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HNA Interviews: What are You Struggling With in Your Business?

⏱️ 46:40 🎤 Michael Pletz, Jeremy Swihart, Jason Lee, Jordan Upcavage, Josh Sutton, Jake, Alex Franson, Caleb Baman
AUDIO EPISODE
HNA Interviews: What are You Struggling With in Your Business?
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction & Sponsors
    Michael Pletz introduces the episode, an interview series from HNA, and thanks the sponsors: Cycle CPA, Patio SEO, and Knowledge Tree Consulting.
  • 3:50
    Jeremy Swihart: Sales Backlog
    Jeremy Swihart discusses his struggle with maintaining a consistent and strong sales backlog, particularly after busy periods.
  • 8:22
    Jason Lee: Implementing Systems
    Jason Lee shares his challenge in implementing and consistently following through on systems, processes, and SOPs within his company, despite having them developed.
  • 14:04
    Jason's Horror Story
    Jason recounts a dramatic "horror story" involving an employee committing credit card fraud, forging checks, and setting fire to his office.
  • 24:05
    Jordan Upcavage: Lead Sources & Team Building
    Jordan Upcavage talks about relying on repeat and referral clients, as well as Google for new leads, and his struggle with delegating and building his team's skills.
  • 41:59
    Jordan's Horror Story
    Jordan shares a profound horror story about a highly safety-conscious employee who suffered a severe chainsaw injury, leading to life-altering consequences.
  • 55:34
    Josh Sutton: Leadership & Manpower
    Josh Sutton discusses his focus on improving leadership skills, growing his team, and adapting his hiring strategy to find motivated apprentices.
  • 1:11:48
    Jake: Lead Generation
    Jake, a solo hardscape contractor, highlights his primary struggle with generating a consistent flow of qualified leads, noting a slowdown this year.
  • 1:18:28
    Alex Franson: Efficiency & Sales
    Alex Franson explains how his company is focusing on improving operational efficiencies and adjusting sales strategies in a shifting market post-COVID.
  • 1:37:10
    Caleb Baman: Business Partnership & Communication
    Caleb Baman openly discusses his personal struggle with being a better business partner to his wife and improving communication within his team and with clients.

Speakers

M
Michael Pletz
Host
J
Jeremy Swihart
J Squared Outdoor
J
Jason Lee
Skyfrog Landscape
J
Jordan Upcavage
Vice President of Independent Tree Service
J
Josh Sutton
J
Jake
Complete Hardscapes
A
Alex Franson
Derby City Pools and Outdoor Living / Franson Group
C
Caleb Baman
Baman Landscape

Key Takeaways

Continuously maintain a strong sales backlog by actively seeking new leads and refining marketing strategies to ensure consistent work, especially during market fluctuations.

Develop and consistently implement systems, processes, and SOPs, and use repetition and accountability to embed them as habits within your team for long-term success.

Prioritize quality over immediate skill when hiring; focus on attitude, character, and motivation, and be prepared to invest in training new employees to develop their skills and fit your company culture.

Actively work on improving your leadership skills to empower and grow leaders within your organization, allowing you to step out of daily operations and focus on strategic growth.

Invest in education and continuous learning, both for yourself and your team, by attending industry events, reading, and listening to podcasts to stay updated on new products, technologies, and best practices.

Refine your sales approach from order-taking to value-based selling by educating clients on the 'why' behind your recommendations, ensuring they understand and appreciate the quality of your work.

Embrace tools like operational software, QuickBooks, and peer groups early in your business journey to streamline operations, manage finances, and gain valuable insights, reducing trial-and-error headaches.

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