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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeffrey Scott interviews Jon Rick, the Owner of two landscape firms totaling $3.5M in revenue: J. Rick Lawn & Tree in Colorado Springs, CO, and Dakota OutdoorScapes in Bizmark, N.D.
Jon shares insights into his diverse business ventures, including a couple non-landscape companies. He discusses the challenges of finding the right operations manager, his approach to financial management and profit setting, and strategies for scaling both businesses.
He emphasizes the importance of professionalism as part of his sales advantage and reflects on balancing work and family life after becoming a father. He also highlights the significance of responsiveness in business and the impact of setting clear goals for growth.
In this conversation, Jon Rick discusses the intricacies of managing a landscape business in North Dakota, focusing on efficiency in estimation, seasonal challenges, and profit expectations. He reflects on the balance between growth and stability, the dynamics of his team, and the need for future leadership.
Additionally, he shares insights into his personal life, including family activities and interests, while navigating the complexities of real estate investments and business management.
Takeaways
* His Colorado Springs company focuses on chemical lawn care, while Bismarck specializes in landscape construction.
* Finding a suitable operations manager has been a significant challenge.

Jon prioritizes financial management and aims for a minimum 20% profit margin.
* The North Dakota ranch services business has shown substantial growth and potential.
* Professionalism in the landscaping industry can set a company apart.
* Jon balances work and family life after becoming a father.
* Clear growth goals and incentives are crucial for employee motivation.
* Jon handles all estimating for his Bismarck, ND company, ensuring quality control.
* I need to hire a general manager if I want to grow that business.
* I got offered 15 times EBITDA for my business.
* It’s a grind, and I love it.

To learn about Jeffrey Scott’s landscape business consulting services, go to: https://jeffreyscott.biz/consulting/

In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott talks to Mary Vales, Chief People Officer at Schill Grounds Management. She shares her secrets to success in HR, recruiting tips, software support, onboarding processes, and of course the importance of company culture.
She discusses her career journey, the need for great processes in HR, and the challenges of HR in the field of mergers and acquisitions. She shares the significance of hiring practices (do’s and dont’s) in shaping a successful organization.
Mary emphasizes the need for honesty and critical interview skills when recruiting, and when assessing a company to buy.
Link to Summer Growth Summit:
2025 Summer Growth Summit

Takeaways
· Mary Vales is the Chief People Officer at Schill Grounds Management.
· She emphasizes the importance of being close to the business operations in order to suc
· Compliance and onboarding are critical, but just the beginning in HR success.
· Mary’s career journey includes diverse experiences across industries.
· Hiring practices should focus on finding the right fit for the company culture and the job.
· Mergers and acquisitions require careful due diligence and cultural understanding.
· HR professionals should have a continuous improvement mindset.
· Technology plays a significant role in modern HR practices.
· Honesty in recruitment leads to better employee retention.

In this conversation, Jeffrey Scott interviews Dave Leff, ex-co-owner of TLC Landscaping (Ontario Canada), and regional manager of Schill Grounds Management. They discuss the journey of Dave’s business over 35 years. They explore the growth strategies, the importance of account management, and the impact of diversification in the landscaping industry. Dave shares insights on the significance of (Jeffrey Scott’s) peer group, the story behind their safety training company Greenius, and the lessons learned from selling their businesses. The conversation emphasizes the value of employee development and the importance of analyzing business numbers for growth.
Link to Summer Growth Summit:
2025 Summer Growth Summit

Takeaways
· Dave Leff has been involved with TLC Landscaping for 35 years.
· The partnership between Dave and Jay has been crucial for the business’s success.
· Diversification in services has helped TLC Landscaping thrive during economic downturns.
· Account management is key to maintaining customer relationships and business growth.
· Peer groups have significantly influenced Dave’s approach to business management.
· Greenius was created to enhance safety training in the landscaping industry.
· Selling businesses requires careful consideration of timing and strategy.
· Employee satisfaction and fair wages are vital for retaining talent.
· Analyzing business numbers is essential for making informed decisions.
· The future looks promising with new partnerships and growth opportunities.

Jono Fries, VP of Operations for Schill Grounds Management based in Cleveland, OH. Schill is a multi-state 31 branch landscape firm.  In this conversation, Jono shares his journey from the restaurant industry to the landscaping business, discussing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the techniques he learned in restaurants, namely how good systems build good culture. He also discusses team dynamics in achieving success. Jono reflects on his landscape experiences first at Grasscor in Cincinnati, and then at Schill, highlighting the lessons he learned along the way. The discussion also touches on financial strategies and how it impacts team culture.
Link to Summer Growth Summit:
https://jeffreyscott.biz/2025-summer-growth-summit/
Takeaways:

* Jono transitioned from the restaurant industry to landscaping after a life-changing experience.
* He emphasizes the importance of systems and processes in business growth.
* Culture can be built into a company through systematic approaches.
* Winning is a byproduct of focusing on doing things right.
* Effective communication is crucial for team trust and success.
* Adjusting to a diverse workforce requires understanding and adaptation.
* Financial strategies must be reevaluated regularly for success.
* Team dynamics play a significant role in company culture and performance.
* Integration of companies requires a common operating system for success.
* Cooking for others is a way to show love and build relationships.

Todd Hardy is the Director of Sales for Schill Grounds Management, a 31 branch company across the Midwest US and Canada. Todd shares his extensive experience in the landscape business, focusing on the importance of servant leadership in sales (business development), the dynamics of managing a sales team, and the significance of company culture and core values. He discusses the challenges of hiring and onboarding business developers, the need for performance management, and how to navigate personal challenges within a sales context. Todd emphasizes the importance of networking and recruiting top talent, and he shares insights on preparing for the upcoming Summer Growth Summit.
Link to Summer Growth Summit:
https://jeffreyscott.biz/2025-summer-growth-summit/
Takeaways:

* Servant leadership is crucial for success in sales.
* A focus on client needs over personal gain drives success.
* Company culture should prioritize employee and customer satisfaction.
* Hiring the right talent takes time and a clear understanding of values.
* Performance management requires consistency and clear expectations.
* Navigating personal challenges is part of managing a sales team.
* Networking is essential for finding top talent.
* Authenticity and presence are key in sales interactions.
* Sales plans should be collaboratively developed and critiqued.
* Continuous improvement is necessary for personal and team growth.

 

In this conversation, Jerry Schill, CEO of Schill Grounds Management, shares his journey from starting a small landscaping business to leading a company with 31 locations. He discusses the importance of team culture, setting big goals, and the challenges of integrating new acquisitions. Jerry emphasizes the value of mentorship and continuous learning, as well as the entrepreneurial mindset required to navigate the complexities of business growth. He expresses excitement for the upcoming Summer Growth Summit, where he aims to showcase his team’s achievements and share insights with others in the industry.
Link to Summer Growth Summit:
https://jeffreyscott.biz/2025-summer-growth-summit/
Takeaways

* You can’t do it alone; teamwork is essential.
* Growth requires setting big, uncomfortable goals.
* Continuous learning and mentorship are vital.
* Integration of new businesses needs a thoughtful approach.
* Stay disciplined and relentless in pursuing goals.
* Surround yourself with experienced mentors.
* Entrepreneurs must be comfortable with discomfort.
* Celebrate team achievements and individual growth.
* Leadership involves preparing others to take over.
* Business is about solving challenges collaboratively.

Derek Wells is CEO of Wells Lawncare and Landscaping in Bloomington, IN. They do 3M in revenue of a mix of commercial and residential, and are growing over 30%.
In this conversation, Derek Wells shares his journey as a business owner detailing the challenges he faced when he made the difficult decision to let go of half his staff. He discusses the impact of this decision on his business, the subsequent hiring and training challenges, and the systems he implemented to improve accountability and metrics. Derek also reflects on his personal growth as a leader and the influence of his wife in navigating these challenges. In this conversation, Derek Wells discusses his journey of leadership growth, the importance of hiring the right team, and the transition from residential to commercial business. He emphasizes the need for balance between family and work commitments, the value of peer support in business, and the necessity of embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth.
Takeaways:

* Derek Wells runs Wells Lawn Care and Landscaping for 20 years.
* He made the tough decision to let go of half his staff.
* The decision was prompted by frustrations during a snow event.
* Derek realized he had hired the wrong people and held on to them too long.
* Post-staff reduction, they adopted a continuous hiring approach.
* They simplified their training process with ‘pirate maps’.
* Derek learned the importance of accountability in hiring.
* The company experienced a 15% growth after the staff reduction.
* Derek recognized his fear of conflict as a leadership challenge.
* His wife’s influence helped him confront business challenges. Being overly involved can hinder company growth.
* Hiring at the top of the market is crucial for success.
* Surrounding yourself with better people enhances leadership.
* Transitioning to a general manager role can relieve pressure.
* Building relationships is key in commercial business.
* Persistence in following up can lead to unexpected opportunities.
* Balancing family commitments requires intentional planning.
* Peer support provides accountability and shared experiences.
* Embracing discomfort is essential for growth.
* Proactive hiring can set a company up for future success.


 

Donn is the owner of 14 yr old Vidosh North, Petoskey, MI, 10M in revenue with 63 employees. Jeffrey and Donn discuss his journey in the landscaping industry, discussing his leadership style, the impact of sports on his business philosophy, and the evolution of his company. He emphasizes the importance of team building, diversifying services, and learning from mistakes, particularly in hiring and financial management. Don also highlights the significance of implementing profit-sharing structures to motivate his team and ensure the company’s success. In this conversation, Donn Vidosh, Jr. discusses the intricacies of profit sharing and employee motivation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in business. He shares insights on maintaining quality while focusing on profit, the significance of leadership in fostering a positive work culture, and the personal challenges he faced, including a divorce. Donn highlights the value of hobbies for reflection and the role of mentorship in his journey, concluding with a message of gratitude and the pursuit of continuous improvement.
Takeaways

* Don emphasizes the importance of leadership and team building.
* His background in sports has greatly influenced his business approach.
* Starting from humble beginnings, he learned the value of hard work.
* Diversifying services has been key to his company’s growth.
* Custom fabrication allows for unique offerings in landscaping.
* Learning from mistakes is crucial for business success.
* Hiring the right people is essential for growth.
* Financial mindset shifts were necessary for personal and business success.
* Implementing profit-sharing has motivated his team.
* Peer groups have provided accountability and support. Profit sharing is relative to what employees earn.
* Transparency in sharing company performance fosters teamwork.
* Quality must be prioritized alongside profit for long-term success.
* Mistakes should be openly discussed to promote accountability.
* Leadership requires stepping back from daily operations to focus on growth.
* Personal challenges can impact business resilience and leadership.
* Hobbies provide essential time for reflection and mental clarity.
* Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development.
* A culture of continuous improvement leads to sustained success.
* Team support is vital during personal hardships

In this conversation, Zech Strauser shares his journey from struggling in school to becoming a successful entrepreneur in both the landscaping and apparel industries. He discusses his current ventures, including his real estate business, a farm, and the Urture apparel brand. Zech emphasizes the importance of financial accountability, community engagement, and having a clear vision for the future. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of knowing your numbers and making an impact beyond profits.
Takeaways:

* Zech learned through hands-on experiences and mistakes.
* He transitioned from residential to commercial landscaping during the 2008 financial crisis.
* Financial accountability was crucial for business growth.
* The pandemic forced a reevaluation of business operations and team dynamics.
* Zech’s vision for Urture is to blend urban and nature aesthetics.
* He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in branding.
* Zech believes companies should not define personal identity.
* He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to think big and articulate their vision.
* Knowing your financials is essential for business success.
* Zech aims to make an impact in the trades and apparel industries.