WILSON360 https://wilson-360.com Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:47:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://wilson-360.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-w360_logo_icon-color-32x32.png WILSON360 https://wilson-360.com 32 32 Building an Ironman-Worthy Team https://wilson-360.com/building-an-ironman-worthy-team/ https://wilson-360.com/building-an-ironman-worthy-team/#respond Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:47:52 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8922 Every business leader wants a strong team, but too many fall into the trap of hiring for convenience rather than culture. In The Ironman Mindset for Entrepreneurs, I emphasize the importance of resilience, discipline, and a commitment to excellence—qualities that don’t just shape great athletes but high-performing teams. Without a strong cultural foundation, even the most skilled individuals can underperform. Success is built on intentionality, starting with hiring people who align with your core values and long-term vision.

The Right Talent Starts With the Right Standard

Ironman athletes don’t train casually. They commit fully. Your team should do the same. The best leaders don’t settle for bodies in seats; they recruit people who match their vision, values, and work ethic. If your culture isn’t strong enough to attract the right people, you don’t have a hiring problem—you have a leadership problem. A clear hiring process, focused on core competencies and cultural alignment, ensures you bring in team members who contribute to long-term success.

Culture is a Daily Discipline

A business with a weak culture is like an athlete skipping workouts—it might hold up for a while, but eventually, it collapses. Culture isn’t about slogans or occasional team-building exercises. It’s about setting expectations, reinforcing them daily, and leading by example. Your team should see your values in action, not just in writing. Consistency in communication, accountability, and engagement keeps your culture strong and prevents dilution as your business grows.

Training Builds Strength—For Teams, Too

No Ironman competitor reaches peak performance without structured training. The same applies to your team. Invest in coaching, skill-building, and leadership development. You’re letting them stagnate if you’re not continuously pushing them to grow. A culture of learning and growth fosters innovation, strengthens team loyalty, and ensures your business remains competitive.

Cut the Dead Weight

Brutal truth: Not everyone is cut out for your team. Just as athletes must shed bad habits to perform at their best, leaders must remove people who don’t align with their culture. Keeping the wrong people out of fear or convenience only slows down the entire organization. The best teams are built on accountability, including making tough calls when necessary.

The Ironman Mindset in Leadership

Ironman champions thrive on grit, preparation, and mental toughness. Business leaders who embrace this mindset cultivate cultures where accountability, high standards, and relentless execution drive results. If your team isn’t performing at this level, the question isn’t whether they’re failing you—it’s whether you’re failing them. A leader’s responsibility is to set the pace and demand excellence. When you establish a culture of discipline and commitment, performance follows naturally.

Success isn’t random—it’s built on discipline, the right team, and a culture that demands excellence. The strongest organizations don’t passively wait for the right people—they actively develop and reinforce a winning mindset. When talent and culture align, success becomes inevitable. Wilson360 works with business leaders to refine hiring, culture, and leadership strategies—ensuring that every team is positioned for long-term success.

About the Author

Serial entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and Ironman athlete Robert Clinkenbeard is CEO of green industry consultancy and peer group organization Wilson360. Connect with Robert at Robert@Wilson-360.com

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6 AI-Powered Strategies to Build Stronger Landscaping Teams https://wilson-360.com/6-ai-powered-strategies-to-build-stronger-landscaping-teams/ https://wilson-360.com/6-ai-powered-strategies-to-build-stronger-landscaping-teams/#respond Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:33:03 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8912 The Future of Hiring & Retention in Landscaping

The landscaping industry faces ongoing challenges with hiring, seasonal labor shortages, and employee retention. Finding skilled, reliable workers for specialized roles—such as hardscaping, irrigation, and landscape design—has never been easy.

But hiring isn’t just about filling positions. Landscape leaders need smart, sustainable talent strategies to build high-performing teams and a strong company culture. AI is reshaping how businesses hire, train, and retain their teams—helping companies work faster, reduce bias, and improve employee engagement.

Here are six AI-powered strategies transforming talent management in landscaping.

1. Smarter Hiring for a Stronger Culture

AI-driven Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) go beyond keyword matching. They help businesses identify candidates who fit both the skill requirements and the company’s values. AI analyzes resumes for relevant certifications, experience, and even behavioral indicators and ensures that new hires are aligned with long-term team goals.

  • Filters applicants by skills, certifications, and experience
  • Reduces time spent reviewing unqualified candidates
  • Helps businesses focus on hiring employees who fit the company’s culture

Stronger teams aren’t built by accident. AI allows businesses to make more strategic hiring decisions that reinforce workplace culture.

2. AI Chatbots: Improving First Impressions & Candidate Experience

A company’s hiring process is a reflection of its culture. If candidates feel ignored or lost in the process, they may take their skills elsewhere. AI-powered chatbots streamline communication, making the hiring process more efficient and engaging.

  • Instantly responds to job inquiries
  • Pre-screens applicants based on availability and certifications
  • Answers frequently asked questions about pay, schedules, and job expectations

When hiring is responsive and efficient, businesses are more likely to attract high-quality candidates who value professionalism and organization.

3. Predictive Hiring: Planning for Growth, Not Just Survival

Rather than reacting to labor shortages, AI allows companies to forecast workforce needs based on business growth, seasonal demand, and historical hiring trends. Landscaping businesses can use predictive analytics to plan, ensuring they have the right staffing levels before peak workloads hit.

  • Analyzes seasonal trends and project timelines to determine hiring needs
  • Helps businesses avoid last-minute labor shortages
  • Improves long-term workforce stability and cost efficiency

With AI-driven workforce planning, landscaping companies can take a proactive approach to building strong, reliable teams.

4. AI in Retention: Keeping the Right People, Not Just Hiring Them

Hiring top talent is only part of the equation. Retaining skilled employees is just as important for maintaining a strong team and company culture. AI tools can help businesses monitor engagement levels, track turnover risks, and provide personalized development opportunities.

  • Identifies patterns that indicate employee dissatisfaction or potential turnover
  • Enables companies to implement targeted retention strategies
  • Helps create career paths that align with employee strengths and company needs

AI-driven insights allow businesses to build a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay long-term.

5. Reducing Hiring Bias & Strengthening Diversity

Diverse teams contribute to stronger business performance, but unconscious bias in hiring can limit access to qualified candidates. AI minimizes hiring bias by evaluating applicants based on skills and experience rather than demographic factors. However, AI models must be carefully trained to prevent reinforcing past biases in hiring data.

  • Evaluates candidates objectively, reducing subjective decision-making
  • Expands hiring reach to a more diverse talent pool
  • Creates more inclusive and well-rounded teams

When used responsibly, AI can support fair hiring practices that foster diversity and innovation within the landscaping industry.

6. Automating the First 90 Days: A Better Onboarding Experience

A strong culture starts on day one. AI-powered onboarding systems help new hires integrate more smoothly, reducing early turnover and ensuring employees have the tools to succeed.

  • Automates training schedules and mentorship pairings
  • Personalizes learning experiences based on role requirements
  • Ensures consistent onboarding processes across multiple job sites

When new employees receive structured, well-organized onboarding, they become productive team members more quickly and are more likely to stay with the company long-term.

AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement for Leadership

Technology can streamline hiring and retention, but strong leadership and company culture ultimately determine long-term success. AI should complement—not replace—human decision-making. Landscaping companies that blend AI-driven efficiency with leadership, mentorship, and people-first management will build stronger, more resilient teams.

Conclusion: AI + Culture = A Winning Strategy

AI is revolutionizing hiring in the landscaping industry, not just by making recruitment faster but by improving talent management, retention, and workplace culture. Businesses that embrace AI-driven hiring while maintaining a strong human-centered leadership approach will gain a competitive advantage in hiring and building lasting teams.

W360 Tech Corner features Willard Moore, Wilson360 CTO, breaking down the latest trends and innovations transforming businesses—from AI to performance tools—keeping you ahead of the curve. Connect with Willard at Willard@Wilson-360.com.

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WILSON360 WELCOMES IRRIGATION EXPERT MARTIN SCHAEFER https://wilson-360.com/wilson360-welcomes-irrigation-expert-martin-schaefer/ https://wilson-360.com/wilson360-welcomes-irrigation-expert-martin-schaefer/#respond Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:22:59 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8900 Campobello, South Carolina – February 11, 2025 – Wilson360 is proud to welcome Martin Schaefer, a recognized leader in the irrigation and landscape industry with over 40 years of experience, to its consulting team. Martin’s expertise spans business development, operations optimization, and workforce management, making him a powerful asset to Wilson360’s mission of driving innovation and efficiency for landscape businesses.

With degrees in Landscape Contracting and Horticulture, Martin has held leadership roles in small and large-scale landscape operations, including founding and managing a successful irrigation services company. His extensive credentials include certifications as a Water Manager, Irrigation Designer, Pesticide Advisor, and a C-27 Contractor’s License. 

“Martin’s expertise in irrigation strategy and business optimization will provide tremendous value to our clients,” said Robert Clinkenbeard, Wilson360 CEO. “His proven leadership and ability to improve irrigation services align perfectly with Wilson360’s mission to help landscape businesses maximize their potential.”

Martin’s consulting services will concentrate on four essential areas:

  • Optimizing Irrigation Operations: Establishing department metrics, improving efficiency, and enhancing profitability.
  • Expanding Recurring Revenue: Developing irrigation maintenance programs to increase customer retention and long-term service agreements.
  • Implementing Smart Irrigation Technology: Integrating weather-based controllers, soil moisture sensors, and remote monitoring for water conservation.
  • Strengthening Workforce Development: Training irrigation teams, refining hiring processes, and improving employee retention.

“I’m thrilled to join Wilson360 and support landscape businesses in optimizing their irrigation services,” said Martin. “By improving efficiency, leveraging technology, and refining training programs, we can help companies achieve long-term growth and profitability.”

Martin’s background in irrigation management, operations, and customer experience positions him as a valuable resource for businesses seeking to scale their irrigation service offerings. His deep understanding of water conservation, service efficiency, and workforce development will help companies stay competitive.

About Wilson360
Wilson360 is dedicated to helping business leaders and entrepreneurs achieve sustained growth and success through strategic peer groups, consulting, and executive leadership programs. With a deep network of industry experts and proven tools, Wilson360 provides customized solutions that drive innovation, collaboration, and lasting results.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Pam Hill – pam.hill@wilson-360.com
407-257-5018 Orlando, FL 

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The Satellite Strategy: A business breakthrough https://wilson-360.com/the-satellite-strategy-a-business-breakthrough/ https://wilson-360.com/the-satellite-strategy-a-business-breakthrough/#respond Tue, 11 Feb 2025 18:13:12 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8895 Most entrepreneurs chase growth like a mirage in the desert: They fail not because of a lack of passion, but because of a misunderstanding of scaling. Your business isn’t a product. It’s a potential ecosystem.

The Scaling Principle

When I first understood the satellite model, it was like seeing through corporate fog. Most founders build a single thing. Innovative founders build gravitational systems. Jeff Bezos wasn’t a visionary in 1994 — he was just a guy selling books from a garage. But he understood a profound truth: Every business can be a tributary feeding a larger river.

The Ecosystem Mechanics

Imagine your core business as a sun. Create planets that orbit, each generating independent income:

A real estate company acquires:

  • Property management
  • Social media agency
  • Video production
  • Landscaping
  • Cleaning services
  • Mortgage brokerage

Suddenly, liabilities become profit centers. Weakness transforms into strength.

Masterclass examples

Amazon’s Expansion

  • AWS generates $80 billion annually
  • Marketplace creates third-party revenue
  • Prime membership locks in customers
  • 100-plus strategic acquisitions

Disney’s Content Machine

One story becomes:

  • Film
  • Park attraction
  • Vacation packages
  • Merchandise

Adobe’s Software Ecosystem

  • Illustrator leads to Photoshop
  • Premiere connects to After Effects
  • Creative Cloud traps enterprise clients

The Personal Growth Principle

This isn’t just about business. It’s about you. Stop seeing yourself as a single product. Build your personal ecosystem:

  • Acquire complementary skills
  • Cultivate transformative habits
  • Network strategically
  • Challenge your limitations

The Human Element of Growth

Your most powerful satellite system? People. Get advisors who challenge you and mentors who stretch you. The right people amplify your potential, reflect your blind spots, and push you beyond comfortable limits.

What’s that phrase? You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.

The Unfair Advantage

The satellite model isn’t a strategy. It’s a philosophy of exponential growth.

Most will read this and do nothing. A few will recognize it as their blueprint for domination. Which one are you?

The world doesn’t reward the average. It rewards those who understand that growth is an ecosystem, not a destination.

Your move.

Words of Wilson features a rotating panel of consultants from WILSON360, a landscape consulting firm. Robert Clinkenbeard, CEO of WILSON360, can be reached at robert@wilson-360.com.

Reprinted with permission. GIE Media. Lawn & Landscape February 2025 (c)

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Wilson360 Announces Launch of “Wilson360 People Sessions with Shelia” https://wilson-360.com/wilson360-announces-launch-of-wilson360-people-sessions-with-shelia/ https://wilson-360.com/wilson360-announces-launch-of-wilson360-people-sessions-with-shelia/#respond Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:14:20 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8773 Campobello, South Carolina – Wilson360 is proud to announce the launch of its new monthly virtual series, Wilson360 People Sessions with Shelia, hosted by Shelia Matthews, the Chief People Officer at Wilson360. The 30-minute, people-focused conversations will take place online each month, offering business leaders, executives, and HR professionals actionable insights and strategies to improve their leadership and organizational culture.

“These sessions are designed to provide leaders with practical tools they can immediately apply to create stronger, more people-centric teams,” says Shelia Matthews. “While hiring continues to be a key challenge for many organizations, this series will also explore a wide range of topics to help leaders strengthen their overall people strategies—from team retention to leadership development.”

Each month, Shelia will address a range of topics designed to help organizations optimize their people strategies and tackle the challenges faced by today’s leaders. Some of the key topics include:

  • January: Why Should Anyone Work for You? The #1 Thing Your Hiring Process is Missing
  • February: Hiring Sales People Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Sales Recruiter Secrets Shared
  • March: Are You Still Playing Catch & Release? Retain Your Best, Exit the Rest
  • April: Stop Hiring Your Problems
  • May: Fire Someone So Well They Say Thank You
  • June: Turn Your Juniors into Seniors (Leadership Development)
  • July: Swipe Right to Work Here: Hiring the Newest Generation
  • August: Can’t We All Just Get Along? Generation Gaps at Work
  • September: Strategies to Make Seasonal Layoffs Suck Less
  • October: It’s Not You, It’s Me – Level Up Your People Skills
  • November: Culture is More Than a Pizza Party
  • December: 2025 is Over – What Did You Learn?

The Wilson360 People Sessions with Shelia series will be conducted virtually, allowing busy professionals to access these valuable insights from anywhere. Each session will be conversational, featuring Shelia’s expert perspectives and occasional co-hosts for added insight.

About Wilson360
Wilson360 is dedicated to helping business leaders and entrepreneurs achieve sustained growth and success through strategic peer groups, consulting, and executive leadership programs. With a deep network of industry experts and proven tools, Wilson360 provides customized solutions that drive innovation, collaboration, and lasting results.

Registration
The Wilson360 People Sessions with Shelia are free to attend, with registration required for each session. Interested participants can sign up and find more information by visiting the website page or contacting Wilson360 at info@wilson-360.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Pam Hill
pam.hill@wilson-360.com
407-257-5018
Orlando, FL

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2025: Own Your Vision, Resilience, and Success https://wilson-360.com/2025-own-your-vision-resilience-and-success/ https://wilson-360.com/2025-own-your-vision-resilience-and-success/#respond Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:16:57 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8721 As we step into 2025, we’re not just facing a new year; we’re facing a whole new set of opportunities. Yes, challenges will arise—there’s no avoiding that. But every challenge comes with the chance to adapt, innovate, and grow. What we do in the face of those obstacles will define our success.

From the grind of Ironman training to running a business, I’ve learned that challenges are often just opportunities in disguise. What matters is how we approach them.

2025: A Year of Adaptation and Growth

The landscape of business continues to evolve—digitally, socially, and environmentally. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of remote teams, staying ahead in the digital age, or tackling sustainability challenges, the key to thriving is adaptability. As in Ironman, the race doesn’t stop just because you hit a wall; you adapt, shift gears, and keep moving forward.

In 2025, adaptability isn’t optional—it’s essential. Consider the pace of innovation around us—AI, automation, and new customer expectations. Instead of seeing these as disruptions, consider them tools to fuel your growth. The opportunity is there for those who can embrace change.

Vision is More Than a Goal—It’s Your Compass

Having a clear vision isn’t just about having a target; it’s about knowing your purpose. In Ironman races, it’s easy to get lost in the pain of the moment, but your purpose keeps you moving forward. In business, the same applies. Whether it’s expanding your digital footprint, enhancing customer experiences, or developing your leadership team, make sure you’re clear on why you’re doing it.

The world is moving faster than ever. A strong vision allows you to navigate through distractions and align your team. 2025 isn’t just another year—it’s a chance to refine and bring that vision to life with agility.

Resilience Isn’t Just About Bouncing Back—It’s About Evolving

We all know setbacks happen. What matters is how we bounce back. But resilience in 2025 isn’t just about recovering; it’s about evolving. The challenges we’ll face—economic shifts, talent shortages, market disruptions—will force us to innovate and improve.

Take a step back and think about how the past few years have reshaped your business. If you’re not evolving, you’re getting left behind. Resilient businesses in 2025 will embrace change, learn fast, and make smarter decisions.

The Right Team Is Your Secret Weapon

Just as in an Ironman race, you can’t do it alone. The best athletes have a team of coaches, mentors, and peers to help them succeed. The same goes for business. Surround yourself with people who push you to improve, hold you accountable, and share your vision.

This year, I challenge you to look closely at your team. Do you have the right mix of skills, experiences, and mindsets? With the right team, you can face any challenge and turn it into an opportunity for growth.

Discipline and Focus: Your Competitive Edge

Ironman training teaches you that discipline isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter and staying focused. In business, the distractions are endless, but your ability to stay disciplined on the most important tasks will set you apart in 2025. Whether building stronger customer relationships or streamlining operations, discipline is your competitive edge.

In 2025, don’t just set goals—make them measurable, track progress, and stay focused on what truly matters. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things well.

The Cost of Not Facing Up to Your Challenges

Failure to prepare or face the pain in an Ironman race means you won’t finish. In business, failing to address your challenges has a similar cost. It could mean missing revenue goals, falling short on profitability, or experiencing a decline in company culture. The businesses that thrive face their challenges head-on—those that adapt, innovate, and stay focused.

Don’t let the cost of inaction derail your business. The obstacles in 2025 are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones for those who choose to face them.

Conclusion: The Year to Own Your Growth

2025 is a year to own. Own your vision, own your resilience, and own your growth. Yes, the challenges are real, but they are also opportunities. Embrace them. Adapt. Innovate.

At Wilson360, we’re here to help you navigate this journey with the support, coaching, and peer networks you need to make this your best year yet. Don’t wait for the challenges to overwhelm you—let us partner with you to turn them into the foundation for your business’s success. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and triumph.

About the author: Serial entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and Ironman athlete Robert Clinkenbeard is CEO of green industry consultancy and peer group organization Wilson360. Connect with Robert at Robert@Wilson-360.com

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Is the AI honeymoon over? https://wilson-360.com/is-the-ai-honeymoon-over/ https://wilson-360.com/is-the-ai-honeymoon-over/#respond Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:27:20 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8716 Every January I include my goals for success. This year, I’m prioritizing real human connection and breaking up with the bot. A quick Google search pulls up the #1 key leadership topics for 2025, and it turns out I’m not alone. The “human factor” is trending. The hard truth is our workplace has changed and what’s changed the most is that people have stopped talking to each other.

For many years, tech has driven the fast in “fast beats slow” and made it easier to be first with something new. I wouldn’t exchange the power technology offers, except for one thing: I’d minimize the current embrace of AI to become our primary way to interact with customers.

In other words, maybe it’s time to be more strategic about slowing down.

It’s estimated that more than a third of client service organizations rely on digital assistants and conversational AI as the primary way to increase engagement with customers. To me, this talking point is worrisome.

If artificial intelligence paves the way for a better customer experience, what exactly is it that customers are experiencing that we can’t improve on by doubling down on being human?

Another thing that worries me is whether our focus on closing the technical skills gap has contributed to a decline in our soft skills — our ability to communicate and relate to one another.

If we continue to rely on technology for short cuts, what will that do to our ability to form meaningful relationships with the people we work with and the people we serve?

AI improves our ability to outsource transactions, sort large amounts of information and automate essential processes. But whether it’s resolving a human-scale problem, addressing sensitive issues with compassion or discussing the nuances of value, there is no differentiator that will deliver a better customer experience than an empowered, enthusiastic and empathetic member of your team.

Over the course of my career, people told me I have “Bruce-isms” — wisdom that guides every strategy. One of them is: it’s hard to fire a friend. What I mean by that is that customers have no problem dropping an impersonal service company. But customers with whom you have built understanding, loyalty and mutual respect, and with whom you have maintained exceptional reputational value, is a friend — someone you treat like a person and not just a transaction.

I live by this “ism” and have had the privilege to have people in my career from all over the industry who started out as customers but who became colleagues or partners and life-long friends. They are shared-journey relationships that cannot be made better by technology, even as we use technology to stay in touch.

The paradox of being human in a tech world is a continual state of balancing the limitations and benefits of both.

Create a tech strategy that works for the inside and the outside of your business, and make sure the platforms you choose work just as well, if not better, for the customers and employees who drive your business forward.

Lastly, the digital natives joining your company are so used to their technology they prefer to live there. We need to convince them that technical capabilities alone are not enough; we need to help the youngest members of our workforce improve their ability to be substantive and well-informed, and develop relationship-building skills if they are to be successful.

Pursuing excellence is what we’re in business for, but we need to aim higher. We need to highlight our humanity and create a better experience for everyone. Keep serving, keep listening and keep building your relationships. Ask questions, read books and soak up wisdom from mentors. The more you learn from others, the more you’ll learn about yourself and the more you’ll stretch to learn new ways of doing old things better.

Words of Wilson features a rotating panel of consultants from Wilson360, a landscape consulting firm. Bruce Wilson is founder and chairman of Wilson360 (formerly Bruce Wilson & Co.) He can be reached at bruce@wilson-360.com

Reprinted with permission. GIE Media. Lawn & Landscape January 2025 (c)

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Steve Steele Receives John Garvey Person of the Year Award for Distinguished Service https://wilson-360.com/steve-steele-receives-john-garvey-person-of-the-year-award-for-distinguished-service/ https://wilson-360.com/steve-steele-receives-john-garvey-person-of-the-year-award-for-distinguished-service/#respond Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:05:59 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8690  

Denver, CO – Steve Steele, Financial Services Practice Leader at Wilson360, has been honored with the prestigious John Garvey Person of the Year Award by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) for his distinguished service during 2023. This recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to the landscaping industry, his exceptional service to the ALCC, and his work with industry professionals across the United States.

The John Garvey Award, named after a trailblazer in the landscape industry, is given annually to individuals who have demonstrated dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the landscape profession. Steve’s efforts in fostering industry growth and his leadership within ALCC have made a lasting impact on both the organization and the broader landscape community.

“Receiving the John Garvey Person of the Year Award is a true honor,” said Steve Steele. “It’s a privilege to contribute to an industry that has given me so much, and I’m grateful to my peers and mentors who have made this journey so fulfilling. This award reflects the hard work of everyone who shares a passion for advancing the landscape profession, and I’m proud to be part of this incredible community.”

The award was presented during the ALCC Annual 2024 Conference, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate achievements and share insights. Steve’s leadership continues to inspire professionals nationwide, making him a recognized figure in landscape business strategy and financial services.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Steve as part of the Wilson360 team,” said Robert Clinkenbeard, CEO of Wilson360. “His leadership and dedication to the landscape industry are unparalleled, and we couldn’t be prouder of the recognition he has received.”

For more information about the John Garvey Person of the Year Award and ALCC’s work, visit www.alcc.com.

 

About Wilson360
Wilson360 provides consulting, peer groups, and coaching aimed at driving business growth through innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership. For more information, visit www.wilson-360.com.

Media Contact:
Pam Hill
Email: Pam.Hill@wilson-360.com
Phone: 407-257-5018

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What took you so long? https://wilson-360.com/what-took-you-so-long/ https://wilson-360.com/what-took-you-so-long/#respond Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:21:31 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8673 I always wanted to be fair to employees who were struggling. Once I left a manager in place too long thinking I was being fair to him. The result was that the team underperformed and missed out on bonuses. When I finally changed the situation, the employees asked why I hadn’t acted sooner. I then realized that in trying to be fair to the manager, I was very unfair to the whole team.

Balancing fairness and instilling harmony is an ongoing piece of the leadership puzzle. Sometimes the right people are in the wrong job. Sometimes we hire the wrong people. Every company experiences a work culture hurdle. It’s a tough lesson learned for those of us who’ve been asked, ‘What took you so long?’”

Company culture, good or bad, historically seeps down from leadership to employees to customers. When it’s awesome, it’s contagious and creates great relationships, great employees and a great place to work. When it’s toxic, it can create havoc. Most companies say their culture falls somewhere between the extremes.

Statistics are on the side of positivity. Well-oiled organizational machines drive revenue. People are engaged and more productive, and there’s a can-do spirit of innovation and trust. On the flip side, workers are more likely to leave jobs because the environment is toxic than because of compensation, which tells us people valuing a healthy workplace more than they value good pay.

With a new year comes new opportunities for your business culture to not simply improve but leverage the power of “we” and create a culture of care.

Start by looking for red flags, including things you might have missed.

Do you have a defined set of core values that give your employees a sense of identity and belonging? Are your employees uncertain about their roles and responsibilities? Do you have an org chart that illustrates how people connect, collaborate and work together? Are your employees overworked, struggling to meet expectations or impacted by gossip that flourishes in negative environments?

The trauma of working in a company with a broken culture sticks with those who experience it. As a leader, if there’s gossip, address it head on. Create a no-gossip-in-the-workplace policy and eliminate the blame game; once it takes hold, it can be bigger than any other problem. Blame is a cascade of finger pointing, whereby someone looks for someone or something else to blame for the problem. Blame can become contagious and once it becomes part of daily life, employees start hiding problems to avoid blame.

It’s easy for leaders to turn a blind eye and avoid confrontation when the employee delivers results. The most common scenario is not holding high performers, sacred cows, or employees who are above reproach to the same behaviors expected of everyone else.

Most of us have known these people in our organizations. They can be high potential but high-maintenance employees, salespeople who win big accounts but skip out on accountability or long-time employees respected by the owner for their loyalty but who have stopped learning. They know they are not pulling their weight where it counts, but nothing is done. There are many exceptions to this generalization and genuine super stars who leave an incomparable impact. However, in many cases, when companies scale and grow, they often outgrow these employees. When new bars are set for performance, they gradually become demotivated or give up trying to carry their team to the next level.

I recommend that if you are in a position of leadership, you watch for these silent culture killers and deal with them immediately. Instead of resulting in a loss of productivity, the more likely scenario is a positive jump in positive activity when your employees ask you, “What took you so long?”

It has always struck me how fast my companies have bounced back when I finally made changes and dealt with problem employees. We ended up never missing a beat and had a better, happier team.

Words of Wilson features a rotating panel of consultants from Wilson360, a landscape consulting firm. Bruce Wilson is founder and chairman of Wilson360 (formerly Bruce Wilson & Co. He can be reached at bruce@wilson-360.com

Reprinted with permission. GIE Media. Lawn & Landscape December 2024 (c)

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Turning Vision into Action: Strategies to Inspire & Align Your Team https://wilson-360.com/turning-vision-into-action-strategies-to-inspire-align-your-team/ https://wilson-360.com/turning-vision-into-action-strategies-to-inspire-align-your-team/#respond Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:05:12 +0000 https://wilson-360.com/?p=8646 Sharing your company’s vision goes beyond words—it’s about cultivating a shared sense of purpose that resonates throughout your organization. When employees see how their work contributes to the bigger picture, they feel more engaged and connected to your company’s goals. These seven strategies offer business leaders a practical framework to transform their vision into an inspiring, unifying force.

Clear & Consistent Messaging

  • Use straightforward, jargon-free language to make the vision easy to grasp.
  • Keep messages brief and to the point for clarity.
  • Ensure the vision is communicated consistently at every level of the organization.

Multi-Channel Communication

Make the vision visible across various platforms:

  • Company-wide meetings and presentations.
  • Internal newsletters and emails.
  • Visual displays throughout office spaces.
  • Company intranet or digital communication platforms.
  • Regular team meetings and one-on-one discussions.

Actionable Goals & Strategies

  • Help employees see how their work supports the broader vision.
  • Align goals at all levels through cascading strategies.

Leadership Engagement

  • Leaders at every level should reinforce the vision through their actions and communication.
  • Encourage spontaneous discussions that highlight the vision’s relevance in daily operations.
  • Lead by example, showing how decisions align with the vision.

Employee Involvement

  • Involve employees in shaping the vision to foster greater buy-in.
  • Create opportunities for two-way communication, enabling employees to ask questions and offer feedback.
  • Appoint vision ambassadors or team leaders to spread and strengthen the message.

Regular Reinforcement

  • Integrate the vision into new employee onboarding.
  • Offer continuous training that aligns with the vision.
  • Recognize and celebrate employees who demonstrate the vision in their work.

Measure & Adapt

  • Regularly evaluate how well employees understand and connect with the vision.
  • Gather feedback on how the vision influences daily tasks and overall impact.
  • Be open to refining the vision as the organization grows and evolves.

A vision that’s effectively communicated doesn’t just inspire—it empowers. When every team member connects with your company’s purpose, it creates alignment, engagement, and a collective drive toward success. These strategies turn your vision into action, fostering a team that’s motivated, united, and ready to achieve great things together.

About the author: Serial entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and Ironman athlete Robert Clinkenbeard is CEO of green industry consultancy and peer group organization Wilson360. Connect with Robert at Robert@Wilson-360.com

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