GROW by Design

In this short but important episode, I dive into the reason behind this decision and share a message that applies to every business owner: sometimes doing more doesn’t move you forward, it spreads you thin. I reflect on what it means to overcommit, how that affects leadership and life, and the power of evaluating what truly drives results. If you’ve been grinding nonstop and feel like you’re skimming across everything instead of going deep on what matters, this one’s for you.

Today I talk about the brutal, unfiltered reality of my 2025 business journey, the wins we celebrated, the losses that nearly broke me, and the leadership shifts that changed everything. This year wasn’t just another chapter; it was a true test of resilience, vision, and the willingness to own every mistake along the way. From massive financial obligations and losing key team members to building back with new systems and a stronger foundation, I’m sharing it all without sugarcoating a thing.In this episode, I dive deep into how I realized the importance of extreme ownership at a whole new level, why empowering leaders is non-negotiable for real growth, and the mindset shifts that pulled us out of the trenches. I also share my personal goals, from Ironman training to carving out family time, and how they tie directly back into becoming a stronger entrepreneur and leader. If you’re a business owner or someone fighting to push past your own limits, this episode will give you a raw, honest look at what it really takes to rebuild, recharge, and rise again.

Today I go over our first Level 10 meeting and why I waited way too long to implement this game-changing system in my business. If you're a business owner struggling with direction, wanting things perfect before taking action, or questioning your leadership strength, this episode is exactly what you need to hear.I'm sharing the real story of how we hit $5 million in sales by throwing mud at the wall, then got completely stuck because nobody knew what was actually important anymore. Everyone felt like everything was a priority, and honestly, that was my fault as the owner. I was the answer person for everything, which felt good for my ego but was killing our growth.This whole Level 10 meeting concept comes from Gino Wickman's book Traction, and man, I wish I'd done this sooner. I literally dragged my feet on this for way too long. We were supposed to start this process at the beginning of 2024, I had everything set up, then I had my accident and we just never got back to it.But today we finally pulled the trigger, and I'm walking you through our entire quarterly planning session - the good, the messy, and why it gave me the biggest sigh of relief I've had in months. I break down the exact agenda we used, how we got everyone to brainstorm their own goals instead of me just spouting off ideas, and why this is the plateau breaker your business needs.Look, you can probably wing it up to a million in revenue, maybe even up to 3-5 million by throwing mud at the wall like we did. But if you want to get to 10, 20, 50 million and beyond, you need this kind of structure. You need decentralized command where your team can make decisions without running to you for every single answer.I'm keeping it real about my mistakes so you don't have to make them too. Let's grow these businesses the right way.

In this raw episode of Grow By Design, I dive deep into the real meaning of passion and why suffering is absolutely required for business success. Recording from our Naples location, I break down the one correlation I've found between all my biggest wins - passion drove everything. I share insights from Cameron Haynes' book "Undeniable" about how the Latin roots of passion literally mean "to suffer and endure," and why this changes everything about how you should approach building your business. I get honest about the plateaus, anxiety, and lowest lows that come with being obsessed and passionate about your company, and why your "why" needs to be bigger than money to sustain you through the suffering. Whether you're a business owner struggling with direction, hesitating because you want things perfect, or questioning your leadership strength, this episode will help you understand that the struggle isn't a sign you're doing something wrong - it's proof you're doing something meaningful. I also tackle why staying uncomfortable is the only way to grow, the difference between suffering now by trying hard versus suffering later from regret, and how to avoid "rocking chair syndrome" where you spend your final years wondering what could have been.

In this episode of Grow By Design, we dive deep into Alex Hormozi’s latest insights from the Modern Wisdom podcast and explore five game-changing business principles that every entrepreneur needs to understand. If you’re a business owner struggling with direction, perfectionism, or leadership confidence, this episode will shift your perspective on what really matters in business and life.We break down Alex Hormozi’s five key lessons for business success, starting with why your lowest-paying customers cause the most problems and how raising your prices actually reduces headaches while increasing profits. You’ll discover why solving bigger problems is the fastest path to making more money, and how most business owners are stuck competing in oversaturated markets when they could easily move up to serve higher-value clients with less competition.This episode explores the critical difference between talking to customers who bought versus those who didn’t, and how each conversation serves a completely different purpose in growing your business. We discuss why you rarely need more people or more clients - you just need better ones - and how focusing on quality over quantity transforms your entire operation.The episode concludes with a powerful mindset shift about relevance and ego in business. Drawing from Alex Hormozi’s insights about Queen Elizabeth and the temporary nature of all success, we explore how understanding our own irrelevance can actually free us from fear and perfectionism. When you realize that none of it really matters in the grand scheme, you can focus on doing your best work without the paralyzing pressure of trying to be perfect.Whether you’re in landscaping, service-based business, or any industry, these principles will help you charge more, serve better clients, and build a more profitable company while maintaining your sanity. This is essential listening for any entrepreneur who wants to grow their business without losing themselves in the process.

In today's episode I break down how we just sold our first six-figure project in Florida and what made this client our absolute ideal customer to work with. First, I explain the concept of identifying your ideal client by looking back at the five people you've most enjoyed working with in your business - those clients where everything just clicked, communication was easy, they didn't question every decision, and they became raving fans who referred more business. The key is finding the commonalities between these top clients to build your customer avatar. Second, I dive into how this avatar should drive your marketing strategy - maybe your ideal clients all live in specific zip codes, care more about speed than price, or value quality over everything else. Understanding what your best customers actually want allows you to craft messaging that speaks directly to more people just like them. Finally, I address the mindset shift that's required to think strategically about your ideal client rather than just taking any work that comes your way. Too many business owners get stuck working in the business instead of on the business, never stepping back to ask who they really want to serve and why those relationships work so well. This episode will help you identify your ideal client, understand what makes them tick, and build a business that consistently attracts the customers you actually want to work with.

Facing fear in business? You’re not alone. In this episode of Grow By Design, we break down the mindset shift every entrepreneur must make to overcome fear and grow with confidence. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your business, you’ll learn why fear (False Expectations Appearing Real) is holding you back—and how to stop letting it. From hiring your first employee to pushing through plateaus, this episode gives you real, raw insight into what it takes to lead, take action, and figure it out—even when you’re scared. If you’re tired of waiting for the perfect time and ready to start moving, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Grow By Design, I break down the three essential elements you absolutely must master to make money in your business. First, I dive deep into removing the "head trash" - all the mental roadblocks, limiting beliefs, and guilt around charging what you're worth that keep business owners selling out of their own pockets. I share personal stories about overcoming negative voices and why wanting to make money doesn't make you a bad person. Second, I explain the critical importance of knowing your numbers - from calculating your true overhead costs per hour to understanding your break-even point and adding proper profit margins. Finally, I discuss maintaining the flow of leads, sales, and production, and why this balance is so crucial for long-term success. I also address why new levels always bring new devils, and how business challenges scale up just like training for marathons - you get stronger, but you're always pushing your limits. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode will help you overcome the mental barriers and practical challenges that keep most business owners from achieving real profitability.

In this episode, I dive into the four key focus areas driving our landscape business forward right now. I share our renewed emphasis on client satisfaction through consistent training, automated follow-ups, and what I call "minding the gap" between sale and production. I explain our exciting expansion into Naples, Florida as a strategic move to increase our geographical reach without overextending our marketing budget. I discuss how we're leveraging automation to handle redundant tasks while preserving the human touch where it matters most. Finally, I reveal how we're integrating AI as an assistant tool throughout the company and implementing quarterly management training to overcome the leadership bottleneck that's holding back our growth. Whether you're struggling with direction, perfectionism, or questioning your leadership abilities, this episode offers practical business growth strategies that can help you avoid stagnation and continue finding new levels with their inevitable "new devils."

In this episode, I dive deep into the critical aspects of effective business management, sharing insights from my own journey growing a 50+ employee company with plans for expansion. I break down three key elements every leader must master: becoming a leader worth following with a vision so compelling others want to be part of it, cultivating high-energy leadership that pulls people forward instead of pushing them, and committing to constant development through conferences, training, and reading. I explain how my realization that I'm becoming the bottleneck in our growth has led to a new strategy of quarterly leadership training for both myself and team members. Whether you're managing a small team or scaling to hundreds of employees, this conversation offers practical advice for improving your leadership presence, protecting your energy, and developing a leadership pipeline that allows your company to grow beyond your personal capacity.

In this episode, I sit down with marketing expert Jaime Longoria to explore how landscape and service businesses can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to save time and improve operations. Jaime shares insider tips from his recent industry conference, explaining how to "train" AI with your business information for better results, use AI to analyze competitors' websites for SEO advantages, create landscape designs with simple prompts, and generate content ideas for social media. We discuss practical applications from automating CRM tasks and responding to reviews to analyzing blood work and creating employee handbooks in multiple languages. Whether you're AI-savvy or just getting started, this conversation provides actionable strategies to implement AI in your service business right away, with Jaime emphasizing that even those using AI daily are struggling to keep up with its rapid evolution. Don't miss these insights that could dramatically reduce your workload while improving your marketing and operations.

In this episode, I share a powerful message about the importance of attitude and mindset in achieving success. Recording from my car on a Monday morning, I explain why I embrace the "Thank God It's Monday" mentality instead of dreading the work week. I dive into how positivity is a choice that requires tremendous effort - just like building wealth, maintaining fitness, or nurturing relationships - and why this deliberate choice attracts opportunities and people into your life. Drawing from personal experience, I emphasize that my achievements come not from exceptional skill or luck, but from maintaining optimism and consistency even when facing challenges. I recommend resources like ET (Eric Thomas) and Tony Robbins for developing better mindset tools, and explain how your focus creates a "reticular activating system" effect that reveals opportunities aligned with your goals. This episode serves as a reminder that your attitude might be the biggest roadblock between you and your dreams.

In this episode, I explore the profound similarities between endurance running and building a successful business. Drawing from my own journey as both a business owner and runner over the past three years, I break down three key parallels: how building an aerobic base through boring, consistent Zone 2 training mirrors the slow, unglamorous daily work required in business; how proper nutrition for athletic performance parallels feeding your mind with quality information while weeding out negativity; and how advanced race fueling strategies compare to leveraging mentors and conferences to accelerate business growth. I explain why there's no overnight success in either discipline—only the compound effect of small, consistent efforts over time that eventually create the "hockey stick" growth curve everyone wants. This perspective has transformed how I approach both running and business, reminding me that excellence in any area requires the same core principles of consistency, patience, and strategic improvement.

In this episode, I share a critical realization I had while running around putting out fires during our busy spring season. I explain how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of daily emergencies and lose sight of what truly matters in your business. Drawing from my own experience of being too busy to sell work and ending up with no jobs in August, I break down why business owners must identify their highest priorities and maintain consistency even when overwhelmed. I discuss the importance of creating action lists, planning your day before it starts, and accepting that progress is often slow and invisible. Whether you're in the middle of spring rush or just feeling buried by daily operations, these practical mindset shifts will help you stay focused on growth while managing the inevitable fires of business ownership.

In this episode, I break down why knowing your numbers is absolutely critical to business success. I've learned through growing my landscaping company that setting a detailed budget isn't just about tracking expenses—it's about calculating exactly what we need to charge per hour to cover all overhead, equipment costs, and still generate profit. I compare business budgeting to calorie counting because staying under budget consistently leads to financial health, just like staying under your calorie count leads to weight loss.I share my personal experiences with both sides of the financial spectrum—being cash-rich and being heavily leveraged with debt—and why understanding your numbers gives you the confidence to make growth decisions. I explain how we calculate our hourly rates by dividing total operating costs by billable hours, then adding our target profit margin. This approach has allowed us to reinvest profits rather than rely too heavily on debt, though I'm honest about times I've felt the pressure of a "debt spiral" when taking big opportunities.Most importantly, I emphasize that perfect numbers don't exist when you're starting out—you have to make your best estimate and then adjust as you learn. Knowing your numbers isn't about perfection; it's about having the clarity to make decisions, manage stress, and guide your business toward consistent profitability.

In this focused episode of Grow by Design, we tackle the challenges service businesses face during the spring rush. Learn three actionable strategies to manage the seasonal influx without compromising quality or burning out: keeping the main thing the main thing, controlling growth through strategic pricing, and automating redundant tasks. Discover how to identify your true priorities, use price modulation as a tool to manage demand, and implement automated communication systems that mind the gap between sale and service delivery. Whether you're in landscaping, HVAC, pressure washing, or any seasonal service industry, these practical insights will help you navigate busy periods while building a foundation for sustainable growth.

Ben Boss, a physical therapist and financial professional who bridges two seemingly different worlds with a common purpose: helping people recover and grow stronger. Ben shares his journey from University of Kentucky to becoming passionate about innovative physical therapy techniques like NewFit direct electrical stimulation while simultaneously entering the business financing industry through Bluegrass Lending. Discover how Ben helps businesses overcome cash flow challenges with same-day financing solutions when traditional banks aren't an option, including merchant cash advances for urgent needs like covering payroll or seizing growth opportunities. As an avid marathon runner with a 3:14 PR and ambitious sub-3-hour goals, Ben explains how athletic discipline influences his professional approach and why he's drawn to helping both injured athletes and cash-strapped businesses recover quickly. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge physical therapy innovations, alternative business financing options, or the connection between athletic endurance and professional success, this conversation offers valuable insights on building resilience in both body and business.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tyler Pedersen, founder of Endurance Dad Life, as he shares his journey from struggling with alcoholism to becoming a dedicated triathlete and father. Tyler opens up about his 648 days of sobriety, how endurance sports became his pathway to recovery, and his mission to build a supportive community for fathers balancing family responsibilities with athletic goals. Discover practical triathlon training advice for beginners, including swimming strategies, affordable equipment options through Facebook Marketplace, and realistic training expectations for busy parents with limited time. Tyler also shares vulnerably about parenting a child with Williams Syndrome and how these challenges have shaped his perspective on life and purpose. Whether you're interested in triathlon training, overcoming personal challenges, or finding balance as a father, this authentic conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance for your own journey.

Every business owner faces difficult clients, but few talk about when to cut ties. In this episode, I share honest insights about balancing customer satisfaction with business sustainability. Learn how to evaluate problematic client relationships, identify patterns versus one-off situations, and handle termination conversations professionally. Discover why documentation is crucial, how to create objective systems for making these tough decisions, and why your bandwidth spent on impossible-to-please clients hurts your ability to serve others well. Whether you're dealing with scope creep, unreasonable demands, or clients who blame you for everything, this episode provides actionable strategies to maintain your sanity while protecting your company's reputation and culture. For service business owners tired of the emotional drain from difficult clients, this conversation offers both validation and practical solutions.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Bob Turner, founder of Summit Coaching & Consulting and experienced contractor turned business coach. Discover how Bob helps contractors overcome cash flow challenges, build stronger teams, and create sustainable growth strategies. Learn why leadership development is crucial for business success, how to maintain focus on what truly matters, and why accountability is the foundation of any high-performing organization. Bob shares his journey from running a contracting business to following his passion for coaching entrepreneurs, along with practical advice on creating business systems, managing teams effectively, and finding fulfillment in your work. Whether you're struggling with growth challenges or looking to scale your service business, this episode delivers actionable strategies from someone who's been in the trenches and understands the unique challenges contractors face.