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Ep 99. Winning Is In The Long Game: Current Struggles At SkyFrog And Independent Tree

⏱️ 59:15 🎀 Jordan Upcavage
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 99. Winning Is In The Long Game: Current Struggles At SkyFrog And Independent Tree
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Welcome and Current State
    Jason and Jordan record live from the Great Southern Tree Conference, sharing their current business struggles and updates.
  • 4:27
    Google Review Challenge Update
    Jordan updates on the Google review challenge, detailing his process for effectively soliciting and closing Google reviews from customers.
  • 16:20
    SkyFrog Staffing Changes
    Jason announces the departure of a long-term landscape designer and the hiring of a new business development manager, Aaron Alvarez.
  • 27:38
    Santa Fe College Partnership
    Jason excitedly reveals a new partnership with Santa Fe College to create an introductory landscape operations trade program, driven by a need for hands-on training.
  • 37:08
    Independent Tree Struggles
    Jordan shares the severe business downturn at Independent Tree, leading to unprecedented layoffs due to a lack of work after the hurricane season.
  • 46:26
    Navigating Layoffs and Downtime
    Jordan describes the personal and professional toll of the layoffs and how he's creatively planning to utilize downtime for his remaining staff.

Speakers

J
Jordan Upcavage
Host

Key Takeaways

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Proactively solicit reviews: Implement a structured process, like Jordan's, where crew leaders ask for reviews in person, assisted by QR codes and door hangers, to maximize immediate conversion.

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Follow-up is crucial: Beyond on-site requests, ensure sales personnel make follow-up calls and integrate review requests into invoices to capture more feedback.

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Address industry skill gaps: Consider partnering with local educational institutions to develop trade programs that provide hands-on training, creating a pipeline for skilled labor and serving as a business development opportunity.

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Diversify business development: Explore community outreach initiatives, such as hosting educational seminars, to position your company as an expert and generate leads.

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Be prepared for market shifts: Understand that external factors like weather events can drastically impact demand; build reserves and contingency plans for slowdowns.

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Prioritize transparency during tough times: When facing difficult decisions like layoffs, communicate openly and genuinely with employees, offering support and clarity to maintain trust and morale.

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Creative use of downtime: During slow periods, find constructive ways to engage employees, such as truck maintenance, shop organization, training, or localized marketing efforts, to make the most of paid hours.

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