Started with a $1800 ford ranger I found a hour from my house. I was using a Honda civic I used to get to my construction job for a bit but then I had some cash saved up. Just that little truck opened up opportunities to go from little $6-$100 jobs to $2000-3000 jobs. For me this was game changing. Had that truck for a year and was finally able to get a 1999 dodge ram 1500 off Facebook. And a cheap $400 trailer. Now I’ve got 4 trucks and we knock out allot of jobs a week. I’m so glad I made the jump to start my little business. Watched Mr Keith Kalfas from day 1 and especially your older videos motivated me to do it! Jobber has been great so far. Quickbooks makes payroll and stuff easy. But it takes time to get there. I ran pen and invoice paper books from Walmart for 4 years. Software makes things so nice!
Keith, you have literally helped me so much build my window cleaning business. I just cannot thank you enough. I would really appreciate if you replied to my comment because I’ve been watching you for years and I finally got my window cleaning business off the ground this year and I’m doing great I’m in the Chicagoland suburbs. It would mean the world to me my man.
@ I have you know it’s funny because I’ve actually seen every single video you’ve uploaded. I’m not even kidding every single video you’ve uploaded I’ve seen. And I really appreciate it, brother man I’m looking up to you my guy
Started with a stihl hedge trimmer and a Chevy impala and an old yard trailer. You don’t need a truck to start imo. Customers did raise an eyebrow when I showed up but when I was done I had them for life.
Been landscaping with my family business my whole life. I moved to MI last year away from my family and job with the intent to start new and switch careers (I'm 30 yrs old). Long story short, I got 2 other jobs I hated and made less money so I quit those and traveled 3.5 hours a day to continue working with the family and keep my head afloat. I had the the intent to do other things, but I find it hard to get away from landscaping, which overall I really do enjoy. I'm betting on myself and starting my own landscape company this year. Super scary, but I know I'll regret it if I don't try. Your podcast and channel has helped my confidence and strategy a ton. Thank you sir for your insight and knowledge. I think between my family and the green industry community I'll be able to pull this thing off! Cheers and best of luck to all this 2025
I’m 29. Gone from security, to the shipyard working pipe fitter helper 12 hrs a day and did welding school only to realize I had paid to go into the most toxic environment I have ever been in. Keeping my demons in a cage wasn’t really possible there so I quit that life and yeah, I was broke for months, probably still kind of am. But I’m at peace now. And with some sort of voice telling me that I am worth more than what I tought of myself the whole year last year. I can’t leave this place quite yet but I dream of moving some time in the future & just starting over. It’s just me and my dog. My son lives with his momma. But the more you know. Now I have the burning motivation to turn my side gig into a full blown business with the fact that I can hire my son when he’s 15 and not only teach him about things I wish someone taught me but, have him look at me like I could never see my father. With respect and ultimately, some love. Got personal there lol but this is what Keith has brought out of me as well. Take notes and put in the hard work my friend, we got this 🙏💯
The high end Stihl battery trimmers and chainsaws are legit man. 300$ a battery is tough but they run really well. Takes away a lot of headache and maintenance. Just plug in and go. Throw a couple small solar panels on your trailer and mount your chargers. let’s make some money this year boys
Keith thank you you changed my life and helped me start my journey of landscaping and even life. Thanks so much man. So much has changed since the beginning. Everything everything everything you said was true man,.it was crazy lol. Well it was nice seeing you again, I hope you guys are well over there. Take care Keith ❤️
I'm always taking notes watching your videos , People should be happy we've got you on here, nice video.. everyone should take this seriously if they're "trying to start a business". Thanks for being positive Keith. 🤝
Same! I write the title of the video and points on what I got out from it or things that are new to me. Keith is a real one. Make sure to write down his “pro tips”!
Love your videos. Stihl and Toro commercial battery stuff is great. You glossed over it cause it's pricy. And it is! But man no gas and low maintenance will get that up front money back eventually. Need lotta batteries though! Stihl has buy 2 get 1 free AP 300 S batteries. So I got 6 of them puppies and am sitting pretty . You the man Kalfas. We love you
what do you like for battery stuff? does it have the power you need i find weedwhips blowers etc a bit skimpy on the battery side but i come from all stihl all the time im a bit spoiled for power
@@mushypotatoes5906 Stihl FSA 135 weedwacker. Stihl Hla extended hedge trimmer. 6 batteries to go between those 2. Then I have a Toro 21 inch commercial with 3 batteries. Power is all just as good as gas. You just need a bunch of batteries to get through each day. Really good, commercial grade stuff.
And Stihl hand held blower BGA 86 for light duty blowing. I keep a gas backpack Stihl blower for leaf work though. The battery blowers aren't as good as gas
A minimum of $75 per man hr. + All of your materials cost at full retail. That's T&M (Time & Materials) Then add any Dumping fees on top of that. This is basic solid advice for news to ensure you make and keep profits. Crunch the math before giving the quote.
Stihl oil isnt good. Use echo oil, or husky...iv recently been using Kawisaki oil because i got a good price on it. I believe echo red armor 2cycle oil is the best ...not talking about the other premium brands of oils....
Battery powered equipment doesn’t do as good as gas & takes longer. In the long run customers are hurting them selves by complaining. That price will go up the longer & more difficult the job becomes
Idk I run the top line commercial battery Stihl trimmer chainsaws and hedgers and they are really good imo. Obviously 300$ a battery is tough but if you invest the the battery the convenience and of no motor, oil, mix, blah blah
I finally got the business registered and licensed! Can’t wait to see this business prosper this year!
So awesome. Sounds like you're focused! 💪
Started with a $1800 ford ranger I found a hour from my house. I was using a Honda civic I used to get to my construction job for a bit but then I had some cash saved up. Just that little truck opened up opportunities to go from little $6-$100 jobs to $2000-3000 jobs. For me this was game changing. Had that truck for a year and was finally able to get a 1999 dodge ram 1500 off Facebook. And a cheap $400 trailer. Now I’ve got 4 trucks and we knock out allot of jobs a week. I’m so glad I made the jump to start my little business. Watched Mr Keith Kalfas from day 1 and especially your older videos motivated me to do it! Jobber has been great so far. Quickbooks makes payroll and stuff easy. But it takes time to get there. I ran pen and invoice paper books from Walmart for 4 years. Software makes things so nice!
You are killing it! That's the grit I'm talking about!
Keith the man! I was just remembering your first TH-cam videos and now. We are defiantly getting older and wiser!
Take care and god bless!
Take care bro. Happy new year
Keith, you have literally helped me so much build my window cleaning business. I just cannot thank you enough. I would really appreciate if you replied to my comment because I’ve been watching you for years and I finally got my window cleaning business off the ground this year and I’m doing great I’m in the Chicagoland suburbs. It would mean the world to me my man.
You got it. Keep killing it out there! 💪 have you seen my other channel the window cleaning Blueprint? Also. Congrats again brother
@ I have you know it’s funny because I’ve actually seen every single video you’ve uploaded. I’m not even kidding every single video you’ve uploaded I’ve seen. And I really appreciate it, brother man I’m looking up to you my guy
I recommend working for someone for one year and take notes on timing everything.
Started with a stihl hedge trimmer and a Chevy impala and an old yard trailer. You don’t need a truck to start imo. Customers did raise an eyebrow when I showed up but when I was done I had them for life.
Haha that's friggen epic. 🔥
Been landscaping with my family business my whole life. I moved to MI last year away from my family and job with the intent to start new and switch careers (I'm 30 yrs old). Long story short, I got 2 other jobs I hated and made less money so I quit those and traveled 3.5 hours a day to continue working with the family and keep my head afloat. I had the the intent to do other things, but I find it hard to get away from landscaping, which overall I really do enjoy. I'm betting on myself and starting my own landscape company this year. Super scary, but I know I'll regret it if I don't try. Your podcast and channel has helped my confidence and strategy a ton. Thank you sir for your insight and knowledge. I think between my family and the green industry community I'll be able to pull this thing off! Cheers and best of luck to all this 2025
I’m 29.
Gone from security, to the shipyard working pipe fitter helper 12 hrs a day and did welding school only to realize I had paid to go into the most toxic environment I have ever been in.
Keeping my demons in a cage wasn’t really possible there so I quit that life and yeah, I was broke for months, probably still kind of am. But I’m at peace now. And with some sort of voice telling me that I am worth more than what I tought of myself the whole year last year.
I can’t leave this place quite yet but I dream of moving some time in the future & just starting over.
It’s just me and my dog.
My son lives with his momma. But the more you know. Now I have the burning motivation to turn my side gig into a full blown business with the fact that I can hire my son when he’s 15 and not only teach him about things I wish someone taught me but, have him look at me like I could never see my father. With respect and ultimately, some love.
Got personal there lol but this is what Keith has brought out of me as well.
Take notes and put in the hard work my friend, we got this 🙏💯
So awesome brother. This is your year. 2035
Hey Keith, you may want to look into it. Still oil has been shown to not be the best. Echo red armor or amsoil saber is a much better choice.
Major nuts and bolts video. Very nicely done.
Appreciate it! How long have you been in the green industry?
@ going on nine years now, b2b nursery sales.
The high end Stihl battery trimmers and chainsaws are legit man. 300$ a battery is tough but they run really well. Takes away a lot of headache and maintenance. Just plug in and go. Throw a couple small solar panels on your trailer and mount your chargers. let’s make some money this year boys
Ooh that's genius. A solar charger.
@ ya we have a enclosed trailer with panels on top and it’s wired into a battery to store and powers all of our chargers. Never run out of battery.
Keith thank you you changed my life and helped me start my journey of landscaping and even life. Thanks so much man. So much has changed since the beginning. Everything everything everything you said was true man,.it was crazy lol. Well it was nice seeing you again, I hope you guys are well over there. Take care Keith ❤️
You’re crushing it out there! Keep up the grind, brother. Haha. 💪. You're welcome and good seeing you too.
Love the advice man
Hellllaaaa Motivating ..... Thank you sir.
Welcome!
I'm always taking notes watching your videos , People should be happy we've got you on here, nice video.. everyone should take this seriously if they're "trying to start a business". Thanks for being positive Keith. 🤝
Same! I write the title of the video and points on what I got out from it or things that are new to me.
Keith is a real one.
Make sure to write down his “pro tips”!
I appreciate it man. 💪 you're welcome 😊
What's a good hedge trimmer that is quiet? Gas or electric?
Electric Milwaukee trimmers
Awesome vid.
Love it
Love your videos. Stihl and Toro commercial battery stuff is great. You glossed over it cause it's pricy. And it is! But man no gas and low maintenance will get that up front money back eventually. Need lotta batteries though!
Stihl has buy 2 get 1 free AP 300 S batteries. So I got 6 of them puppies and am sitting pretty .
You the man Kalfas. We love you
what do you like for battery stuff? does it have the power you need i find weedwhips blowers etc a bit skimpy on the battery side but i come from all stihl all the time im a bit spoiled for power
@@mushypotatoes5906 Stihl FSA 135 weedwacker. Stihl Hla extended hedge trimmer. 6 batteries to go between those 2.
Then I have a Toro 21 inch commercial with 3 batteries.
Power is all just as good as gas. You just need a bunch of batteries to get through each day. Really good, commercial grade stuff.
And Stihl hand held blower BGA 86 for light duty blowing. I keep a gas backpack Stihl blower for leaf work though. The battery blowers aren't as good as gas
You’re right, that battery stuff is fantastic. 💪
Very nice store you were at lots of equipment
Yeah man, they have the best stuff! WEINGARTZ
How do you do your billing?
I Use Jobber Software and I can also get you a discount.
getjobber.com/kalfas
So what do you do how much the materials cost x2 or $75 per man hour + material cost
A minimum of $75 per man hr. + All of your materials cost at full retail. That's T&M (Time & Materials) Then add any Dumping fees on top of that. This is basic solid advice for news to ensure you make and keep profits. Crunch the math before giving the quote.
Hey, I appreciate your channel my questions when I start advertising for my company in 2025, which month?
Get everything ready to launch. And as soon as the Grass starts growing and the birds are chirping.
Early April.
But keep marketing all through April and May. You may be in a part of the country where you should start marketing in late March.
Stihl oil isnt good. Use echo oil, or husky...iv recently been using Kawisaki oil because i got a good price on it. I believe echo red armor 2cycle oil is the best ...not talking about the other premium brands of oils....
💪
Why $25 X 3? Where does the 3 come from?
Battery powered equipment doesn’t do as good as gas & takes longer. In the long run customers are hurting them selves by complaining. That price will go up the longer & more difficult the job becomes
Idk I run the top line commercial battery Stihl trimmer chainsaws and hedgers and they are really good imo. Obviously 300$ a battery is tough but if you invest the the battery the convenience and of no motor, oil, mix, blah blah
You’re right, sometimes battery power isn’t up to the task. 💪
The only problem I have is getting in new clients....
✍️✍️❤️
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Keef kalifa 🔥🔥🔥🫡🫡
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