The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

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

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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.”

In this episode of The Untrapped Podcast, Keith drops a brutally honest look at the least talked about part of running a landscaping business: where the hell do you store your equipment when you're just starting out? From hiding trailers in random parking lots to begging for space at a factory, Keith opens up about the stress, fear, and shame that hits when you're hustling with no place to park your truck, trailer, or tools—and how that chaos bleeds into your confidence, marriage, and mindset. But the conversation goes way deeper than storage. Keith breaks down the psychological tug-of-war every new business owner faces: survival mode vs. vision mode. He shares real stories of towing threats, HOA fines, break-ins, and racing against storage-unit closing times… then contrasts that with the moments of inspiration, clarity, and big dreams that come only when the noise finally stops. You'll hear about maintaining perspective during 90-day sprints, avoiding burnout in the busy season, and why losing your "larger view" is what actually drags you into apathy and depression. This is Keith at his realest—no sugarcoating, no guru talk. Just the raw truth about anxiety, responsibility, growing up as a business owner, and refusing to stay trapped. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, ashamed, or one breakdown away from parking your trailer in a stranger's yard out of desperation… this episode is your reminder: you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you can build the stability and freedom you're fighting for.     "If you feel overwhelmed, that's not a sign to quit. It's a sign you're on the edge of leveling up." – Keith Kalfas   Topics Covered: The early grind of having nowhere to store your truck, trailer, or tools Towing scares, HOA drama, and hiding equipment just to stay afloat How constant anxiety leads to rushed, survival-mode decisions Working nonstop yet still feeling like you're falling behind Being broke forcing creativity, resilience, and uncomfortable growth Breaking out of "employee thinking" and stepping into an owner mindset Community tips and real-time advice from other contractors How different seasons shift your mindset—hustle mode vs. big-picture mode The burnout loop: long days, shrinking perspective, and creeping depression Why industry events and community support (like GIE) keep you sane and motivated   Key Takeaways Solve the "Parking Problem" EarlyYour sanity depends on stability. A reliable place to store your trailer and equipment isn't a luxury—it's foundational. Lock in a storage lot, co-op deal, client yard, or commercial space early so you're not living in constant fear of tows, fines, or break-ins. Survival Mode Isn't a Business Plan Shift from panic decisions to long-view leadership. When you're overwhelmed, every problem feels like a crisis. But long-term success comes from stepping out of reaction mode—planning seasons, protecting your mindset, and keeping perspective even when the grind gets ugly.per day. Bigger tickets + fewer trips = cleaner math and calmer schedule. Community Keeps You From Breaking Don't build alone—borrow strength from others. Events like GIE, industry groups, and fellow contractors give you clarity, solutions, and the reminder that you're not the only one fighting through chaos. The right community can shorten your learning curve and keep you moving when you'd otherwise burn out.   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    

In this episode of The Untrapped Podcast, Keith gets blunt about breaking plateaus in your landscaping business. Stuck doing the same $300 jobs and wondering why nothing changes? Keith shares how he raised prices, lost the wrong clients, and rebuilt around higher-ticket, white-glove packages—think bundling gutters, shrub trims, bed edging, windows, and lawn care into one profitable day. He digs into math-first pricing, route density, and incremental increases (small for existing clients, bigger for new) so your average ticket and net margin finally move. No victim mindset, no busywork trophies—just a hard "cross the Rubicon" moment: choose ownership, package value, market smarter in targeted neighborhoods, and aim for profit per day (not hours worked). If you're ready to stop playing small and start stacking real wins, this one's your wake-up call.     "When the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing — that's when you change." – Keith Kalfas   Topics Covered: The real definition of insanity in business Why raising prices feels scary (but necessary) The "higher-ticket jobs" breakthrough The power of packaged services Route density, travel time, and profit killers When staying the same becomes more painful than changing Victim mindset vs. ownership Why entertainment-driven content makes growth harder   Key Takeaways Raise Prices—Incrementally and IntentionallyBump existing clients in small steps, quote new clients higher. Confidence + consistency = better margins without a mass exodus. Chase Average Ticket, Not Hours Design your pricing around profit per day. Bigger tickets + fewer trips = cleaner math and calmer schedule. Tighten Your Route, Grow Your Wallet Route density kills dead time. Shorter drives, less fuel, more jobs done—that's real margin.   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    

Unlock the secrets to building your landscaping business and personal brand in this inspiring episode! You will discover Keith Kalfas' proven strategies for overcoming self-doubt, mastering social media marketing, and creating engaging content—even if you're new to being on camera. Learn practical tips for leveraging tools like CRM software, effective video creation frameworks (such as Keith's POPP method), and the oscillation technique to grow your audience, attract more customers, and boost your confidence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your influence, this episode offers actionable advice on turning your passion into multiple streams of income and fostering genuine connections with your audience—all while staying true to yourself.   What You Will Discover:  Building a Business That Serves You: Keith opens up about his journey: his most profound passion isn't just landscaping, it's helping others break free from scarcity mindsets, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and launch their own businesses for financial independence. He reflects on how he's helped thousands start and grow landscaping businesses.   Social Media Secrets & The POPP Method: The episode dives into Keith's success with social media and how it became a secondary, gratifying business. He unveils the POPP Method ("Passion Over Pressure to Peacock"), which helped his videos reach tens of thousands—even millions—of viewers, regardless of background or resources.   Techniques to Boost Engagement: Listen in for practical advice on making dynamic and compelling videos, including Keith's "oscillation method" (mixing high and low energy), using your unique strengths, and reading the room so your content is engaging without going overboard.   Humanizing Your Brand: Keith explains the importance of showing your personality—even a little eccentricity—to make your brand memorable, build trust, and attract more customers. He gives examples of mixing humor or high energy with professionalism to connect with viewers on a real, human level.   "My truest passion isn't actually even running my own landscaping business. It's helping other people overcome self-limiting beliefs and blocks and get out of a poverty scarcity-stricken mindset so they can take charge of their lives and start their own business and be their own boss and become financially independent and grow their self-worth, right?"— Keith Kalfas   Episode Overview:  00:02:02 – 00:05:26 | Keith's Mission: Helping You Break Through Limiting Beliefs Keith gets personal about his journey, sharing that his passion isn't just about running his own landscaping business but about truly helping others overcome self-limiting beliefs. Having helped thousands start their own businesses, he's focused on guiding others to break free from poverty mindsets and achieve financial independence. He also addresses his own challenges with "imposter syndrome," explaining that true fulfillment for him comes from teaching, content creation, and empowering others through social media, rather than growing a massive landscaping empire himself. 00:05:26 – 00:07:29 | The POPP Method for Social Media Success  Keith invites you to consider building your own brand through platforms like YouTube or a podcast, tackling the everyday worries of oversaturation and lack of confidence on camera. Introducing the POPP method—Passion Over Pressure to Peacock—he emphasizes that anyone, regardless of their background, can generate impressive engagement. Keith explains how channeling genuine passion, rather than worrying about appearances or social status, leads to authentic content that resonates and gets results. 00:07:29 – 00:08:29 | Harnessing Energy and Audience Engagement Online  He discusses how using dynamic oscillation—shifting between high and low energy—can multiply your social media engagement. Keith provides examples from his personal journey, where applying these methods turned his ordinary videos into viral hits with millions of views. 00:08:57 – 00:10:48 | Real-Life Lessons: Confidence, Presence, and the Fine Line of Passion  Keith shares a story about winning a karaoke competition by being authentically passionate, even if not the most technically skilled. He reflects on the "thin line between genius and lunatic," describing how fully committing to your unique strengths and quirks can be your superpower if carefully balanced and kept in check through continual feedback. 00:11:14 – 00:14:54 | Embracing Uniqueness and Turning Up the Volume—Your Way  Using relatable anecdotes about singing, dancing, and employing eccentricity, Keith encourages listeners to discover their authentic selves and then dial up those unique qualities. He stresses not to imitate others but to focus on your own strengths, using them to create content that's true to you. Reading feedback and responding to it is key to finding the balance between engaging and over-the-top. 00:14:54 – 00:16:18 | Feedback, Confidence, and Layered Awareness  Keith explores the importance of building confidence in small increments by using feedback to refine your approach. He implores listeners to build self-awareness, adjust their energy, and act in ways that are appropriate to the content, setting, and audience—using oscillation to keep engagement high while maintaining professionalism. 00:17:37 – 00:21:19 | Authenticity, Humor, and Timing: Know When to Turn It Up  Through playful stories about vlogging at Walmart and suggesting humorous ad concepts to a team of financial advisors, Keith illustrates the value of time, place, and appropriateness in content creation. He reminds listeners that even professionals can show their human side with well-timed humor or enthusiasm, strengthening their brand identity. 00:21:19 – 00:22:26 | Free Guides and Defining Your Superpower in Content Creation  Keith transitions to announce his new free resources, including a "How to Create Social Media Videos with Your Smartphone" guide and a framework to help define your personal niche and uncover your "superpower." He encourages listeners to comment if they are interested in learning how to become an influencer, market their business, or monetize their personal brand online.   Key Takeaways   Build Multiple Income Streams - Leverage skills to create supplemental revenue sources, such as content creation and social media, for financial freedom. Accept Constructive Feedback - Use feedback from your audience to refine your content, style, and confidence—growing your influence over time. Lean Into Your Strengths - Identify and amplify your unique attributes rather than trying to imitate others to build a more powerful personal brand. Develop a Personal Brand Strategy - Define your niche, discover your superpower, and create content that resonates with your community and grows your influence.   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 Software: https://getjobber.com/kalfas Footbridge Media: footbridgemedia.com/keith Untrapped Alliance Group: keithkalfas.com/alliance Social Media Video & Superpower Guides: keithkalfas.com/smartphone keithkalfas.com/superpower   Edited and Written by: Ma. Teresa Catangay-Bardinas  

In this episode of The Untrapped Podcast, Keith gets real about money, mindset, and risk. After dropping $9,300 on a brand-new enclosed trailer, Keith dives deep into how he approaches investing in his landscaping business — and why he refuses to buy anything until it's absolutely necessary. From avoiding unnecessary debt to setting financial safety nets, Keith shares the exact philosophy that's helped him stay profitable and sane while running multiple businesses. This isn't about flashy spending — it's about working smarter, protecting your peace, and building real security.     "If other people can do this, so can you. You're being forced to expand in your maturity and your growth." – Keith Kalfas   Topics Covered: Why Keith only buys tools "the morning of the job" The difference between wanting and needing new equipment How to calculate a 50% profit margin on every job Setting your "safe number" — the bank balance that calms your stress How to balance growth without sacrificing your health or family The mindset shift from risk-taking to smart scaling   Key Takeaways Only Buy What You Need — When You Need ItKeith's golden rule: never buy a new tool until the morning of the job that requires it. This keeps your risk low and your cash flow strong — no fancy toys gathering dust, just smart, purpose-driven purchases. Know Your "Safe Number." Set a financial cushion that lets your nervous system chill. Whether it's $5K or $50K, define the amount in your bank account that makes you feel secure — and never dip below it. That's how you build peace and profit at the same time. Growth Without Burnout Big businesses aren't always better businesses. Keith reminds us that stretching too thin can cost more than money —   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