One Customer. One Post. A Business Destroyed Overnight.
The brutal reality every business owner must face in the social media age. What would you do if one bad customer interaction cost you your entire reputation overnight? That’s exactly what happened to a restaurant owner this month, and it’s a story every business owner needs to hear. Disclaimer: The following is based on publicly […]
First Impressions: How Answering Your Phone Can Make or Break Your Landscape Business
Most potential customers’ first impression of your landscape business isn’t your beautiful work, well-maintained trucks, or even your website—it’s how you answer the phone. This single interaction has the power to win or lose business, shape your reputation, and impact your bottom line more than you might realize. The 85% Statistic You Can’t Afford to […]
Marketing is Math: The ROAS Formula for Landscape Business Growth
When it comes to growing your landscape business, marketing shouldn’t be guesswork; it should be a math equation. As landscape professionals, we’re used to measuring, calculating, and being precise. Why should your marketing be any different? I’ve just returned from speaking at the Spring Fling in Denver (after a 24-hour airport adventure I wouldn’t wish […]
Today’s Struggles Were Last Year’s Prayers
I remember the early days of Luke’s Landscaping like they were yesterday. There I was, involved in every task, every decision, every detail. Back then, my biggest prayer was simple: to have a reliable team that could operate without my constant supervision. Be careful what you pray for, right? Don’t get me wrong – that […]
Why Traditional Agencies Fail Clients (And How We’re Different)
Let’s face it – the digital marketing agency world has a problem. Behind the flashy presentations and impressive-sounding jargon lies an uncomfortable truth: many agencies aren’t delivering real value to their clients. As a CEO who’s witnessed these industry practices firsthand, I’m pulling back the curtain on why traditional agencies often fail their clients and […]
When Growth Gets Tough: The Ups and Downs of Expansion
Growth is often the ultimate goal for any entrepreneur. You start with a small operation, maybe just you and your passion for a particular service. Only to discover that success brings new layers of complexity. Suddenly, you’re juggling team management, cash flow, and strategic vision on top of delivering the excellent service that got you […]
The Gurus Were Wrong: Work in Your Business, Not Just On It
Hi everyone, I’m Luke Truetken. Recently, I had one of those rare, unfiltered conversations with Larry Ryan the founder of Ryan Lawn and Tree. We recorded a podcast episode in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, at one of the many branches of Ryan’s Lawn and Tree. I walked away with a treasure trove of insights that have […]
Introducing “Thoughts from a CEO”
Welcome to my personal space on the web! I’m thrilled to launch this website as a hub for sharing real insights and experiences from the world of business leadership. Today, I’m excited to introduce a new blog series—Thoughts from a CEO—where I’ll pull back the curtain on what it takes to run a business, make […]