The LeanScaper Podcast

Unlock the hidden metrics that actually drive profitability in contracting and landscaping businesses. In this episode, LeanScaper CEO Mike Lysecki breaks down why profit numbers lie, how throughput reveals the truth, and the exact ratios you should track to make more money.

Expect to learn: 
  • The “labor efficiency ratio” and how it instantly shows if your crews are productive
  • How mowing can look more profitable than hardscape — but throughput proves the opposite
  • The universal “bottleneck law” that applies to every contracting business 
  • Why one superstar foreman can outperform ten average employees 

⏱ Timestamps 
00:00 – Why profit numbers mislead business owners 
07:30 – The steel plant story that changed everything 
09:43 – Labor efficiency ratio explained in plain English 
18:41 – Why labor isn’t really a variable expense 
22:26 – The bottleneck analogy: assembly lines & paint booths 
36:53 – Mowing vs hardscape: the shocking profit truth 
46:49 – How TBG slashed overhead to 7% 
51:46 – The one check every sales team should add 
57:39 – Why a superstar foreman is worth 10 employees 
01:05:58 – The data mantra that separates average from elite companies 

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🔗 Connect with LeanScaper: https://leanscaper.com 
📥 Need help? DM us or join the LeanScaper community 

What is The LeanScaper Podcast?

The LeanScaper Podcast is where serious landscape leaders go to grow.

If you want new school systems for an old school industry, expertly crafted interviews with world class experts, endless inspiration you’ve come to the right place.

Hosted by Benji Carlson and Mark Bradley. New Episodes release every Monday, on every platform.