The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

In this live episode, Keith Kalfas dives into the realities of running a landscape business, especially when dealing with customers who try to get free work. He shares hard-earned lessons on setting boundaries, valuing your services, and handling tough conversations with confidence. Reflecting on his journey from solopreneur to business owner, Keith explores the internal challenges and strategic shifts needed for long-term success. He also discusses his passion for personal growth, continuous learning, and the books that have shaped his mindset. Whether you're in the service industry or looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.

"Success in business isn’t just about skill—it’s about setting boundaries, valuing your work, and having the tough conversations. Growth starts with self-awareness, a strong mindset, and the willingness to evolve." - Keith

Topics Covered:

• Customer Tricks and Free Work
• Starting a Landscape Business
• Learning to Say No
• Handling Extra Work Requests
• The Importance of Boundaries
• Dealing with Difficult Conversations
• Books and Resources for Growth
• The Victim Mindset
• Personal Growth and Business Challenges
• Promoting Books and Services
• Audiobooks and Learning from Giants
• Consumer Mindset and Value Perception
• Engaging with the Audience
• Studio Setup Tips
• Streaming and Podcasting Insights
• Turning Passion into Profit
• Customer Follow-Up Strategies
• Business Growth and Pricing
• Balancing Work and Personal Life
• Virtual Receptionists and Service Efficiency

Key Takeaways

• Customer Interactions and Boundaries: It's crucial to establish clear boundaries with customers to avoid being taken advantage of. Keith emphasizes the importance of not agreeing to do extra work for free and always maintaining a professional attitude.
• Business and Personal Growth: Transitioning from an employee to a business owner involves significant internal and external challenges. Personal growth, learning to say "no," and having difficult conversations are part of the entrepreneurial journey.
• Understanding True Value: Keith discusses the difference between being nice and being a pushover. It's essential to recognize your worth and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your work.
• Confronting Fear and Uncomfortable Situations: Overcoming burnout and maintaining sanity in your business requires facing fears and discomfort head-on. Practicing difficult conversations and setting boundaries are key.
• Intellectual Investments: Keith highlights the importance of continuous learning through books and resources to improve both personally and professionally. He recommends several books, indicating how these resources have helped him.
• Balancing Business and Personal Life: He talks about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, emphasizing regular date nights with his wife and not letting business stress affect personal life.
• Digital and Online Presence: Building a substantial online presence, including multiple YouTube channels and using social media strategically, can significantly bolster a business's visibility and credibility.
• Pricing and Services: Keith gives practical advice on setting prices for services such as mulch installation, stressing the importance of considering all factors, including hidden costs, to avoid financial losses.
• Philosophical and Spiritual Insights: Keith delves into deeper philosophical and spiritual reflections on life, consciousness, and business practices, encouraging a holistic approach to entrepreneurship.

Connect with Keith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas

Resources and Websites:

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjob...

In this episode, Keith opens up about the rollercoaster ride of building and running his own landscaping business. You’ll hear about why he now schedules all his landscaping quotes for Mondays. It's part of a strategy to bring more sanity into his hectic schedule and ensure that he’s not just drowning in work but enjoying life.

Keith dives into those early days of hardcore hustle when he was grinding seven days a week to keep things afloat. Whether you’re in the landscaping business or any other venture, you probably know the strain it can put on your personal life — missing dinners with family and events with friends. That's where his newfound love for batching tasks comes in. By tackling quotes all in one day, he's improved efficiency and reclaimed some downtime.

He also doesn’t shy away from the challenges—like managing employees, dealing with unexpected problems, and the nerve-wracking task of raising prices. These are real-talk moments that many small business owners face, and Keith shares his journey with humor and honesty.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or starting, Keith’s stories about figuring out how to make better money in less time and dealing with the daily chaos of running a business will resonate. He wraps it all up with a reminder to be grateful, stay committed, and always keep pushing forward. So, grab your headphones, get comfy, and enjoy this episode full of real-life insights and inspiration!

Check out these episode highlights:

00:00 - Adopting Batching for Efficiency and Balance

03:24 - Monday Quote-Only System Success

06:28 - "Struggles in Legalizing Small Businesses"

13:14 - "Seeking Rock Star Employees"

14:55 - Launching New Crew: Monday Rollout Plan

20:55 - Newlywed Arguments and Hurt Feelings

24:41- Prioritize Selfishness for Business Success

28:05 - Weekend Motivation and Mike Andes Recognition

Key Takeaways:

• Efficient Batching: Discover how dedicating a single day to client quotes can enhance your time management, allowing for deeper focus and increased productivity throughout the week.
• Work-Life Balance: Transitioning quotes to a fixed schedule has helped reclaim personal time without sacrificing business success, marking a significant shift towards a healthier work-life balance.
• Growth through Challenges: Hear stories on navigating the complexities of scaling a business, from handling employee challenges to making tough pricing decisions while maintaining a committed and grateful mindset.

Resources and Websites:

Unstrapped Alliance - https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs

Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget

Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone

Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower

Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

LevelUp Your Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP

Transcript

(Note: this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)

Keith Kalfas [00:00:07]:

We're live. What's up? This is Keith Kalfus with the Unstrapped podcast. Hope you guys are doing awesome. In this video, I wanna talk about why I'm only doing landscaping quotes on Mondays now in my business. And I hope you're doing well. I hope you're enjoying your week. This is that time of year where you're over the hump, over the hundred days of hell, they call it, from the break of the spring in, like, April 1 all the way to July 4 where you're running nonstop to just book out as many clients as you can and get the business to a just a good positive cash flow. If you notice that in the first few months of the season in your business, you're not really clearing much of a profit be...

On this episode of The Untrapped Podcast, host Keith Kelfas talks with Cornell from Mack Landscaping and Lawn Care, currently attending the Lawntrepreneur Academy event in Novi, Michigan. Cornell shares his journey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he grew up learning lawn care from his grandmother to starting his own lawn care business in 2016. They discuss the importance of having commercial auto insurance, leveraging online platforms like Google for business growth, and the significance of investing in oneself through continuous learning. Cornell also highlights the value of creating a supportive network and taking action to overcome excuses and setbacks. The conversation provides insights into both the personal and professional development necessary for running a successful business in the lawn care industry.

"Know your worth and embrace it. You’re not just valuable to your industry, but to yourself, your family, the world, and to God. When you truly recognize your worth, it elevates how you see yourself—and that confidence fuels your growth." -Cornell Mack

Topics Covered:

• Cornell's Lawn Care Journey
• Starting a Lawn Care Business
• YouTube and Podcasting Success
• Networking and Personal Growth
• Tips for Lawn and Landscape Business
• Avoiding the Trap of Comparison
• Recognizing Your Worth
• Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt
• The Power of Knowledge and Mentorship
• Investing in Yourself
• The Importance of Insurance

Key Takeaways

• Network and Build Relationships: Always be willing to introduce yourself and connect with other industry professionals. This can open doors, create opportunities, and facilitate personal and business growth. Attend live events, conferences, and expos to meet and learn from others in your industry.
• Self-Belief and Determination: Believe in your vision and stay dedicated to it, even when others don’t understand or support you. Use your self-belief to fuel your persistence and overcome obstacles.
• Value Continuous Learning: Leverage free resources available online to gain knowledge and improve your business skills. Consider investing in paid content, courses, or coaching if free resources aren’t sufficient.
• Embrace Innovation and Adaptability: Be open to trying new things and be adaptable in your business approach. Don't see change as a threat; rather, see it as an opportunity for growth.
• Prioritize Organization: Use CRM tools to manage your customer relationships and optimize your operations. Stay organized to maximize efficiency and reduce unnecessary stress.

Connect with Cornell Mack

Youtube: @mack_landscaping412 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mack_landscaping412 Website: macklandscaping412.com

Connect with Keith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas

Resources and Websites:

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs

Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/

Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget

Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone

Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower

Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

...

In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, Keith Kalfas shares the hardships and unpredictability of the landscaping business, focusing on the importance of resilience and gratitude in the face of challenges. He discusses personal anecdotes and those of others in similar businesses, illustrating how perseverance through difficulties can lead to greater growth. Keith emphasizes learning from mistakes, maintaining faith, and the significance of managing stress and uncertainty.

" The pressure turns you into a diamond, people who don't have any pressure on them sometimes they just become very lazy and lackadaisical and they don't amount to anything. " Keith Kalfas

Topics Covered:

• The Struggles of Running a Landscaping Business
• Real-Life Challenges and Stories
• Dealing with Business Stress and Uncertainty
• Success Stories and Faith
• Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts
• Free Resources and Tools for Your Business

Key Takeaways

• Running a landscaping business is extremely challenging, especially in the first few years. Small business owners face a variety of issues such as negative reviews, unreliable employees, equipment breakdowns, and personal sacrifices.
• It's essential to anticipate problems, manage stress, stay positive, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Faith, integrity, and prioritizing family and customers are crucial.
• Overall, the message is to stay motivated, work hard, and seek inspiration from others who have succeeded despite difficulties.

Connect with Keith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas

Resources and Websites:

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs

Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/

Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget

Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone

Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower

Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

Build Your Website: https://durable.co/ Promo Code: keith30

In today's episode, Keith dives into a pretty intense story that could really make you stop and think.

A few years back, in 2021, Keith had a near-miss that none of us would ever want to face—he almost got seriously hurt while working on a tree job near some high-voltage power lines. And he's shared why that experience serves as a major wake-up call about the realities and risks of working close to electricity. Keith's not just telling this story for kicks—he hopes it opens eyes and might even save a few lives. We'll hear how important it is to be cautious and learn about electrical safety so that nobody finds themselves in a similar scary situation.

So, if you're in the green industry or know someone who is, you'll want to stick around and listen to this one!

Check out these episode highlights:

00:00 Trimmed branches with a telescopic pole saw.

03:17 Felt weird after a close call with danger.

07:13 Firefighter calls it a miracle: mild injury.

10:09 Assume wires are live; check safety videos.

Key Takeaways:

• Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Power lines might look like they're far away, but give them respect and distance—always.
• Assume Every Wire is Hot: Whether it’s an electrical, phone, or even a cable line, treat them all like they’re live. Better safe than sorry, right?
• Know Before You Go: Watch safety videos on electrical hazards and tree work. A little knowledge goes a long way toward keeping you safe.

Connect with Keith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas

Resources and Websites:

Here's the video and story about our Window Cleaning brother in the UK I was talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F_pxfE8A4k

Tree Work Electric hazard awareness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7QgzAauFCQ

Tree Work Electric hazard awareness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILGSn9Rx8f8&t=0s

The Time William and I climbed 115ft. in a tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVmT_Nhohjk&t=0s

Tree Work and Arborist Videos playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLub0_q7i2mDRR3pk7GpX3k8JhZiE2IvYm

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs

Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget

Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone

Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower

Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

LevelUp Your Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP

Transcript

(Note: this was transcribed using transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)

Keith Kalfas 00:00:05 - 00:00:49

So this goes out as a warning to everybody in the green industry. I almost died a few years ago at work, and I keep avoiding making this video because of my ego is afraid of looking stupid and getting criticized, but I believe that what I'm about to talk about can very much save lives, and so I'm gonna tell you the story. I can't believe I'm making this video. So I'm not doing it for me. I'm doing it for the safety of others. Alright. So 2021, we're doing a tre...