If You're New in the Landscaping Business, Don't Let Your Emotions CONTROL You

The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

In this episode, Keith Kalfas shares a powerful lesson on keeping your emotions in check when running a landscaping business. He reflects on real experiences—like dealing with customer callbacks, weed regrowth after mulch jobs, and mold surprises—and how staying calm, informed, and professional is key to long-term success. Keith breaks down the mindset shift from overreacting to responding with clarity, encourages clear client communication, and reminds landscapers to charge what they’re worth.

"Don’t immediately admit to a mistake just because you’re scared." – Keith Kalfas

Topics Covered:

• Emotional discipline in business

• Dealing with callbacks and complaints

• Seasonal landscaping challenges

• Client communication

• Setting expectations in quotes

• Knowing your worth and pricing properly

• Learning through experience and mentorship

• Drainage, hydrostatic pressure, and property water flow

• Mindset growth from fear to leadership

Key Takeaways

• Control Your Emotions—Lead With Logic Keith reminds us that running a business means facing tough feedback. But reacting emotionally can hurt more than help. Instead, pause, zoom in (literally and mentally), and respond with facts, not feelings. It’s a game-changer for confidence and client trust.

• Set Boundaries in Your Quotes—Protect Your Peace One simple phrase: “What’s included, and what’s excluded.” Keith shares how clearly outlining job details (even verbally) avoids costly assumptions. Whether it’s removing a stump or skipping a garden bed, clarity = no surprises, no regrets.

• You’re Not Just Landscaping—You’re Managing Expectations Whether it’s weeds growing back after mulch or dog vomit mold showing up uninvited, clients need education, not excuses. Keith shows how staying informed, explaining calmly, and standing your ground (when you’re right) earns long-term loyalty.

Connect with Keith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas

Resources and Websites:

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs

Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/

Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget

Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone

Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower

Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

LevelUp Your Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP

The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance