The Lawn Care CEO
We believe that every college drop out, accidental entrepreneur and lawn mowing maven can become a wildly successful CEO. Every week we will discuss how to increase profitability while simultaneously spending less time and having fewer headaches. Join 7-figure business coach, Dan Ralphs and life long lawn care CEO, Aaron Suttenfield to chart your course to becoming a $1M lawn care CEO.
He Bought a $400K Business for $45K, Doubled His Profit, and Never Ran a Single Ad
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23% growth. Net profit doubled. $1.5 million in revenue. No advertising budget.
Jason James of Turf 212 in Greenville, South Carolina is doing something most lawn care owners think is impossible — scaling fast while keeping the bottom line healthy, and doing it almost entirely on word of mouth and relationships.
In this episode, Jason sits down with Dan Ralphs and fractional CEO coach Miranda to walk through exactly how he got here — the business purchase that changed everything, the cash flow moves that unlocked his profit, and the mindset shifts that turned a gu...
How to @#$%ing Get Ranked on Google
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Right now, someone in your town just typed "lawn care near me" into Google.
Three names showed up. Yours wasn't one of them.
They picked somebody else. They scheduled. They paid. And that company didn't do anything special to earn it — they just knew how to play a game you haven't learned yet.
That's what this episode is about.
Dan Ralphs and Sam Gustin — fractional CEO coach, Missile Defender of the Year, and founder of Troops Mowing — sit down to teach you exactly how Google decide...
The Simple Sales Script That Took This Lawn Care Company From 33% to 84% Close Rate
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Aaron Suttonfield watched his close rate fall from the low 50s all the way down to 33% — and he knew marketing wasn't going to save him. So he fixed the thing closest to cash first: his sales process.
In this episode, Aaron breaks down exactly what he changed to go from 33% to as high as 84.8% close rate at RDS Lawn Care. New team structure, a three-tiered program, a dead-simple phone script, and one counterintuitive pricing move that made the elite program the easiest sell on the menu.
If your close ra...
He Had 1,900 Five-Star Reviews and Almost Quit. Here's Why.
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You can hit $2M in revenue, collect 1,900 five-star reviews, and still be one resignation away from watching it all fall apart. That's not a hypothetical. That's Kyle Flanagan's story.
Kyle built Lawn Ace in Augusta, Georgia into a multimillion-dollar fertilization and weed control company. Great brand. Loyal clients. Strong team — until the ops leader who held everything together walked out after 13 years. Suddenly Kyle was back in the weeds, burning out, and asking himself if it was time to exit.
In this episode, we trace his full journey — $9/hour spra...
How to Start (or Fix) a Lawn Care Business the Right Way
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Dan skipped church to help a buddy plan a pest control business — and ended up laying out the exact blueprint every lawn care business owner needs to build a scalable, profitable company. In this episode of the Lawn Care CEO Podcast, head coach Dan Ralphs walks you through the four foundational steps every owner needs to nail, whether you're starting a lawn care business from scratch, launching a new division, or trying to figure out why you feel stuck early on.
You'll learn the three core business models in residential lawn ca...
How to Be the Lawn Care Success Whisperer
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There is a reason why some leaders make it look easy but the truth is that it isn’t what is going on in their business but something else. In this mindset shifting episode, we will show you why everything some lawn care leaders touch seems to turn to gold!
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From 89 to 800 Turf Clients in 24 months
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How do you scale a turf business fast without burning out or guessing your way through it?
Will Hall, founder of Hippo Turf Care, shares how he went from 89 clients to nearly 800 in just two years—starting as a side hustle and going all-in with real risk on the table.
From branding that actually sticks to handling leads, hiring a VA, and doing “all the things” early on—this episode breaks down what really moved the needle.
If you’re in the early stages or trying to...
Why a Non-Lawn Care Guy Has a Lawn Care Podcast
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Season 3 starts here. We're telling the full story — how a non-lawn care guy ended up with a lawn care podcast, why it works, and why you should absolutely care. Plus, it’s a good story.
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Meet Our New Coach – A Million-Dollar Lawn Care CEO
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We’re excited to welcome our new coach, Sam Gustin, to the Lawn Care CEO team.
Sam is a US Army veteran, former Missile Defender of the Year, and the founder of a million-dollar lawn care company, Troops Mowing.
In this episode, we talk through his story, how he made the jump from military service to entrepreneurship, and the lessons he picked up while running a fast-growing company. You’ll hear how he thinks about leadership, team structure, and building a business that can handle real growth.
How One Lawn Care Owner Doubled Revenue in 12 Months
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Struggling to grow your lawn care business past that plateau?
In this episode of the Lawn Care CEO Podcast, we sit down with Jude Salvaggio of Tyler Landscape Maintenance, a small business owner who transformed his company and increased sales by over $100K in just 12 months.
Jude shares how he went from $150K to nearly $300K in revenue by narrowing his services, implementing a CRM, and leveraging simple marketing tactics like Google reviews and QR codes. We break down the practical steps he took, the...
Maximizing Profits with Early Order Planning: A Lawn Care CEO's Secret to Financial Health
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In this episode of the Lawn Care CEO Podcast, Dan Ralphs and Aaron Suttenfield sit down with Brian Christensen, CEO of Brian Pest Control. With nearly three decades of experience, Brian explains how early order planning (EOP) has been one of the smartest moves for protecting margins and keeping his company financially strong.
He breaks down how EOP can cut material costs by up to 10%, why managing inventory and product ordering directly impacts profitability, and how building reliable systems sets a company up for long-term stability. Brian...
AI Take Over: What Happens When I Ask AI to Do Our Podcast
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What happens when AI takes over our podcast? This episode of the Lawn Care CEO Podcast isn’t just Dan talking about AI—it’s AI creating the episode. And it might change how you think about running your lawn care business.
We’ve been experimenting with practical ways lawn care business owners can use AI to save time, systemize their companies, and make better decisions. Today, we’re pushing it further. Dan introduces you to “Lippy,” our AI built on 300+ coaching calls, podcasts, and training documents from Lawn Care CEO.
...Secrets to a $10M Lawn Care CEO Mindset
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If you’re running a $1M lawn care business and want to grow it to $10M, this episode breaks down what actually needs to change to make that leap.
Dan and Miranda talk through the mindset shifts and leadership habits that separate stuck operators from confident CEOs. They explain why focusing only on top-line sales can hold you back, and how shifting your attention to profit and efficiency changes the game.
You’ll hear how moving from daily problem-solver to system-builder frees you up to lead, and why
The 5-Step Escape Plan from the Time Trap
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Feeling like your lawn care business is running your life? Like there’s never enough time to finish everything on your list?
In this episode of The Lawn Care CEO Podcast, COO Dan Ralphs and Head Coach Miranda Daigneault break down how lawn care owners can take back control of their time—and it starts with building a profitable business.
They talk about the real reason behind Chronic CEO Fatigue, how to stop being the one always plugging leaks, and what it actually looks like to run a business that...
When will AI reach Lawn Care?
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Is robotic mowing the future of lawn care? Spoiler alert: It's already here. And it's changing everything.
In this episode of the Lawn Care CEO Podcast, we sit down with Michael Mayberry, Director of Customer Success at Scythe Robotics, to talk about the real state of robotic mowing. For years, people have said, “It’s five to ten years away.” But let’s be honest—they’ve been saying that for five to ten years.
So what’s actually happening right now? Robotic mowers are already changin...
Automations for Beginners
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Sick of being the only one doing everything in your lawn care business? You're not alone—and this one’s for you.
In today's episode, we brought on Brian Schlichting, founder of Spraye, to talk about how smart automation can take real weight off your shoulders.
We got into the automations that actually save time, how to build stronger customer relationships right from the first interaction, and how upsells should be as simple as a click. We also covered one move most owners are ignoring—reaching back out to...
Cell Phone–Free Vacation Days: The True Story of Handing a Business Over to a GM
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From Firefighter to Full-Time Owner: How Tom Built a Lawn Business That Runs Without Him?
In this episode, we’re joined by a special guest—Tom Gillespie, owner of Complete Lawn Care out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tom recently hit a milestone most lawn care owners only talk about: he stepped completely out of the day-to-day and into the true owner’s seat.
We break down what it really took to build a business that runs without him. From finding and developing the right General Manager, to building trust...
Financial Baby Steps
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You Don’t Need More Revenue—You Need THIS
Too many lawn care business owners think the answer to their problems is more sales, more clients, or more revenue. But here’s the truth: it’s not about making more money—it’s about managing the money you already have.
In this episode of the Lawn Care CEO Podcast, Head Coach Dan Ralphs and CEO Aaron Suttenfield break down the 6 baby steps every lawn care business must take to go from critical financial condition to true weal...
Budgeting, Book Keeping and Bears, Oh My... Making Finance Less Scary
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💥 You're losing money if you don’t know your numbers — here’s how to fix that.
Too many lawn care business owners are running off gut instinct and crossing their fingers when it comes to money. In this episode of the The Lawn Care CEO Podcast, we’re announcing something we’ve been building behind the scenes: The Lawn Care Books — our new bookkeeping service built specifically for lawn care companies. We’re joined by Jennifer, our CFO Consultant, who’s been working closely with us to bring this service to life and...
55 questions to determine if you're ready to scale or NOT
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Is your lawn care business actually ready to scale—or are you just dreaming about the Boston Marathon while you're still winded from the stairs?
In this episode, we walk through 55 critical questions every lawn care business owner should be asking to assess whether their company is actually ready for growth. We’re not talking about surface-level fluff — this is the hard look at what’s working, what’s broken, and what you need to fix before you start chasing big goals.
We share the same assessment we use ins...
Interview with Financal Guru Greg Crabtree
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🚨 Unlock the Secrets of Business Profitability with Greg Crabtree 🚨
In today’s episode of the Lawn Care CEO Podcast, we sit down with a true industry icon—Greg Crabtree, the author of Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits and Simple Numbers 2.0. If you’re a business owner struggling with your financials or just looking to level up your financial literacy, this conversation is for you!
From his journey as a chicken farmer to becoming a financial guru, Greg shares his wisdom on how to approach business numbers in a way that tru...
From Addict to $5M Commercial Legend
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What does it look like to grow a solid business while working through some of the toughest personal battles?
In this episode of the Lawn Care CEO Podcast, we sit down with Brent Moore, owner of Outdoor Living Southeast in Valdosta, Georgia. Brent runs a strong commercial lawn care company now, but his story didn’t start there. He opens up about his past with addiction, the road to recovery, and how he built his business one step at a time.
We get into his sh...
People are WOW
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What makes someone actually inspiring as a leader? Not just a good manager, not just someone who gets results—but someone people want to follow.
In this episode, we’re talking about the heart of the business. The stuff that doesn’t show up on a P&L but determines whether people stick around or check out. We're sharing what we believe makes a leader truly inspiring, how to communicate your “wow,” and what messages your team needs to hear consistently.
We’ll break down the habits and behavior...
A 500K Profit Turn Around in 1 Year
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This father-son duo is CRUSHING it—and their numbers prove it.
In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with John and Bryce Molloy from Molloy Landscape—a dynamic father and son team who's been putting in the work and seeing amazing results.
Since joining our coaching program, John’s business has completely transformed—over $500K in profit in just one year, streamlined expenses, and most importantly, total clarity on their numbers. We’ve also had the privilege of coaching not just John, but also h...
A Problem Solving Mindset that Works Every Time
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In today’s podcast, we’re talking about a decision-making model that’ll change how you solve problems in your business—especially when you don’t know what’s really going on.
It’s borrowed from the way doctors think.
They don’t react. They assess, diagnose, and treat based on real data—not guesses. That same mindset can help you stop spinning your wheels and start solving the right problems.
If you’re just reacting to symptoms without fixing the root cause, you’re gonna stay stuck in th...
New Year, New Coach, New Program
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In this episode of The Lawn Care CEO Podcast, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our new coach, Miranda! 🎉 Miranda is joining us as our third coach, and she’s bringing her elite coaching methodology to help lawn care businesses thrive.
With over 100+ business owners coached in both 1:1 and group settings, Miranda has a unique ability to simplify complex systems, making them approachable and actionable. Her focus on organizational behavior and business structure is next-level—powerful, yet easy enough for any business owner to implement. Whether you're analytical, creative, or somewhere...
Lawn Care Mergers & Acquisitions Explained with Matt Stemmler
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In this episode of The Lawn Care CEO podcast, Matt Stemmler joins us to talk about mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the lawn care industry. With a background in engineering and finance, Matt brings a unique perspective to helping business owners connect with the right investors. We cover the current state of the lawn care M&A market, the types of deals business owners can explore, what drives valuation, how the sale process works, and the critical role of an industry-focused M&A advisor.
Have questions about M&A in...
How a Virtual Assistant transformed our business
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When you’re starting out in business, it often feels like you’re short on time, money, or both. That's why we're bringing you a little “hack” that changed the game for us in the lawn care industry—hiring a virtual assistant (VA).
In this episode, we sit down with our very own VA, Via, who’s been handling the back end of The Lawn Care CEO—everything from admin tasks and social media to marketing and day-to-day operations. We’re talking about how hiring a VA has changed our business, the...
Should You Buy Another Business? Here’s What to Consider
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In today’s episode, we talk with Jason Dorsey, CEO of Turf Magic, about mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for lawn care businesses. When organic growth slows down, M&A can be a great way to expand. Jason shares how he got into M&A, what to look for when buying a business, and the red flags to avoid.
Whether you’re a new business owner or looking to grow, this episode covers the basics of business acquisitions and how to decide if M&A is right for you.
Foll...
How to Manage Your Costs and Boost Your Profits for 2025
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In today’s video, we’re getting back to the basics of running a successful business by focusing on costs and profitability. It’s not just about bringing in revenue; you need to know how much it costs to deliver your product or service and ensure that your profits are healthy. Profitability is what allows your business to grow, avoid debt, and stay financially strong.
We’ll also talk about why it’s important to start planning your 2025 budget now. As your business grows, your systems should make you more efficient, but you ne...
Start Small, Win Big: Lessons from Jonas Olson
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In this episode, we’re joined by Jonas Olson from Turf Badger, who shares his journey of starting and growing his lawn care business. Jonas shares the importance of having a big vision, getting others to believe in it, and showing them how it can be done.
We also discuss the 4 main responsibilities of a CEO: setting the vision, building a strong team, managing money, and running good marketing! Jonas also shares valuable lessons he's learned along the way, like focusing on a smaller market before expanding and doubling down on yo...
How to Overcome CEO Burnout
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In today’s podcast episode, we’re talking about something many CEOs experience but rarely discuss—Chronic CEO Fatigue (CCF). It’s that feeling of being constantly overwhelmed and stressed as a business leader.
Sometimes, feeling overwhelmed comes from making your business too complex. It’s not that you can’t handle it, but the more complicated things get, the more stressful they become. Simplifying your business can help ease that burden.
If you’re dealing with Chronic CEO Fatigue, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s from a coac...
The Importance of Team Culture in Growing Your Business
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In this episode, we sit down with Greg Harris, the founder of Leap Frog Land Care, who shares his inspiring journey from working for someone else to running his own successful company in the green industry. Greg opens up about how he built strong relationships with his former employers and how these connections helped him when he started his own business.
We will explore why building strong partnerships is so important and how these connections can have a big impact on your business. Greg also reveals his approach to building a...
How Healthy Is Your Lawn Business? 5 Key Areas to Evaluate
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In this podcast episode, we’re going to help you check the health of your business. Think of us as business doctors, and your company as our patient. We’ll look at 5 Key Areas to see if your business is doing well or if it needs some help.
What We'll Cover:
How to Know It's Time to Hire Your First Employee
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Find out the best practices for hiring your first employee, from knowing when to hire to ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute effectively to your business. Hiring the right employee can help take your business to the next level.
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How to hire the right employees for your lawn business?
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In this video, learn how to hire the perfect employees for your lawn care business and improve your overall hiring process! Learn the benefits of slow, committed hiring and how it can make your life easier.
Email us at info@ceocoach.biz to get a sample hiring ad that will attract the right candidates!
#HiringTips #BusinessAdvice #LawnCare
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Why don't lawn care companies make money? (Part 2)
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There are two halves of making sure that we are profitbable, in today's episode we are going to talk about the expense side of the business. COGs, overhead and debt, oh my!
Join us live at AutoCamp in Cape Cod, MA, for a two-day Bootcamp designed to help you grow your lawn care business. This event, in partnership with Harrell's and Spraye, will provide you with the tools and strategies needed for your lawn care business.
Register for free here: https://harrellsllc538.lpages.co/bbb-cape-cod/
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Coming Soon: Lawn Care CEO in Person Opportunity
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Exciting News! Join us for a two-day Business Building Bootcamp designed to help you grow your lawn business with coaching from The Lawn Care CEO, Spraye, and Harrell's.
This event is meant to be a one-stop shop to help you understand what it takes to run or scale a successful fertilization and weed control division.
All for free!
When: August 22 & 23
Where: AutoCamp, Cape Cod, MA
Register here today: https://harrellsllc538.lpages.co/bbb-cape-cod/
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<...Why don't lawn care companies make money? (Part 1)
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The sad truth is that at the end of the year a lot of lawn care companies don't have any money left in the bank. We at the Lawn Care CEO are on a crusade to end such things. In this special two-part episode, we discuss the first of two reasons you too may be left cashless at the end of the year.
Get our free Pricing Profitable Work Course Here:
https://www.lawncareceo.com/pricing101.html
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The Surprising Fundamentals All Lawn Care Companies Need to Get Right
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No matter what your marketing budget, there are certain marketing fundamentals that we should all be getting right. They are key activities we should maximize and prioritize above all other marketing expenses. They work for companies that are just getting started and for companies that are scaling. Time to put fuel in the rocket ship and take off!
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