Success doesn’t come from just working harder—it comes from working smarter. And few people understand this better than Sam Gembel, the CEO of Atlas Outdoor. What started as a side hustle mowing lawns has grown into a powerhouse landscaping and snow management business, trusted across Michigan for its top-tier services. But as Sam shares, the road to success wasn’t always smooth.
In this conversation, we dive into the early struggles of rapid growth, the wake-up call that led Sam to rethink his leadership, and the pivotal changes that transformed his company into a scalable, profitable business. We talk about what it really takes to level up as a CEO, how to escape the trap of doing everything yourself, and why investing in the right people and systems is the key to long-term success.
If you’re a business owner trying to scale, or you’re wondering how to turn your hustle into a true enterprise, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
Recorded at the NALP Elevate Conference 2024 in Charlotte, NC.
Key Topics Covered
- The lessons learned from rapid business growth (and growing pains)
- How to shift from being in the business to leading the business
- The biggest mistakes business owners make when scaling
- Why company culture starts at onboarding—and how to get it right
- How to retain top talent in today’s competitive job market
- The role of mentorship and coaching in leveling up as a CEO
About the Host: Paul Giannamore: Managing Director of The Potomac Company, Paul is a renowned Mergers and Acquisitions sell-side advisor specializing in the route-based service industries. He provides strategic guidance to business owners, helping them navigate complex transactions, optimize value, and position themselves for long-term success.
About the Guest: Sam Gembel: As the CEO of Atlas Outdoor, Sam has grown his business from a small operation to one of Michigan’s leading landscaping and snow management companies. His journey is a masterclass in scaling strategically, investing in people, and building a company culture that retains top talent while delivering industry-leading service.