IM Landscape Growth Podcast

How to Let Go and Grow: Matt Bell’s Guide to Business Leadership

Episode Summary

In this episode of the IM Landscape Growth Podcast, host Rob Murray interviews Matt Bell, founder of Geller’s Design Build Landscape. Matt opens up about his inspiring journey through a late-stage cancer diagnosis while continuing to lead a successful landscape company. He reflects on how his health crisis shifted his approach to business ownership, emphasizing the power of empathy and the importance of empowering his team. Matt shares how he transitioned from a fast-paced growth mindset to focusing on resilience and thoughtful financial planning. He also offers valuable advice on building solid corporate structures and gaining peace of mind through life insurance. Additionally, Matt highlights the value of community, stressing the importance of networking and learning within local business and green industry circles. He encourages listeners to collaborate with their peers and leaves them with practical takeaways, such as restructuring for tax benefits and joining local business associations to foster both personal and professional growth.​⬤

Episode Notes

"By structuring the business so I’m not needed day-to-day, I’ve empowered my employees to grow and thrive. It’s allowed me to focus on what I love doing, and let others take on what they’re great at."

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Belgard: Training for the design and project management team on paving stone installation.
• Provincial Landscape Associations: Mentioned as a key resource for learning from peers.
• Life Insurance Products: Discussed in terms of business planning and personal financial protection.

Topics Discussed:

[00:00] Introduction
Rob introduces Matt Bell and the episode’s focus on his unique life and business experiences.

[01:25] Early Cancer Diagnosis and Its Impact on Business
Matt shares how a late-stage cancer diagnosis in his 20s impacted his view on life and business.

[02:31] Geller’s Design Build Landscape Overview
Matt provides an overview of his business, which focuses on high-end residential landscaping in Manitoba.

[04:50] How Cancer Shaped His Business Mindset
Matt discusses how living with cancer gave him a unique outlook on corporate structure, leadership, and empowering his team.

[08:24] Letting Go and Empowering Employees
Matt talks about the importance of structuring a business to operate independently of the owner.

[12:06] Growth Constraints in the Green Industry
Matt outlines how mindset and investing in people versus equipment can accelerate business growth.

[14:57] Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset
How focusing on abundance and moving on quickly from failures has transformed his business.

[18:56] Investing in People Over Equipment
Matt emphasizes the value of investing in employees, providing training, and compensating them well.

[27:28] Financial Structuring and Corporate Planning
Practical advice on structuring a business for long-term success, including trust funds, insurance, and exit planning.

[33:54] Finding a Good Financial Planner
Tips for finding a financial planner who acts in the best interest of the business owner.

[37:00] Resources and Mentors for Learning
Matt highlights the importance of learning from local business owners and associations.
 

Actionable Key Takeaways:

• Letting Go Empowers Growth: Structuring your business to operate without you not only ensures continuity but empowers employees to take ownership of their roles.
• Mindset Shift: Focus on abundance over scarcity. Don’t dwell on missed opportunities; instead, put your energy into future growth.
• Invest in People: Investing in employee training and fair compensation leads to long-term loyalty and improved business outcomes, even more than investing in equipment.
• Corporate Structuring: Setting up proper corporate structures early, such as family trusts and life insurance, can protect your business and family in the long run.
• Learn from Your Community: Valuable business lessons can often come from local business owners and mentors rather than big-name speakers or authors.