The Beer Garden

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

From the Field to the Office: Making the Transition to Management

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we tackle one of the most significant shifts in a professional's career: moving from an in-field employee to a management role. This transition requires more than a change in title—it demands a transformation in mindset, skills, and priorities. Whether you’ve just been promoted or are preparing for this leap, this episode offers practical advice and insights to help you succeed. Here’s what we cover:
Segment 1: Understanding the Mindset Shift
Moving from task-driven to vision-driven: Learn to focus on the “big picture” and lead with strategy.
Embracing responsibility: Discover how to shift from personal accountability to owning your team’s success.
Letting go of control: Explore techniques for empowering others to perform effectively and achieve goals.
Segment 2: Building Management & Leadership Skills
Communication and people skills: The foundation for motivating and managing a team.
Conflict resolution: Tips for navigating disagreements and creating a positive work environment.
Decision-making and problem-solving: Learn to make confident choices and address challenges proactively.
Segment 3: What to Expect
Financial literacy and KPIs: Understand the numbers that drive your business’s success.
The “always on” mentality: Adjust to the demands of leadership and embrace a partnership mindset with ownership.
Managing stress and discomfort: Growth can be challenging, but it’s also highly rewarding.
Segment 4: Building Trust and Delegating
Delegating with confidence: Learn to assign tasks and trust your team to deliver.
Training and mentorship: Strategies for teaching company standards and empowering your team.
Segment 5: Time Management and Self-Care
Balancing field and office work: Tips for effective time management.
Setting boundaries: Avoid burnout by creating a sustainable work-life balance.
Personal development: Prioritize growth through courses, networking, and industry events.
Segment 6: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Imposter syndrome: Recognize and overcome feelings of self-doubt.
Maintaining relationships: Balance being a friend and a manager, especially when promoted from within.
Facing resistance: Handle pushback from team members during your transition.
This episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world insights to help you navigate the complexities of moving into management. Whether you’re already in a leadership role or preparing for the next step in your career, join us in The Beer Garden for this essential conversation.
The Beverages:
Jasper Brewing Co. - Crispy Tall Bois
Brewery Ommegang - Everything Nice
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

Transitioning From Residential to Commercial Customers

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we dive into the shift from residential to commercial and homeowners association (HOA) customers—a move that can elevate your business but requires a strategic approach. Whether you're thinking about expanding your client base or have already started the transition, this episode provides practical advice and insights to guide you through the process. We cover:
Understanding the Transition: Explore the motivations behind making this shift and what you should know before taking the plunge into the commercial and HOA market.
Standardizing Your Offering: Learn how to tailor your services to meet the specific needs of commercial and HOA clients, including the importance of consistency, reliability, and transparency.
Building Relationships with Property Managers and Boards: Discover how to establish and nurture key relationships with property managers and HOA boards, which are critical to securing and maintaining commercial contracts.
Implementing a Site Management System: Understand the role of a site management system in tracking, managing, and delivering on complex contracts, and how it can streamline your operations for commercial and HOA properties.
Join us in The Beer Garden as we share actionable tips and strategies for successfully expanding into the commercial and HOA market, ensuring a smooth transition and positioning your business for growth.
 
The Beverages:
Four Dogs Brewing CO - Friday's German (Pointer) Pilsner
Bierstadt Lagerhaus - Oktoberfest
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

12 Habits of Highly Successful Entrepreneurs with Benji Carlson

In this special episode of The Beer Garden, we’re joined by our very first guest, Benji Carlson—a powerhouse in the world of contracting. Benji built a successful College Pro Painters franchise, where he gained recognition for managing the network’s most productive team. He then went on to help over 1,500 contractors across North America as the Assessment Specialist & Content Lead at Breakthrough Academy. Currently, he’s the host of the Contractor Evolution Podcast, where he’s interviewed renowned high performers like Chris Voss, Luke Hansen, Tommy Mello, Mark Bradley, and Kory Ballard. In this conversation, Benji shares the 12 Habits of Highly Successful Entrepreneurs, offering insights you can apply to elevate your own business game.
Here’s what we discuss:
•Mastering time and priority management to maximize productivity.
•Building a clear, detailed vision to guide every decision.
•Committing to self-education and—most importantly—self-implementation.
•Creating a strong employer brand and scalable hiring systems.
•Exercising patience with growth and staying focused on long-term success.
•Adopting tech wisely, avoiding the trap of shiny object syndrome.
•Investing in brand to create a lasting impression.
•Embracing mindset work and personal development.
•Viewing themselves as entrepreneurs first, beyond their trade.
•Developing laser focus on critical areas.
•Staying actively involved as business drivers.
•Building a robust implementation muscle or assembling a team to bring ideas to life.
Join us as we explore these transformative habits and hear insights from Benji’s extensive experience in helping shape successful entrepreneurs. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and let’s dive into what makes a great entrepreneur in The Beer Garden.
Connect with Benji:
Breakthrough Academy: https://www.btacademy.com/
Contractor Evolution: https://www.btacademy.com/contractor-evolution/
The Beverages:
Corona Extra
Pineapple Bubly
Great Divide - Titan IPA
Book Recommendations:
Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
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

5 Tactics to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we break down five powerful tactics that can help your landscaping or snow removal business capture the attention of potential customers and stand out from the competition. Whether you're looking to attract new clients or sharpen your sales approach, these strategies will give you the edge you need. Here's what we'll cover:
Overhaul Your Proposal Package: Learn how to refresh your proposals to make a lasting impression, ensuring they stand out and reflect the quality of your services.
Master Responsiveness: Discover why quick and effective communication is a game-changer for winning business and how to streamline your responsiveness.
Lean Into Your Strengths: Explore how to focus on what your company does best and communicate that effectively to potential clients.
Know Your Competitors & Sell On Your Differentiators: Understand your competition inside and out, and use this knowledge to highlight what makes your business unique.
Build Your Brand: Dive into branding essentials and why creating a memorable, consistent brand can be the difference-maker for long-term success.
Tune in for actionable insights that will help you boost your sales approach and position your business for growth. Grab a beer and join us in The Beer Garden for this valuable discussion!
Get in touch:Facebook Group: The Beer Garden: Landscape Leaders RoudtableFacebook Page: IssueIDYoutube: The Beer GardenInstagram: IssueIDWebsite: IssueID.ioEmail: thebeergarden@issueid.io