Paul St. Pierre started Landscape FX (LFX Group) in 1987 out of a hatchback Chevette and now runs a vertically integrated operation that built the port of entry on the Gordie Howe Bridge. He breaks down how investing in people, letting go, strong financials and great mentors made that growth possible.
00:29 Rob welcomes Paul St. Pierre of Landscape FX (LFX Group), a Windsor-area operator in business since 1987.
01:15 Paul's origin story: a land developer dad, landscaping at 15, flying home from Laurentian University on weekends to work, and skipping teachers college to go all in.
04:01 The scale today: design build (residential and commercial), property care, maintenance and snow, plus Rochester Place resort, a 16-acre supply center, a local publication, a golf course and land development.
06:21 The Gordie Howe Bridge port of entry and the battery plant: back-to-back large-scale projects in Windsor.
07:00 The biggest growth block: thinking he could do everything and just work harder instead of paying for key people.
09:25 The tipping point came with executive and management hires, around the seven to eight million range. Then comes the identity shift from doer to leader.
10:30 The question Paul asks his team: what do you need from me? Why he trusts from day one and lets people make mistakes.
12:29 Coming back from Florida, ready to plow, and finding no keys and a card-lock fuel system.
14:17 The "in the business / on the business" hat: flip it around so the team knows which mode you're in.
15:43 Why banking relationships, budgets and strong financial statements matter when you're growing fast.
17:48 Surviving downturns by adding offerings and vertically integrating: ready mix concrete, trucking, a supply center and salt.
19:30 The partnership with Troy: hot pink salt supporting families affected by cancer, plus Paul's plan for a bagging plant.
21:29 The surprise 1976 Chevette: Paul's son, dad and family bring back the car he started in.
23:29 The old 220 square foot office (a retired exterior bank machine) and how it anchors onboarding and humility.
24:38 Mentorship: meeting Jean Paul Lamarche (JPL), Mark Bradley's influence and the value of masterminds.
28:29 Book and mentor shout-outs: Crucial Conversations and Tony Garerri.
30:50 Wrap-up and thanks.
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