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Ep 676. Understanding What Your Team Needs & Why

⏱️ 44:42 🎤 Caleb Auman, Jerry Schill, Brittany Auman
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 676. Understanding What Your Team Needs & Why
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Kid Contractor Intro
    Caleb introduces the podcast, thanks sponsors, and sets the stage for the interview with Jerry Schill.
  • 0:26
    Schill Landscaping's Journey
    Jerry shares the 34-year history of Schill Landscaping, from a storage locker to 38 locations and their focus on commercial landscape management.
  • 1:48
    The Magnet of Landscaping
    Jerry explains what drew him and his brothers back to the landscaping industry after college, highlighting its creative and entrepreneurial aspects.
  • 9:28
    Fearless Execution Defined
    Jerry elaborates on 'fearless execution,' trusting his team to achieve strategic goals, and the company's singular focus on commercial landscape management.
  • 25:48
    From Residential to Commercial
    Jerry recounts the transformation of Schill Landscaping from a largely residential design-build firm to a 93% recurring revenue commercial business.
  • 39:21
    The Hedgehog Concept
    Jerry discusses the 'hedgehog concept' from Jim Collins' 'Good to Great' and how it informed Schill's focus on grass cutting, snow plowing, and enhancements.
  • 47:42
    Measuring What Matters
    Jerry explains how Schill measures key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive growth, remove obstacles, and ensure success across all locations.
  • 55:26
    Reducing Friction for Teams
    Jerry details how standardizing processes and providing necessary tools reduces friction for employees, enabling them to excel in their roles.
  • 1:00:17
    Mentorship and Giving Back
    Jerry expresses his willingness to mentor others in the industry and how to connect with him for advice.
  • 1:05:59
    Exit Strategy and Enjoyment
    Jerry offers advice on planning an exit strategy for a business and shares his personal enjoyments outside of work, including family and lake activities.

Speakers

C
Caleb Auman
Host
J
Jerry Schill
B
Brittany Auman
Host

Key Takeaways

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Cultivate curiosity and a competitive spirit to continuously refine business processes and people aspects, seeking wisdom and knowledge from various industry sources.

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Practice 'fearless execution' by empowering a trusted team to implement the company's vision and mission, rather than micromanaging every detail.

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Maintain a singular focus on your core business offerings; for example, commercial landscape management, to standardize processes and attract ideal clients and talent.

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Embrace technology and change, constantly seeking new 'nuggets' of information to adapt and disrupt your own business before others do.

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Build your business to sell by planning and preparing for an exit strategy early, whether it's for family, employees, or private investment, rather than making spur-of-the-moment decisions.

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Measure everything that matters, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) that directly drive your business goals, and use this data to identify strengths and weaknesses for replication or correction.

✦

Reduce friction for your team by standardizing work, providing necessary tools and resources, and consistently evaluating their needs to foster a supportive and efficient work environment.

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