Why 35% Outdoor Service Business Won't Open Their Doors in 2026 | The Economy is in TROUBLE

What does it actually take to build a multi-million-dollar service business, stay sane through recessions, and still love the work after 26 years? In this episode, Steve DHondt (PMS Brick Pavers) invites us into his shop, his mindset, and his faith-driven approach to leadership and growth. Steve runs a $6–7M outdoor living and hardscaping company with 60+ employees—and he's calling it now: a massive wave of home-service businesses won't survive past 2026 if they don't get lean, efficient, and intentional. We talk about debt, consolidation, leadership, equipment, family trade-offs, and how to believe in yourself when things get heavy and messy. "I'm not rich — my business is. I get paid a salary like everyone else. Because when I don't choke my business with my personal lifestyle, it can keep growing, keep providing, and keep taking care of the people in it." – Steve Dhondt In this episode, we cover: Why 35% of home-service businesses may not open in 2026 What smart debt vs pride debt looks like in real life Consolidating services so your team can actually win How AI + software automation keeps small shops competitive Leading through recession without panicking What "efficiency" really means in the field Missing dinners, guilt, family tension—and how to handle it Growing past the five-year itch when you're burned out Equipment strategy: buy cheap vs buy once and win on efficiency How Steve thinks about faith, fear, and confidence Key Takeaways Efficiency Beats Ego: The nicest personal truck doesn't pay the bills. Revenue-producing assets do. In a tightening economy, upgrade equipment, systems, and software—not your image. If it doesn't increase safety, productivity, or profit, it's optional. Simplify or Get Burned Out: Stop offering every service under the sun. Consolidate, specialize, and systemize what you do every day. Random jobs create chaos, weak crews, and nonstop fires. Simplicity scales—complexity drains your life. People Are the Real Business: You don't just build patios—you build people. Invest in your team's tools, training, and lives outside of work. When employees feel supported and trusted (even allowed to fail), they take better care of customers than any owner ever could Connect with Steve Dhondt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveisalwaysright/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dhondt-534b23166/ Website: https://www.weretheguys.com/about-us 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: Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources 🙋♂️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