In last week's Great Idea, I talked about how our sales team is blowing past their sales goals this year and how we are staying motivated to finish the year strong. We wouldn't be able to do that without a production team willing to do whatever it takes to complete the jobs we've sold too.

In part, we've been able to surpass our goals because we've found and retained enough great team members this year, but it's not the whole story. We've also greatly improved our efficiency, and our team is getting more done in less time. We believe four specific shifts have helped us do it:

1. We do a daily morning huddle
Every morning at 7:00 a.m. we do a huddle and stretch with the entire team. The huddles have reduced issues with tardiness, and they've made our morning roll-out more efficient. We get everyone energized and remind them of our vision, mission, and core values before they start their day.

2. Better, simpler systems
At one point I had a written process for how to reload paper towels in the bathrooms. Our processes were too complicated, and we had way too many of them. By fully embracing Aspire, eliminating processes that were overkill, simplifying processes we needed, and improving our training program we have made major efficiency gains. The proof: we have raised wages consistently without reducing our gross margin.

3. Information sharing
During the morning huddle, we share quick updates and give shoutouts to the team. This daily check-in is a great touchpoint for our company culture. In addition to this, we also have a monthly meeting with the whole team where we share company goals, important metrics that impact our team's profit-sharing plan, and our plans for the future of the company. We call this the GROW meeting.

4. We have shared our big growth plans
Our team understands what's in it for them if we meet our company goals for 2021: more money from the profit-sharing plan, merit increases, and promotions. We're also being very clear about our plans for the future, and how those plans will mean even more opportunities for them. We're making some big changes in our physical office space now to prepare for growth in 2022 and beyond, I'll have more to share on that next week.

What we are doing on the production side directly impacts our ability to seize whatever work we can. It's given our team new energy too. They're excited to be part of the growth and it's fun to work alongside a team with a common goal. I'm really proud of the hard work they've done to make this possible, and I can tell from their attitudes and energy that they're proud too.

If you want to see this in action, come to one of our Grunder Landscaping Co. Field Trips this fall. Our next event is October 27-28, and we have spots available in November and December too. You'll meet the man, the myth, the legend, Seth Pflum himself, and see for yourself how much can change when you get people into the right positions and aligned around common goals.

I hope you'll join us!

Marty Grunder
President & CEO
The Grow Group & Grunder Landscaping Co.