Ep. 54 - Investing in People: Adam Dukes’ Approach to Leadership and Landscape Excellence

What if the most rewarding part of growing a landscape business isn’t the lush gardens or high-end installs, but something much deeper? On this episode of Roots of Success, Tommy Cole chats with Adam Dukes, founder of GrandScapes, who pulls back the curtain on his journey from a two-person startup in 2008 to a highly respected Charleston landscape company. Adam reveals what it really takes to build a winning leadership team, how to turn installation clients into lifelong maintenance customers, and why team success is the true driver of growth. Packed with candid stories and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for owners and leaders ready to level up their business (and their people).

THE BIG IDEA: 

Prioritize your people; success naturally follows.

KEY MOMENTS:

[04:32] Charleston's Diverse Landscapes
[07:23] Building a Strong Management Team
[12:02] Building Future Business Success
[13:24] Rethinking Plans Amid Distractions
[17:14] Key Metrics & Employee Engagement
[19:06] Empathy Drives Honest Feedback
[22:47] Weekly Recap for Installation Success
[25:56] Cultivating a High-Quality Culture
[31:24] "Focus on Growing Maintenance Division"
[34:56] Empowering Team Growth
[37:36] Team Growth and Future Planning

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

1. How do I grow a landscaping business from scratch?

2. What are the biggest challenges when starting a landscape company?

3. How can small business owners build an effective leadership team?

4. What is the best way to transition from working in your business to working on your business?

5. How do I promote employees from within my company?

6. How can landscape companies improve communication with clients?

7. How can I train and develop my landscaping team for long-term success?

8. Why is maintenance important for landscape businesses, and how can you grow this segment?

9. What are the benefits of joining business peer groups for company owners?