Starting and Scaling An Outdoor Living Company - Mike Arnold - Creekside Outdoor Living

The Digital Toolbox Podcast

Mike Arnold, owner of Creekside Outdoor Living, shares his journey in the outdoor living industry and the importance of creating a positive work culture. He emphasizes the need for proper pricing and educating clients on the value of quality work. Mike also discusses the challenges of dealing with projects that were poorly executed by other contractors and the importance of tearing out and starting from scratch to ensure a high-quality result. Mike shares insights on creating a positive work environment, managing a team, and integrating faith into business. He emphasizes the importance of building a positive culture and showing appreciation to employees. Mike also discusses the role of his team members, including the mechanic who takes care of maintenance and fabrication. He highlights the significance of effective communication and staying on the same page with projects. Mike shares his personal journey of faith and the impact it has on his life and business. He encourages others to prioritize knowledge, relationships, and good work.

Takeaways

• Proper pricing is essential in the outdoor living industry to cover expenses and ensure profitability.
• Educating clients on the value of quality work is crucial to prevent them from choosing cheaper options that may result in poor outcomes.
• Creating a positive work culture is important for attracting and retaining talented team members.
• Tearing out and starting from scratch is necessary when dealing with poorly executed projects to ensure a high-quality result. Creating a positive work environment and showing appreciation to employees is crucial for building a strong team.
• Effective communication and staying on the same page with projects are essential for success.
• Integrating faith into business can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Prioritizing knowledge, relationships, and good work is key to achieving success in any industry.

Sound Bites

• "Cheap man pays twice."
• "Horrible things have to be ridiculed or else they're just passed on as acceptable."
• "You can go far in life and business if you are a good and likable person."
• "How do we create a peaceful work environment? How do we lift our people up?"
• "Having a positive culture is the ultimate key for having a good team."
• "Our mechanic is the fixer of all things."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Company Overview

02:10
Mike Arnold's Background and Love for the Outdoors

05:59
Expanding Services and the Importance of Proper Pricing

08:38
Educating Clients on the Value of Quality Work

16:23
Dealing with Poorly Executed Projects and the Consequences

27:25
Building a Positive Work Environment and Appreciating Employees

30:00
The Role of a Mechanic in a Landscaping Company

33:12
Effective Communication and Staying on the Same Page

35:59
Integrating Faith into Business and Finding Fulfillment

53:17
Prioritizing Knowledge, Relationships, and Good Work
Keywords

outdoor living, landscaping, hardscaping, pricing, quality work, work culture, client education, work environment, team management, positive culture, employee appreciation, communication, faith, mechanic role, effective communication, personal faith journey, knowledge, relationships, good work

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