Weekly Update #14: Lessons from My Father and the Fight to Keep Growing

2025-09-05

On this weekly update on Trades Talk, host Justin White shares a personal reflection recorded on his father Kendel’s birthday. Kendel co-founded K & D Landscaping nearly 40 years ago, and his legacy still shapes the way the company operates today. Over the last decade, K & D has grown from 1 million to 20 million in revenue. After a big jump from 15 to 20 million last year, this year is about holding steady and breaking even—but the focus has never been just financial. Jus...

On this weekly update on Trades Talk, host Justin White shares a personal reflection recorded on his father Kendel’s birthday. Kendel co-founded K & D Landscaping nearly 40 years ago, and his legacy still shapes the way the company operates today.

Over the last decade, K & D has grown from 1 million to 20 million in revenue. After a big jump from 15 to 20 million last year, this year is about holding steady and breaking even—but the focus has never been just financial. Justin highlights the incredible growth of team members like Shantel, Jamie, Blanca, Jake, Tony, Alejandro, and Juan, and what it means to build a company that truly develops people.

In this episode, Justin shares:
• Why growth is about people, not just revenue
• The leadership lessons passed down from his father
• What happens when leaders delegate too much or take shortcuts
• Why showing up, listening, and giving more is the only way through hard times

If you are in a season of reflection or navigating challenges at the top, this episode is an honest reminder that leadership is not about ease; it is about energy, effort, and showing up when it matters most.

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