From Personal Trainer to Inc 5000 Landscape Company | Luke Bowling

Spectruss Speakeasy Podcast

Luke, founder of Big Sky Landscapes, shares his journey from personal training to running an Inc 5000 landscaping company, exploring how taking risks and maintaining high standards drove his remarkable five-year growth.
• Found success by exceeding the industry's low expectations – simply returning calls and showing up when promised
• Began with just two part-time helpers and has grown to over 40 full-time employees
• Implemented a performance review system giving employees multiple opportunities per year to earn raises
• Secured a major client through extraordinary persistence – following up 12-15 times over a full year
• Learned to expect challenges and embrace conflict as evidence of having high standards
• Created a culture that rewards effort – even celebrating employees who "face plant" trying to carry extra mulch
• Transitioned from residential lawn maintenance to commercial contracts and installation projects
• Made the Inc 5000 list by refusing to "pull off the throttle" at convenient stopping points
• Values people over financial gain, a lesson learned from previous mentors and bosses
• Only regret is not taking bigger risks sooner – "once you take that risk, just freaking swing"

Chapters

1. Taking the Entrepreneurial Plunge (00:00:00)

2. From Florida to Chattanooga: Luke's Background (00:08:01)

3. Career Shifts and Montana Experience (00:18:10)

4. First Steps into Landscaping (00:28:07)

5. Building Big Sky Landscapes (00:38:28)

6. The Importance of Persistence in Sales (00:47:46)

7. Expecting Challenges and Embracing Conflict (00:58:25)

8. Setting Standards and Rewarding Hard Work (01:08:07)

9. Performance Reviews and Company Values (01:23:02)