truth about success is also the hardest one to accept? In this episode, Keith shares a message he debated releasing for over a year—because once you really hear it, you can't unhear it: Nobody actually cares if you win. Not if you build a multimillion-dollar business you love. Not if you're miserable making money you hate. Not if you sacrifice, grind, or quietly struggle behind the scenes. And strangely… that's not bad news. This episode explores why most people aren't thinking about your happiness, your success, or your suffering—and how accepting that truth can remove pressure, ego, and the constant need for validation. Keith breaks down how status, money, image, and success are often misunderstood, why financial stability still matters deeply, and how your internal compass—not applause—should guide your decisions. "Nobody cares if you win — and that's not an insult, it's liberation." – Keith Kalfas In This Episode, you'll hear reflections on: Why people admire success without caring about the person behind it The difference between ego that traps you and ego that keeps you moving Why being broke is far more painful than chasing a dream How money functions as safety, not meaning Why passion without stability becomes stress How listening to your internal resistance can save you years of misery The uncomfortable freedom that comes when you stop performing for others Key Takeaways: Nobody cares if you win — and that's freeing.Most people aren't watching your effort, your sacrifice, or your inner struggle as closely as you think. They may notice results, but they're not emotionally invested in what it costs you to get there. Accepting this removes the pressure to perform, explain, or prove yourself. When you stop seeking validation from an audience that isn't really paying attention, you're free to make decisions based on what actually fits you—not what looks impressive from the outside. Money provides safety, not meaning.Financial stability creates security, options, and protection from life's inevitable emergencies, while the lack of money amplifies stress and limits choice. But money alone doesn't give direction or fulfillment. Meaning comes from doing work that aligns with your values and energy, not just your bank account. The real goal is to build enough stability to feel safe while choosing a path that doesn't quietly drain you over time. Your internal compass matters more than applause.There's an internal signal that tells you when something is right or wrong, and ignoring it—even for "smart" or socially rewarded opportunities—usually leads to resistance and burnout. People will push you toward paths that benefit them, not necessarily you, and applause can easily drown out your own instincts. Long-term peace comes from trusting that inner compass more than praise, because when the noise fades, you're the one who has to live with the choice. 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: Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources 🙋♂️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
It's easy to feel discouraged when things take an unexpected turn, especially after a string of successes. Keith Kalfas spoke candidly about how many of us lose momentum and slip from a place of focus into a phase of discouragement. The pandemic and other worldly changes affected the rhythm for countless entrepreneurs, leaving even the most driven individuals wondering, "What happened to my mojo?" But grit isn't about never falling—it's about how you get back up. As Keith Kalfas recounted, even successful people can become complacent or coast after achieving certain goals. The key is continuing to show up, do the work, and push beyond the low points. Today You'll learn: Real techniques for building rapport with customers, winning trust, and closing higher-value jobs by listening and being thorough in your proposals. How to handle disrespect and tough clients while maintaining your composure and not letting negative energy bleed into future opportunities. The role of faith and honoring God, especially during tough times, and how gratitude and surrender can shift your perspective. A reminder not to compare yourself to others, but to water your own grass, focus on your purpose, and trust the process. "You have everything that it takes. You have it inside of you." - Keith Kalfas Topics Covered 00:00:20 – Introduction: The Power of Grit Keith Kalfas introduces the theme of grit and acknowledges that while many people received the invitation to show up, only those with real determination did. He sets the stage for stories about personal growth and challenges. 00:01:04 – Business Struggles and Finding Focus Again Reflecting on the ups and downs of building a landscaping business, Keith Kalfas discusses losing momentum, dealing with discouragement, and reigniting the spark to "crush it" daily. 00:02:09 – A Year of Change: Systems, Hiring, and Sales A breakdown of how Keith Kalfas refined his business—hiring new staff, implementing CRM systems, perfecting sales processes, and improving client communication. 00:03:13 – On the Job: Quoting and Communicating with Customers Storytime: Keith Kalfas shares his customer quoting strategy, including building trust, itemizing scope, and presenting solutions that increase job value. 00:04:26 – Upselling and Turning Small Jobs into Big Wins How offering additional services and identifying new opportunities can dramatically increase job size and revenue. 00:06:14 – The Importance of Professionalism and Presence Tips on balancing being relaxed with showing you're a busy, in-demand professional—and why customers respond positively to organized, time-efficient service providers. 00:08:43 – Navigating Pricing and Customer Negotiations Keith Kalfas shares a tough story on maintaining composure and integrity during uncomfortable price negotiations, teaching listeners how to stand firm and know your value. 00:12:27 – Personal History: Overcoming Hardship and Loss Sharing personal challenges, including homelessness and the loss of his mother, Keith Kalfas demonstrates how grit is forged through real-life struggles and how it shapes character. 00:18:04 – The Demarcation Line: Choosing Who You Will Be A motivational segment about how to respond when life gets tough—choose grit, honor God, and don't let setbacks define you. 00:20:10 – Closing Big Jobs: Communication & Detailed Quotes A step-by-step breakdown of how Keith Kalfas closes high-ticket landscaping jobs with ultra-transparent, itemized quotes, speed, and clear client messaging. 00:28:36 – Managing Large Jobs: Ongoing Communication Learn why ongoing updates, daily text threads, and clear expectations keep clients satisfied and jobs running smoothly—even through unexpected construction delays. 00:32:46 – Handling Payment Issues & Staying Calm When final payment delays happen, Keith Kalfas shares the importance of staying calm and following up professionally, instead of reacting emotionally. 00:34:22 – Standing Up for Yourself: Defending Your Work Ethically Keith Kalfas describes a situation where a competitor tried to undermine his work, and how he asserted his expertise and maintained client relationships with integrity and "grit." 00:38:03 – Faith & Gratitude Through Difficult Losses Stories of loss—giving his dog CPR and the emotional aftermath—lead to advice on honoring God through both good times and hardships. 00:40:24 – The Power of Self-Talk & Comparison A closing reminder on speaking positivity, avoiding negative self-talk, and focusing on your unique path instead of comparing to others. Key Takeaways Hold onto your grit, even in adversity: When faced with challenging clients or situations, don't let frustration or disrespect shake your confidence or authenticity. Staying rooted in professionalism and self-respect—even when emotions run high—can turn obstacles into defining moments. Remember, your response shapes your reputation and future success. Honor clear communication and integrity in your work: Detailed transparency with clients (from itemized quotes to consistent updates) builds trust and can prevent misunderstandings. When complications arise—like unexpected delays or doubts from clients—stand firm in your value, remain honest, and educate patiently. Acting with integrity, even under pressure, pays off in the long run. Never compare your journey to others; walk your own path: Whether it's hearing about others crushing it or feeling behind, putting energy into self-comparison drains you and clouds your purpose. Focus on watering your own grass—invest in your unique mission and efforts. Fulfillment and growth come from staying true to your story, not chasing someone else's. Connect with Keith Kalfas: 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 Resource Links Jobber CRM Free Trial: getjobber.com/kalfas. Footbridge Media for Contractors: footbridgemedia.com/Keith Untrapped Alliance Application: keithkalfas.com/alliance Written and Edited by: Ma. Teresa Catangay-Bardinas
What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want… is one brave step? In this episode, I share a raw reflection on going from nothing to watching long-prayed-for dreams unfold — and the uncomfortable truth about what it actually takes to move forward. It's not just information. It's not just motivation. It's faith in action. We talk about why staying the same can become more painful than changing, how small risks unlock big momentum, and why inner growth matters more than outward success. I also open up about the spiritual roots that have been transforming how I handle stress, setbacks, and relationships — and how deeper roots lead to stronger fruit in every area of life. If you've been stuck, hesitant, or waiting for the "right time," this episode is your reminder: movement creates clarity, not the other way around. "Nothing is going to happen until you take the first step." – Keith Kalfas In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why gathering information isn't enough — action is the real turning point The moment when the pain of staying stuck finally pushes you to move How even small financial or emotional risks build confidence and momentum A powerful mindset shift about failure, dignity, and simply trying The "roots and fruits" principle for lasting success, peace, and leadership Handling difficult people without losing your calm, character, or joy Why inner spiritual growth strengthens your ability to succeed outwardly Lessons about success, patience, and long seasons of unseen progress Letting go of bitterness and choosing peace when others disappoint you Why building a relationship with God can transform how you work, lead, and live Key Takeaways: Dreams don't move forward when you feel ready — they move when you step forward anyway. Real success is built from the inside out, through faith, patience, character, and the courage to act even when it's uncomfortable. 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: Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources 🙋♂️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









great episode - horrible editing