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The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

By: Keith Kalfas
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 Small Business Ownership & Personal Development Hosted by Keith Kalfas from the Landscaping Employee Trap & Window Cleaning Blueprint.Greenwood Publishing 2023 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • NOT Closing Any Landscaping Quotes? GOOD!

    NOT Closing Any Landscaping Quotes? GOOD!
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode, Keith Kalfas lays down the honest truth about rejection in business — and how you can transform ghosting and “no’s” into unstoppable momentum for your landscaping hustle. If you’ve ever poured your heart into proposals only to have customers vanish faster than a free donut at a staff meeting, Keith is here to fire you up. He shares how to build unshakable resilience, grow your “thick skin,” and adopt a numbers-driven mindset that helps you plant seeds far and wide — and harvest golden clients from the crowd. “You should be so busy in your business that you don’t even remember the customers who ghosted you.” – Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Why you must expect and embrace rejection in business The power of massive action: 100 quotes, 100 follow-ups, 100 conversations How to identify and retain your dream clients — the ones who pay well, tip generously, and treat you with respect How to let go of emotional baggage and focus on stacking value for your customers Proven strategies to stay top-of-mind with past leads and keep your pipeline full Real-world pricing wisdom, from $50 lawn cuts to $1,300 shrub cleanups Keith’s shotgun farmer approach to planting “seeds” in marketing And a priceless reminder that your best clients are worth bending over backwards for — while still holding your professional boundaries Key Takeaways Rejection Is Fuel, Not Failure Keith stresses that rejection is inevitable — and actually necessary — to build a thriving business. Don’t take it personally; use it to sharpen your skills and keep pushing forward. Plant Seeds Broadly to Harvest Golden Clients Don’t rely on one or two prospects. Keith urges you to market, quote, and follow up at scale, so you can sift through the masses and find the dream clients who truly value your work. Retain and Protect Your Best Clients The real gold is in retaining your best customers — the ones who pay well, respect you, and make business a joy. Treat them like royalty, because they are the foundation of your success. 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
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    14 mins
  • Why We Have a $700 Minimum to Do Any Landscaping Job

    Why We Have a $700 Minimum to Do Any Landscaping Job
    Jun 24 2025
    In this episode, Keith Kalfas reveals how setting a $700 job minimum transformed his landscaping business—and how it can do the same for yours. If you’ve been undercharging, afraid to raise prices, or stuck in the “lowball trap,” this episode is your wake-up call. Keith breaks down the mindset, math, and muscle it takes to confidently set a job minimum, stop negotiating against yourself, and build a profitable, sustainable business. You’ll hear how he evolved from $99 jobs to a $700 baseline, how to calculate your own break-even point, and how to split-test higher prices with new clients—without losing your sanity or your soul. "Figure out your job minimum and stick to it. It's gonna be scary. But if you have enough customers coming in and new customers and you have the difficult conversation with yourself and then the positive, friendly, uplifting, professional conversation with your customers, then it'll work out for you." – Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Why your job minimum matters more than you think How undercharging creates a cycle of burnout Dealing with old customers vs. new pricing Emotional strength vs. price guilt How to split-test higher prices confidently Budgeting and cost-per-day calculations Avoiding the “lowball trap” in busy seasons Knowing your worth and owning your price Key Takeaways Raise Your Minimum, Raise Your Game Keith shows how setting a strong job minimum isn't just about money—it's about protecting your time, energy, and long-term vision. Test Higher Prices—With Strategy Use split testing to experiment with pricing: serve some clients at your dream rate and others at a modest increase. Let data (not fear) guide you. Don’t Negotiate Against Yourself If you believe you're worth more—and you can prove it with quality work and real numbers—then stop lowballing and start leading with confidence. 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
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    12 mins
  • If You're New in the Landscaping Business, Don't Let Your Emotions CONTROL You

    If You're New in the Landscaping Business, Don't Let Your Emotions CONTROL You
    Jun 17 2025
    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
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    33 mins
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This is an amazing show, very inspiring for anyone looking to start a Green service!

Keith is a guru!

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I always listen to the podcast or your YouTube channel... I'm located Los Angeles... San Gabriel valley area......i do lawn maintenance. i always when I listen to you i go back to work with energy on my brain. the things that you talk are all real . if you don't believe on your self you will keep giving low estimates ..... i just want to thank you. and wish you all the best

Gracias. Kieth

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