• As a business leader and 4-time Ironman, I’ve discovered that the same discipline and strategies I use in athletic training apply directly to success in the business world. Whether you’re aiming for athletic greatness or professional growth, the principles remain the same. Here are the lessons that have shaped my journey—take these insights to improve […]

  • As your company begins the march toward next year’s strategic planning, it’s easy to focus solely on numbers—revenues, budgets, and growth projections. But here’s a secret that successful business leaders know well: the true pulse of your company is found in the voices of those closest to it—your clients, customers, and employees. When was the […]

  • Is your landscaping business truly prepared for what lies ahead? Effective succession planning is not just a safeguard—it’s a strategic tool that ensures your business remains robust and responsive in the face of inevitable leadership changes. Succession planning is the process of preparing for the future by identifying and developing employees who can take over […]

  • As we wrap up another quarter, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, laser-focused on hitting those numbers. But as a leader, it’s your responsibility to pause for a moment and ensure your team is on track—not just in terms of performance metrics but also in terms of morale, engagement, and professional […]

  • Every year, we see the same familiar pattern. You kick off January with bold ambitions and laser-focused goals—revenue targets, profit margins, and personal milestones all carefully laid out. Things feel great. Then, the “Spring Rush” hits. The whirlwind of projects, client demands, and daily fires that need extinguishing throws you off course. Before you know […]

  • “You can’t be successful with other people if you haven’t paid the price of success with yourself.” For employees and teams watching your leadership example, the most important ingredient you put into your relationship with them is not what you say or what you do. Instead, it’s about who you are and the example you […]

  • If you need to improve your financial health or cut costs, adopting an Ironman mindset can help. Achieving success in an Ironman competition requires unwavering discipline, strategic planning, and relentless focus—equally critical qualities in business. By setting clear goals, empowering your team, and applying a structured approach to expense management, you can turn financial setbacks […]

  • Everyone, it seems, is looking for a silver bullet. They want the one thing that will solve a problem or be the quick fix that will make a difference in their business. And while there’s no such thing, business owners seeking the latest, most exciting breakthroughs still hope to find it. Secrets-to-success themes fall into […]

  • If you’ve ever found yourself agonizing over whether you’re going too fast or too slow, you’re not alone. Leading a business is an endurance sport. You can’t outrun your ability or lose steam before the finish line. I recently completed my 30th Half Ironman, a challenging one-day event consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56 miles […]

  • When I first started in the landscape industry, I worked at Green Valley Landscape in San Jose, California, a company owned by Joe Marsh, a retired geologist with Standard Oil Company (Chevron Corporation) and a passionate gardener. He believed in hiring college graduates with bachelor’s degrees in horticulture because he knew they understood how landscapes […]