contract negotiations. It was exhausting, and to be honest, I wasn’t doing the best job of it. I needed to step back. That’s when I started involving my installation lead in client meetings. Initially, he would just listen, and afterward, we’d debrief so he could understand the nuances of client interactions.
success rested on my shoulders. That burden finally began to lift as we embraced transparency and trust, allowing our team to take on more responsibility. A perfect example of this shift was with sales. For the longest time, I handled all client interactions, project quotes and
I also assigned him some basic reading on selling to help sharpen his approach. Over time, I began asking for his opinion during meetings, and he’d contribute more and more. The process was gradual, but it built his confidence and skills as our roles reversed. I haven’t been on a sales call in about eight years now, and the projects he handles range anywhere from $150,000 to $750,000. The same process happened with other parts of the business. Events, team development and even strategic decisions — the team began stepping up, freeing me from the constant stress of sole decision-maker. Product" became key as we moved closer to a succession plan. Our crews have been delivering stunning landscapes for years, but now our focus has shifted to the product that could outlast me — the business itself. Because employees had been involved in every aspect of the business for years, they were prepared to step up. At the core of this transition is one simple truth: people want to win. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. This belief has been validated time and again. That desire to win, coupled with a clear process, is what allowed me to step back and trust that the company would continue to thrive. I’ve sold 85 per cent of the company to deserving employees, and they’ve carried on with the same commitment to excellence that has always defined our work. Succession is more than just an exit strategy; it’s about leaving behind a culture of trust, empowerment and belief in the people who make your company what it is. And in the end, that’s the most important product of all. LT The company is the product The notion that "The Company is the
ONE OPERATOR. ONE MULTILIFT. JOB DONE.
RYAN MARKEWICH has been fascinated by business since starting Creative Roots Landscaping in 1994. After selling a majority of his successful
company to key employees, he launched Rmark, a coaching service to help other business owners achieve better results, have more time for themselves and find enjoyment along the way.
Atlas Polar IT’S ALL ABOUT QUALITY TM I T’S ALL ABOUT QUALITY™
CANADA’S #1 CRANES, FORKLIFTS + HOOKLIFTS 888 799 4422 info@atlaspolar.com
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