John Baxter and Ben Filchak | Deep Roots Landscape

What does planting Deep Roots have to do with growing a successful business… Pretty much EVERYTHING!

John Baxter and Ben Filchak, co-founders of Deep Roots Landscape, are this week’s featured guests on North Georgia Business Radio.

Their company, based in Hall County, specializes in providing full-service landscape solutions, including design, installation, and maintenance.

Their enduring friendship, which dates back to kindergarten, has laid a strong foundation for their successful business partnership.

Their unwavering commitment to shared values and their vision for serving the community has been pivotal to the growth and impact of their business.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from their experience and learn about the significance of shared values in fostering successful business partnerships.

Key Highlights of This Episode:

00:01:33 – Origin Story of Deep Roots Landscape
John Baxter shares the story of how Deep Roots Landscape started after he graduated from college and the impact of a small business class exercise. Ben Filchak also discusses joining the company and their shared vision for the business.

00:04:30 – Maintaining Friendship and Business Partnership
The guests discuss the challenges of maintaining a strong friendship while being business partners for over 14 years. They emphasize the importance of communication, intentionality, and a shared vision in their partnership.

00:07:43 – Shared Vision and Decision-Making
The conversation shifts to the shared vision of Deep Roots Landscape, rooted in serving others and providing quality landscaping services. The guests highlight the importance of aligning their decisions with their core principles and values.

00:10:20 – Business Growth and Design Expertise
John and Ben share the company’s growth from a small operation to hiring employees and expanding their services. They also discuss the artistic aspect of landscape design and the importance of building lasting relationships with clients.

00:14:32 – The Expertise of Sid Johnston
Sid Johnston, a seasoned landscape designer with nearly 50 years of experience, joined the company four years ago, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and innovative ideas for landscape architecture and project management.

00:15:23 – The Importance of Serving and Diversifying Services
The discussion highlights the significance of serving customers by diversifying services. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing the potential for additional services among existing customers and creating consistent income through maintenance and project-based work.

00:16:21 – Strategic Employee Growth and H-2B Program
The hosts discuss their strategic employee growth, employing 50 full-time staff and utilizing the H-2B visa program to bring in seasonal workers from Mexico. They emphasize the benefits of this program in meeting seasonal labor needs and providing growth opportunities for both local and seasonal employees.

00:18:58 – Cultivating Growth and Leadership
The conversation delves into the importance of growth in providing opportunities for employees to develop their leadership skills. The hosts emphasize the value of creating a supportive environment that encourages employees to step out of their comfort zones and maximize their potential.

00:21:30 – Overcoming Bottlenecks and the Role of Coaching
The hosts reflect on the challenges of overcoming bottlenecks and the need for personal and business coaching. They share their experience with receiving guidance from a coaching program, which has been instrumental in empowering them to develop leaders and grow their business effectively.

00:28:51 – Building Hope for Hall
John and Ben discuss the creation of Hope for Hall, a foundation aimed at normalizing disability through play, education, and technology. The project focuses on building inclusive playgrounds for children with all abilities.

00:30:45 – Impact of Inclusive Playgrounds
The conversation highlights the impact of the first inclusive playground built in Hall County, where children with mobility devices can now play alongside their friends. The success of the project has led to the approval of a second playground for a new elementary school.

00:36:18 – Tax Credit for Support
John shares information about the Peach education tax credit, which allows individuals and corporations to donate to support innovative programs for students. This tax credit can be designated to support inclusive playgrounds in Hall County.

00:38:44 – Future Plans for Deep Roots
The hosts discuss the future plans for Deep Roots Landscape, which include continued growth, expansion into multifamily projects, and contributing to the development of Hall County. The company aims to have a significant impact on the community.

00:39:51 – Freestyle Rap and Core Values
The episode concludes with a freestyle rap incorporating Deep Roots’ core values of excellence, purpose, and care. The hosts emphasize the importance of these values in their business and community involvement.