In this episode, Jordan Daneker shares his journey from running a small lawn maintenance company to leading a $7 million design-build landscape business. He discusses the importance of personal growth, delegation, and process efficiency in overcoming common entrepreneurial constraints and building a thriving business.
“Every day I got on that mower, I was valuing myself at $14 an hour. It wasn’t about the mower—it was about the tasks I chose to take on. To grow, I had to relinquish that duty and step into my potential.” — Jordan Daneker
[00:33] Introduction
Rob introduces Jordan Daneker, a landscape entrepreneur from North Carolina, and previews a discussion on growth, delegation, and overcoming barriers in the green industry.
[01:32] From Maintenance to Design-Build
Jordan shares how he started in lawn maintenance, scaled to a $3.4M company, sold it, and transitioned to running a design-build firm focused on outdoor living.
[02:51] The Value of In-House Control
Jordan highlights his company’s ability to handle 95% of projects in-house, emphasizing the importance of quality and process control.
[05:23] The Biggest Growth Constraint
Jordan explains why entrepreneurs themselves are often the biggest obstacles to their business growth and elaborates on the importance of delegation and coaching.
[08:57] A Pivotal Lesson on Self-Worth
Jordan recounts a life-changing conversation with a client that shifted his perspective on valuing himself and his role as a business owner.
[11:08] The Power of Delegation
Jordan discusses how letting go of tasks and empowering his team allowed him to scale his business effectively.
[17:14] Building Administrative Strength
Jordan explains how investing in administrative roles, like a procurement manager, improved efficiency and customer satisfaction, paving the way for growth.
[23:16] Learning from Clients
Jordan emphasizes the value of seeking advice from successful clients and how their insights have shaped his business strategy.
[27:10] Investing in Personal Development
Jordan shares his journey of self-improvement through audiobooks, leadership training, and constant learning, highlighting the importance of working on yourself as an entrepreneur.
[32:09] Recommended Resources for Growth
Jordan lists books and leadership training programs that have had a significant impact on his mindset and business success.
[36:48] Coaching with Patience
Jordan offers tips on effective coaching, emphasizing the importance of patience, active listening, and allowing team members to learn through mistakes.
[38:36] Letting Go to Grow
Jordan underscores the importance of letting team members take ownership of tasks, even if it means making mistakes, to enable long-term growth and scalability.
[39:55] The Future of Trades and Landscaping
Jordan reflects on the growing opportunities in the trades and how the green industry is positioned for massive success in the coming years.