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From Craftsman to Closer: The Core 10 Sales Playbook with Joshua Gillow

πŸ“… April 17, 2026 ⏱️ 47:01 🎀 Jack Jostes, Joshua Gillow

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    From Craftsman to Closer
    Joshua Gillow introduces his new book, 'The Core 10 Sales Playbook,' which distills 30 years of industry experience into practical sales tools for contractors.
  • 1:47
    Joshua's Background
    Joshua shares his journey from a childhood in a garden center and working in a family business to starting his own landscape company and eventually becoming a sales coach and author.
  • 8:22
    Craftsman vs. Professional
    Joshua defines the difference between a craftsman who loves to build and a professional who learns to communicate, systemize, and lead teams, essential for scaling beyond a million dollars in revenue.
  • 21:19
    Selling Outcomes, Not Features
    Joshua explains how to stop selling features and start selling outcomes by using the 'so that' equation to connect features with the emotional benefits customers desire.
  • 33:42
    Listen to Close More
    Joshua highlights that active listening is crucial for sales, contrary to the common contractor tendency to talk more, which often stems from a desire to prove knowledge.
  • 46:12
    Mindset Around Money
    Joshua delves into the psychological aspects of money, discussing how personal stories and perceptions of wealth impact sales effectiveness and client interactions.
  • 57:18
    The Power of Expectations
    Joshua emphasizes that setting clear expectations from the initial phone call to project completion is the most critical and often overlooked step for smooth operations and client satisfaction.
  • 1:13:10
    Accessing The Core 10
    Joshua encourages listeners to find his book 'The Core 10 Sales Playbook' on Audible or Amazon, emphasizing its timeless principles for improving sales and reclaiming time and freedom.

Speakers

J
Jack Jostes
Host
J
Joshua Gillow
Author of The Core 10 Sales Playbook: Tools for Outdoor Living, Landscape, and Hardscape Contractors

Key Takeaways

✦

Shift your sales approach from listing features to explaining outcomes. Use the 'so that' formula to connect what you build with the emotional benefits and desired experiences for your clients.

✦

Prioritize active listening during client consultations. Focus on understanding their true needs, wants, and desires, as 80% of client problems are emotional, not purely functional.

✦

Recognize and address your mindset around money. Your personal beliefs about wealth and value directly impact your sales conversations and your ability to charge a fair price for your work.

✦

Implement a robust pre-qualification process, starting with the first phone call. This saves time, reduces wasted travel, and ensures you're engaging with clients who are a good fit for your services.

✦

Set clear expectations at every stage of the client journey, from initial contact to project completion. This prevents misunderstandings, builds trust, and creates a smoother experience for everyone involved.

✦

Invest in sales training and resources like 'The Core 10 Sales Playbook' to develop professional selling skills. Even experienced contractors can benefit from refining their communication and closing techniques to improve efficiency and profitability.

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