SBP029: How to start a business from scratch, & scaling it before exiting
Roger Knocker • January 30, 2024
SBP029: How to start a business from scratch, & scaling it before exiting
In this of the Smart Business Performance Podcast, Roger welcomes Bryan Clayton, and discusses the entrepreneurial ventures of Bryan. He definitely will revamp your thoughts about Entrepreneurship by the end of this episode!
Bryan is the CEO and co-founder of GreenPal an online marketplace that connects homeowners with Local lawn care professionals. GreenPal has been called the “Uber for lawn care” by Entrepreneur magazine and has over 200,000 active users completing thousands of transactions per day.
Before starting GreenPal Bryan Clayton founded Peachtree Inc. one of the largest landscaping companies in the state of Tennessee growing it to over $10 million a year in annual revenue before it was acquired by Lusa holdings in 2013.
Bryan’s interest and expertise are related to entrepreneurialism, small business growth, marketing and bootstrapping businesses from zero revenue to profitability and exit.
Tune in now and make sure to take away the notes with you!
[01:09] Bryan has been in business for more than 20 years. His father, one day, asked him to cut the neighbours grass. It was his first business, that he grew to one of the largest landscaping company, worth more than $10 million.
[02:48] He wanted to sell the company so that it could become a part of something bigger and his team members could have better opportunities. Lusa holdings finally acquired the company in 2013.
[04:24] It was as if the author of the book was shedding light on Bryan. If you have too many products and services, you need to consolidate before you sell your business. Bryan then emphasized the need to be the best at one thing.
[08:29] Bryan, after selling the Peachtree Inc., realised that business gives him the reason to level up and grow. So, in order to fill the void, he laid the foundations of GreenPal. GreenPal is like the “Uber for lawn care.” He believes that revenues are the best form of financing.
[14:00] Bryan explains the importance of Profit at different stages of business. You first need is to get revenue. He further elaborates on the importance of customer feedback and shares some of the memorable feedbacks he received at GreenPal.
[21:19] Leveraging technology is a great opportunity for you to take your business to the next level and now is the time to implement it.
[24:57] Hire an expert for 4-5 hours a week than hire a newbie for 50 hours a week.
[27:28] Bryan thinks that if you look at your business as an infinite game, then you can help yourself get through the hard times. Failure is not an option. He also stresses the importance of Culture.
Make sure to get your copy of
Download the GreenPal app Now!
On App Store On Google Play Store
About Our Sponsor:
KPI Management Solutions helps organisations to meet their Stretch Goals using KPIs, OKRs, AI-enabled Technology and Training
Download the KPI Spreadsheet for FREE for a limited time only.
Connect with Bryan:
Website
If you enjoyed this episode of the Smart Business Performance Podcast, then make sure to subscribe to our podcast.
Bryan is the CEO and co-founder of GreenPal an online marketplace that connects homeowners with Local lawn care professionals. GreenPal has been called the “Uber for lawn care” by Entrepreneur magazine and has over 200,000 active users completing thousands of transactions per day.
Before starting GreenPal Bryan Clayton founded Peachtree Inc. one of the largest landscaping companies in the state of Tennessee growing it to over $10 million a year in annual revenue before it was acquired by Lusa holdings in 2013.
Bryan’s interest and expertise are related to entrepreneurialism, small business growth, marketing and bootstrapping businesses from zero revenue to profitability and exit.
Tune in now and make sure to take away the notes with you!
Conversation Highlights:
[01:09] Bryan has been in business for more than 20 years. His father, one day, asked him to cut the neighbours grass. It was his first business, that he grew to one of the largest landscaping company, worth more than $10 million.
[02:48] He wanted to sell the company so that it could become a part of something bigger and his team members could have better opportunities. Lusa holdings finally acquired the company in 2013.
[04:24] It was as if the author of the book was shedding light on Bryan. If you have too many products and services, you need to consolidate before you sell your business. Bryan then emphasized the need to be the best at one thing.
[08:29] Bryan, after selling the Peachtree Inc., realised that business gives him the reason to level up and grow. So, in order to fill the void, he laid the foundations of GreenPal. GreenPal is like the “Uber for lawn care.” He believes that revenues are the best form of financing.
[14:00] Bryan explains the importance of Profit at different stages of business. You first need is to get revenue. He further elaborates on the importance of customer feedback and shares some of the memorable feedbacks he received at GreenPal.
[21:19] Leveraging technology is a great opportunity for you to take your business to the next level and now is the time to implement it.
[24:57] Hire an expert for 4-5 hours a week than hire a newbie for 50 hours a week.
[27:28] Bryan thinks that if you look at your business as an infinite game, then you can help yourself get through the hard times. Failure is not an option. He also stresses the importance of Culture.
Special Reminder:
Make sure to get your copy of
- Built to sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You
- Fix this next: Make the Vital Change That Will Level Up Your Business
- The Infinite Game
Download the GreenPal app Now!
On App Store On Google Play Store
About Our Sponsor:
KPI Management Solutions helps organisations to meet their Stretch Goals using KPIs, OKRs, AI-enabled Technology and Training
Download the KPI Spreadsheet for FREE for a limited time only.
Connect with Bryan:
Website
If you enjoyed this episode of the Smart Business Performance Podcast, then make sure to subscribe to our podcast.
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) refers to a core corporate function that drives informed decision-making through budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, variance analysis, and performance management. Unlike general accounting, which focuses on historical transactions and compliance, FP&A plays a forward-looking and strategic role within organisations. It transforms financial data into actionable insights that guide corporate strategies. At its core, FP&A is concerned with understanding the financial implications of business activities. It creates visibility across departments, enabling leadership to align resources with organisational goals. While traditional accounting departments close the books and ensure compliance, FP&A teams are tasked with answering questions such as, "What will happen next quarter?" and "How can we reallocate capital to drive growth?"
In the world of finance, numbers tell a story. However, that story is often buried beneath layers of spreadsheets and complex datasets. For financial professionals, the challenge is not just about understanding these numbers but also presenting them in a way that drives decision-making and inspires action. Enter data visualisation – the art of transforming data into clear, compelling visuals. Among the tools that have proven especially powerful are the line graph and the waterfall chart. These visuals help finance teams translate dry statistics into impactful narratives. In this article, we explore how these graphs can transform financial storytelling. The Importance of Data Visualisation in Finance Finance professionals are accustomed to handling vast amounts of data, from profit margins and revenue growth to expense tracking and risk assessments. Yet, presenting these figures effectively to stakeholders is a different ballgame. Visualisation simplifies this process, turning complex data sets into accessible insights. When done correctly, data visualisation: Enhances comprehension: Humans process visuals 60,000 times faster than text, making it easier for stakeholders to grasp key information quickly. Drives decision-making: Clear and compelling visuals help executives make informed decisions without wading through dense reports. Highlights trends and outliers: Visual tools can bring hidden trends and anomalies to light, prompting timely actions. Improves understanding and communication with business - Business doesn't always get what Finance is trying to communicate and good visualisations go a long way to bridging the gap. Better communication improves alignment to strategic financial goals. The line Graph: Unravelling Trends Over Time The line graph, also known as a stream graph or a stacked area graph, is a powerful tool for visualising changes in data over time. It is especially effective in showing how multiple categories contribute to an overall trend. In finance, line graphs can illustrate revenue streams, expense categories, or investment performance in a visually engaging manner. Use Case: Revenue Streams Analysis Imagine a financial report for a company with diverse revenue streams, such as product sales, services, and subscriptions. A line graph can display how each stream has evolved, highlighting peaks and troughs. The thickness of each ‘line’ represents the contribution of that revenue stream to the total, making it easy to spot which areas drive growth. Benefits of line Graphs: Trends Made Simple: Displays how multiple components evolve over time. Visual Impact: The fluid, organic design makes it easier to follow changes. Comparative Insight: Helps compare different categories intuitively. The Waterfall Chart: Bridging the Gap Between Figures Waterfall charts excel at breaking down the cumulative effect of sequential data points, making them ideal for financial analysis. They help bridge the gap between figures by showing how individual elements contribute to a total. Commonly used in profit and loss statements, budget analysis, and variance reports, these charts provide clarity in understanding how specific actions impact the bottom line. Use Case: Profit and Loss Analysis A financial analyst preparing a quarterly report might use a waterfall chart to demonstrate how various factors—like increased sales, higher marketing spend, and cost savings—impacted net profit. The chart’s structure, with its clear progression from starting figures to the final result, makes it easy for stakeholders to follow the financial narrative. Benefits of Waterfall Charts: Clarity: Simplifies complex financial data by showing individual contributions to total figures. Transparency: Clearly distinguishes between positive and negative impacts. Decision Support: Helps executives understand the key drivers of financial performance. Choosing the Right Visual for the Right Data Selecting the appropriate visual tool depends on the story you want to tell: Use line graphs for illustrating trends across multiple categories over time. Opt for waterfall charts when you need to detail the step-by-step impact of specific factors on an overall financial figure. By mastering these tools, finance professionals can enhance their storytelling, transforming raw data into insights that drive strategic decisions. Conclusion: From Data to Decisions The ability to visualise data effectively is a powerful advantage. The line graph and waterfall chart are more than just visual aids—they are essential tools for financial professionals looking to make data-driven decisions that resonate with stakeholders. By adopting these techniques, finance teams can turn numbers into narratives that not only inform but also inspire action. In the end, the power of finance lies not just in analysing data but in presenting it with impact.
