The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas: How Undercharging & Survival Mode Is the Worst Way to Run A Landscaping Business

How Undercharging & Survival Mode Is the Worst Way to Run A Landscaping Business

Dec 27, 2024

In this episode, Keith Kelfis shares a personal story about cutting corners on a landscaping job due to fear and lack of confidence. He recalls how he started his landscaping business with an obsessive focus on quality and customer care, only to land a wealthy client whose massive property overwhelmed him. Keith recounts undercharging for extensive landscaping work and making a critical error by not using enough weed barrier fabric. This mistake haunted him for years, teaching him valuable lessons about knowing his worth and the importance of doing the job right the first time. He emphasizes the significance of providing top-notch work and charging appropriately, highlighting the stress and emotional toll of undercharging and cutting corners. Keith also touches on using Jobber Software to improve his business operations. With a focus on continuous improvement and learning from mistakes, Keith aims to inspire landscapers to deliver exceptional results and run healthy businesses.

"True mastery in business comes from the pain and suffering of lessons learned the hard way. Charge what you're worth, commit to top-quality work, and never let fear drive your decisions. Build your confidence, stay connected to your heart, and you'll create a business that serves both your clients and your dreams."
- Keith Kalfas

Topics Covered:

Establishing the Landscaping Business
The Wealthy Client Experience
Financial and Emotional Struggles
Examples of Other Business Challenges

Key Takeaways

Undercharging and Low Self-Esteem: Starting out with low confidence led to significantly undercharging for services, which resulted in cutting corners and causing long-term stress.
Learning from Mistakes: Hard lessons were learned about the importance of charging appropriately for work to ensure quality and avoid future stress and financial strain.
Importance of Self-Worth in Business: Understanding and valuing one's worth is crucial for running a successful business, delivering high-quality work, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.