Everyday Excellence

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Shane Baldwin, owner of SilverSage ZeroScape InDesign. The conversation explores the evolution of a mission-driven landscaping business specializing in drought-tolerant and water-wise design, and how shifting environmental pressures in the American West are reshaping the industry. Shane shares how the company has grown from a small startup into a structured team by staying focused on its core expertise rather than trying to serve every type of client or project. Key insights include the importance of charging for consultations and design work to properly value time and expertise, as well as the long-term impact of building a pricing structure that reflects the true worth of professional services. SilverSage ZeroScape InDesign website:https://silversagexeriscape.com/

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Eric Soles, owner of ITM Landscape, a full-service landscaping and outdoor design company serving the North Atlanta market. They explore how ITM Landscape has built a reputation for transforming residential properties through custom install design and ongoing maintenance services, with a strong focus on creating functional and elevated outdoor living spaces. Eric shares insights into the company’s core offerings, including backyard makeovers that range from patios and porches to roofline extensions, water features, and custom outdoor enhancements designed to extend how homeowners experience their outdoor environments. The conversation highlights the strategic blend of design, craftsmanship, and operational execution required to scale a landscaping business, as well as the importance of delivering both aesthetic value and long-term property care. ITM Landscape website: https://www.itmlandscape.com/

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Brad Brown, Vice President of Operations of Southern Classic Landscape. They explore how a service-based business defines and identifies high-quality leads in a competitive landscaping market, and why not all inquiries translate into real opportunities. Brad Brown breaks down the difference between price-driven prospects and well-qualified clients who arrive with researched expectations, realistic budgets, and clear project intent. The discussion also dives into how effective marketing should attract informed buyers rather than volume-based inquiries, and how businesses can refine their lead qualification process to improve efficiency, project fit, and long-term customer satisfaction. Operations of Southern Classic Landscape website: https://southernclassiclandscape.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Kevin Runyon, owner of Custom Creations Landscaping and Lawn. They explore how Kevin built a long-standing landscaping business rooted in craftsmanship, precision, and a hands-on leadership style that prioritizes quality over rapid expansion. Kevin shares how his approach to “quality control” means being involved in nearly every project to ensure outcomes exceed client expectations, often leading to memorable client reactions and strong long-term relationships. The conversation also dives into his intentional decision to remain a boutique operation with a limited number of crews and a multi-month waiting list, highlighting how focusing on reputation, efficiency, and consistency has been more sustainable than aggressive scaling. Custom Creations Landscaping and Lawn website: https://customcreations417.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Denise Steininger, owner of ZebraScapes. They discuss how Denise and her husband built their landscaping business from the ground up during the 2008 economic downturn, starting with nothing more than a minivan, basic equipment, and door-to-door outreach to survive. Denise shares how the company evolved from simple maintenance work into a design-build business, with nearly half of its revenue now coming from outdoor living spaces like kitchens, patios, and fire features. The conversation highlights two key themes: first, the power of bold branding—such as their memorable zebra-themed rebrand that significantly increased visibility and inbound leads—and second, the importance of building strong internal systems, particularly accountability and team ownership, to sustain growth.ZebraScapes website: https://zebrascapes.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Chris Cline, owner of Lemus Remodeling Group. They explore Chris’s journey from working his way up in operations to scaling multiple companies into the nine-figure range, and ultimately making the leap to build his own business from the ground up. Chris shares practical insights on the difference between scaling an established company versus starting from zero, emphasizing the importance of building operational capacity ahead of growth and surrounding yourself with the right people. He also dives into the realities of early-stage marketing, including the challenges of outsourcing and the lessons learned from managing ROI, lead generation, and agency relationships. Throughout the conversation, Lemus Remodeling Group website: https://golemus.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Peter Van Cleave, owner of Water for Life, a Georgia-based water treatment company serving residential and commercial clients across North and Middle Georgia. They explore how Pete transitioned from a 17-year corporate career in sales at Lever Brothers into entrepreneurship, eventually building a specialized water treatment business offering over 110 tailored solutions across 20 brands. Pete shares insights into why water treatment is fundamentally local, how regional water differences impact system design, and why national “one-size-fits-all” approaches often fall short in addressing real water quality challenges. Water for Life website: https://www.waterforlifeonline.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Steven Hauck, owner of SJ Hauck Construction LLC. They explore the remarkable journey of building a construction company from the ground up, starting with house lifting work after Hurricane Sandy and evolving into a diversified self-performing contractor specializing in demolition, pile driving, shoring, and deep foundation services across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Steven shares how recognizing the volatility of a single-service business model led to a strategic pivot into larger-scale commercial construction work, allowing the company to scale sustainably while maintaining operational control through vertically integrated services. The conversation also dives into leadership and organizational development, including how the company defined its core values by analyzing the traits of top-performing employees, creating a clear framework for hiring, culture, and team alignment. SJ Hauck Construction LLC website: https://www.sjhauckconstruction.com/

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Paul Fuller, owner of Paul’s Lawn and Landscape. Paul shares the story of how he grew his company from mowing lawns as a kid into a full-service landscaping business by focusing on simple but powerful fundamentals like answering the phone, showing up on time, and consistently delivering quality work. He discusses how saying “yes” to new opportunities—even before having all the answers—allowed his business to expand services, tackle increasingly complex projects, and develop a culture that thrives on challenges. Paul also explains the importance of mentorship, strong work ethic, and prioritizing faith, family, and relationships while building a successful service-based company. This episode offers practical insights for entrepreneurs looking to grow through reliability, adaptability, and a willingness to learn through experience.Paul’s Lawn and Landscape website: https://paulslawnaustin.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Chris Tiller, owner of Carpet Genie, a Missouri-based low-moisture carpet cleaning and home services business. They explore how the modern service industry has evolved beyond traditional word-of-mouth marketing into a digital-first environment where online presence, Google reviews, and customer trust play a critical role in business growth. Chris shares how rebuilding the business required shifting from older methods to new expectations, including fast responses, online estimates, and building credibility through verified customer feedback. The discussion also highlights the importance of Google reviews as a trust signal that influences purchasing decisions, as well as the growing need for businesses to consistently follow up with customers to strengthen reputation and visibility. Carpet Genie website: https://www.carpetgenieclean.com/

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Mike Harvey, Founder and CEO of The Roof Resource. They discuss how Michael is reshaping the traditional roofing industry through a simplified, technology-driven model designed to empower entrepreneurs and eliminate unnecessary complexity for homeowners. Michael shares how his company created a system that allows individuals to launch roofing businesses in a fraction of the time traditionally required, highlighting the power of standardized processes, transparent pricing, and decentralized leadership. He also explains the importance of building a culture of empowerment inside an organization, emphasizing his philosophy of valuing people’s ideas over rigid time structures and trusting teams to take ownership of their work. The Roof Resource website: https://theroofresource.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Karen Crnkovich, President and Owner of DMC Service, Inc. They explore the realities of building and scaling a commercial HVAC and plumbing business, with a deep focus on leadership decisions, business culture, and long-term growth strategy. Karen shares how the company evolved from traditional word-of-mouth and referral-based growth into a more structured and strategic marketing approach, including the importance of selecting the right marketing partners who deliver personalized insights rather than generic, “copy-paste” solutions. The conversation also dives into the critical role of organizational culture in employee retention, highlighting why strong culture must be intentionally built to sustain loyalty in today’s workforce. DMC Service, Inc. website: https://www.dmcserviceinc.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Matt Lowery, founder of Lowery Fence & Patio. They explore how communication has become one of the most powerful competitive advantages in the construction and home services industry, and why many customer complaints stem not from mistakes, but from silence. Matt shares how his company prioritizes transparency from the initial estimate through project completion, ensuring customers always understand what is happening, when it will happen, and how issues will be resolved. He also discusses how setting clear expectations and maintaining proactive updates builds trust, reduces negative reviews, and strengthens long-term customer relationships. Lowery Fence & Patio website: https://loweryfencing.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Eric Weishaar, owner of Breckenridge Landscape. Eric shares practical insights from building a successful landscape design and construction company, emphasizing the often-overlooked reality that strong sales skills are the foundation of any sustainable business. He explains why many skilled tradespeople struggle when starting their own companies—not because of a lack of craftsmanship, but because they underestimate the importance of selling, marketing, and customer acquisition. Eric discusses how his early strategy focused heavily on generating demand through trade shows, direct customer engagement, and building visibility, reinforcing the principle that “sales cures all.” Breckenridge Landscape website: https://breckenridgelandscape.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews John Petersen, owner of The Grout Medic of Temple. John shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force and spending 26 years in IT leadership to stepping away from a secure executive career to launch a home services franchise. The conversation explores the realities of early-stage business ownership, including how following proven franchise systems, building strong referral networks, and leveraging customer reviews can accelerate growth during the critical first months of operation. John also discusses the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences, learning from early estimating mistakes, and setting measurable revenue goals to scale toward long-term profitability. The Grout Medic of Temple website: https://www.thegroutmedic.com/temple/

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Nathan Payne, real estate investor and founder of Payneless Flipping. They explore the realities behind modern real estate wholesaling and the systems that help investors move from uncertainty to consistent deal-making. Nathan shares insights from his experience closing hundreds of deals nationwide and explains how his “pre-flipping” strategy focuses on understanding seller situations, validating buyer demand in advance, and reducing failed contracts through better preparation and ethical negotiation practices. Payneless Flipping website: https://www.paynelessflipping.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Bob Logan, President of Plumbline Services. They explore how Plumbline Services evolved from a small residential service provider into one of Colorado’s largest home service companies, delivering plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and drain services across the Denver Metro area.Bob shares how strong company culture and clearly defined core values became the foundation for scaling the business from roughly $5 million to more than $50 million in annual revenue, while maintaining a relentless focus on customer experience. The discussion highlights two major growth drivers: first, the role of systems and processes in protecting quality during rapid expansion, including hiring for character and empowering teams to take ownership; and second, the importance of data-driven marketing and operational efficiency, including how emerging technologies like AI are being used to improve dispatching, analytics, and overall productivity without sacrificing human relationships. Plumbline Services website: https://plumblineservices.com/

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Anthony Hamilton, co‑founder of THE Water Heater Company, a Southern California business specializing exclusively in residential water heater installation, repair, and maintenance. They explore the value of niching down in a competitive home services market, how focusing solely on hot water systems enables same‑day service and higher quality outcomes, and why understanding customer behavior and platform algorithms like Yelp can dramatically improve lead generation and reputation management. Anthony shares actionable insights on what it really takes to scale a service‑based company, including building systems that deliver fast turnaround, using quality materials, and harnessing organic review strategies that align with how digital platforms evaluate legitimacy. THE Water Heater Company website: https://www.thewaterheatercompany.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin, interviews John T. Hewitt, founder of Loyalty Brands. John shares the mindset and mission-driven philosophy that fueled the growth of one of the most recognized franchise systems in North America, drawing from decades of experience building thousands of franchise locations and mentoring entrepreneurs.He explains how having a clear mission—centered on having fun, improving lives, and creating meaningful work—can transform workplace culture and long-term performance. The conversation also explores his belief that true business success comes from helping others succeed, highlighting how structured systems, accountability, and a people-first approach have enabled him to create opportunities that have led many franchisees to achieve financial independence.Throughout the episode, John emphasizes the importance of choosing work you genuinely enjoy, maintaining a positive culture that motivates teams, and building businesses designed not only for profit but for lasting impact on employees, franchise owners, and communities.Loyalty Brands website: https://loyaltybrands.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Ben Hewlett, COO and co-owner of Earthscapes Lawn and Land Service, Inc. They discuss the company’s journey from a traditional landscaping operation into a full-service outdoor living provider and how building a one-stop-shop model created powerful synergies across multiple service lines.Ben shares insights on the importance of working on the business rather than in it, highlighting how hiring the right people and establishing clear processes enables leaders to step back and gain the “50,000-foot view” necessary for growth. Earthscapes Lawn and Land Service, Inc. website: https://www.earthscapesvb.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Dustin Feider, founder and owner of O2 Treehouse, a company known for designing and building custom luxury treehouses that reconnect people with nature. Dustin shares the story behind starting O2 Treehouse, from building his first prototype treehouse after studying furniture design to growing the company into a team of designers, engineers, and builders creating unique architectural structures in the trees. He discusses the importance of balancing creativity with business strategy, building a strong team culture, and learning to fail forward through constant iteration. The conversation also explores how experiential architecture can inspire people to value the natural world, the role of marketing and referrals in business growth, and Dustin’s vision for expanding eco-tourism through their Tree Walkers concept.O2 Treehouse: https://o2treehouse.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Dylan Milis, owner of Milis Flatwork, a commercial concrete contractor. Dylan shares his journey into the concrete business, emphasizing the importance of quality, technology, and customer satisfaction in driving growth. He discusses the challenges of maintaining a strong company culture in a physically demanding industry and the significance of accountability and continuous improvement. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies, industry threats, and the future outlook for Milis Flatwork, highlighting their achievements and recognition in the concrete sector.Milis Flatwork: https://milisflatwork.com

In this conversation, Todd Baldwin interviews Carlos Medina Jr., the President and CEO of Medina Lawn Care, who shares his journey of taking over the family business and transforming it into a successful commercial landscaping company. Carlos discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasizes the importance of creating a positive company culture, effective marketing strategies, and giving back to the community. Medina Lawn Care website: https://medinalawncare.com

In this episode, Todd Baldwin interviews Amy Longspaugh, owner of ClearWater Plumbers, discussing her journey in the plumbing industry, the importance of company culture, innovative growth strategies, and the challenges of marketing in a digital age. Amy emphasizes the significance of education in plumbing, both for her team and her customers, and shares insights on operational leadership and the future aspirations of her company.ClearWater Plumbers website: https://clearwaterplumber.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, Todd Baldwin interviews Bryan Cary, owner of A Quality HVAC and Plumbing. They discuss the importance of employee-centric culture, navigating growth in the HVAC industry, effective marketing strategies, and the significance of lead attribution. Bryan shares valuable insights for aspiring HVAC entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for a clear business plan and understanding market dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of community involvement and maintaining a strong company culture to drive success.A Quality HVAC and Plumbing website: https://callaquality.com/

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin sits down with Harden Goldenberg, owner of Smart Space, a company transforming home efficiency and comfort through innovative retrofitting and energy solutions. Hardin delves into the strategic approaches that have driven Smart Space's success, emphasizing the importance of leveraging government incentives and comprehensive diagnostics. Harden shares insights on how Smart Space navigates the challenges of scaling in a competitive market, while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction through expert team management and cutting-edge services. Smart Space website: smartspaceatlanta.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, Todd Baldwin interviews Leeanne Aguilar, CEO of Empire Creative. They discuss the journey of building a successful digital marketing agency, the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing digital landscape, and the significance of customer service and company culture. Leeanne shares insights on scaling challenges, growth strategies, and the various digital marketing channels available to businesses. She emphasizes the need for a solid strategy, adequate budget, and the importance of consistency in marketing efforts. Empire Creative website: https://empiread.com

In this conversation, Todd Baldwin interviews Barry Westbrook, the owner of DocAir, discussing the evolution of his company, the importance of air quality in buildings, and the challenges of running a business in the building science industry. Barry shares insights on company culture, customer service, and the growing demand for energy efficiency, while also addressing marketing strategies and industry trends.DocAir website: https://docair.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin sits down with Carnie Fryfogle III, CEO of CR3 American Exteriors. Carnie shares his inspiring journey from starting with just $2,500 to building a $15 million business and expanding into a franchise model. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of rapid growth, the pivotal role of company culture, and the strategic marketing approaches that have driven success. Discover how Carnie navigates industry changes, the importance of having a dedicated team, and the financial discipline required for sustainable growth.CR3 American Exteriors website: https://www.cr3america.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin speaks with Tasha Roberts, owner of ASAP Commercial Doors. Tasha shares her journey of taking over the family business, the challenges and successes she has faced, and the importance of building a strong company culture. They discuss the significance of having the right team in place for growth, the necessity of systems and processes, and the marketing strategies that have worked for her business.ASAP Commercial Doors website: https://asapcommercialdoors.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin sits down with Brandon Workman, owner of United Floor Coatings, a leader in innovative flooring solutions. Brandon shares his inspiring journey from starting the business with basic residential projects to expanding into a thriving company with a strong commercial presence. He discusses the challenges of scaling in a competitive industry, the impact of a robust digital marketing strategy, and the importance of building lasting partnerships. Brandon also highlights the value of adapting to industry changes and maintaining a strong connection with clients. Tune in to discover how Brandon's commitment to quality and strategic growth has propelled United Floor Coatings to success. United Floor Coatings website: unitedfloorcoatings.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin sits down with Mario Aguilar, CEO of Lemus Construction, the fastest roofing company in the Northeast. Mario shares his inspiring journey from the early days of Lemus Construction to leading a team of 200 employees. He delves into the unique challenges of the construction industry, the power of word-of-mouth over traditional advertising, and the role of AI in transforming business operations. Mario also highlights the importance of maintaining a strong company culture and the value of respecting both customers and competitors. Tune in to discover how Mario's focus on process and integrity has driven Lemus Construction's success.Lemus Construction website: lemusconstruction.com

In this episode of Everyday Excellence, host Todd Baldwin interviews Scott Whitaker, the largest franchisee of Restoration One, who operates five locations and employs 165 people. Scott shares his journey into the restoration business, starting from his high school days cleaning carpets in Las Vegas to becoming a successful franchise owner. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding the restoration industry, the challenges of navigating insurance claims, and the importance of documentation in ensuring proper payment for services rendered. Scott emphasizes the need for business owners to delegate responsibilities and hire people who are better than themselves to facilitate growth and scalability.Restoration One - Spokane website: https://restoration1.com/inland-nw/your-local-team

What does it really take to lead, grow, and stay sharp in today’s world of business? In this short teaser, we introduce Everyday Excellence — the podcast that goes beyond the buzzwords to spotlight the people who show up, solve problems, and quietly drive excellence in their industries.Whether you're a founder, marketer, operator, or team lead, this show is for anyone committed to doing the work, raising the bar, and making things better — one decision, one challenge, one day at a time.Subscribe now and get ready for honest conversations, practical insight, and the real stories behind real success.