Father and Son Both Sold Their Landscape Companies: Here's What They Did Differently

In this episode, I sat down with Will Bailey from Avid Landscape to talk about building a solid landscape business. Will shared his journey from working in his dad's mechanic shop to running operations at some of Seattle's top landscaping companies. We covered what it takes to grow without losing quality, the real experience of going through a business acquisition, and how to think about your exit when the time comes.

Will and I also spent time talking about his late father, Rod Bailey, who was a true pioneer in bringing financial discipline to the landscaping industry. Rod's influence shaped not just Will's career but the entire Pacific Northwest landscape community. We got into the details of project management, the role of technology in scaling a service business, and what it means to build something that lasts.

Chapters:

• 00:06 - The Impact of Retirement on Life
• 04:53 - The Legacy of a Landscape Business
• 08:34 - The Influence of a Legacy: Rod Bailey's Impact on the Landscaping Industry
• 14:50 - The Legacy of a Pioneer: Lessons from a Life in Business
• 19:32 - Navigating Business Partnerships and Changes
• 31:02 - Navigating Business Transitions: Insights on Selling and Succession Planning
• 33:44 - The Importance of Staying Engaged After Retirement

Takeaways:

• The line between retirement and active life is thinner than we think, with many folks still having much to offer post-retirement, as highlighted in the discussions.
• Investing in landscaping isn't just about aesthetics; it represents a growing business opportunity that can lead to significant financial returns and personal satisfaction.
• The importance of personal integrity and accountability in business is paramount, as learned from the experiences shared about Rod Bailey's legacy in the industry.
• Navigating business acquisitions can be complex, and understanding the motivations of buyers is crucial for a successful transition, as shared through personal experiences.
• Technology is revolutionizing the landscaping industry, streamlining operations and enhancing customer service, which is vital for future growth and efficiency.
• Considering different options for business transition, such as employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), can provide opportunities for legacy preservation and financial security for business owners.

Companies Mentioned

Avid Landscape

Evergreen Services Corporation

Trugreen Landcare

Signature Landscape Services

Monarch

University of Washington

Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP)

Aspire

Websites Mentioned

landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com

Guest Information

Will Bailey is the owner of Avid Landscape in Edmonds, Washington, with over 34 years of experience in the landscaping industry. He spent seven years at his father's company, Evergreen Services Corporation, followed by 15 years as a partner at Signature Landscape Services, and four years with Monarch after the acquisition. Will completed the Executive Development Program at the University of Washington and now runs Avid Landscape with his business partner.