The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas Podcast By Keith Kalfas cover art

The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

By: Keith Kalfas
Listen for free

About this listen

 Small Business Ownership & Personal Development Hosted by Keith Kalfas from the Landscaping Employee Trap & Window Cleaning Blueprint.Greenwood Publishing 2023 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Why We Have a $700 Minimum to Do Any Landscaping Job

    Why We Have a $700 Minimum to Do Any Landscaping Job
    Jun 24 2025
    In this episode, Keith Kalfas reveals how setting a $700 job minimum transformed his landscaping business—and how it can do the same for yours. If you’ve been undercharging, afraid to raise prices, or stuck in the “lowball trap,” this episode is your wake-up call. Keith breaks down the mindset, math, and muscle it takes to confidently set a job minimum, stop negotiating against yourself, and build a profitable, sustainable business. You’ll hear how he evolved from $99 jobs to a $700 baseline, how to calculate your own break-even point, and how to split-test higher prices with new clients—without losing your sanity or your soul. "Figure out your job minimum and stick to it. It's gonna be scary. But if you have enough customers coming in and new customers and you have the difficult conversation with yourself and then the positive, friendly, uplifting, professional conversation with your customers, then it'll work out for you." – Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Why your job minimum matters more than you think How undercharging creates a cycle of burnout Dealing with old customers vs. new pricing Emotional strength vs. price guilt How to split-test higher prices confidently Budgeting and cost-per-day calculations Avoiding the “lowball trap” in busy seasons Knowing your worth and owning your price Key Takeaways Raise Your Minimum, Raise Your Game Keith shows how setting a strong job minimum isn't just about money—it's about protecting your time, energy, and long-term vision. Test Higher Prices—With Strategy Use split testing to experiment with pricing: serve some clients at your dream rate and others at a modest increase. Let data (not fear) guide you. Don’t Negotiate Against Yourself If you believe you're worth more—and you can prove it with quality work and real numbers—then stop lowballing and start leading with confidence. Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas Resources and Websites: 🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways LevelUp Your Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance
    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • If You're New in the Landscaping Business, Don't Let Your Emotions CONTROL You

    If You're New in the Landscaping Business, Don't Let Your Emotions CONTROL You
    Jun 17 2025
    In this episode, Keith Kalfas shares a powerful lesson on keeping your emotions in check when running a landscaping business. He reflects on real experiences—like dealing with customer callbacks, weed regrowth after mulch jobs, and mold surprises—and how staying calm, informed, and professional is key to long-term success. Keith breaks down the mindset shift from overreacting to responding with clarity, encourages clear client communication, and reminds landscapers to charge what they’re worth. "Don’t immediately admit to a mistake just because you’re scared." – Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Emotional discipline in business Dealing with callbacks and complaints Seasonal landscaping challenges Client communication Setting expectations in quotes Knowing your worth and pricing properly Learning through experience and mentorship Drainage, hydrostatic pressure, and property water flow Mindset growth from fear to leadership Key Takeaways Control Your Emotions—Lead With Logic Keith reminds us that running a business means facing tough feedback. But reacting emotionally can hurt more than help. Instead, pause, zoom in (literally and mentally), and respond with facts, not feelings. It’s a game-changer for confidence and client trust. Set Boundaries in Your Quotes—Protect Your Peace One simple phrase: “What’s included, and what’s excluded.” Keith shares how clearly outlining job details (even verbally) avoids costly assumptions. Whether it’s removing a stump or skipping a garden bed, clarity = no surprises, no regrets. You’re Not Just Landscaping—You’re Managing Expectations Whether it’s weeds growing back after mulch or dog vomit mold showing up uninvited, clients need education, not excuses. Keith shows how staying informed, explaining calmly, and standing your ground (when you’re right) earns long-term loyalty. Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas Resources and Websites: 🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways LevelUp Your Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • The "Friday Finances" SYSTEM that Changed My Life Forever! 💸

    The "Friday Finances" SYSTEM that Changed My Life Forever! 💸
    Jun 5 2025
    In this episode, Keith Kalfas shares transformative insights on mastering financial systems based on his personal experiences. Highlighting the importance of having robust systems in place, he discusses James Clear's philosophy on systems over standards and introduces the MVSA (Minimum Viable System). Keith provides a detailed breakdown of the 30% and 50% rules for managing finances and achieving a 50% gross profit margin. He emphasizes the routine of 'Friday Finances' and how it brought order to his financial chaos. Additionally, Keith invites listeners to join his Untrapped Alliance group for deeper learning and access to successful business strategies, featuring contributions from financial experts like Dan Plata. Throughout, he underscores the significance of habit-building and consistent system application for financial stability. "You already have systems—some of them just suck. But once you become aware of that, you can fix them. That’s when everything starts to change." – Keith Kalfas Topics Covered: Introduction to Systems and Integrity Understanding and Implementing Systems The Life-Changing Friday Finances System The 30% Rule for Taxes The 50% Gross Profit Margin Rule The Untrapped Alliance Invitation Testimonials and Success Stories Key Takeaways Systems Save You—Even From Yourself James Clear's quote sets the tone: "You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems." Keith drives home the point that even with ADHD or chaos in life, simple, repeatable systems create stability. His Minimum Viable System (MVSA) concept proves that even imperfect systems beat no systems—because consistency wins. The 30% and 50% Rules Are Game Changers for Small Biz Finances 30% Rule: Set aside 30% of your gross income (yes, even if it stings!) for taxes in a separate savings account. This protects you from tax season panic and builds discipline fast. 50% Rule: Build every job estimate to hit at least a 50% Gross Profit Margin. That means if it costs $1,000 to do the job, quote $2,000. This ensures your business isn’t just busy—it’s profitable. Your Financial Habits Shape Your Freedom Keith’s “Friday Finances” ritual is a simple but powerful weekly system: review all accounts, reconcile records, check in with your bookkeeper, and make sure every dollar has a job. Over time, this habit pulled him out of financial chaos and into clarity—with 17 bank accounts now dialed in like a boss. Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas Resources and Websites: 🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16 Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/ Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways LevelUp Your Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance
    Show more Show less
    15 mins
All stars
Most relevant  
This is an amazing show, very inspiring for anyone looking to start a Green service!

Keith is a guru!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I always listen to the podcast or your YouTube channel... I'm located Los Angeles... San Gabriel valley area......i do lawn maintenance. i always when I listen to you i go back to work with energy on my brain. the things that you talk are all real . if you don't believe on your self you will keep giving low estimates ..... i just want to thank you. and wish you all the best

Gracias. Kieth

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.