The Lawn Care CEO

Cell Phone–Free Vacation Days: The True Story of Handing a Business Over to a GM

Dan Ralphs and Aaron Suttenfield Season 2 Episode 10

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From Firefighter to Full-Time Owner: How Tom Built a Lawn Business That Runs Without Him?

In this episode, we’re joined by a special guest—Tom Gillespie, owner of Complete Lawn Care out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tom recently hit a milestone most lawn care owners only talk about: he stepped completely out of the day-to-day and into the true owner’s seat.

We break down what it really took to build a business that runs without him. From finding and developing the right General Manager, to building trust, to getting his hiring process dialed in—Tom lays it all out.

He shares how he uses his tools, what he actually asks in his one-on-ones, and why a learning culture—not micromanagement—is the long-term strategy that works.

If you're serious about building a company that runs without you, this episode is for you!

Tom said it best: “The best time to plant a shade tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

Watch the episode, then drop a comment with the leadership move you’re committing to this quarter.

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