Your Team Can Do More Than You Think—with Ivan Katz

Sep 18, 2026 | Growth Tips, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Peer Groups, Podcast Series: The Ultimate Landscape CEO, Strategy, Time Management

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Ivan Katz, founder and owner of Great Lakes Landscape Design in Oak Park, Michigan, joins Jeffrey Scott to reflect on hosting the Summer Growth Summit and what the experience taught him about his team. Preparing to welcome more than 200 industry peers gave the company a shared goal during a busy season and a period of leadership changes. Ivan shares how that commitment strengthened communication, brought employees together, and gave team members the confidence to step forward and showcase their work.

The conversation also explores the decisions behind the company’s progress, including restructuring the leadership team, helping longtime employees adjust to new roles, and keeping people informed throughout the transition. Ivan explains why owners must follow through on the commitments they make and support the people responsible for delivering them. With the summit behind them, his team is focused on keeping sales ahead of increasingly efficient production, protecting profitability, and earning profit-sharing checks together.

Key Takeaways

  • A challenging goal with a firm deadline can strengthen team focus and commitment.
  • Preparation builds confidence and helps teams adapt when plans change.
  • Leadership changes require clear communication and respect for employees’ perspectives.
  • Owners must back up big decisions with their own time, effort, and support.
  • Faster production creates pressure on sales to keep the schedule filled.
  • Team-based incentives give employees a shared reason to work toward profitability.
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