Kevin Butler and Jame Toribio from The Outdoor Living Company discuss how they transitioned from working at one of the largest landscape companies in the country to building their own business. They share lessons on managing growth, maintaining consistency, and the importance of customer experience in scaling their operations.
"Consistency in customer experience, from $7,000 to $70,000 projects, is what makes us stand out." — Kevin Butler
Andy Frisella’s Podcast – A series that focuses on delivering more than expected in business, helping you stay ahead of the competition.
Brandon Dawson's Business Growth Strategies – Provides practical advice on overcoming business hurdles and scaling operations effectively.
Synkedup – Networking and learning opportunities for business owners to improve operations and scale their businesses.
10x Health System – Focuses on strategies for scaling your business and personal growth, perfect for those looking to expand their operations.
The Outdoor Living Company’s Website – The company’s home for information on their services, portfolio, and how they deliver top-tier landscaping solutions.
[00:03] – Introduction to Kevin Butler and Jame Toribio, the founders of The Outdoor Living Company
[00:55] – How Kevin and Jame transitioned from working at a large company to starting their own landscaping business
[02:02] – Current business focus: Creating outdoor living spaces in Southern Maryland
[03:05] – How COVID-19 affected their business and accelerated growth opportunities
[04:15] – The economic uncertainty and its impact on client decisions
[05:33] – Growth constraints and how inconsistency in operations can hold them back
[09:04] – How to provide a consistent and exceptional customer experience for every project
[12:01] – The importance of consistency in leadership with the crew and maintaining morale
[13:13] – Overcoming "fires" and staying prepared for the unpredictable demands of the business
[17:16] – The challenges of not having an office admin and how it affects the team's productivity
[19:48] – When to hire and the risks associated with bringing in new staff for growth
[22:10] – Transitioning from a big company to entrepreneurship and the challenges that came with it
[29:48] – How Kevin and Jame made their business look professional with new equipment and branding
[32:17] – Over-delivering on customer service and its direct effect on business growth
[34:33] – Inspirational business growth strategies from Andy Frisella and Brandon Dawson
[37:36] – Closing thoughts: The power of networking, podcasts, and the landscaping community in helping them grow
Consistency is Key: Whether in personal habits or customer experience, consistency sets the stage for sustained success.
Every Customer Matters: Deliver the same high-quality experience regardless of the project size.
Invest in Tools and People: Spending on the right equipment and hiring the right staff is essential for scaling your business.
Clear Leadership: Being consistent in leadership and setting the right expectations ensures your crew performs efficiently.
Take Risks for Growth: Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, like hiring new team members or investing in high-quality tools, to propel your business forward.
Customer Service is the Differentiator: Over-delivering on service is what sets you apart in the competitive landscaping industry.
Use Networking to Your Advantage: The landscaping community is a great resource for support, inspiration, and collaboration to push your business forward.