Episode Overview
Jordan Martin knew what he wanted to do after high school – work with his father in the North By Northwest Lawns, LLC family landscaping business in Austin, Texas.
During the company’s professional journey, North By Northwest made a critical decision to switch from residential clients to doing commercial jobs. Martin had to be persuaded to make the change, but today he is glad he was open-minded.
Some of the company’s disruptive changes and expansion came after his brother and sister joined the business.
Martin oversees sales. His sister does office finances, and his brother handles operations. From the beginning, they all were interested in different departments.
“I don't think we would have had the opportunity to grow the way we did if we didn't have our own separate jobs and were equally invested in growing this company,” Martin says.
Is a family business an ideal setting? Martin will tell you no family unit is perfect. There are challenges to working with parents, brothers and sisters, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
They all agree that in the landscaping world it's important to clients that your employees dress and act professionally.
“You have to make yourself stand out,” Martin says. “You have to be professional in your appearance as far as your uniform, and even when it comes to your truck and your equipment.”
A point of professional pride for Martin is the charitable work the company does, in particular with the Ronald McDonald House charity (which supports children with medical issues).
His advice to other contractors if they’re approached by charities?
“When the opportunity presents itself, just do it,” Martin says.
Jordan Martin recently joined ServiceTitan’s Jackie Aubel on the “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast, which included Martin’s thoughts on:
[06:29] The challenging decision to focus only on commercial work
[13:34] The changes his family had to make for the business to grow
[15:30] Advice to other owner-operators just starting out
[18:07] Finding and developing local talent
[21:28] Navigating family dynamics and charitable projects
To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or anywhere you get podcasts.
Related Videos
About ServiceTitan
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help home service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business.
Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and has increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business?
