A quick " sit-down " with Bob Maffei takes to recover overhead and generate profit and always be tuned in to WIIFM( What’ s In It For Me?).
Since you started your career, what is the biggest change you’ ve seen in the industry? The advancement of technology, particularly in ERP( Enterprise Resource Programs) systems and their ability to count EVERYTHING –“ If you don’ t measure it … you can’ t manage it.”
What services does your company currently provide? We provide consulting services for companies in the landscape industry, and we have developed and sold one green industry software application to Aspire and we are now working on a new one for zero-based budgeting.
In the summer of 1990, Bob Maffei started what became one of Cape Cod’ s largest landscape maintenance and snow removal companies. After operating it for almost thirty years, he sold Maffei Landscape Contractors in 2017 and stepped down as CEO in 2019. In addition to spending time with his wife Reyna and his two young boys, Bob is leading The Maffei Companies, a team of small business consultants with the mission of creating more life for everyone in the companies they serve.
What do you like most about what you do? Helping companies reach their full potential while improving the lives of business owners and their employees.
Can you give us a little history about your career path? My father owned a construction company, which gave me the opportunity to work with heavy equipment and learn about excavation and landscaping from a young age. I started the company in 1991 and the next year, during my senior year of high school, I had access to a 644 Loader in the aftermath of Hurricane Bob. That experience led to a significant amount of work, ultimately marking the true beginning of Maffei Landscape.
What’ s the best business advice you ever received? Tom Houston at UMass once said,“ Don’ t count the hours you put into building the business, just do it.”
Jack Maddingly advised,“ You can only have one boss if you are going to build the right organizational structure.”
What advice would you share with those starting out in the landscape profession today? Learn the business side of the industry. Understand what it
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