Episodes

  • 12 Questions on How to Scale a Landscaping Business | Dan Platta Home Service CFO

    12 Questions on How to Scale a Landscaping Business | Dan Platta Home Service CFO
    Sep 24 2024
    In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, Keith Kalfas interviews Dan Platta, the Home Service CFO and founder of Best Dan Bookkeeping. They discuss key topics such as managing chaos in business, the importance of having the right team, effective organizational strategies, and Dan's journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. The conversation touches on the significance of recruiting top talent, leveraging checklists for operational efficiency, and the biggest lessons learned from past mistakes. Dan also shares his vision for future ventures and insights on balancing business and personal life. Throughout the episode, actionable advice is provided for small business owners aiming to scale and improve their operations. "Find good mentors and learn from their mistakes" Dan Platta Topics Covered: Revenue and Services: Dan's Business Insights Organizational Strategies for Success Recruiting the Best Employees Top Influential Books Overcoming Entrepreneurial Fears Advice for New Entrepreneurs Short-Term Goals and Business Philosophy Customer-Centric Business Philosophy The Importance of Zero Attrition Big Hairy Audacious Goals Overcoming Business Challenges Lessons from Business Mistakes The Value of Good Bookkeeping Key Takeaways Revenue Achievement and Service Diversification: Dan Plata discusses achieving nearly $4 million in revenue, emphasizing the importance of offering diverse services such as window cleaning, pressure washing, maid services, bookkeeping, recruiting, and marketing.Key takeaway: Diversification can lead to higher revenue, but managing multiple services requires robust organizational strategies. Importance of Support Systems: Dan highlights the critical role his wife plays in his success, even though she isn’t directly involved in the business.Key takeaway: A strong personal support system can significantly boost business performance and personal well-being. Organizational Strategies: Dan stresses the importance of checklists and to-do lists to maintain accountability and ensure that employees stay on task.Key takeaway: Simple organizational tools like digital checklists can streamline operations and prevent errors in repetitive tasks. Recruitment and Quality of Employees: Dan learned to recruit high-quality employees rather than hiring quickly to fill positions. By finding the best candidates in advance, he ensures that he can select from the top talent when needed.Key takeaway: Continuous recruitment and having high standards for employee selection can improve service quality and business growth. Influential Books: Dan recommends "The E-Myth Revisited," "Peak Performance," and "Leadership and Self-Deception" as pivotal books that have impacted his business approach.Key takeaway: Reading and learning from comprehensive resources can offer new perspectives and practical strategies for business improvement. Facing and Overcoming Fears: Dan reflects on his fear of leaving the corporate world to become an entrepreneur, but realized the risk was worth the learning experience.Key takeaway: Overcoming initial fears and making calculated risks can lead to greater opportunities and personal growth. Mentorship and Learning from Others: Dan advises new entrepreneurs to find good mentors and learn from their mistakes to avoid common pitfalls.Key takeaway: Leveraging the experiences of successful mentors can shorten the learning curve and provide valuable insights. Prioritizing Customer and Employee Satisfaction: Dan’s goal is to build a business driven by customer demand and employee satisfaction rather than solely focusing on financial targets.Key takeaway: Focusing on creating value for customers and providing a great work environment for employees can lead to sustainable business growth and profitability. Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG): Dan's major life goal is to combine his passion for business with his love for outdoor activities by creating a mastermind group for business owners that includes outdoor adventures.Key takeaway: Aligning personal passions with business goals can lead to a more fulfilling career. Handling Mistakes: Dan admits that growing his business too rapidly and spreading too thin were significant mistakes but valuable learning experiences.Key takeaway: Learning from business missteps is crucial. Scaling should be done thoughtfully to avoid overextension and operational disarray. Understanding and Leveraging Financial Data: Dan emphasizes the importance of having impeccable bookkeeping to make better business decisions and ensure financial clarity.Key takeaway: Accurate financial data helps in making informed decisions, which is essential for managing growth and ensuring long-term success. Connect with Dan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-platta-30736b31 Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://...
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    34 mins
  • He built a Multi-Million Dollar Window Cleaning Soft Washing Business | Then Created DOPE Marketing

    He built a Multi-Million Dollar Window Cleaning Soft Washing Business | Then Created DOPE Marketing
    Sep 16 2024
    Join us as we dive deep with David Carroll, founder of Dope Marketing, who shares his inspiring journey of building a multimillion-dollar service business in window cleaning, pressure washing, and soft washing before transitioning into his dream venture, Dope Marketing. Discover the secrets behind his success, automation of service businesses, and how he balanced his family's priorities. Learn about the importance of personal health, making life-changing decisions, and maintaining happiness amidst the hustle. Don't miss out on this insightful interview packed with valuable lessons on business, life, and personal growth! "Think of the last three times that you worried yourself to a point that no one could really talk you out of it. Remember that feeling? How do you feel today? It was nothing." David Carroll Topics Covered: David Carroll's Journey to Success The Importance of Happiness and Vision Challenges in Running a Service Business Automation and Systematizing a Business Seasonal Business Insights The Role of Advertising and Marketing Mindset and Emotional Control Delegation and Trust in Business Personal Health and Lifestyle Changes Key Takeaways Automating and systematizing a business ensures it can run smoothly without constant involvement from the owner. Letting go of control and trusting the team reduces unnecessary stress and allows for better focus on what can be influenced. Understanding business cycles, maintaining consistent marketing efforts, and planning ahead for busy and slow periods are key to sustaining steady growth. Personal accountability and self-improvement are essential, with learning from mistakes and prioritizing well-being being critical for long-term success. Achieving balance in life is also vital, with family and personal health prioritized over work. Empowering employees and trusting them to make decisions without micromanagement leads to more efficient operations. Additionally, having a clear vision and regularly revisiting the original goals and purpose helps stay motivated and keep the business on track. Connect with David LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dopemarketing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davedopemarketing/ Website: dopemarketing.com 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: 🙋♂️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
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    21 mins
  • These 3 Things I Learned the HARD WAY Landscaping Business 🤮| 3 Is The Real Secret

    These 3 Things I Learned the HARD WAY Landscaping Business 🤮| 3 Is The Real Secret
    Sep 4 2024
    In this episode, Keith shares invaluable insights from a decade-long experience serving 5,000 clients in a landscaping business. He discusses the challenges and strategies to make the business more manageable and enjoyable. Key topics include the importance of consuming industry-specific knowledge through audiobooks and podcasts, avoiding unrelated distractions, and systemizing tasks. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, simplifying services, and maintaining a clear separation between personal and business life. Real-world advice on facing and learning from mistakes, setting clear boundaries, and investing in coaching programs for faster growth are provided to help landscaping business owners succeed. " And when you make these mistakes in your landscaping business, don't resist them and stick your head in the sand, take full responsibility, fall on your sword and eat the mistake, no matter how painful it is and eat it right. That way you'll learn. Through pain and suffering. And then that's how you get better." - Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Challenges and ease of running a landscaping business. Importance of consuming relevant educational content. Necessity of hyper-focus and avoiding distractions. Learning from and not repeating mistakes. Systematizing the business for profitability and reduced stress. Key Takeaways Hard Work and Focus: It's crucial to invest every waking moment productively, especially in consuming industry-relevant information and avoiding distractions. Hard work and focus are necessary to gain confidence and avoid making repeated mistakes.Simplifying the Business: Running a landscaping business can be easy when treated as a straightforward service business with integrity. Stress can be mitigated by focusing on essential services and systematizing the business.Higher Purpose: Achieving business success becomes easier when driven by a higher purpose or priority in life. This perspective forces a person to streamline operations, focus on important tasks, and systematize the business to make it more manageable and profitable. 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: 🙋♂️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
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    13 mins
  • How to Implement Basis Systems to Grow Your Landscaping Business - From Solo Operator

    How to Implement Basis Systems to Grow Your Landscaping Business - From Solo Operator
    Aug 22 2024

    In this episode, Keith shares valuable insights for small business owners, particularly in the window cleaning industry. The discussion delves into overcoming anxieties associated with running a service business by implementing a thorough follow-up process similar to a 21-step system used by larger companies. Keith emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, the 'one and done' method for task completion, and the benefits of using software like Jobber for systematization. Additionally, it highlights the need for small business owners to simplify their services, raise prices, and potentially hire employees and virtual receptionists to handle administrative tasks. Real-world examples, such as receiving tips and raising prices, are provided to illustrate these strategies.

    "The moment your business changes and you wake up and it starts to become successful is when you realize that your business isn't your whole life and you stop stressing about your business and making it this big, stupid, and stressful thing."

    - Keith Kalfas

    Topics Covered:

    • Introduction to Window Cleaning Business Tips
    • Challenges of Managing a Service Business
    • The Importance of Follow-Up in Sales
    • The One and Done Method
    • Using Jobber Software for Efficiency
    • Raising Prices to Improve Business
    • Hiring and Training Employees
    • Virtual Receptionists: The Future of Administration
    • Simplifying Services for Better Profit
    • Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

    Key Takeaways

    • Success often begins once you stop seeing your business as your entire life.

    • Reducing stress and not overburdening yourself with work can positively impact your business.

    • Recognizing and addressing the stressors in your business is essential for growth and success.

    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:

    🙋♂️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
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    24 mins
  • Who Do You Praise & Honor When Times Are Good?

    Who Do You Praise & Honor When Times Are Good?
    Aug 10 2024

    Keith reflects on the importance of maintaining faith and gratitude both during challenging and prosperous times. He shares personal counseling experiences, emphasizing the need for unwavering belief and commitment to God. Keith discusses how people often turn to God only in dire situations and neglect their faith once the crisis passes, drawing parallels with the biblical story of Israel and Judah. He advises viewers to surround themselves with positive influences, seek true spiritual growth, and use social media wisely to reinforce their faith.

    "Shared laughter amplifies joy, turning even life's challenges into moments of happiness."

    - Keith Kalfas

    Topics Covered:

    • Introduction: Who Do You Praise?
    • Counseling and Shared Wisdom
    • The Dark Times and Returning to Sin
    • Praising God in Good Time
    • Scripture Reading: The Book of Jeremiah
    • Personal Reflections on Faith
    • Encouragement and Final Thoughts
    • Channel Updates and Future Plans
    • Positive Social Media and Community

    Key Takeaways

    • Praise Consistently: Emphasizes the importance of praising God not only in times of need but also when times are good.

    • Consistent and Committed Faith: Highlights the need for a consistent relationship with God, avoiding lukewarm beliefs and striving to remain steadfast in faith.

    • Positive and Supportive Community: Encourages surrounding oneself with positive, faithful friends and engaging with spiritually uplifting content.

    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:

    🙋♂️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
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    22 mins
  • 12 Landscaping Business Tips That'll Make You Cringe

    12 Landscaping Business Tips That'll Make You Cringe
    Aug 3 2024
    In this compelling episode, Keith Kalfas shares twelve critical tips that have profoundly impacted his life and the lives of many men. He emphasizes the importance of personal accountability, self-improvement, and resilience. Key points include understanding that no one cares about your struggles, realizing that no one will solve your problems for you, the necessity of avoiding repetitive mistakes, fully committing to your work, taking time to unplug, and the critical role of coaching and creating systems. He also discusses the value of financial planning, the importance of hiring help, the need to build multiple income streams, and the ultimate realization that growth requires proactive change. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Keith offers guidance for overcoming life's challenges and achieving success. "The success that you are looking for lies in the hard work that you've been avoiding." - Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Tip 1: No One Cares Tip 2: No One Will Fix It for You Tip 3: Definition of Insanity Tip 4: Immerse Yourself Fully Tip 5: Find the Deeper Lesson Tip 6: Unplug and Recharge Tip 7: Stop Dangling from a Rope Tip 8: Dig Deep into Your Numbers Tip 9: Get Coaching Tip 10: Create Systems Tip 11: Grow Your Way Out Tip 12: Build a Different Bridge Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Encouragement Key Takeaways Hard Work is Essential: True success in a landscaping business, as in any venture, requires committing to hard work and facing tasks you've been putting off.Face Challenges Head-On: The tips might highlight the uncomfortable or challenging aspects of running a landscaping business that are crucial for success but often avoided.Overcome Avoidance: Consistently avoiding hard work will hinder your progress; tackling these tasks can lead to the success you desire. 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: 🙋♂️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
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    25 mins
  • Putting My Wife BEFORE my Business

    Putting My Wife BEFORE my Business
    Jul 26 2024

    In this heartfelt reflection, Keith shares an intimate moment of overwhelming love and gratitude towards his wife, realizing the depth of his feelings when confronted with thoughts of loss. He narrates experiences highlighting their bond, from a panic attack at a 'Beauty and the Beast' movie to learning valuable life lessons about trust and commitment. The episode delves into his journey of appreciating his wife’s constant efforts and navigating through arguments, ultimately emphasizing the significance of unconditional love and commitment in a relationship. A raw and emotional exploration of love, trust, and responsibility.

    "Without love, It's destitute you have nothing"

    Topics Covered:

    • A Morning of Gratitude
    • Reflecting on Love and Loss
    • The Beauty and the Beast Experience
    • The Paper Towel Habit
    • Embracing Responsibility and Trust

    Key Takeaways

    • Appreciation for Loved Ones: Recognize and cherish the presence of loved ones, and don’t take them for granted.

    • Unconditional Love: Experiences of deep unfettered love and connection as moments to treasure.

    • Balancing Priorities: Learn to balance work and personal life, making time for loved ones over professional demands.

    • Sacrifices for Happiness: Sometimes endure personal discomfort to make our loved ones happy.

    • Addressing Flaws: Acknowledge and work on personal shortcomings for the sake of harmony in relationships.

    • Commitment: Fully commit to the relationship without thoughts of backing out, creating stability and trust.

    • Mature Dispute Resolution: Handle disputes directly and maturely, demonstrating reliability and strength.

    • Responsibility: Take full responsibility for any mistakes, offering sincere apologies and avoiding future errors.

    • Growth through Vulnerability**: Embrace openness and vulnerability to strengthen your bond.

    • Personal Improvement: Enhance personal habits and appearance as a gesture of love and consideration.

    • Trust and Boundaries: Respect boundaries and avoid distrustful actions to maintain a healthy relationship.

    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:

    🙋♂️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
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    23 mins
  • But The Most My Window Cleaning Customers Will Pay is Only $150

    But The Most My Window Cleaning Customers Will Pay is Only $150
    Jul 20 2024

    Keith Kalfas reflects on his experience in the window cleaning business, sharing how trusted customers fired him after they raised their prices despite years of service. This realization led them to advise others to seek out clients who value their worth, rather than complaining about existing customers. This episode underscores the importance of finding clients willing to pay fair prices and hints at applying this lesson to the landscaping business, emphasizing a new pricing minimum.

    "Go find customers who can pay what you're worth."

    - Keith Kalfas

    Topics Covered:

    • Introduction: Realizing the Value of Your Work
    • Facing Rejection: The Reality of Raising Prices
    • Taking Action: Finding the Right Customers
    • Understanding Your Worth: A Pricing Example

    Key Takeaways

    • Knowing and Valuing Your Worth:

    You may have long-term customers who seem to care about you, but this doesn’t always translate to them valuing the worth of your services.
    When the time comes to increase your prices to match or even come close to the industry standard, some clients may choose to leave instead of paying the increased price.

    • Take Action:

    Instead of lamenting over clients who refuse to pay what you’re worth, the focus should be on finding new customers who can and will pay for your services at your desired rate.
    It's crucial to proactively seek out and secure customers who understand and can afford your pricing.

    • Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

    The lesson from a landscaping pricing example applies similarly to window cleaning: setting a minimum price threshold can help in maintaining profitability and ensuring that your services are being appropriately compensated.
    Adjusting to a new pricing model, like the $700 minimum mentioned, although challenging, is necessary for growth and sustainability.

    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:

    🙋♂️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
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    22 mins