The Digital Toolbox Podcast

Enmanuel Tejada

Each episode features a guest in the home services industry, sharing their personal journey and the challenges they've overcome to get to where they are.


This is a very conversational podcast and we do not stick to a pre-written script. We keep it real!

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BusinessBusiness
MarketingMarketing
EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship

Episodes

How to Operate a Multi Million Dollar Concrete Company - Luis Torres - LTR Concrete
Jun 10 2024
How to Operate a Multi Million Dollar Concrete Company - Luis Torres - LTR Concrete
In this episode of the Digital Toolbox Podcast, Luis from LTR Concrete shares his journey from a young landscaper to the owner of a successful concrete company. He discusses the challenges of working with concrete, building a strong team culture, and the transition from exterior to interior work. Luis and his wife, Julie, also talk about their roles in the business and the importance of staying organized. The conversation covers the journey of LTR Concrete Inc, from starting the business to managing commercial and residential projects. It delves into the challenges of client management, payment terms, and the importance of office management. The couple shares valuable insights on the field and office sides of the business, emphasizing the significance of delegation and patience.TakeawaysThe journey from a young landscaper to the owner of a successful concrete company.The challenges and intricacies of working with concrete and transitioning from exterior to interior work.The importance of building a strong team culture and treating employees as valuable team members.The roles of Luis and Julie in the business and the significance of staying organized and leveraging software for company management. Delegation and office management are crucial for the success of a construction business.Patience and relationship-building are key to sustainable growth in the construction industry.Understanding payment terms and financial management is essential for navigating commercial projects.The journey of LTR Concrete Inc highlights the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the construction industry.Chapters00:00The Journey to Concrete Success: From Landscaper to Business Owner03:20Navigating the Challenges of Concrete Work: Exterior to Interior Transition08:06Building a Strong Team Culture in the Construction Industry25:20The Journey of LTR Concrete Inc: A Story of Growth and Challenges39:25Navigating Commercial and Residential Projects: Insights from LTR Concrete Inc45:36The Importance of Delegation and Patience in Construction BusinessKeywordsconcrete, construction, landscaping, business journey, team culture, interior work, company organization, construction business, client management, payment terms, office management, delegation, patience, commercial projects, residential projects
How to Organize Your Landscaping Business with SynkedUp - Weston Zimmerman
Jun 10 2024
How to Organize Your Landscaping Business with SynkedUp - Weston Zimmerman
In this episode of the Digital Toolbox podcast, host Enmanuel Tahara interviews Weston from Synked Up, a leading software provider for landscapers and hardscapers. Synked Up helps contractors solve the two main problems that lead to profit loss: inaccurate estimates and incorrect resource allocation. The software provides tools for budgeting, estimating, job costing, and production rates. Weston emphasizes that Synced Up is for contractors in the 250k to 5 million revenue range, serving both owner-operators and companies with multiple crews. He also highlights the importance of qualifying leads and finding the right market to sell services at profitable rates. Synked Up is a software solution that helps contractors track job costs in real time, allowing them to make more accurate estimates and avoid financial problems. The software tracks hours and materials used, compares estimated versus actual costs, and provides insights for future estimates. Contractors can react in real time if they are off track and minimize damage. Syncked Up also allows for easy updating of material prices and offers the ability to import client data. The company's vision is to help hardworking contractors succeed and prevent them from going out of business due to financial challenges.SynkedUp Website: https://synkedup.com/SynkedUp Instagram: @synkedupTakeawaysSynced Up helps landscapers and hardscapers solve the problems of inaccurate estimates and incorrect resource allocation.The software provides tools for budgeting, estimating, job costing, and production rates.Synced Up is best suited for contractors in the 250k to 5 million revenue range, serving both owner-operators and companies with multiple crews.Qualifying leads and finding the right market are crucial for success in the landscaping and hardscaping industry.Synced Up offers a white glove onboarding experience to help contractors set up their budgets and understand their costs. Sync'd Up helps contractors track job costs in real time and make more accurate estimates.The software allows contractors to react in real time if they are off track and minimize financial damage.Sync'd Up provides insights for future estimates based on historical track records.The company's vision is to help hardworking contractors succeed and prevent business failure.Sound Bites"Synced Up solves the math problem by building a budget to help us understand exactly what you need to charge per hour to the penny.""Synced Up serves the contractors that are doing construction a little better from an operational standpoint, like the design, build, the one-off projects.""If you're doing work at a loss, meaning you don't have your stuff together and you are pricing your jobs incorrectly, doing work is just gonna dig you a deeper hole.""We're going to track those hours and materials that you had in the estimate. We're going to track how much you actually used, and then we're going to show estimated versus actual in real time.""Job costing gives you the answers to the source of those problems in real time.""It allows you to react in real time so that the very next estimate that you're sending out is already adjusted based on what you have learned from your past track record."Chapters00:00Introduction to Synced Up and the Problems it Solves03:08Synced Up's Target Market and Focus07:27The Importance of Getting Organized and Pricing Jobs Correctly09:40Selling to the Right Market and Qualifying Leads15:29Finding the Right Market and Charging Profitable Rates23:48Real-Time Job Cost Tracking
Growing a Landscaping Company at 20 Years Old - Bryton Beck - Bryton landscaping
Jun 10 2024
Growing a Landscaping Company at 20 Years Old - Bryton Beck - Bryton landscaping
In this conversation, Enmanuel Tejada interviews Bryton, a young landscaper who started his business at the age of 12. They discuss Bryton's journey in the landscaping industry, his approach to client relationships, and his dedication to providing high-quality work. Bryton shares his strategies for finding clients, estimating projects, and building a team. He also emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication in running a successful business. In this conversation, Bryton shares his experience reaching out to other landscapers and influencers in the industry. Bryton contrasts this with his positive interactions with other landscapers like Chase Gallagher. He emphasizes the importance of humility, kindness, and collaboration in the industry. Bryton also talks about his motivation, inspired by his father and grandfather's hard work, and his commitment to providing quality service to his clients. He shares his strategies for growing his business, including building relationships with neighbors and offering flexible payment options. Bryton encourages young landscapers to be persistent, work hard, and be willing to work with others in the industry.TakeawaysStarting a business at a young age can be challenging, but it is possible to succeed with hard work and dedication.Building strong client relationships is crucial for success in the landscaping industry.Estimating projects accurately and providing high-quality work can help differentiate a landscaper from the competition.Finding the right team members and fostering a positive work environment is essential for growth and success.Passion and dedication are key drivers in running a successful landscaping business. Collaboration and support among landscapers can lead to mutual successHumility and kindness are important qualities in the industryBuilding relationships with neighbors can lead to more businessOffering flexible payment options can attract clientsHard work and persistence are key to success in landscapingSound Bites"I'm just trying to express what I love and my passion.""I'm hanging out with 40 to 50 year old dudes that run multi-million dollar businesses.""All the risk is on me, man.""I hate that mindset. I wanna see them as like, hey, when I expand to your state, what's connect on business?""Being cocky just doesn't take you far places in life, man. But if you be humble, go the extra mile, help people out, man. It brings so much more to your pocket than just money.""He was giving me advice on what I can improve on my content. Bro, he's a fucking G, bro. I want to shake that motherfucker's hand one day, bro, and I want to take a picture, and I'm going to be like, yo, you're the fucking guy, bro, for real."Chapters00:00Introduction and Setting the Stage01:08Bryton's Journey in the Landscaping Industry04:24Transitioning to Hardscape Projects07:41Building Strong Client Relationships09:03Estimating Projects and Providing High-Quality Work14:19The Power of Passion and Dedication in Landscaping20:30The Importance of Mentorship and Giving Back24:07The Power of Humility and Kindness26:34Positive Interactions with Other Landscapers29:03The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence35:22Building Relationships with Clients and Neighbors38:02Strategies for Growing a Landscaping Business41:33Offering Flexible Payment OptionsKeywordslandscaping, business, client relationships, estimating, team building, passion, dedication, landscaping, influencers, collaboration, humility, hard work, relationships, payment options
How to Create a Profitable Hardscaping Company - Nick Souk - NRX Landscaping
Jun 10 2024
How to Create a Profitable Hardscaping Company - Nick Souk - NRX Landscaping
In this episode of the Digital Toolbox Podcast, host Emmanuel Tejada interviews Nick from NRX Landscaping. They discuss Nick's journey from troublemaking high school student to successful landscaper and business owner. Nick shares how he got started in the industry, the importance of hard work and perseverance, and the evolution of his company's strategies for quality work. They also discuss the process of creating custom designs in hardscapes and the importance of choosing the right vendors. In this conversation, Nick from NRX Landscaping discusses the importance of choosing local suppliers for landscaping materials and the challenges of estimating material quantities. He also talks about the objections he faces from clients regarding the cost of projects and the success of his business on social media platforms like Instagram. Nick shares his passion for his work and his love for watches, including his dream of owning a Rolex Day-Date.TakeawaysStarting a business in the landscaping industry requires hard work and perseverance.Research and continuous improvement are key to delivering quality work and evolving as a landscaper.Creating custom designs in hardscapes can add a unique touch to projects and impress clients.Choosing the right vendors is crucial for obtaining high-quality materials and receiving excellent customer service. Choosing local suppliers for landscaping materials is important for easy availability and convenience.Estimating material quantities can be challenging, especially for complex designs with multiple products.Objections about the cost of landscaping projects can be overcome by showcasing the quality of work and building a strong brand.Social media platforms like Instagram can be powerful tools for business growth and attracting clients.Passion for the work and a love for what you do are essential for success and fulfillment.Nick's dream watch is a Rolex Day-Date, and he also appreciates other luxury watch brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.Sound Bites"I was always hardscaping.""Knock on doors, man. I'm telling you, knock on doors.""It went from, let's try to do a good job, to beyond an obsession.""So if you're running out of products, you don't want to start looking around everywhere.""Our closing rate this year has been, knock on wood, it's been really good.""We've gotten huge jobs, like our biggest jobs ever, almost half a million dollar projects from Instagram."Chapters00:00Introduction and Guest Introduction02:08Getting Started in Landscaping04:37Transitioning to Own Business06:22Always Focused on Hardscaping12:49The Importance of Hustling and Knocking on Doors23:56Choosing the Right Vendors25:42Choosing Local Suppliers for Landscaping Materials27:31Overcoming Objections about the Cost of Projects32:31The Power of Social Media for Business Growth38:09Passion and Love for the Work43:24Dreaming of a Rolex Day-Date and Appreciating Luxury WatchesKeywordslandscaping, hardscaping, entrepreneurship, work ethic, quality work, custom designs, vendors, landscaping, local suppliers, material estimation, objections, cost, social media, Instagram, success, passion, watches, Rolex Day-Date
Starting and Scaling a Concrete Business - Hector Romero - Concrete Solutions
Jun 10 2024
Starting and Scaling a Concrete Business - Hector Romero - Concrete Solutions
In this episode of the Digital Toolbox Podcast, host Enmanuel Tejada interviews Hector from Concrete Solutions. We discuss Hector's journey in the concrete industry, the challenges and opportunities in the blue-collar sector, and how Concrete Solutions attracts talent and generates leads. They also touch on the importance of building relationships, collaborating with other contractors, and taking on big commercial projects like warehouses for companies like Amazon. Hector shares his insights on culture, humility, and the value of finding your niche in the industry. The company places a strong emphasis on marketing and branding, ensuring that all employees are well-equipped and represent the company professionally. They have a quality control guy and a cleanup crew to ensure that the work is done to a high standard and that the job site is clean. They also have a system in place for billing and getting paid, although commercial jobs can take longer to receive payment. During slower periods, they focus on marketing for interior projects to keep the work flowing. The advice for young contractors is to be consistent, disciplined, and prioritize communication. TakeawaysBlue-collar jobs are often overlooked, but they offer valuable opportunities for those who enjoy working with their hands and being outdoors.Building relationships and collaborating with other contractors and professionals in the industry can lead to referrals and new business opportunities.Creating a positive company culture and taking care of employees can help attract and retain talent.Social media and word-of-mouth are effective marketing tools for generating leads in the concrete industry.Taking on big commercial projects requires careful planning, coordination, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.Being humble, staying true to your values, and finding your niche in the industry are key to long-term success. Concrete Solutions specializes in both residential and commercial concrete projects.The company places a strong emphasis on marketing and branding.They have a quality control guy and a cleanup crew to ensure high-quality work and a clean job site.Commercial jobs can take longer to receive payment, so they balance it with faster-paying residential projects.Advice for young contractors is to be consistent, disciplined, and prioritize communication.For those interested in getting into concrete work, it is recommended to study and work for someone experienced in the field.Sound Bites"Blue collar jobs are really not that bad, bro.""We're very big on culture over here at Concrete Solutions.""Social media, man. Nowadays, if you're not on social media, you're pretty much out of business at this point.""Yeah, we're big on marketing. We're big on branding.""We're big on everybody being geared up."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:05The Value of Blue-Collar Jobs06:24Building Relationships and Collaboration09:01Attracting Talent and Generating Leads12:41Taking on Big Commercial Projects21:56The Importance of Marketing and Branding in the Concrete Industry30:09Balancing Commercial and Residential Projects for Cash Flow35:25Slow Periods and Marketing for Interior Projects38:26Advice for Young Contractors: Consistency, Discipline, and CommunicationKeywordsconcrete industry, blue-collar jobs, attracting talent, generating leads, building relationships, collaborating with contractors, commercial projects, warehouses, Amazon, concrete contracting, residential projects, commercial projects, marketing, branding, quality control, cleanup crew
Mindset For Running A Successful Landscaping Company - Edward Simpson - Mainstream Landscaping
Jun 10 2024
Mindset For Running A Successful Landscaping Company - Edward Simpson - Mainstream Landscaping
Edward from Mainstream Landscaping shares his journey from a troubled past to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of mindset and personal growth in achieving success. Edward also discusses the value of providing value to others and the joy of helping people improve their lives. He offers practical advice on starting a landscaping business and highlights the importance of taking action and focusing on making money before investing in equipment or expanding services. Edward shares his backstory and the motivation behind writing his book. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and having a positive mindset. He discusses the Realionaire Collective and how it can help people grow their businesses. Edward also talks about the significance of having a strong support system and mentors. He encourages listeners to focus on personal growth and being a better person.TakeawaysMindset and personal growth are crucial for success in business.Helping others and providing value is fulfilling and leads to success.Start a business by taking action and focusing on making money before investing in equipment or expanding services.Simplify your approach and focus on the basics to achieve success. Take action and have a positive mindset to achieve success.Join a supportive community like the Realionaire Collective to learn and grow.Surround yourself with mentors and people who can help you succeed.Focus on personal growth and being a better person.Build a strong support system and network of like-minded individuals.Sound Bites"I'm here to help the people grow.""Everything else is your natural flow.""You're just selling the wrong product.""I wrote this book in hopes that it would give people the opportunity to let their light shine, to perhaps move forward in their already success or break the chains of being born into a family that may not provide the best opportunity for one success.""You can have all the knowledge you want, but without action, knowledge has no power. Knowledge plus action equals power.""Join the Realionaire Collective. Although you have to pay to learn this game, it's guaranteed it's gonna work, because I am proof of that."Chapters00:00Edward's Journey from Struggle to Success03:00The Power of Mindset and Personal Growth05:32Taking Action and Making Money09:49Starting a Landscaping Business: Simplify and Focus35:27The Power of Knowledge and Action40:58The Importance of Education and Personal Growth53:47Building a Strong Support System and NetworkKeywordsentrepreneurship, mindset, personal growth, landscaping business, taking action, making money, providing value, backstory, motivation, action, positive mindset, Realionaire Collective, support system, mentors, personal growth
How to Get More Lawn Care Customers - The Lawn Mower Boys
Jun 10 2024
How to Get More Lawn Care Customers - The Lawn Mower Boys
The Lawn Mower Boys are a group of young entrepreneurs who started a lawn care business from scratch and documented their journey on Instagram. They initially ventured into e-commerce but faced challenges with cash flow. They transitioned to lawn care and started by taking on various jobs, including landscaping and construction. They learned through trial and error how to price their services and eventually found a system that worked for them. They used Nextdoor and door knocking to acquire customers and grew their Instagram following through viral content and storytelling. They have plans to expand their business and potentially move away from doing the physical work themselves. Enmanuel Tejada owns an agency called Landscape Maverick, specializing in branding and digital marketing for landscaping and hardscaping companies. He aims to be the trusted source for building websites and marketing strategies in the industry. The Lawnmowerboys, on the other hand, look up to Chase Grant and Blades of Grass for guidance in growing their lawn care business. They emphasize the importance of joining communities like Go Growth Club to learn from experienced professionals and gain support from like-minded individuals.TakeawaysStarting a lawn care business from scratch requires trial and error and learning through experience.Lawn care can be a profitable venture, especially when focusing on recurring maintenance services.Viral content and storytelling can help grow a social media following and attract customers.The Lawnmowerboys draw inspiration from successful entrepreneurs like Chase Grant and Blades of Grass in growing their lawn care business.Joining communities like Go Growth Club provides valuable support and guidance for entrepreneurs in the landscaping industry.There is a growing demand for blue-collar industries like landscaping and plumbing, creating opportunities for business growth and acquisition.Collaboration and meetups among professionals in the industry can lead to further success and knowledge sharing.Sound Bites"The Lawn Mower Boys, it's what you can call the new wave on Instagram right now.""Starting a lawn care business because it was something we knew how to do.""If you want to start something smaller and actually make money, lawn care is the best option.""My goal is to be the guy in the landscaping and hardscaping space that people trust for building websites, doing marketing, and just being somebody that they trust when they want to elevate their presence online.""If you show up there organically because you have good content on your website and everything is well structured, you show up at the very top and you don't have to pay anybody. It's free.""You gotta do what you gotta do. You know that's key, whatever you want to do if you stay consistent and you do it every day, you will get to your goal."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background of the Lawn Mower Boys03:02Transition from E-commerce to Lawn Care06:30Starting Small and Scaling in Lawn Care10:30The Profitability of Lawn Care vs. Landscaping16:23Using Viral Content to Grow on Instagram27:00Building Trust and Elevating Online Presence29:14The Power of Organic Search Results30:50The Importance of Consistency36:19Inspiration from Andrew Tate44:20The Value of Go Growth Club49:58Collaboration and Meetups in the Landscaping IndustryKeywordsLawn Mower Boys, lawn care business, e-commerce, cash flow, pricing, Nextdoor, door knocking, viral content, storytelling, business expansion, agency, branding, digital marketing, landscaping, hardscaping, websites, market
Generating Leads and Building Company Culture as a Plumber - Brandon Leslie - Steel City Plumbers
Jun 7 2024
Generating Leads and Building Company Culture as a Plumber - Brandon Leslie - Steel City Plumbers
Brandon Leslie, owner of Steel City Plumbers, discusses how his company is disrupting the plumbing market in Pittsburgh by providing exceptional customer service and creating a positive work culture for his technicians. They focus on interacting with customers, providing options, and going above and beyond to exceed expectations. The company values work-life balance and offers perks like a lounge area for technicians and home cleaning services for their wives. Brandon shares insights on their marketing strategy, including using Google Local Service Ads and Google Ads to target homeowners, and leveraging social media for branding and recruitment. He also highlights the importance of coaching and implementing systems to grow the business. He emphasizes that marketing and coaching are the two key areas to invest in for business growth. Brandon also discusses the value of branding and being present in the community. He shares his journey from working in fast food to becoming a plumber and starting his own company. Brandon provides advice for aspiring plumbers and business owners, highlighting the importance of being coachable and open to new ideas.TakeawaysSteel City Plumbers aims to disrupt the plumbing market in Pittsburgh by providing exceptional customer service and creating a positive work culture for their technicians.They focus on interacting with customers, providing options, and going above and beyond to exceed expectations.The company values work-life balance and offers perks like a lounge area for technicians and home cleaning services for their wives.Their marketing strategy includes using Google Local Service Ads and Google Ads to target homeowners, and leveraging social media for branding and recruitment.Coaching and implementing systems have been instrumental in the growth and success of Steel City Plumbers. Investing in marketing and coaching is crucial for business success in the plumbing industry.Branding and being present in the community can help differentiate a plumbing company and attract customers.Starting slow and building wide is a better approach to business growth than trying to grow too fastPersistence and dedication are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success in the plumbing industrySound Bites"We're trying to change the market and bring that service back to the customer.""We basically try to interact with the customer and provide them options that allow them to choose how we can best serve them.""We're big on family life and bridging the gap between working and playing.""If I could go back, the two things that I would spend money on is marketing and coaching.""Money's a tool. Spend it because that marketing could bring three to four dollars for that one dollar you spent.""Branding, good branding, attach yourself to your city and just being present, you know what I mean?"Chapters00:00Introduction and Changing the Plumbing Market02:02Providing Exceptional Customer Service03:20Creating a Positive Work Culture07:3924/7 Availability and Digital Tools10:07Marketing Strategy: Targeting Homeowners14:26Giving Customers Options21:05The Importance of Coaching and Systems24:49The Importance of Marketing and Coaching27:36Building a Strong Brand and Community Presence30:51From Fast Food to Plumbing: Brandon's Journey44:40Advice for Aspiring Plumbers and Business OwnersKeywordsplumbing, customer service, work culture, marketing, Google Local Service Ads, Google Ads, social media, coaching, systems, plumbing, marketing, coaching, branding, business growth, community involvement, journey, advice
The Importance of Mental Health and Happiness for Landscapers - Darren Huffer - Tender Lawn Care
Jun 7 2024
The Importance of Mental Health and Happiness for Landscapers - Darren Huffer - Tender Lawn Care
In this episode of the Digital Toolbox Podcast, Enmanuel Tajada interviews Darren Huffer, the owner of Tender Lawn Care. They discuss Darren's passion for music, dancing, and positivity, as well as his journey towards mental health and self-improvement. They also delve into Darren's love for country music and two-stepping, his landscaping business, and his unique approach to cutting out the middleman by having his own nursery.  In this conversation, Darren Huffer shares insights on automating processes in landscaping businesses, staying organized, and finding success and happiness in both personal and professional life. He also discusses his passion for collecting vintage cowboy boots. The conversation touches on topics such as scaling a one-man crew, adding employees to a growing business, and the importance of slow and steady growth. Darren can be reached on Instagram at @thebeardedlandscapingcowboy.TakeawaysMusic, dancing, and positivity are important aspects of Darren's life and contribute to his mental well-being.Darren's landscaping business focuses on large-scale landscaping projects and has a unique approach of cutting out the middleman by having its own nursery.Focusing on one aspect of landscaping and being efficient in operations can lead to increased profitability and reduced stress.Owning property can be financially beneficial and provide opportunities for expansion and efficiency.Darren emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-improvement for entrepreneurs in the blue-collar industry. Automate processes in your landscaping business to save time and increase efficiency.Stay organized by creating pre-schedules, providing job lists, and having a shop manager to keep everything in order.Focus on personal happiness and family as measures of success, rather than just financial gain.Lead by example as a parent and instill discipline and a strong work ethic in your children.Collecting vintage cowboy boots can be a unique and enjoyable hobby.Sound Bites"Music's my drug of choice.""Stay small, stay happy.""Working out... releases all those oxytocins and good things inside of you that just reduce your stress levels.""Automate everything you possibly can.""Instead of you having to leave a job site to go all the side of town, you just go right back to your shop and you just, oh, poof, pick up a couple of plants, throw them in the truck on your way back."Chapters00:00Introduction and Darren's Background01:34The Role of Music, Dancing, and Positivity in Darren's Life05:21Prioritizing Mental Health and Self-Improvement08:20Challenges Faced by Blue-Collar Workers and Coping Mechanisms11:03Darren's Landscaping Business and Cutting Out the Middleman13:56The Benefits of Focusing on One Aspect of Landscaping16:17The Financial Benefits of Owning Property21:00Automating Processes and Increasing Efficiency in Landscaping22:12Staying Organized and Scaling a Landscaping Business25:30Defining Success and Prioritizing Personal Life33:11The Art of Collecting Vintage Cowboy BootsKeywordslandscaping, music, dancing, positivity, mental health, country music, two-stepping, self-improvement, landscaping business, nursery, efficiency, property ownership, automating processes, landscaping, organization, success, happiness, personal life, family, scaling a business, cowboy
Building a Successful Landscaping Business - Rob Crayton - CraytonScapes Lawn Care
Jun 7 2024
Building a Successful Landscaping Business - Rob Crayton - CraytonScapes Lawn Care
In this episode of the Digital Toolbox Podcast, host Enmanuel Tejada interviews Rob Crayton, owner of Crate & Scape's Landscaping. They discuss Rob's journey in the landscaping industry, his decision to start his own business, and the services he offers. Rob shares his strategies for acquiring new customers, including word-of-mouth referrals and targeting management companies for commercial contracts. He also talks about how he generates income during the winter months through snow removal and maintaining contracts with management companies. Rob emphasizes the importance of being hands-on and building relationships with clients. Rob Crayton shares his insights on landscaping and running a successful business. He emphasizes the importance of presentation, professionalism, and hard work. Rob discusses his strategy for managing work during different seasons, including focusing on landscape design and clean-up during the winter months. He also shares the key sacrifices he made to build his business, such as selling personal assets and dropping out of school. Rob provides tips for new landscapers, including starting slow, working on finances, and making decisions based on current needs rather than future expectations. He encourages aspiring landscapers to focus on the journey and to seek advice and support from experienced professionals.TakeawaysStarting your own business in the landscaping industry requires taking risks and learning from failures.Building relationships with clients and providing excellent service are key to gaining referrals and repeat business.Targeting management companies is an effective way to secure commercial contracts.Diversifying services, such as offering snow removal in the winter, can help generate income year-round.Being hands-on and staying involved in the day-to-day operations of the business builds trust and respect among employees and clients. Presentation and professionalism are crucial in the landscaping industry.Focus on the journey and make decisions based on current needs rather than future expectations.Start slow, work on finances, and gradually scale your business.Seek advice and support from experienced professionals.Hard work and dedication are key to success in the landscaping industry.Sound Bites"I like to be in the trenches.""If you ain't never been in the trenches, then you ain't got no, like, I don't want to hear you on Instagram talking all this BS about how to start no biz.""You gotta do some research. That's what it is.""Presentation is everything, from clean trucks to logoed shirts.""Striping is all about taking your time and keeping everything straight.""Work a job until you're making enough money to wing it without it."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:11Starting Your Own Path in the Landscaping Industry07:53Services Offered by Crate & Scape's Landscaping23:03Generating Income in the Winter Months26:53Getting Creative and Being Hands-On28:18The Importance of Presentation and Professionalism43:15Strategies for Managing Work During Different Seasons49:37The Sacrifices and Challenges of Building a Business54:35Tips for New Landscapers: Starting Slow and Making Smart Decisions59:42The Journey of Building a Successful Landscaping BusinessKeywordslandscaping, business, commercial contracts, management companies, snow removal, winter income, landscaping, business, presentation, professionalism, hard work, seasons, strategy, sacrifices, tips, journey, advice
How to Create Viral Social Media Content in Lawn Care - Black Sheep Lawn - Pablo Serrano
Jun 7 2024
How to Create Viral Social Media Content in Lawn Care - Black Sheep Lawn - Pablo Serrano
In this conversation, Enmanuel Tejada interviews Pablo from Black Sheep Lawn Services. They discuss Pablo's background, how he got into landscaping, and his strategies for growing his Instagram following. Pablo shares his experience with gaining over 10,000 followers in just a few months and how he creates entertaining content. They also touch on the importance of reputation and staying organized with the help of CRM software like Jobber. Pablo, the owner of Black Sheep Lawn, shares insights into his lawn care business and offers advice for those starting out. He discusses his team, challenges in finding employees, and his desire to grow the business. Pablo also talks about his daily routine, equipment, and the services he offers. He emphasizes the importance of Google My Business and starting small to avoid debt. The conversation concludes with Pablo sharing his contact information and encouraging listeners to reach out.TakeawaysGrowing an Instagram following organically takes time and consistencyCreating entertaining and relatable content can help attract followersMaintaining a good reputation is crucial for business successUsing CRM software like Jobber can streamline business operations and improve customer experience Starting small and avoiding debt can lead to more profitability in the early stages of a lawn care business.Building a strong team can be challenging, but finding employees who care about the company is crucial for growth.Maintaining a consistent daily routine and properly organizing equipment can improve efficiency.Utilizing Google My Business and obtaining positive reviews can help attract new customers and create route density.Offering additional services like planting flowers and trimming trees can enhance the range of services provided.Being resourceful and finding creative solutions can help overcome obstacles in the early stages of a business.Connect with Pablo on Instagram at @theblacksheeplawn or via email at theblacksheeplawn@gmail.com.Sound Bites"I already have a couple things sent from different companies. And all they ask is just to make a small video and kind of give them a plug.""12,000 followers in three months. That's big.""We're gonna get you some sponsors, man, for real.""Black Sheep Landscaping is gonna be the next big thing. And all he needs is an employee that cares.""Start slow and then get that Google account.""Where there's a will, there's a way."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background04:16Transitioning into Landscaping08:07Growing an Instagram Following12:06Collaborations and Sponsorships16:03Creating Entertaining Content on Instagram22:28Starting Small and Avoiding Debt: Keys to Profitability24:29Building a Team that Cares: The Challenge of Finding Employees29:14The Daily Routine and Equipment of a Lawn Care Business32:53The Power of Google My Business and Positive Reviews37:58Expanding Services: Beyond Lawn Care43:25Connect with Pablo: Instagram and EmailKeywordslandscaping, Instagram, social media, content creation, reputation, CRM software, Jobber, lawn care, landscaping, business growth, team management, daily routine, equipment, Google My Business, starting small, contact information
Starting and Scaling An Outdoor Living Company - Mike Arnold - Creekside Outdoor Living
Jun 6 2024
Starting and Scaling An Outdoor Living Company - Mike Arnold - Creekside Outdoor Living
Mike Arnold, owner of Creekside Outdoor Living, shares his journey in the outdoor living industry and the importance of creating a positive work culture. He emphasizes the need for proper pricing and educating clients on the value of quality work. Mike also discusses the challenges of dealing with projects that were poorly executed by other contractors and the importance of tearing out and starting from scratch to ensure a high-quality result. Mike shares insights on creating a positive work environment, managing a team, and integrating faith into business. He emphasizes the importance of building a positive culture and showing appreciation to employees. Mike also discusses the role of his team members, including the mechanic who takes care of maintenance and fabrication. He highlights the significance of effective communication and staying on the same page with projects. Mike shares his personal journey of faith and the impact it has on his life and business. He encourages others to prioritize knowledge, relationships, and good work.TakeawaysProper pricing is essential in the outdoor living industry to cover expenses and ensure profitability.Educating clients on the value of quality work is crucial to prevent them from choosing cheaper options that may result in poor outcomes.Creating a positive work culture is important for attracting and retaining talented team members.Tearing out and starting from scratch is necessary when dealing with poorly executed projects to ensure a high-quality result. Creating a positive work environment and showing appreciation to employees is crucial for building a strong team.Effective communication and staying on the same page with projects are essential for success.Integrating faith into business can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.Prioritizing knowledge, relationships, and good work is key to achieving success in any industry.Sound Bites"Cheap man pays twice.""Horrible things have to be ridiculed or else they're just passed on as acceptable.""You can go far in life and business if you are a good and likable person.""How do we create a peaceful work environment? How do we lift our people up?""Having a positive culture is the ultimate key for having a good team.""Our mechanic is the fixer of all things."Chapters00:00Introduction and Company Overview02:10Mike Arnold's Background and Love for the Outdoors05:59Expanding Services and the Importance of Proper Pricing08:38Educating Clients on the Value of Quality Work16:23Dealing with Poorly Executed Projects and the Consequences27:25Building a Positive Work Environment and Appreciating Employees30:00The Role of a Mechanic in a Landscaping Company33:12Effective Communication and Staying on the Same Page35:59Integrating Faith into Business and Finding Fulfillment53:17Prioritizing Knowledge, Relationships, and Good WorkKeywordsoutdoor living, landscaping, hardscaping, pricing, quality work, work culture, client education, work environment, team management, positive culture, employee appreciation, communication, faith, mechanic role, effective communication, personal faith journey, knowledge, relationships, good work
Transitioning From HVAC to Plumbing - TAP Plumbing - Travis Abaire
Jun 6 2024
Transitioning From HVAC to Plumbing - TAP Plumbing - Travis Abaire
Travis Abaire, owner of TAP Plumbing and Heating, shares his journey into the plumbing industry and the challenges he faced along the way. He started as an apprentice in HVAC but transitioned to plumbing when he couldn't find an apprenticeship in HVAC. Travis emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and having pride in your work as a plumber. He also discusses the one-to-one apprentice ratio in Connecticut and the need for financial backing when starting a plumbing business. Travis and his wife work together in the business, with his wife handling bookkeeping and scheduling while Travis focuses on the physical work. In this conversation, Travis Abaire, owner of Tap Plumbing and Heating, discusses the importance of using technology in the plumbing industry. He shares his experience using software like Tradify to streamline scheduling, invoicing, and job tracking. Travis emphasizes the time-saving benefits of using software and encourages other plumbers to embrace technology. He also discusses the challenges of retaining employees and offers advice for new plumbers and those looking to start their own business.TakeawaysTake initiative and have pride in your work as a plumberFinancial backing is important when starting a plumbing businessThe one-to-one apprentice ratio in Connecticut limits the number of apprentices a licensed plumber can haveWorking with your spouse in a plumbing business requires clear communication and division of responsibilities Using software in the plumbing industry can save time and streamline operationsTechnology allows for better scheduling, invoicing, and job trackingEmbracing technology can help plumbers automate processes and improve efficiencyRetaining employees can be challenging, but creating a positive work environment and offering competitive benefits can helpWhen starting a plumbing business, it's important to have a solid client base and a game plan for growthSound Bites"Don't put profit over pride in your work.""I'm either going to go work for somebody else or start another company.""Why don't I take all the phone calls? Why don't we change the phone number on everything so when people call, they don't call your cell phone.""So that's the beauty of technology now, especially in home services.""You could break it down. It'll do job tracking for you and cost you know, it, tell you if you made money or not.""Yeah, definitely. Especially if they have employees, it's a time saver."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background02:58Transition from HVAC to Plumbing07:52Apprenticeship and Licensing13:59One-to-One Apprentice Ratio22:04Importance of Pride in Work25:06Working with Spouse in the Business27:41The Benefits of Using Technology in the Plumbing Industry31:18Challenges and Tips for Retaining Employees in the Plumbing Industry34:23Advice for New Plumbers and Business Owners45:27Starting a Plumbing Business: The Right Way to Do ItKeywordsplumbing, HVAC, apprenticeship, trade school, pride in work, starting a business, financial backing, one-to-one apprentice ratio, plumbing, technology, software, scheduling, invoicing, job tracking, automation, employees, business growth
Starting and Scaling a Roofing and Siding Business - Juk Slivka - Plum Pro Exteriors
Jun 6 2024
Starting and Scaling a Roofing and Siding Business - Juk Slivka - Plum Pro Exteriors
In this episode, Enmanuel Tejada interviews Juk Slivka, the owner of Plum Pro Exteriors, a roofing and siding company in Massachusetts. Juk shares his journey of immigrating from Ukraine to the United States and starting his own business. He talks about the challenges he faced, including dealing with a scam company for his green card, borrowing money to start his business, and working hard to pay off his debts. Juk also discusses the growth of his company and his focus on providing exterior services like roofing, siding, windows, and decks. He emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from others who are more successful. Plumper Exteriors uses various marketing platforms to attract clients, with word of mouth being the most effective. They have expanded their services to different states, including Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. They are also considering investing in real estate in Florida. Plumper Exteriors has a unique mobile showroom in a trailer, allowing clients to see and feel the materials. They also celebrate project completion with clients by opening a bottle of champagne. Yuke emphasizes the importance of being open to suggestions and learning from mistakes.TakeawaysTaking calculated risks and being willing to work hard are essential for starting a successful business.Having a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn from others can lead to growth and success.Building trust and relationships with customers is crucial for business expansion.Setting boundaries and focusing on specific services can help maintain quality and avoid spreading resources too thin. Word of mouth is the most effective way for Plumper Exteriors to attract clients.Plumper Exteriors has expanded their services to different states, including Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.They are considering investing in real estate in Florida.Plumper Exteriors has a unique mobile showroom in a trailer, allowing clients to see and feel the materials.They celebrate project completion with clients by opening a bottle of champagne.Yuk emphasizes the importance of being open to suggestions and learning from mistakes.Sound Bites"If you want it, do it and do it now.""You cannot be too big to not help people.""When you have debt, you have to wake up and work.""Most of the clients come in word of mouth.""We're getting probably like 15 percent of leads from Instagram now.""We have a mobile showroom in a trailer."Keywordsroofing, siding, immigrant entrepreneur, starting a business, calculated risks, Plumper Exteriors, marketing, expansion, real estate, mobile showroom, champagne celebration, being open to suggestions, learning from mistakes
Building a Successful Cleaning Company ft. Angela Brown - Savvy Cleaner - Digital Toolbox Podcast
Jun 6 2024
Building a Successful Cleaning Company ft. Angela Brown - Savvy Cleaner - Digital Toolbox Podcast
Angela Brown shares her journey in the cleaning industry and how she leveraged digital marketing to grow her business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding that they are in the people business, not just the cleaning business. Building trust with customers is crucial, and Angela highlights the significance of credentials and professionalism in winning their trust. She also discusses the importance of setting clear expectations and boundaries with customers to avoid scope creep. Angela shares her late adoption of digital marketing and how it transformed her business. Angela Brown shares insights on how to build a successful business before the internet era and the importance of consistency and reliability in customer service. She emphasizes the need to create a positive reputation through word-of-mouth and the power of being on time and consistent in service delivery. Angela also discusses the use of customer relationship management (CRM) software to keep track of customer details and personalize interactions. She recommends seeking expertise from specialists in different areas of business and continuously learning and applying new knowledge.TakeawaysUnderstanding that you are in the people business, not just the cleaning business, is crucial for success.Building trust with customers requires professionalism, clear communication, and meeting their expectations.Setting clear boundaries and expectations with customers helps avoid scope creep and ensures efficient operations.Digital marketing can be a powerful tool for business growth, even in traditional industries like cleaning. Building a successful business before the internet required creativity and strategic thinking.Consistency and reliability are key factors in creating a positive reputation and generating word-of-mouth referrals.Using customer relationship management (CRM) software can help track customer details and personalize interactions.Seeking expertise from specialists in different areas of business can lead to better results.Continuous learning and applying new knowledge is essential for business growth and staying ahead of the competition.Sound Bites"We're all about cleaning and we are here to help you with your... today we're talking about how to grow your cleaning business or grow your small home service business with digital tools.""We are a marketing company and a recruiting company that just happens to do roofing.""We have to learn to read people. We have to learn to understand their good moments and their bad moments and how to interact with them."Chapters00:00Introduction to Angela Brown and her background in the cleaning industry08:23The importance of trust and professionalism in the cleaning industry16:11Dealing with customer requests and avoiding scope creep29:36Utilizing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software40:09Seeking Expertise: The Key to Business GrowthKeywordscleaning industry, digital marketing, business growth, trust, credentials, professionalism, clear expectations, boundaries, scope creep, business success, customer service, consistency, reliability, word-of-mouth, customer relationship management, CRM software, personalization, expertise, continuous learning
How to Scale a Plumbing Company - Nate Santos - Santos Bros Plumbing
Jun 6 2024
How to Scale a Plumbing Company - Nate Santos - Santos Bros Plumbing
Nate Santos, owner of Santos Bros Plumbing, shares his journey into the plumbing industry and his plans for scaling his business. He explains how he got into plumbing through his uncle's company and how he initially resisted the idea. However, he eventually joined his uncle's team and gained experience in the trade. Nate talks about the growth of his business, including getting a second truck and his plans to add more trucks in the future. He also discusses the importance of branding and how he incorporates his love for horses and cowboy culture into his business. Nate emphasizes the value of having a coach and seeking knowledge from experienced entrepreneurs. Nate Santos, owner of Santos Bros Plumbing, shares his marketing strategies and business growth plans. He emphasizes the importance of providing excellent customer service and going the extra mile to stand out in the industry. Nate discusses how he obtained over 120 reviews on Google by focusing on customer satisfaction and asking for feedback. He also talks about his marketing efforts, including doorknob hangers, social media memes, and his eye-catching truck wrap. Nate's goal is to continue scaling his business by making each technician more profitable and expanding his fleet of trucks.TakeawaysSometimes the plumbing life chooses you, even if you initially resist it.Building a business from the ground up is a rewarding experience.Branding and incorporating personal interests into your business can make it stand out.Having a coach or mentor can provide valuable guidance and shortcuts to success.Hard work, perseverance, and taking risks are essential for business growth and success. Providing excellent customer service and going the extra mile can help a business stand out in the industry.Asking for reviews and feedback from satisfied customers can help build a positive online reputation.Combining physical marketing materials like doorknob hangers with digital marketing efforts can increase brand awareness.Investing in a truck wrap can provide free and long-lasting advertising.Scaling a business involves making each technician more profitable and expanding the fleet of trucks.Building a strong brand and maintaining professionalism can attract the right customers and weed out price shoppers.Sound Bites"I didn't choose a plumbing life. The plumbing life chose me.""Calls are coming in. Phone is ringing. I can't get to all the calls. I want to grow the business.""It's just like a giant billboard, mobile billboard.""Whenever you get a one-star review, bury it with five stars.""When I touch the job, I own it.""Having the conversation with the guys, getting to know them, kind of getting a backstory on them and then coming in at the end and offering your two cents and your opinions. I think that's awesome, bro."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background12:54The Value of Coaching29:57The Benefits of Investing in a Truck Wrap for Advertising40:01Scaling a Plumbing Business: Making Technicians More Profitable and Expanding the Fleet49:59Attracting the Right Customers and Weeding Out Price Shoppers through Branding and Professionalism57:08ConclusionKeywordsplumbing, business growth, scaling, branding, coaching, entrepreneurship, plumbing, customer service, reviews, marketing, business growth, customer satisfaction, doorknob hangers, social media memes, truck wrap, scaling
He Makes $100k Per Month From Window Cleaning! - Jackson Blackburn - Mt. Baker Window Cleaning
Jun 6 2024
He Makes $100k Per Month From Window Cleaning! - Jackson Blackburn - Mt. Baker Window Cleaning
In this episode, Enmanuel Tejada interviews Jackson Blackburn, the owner of Mount Baker Window Washing and Cleaning. Jackson shares his journey of starting and growing his business, from his upbringing in Connecticut to his move to Bellingham, Washington. He discusses the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. Jackson emphasizes the importance of marketing and building a strong brand to grow a business. He also highlights the need to focus on higher-value tasks and delegate lower-value tasks to drive business growth. In this conversation, Jackson Blackburn, owner of Mount Baker Window Cleaning and a business coach, shares insights on the power of marketing and referrals. He emphasizes the importance of investing in marketing to reach a wider audience and generate more referrals. Jackson also discusses the significance of building a vision for employees and offering opportunities for personal and professional development. He highlights the role of company culture in attracting and retaining employees. Additionally, Jackson provides digital marketing tips and emphasizes the need for systems in scaling a cleaning company.TakeawaysStarting a business requires perseverance and a willingness to take risks.Building a strong brand and investing in marketing are essential for business growth.Delegating lower-value tasks allows business owners to focus on higher-value tasks that drive growth.Learning from challenges and adapting to new opportunities is key to success. Investing in marketing can help reach a wider audience and generate more referrals.Building a vision for employees and offering personal and professional development opportunities can help attract and retain talent.Creating a strong company culture can foster a sense of community and shared goals among employees.Implementing systems in a cleaning company is crucial for scalability and maintaining consistent service quality.Chapters00:00Introduction00:33Jackson's Background and Upbringing04:30Discovering Bellingham, Washington07:45Starting a Business11:39Challenges and Lessons Learned22:40Current Role and Focus28:46Starting Over and Growing the Business31:26The Importance of Marketing32:01The Power of Marketing and Referrals36:09Building a Vision for Employees39:02Creating a Company Culture46:18The Importance of Systems in Business55:57Advice for Scaling a Cleaning Company