Building a Successful Landscaping Business - Rob Crayton - CraytonScapes Lawn Care

The Digital Toolbox Podcast

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.

Takeaways

• Starting 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."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:11
Starting Your Own Path in the Landscaping Industry

07:53
Services Offered by Crate & Scape's Landscaping

23:03
Generating Income in the Winter Months

26:53
Getting Creative and Being Hands-On

28:18
The Importance of Presentation and Professionalism

43:15
Strategies for Managing Work During Different Seasons

49:37
The Sacrifices and Challenges of Building a Business

54:35
Tips for New Landscapers: Starting Slow and Making Smart Decisions

59:42
The Journey of Building a Successful Landscaping Business
Keywords

landscaping, business, commercial contracts, management companies, snow removal, winter income, landscaping, business, presentation, professionalism, hard work, seasons, strategy, sacrifices, tips, journey, advice