Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
Andrew Ziehler, president of Ziehler Lawn and Tree Care in Centerville, Ohio, says his duty is to motivate his team members to reach their full potential so they can take themselves and the company further. He says a good leader helps his team sharpen its skills to build the company and its successes.
How would you describe your style of leadership and why does this work for you?
I try to be a coach and feel that it is my duty to motivate and help hone the skills of my team so it can reach its full potential. If I can help develop great people, they will be able to take us further than I could ever imagine.
How do you work at becoming a better leader?
The key for me revolves around surrounding myself with the people who I think are excellent leaders and businessman, and then learning from them. I find out what books they read, emulate their best habits, pay attention to what they’re working on and try to learn from the great leaders they admire. This gives me a roadmap to follow and keeps me focused on what I need to do to improve.
Who are your leadership role models and why?
My father, Chris Ziehler, has taught me so many things—not only as a dad, but as a business leader. He has been a great example of work ethic, professionalism and how to run a business.
Matt Jesson has been an inspiration to not only myself, but also my wife who runs our business with me. I met Matt during an NALP Trailblazer event. I am impressed with his ability to lead his team and grow his company with focus, precision and systemization. Matt also has given a lot to other companies in our industry. He continues to set the bar high by being an example of what you can achieve in our industry.
Another role model is Jim Campanella, who I met by asking Matt Jesson who else could help me learn about the lawn care industry. Jim’s passion and energy for everything he is involved in is intoxicating, and his ability to speak in front of people is something I look up to. I admire his ability to develop teams of amazing top-notch people that continue the growth of his business.
Clay Mathile is a role model to me because of his passion for helping business owners get the coaching and tools they need to professionally run a business through his entrepreneur center called Aileron. He’s an excellent public speaker and I admire his passion for helping other people reach their goals. He is an example of how a successful person should carry himself and treat others.
As a leader, what’s given you the most pride, and why?
I’m very proud of the culture I’ve created at Ziehler Lawn and Tree Care over the past five years. It is the backbone of our customer service culture and is responsible for a big part of our success.
What leadership book(s) inspire you and why?
“Scaling Up” by Verne Harnish. This book gives an easy-to-follow roadmap on how to achieve great success in business.
If you were to give young leaders one piece of advice, what would that be?
Get involved in trade associations, meet lots of people and network with the best companies and leaders possible.
In a leadership capacity, where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself continuing to coach and develop our top leaders at Ziehler Lawn and Tree Care to ensure team and company growth.
What leadership roles have you had in the industry and why are they important to you?
I have served on a few committees within NALP such as the Education and the Green Industry Conference committees. I served on the Lawn Care Specialty Group and then became the chair of that group. This spring was the beginning of my first term on the NALP board. All of these roles have been important to me in my personal development. As I took on each new position I gained knowledge and skills that I have been able to transfer to my business. Serving in NALP has been a big part of my own leadership development plan.