Interview Series: Wake Up Calls, Turning Points, and the Role of a Leader with Jeffrey Johns

How did a chance meeting at a GROW! boot camp 30 years ago set the stage for Jeffrey Johns' successful journey in the landscaping industry with his company Coastal Greenery?Marty Grunder chats with Jeffrey about their similar paths and experiences, Jeffrey's journey as an entrepreneur, the tough times in business that served as wake-up calls, and what was important for him to learn to get to where he is today. The episode then pivots to Jeffrey's role today, what he does to help his team, and how he works with family successfully.Discover how Jeffrey's passion for landscaping, nurtured by his family, evolved into a sustainable business. You’ll hear Jeffrey open up about the family dynamics that drive Coastal Greenery, highlighting the pivotal roles of his wife Misty, and twin sons, Jacob and Joshua. With a 60-65 hour workweek, Jeffrey and Misty complement each other's leadership styles, evolving their roles based on team feedback and expectations. The conversation is a rich narrative on leadership, legacy, and the timeless value of building strong familial and business connections within the landscaping industry. Coastal Greenery specializes in commercial landscape maintenance, providing tailored solutions that enhance the beauty and sustainability of each property. Their experienced team offers a Total Care Program, which includes turf care, tree and shrub maintenance, water management, seasonal flower installations, plant healthcare, and mulch installations. The Coastal Greeneryteam is dedicated to creating landscapes that reflect a business’s values while ensuring long-term health and functionality. From routine care to customized enhancements, Coastal Greenery is committed to delivering exceptional service for every commercial property.In This Episode: Fall golf weather Intro and background - Jeffrey Johns' journey in landscaping, family's importance, and teamwork in Coastal Greenery's success Jeffrey’s start in the entrepreneurial space, mom’s van and family support, landscape architecture degree, working in Atlanta Entrepreneurial spirit, Jeffrey’s love of landscaping first, business challenges, getting a financial education, creativity and financial balance Getting out of the way, leading a family business with a demanding 60+ hour workweek, balancing roles and expectations, and evolving with team feedback, coaching Family relationships at work with wife Misty, and twin sons Jacob and Joshua Clarity in expectations, metrics, and transparency Jeffrey’s role mentoring with Grunder peer groups, advice for younger people coming up in the industry and Jeffrey’s younger self, people and relationships must be front of mind Looking forward to GROW! 2025