After 40+ years of running Grunder Landscaping Co., I realize the importance of continuously challenging "the way we've always done it." We've grown tremendously in the past 4 years due simply to seeking new perspectives, embracing new technology, and investing in new ideas. 

I get the benefit of being around other landscape pros who are trying new things constantly as part of my role at The Grow Group, and I've seen firsthand how our ACE Peer Group, run jointly with our partners at McFarlin Stanford, helps other company owners do the same thing. There are three things I consistently see our most successful ACE members doing that are extra important as we enter the busy months:

1. Aligning teams to a singular vision. A clear, unified vision is crucial for any organization. Once your vision is defined, it's important to overcommunicate it. Revisit and reinforce the vision to keep everyone aligned with quarterly check-ins, leadership retreats, and communication to the whole team at key milestones. 

An ACE that does this really well is RJ Lawn & Landscape, I've taken many ideas from what they do with their team. Our GROW! 2025 host and ACE Jason Cromley at Hidden Creek Landscaping also does this well with regular all-team meetings. 

2. Focus on the drips. In every company there are drips - small inefficiencies that over time accumulate into significant losses. Acknowledge them and take ownership of finding a solution, it's a faster way to move forward. Places to look for drips if you aren't sure what they might be: routing crews, procurement, loading, sales-to-production handoffs, and the morning rollout are good places to start. 

Importantly: identifying drips is an opportunity for refinement, not a failure. Every company has drips, my own included, and finding a more efficient way to work is a win for everyone! An ACE that does this well is Chase Coates of Outback Landscape. 

3. Empower your team for success. Companies need leaders beyond just the owner or they'll run into bottlenecks. I know - I was the bottleneck for a long time at Grunder Landscaping. As Jim Cali of McFarlin Stanford often reminds me, we need to empower, not delegate. Empowerment means giving your team the tools, training, and confidence to execute at a higher level. 

The practical way to do this is to provide clarity on decision-making authority, encourage calculated risks, and recognize and reward those who step up. I've seen longtime friend and ACE member Jeffrey Johns do this so well at Coastal Greenery - he now has his children involved in the business too and they work together the way family should!

Many of the biggest improvements we've made in our own company at Grunder Landscaping have come from others in the industry, and many of the ideas have come from our ACE Peer Group Members. It's why I believe so strongly in the power of these groups - the members hold their fellow owners accountable to making the changes they promised and following through on their goals. 

We add new members to our peer group program just twice a year through our ACE Discovery event. If our peer group program is something you've thought about trying, come to Discovery. It's like a test-drive to see if the program is what you need, and if you like the way we run our meetings. Join us in New Orleans on March 26-28, the next chance to join won't be until November!

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