In honour of International Women’s Day, I want to recognize the impact women have had on the success of the landscaping company I started nearly three decades ago. At Creative Roots Landscaping, we’ve always kept things simple: we hire the best person for the job, regardless of gender. From front-line technicians to management and ownership, […]
Category Archives: Insights
Insights, Open Book Management, The Great Game of Business
Beyond the Daily Grind: Building a Business That Thrives Without You!
19
Feb
Feb
Many business owners begin their journey with a deep knowledge of their craft. In the landscaping industry, this might mean designing high-end outdoor spaces, building complex hardscapes, or delivering exceptional property maintenance services. But at some point, to create a company that lasts, the focus must shift from doing the work to building the business. […]
Insights, Leadership, Open Book Management, The Great Game of Business
OWNERSHIP RULE #10 of 14: “To Maximize Equity Value, You Have To Think Strategically.”
15
Oct
Oct
“The Unfolding Drama of Business: Facing the Future with Strategic Involvement” At Creative Roots, I’ve come to understand that the company’s true value lies in its people and their ability to understand and influence our future. Over the years, our commitment to The Great Game of Business (GGOB) has driven this belief home. When Jack […]
Insights, Leadership, Open Book Management, People, Strategic Planning, The Great Game of Business
Open-Book Management: Don’t Be Fooled by the Buzzword
29
Aug
Aug
You can’t just share the numbers and think your employees will “get it!” In the world of business management, Open-Book Management (OBM) has become somewhat of a buzzword. It’s a term many leaders toss around, often with little understanding of what it truly entails. To tell you the truth, it drives me crazy! But that […]
Insights, Leadership, Open Book Management, The Great Game of Business
OWNERSHIP RULE #9 of 14: “Getting Out Is Harder Than Getting In.”
01
Jul
Jul
“Embracing Employee Ownership: My Experience Of Selling to Employees.” After three decades of guiding my landscape business from a humble startup to what it has become today, I’ve come to appreciate the profound truth in the saying, “Getting Out Is Harder Than Getting In.” However, as I end my tenure and leave the business in […]
Insights, Leadership, Open Book Management, The Great Game of Business
OWNERSHIP RULE #8 of 14: “You Build an Ownership Culture by Breaking Down Walls.”
14
Feb
Feb
Another Insight from 30 Years at Creative Roots Landscaping 2024 marks my 30th year since I started Creative Roots Landscaping. Through trial and plenty of error, I have come to appreciate Jack Stack’s Ownership Rule #8’s crucial role in shaping the sound organizational culture that exists in our small landscaping business. The journey has been […]
Insights, Leadership, Open Book Management, The Great Game of Business
OWNERSHIP RULE #7 of 14: “The BIG Benefits of Psychic and Actual Employee Ownership”
23
Dec
Dec
Selling equity to an employee can offer valuable learning experiences in ownership. Still, it won’t automatically turn them into entrepreneurs or have them fully grasp the responsibilities that come with it. Those bumps and bruises, the hard knocks, and all else you learned by trial and error are all part of the education that needs […]
Insights, Leadership, Open Book Management, People, The Great Game of Business
OWNERSHIP RULE #4 of 14: “Stock is NOT a Magic Pill” Employee Ownership in the Landscape Industry
08
Oct
Oct
In the world of business, there are rules, principles, and strategies that have been tested and proven over time. Among these rules, as described by Jack Stack in his book A Stake in The Outcome, rule #4 stands out as a critical lesson for businesses of all sizes and industries: “Stock Is Not a Magic […]
Insights, Leadership, Open Book Management, People, The Great Game of Business
OWNERSHIP RULE #3 of 14: The Bigger the Pie, the Bigger the Individual Slices.
19
Sep
Sep
Building a thriving landscaping company isn’t just about landscaping; it’s also about people. Our ownership team was recently working on the next level of our plan to continue to bring more employees into ownership when the time becomes right. The question is, “When is the time right, and what do we need to do to […]
Insights, Leadership, Open Book Management, People, The Great Game of Business
OWNERSHIP RULE #2 of 14: A Company isn’t worth anything if nobody wants to own it.
13
Sep
Sep
Alright, let’s talk business, but not the boring, run-of-the-mill stuff. We’re diving into the landscape industry—where beauty meets business. Here’s the deal: your company’s worth isn’t just dollars and cents. Nope, it’s about being the kind of company that everyone wants a piece of. That’s where the Great Game of Business (GGOB) swoops in with […]