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34-Years Together: Grow Your Numbers & Treat Your Team Like Owners | Gene Freeman & Chris Strempek

📅 November 26, 2025 ⏱️ 59:37 🎤 Marty Grunder, Jean Freeman, Chris Strempek

Chapters

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  • 0:33
    Guest Introduction
    Marty Grunder introduces Gene Freeman and Chris Strempek from Complete Land Sculpture, the 2026 Grow Show hosts.
  • 1:17
    Complete Land Sculpture Overview
    Chris and Gene describe their roles, the company's business mix, ideal client, and unique value proposition.
  • 11:26
    The 5/10 Rule
    Gene explains their customer communication policy, the '5/10 rule,' which ensures timely responses to client inquiries.
  • 17:35
    Company Evolution & Grow 2026
    Gene and Chris discuss how Complete Land Sculpture has changed since last hosting Grow in 2016 and what attendees can expect in 2026.
  • 26:22
    Team & Culture
    Chris and Gene detail their approach to team management, including H2B workers, career paths, and fostering a family-like culture.
  • 34:03
    Community Involvement
    The hosts share various ways Complete Land Sculpture gives back to the community, emphasizing intentionality.
  • 37:22
    Relationships Matter
    Gene elaborates on their core belief that 'relationships matter at all levels' and how it drives their business.
  • 40:20
    Leadership Style & Private Equity
    Chris discusses how his leadership style has evolved and both share their perspective on private equity in the industry.
  • 49:41
    Advice to Younger Selves
    Chris and Gene offer advice to their 25-year-old selves, focusing on seeking advice, understanding financials, and developing people.

Speakers

M
Marty Grunder
Host — Owner, Grunder Landscaping Company & Grow Group
J
Jean Freeman
C
Chris Strempek
Founder and President, Complete Land Sculpture

Key Takeaways

✦

Implement a '5/10 rule' for client communication: respond to inquiries received before 5 PM on the same day, and inquiries after 5 PM by 10 AM the next business day, to enhance customer satisfaction.

✦

Develop clear career paths within your company to demonstrate growth opportunities for team members, encouraging retention and professional development.

✦

Actively foster a culture of care and appreciation for your team, celebrating milestones and providing support, as this directly impacts morale and productivity.

✦

Be intentional about community involvement by integrating giving back into your business plan, which can also generate goodwill and attract new clients.

✦

Prioritize continuous learning and self-development, seeking advice from consultants and peer groups to stay adaptive and address business challenges effectively.

✦

Understand your financial numbers beyond just revenue, focusing on KPIs and profit margins to ensure sustainable growth and prevent outgrowing your systems.

✦

Build bridges, not dams, in all relationships—with clients, vendors, and team members—as strong relationships are the 'secret sauce' for long-term success.

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