In this episode, Keith Kalfas shares how he built his landscaping business from the ground up using borrowed tools, an old truck, and nonstop hustle—and was able to quit his day job within six weeks. He breaks down practical advice for getting your first customers, pricing jobs, handling rejection, scheduling work, and avoiding costly mistakes. Keith also explains why you should aim to close around 50% of qualified estimates, add extra time to every project, and price jobs with enough margin to protect yourself when things go wrong. Whether you're starting with basic lawn care or taking on larger landscaping projects, this episode is a straightforward guide to building confidence, learning from painful jobs, and creating a profitable business one customer at a time.

 

"You're gonna have to literally get out there and keep giving yourself a raise until the customers are saying no about 50% of the time." – Keith Kalfas

 

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • How to get your first landscaping customers

  • How to price jobs when you're just getting started

  • Why you should aim to close around 50% of qualified estimates

  • How to handle rejection and communicate professionally

  • Why every quote and job should immediately go on your calendar

  • How to estimate job timelines more accurately

  • How the 50% gross profit rule can protect your business

  • Why you should calculate your costs before giving customers a price

  • How to learn from underpriced and unprofitable jobs

  • Why confidence and discipline are essential for business growth

Key Takeaways:
  • Start where you are and build experience.

    You don't need expensive equipment or the perfect setup to begin. Start with smaller jobs, generate activity, and use every project as an opportunity to improve your skills and confidence.

  • Raise your prices as your experience grows.

    When every customer immediately accepts your quote, your prices may be too low. Keith recommends gradually increasing your rates until you're closing around half of your qualified estimates.
  • Protect your time by living by your calendar.

    Every quote, appointment, and job should be scheduled immediately. Giving customers arrival windows and adding extra time for setup, cleanup, travel, and communication can prevent overbooking and unnecessary stress.

 

Connect with Keith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap
Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas

 

Resources and Websites: 

Build Your Site: https://www.keithkalfas.com/ReBolt

Call Tracking Software: https://www.keithkalfas.com/CallRail

Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith

The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance

Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 
Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS 
How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs

Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/

Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget

Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone

Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower

Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

LevelUp Your  Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP

 

 

 

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