This past week, my partner at The Grow Group, Vince Torchia, and I headed down to Charlotte, NC, to do a run-through with the team at LOVING, our tour host next month at GROW! 2020.
As one of the fastest-growing landscaping companies in the country, LOVING is well-known in our industry for their drive. Less well-known but no less important is the truly remarkable culture founder Mike Haynes and his dedicated team have built.
Now I know many of you have heard me go on and on for years about how important I think culture is to the success of a business. Other factors are, too—a clear vision, efficient systems, a firm grasp of your financials, exceedingly good customer service—but in my experience, if you don’t have a winning culture, you’re unlikely to go far. It’s the bedrock of your business, and if it’s strong it will hold you up, through good times and bad.
I asked Mike how he would describe LOVING’s culture and how he’s gone about fostering it. He told me, “It is authentic. We truly operate as a family does, with highs and lows. We disagree, sometimes in less than professional ways, yet we always come back together just as a strong family does, asking for forgiveness or pressing into a hard conversation.”
“I think our team members genuinely care for each other,” he added, “and that, coupled with our mission to create an impact beyond the P&L, has led to something that is pretty darn unique, and something that I am thankful to be a part of.”
I have toured and worked with hundreds of landscaping companies over the years, and I can tell you it’s true—LOVING really is unique. When you’re with them, you notice it right away. From Mike’s smart but humble leadership, to the way they interact with each other, to their focus on quality of life as much as work, this is a company that inspires.
And while you can’t just replicate another company’s culture, you can learn practical steps you can take to improve yours and to build a business that people really want to be a part of. Next month, the folks at LOVING will show us how.
Do people want to be a part of your company? Spend some time this week thinking about the culture you’ve built and what you can do to make it better.
Marty Grunder
President & CEO
Grunder Landscaping Co. & The Grow Group
P.S. There is enormous interest in GROW! 2020, and we’re on pace to sell the event out. The Westin was able to add additional rooms to our block, but those are now nearing capacity too.
Don’t miss out! Sign up now to secure your spot and your hotel reservation.