The Beer Garden

Sidecar: Implementing An Equipment Maintenance System

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore how to implement a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to streamline equipment maintenance and improve operational efficiency in your landscaping or snow removal business.
What’s Inside:
We’ll walk through a 5-step process to successfully implement a CMMS:
Assign a Software Owner: Designate a single individual to oversee the implementation process and handle long-term software upkeep.
Assign Unit Numbers: Develop a clear naming convention (e.g., TRK01 for trucks) and label your equipment. Add each piece to the database with its initial meter reading.
Set Up Templates: Create preventive maintenance (PM) and inspection templates, linking them to the relevant equipment. These templates will help track and update meter readings automatically.
Train Your Team: Host a staff training session to ensure everyone knows how to use the system effectively.
Audit Regularly: Periodically audit the system by conducting full equipment inventories and checking for missed inspections or updates.
Implementing a CMMS can feel daunting, but by breaking it down into actionable steps, you can build a system that saves time, reduces downtime, and keeps your business running smoothly.

Standardizing Equipment: A Smarter Way to Operate

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re diving into a topic that can transform how you run your landscaping or snow removal business: the importance of standardizing your equipment. From deciding when to buy, rent, or lease to choosing the right tools and streamlining operations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
What’s Inside:
Segment 1: When to Buy
Purchase vs. Rent: Key considerations like usage frequency, storage, and maintenance costs.
New vs. Used: The pros and cons of each option, including depreciation, fleet programs, and resale value.
Leasing Benefits: How leasing can provide flexibility and potential tax advantages.
Segment 2: What to Buy
Dealer Support and Maintenance: Why reliable dealer support matters and how to evaluate maintenance needs.
Cost and Resale Value: Choosing equipment that maximizes cost-per-hour and holds value.
Impact on Utilization: How equipment size and complexity affect crew productivity and training.
Segment 3: The Power of Standardization
Streamlining Training: Why using the same equipment across your team simplifies onboarding and skill development.
Easier Repairs and Maintenance: How standardizing reduces downtime and ensures you always have the right parts on hand.
Fleet Pricing and Efficiency: Saving money with bulk purchases and optimizing your trucks and trailers for standardized equipment.
Standardizing your equipment isn’t just about convenience—it’s about running a more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable business. Tune in to this episode of The Beer Garden to learn how to make smarter decisions about your equipment and operations.
 
The Beverages:
Fernie Brewing Co. - Project 9 Pils
Ol' Beautiful Brewing Co. - Okami Kasu
Shiner - Holiday Cheer
Copper Kettle Brewing - Mocha Snowed In
 
Get in touch: 
Facebook Group: The Beer Garden: Landscape Leaders Roudtable
Facebook Page: IssueID
Youtube: The Beer Garden
Instagram: IssueID
Website: IssueID.io
Email: thebeergarden@issueid.io

Sidecar: Organized for Success - Using Org Charts to Plan for Growth

In this short Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we dive into a powerful strategic planning tool for owners and operators of landscape/snow businesses: the organizational chart. We’ll walk through how you can leverage an org chart not only to understand your current structure, but also to project and plan for future growth.
What You’ll Learn:
Build Your Current Org Chart: Begin by mapping out all the roles and responsibilities currently in place, giving you a clear snapshot of your business today.
Set Your Revenue Target: Identify your next revenue goal and use that number to determine how many crews—and what supporting staff—you’ll need to achieve it.
Scale Up Strategically: Understand how to break down the revenue potential of each crew, and then add the necessary roles (e.g., production manager, office manager) that support your target revenue.
Define Roles & Responsibilities: Write high-level deliverables and accountabilities for every position in your future org chart, ensuring clarity and alignment before assigning names to roles.
Assigning the Right People: Only after the structure and expectations are set should you place the right individuals in the right seats.
Hybrid Roles & Real-World Examples: As you grow, learn how to use hybrid roles to maintain flexibility, hear tips on what to avoid, and explore examples that illustrate how effective org charts drive sustainable growth.
Tune in for tangible, actionable steps that will help you create a clear blueprint for building the team you need to hit your next big revenue milestone.

Scaling Smart: Growing Your Business to $1M, $3M, & Beyond

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re diving into the art and science of scaling your landscaping business. Whether you’re aiming for your first $1M in revenue, breaking through the $3M mark, or pushing beyond, this episode offers practical insights and strategies to help you grow smartly and sustainably.
What’s Inside:
The Root of the Problem
Why scaling requires you to evolve your mindset and approach.
The challenges of the “middle ground” and why reaching the next tier is crucial for profitability.
Understanding capacity and overhead dynamics at different revenue levels.
Digging Deeper
What scaling looks like at various stages:
$500K to $1M: Building foundational systems and processes.
$1M to $3M: Expanding your team, delegating more, and refining your niche.
$3M+: Leveraging purchasing power, optimizing organizational layers, and focusing on strategic growth.
Painting a vision for your team: Where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going.
Roots of Success
Key elements for sustainable scaling:
Organizational structure and leadership development.
Budgeting and cash flow planning.
Identifying your ideal customer and crafting a targeted marketing plan.
Investing in people and systems to support growth.
Last Call: Speed Round
Best resources and content to help you scale.
Biggest wins and lessons learned from scaling efforts.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Scaling your business is about more than just hitting revenue milestones—it’s about building a company that’s sustainable, profitable, and a joy to lead. Tune in to this episode of The Beer Garden for actionable advice and inspiration to take your business to the next level.
 
The Beverages:
Ol' Beautiful Brewing Co. - Okami Kasu
Loveland Aleworks - Double Fudge Brownie Porter
 
Get in touch: 
Facebook Group: The Beer Garden: Landscape Leaders Roudtable
Facebook Page: IssueID
Youtube: The Beer Garden
Instagram: IssueID
Website: IssueID.io
Email: thebeergarden@issueid.io

Letting Go to Grow: Handing Off Estimating and Sales

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we explore the steps to successfully transition the estimating and sales role from the owner to others in the organization. This critical process can free up your time to focus on strategic growth and team leadership while empowering your team to take on more responsibility. Here’s what we cover:
Why Owners Struggle to Let Go of Estimating and Sales
Common concerns like control over pricing, service quality, and brand integrity.
The mindset shift needed to view delegation as a growth opportunity rather than a risk.
Step 1: Documenting and Systemizing Your Estimating Process
Breaking down your process, from lead generation to finalizing quotes.
Standardizing pricing models and using tools like LMN, Aspire, or Google Sheets.
Building checklists and creating a comprehensive training manual.
Implementing a feedback loop to ensure quality during the handoff.
Step 2: Building a Consistent Sales Process with Supporting Collateral
Outlining a clear sales process, including discovery, proposal creation, and follow-up.
Developing reusable resources like brochures, templates, and sales scripts.
Leveraging digital tools, such as email templates and automated follow-up systems.
Step 3: Setting Goals and Expectations for Your Sales/Estimating Team
Defining metrics like revenue, close ratio, and response time.
Setting weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals.
Creating incentive structures to motivate team members.
Step 4: Training and Mentorship
Providing hands-on training and ongoing support.
Encouraging continuous improvement through professional development.
Offering regular check-ins and feedback to ensure growth and confidence.
Maintaining Accountability and Performance
Using data-driven metrics to track success and address challenges.
Empowering your team to take full ownership of the role.
Reinforcing trust and confidence in their capabilities.
Last Call: Actionable Takeaways
Start small and trust the process of delegating estimating and sales.
Focus on systemizing and supporting your team to create a scalable and efficient workflow.
Shift your energy toward long-term strategic growth for your company.
Delegating estimating and sales is one of the most challenging transitions for business owners—but it’s also one of the most rewarding. Tune in to this episode of The Beer Garden to learn how to make the shift successfully and set your team up for success.
 
The Beverages: 
Straight and Narrow - Huckleberry Fir Vodka Cocktail
Absolut Cocktails - Berry Vodkarita
Half Hitch Brewing Co.  - Papa Bear Prairie Ale
Souther Tier Brewing Co. - Chestnut Praline Imperial Ale
 
Get in touch: 
Facebook Group: The Beer Garden: Landscape Leaders Roudtable
Facebook Page: IssueID
Youtube: The Beer Garden
Instagram: IssueID
Website: IssueID.io
Email: thebeergarden@issueid.io

Sidecar: Stop Competing on Price - Win Customers with Value

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore why contractors should shift their focus from lowering prices to increasing the value they provide to their customers. Competing on price alone can be a race to the bottom, but by focusing on value, you can win the right clients, build a strong reputation, and grow your business sustainably. Here’s what we cover:
Key Topics:
Understanding Your Ideal Client: Learn how to identify what your customers value most and listen to their pain points to craft tailored solutions.
Customizing Your Service Offering: Discover ways to align your services with client needs and solve their specific problems.
Improving Your Proposal Document: Create proposals that clearly communicate how your offering meets client needs and provides superior value.
Productizing and Branding Your Offerings: Highlight your strengths by turning your services into unique, branded solutions that resonate with your target audience.
Specializing for Success: Focus on what you do best to become the go-to expert in your field.
Enhancing Customer Touchpoints: Improve every interaction with your customers to deliver an exceptional experience that sets you apart.
If you’re ready to elevate your business by focusing on value rather than price, this episode is packed with actionable tips to get you started.
 
Book recommendations:
Built to Sell by John Warrillow
 
The Beverages: 
Steamworks Brewing Co. - Colorado Kolsch
Maker's Mark Whisky
 
Get in touch: 
Facebook Group: The Beer Garden: Landscape Leaders Roudtable
Facebook Page: IssueID
Youtube: The Beer Garden
Instagram: IssueID
Website: IssueID.io
Email: thebeergarden@issueid.io

Crafting a Clear Company Vision : A Roadmap For Growth

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we explore the critical role of a company vision in driving business success, particularly for landscapers and snow removal professionals. A clear and compelling vision isn’t just a lofty idea—it’s a practical tool that guides decision-making, inspires teams, and sets your business apart. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers actionable insights to help you define and communicate your company vision. Here’s what we cover:
Segment 1: Why Vision Matters & What It Should Include
What is a Vision? Understand the difference between a vague mission and a concrete, actionable vision.
Why It Matters: Explore how a strong vision serves as a north star for your team and business.
Personal Story: Learn how setting a clear vision for ACA Landscape has guided the company’s growth.
How to Create One: Tips on brainstorming, involving your team, and crafting a vision that aligns with your long-term goals.
Segment 2: Start With Why
The Golden Circle Framework: Learn Simon Sinek’s concept of “Why, How, What” and how it applies to your business.
Why: The core belief driving your business.
How: The differentiators that set you apart.
What: The services you provide.
Practical Application: Tips for defining your company’s “Why” and leveraging it for decision-making, marketing, and team culture.
Segment 3: Inspiring Your Team Around the Vision
Communicating the Vision: How to make your vision relatable and relevant to every team member.
Leading by Example: The importance of leadership embodying the company’s vision daily.
Empowering Your Team: Give your team the autonomy and tools to contribute to the vision.
Recognition and Incentives: Ideas for rewarding team members who align with and live out the vision.
Last Call: Actionable Takeaways
For Business Owners:
Take the time to craft a compelling vision statement.
Communicate it regularly and align it with your daily operations.
Ensure your “Why” resonates with both your team and your customers.
For Team Members:
Understand how your role contributes to the company’s vision.
Find ways to bring the vision to life in your work.
Share ideas and feedback on improving the company’s vision.
A strong vision can transform your business, inspire your team, and create lasting success. Tune in to this episode of The Beer Garden to learn how to craft and implement a vision that truly makes an impact.
 
The Beverages:
Big Rock Brewery - The Tragically Hip Lake Fever Lager
Bierstadt Lagerhaus - Slow Pour Pils
Get in touch: 
Facebook Group: The Beer Garden: Landscape Leaders Roudtable
Facebook Page: IssueID
Youtube: The Beer Garden
Instagram: IssueID
Website: IssueID.io
Email: thebeergarden@issueid.io

Sidecar: Holiday Hustle - Maximizing Seasonal Opportunities for Landscape & Snow Pros

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore creative ways to capitalize on the holiday season to boost your landscape or snow removal business. The holidays aren’t just for retail—they’re a golden opportunity for service-based businesses too. We’ll cover:
Segment 1: Leverage Holiday Sales
•Take advantage of Black Friday and holiday deals on electronics, tools, and software to gear up for the new year.
•Understand how year-end purchases can help with tax write-offs—but avoid unnecessary spending.
Segment 2: Create Your Own Holiday Promotions
•Craft special service bundles or limited-time offers to drive sales through scarcity.
•Ideas like holiday wreaths, referral incentives, and new client promotions can set your business apart.
•Key dates to target: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.
Segment 3: Make Your Services Giftable
•Offer gift cards or prepaid service packages as thoughtful and practical holiday gifts.
•Learn best practices for creating and managing gift cards, from tracking codes to messaging that appeals to gift givers.
•Ensure your terms and conditions are clear, including service areas and redemption details.
Action Steps for Holiday Promotions
•Set up an online store with platforms like Shopify or Squarespace to simplify purchases.
•Build holiday marketing campaigns through social media, email, and paid ads.
•Plan for smooth fulfillment, ensuring a seamless experience for both buyers and recipients.
The holidays are a unique chance to showcase your creativity and drive revenue. Tune in to this episode for actionable tips and inspiration to make the most of the season in your landscaping or snow removal business.
The Beverages:
Fernie Brewing Co. - Project 9 Pils
Breckenridge Brewery - Vanilla Porter
 
Get in touch: 
Facebook Group: The Beer Garden: Landscape Leaders Roudtable
Facebook Page: IssueID
Youtube: The Beer Garden
Instagram: IssueID
Website: IssueID.io
Email: thebeergarden@issueid.io