The Ultimate Landscape CEO - Jeffrey Scott

In this episode, Jeffrey Scott sits down with Mark Sedley, CEO of Granum, the parent company behind LMN, SingleOps, and Greenius, to explore his entrepreneurial journey and bold vision for the green industry. From knocking on doors as a teenager to leading software platforms serving landscaping and tree care businesses, Mark shares how his background shaped his leadership style, why landscaping is harder than running a software company, and how technology, education, and labor solutions must evolve together. The conversation dives deep into industry fragmentation, the growing complexity of landscape operations, and why training, middle management development, and workforce empowerment are critical for the future of the green industry. Key Takeaways Entrepreneurial mindset vs. caretaker leadership Why landscaping operations are uniquely complex Tree care vs. landscape market dynamics Software consolidation vs. organic growth The role of education and middle management training Greenius’ evolution into a labor and learning marketplace Solving the green industry’s labor and skills gap Lessons from scaling and exiting software companies The post The Innovative Spirit of Granum (LMN, Greenius and Single Ops) with new CEO Mark Sedgley appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this episode, Jeffrey Scott steps away from traditional business strategy to explore a more intentional and sustainable approach to personal goal setting for the new year. Rather than relying on reactive New Year’s resolutions, Jeffrey explains why they often fail and introduces a simple but powerful framework built around four core questions: Who do you want to be? What do you want to do? Where do you want to go? And what do you want to have? Drawing from personal experiences, travel aspirations, family life, health goals, and leadership growth, he shares how aligning personal goals with purpose creates clarity, focus, and long-term momentum. Jeffrey also emphasizes the importance of pacing, prioritization, accountability partners, and borrowing proven business tools like quarterly goals and OKRs to support personal development in 2026 and beyond. Takeaways: Personal goal setting vs. New Year’s resolutions The “Be, Do, Go, Have” goal framework Aligning personal purpose with professional growth Simplifying goals to avoid overwhelm Using quarterly prioritization for personal goals The role of environment, travel, and exposure in growth Accountability partners and shared goal setting Removing negative influences to sustain progress The post Setting Simple Personal Goals That Move The Needle with Jeffrey Scott appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this episode, Dan Simpson, Manager of Product Marketing at Fleetio, joins Jeffrey Scott to break down why fleet and equipment management is one of the most overlooked — yet most volatile — cost centers in landscaping and contracting businesses. Dan shares insights from his hands-on background in construction and years working directly with fleets, explaining how better visibility, preventative maintenance, inspections, fuel tracking, and data-driven decisions can dramatically reduce breakdowns, control costs, and protect margins. The conversation dives into why landscaping companies are also “in the fleet business,” how software and data turn gut-feel decisions into confident ones, and where AI and automation are heading in fleet management. Takeaways: Fleet management as a hidden profit lever Preventative maintenance vs. reactive repairs Inspections and communication from the field Fuel cost visibility and control Total cost of ownership for vehicles and equipment Reducing downtime and breakdown volatility Tracking tools, assets, and accountability Using data to make smarter equipment decisions Integrations with accounting and ops software The future of AI and automation in fleet operations [/digg] The post Fleet Management Software Explained by Dan Simpson of Fleetio appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this episode, Jeffrey Scott addresses the critical relationship between budgeting and business strategy for landscape company CEOs planning for 2026. He identifies a fundamental problem: too many companies treat budgeting as a checkbox exercise rather than a confirmation of their strategic direction. Drawing from his consulting experience with landscape businesses, he walks through ten common disconnects between budgets and operational reality—from unclear owner objectives to poor equipment management and weak cash flow planning. His core message is that effective budgeting requires intentional decision-making about what kind of company you’re building, whether that’s a lifestyle business, a growth company, or a sellable asset, and every financial decision should reinforce that goal. Takeaways: Strategy-Budget Alignment: Budgets should confirm your business strategy, not exist as separate exercises disconnected from how you actually run the company Revenue as Capacity-Driven: Revenue planning must be based on actual labor capacity and billable hours, not aspirational goals or ego-driven milestones Detailed Gross Profit Analysis: Break down gross profit margins by division and service type rather than using global averages to uncover hidden opportunities and blind spots Subcontractor Markup Strategy: Different subcontractors require different markups based on management intensity and how integrated their work is into your final product Owner Compensation Planning: Treat owner compensation as a planned business cost with market-based pay plus return on capital, not as whatever’s leftover Cash Flow as Separate Strategy: Develop a dedicated cash management strategy including better contract terms, collections processes, and vendor negotiations to ensure the business can sustain itself The post Aligning Budgets with Business Strategy: 10 Key Insights with Jeffrey Scott appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

This is a replay of a previous episode featuring Wade and Dustin Vugteveen, owners of DeHamer Landscaping, a $10M+ landscaping firm based in Grandville, Michigan. They do a mix of snow, maintenance, landscape and irrigation. We discuss their history of startups, first with a baseball training business and then in retail. We discuss how hard it was for them early on, and how difficult it is to grow a business as an entrepreneur. These two have taken a series of risks over and over again, which has allowed them to scale their business quickly. Business is more of a “calling” for them as a people-first company. You will enjoy stories and their ride. Apply for our Leaders Edge Peer Group Here. The post Taking Big Risks with Wade and Dustin Vugteveen appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Join Jeffrey Scott for an insightful conversation with two leaders from Aspire: Mark Tipton, co-founder and former CEO, and Eli Zevin, the current General Manager. Mark shares his 12-year journey building Aspire from a skunkworks project into the leading landscape business management software, while Eli discusses his transition from Service Titan and his vision for Aspire’s AI-powered future. This episode explores leadership transitions, scaling software companies, company culture, implementation challenges, and the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence in transforming the landscape industry. Takeaways: Mark Tipton reflects on his 12-year journey with Aspire. Eli Zevin emphasizes the importance of client success. The legacy of Kevin Kehoe has shaped Aspire’s culture. Leadership requires navigating obstacles and challenges. Core values are critical for business success. AI technology will revolutionize the landscape industry. Simplicity in implementation leads to better outcomes. Customer success management is essential for growth. Mergers and acquisitions are becoming more common in the industry. Aspire is well-positioned to leverage new technologies. The post Leadership & Growth Lessons from Aspire Software, with Mark Tipton and Eli Zevin appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

👉 Register for our Financial Masterclass In this episode, Jeffrey Scott breaks down the complete roadmap to financial mastery for landscape entrepreneurs. Whether you’re running a $1 million or $50 million operation, Jeffrey guides you through ten progressive steps that transform financial confusion into confidence and control. From establishing proper chart of accounts and job-costing systems to implementing gamification strategies and building enterprise value, this episode covers the essential frameworks that separate struggling companies from highly profitable ones. Jeffrey shares real-world insights on how companies have jumped from 5% to 18% net profit through disciplined financial systems, and offers a preview of the upcoming Financial Masterclass, where these concepts will be taught in depth with expert guest speakers. Here is more information on our Financial Masterclass. And go here to learn about our coaching and peer groups. Key Takeaways Get financially grounded with proper chart of accounts and close books within 10 days Benchmark your performance against budget, last year, and industry peers Build a financial operating system with structured reviews and accountability Price with confidence using math and courage (target 15% net commercial, 20% residential) Optimize for profit by eliminating crew inefficiency, overstaffing, and overhead creep Align your team to the numbers through transparency and gamification Plan forward using leading indicators and rolling budgets, not just historical data The post 10 Steps to Financial Mastery for Landscape Entrepreneurs appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this episode, 24-year-old entrepreneur Matthew Woolley, founder of Woolley Outdoors in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, shares his journey from mowing lawns after work to building a company that now generates nearly $4 million in annual revenue. In just four and a half years, Matthew’s success has been driven by his relentless work ethic, willingness to learn, and focus on people. He opens up about his early challenges, key leadership lessons, hiring strategies, and how he manages rapid growth while maintaining balance in his personal life. His story offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to grow their business with purpose and clarity. Financial Masterclass Sign Up. Key Takeaways: From side hustle to $4M business in under five years through focus, grit, and vision. Building systems early and learning to delegate are key to sustainable growth. Leadership begins with people—respect, communication, and understanding what motivates them. Transitioning from manual processes to digital systems like Jobber and Aspire to improve efficiency. The value of joining peer groups for benchmarking, learning, and strategic development. Managing rapid expansion while maintaining profitability and financial discipline. Balancing business goals with marriage, relationships, and personal well-being. The post Four Million in Four Years with Matthew Woolley appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Founder Nate Moses of Precision Landscape Management built his $10 million landscaping company in Greenville, South Carolina, from the ground up—literally. In this episode, Mitch Katz sits down with Nate to uncover how he turned a one-man mowing operation into a thriving business serving high-end residential clients across the Upstate region. From working out of a Honda Accord to leading a multi-branch enterprise, Nate shares the defining lessons, growing pains, and pivotal decisions that shaped his journey. Listeners will gain insight into Nate’s leadership philosophy, the role of self-awareness in business growth, and how strategic clarity and strong culture fueled Precision’s rapid rise. This episode delivers actionable takeaways for entrepreneurs ready to scale smart and lead with purpose. Key Takeaways: How Nate scaled Precision Landscape Management from a side hustle to a $10M operation The impact of self-awareness and vulnerability on leadership success Why defining clear roles, responsibilities, and KPIs improves accountability How peer groups can accelerate both business and personal growth Lessons from five successful acquisitions and how to manage owner transitions Precision’s three brand promises: reliability, responsiveness, and doing things the right way The importance of financial literacy and understanding business margins Why leaders should “run to their weaknesses” and embrace continuous learning The post Growing Fast and Smart: The Power of Feedback and Clarity with Nate Moses appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Phillip Carnuccio, Founder of Clean Peak Landscaping in Westchester, PA., shares his mission-driven journey in the landscaping industry, detailing the evolution of his business from a small operation to a successful $2M model that primarily utilizes subcontractors. He shares his mission driven approach to building his business and impacting his community. He discusses his strategy for building high-impact relationships with subcontractors, the challenges of pricing and financial management, and the significance of mentorship and community in fostering growth. Phillip also shares insights on the future of the landscaping industry, emphasizing the rapid changes driven by technology and the need for entrepreneurs to remain centered amidst these developments. Takeaways The business started as a way to pay for college. Building relationships with subcontractors is crucial for success. Subcontracting allows for leveraging expertise without overhead costs. A strong mission can drive business decisions and impact. Financial management is key to sustaining growth. Community and mentorship play vital roles in business development. The landscaping industry is evolving rapidly due to technology. It’s important to maintain a balance between growth and personal well-being. Recruitment should focus on finding the right fit for the team. Pricing strategies should reflect the value provided to clients. The post A Fully Subcontracted $2M Business with Phil Carnuccio appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In the second part of the podcast, Mitch Katz and Jeffrey Scott delve into advanced coaching techniques for individual and team performance. They discuss strategies for giving constructive feedback, the importance of active listening, accountability methods, and ways to keep high performers engaged. They also explore conflict resolution, measuring coaching success, and building trust within teams. The episode concludes with advice for leaders on improving their coaching skills and the benefits of structured peer groups. Takeaways Effective feedback strategies The importance of active listening Accountability in coaching Engaging high performers Building trust within teams Handling internal conflict Measuring success in coaching The post Part 2: Unlocking Team Potential: Coaching for Impact, with Jeffrey Scott and Mitch Katz appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this special edition podcast, Jeffrey Scott and Mitch Katz share their insights on coaching high-performing individuals and teams to unlock their full potential. They discuss the difference between managing and coaching, the importance of aligning individual and team goals, and various coaching frameworks and models. The conversation includes practical examples, strategies for integrating high performers, and methods to assess current team performance. This episode is part one of a two-part series. Takeaways Defining what it means to unlock potential Managing vs. coaching Coaching high-performing vs. struggling teams Core principles of coaching for peak performance Assessing team performance and potential Barriers to peak performance Integrating high performers into teams The importance of onboarding high performers Balancing individual and team goals Coaching strategies for new teams Effective coaching frameworks and models The post Part 1: Unlocking Team Potential: Coaching for Impact, with Jeffrey Scott and Mitch Katz appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Rob Murray, the founder of Intrigue Media, shares his journey in the marketing industry, focusing on how he built a successful marketing firm tailored for landscape entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of community engagement, effective marketing strategies, and the need for a solid sales process. Rob emphasizes the significance of content marketing and long-term strategies for sustainable business growth, while also providing insights on measuring marketing success and optimizing lead generation. Takeaways Rob’s journey from a unique advertising idea to a successful marketing firm. The importance of community involvement in building a business. Understanding the marketing funnel: top, middle, and bottom. The need for a strong website as the core of marketing efforts. Measuring success through lead tracking and attribution software. Sales processes are crucial for converting leads into customers. Content marketing builds relationships over time and requires patience. Only a small percentage of the market is ready to buy at any given time. Investing in high-quality backlinks can significantly improve SEO. The goal is to serve entrepreneurs better and raise industry standards. The post Building a Marketing Empire: Rob Murray’s Journey appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this episode with Scott Frampton, co-founder of Landscape Renovations in Minneapolis, MN, we delve into the intricacies of bid build and design build, two pivotal approaches in the construction industry. Join us as we explore the strengths and challenges of each method, featuring insights from industry expert Scott Frampton. Discover how choosing the right strategy can impact your business growth and project outcomes. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers valuable perspectives to help you navigate your path to success. Scott shares some of his secret sauce that makes his company a leader in the industry especially in bid-build. The post Bid Build vs. Design Build: Navigating the Path to Success with Scott Frampton appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

John Munie is our guest, owner of Focal Pointe, a $55M company with branches in KC, OK and MO, a thriving company with 625 employees and seven branches. Discover how John started small and scaled his business to $55 million, focusing on emotional connections with stakeholders and maintaining quality and culture. Learn about his unique approach to leadership, the importance of a strong balance sheet, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Key Takeaways: The significance of connecting emotionally with stakeholders. The importance of focusing on the “why” in business. Strategies for scaling without sacrificing quality or culture. Insights into organic growth versus acquisitions. The post Scaling Success: The Journey of John Munie appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Christian Ruf owns Uncommon Elite, an Executive Recruiting firm. In this conversation, Christian Ruf shares his journey from military service to becoming a niche recruiter for veterans in the business world. He discusses the unique skills and attributes that military veterans bring to civilian roles, including leadership, resilience, and the ability to navigate chaos. Ruf emphasizes the importance of assessing talent based on attributes rather than experience and highlights the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. He also provides insights into effective onboarding processes for veterans and the value they add to organizations. Takeaways: Christian Ruf transitioned from military service to recruiting veterans. He emphasizes the importance of leadership learned in the armed forces. Veterans possess unique skills that are valuable in civilian roles. The ability to navigate chaos is a key strength of military professionals. Recruiting should focus on attributes rather than just experience. Veterans are often adaptable and can pivot quickly in business environments. Onboarding processes are crucial for the success of veteran hires. Military training instills a strong sense of planning and execution. There are stereotypes about military professionals that don’t reflect reality. Veterans can bring a wealth of experience and skills to various industries. The post Recruiting Top Level Managers from Special Forces, with Christian Ruf appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Matthew Knick is the founder and president of WillowGrove Landscape in Mandeville, Louisiana. His company does $4M in revenue with 40 employees and a 50/50 split between high-end maintenance and design-build. In this conversation, Matt shares his powerful personal journey from battling addiction to building a values-driven company. He talks about the habits that keep him grounded—like meditation and journaling—and how they help him manage the stress of running a business in a high-pressure industry. Matt explains how he and his team created a new set of core values that are more than just words on a wall. He shares how they use those values to hire, fire, and even evaluate clients—ensuring alignment across the board. He also digs into how WillowGrove avoids meeting fatigue while running an impressive cadence of focused, productive meetings that drive real results. Matt discusses the value of surrounding yourself with people smarter than you, his approach to hiring for roles he doesn’t fully understand, and how participating in a JSC peer group has helped him grow as a leader. He emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of ownership and integrity, and how living with purpose—at work and at home—drives everything he does. Matt opens up about leadership, personal growth, and building a company where people can thrive both professionally and personally. This episode is packed with insight for anyone looking to lead with intention and build something that truly lasts. The post Leading with Purpose: Matt Knick on Culture, Clarity, and Core Values appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Marcus Sheridan is the author of “They Ask, You Answer” and “Endless Customers,” which show you why and how to use content marketing to become the go-to company on the internet. In this conversation, Marcus discusses the evolution of marketing and sales in the home improvement industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding today’s buyers, building a trusted brand, and implementing effective pricing strategies. He shares insights from his journey with River Pools and the principles outlined in his brand new book, ‘Endless Customers,’ highlighting the need for transparency, customer education, and adapting to the changing landscape influenced by AI and self-service tools. Marcus also discusses the importance of pricing estimators and self-service tools in enhancing customer engagement and generating leads. He emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to modern marketing strategies, including the use of video content and disruption in traditional practices. The conversation concludes with a focus on building trust and taking control of one’s brand in a rapidly changing market. Takeaways: Today’s buyers are more informed and impatient than ever. 75% of buyers prefer a seller-free sales experience. Building a known and trusted brand is crucial for success. Transparency in pricing can differentiate your business. Video content is essential for engaging customers. Understanding the ‘Big Five’ topics is key to customer research. Referral-based businesses need to invest in marketing to scale. Your personal brand is more important than your company brand. Pricing estimators can significantly increase lead generation. AI tools can simplify the creation of pricing estimators. Consistent, higher quality visits lead to better customer engagement. Pricing estimators increase customer investment in your company. AI tools make it easier to implement pricing estimators. Self-service tools are becoming essential for businesses. Video content is crucial for brand visibility and engagement. Disruption can change industry standards and practices. Building trust is fundamental for long-term business success. Understanding customer needs is key to effective marketing. Businesses must adapt to multiple platforms for brand growth. The post They Ask, You Answer: The Secret to Content Marketing, with Marcus Sheridan appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

Jeffrey Scott interviews Jon Rick, the Owner of two landscape firms totaling $3.5M in revenue: J. Rick Lawn & Tree in Colorado Springs, CO, and Dakota OutdoorScapes in Bizmark, N.D. Jon shares insights into his diverse business ventures, including a couple non-landscape companies. He discusses the challenges of finding the right operations manager, his approach to financial management and profit setting, and strategies for scaling both businesses. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism as part of his sales advantage and reflects on balancing work and family life after becoming a father. He also highlights the significance of responsiveness in business and the impact of setting clear goals for growth. In this conversation, Jon Rick discusses the intricacies of managing a landscape business in North Dakota, focusing on efficiency in estimation, seasonal challenges, and profit expectations. He reflects on the balance between growth and stability, the dynamics of his team, and the need for future leadership. Additionally, he shares insights into his personal life, including family activities and interests, while navigating the complexities of real estate investments and business management. Takeaways His Colorado Springs company focuses on chemical lawn care, while Bismarck specializes in landscape construction. Finding a suitable operations manager has been a significant challenge. Jon prioritizes financial management and aims for a minimum 20% profit margin. The North Dakota ranch services business has shown substantial growth and potential. Professionalism in the landscaping industry can set a company apart. Jon balances work and family life after becoming a father. Clear growth goals and incentives are crucial for employee motivation. Jon handles all estimating for his Bismarck, ND company, ensuring quality control. I need to hire a general manager if I want to grow that business. I got offered 15 times EBITDA for my business. It’s a grind, and I love it. To learn about Jeffrey Scott’s landscape business consulting services, go to: https://jeffreyscott.biz/consulting/ The post Crushing It With 2 Profitable Businesses In Different States with Jon Rick appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.

In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott talks to Mary Vales, Chief People Officer at Schill Grounds Management. She shares her secrets to success in HR, recruiting tips, software support, onboarding processes, and of course the importance of company culture. She discusses her career journey, the need for great processes in HR, and the challenges of HR in the field of mergers and acquisitions. She shares the significance of hiring practices (do’s and dont’s) in shaping a successful organization. Mary emphasizes the need for honesty and critical interview skills when recruiting, and when assessing a company to buy. Link to Summer Growth Summit: 2025 Summer Growth Summit Takeaways · Mary Vales is the Chief People Officer at Schill Grounds Management. · She emphasizes the importance of being close to the business operations in order to suc · Compliance and onboarding are critical, but just the beginning in HR success. · Mary’s career journey includes diverse experiences across industries. · Hiring practices should focus on finding the right fit for the company culture and the job. · Mergers and acquisitions require careful due diligence and cultural understanding. · HR professionals should have a continuous improvement mindset. · Technology plays a significant role in modern HR practices. · Honesty in recruitment leads to better employee retention. For more information on Schill Grounds Management, go here: https://www.schilllandscaping.com/ The post The HR Advantage with Schill’s Chief People Officer, Mary Vales appeared first on Jeffrey Scott.