Hey there, Keith Kalfas here!

I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dan Platta, the Home Service CFO and founder of Best Damn Bookkeeping. Let me tell you, this conversation was packed with game-changing insights that can transform your home service business.

(Here's a 2.5 hour podcast with the whole interview!)

I'm excited to share these valuable lessons with you, so let's dive right in!

The Power of Mentorship and Continuous Learning

In the competitive world of home service businesses, success isn't just about hard work—it's about working smart and never stopping your journey of growth. Dan Platta's experiences and insights shed light on how mentorship and continuous learning can be the secret sauce to scaling your business effectively.

Finding the Right Mentors

One of the first things Dan emphasized was the importance of finding good mentors. As he put it, "Find good mentors and learn from their mistakes. So many people are...

Hey guys, Keith Kalfas here. Today, I want to talk about something that's been a total game-changer for my landscaping business and my personal life: Jobber.

You know how it is in this business. Long days, hard work, and by the time you get home, you're beat. I used to drag myself through the door, too tired to enjoy time with my family or even play with my dogs and cat. But that all changed when I started using Jobber.

Here's Why Jobber Rocks for Landscaping Businesses: 

Easy Scheduling:

 Man, scheduling used to be a nightmare. I'd be juggling paper calendars, sticky notes, and messy spreadsheets. It was a disaster waiting to happen. But Jobber? It's like having a super-organized assistant in your pocket. Here's what I love about it:

   - Drag-and-drop scheduling: Just grab a job and drop it where you want it. Boom, done.

   - Recurring job setup: Got weekly mowing clients? Set it up once, and Jobber...

Just any dream? Oh no, this is a dream of epic proportions.

Behold Larry, the master of his domain, the king of his lawn.

With every pass, Larry rides the winds of destiny. His mower, a steed of steel, slicing through grass like a hot knife through butter.

Larry, the mowing maverick, fearlessly navigates corners, leaving a trail of perfectly trimmed grass in his wake. His mower, a symphony of power and precision.

Woohoo indeed, Larry, for in your dreams you are the mower maestro, the grass guru, the champion of lawns everywhere.

As Larry rises from his slumber, a man on a mission, one thought echoes in his mind: Weingartz, where dreams become reality. Larry steps forth, a man with purpose, a man with a plan.

The sun rises, casting a golden hue over the dew-kissed grass. Larry, with determination in his eyes, gears up for the day. His uniform, a badge of honor, and his mower, an extension of his very being. Each blade of grass stands no chance against his...

Hey guys, Keith Kalfas here! I'm super excited to announce the launch of my new book, "17 Ways to Get More Landscaping Clients."

This book is packed with everything you need to take your lawn and landscaping business to the next level.

Why This Book?

Marketing can be tough, especially when you're trying to juggle running a business at the same time. That's why I wrote this book—to give you a straightforward guide on how to market your landscaping business effectively.

Whether you're a seasoned landscaper or just starting out, this book has got you covered.

What's Inside?

Social Media Mastery: Discover how to use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to attract new clients.

Budget-Friendly Tips: Marketing doesn't have to be expensive. Discover strategies that won't break the bank but will still get you results.

Business Strategies: From branding to customer service, this book covers all the bases to help you build a...

Hey guys, Keith here.  I made a video and this blog post about some a Landscaping job we did the other day.

Landscaping often involves tasks we don't love, but the results can be rewarding. One such task is laying sod. Recently, we took on a landscaping job worth $4,130. Here’s how we did it step by step, turning a daunting task into a rewarding project.

The Project Overview

Our recent project involved installing 400 square feet of sod. Here’s a detailed look at what we did and how we did it.

Removing the Pine Tree and Stump Grinding

The first step was to remove an existing pine tree. This included cutting down the tree and grinding the stump to ensure a clean surface for the sod. The tree removal cost $1,800, and the stump grinding cost $250. Clearing the area added another $100 to the total.

Utility Line Check

Before starting ground work, it’s crucial to check for underground utility lines. We called a utility digging...

If you're asking yourself, "Will this really work for me?" You're not alone. 

Every business owner wants to know if what they're buying will actually help their business. 

Let's look at why the "Business Marketing Blueprint" is more than just a guide—it's a tool designed to really make a difference.

Made Just for Small Outdoor Businesses

I created the "Business Marketing Blueprint" with small outdoor businesses in mind. It doesn’t just throw general advice at you. 

Instead, it offers practical steps that you can start using right away, no matter your budget or how many people you have helping you.

Strategies That Work

This blueprint is full of strategies I used to build my own businesses and help others do the same. 

These methods cover everything from using the internet to get more people to see your business, to building strong relationships with your customers. 

And they really work.

...

 When you think about landscaping, you might think about mowing lawns or planting flowers. But there's more to it, like specializing in something specific, which can set you apart and help you make more money.

That's what Austin Douglas from Ditch The Itch Poison Ivy Mosquito Control will be talking about on the Untrapped Podcast.

Austin chose to focus on pesticide applications instead of general lawn care. This area needs more know-how and understanding about chemicals and bugs, which not everyone has. It's not just about using tools; it's about knowing what you're doing with them.

He started learning all this at a commercial nursery and then worked for a company that controlled poison ivy. He got his licenses and learned a lot about the business.

Austin says if you want to go into a special area like this, you need to be ready to learn a lot. This extra knowledge means you can charge more for your services because you offer something not just anyone can do....

Hey everyone, Keith here!

Today, I want to share some golden nuggets from a recent chat I had with Brian Fullerton about tackling big landscaping jobs.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale up, these insights are going to help you navigate the complexities of larger projects.

Starting Small and Scaling Up

Starting with smaller projects is crucial in the landscaping business. It allows you to build your skills, understand client needs, and manage your resources effectively. Brian and I discussed how important it is to start small and gradually take on bigger projects.

I shared a story about a $13,000 job that involved a complete overhaul of a property's landscaping.

The key takeaway? Don't jump into big jobs without building up your experience and confidence through smaller projects. Each project teaches you something new, and every challenge you overcome builds your capability to handle more significant tasks.

This...

Hey guys, Keith Kalfas here.

Today, we're going to talk about how much to charge for laying down mulch in 2024.

Whether you've been doing this for years or just starting, knowing the right price to charge is super important for keeping your business strong.

Different Types of Mulch and Prices

When selecting mulch for your landscaping projects, you have several options to consider. Each type of mulch not only differs in appearance but also in its benefits and costs. Here are a few popular choices:

1.  Dyed Walnut Brown: This mulch is favored for its rich, dark color that enhances the aesthetic of garden beds. It typically costs around $33 per yard. Remember, the dye used is safe for plants but can fade over time, so it might need more frequent replacement or refreshment.

2.  Black Mulch: Known for its striking contrast against green plants, black mulch is another dyed option that can help warm the soil and retain moisture. It's...

 Hello! Keith Kalfas here.

If you're part of our green industry community, you know I'm passionate about finding and sharing tools that elevate our work. For over four years, Jobber has been at the core of transforming my landscaping business, and I'm excited to share a deep dive into how it's reshaped everything from client interactions to backend management.

The Genesis of Transformation

My journey with Jobber started from a place of frustration. Juggling phone calls, manual scheduling, and the chaos of paperwork was stifling the growth of my business.

The day I decided to integrate Jobber into my operations, the game changed. Jobber isn't just a tool; it's a digital revolution that puts the power of running a business into the palm of your hand.

Click here to get a free 2 week trial and a huge discount with my exclusive link getjobber.com/kalfas

Client Management: A New Era

Recall that call from Janet Jones? In the pre-Jobber...