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Ep. 56: Lessons in Growth: Escaping the Owner-Operator Trap With Kerry & Jill Cline

πŸ“… June 5, 2025 ⏱️ 42:49 🎀 Tommy Cole, Kerry Cline, Jill Cline

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    CNS Landscape's Origin
    Kerry Cline recounts how CNS Landscape started from his passion for working outdoors at 15, evolving from mowing to full landscaping services.
  • 0:25
    Jill Joins the Business
    Jill Cline explains her decision to join the family business in 2015, bringing her administrative and management skills to organize the company.
  • 1:27
    Hiring Smart Support
    Jill details the crucial need to hire smarter, including a fractional CFO, to professionalize finances and provide objective decision-making.
  • 3:05
    The Peer Group Impact
    Kerry and Jill describe how joining a peer group helped them break through a growth plateau and learn essential business strategies.
  • 4:19
    Software & Financial Transparency
    The Clines highlight the transformative role of software like LMN for job costing and scheduling, and the positive impact of sharing financial data with their team.
  • 5:29
    Building a Management Team
    They discuss the importance of delegating and establishing a robust management team to allow owners to work on the business, not just in it.

Speakers

T
Tommy Cole
Host
K
Kerry Cline
CNS Landscape
J
Jill Cline
CNS Landscape

Key Takeaways

✦

You can't afford NOT to have the right people: Investing in skilled individuals, even if it feels expensive initially, is crucial for growth and efficiency.

✦

Implement and utilize software effectively: Choose a comprehensive software solution (like LMN) and commit to using its features for job costing, scheduling, and payroll.

✦

Embrace financial transparency: Share financial data with your team to foster a sense of ownership, encourage efficiency, and align goals.

✦

Hire a fractional CFO: If you lack financial expertise, bring in a professional fractional CFO to guide your financial decisions and provide objective insights.

✦

Prioritize continuous improvement: Don't wait for off-season; integrate continuous improvement and development into daily operations.

✦

Invest in your team's development: Growing your company by investing in your people provides more opportunities for them and strengthens the entire business.

✦

Do what you say you're going to do: Upholding promises to customers, colleagues, and yourself is fundamental to building trust and a strong company culture.

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