In this episode, Will Joyce from Cudmore’s Landscape and Design shares his path from unexpected beginnings to running a successful family business. He discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing growth, trust, and family values, and offers advice on team building and leadership for sustainable success in the landscaping industry.
“The work is secondary; the human experience trumps all. If we build for people, we build something lasting.”
[00:31] Introduction
Rob introduces Will from Cudmore's Landscape and Design, highlighting Will’s background and dedication to the family business.
[01:17] Will’s Journey to the Family Business
Will shares his story of growing up in the family landscape business, leaving for a career in advertising, and later deciding to return after a life-changing experience.
[02:22] Primary Growth Challenges in Landscaping
Rob and Will discuss common growth constraints in the landscape industry and the unique challenges of managing a multi-generational business.
[02:53] Transitioning a Family Business
Will reflects on the experience of taking over from the first generation and how he was given the freedom to modernize and grow the business.
[05:58] Learning to Trust and Delegate
Will discusses the importance of trust and delegation, sharing how letting go helped him build a strong and motivated team.
[07:46] Redefining Leadership Styles
Will compares his leadership approach to his father’s, focusing on building a team-oriented culture that allows for growth and delegation.
[12:34] Defining Company Standards and Values
Will explains the importance of defining clear company values and how he integrated those values into the company’s everyday operations.
[14:02] Embedding Values in Decision-Making
Will shares how Cudmore's uses their company values as a decision-making tool, allowing staff to align with company principles even in his absence.
[22:50] Evolving Roles in a Growing Business
Will discusses the need to separate sales and operations roles as the business scaled, ensuring each area received dedicated focus.
[26:52] Creating a Value-Driven Workplace
Will details the steps taken to build a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated, making recruiting and retention easier.
[34:51] The Importance of Proactive Business Planning
Will emphasizes the importance of starting business planning early to ensure the company is positioned for success in the coming year.
[38:31] Recommended Resources for Growth
Will shares his go-to books and podcasts for leadership and business insights, including “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and “How I Built This.”