Greetings! I’m Justin White, the CEO of K&D Landscaping in Watsonville, Calif., and I am excited to make my debut as the newest columnist for Landscape Management.
I took over K&D from my parents in 2015 and have scaled it into an eight-figure business. In 2022, I founded the JW Group, a platform for landscape leaders to take their businesses to the next level. This year, the JW Group launched The Disruptors, an online community for those looking to innovate and challenge the status quo in the green industry. Through my podcast, public speaking, coaching and now this column, I am on a mission to raise the bar in the landscape industry.
The industry is poised for transformation. The way we hire, sell, operate and scale our businesses is evolving faster than ever. Technology is advancing, labor dynamics are shifting and customer expectations continue to rise.
The opportunities have never been greater for those willing to embrace change.
That’s why Raise the Bar isn’t just a column — it’s a movement. It started in 2015 with a simple but powerful idea: to push the limits of what’s possible in this industry. It’s a mindset shift, a challenge to reject mediocrity and lead with innovation. It’s about building stronger teams, creating scalable businesses and setting a new standard for success.
As the Raise the Bar movement enters a new chapter with LM, the mission remains the same: to elevate the industry by providing real-world strategies that drive growth, profitability and long-term success.
Are you ready to take massive action in 2025?
This isn’t about sitting on the sidelines; it’s about action and execution. If you’re serious about leveling up, here’s what it means to raise the bar in today’s landscape industry:
⦁ Building a scalable business. Developing systems, processes and automation that create predictable profit and allow you to grow without chaos.
⦁ Developing a winning team. Leadership strategies that create a culture of ownership, accountability and long-term retention.
⦁ Leveraging technology for profitability. Artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven decision-making that make businesses more efficient and competitive.
⦁ Mastering sales and marketing. Positioning your company as the premium choice in your market — not just the lowest bidder.
⦁ Creating generational wealth. Profit-first strategies, merger and acquisition opportunities and financial models that build a lasting legacy.
This isn’t just about revenue growth. It’s also about leadership, mindset and impact. It’s about taking control of your future and raising the standard for what’s possible in this industry.
The industry is changing — will you lead or be left behind?
The landscape industry isn’t the same as it was five years ago, and it won’t be the same five years from now. Change is happening, with or without you. The only question is: Will you take control and lead the change, or let it leave you behind?
If you’re reading this, you’re already thinking bigger and participating in this movement. Now, it’s time to take massive action.
I want to thank Bill Roddy, Seth Jones and Scott Hollister for giving Raise the Bar a new platform in LM. Their commitment to pushing the industry forward aligns perfectly with this mission, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
In future columns, I’ll share fundamental strategies, actionable insights and lessons from my journey scaling K&D Landscaping into an eight-figure company. But this isn’t just about me; it’s about your growth, impact and legacy.
So, here’s my challenge to you: What’s one bold move you’re making in 2025 to raise the bar in your business? I want to hear from you, so drop me a message, comment or connect with me on social media. I want to help you take that next step.
Let’s make 2025 the year we take massive action and redefine what’s possible in this industry.
