Kurt LaButte
Owner / CEO
Todd’s Services
Hamburg, Mich.
1. Tell me about Todd’s Services, and how you got into the business?
We’ve been in business just over 45 years. We’re primarily design/build. We also do commercial and residential lawn maintenance, snow, sprinkler service and sprinkler installation. And in a couple of our northern branches, we do tree service. I got my start as a young kid, like most stories from people in this industry. My brother and I … started at a very young age, just mowing some lawns. One thing led to another, and we really didn’t find anything else that interested us. We could make a couple bucks and have some fun; that’s how it started.
2. Tell me about your family, and what you all do for fun?
My wife, Debbie, and I have been together for almost 33 years of marriage. We have five kids, four boys, and then the youngest is our daughter. They’re all mostly married and out of the house. Our youngest is soon to be a senior at Tennessee. The whole empty-nesting thing is new to us. We have a couple of grandkids already. We like to do anything outdoors. We love to boat. We love to travel. Anything “family fun” — that’s our little mantra as a group. It’s “family fun.”
3. I’ve met your sons who work with you. What’s it like working with your family?
It’s great. My goal is to have the business go on to a second generation. It’s in the process of what we’re doing right now. Our 50th anniversary is when I want to step down as CEO. I still want to be involved in the company, but I also have a sister and brothers-in-law in the company who will probably be retiring in the next five to 10 years. Some of my leadership team, their kids are now in the business, and so is my daughter-in-law, so it’s not just my second generation, it’s a lot of second generations. Seeing the young people come up in the leadership roles … it’s fun, it’s exciting.
4. Any trends you’re seeing with your clients?
I don’t want this to come out wrong, but today’s clients are really, really smart. Most of the time, they know the answers to the questions they’re asking. It’s more like you’re on an interview with them. You’d better be on your game if you want to sell to these clients, because they know what they want. They know what they need, and they’re very educated. What’s going on with technology, anyone can get any answer they want. So, if you don’t know the answer, don’t guess. You’re better off to back away and find the answer than to try to push your way through it.
5. What’s the best thing about having your job?
I’ve enjoyed trying to make a difference. Years ago, my answer would probably be building the biggest job. Now, I just enjoy the people and having a little bit of fun … that’s my thing. I learned to get out of the way. It is just amazing when you give people autonomy to grow and to adventure; you create a culture where they’re not afraid to make a mistake. I feel that’s been a huge piece of our growth and our success. Seeing these people evolve … that’s the best part of my job.