The Down to Business Podcast

In this first episode back, Xander discusses what business has been like since the break. From selling Trifecta Landscaping, recently going full time to Pure Marketing Agency, to becoming a dad (Baby #3).  Today's sponsor, GPSTrackit. GPSTrackit is a fleet management software that helps business owners track their vehicles efficiency, maintenance, and more.  https://bit.ly/3veDXeC

GPS Trackit is a fleet management software that helps business owners track their vehicles efficiency, maintenance, and more. If you're running multiple vehicles with these crazy gas prices, listen in and see if they're a good fit.   GPS Trackit - Click the link below to find out more! https://bit.ly/3veDXeC 

Braydon with Pure Marketing joins us to tell us some of his story and his journey toward finding healthy living in his day to day life balancing work with family.   Thanks to Jobber for sponsoring today's episode! If you're a home service business, Jobber is the CRM custom tailored for you. You can get a 14-day free trial and 20% off your first six month by just clicking the link below. We trust them, you can too! http://getjobber.com/trifecta

In an episode of transparency, Xander talks about the last few weeks in his business and how he is not immune from hardship. When times are tough, we show our true colors, but that's when our businesses show their strengths and flaws. Anchor down, keep going.   Thanks to today's sponsor, Jobber. Jobber is one of the few parts of running a trade and service business that seems to just keep running and keep doing what it's supposed to. If you're struggling with organizing your business and feel like there are some inefficiencies, Jobber is a great tool to help correct the ship. Use the link below to learn more and get 20% off your first six months! https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=YWxleGtpcmJ5MzczOQ&gsxid=Y72JCnFBLgJm&utm_campaign=alexkirby3739&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_source=PS

Chris and Logan from Pure Marketing talk about a recent case study with a viral Instagram reel that reached 7-figure views with no hashtags, no caption, just a video. The case-study continued, and it worked 4 more times in that same week. Listen in for how content is still king on social media.   Thanks to Jobber for sponsoring this episode! If you're a home service business, Jobber is the CRM custom tailored for you. You can get a 14-day free trial and 20% off your first six month by just clicking the link below. We trust them, you can too! http://getjobber.com/trifecta

When adversity or the unexpected strikes your business, what's your first instinct? For many it's to immediately jump into action and react, and for others it's to sit, assess, and respond. The level of urgency often depicts which is appropriate, but when you have a moment to respond with a plan, it's almost always a better outcome. Today, Xander talks about the differences and why he's a supporter of responding over reacting.   Thanks to today's sponsor, GPS Trackit! GPS Trackit is a fleet management software designed to keep you in the loop with your fleet vehicles. From tracking, route efficiency, gas consumption, driving behavior, and more, you'll have an inside view to how to save money with GPS Trackit. Use the link below for more information! GPS Trackit

When the character and reputation of yourself or your business comes into question, who can vouch for you? When someone you work with comes into question, are you at risk of collateral damage? Our reputation as business owners is everything. With the recent fallout of the Andrew Tate controversy and the apologies of Manti Te'o, Alex and David talk about the importance of integrity, honor, and character with who we choose to associate with, and more importantly, who we choose to be everyday.   Thanks to today's sponsor, NiceJob! Reputation and trust is key to your business, and NiceJob makes solidifying that reputation easier. NiceJob helps you collect Google and Facebook reviews for your business by automating the request process. Check them out in the link below and save 50% using code "TRIFECTA" at checkout! NiceJob.com

As business owners, we don't always have the answers and we don't always have a plan for every situation. Oftentimes, the loneliest place in our lives is at the top of the totem pole. Today, Xander and David talk about finding your confidence and combatting bad habits in our personal and work lives.   Thanks to today's sponsor, GPS Trackit! If you have a fleet of vehicles supporting your business, being as efficient as possible with upkeep, driver habits, gas consumption, maintenance, and more can save you thousands upon thousands of dollars a year. We've partnered with GPS Trackit to bring a solution to tracking your vehicles and their efficiency. Click the link below and check them out! GPS Trackit

Forgiving federal student loans doesn't make them just go away, it just makes everyone pay for them. Today we talk about the recent federal loan subsidy that forgives up to $10,000 using tax dollars to do it.   Thanks to today's sponsor, Cycle CPA! If you want to be in control of your business finances, Cycle CPA can help make that happen. Reach out to Joe and Carla using the link below and they'll make sure your bookkeeping is taken care of! Use code "TRIFECTA" to save $200!

Lorri Unumb saw a need, drafted a bill on her kitchen table, and now it's law in all 50 states. Hear this incredible story and learn how you can get involved in changing peoples lives.   Thanks to Jobber for sponsoring today's episode! Get 20% off and a 14 day free trial by using the link below for the BEST customer management software for trades and home service businesses! https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=YWxleGtpcmJ5MzczOQ&gsxid=b9G0ZjRsufZ2&utm_campaign=alexkirby3739&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_source=PS

We couldn't be more thankful to our friend Levi Millington from Reconciliation Ministries to come talk to us about addiction recovery and his work raising men out of addiction. Levi tells us about his story and how to assist friends, family, and coworkers rise out of addiction.   If you or someone you know needs help, call Reconciliation Ministries with the information below. Phone: (803) 727 4697 Ext. 301 Web: www.Reconciliation-min.org

On today's episode, Xander Kirby and David Waldy talk about burnout, energy and productivity, and why common employee payment methods are broken for both the employee, and the employer.   Thanks to today's sponsor, Cycle CPA! We trust Cycle CPA with all of home service business accounting needs. Every CPA gives detailed reports, but do they alert you if you're spending above the national average on materials? Cycle CPA is the best, most organized, stress-free service to track your books. Try them out using the link below! Cycle CPA - Use code "TRIFECTA" for $200 off your first month!

After years of trying to be better then every other business, Alex explains why he's done trying to be the best. Striving to be better then everyone else is a one-way trip to failure. Instead of comparing and competing, Alex and David talk about why we should be LEARNING from our competitors instead of trying BEAT them. Listen in for a great conversation on mindset and leadership.   Thanks to Jobber for sponsoring today's episode! Get the same CRM that Trifecta uses to stay organized and efficient every day. Get a 14 day free trial and a 20% discount using the link below! https://getjobber.com/

Cats, weeds, and business health. Tune in for a casual but important conversation on leading a business while remaining healthy, pushing back against the "grind or die" mentality, and what to watch out for while building a business.   Thanks to today's sponsor, Jobber! We use and recommend Jobber in no small part to their amazing customer service and super easy interface. With two dozen employees hitting the road every day, Jobber keeps us synced and organized. Get 14 days free and a 20% discount by using the link below! GetJobber.com

Check out our YouTube Channel for even more content!   Core values aren't just feel good mantras and posters you hang around the office, but rather the filter for everything your business does. You core values define your business and every decision that your business makes from the services you offer, to the language you use in a meeting. Listen to Alex and David as they discuss the downfalls of lacking definition and overwhelming value some solid core values bring to your business.   Thanks to today's sponsor, Jobber! We use Jobber in our home trade service businesses to keep us organized, paid on time, and provide a great customer experience. If you haven't used Jobber, use the link below for a free trial and a 20% discount! GetJobber.com

The way it works for you, may not work for everyone, and it may not work for your employees. When we launch a business, we create processes and systems that work for how we, the business owner, tend to process information. When you bring other people into that process, it may not be as clear to them as it was to you. A strong system and processes is transferable and comprehensible to others so the system can be replicated. Clear, transferable procedures are key to building a strong team and a healthy business. Listen in for how to enter the mindset needed to create these processes.   Thanks to todays sponsor, Cycle CPA! Cycle CPA makes bookkeeping simple for small business owners. They'll help you keep track of your spending, where you're making money, and just as importantly, losing money. Use code "TRIFECTA" for a discount and grow your team! Cycle Cpa

Getting tons of leads but can't seem to close the deal? You need to listen to this episode. Alex and David talk about the Art of the Deal and the psychology around making yourself seem like the best option, and how to make your client feel comfortable and confident in your services.   Thanks to today's sponsor, NiceJob! We use NiceJob to automate requesting reviews from customers and clients. Steamline the process of getting quality reviews for your business with NiceJob. Check the link below for a discount with code "TRIFECTA" Get.NiceJob.com

Today we talk to Connor Duffy with WESSEL. Connor oversees marketing for FlowZone sprayers and we talk about the struggles of current supply chain issues, manufacturing, and inflation impacting tools and products business owners need every day.   Thanks to today's sponsor, Jobber! Jobber is our trusted CRM for home service based businesses. Check them out in the link below and get a 20% discount and a free trial! GetJobber.com

Today we talk to our great friend, Kory Ballard. Kory was a founding partner of Perficut in Des Moines, Iowa. He's also the founder of Ballard Products, both companies being well known sources of professional leadership and shining examples of what the green industry can be.   On today's episode, we talk about team building and high level leadership of a company. This conversation is for any business owner whether you have one employee, or one-hundred. Listen in for some great wisdom.   Thanks to today's sponsor, NiceJob! Need an easier way to collect Facebook and Google reviews? NiceJob's relationship management software integrates directly with many popular accounting softwares and CRMs to make collecting a 5-star review easier than ever. Click the link below for more info and a discount! NiceJob.com

Through the years of hiring, firing, and employees leaving, Alex has simplified what to look for in an employee, but just as importantly recognizing what keeps an employee. Tune in for a helpful tool for your business!   Thanks to todays sponsor, Jobber! Jobber is a leading CRM for trades and service businesses. We've used Jobber for years and they always come through with a great product and great customer service. Get 20% off your first six months by clicking the link below! GetJobber.com

Jeremy Park started Swag.com, his online custom merchandise business, in February of 2016. Swag.com has quickly grown into a $60,000,000 company with 98 employees creating merchandise for companies such as Google, Spotify, Netflix, and more. We talked to Jeremy about how he got started, what drives his passion for business, and where Swag.com is today. Listen in for a true entrepreneurs story of perseverance, clear vision for his business, and not being afraid to fail and learn.   You can check out Swag.com in the link below. Swag.com    As always, we are thankful for the show sponsors who make this podcast possible.   Thanks to Jobber for being the CRM software we trust in our businesses every day! You can check out Jobber and get a 20% discount on your first six months by clicking the link below! GetJobber.com   Thank you NiceJob for being a sponsor and the easiest way to collect reviews from our clients! NiceJob automates the requests for reviews from your clients as soon as you complete the job. Get $50 off your first month when you signup using code, "TRIFECTA". Get.NiceJob.com

Today we sit down with the previous owner and operator of Imports Plus, Ben Kirby, Alex Kirby's father. Ben started his foreign car repair shop in the 1980's and ran it with his family and friends for almost four decades. Listen in to hear some wisdom from a man that's been there, done that, and has something to say about it.   Thanks to today's sponsors!   Jobber Get 20% off your first six months!   Cycle CPA Use code "TRIFECTA" for $200 off your first month!  

Eric Hill is the owner of Far-Ark Lawn Co. in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In just a few years, Eric has managed to grow his business into the seven-figure mark and continues to grow. Alex sits down with Eric to talk about his journey, challenges, and what motivates his businesses expansion and flourishing.   Thanks to todays sponsor, NiceJob! If you haven't checked out NiceJob, you're missing out. Automate gathering Google and Facebook reviews and grow your online reputation with NiceJob! Check out the link below for a discount and free trial. GetNiceJob.com

It doesn't matter if you're the best in the world in what you do if no one knows about it. Marketing is a simple concept; decide how you want people to view your business or brand, and tell them. In today's episode, Chris Hollis with Pure Marketing chats with Alex about the first steps to telling your businesses story and practically how to get the word out.   Check out Pure Marketing at www.PureMarketingTeam.com.  

In what may be the most important conversation we've had yet on this podcast, we sit down with our friend David Waldy. David is a sought after speaker and coach in both life and business. David knows how to gracefully challenge business leaders to ask the all too important question, "why?" Listen in for a refreshing, challenging, and important conversation.   David invites you to use his FREE self-coaching framework. This is a massive gift that helps you plan for and strategically achieve your goals. Please take a look and enjoy this free gift! The Fierce Empathy Framework - Free Gift   Thanks to our great friends at Jobber for sponsoring todays podcast. If you're struggling to create time for administrative tasks and invoicing, try Jobber free for 14 days and get a discount on your first six months! We've used it for years now and it's only gotten better. Thanks Jobber! GetJobber.com

Today's episode is a candid conversation between Alex, and Logan Ingram. Logan is the marketing account manager from Pure Marketing who oversees all of Trifecta Landscaping's marketing efforts. See the full video on YouTube or listen here for a dive into negotiating pricing, some investment tips and perspective, and an overall episode around money!   Thanks to todays sponsor, Jobber! Jobber is the trusted CRM of Trifecta Landscaping and home service businesses all around the world. Take a look at how thousands of business owners save time and money by streamlining their routing, invoicing, payment collection, schedules, client communication, and more with Jobber! Click the link and save 20% on your first six months and get a 14 day free trial! GetJobber.com!

The Twitter takeover by Elon Musk was not a move anyone saw coming just a couple of weeks ago, but is not headline news. The acquisition has brought a resurgence to the platform, opening the door for marketing opportunities from small businesses.   Thanks to todays sponsor, Jobber! Speaking of the unexpected, we never expected what Jobber brings to organization and efficiency. If you're looking to make almost all of your administrative tasks easier, get paid easier and faster, schedule your days and your employees days, you need Jobber. Check the link below for 20% off your first six months and a 14 day free trial! Get Jobber!

Paul Ulibarri is a veteran professional disc golfer that has grown a brand around himself. Alex and Paul talk about advocating for yourself, building a brand, and being a good boss.   ** We apologize for some sound issues and popping noises. Zoom audio isn't always so kind...   Thanks to todays sponsor Cycle CPA! If you are looking for a better solution to your bookkeeping, check out our friends at Cycle CPA. Have a professional accountant take care of your green industry or service business books! Get a discount through the link below and have some ease of mind! Use code "TRIFECTA" to save $200 on your first month!

Mental health and mentally ill are too different things. Mental health is often misinterpreted as weakness, wining, or pessimism. That's simply not true. We all need to be checked in on, cared for, and heard on a regular basis. Todays episode is your invitation to reach out to us if you're struggling and need a friend or fellow business owner that understands the stresses of the responsibility.   Thanks to todays sponsor NiceJob. Get a sweet discount by clicking the link below and start collecting more Google and Facebook reviews faster and easier! Get 50% off with code "TRIFECTA" by clicking this link! 

When first starting a new business, or taking a side hustle full time, there's several ways to get the word out. Today we talk about seven free ways to market your business in 2022.   Did you know you can watch the podcast on YouTube? Check it out! Down to Business YouTube Page   Thanks to todays sponsor, NiceJob! Get more reviews from happy customers faster. NiceJob syncs with your CRM to send your clients a request for a review when you close a job automatically. Check out their free trial using the link below and save $50 on your first month! Get NiceJob!

There's a lot of ways to market your business without spending a lot of money, but it's important to diversify your marketing in many ways. Today we talk about some pros and cons of both free organic marketing, and paid advertisement.   Be sure to checkout our BRAND NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Down to Business YouTube Channel   Thanks to todays sponsor, Jobber! If you're looking for a one stop software for invoicing, scheduling, routing, and way more, you need Jobber! Check out the link below for 20% off your first six months and a 14 day free trial! Get Jobber!

One of the best decisions Alex Kirby ever made was hiring our great friend, Gabbee Bagby. Gabbee is a business administrator, a mom, and overall a high level leader. Gabbee is the Business Administrator for Trifecta Landscaping and leads the office team. Listen in to her experiences in different offices, industries, and leadership structures over her years as a professional.   A software that helps Gabbee be as productive and organized as possible is Jobber. Jobber is our Customer Relationship Software at Trifecta Landscaping and we've been a Jobber user for over five years. If you need something to help keep your invoicing, scheduling, client info, routes, communication, and payments clean and in one place, you need Jobber. CLICK HERE to get a 14 day free trial and 20% off your first six months! Get Jobber.

A lot of followers or a lot of charisma doesn't mean it's real. Social media has become such a daily part of our lives that dishonorable business practices are getting way too much attention just because of their "following." In this episode, we talk about the dangers of influencers that will sell you on what looks like a great idea on the surface, but their real play is to hook you just long enough to get a dollar (or $10,000) out of you. You know what is NOT trying to scam you and who will actually HELP you? Our friends at Cycle CPA. Joe and Carla and have started an amazing business to help small businesses in the service and trades industry get their bookkeeping in check and become more profitable. Check them out a CycleCPA.com and use code TRIFECTA to save yourself $200 for your first month! We use them, and you should too.

There's few other people that Alex trusts more then Pastor Don Brock. Pastor Don leads Gateway Baptist Church in Irmo, South Carolina and is father to Matt Brock, worship leader and recording artist. Pastor Don talks to us as a counselor and advisor in how to care for our employees, maintain healthy relationships at work and at home, and live a fulfilling life in the calling God has appointed us to. Be blessed through todays conversation and make sure to subscribe for more content from the Down to Business Podcast!

With inflation on the rise and prices understandably rising with it, many business owners cringe at the idea of losing clients and not being able to attract new clients. On today's episode, we talk about that fear. We address some potential issues in lead generating process, how to fix them, and new ideas to try.   If you're struggling to market your business or brand, give Pure Marketing Agency a call and they can help build you a website, facelift your current website, social media marketing, logo design, and much more! Give them a call or send an email at PureMarketingTeam.com.

Business owners have to get the work done. We don't have time to become experts in accounting, filing taxes, and tracking down receipts. That's where Cycle CPA comes in. We sit down with our great friend, Carla, to talk about what Cycle can do for your business, their desire to see your business grow, and exactly how they do that.   Thanks to NiceJob for sponsoring today's episode! NiceJob makes gathering reviews from your customers a very simple and automated process. Start generating new online reviews with NiceJob!   The Down to Business Podcast is produced and recorded at the Pure Marketing studios! Get started marketing your business with us by visiting www.PureMarketingTeam.com!

Not everyone in your company is there to bring in revenue. Some are needed to keep things moving efficiently so you make the most out of your revenue. Today we talk about administrative staff and their important role in a growing company.   Thanks to Jobber for sponsoring this episode! Get 20% off your first six months and a 14 day free trial by using the link below! Click here to get 40% off for a limited time!   The Down to Business Podcast is produced and recorded at the Pure Marketing studios! See how you can take your marketing to the next level at www.PureMarketingTeam.com.

The owner, CEO, President, Manager, all must be culture keepers and culture makers within a company. Today we sit down with our good friend and business leader, Dan Griffin. Dan is the Chair of C12 in South Carolina, a nation-wide executive group that gather regionally to learn, encourage, and grow as business leaders. Hear his wisdom on the importance of culture and core values in your business.   C12 - https://www.joinc12.com/ Dan Griffin - dan.griffin@c12forums.com

If you're not a leader, you shouldn't be a business owner. If you're a business owner, you have to become a leader. Today we talk about the ups and downs, stresses and warnings of leadership in what we expect will be a difficult year for trades and service industries. Listen in and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode.

Are you protected? As trades and service business owners, there's a lot of physical and financial risk in our jobs. Electricians, plumbers, landscapers, construction workers, all go to work every day with the possibility of injury or death. In 2018, there were 3.5 workplace deaths for per 100 insured workers in the United States. If you're a business owner or an LLC and are not insured, you could be one workplace injury away from thriving, to bankrupt and possibly imprisoned.   Today we talk to our good friend, Mason Zandi. As an insurance broker, Mason has seen it all and knows what happens to businesses that take risks without insurance. Listen in and reach out to us if you need help protecting your business in 2022.   Mason Zandi - Brown & Brown Insurance mason.zandi@bbrown.com

If you make $1,000,000 in your first year in business, and after all the bills and employees are paid and you have $50,000 left, is that a success? Today we talk about the illusion of revenue verses that security of profit. It's not about how much you make, it's about how much you keep.

Hiring employees amongst a pandemic, rising inflation, and a competitive compensation market for trades and services, it's not easy to hire in 2022. Get Alex's hot take on the current state of things in todays episode!

We welcome our friend Jeff Morrison from Morrison Made Leather back to the show! We talked to Jeff in Season 2: Episode 35 of the podcast just before he went full-time running his own business. We catch up on the incredible success he's had through online sales, Instagram, and TikTok. Listen in for a great story!   Want your own Morrison Made wallet? Click the links below and see his craftsmanship! MorrisonMadeLeather.com TikTok Instagram YouTube   Thanks to NiceJob for being today's sponsor! Make it easier than ever for your customers and clients to leave you a Google review and share it with the world by turning those reviews into social media posts! Check it out at GetNiceJob.com!

We've got the whole crew together! Four members of the Pure Marketing Agency team are with us today talking about how their skill sets come together to create the whole package when structuring a marketing strategy.   Check them out at www.PureMarketingTeam.com!

Have you ever had a bad experience at Chick Fil A? Probably not, and if you have it's probably few and far between. Chick Fil A has created a high standard when it comes to customer experience, and we all have a lesson to learn from them. When a customer calls you, how do they feel after? A positive customer experience makes all the difference in retaining clients, and your reputation when acquiring a new client. Listen in to todays episode for some sound advise for Alex on how to create a welcoming, effective customer experience.

A packed episode with Zach Kirby, a professional real estate agent and brother to our host, Alex. We talk about the realities of real estate sales, real estate marketing, and Zach's close call with COVID-19. Listen in for a great episode!   Looking for a home around South Carolina? Give Zach a call and he'll take great care of you!

We took a break from the hustling of business ownership for a good laugh! Thanks to everyone who sent in reviews, but keep them coming so we can have a great part two! Enjoy a good laugh with us!

Today we sit down with our good friend, Daniel Fisher. Daniel is the founder of Fisher Films, a cinematography business specializing in story telling and video production. We talk to Daniel about what it's like running an independent film business, his 2+ year docuseries project, and why video content is king in online marketing.   Check out some of Daniels work here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClXH9GjnHtgQOsNy_4_K0cA

In the last two weeks, podcast and MMA celebrity Joe Rogan has been getting blitzed by the media for hosting guests that are spreading "mis-information." We break down why what you say online can directly impact your business and online reputation, and what the fallout could mean for your company.

The best teachers in life are mentors, history, and failure. If you can learn from someone with wisdom and experience, do it! If you don't have a mentor, learn from history. If you can't learn from history, you're likely to repeat mistakes.   Alex spent several days with green industry leaders in Tampa, Florida and had the opportunity to listen and learn. Check out this episode for insight on the value of learning from your peers.   Thanks to Jobber for sponsoring todays episode! Get a free trial and 20% off your first six months by CLICKING HERE!

With the launch of Alex's new business, Beacon Sports Management, it's a good time to recenter why we start and grow businesses in the first place. Alex talks about money, rest, work-life balance, and more in todays episode.