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The Great Game of Landscaping: Ryan Markewich’s Formula for Success
Description
“Your business is a promise delivery system—when everyone understands the promises, you’re more likely to deliver.” — Ryan Markewich
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Books:
- The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack
- Stake in the Outcome by Jack Stack
- The Elapsed Anarchist’s Approach series by Ari Weinsvig
- Small Giants by Bo Burlingham
People to Follow:
Websites:
Training Tools:
Topics Discussed:
[00:00] Meet Ryan Markewich: A Unique Perspective on Landscaping
Robert introduces Ryan, a 30-year landscape business veteran and the only certified Great Game of Business coach in the green industry.
[01:30] From a Lawn Mower to a Thriving Business
Ryan shares his journey from starting with basic tools to building a luxury landscaping company focused on design, build, and maintenance.
[02:26] What Is the Great Game of Business?
Ryan provides an overview of open-book management and how it evolved into the Great Game of Business methodology.
[06:18] Engagement as the Key Growth Constraint
Ryan discusses the challenges of low employee engagement and how education and alignment can drive better results.
[07:36] 65% vs. 95% Engagement: What’s the Difference?
Using a sports team analogy, Ryan explains how engagement impacts efficiency and teamwork in landscaping businesses.
[10:46] Huddles and Line-Item Ownership
Ryan dives into the concept of huddles, assigning ownership to specific financial line items, and fostering team accountability.
[15:14] Building a People Development Framework
Ryan describes how his company uses a “passport to success” to train and develop employees for long-term growth.
[18:24] Training as a Priority for Growth
The conversation highlights why investing in training and development is crucial and how it impacts the bottom line.
[25:24] Formalizing Onboarding for Success
Ryan explains how structured onboarding sets the stage for delivering consistent results in the luxury market.
[33:10] Transitioning to Employee Ownership
Ryan details his process for introducing employees into ownership roles and creating a sustainable business model.
[39:00] Recommended Resources and Inspiration
Ryan shares influential books, such as The Great Game of Business and Small Giants, and recommends following industry leaders like Mark Bradley.
[40:24] Closing Thoughts and Future Topics
Robert and Ryan discuss topics for future episodes, including mini-games and advanced score boarding techniques.
Actionable Key Takeaways:
- Open-Book Management: Educate employees about financial lit