The journey of starting a landscaping business on the side and growing it as a solo-operator. Dustin highlights the lessons he learned, advice for other pros thinking of taking the leap to being a business owner and most importantly, how to stay true to building a good business.

In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern interviews Chaz Smith, the owner of the Dig It Tree Company based in Mason, Ohio. Chaz discusses the journey of his business from its inception in 2011, detailing the decision to move from Wilmington to Mason for better opportunities and the challenges of low-quality equipment and marketing mishaps they initially faced. Despite these early setbacks, Dig It Tree Company has achieved success, largely attributed to effective marketing strategies with Topline Pro and focusing on quality service within a 30-40 mile radius. Chaz shares insights into the industry’s evolution, particularly the impact of the emerald ash borer epidemic, and stresses the importance of adapting to changes and maintaining high standards. The conversation also touches on the challenges of finding committed employees and outlines Chaz’s aspirations for the company’s growth without expanding beyond their community, aiming to build a reputable local business.

In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern interviews Aaron Allred, owner of Hollywood Detail, an auto detailing service in Northport, Alabama. Allred shares his journey of how he started in auto detailing while working at the fire department and how the business grew rapidly to the point where he had to build a shop at his house. The conversation covers topics such as adjusting the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on niche services, dealing with dissatisfied customers, and the importance of word-of-mouth marketing. Allred also discusses his goals for the future, which include expanding his team and potentially teaching others in the industry.