Let me tell y’all a true story.
It was Friday afternoon, and we had just wrapped up another productive week at Super Lawn Technologies. I was walkin’ through the shop when a newer employee approached me with something on his mind.
He looked me in the eye and said,
“Hey Boss… I want to say thank you for that note you wrote me. You really made my day. I’ve never received a note like that. I think you know I worked at my previous employer for four years. I just want to say thanks.”
Now, I ain’t gonna lie. That moment hit me in the heart. I looked him square in the eye and said,
“I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. I hope you’re enjoying your work here at SLT. I also hope you’ll stay with me, because we really like the way you’re working. It’s great to see you taking pride in your work.”
Then he said something I’ll never forget.
“Yes. I am taking pride in my work. That note made me so happy I took a picture and sent it to my mother to show her how things are going with my work here.”
Now fellas, let that soak in.
This grown man was so touched by a simple, handwritten note that he shared it with his mama.
Big Companies Can’t Do This… But You Can
Here’s the thing. Corporate landscape contractors ain’t ever gonna do this.
They’re too busy chasing paperwork, setting up direct deposit, and using HR software to spit out cold, lifeless pay stubs. Sure, the checks clear, but there’s no connection. There’s no feeling. There’s no heart.
I read a story this week about one of those corporate landscapers who had just lost a discrimination lawsuit from a former employee. His company had to pay the former employee $200,000 plus attorney fees. I wondered if the growth, the systems and the processes at that corporate company had gotten too big?
Remember this: YOU — the small business owner who signs the front side of the paychecks — you’ve got a chance to make a real difference. And you don’t have to pay a penny extra to do it.
The Power of the Pen
I’ve been using this strategy of writing personal, handwritten notes for years. It takes a little time. It takes a little effort. But it creates a giant impact.
A handwritten “thank you” attached to a paycheck…
A sticky note that says, “Great job leading the crew on Tuesday”…
A short message like, “Appreciate you stepping up while Mark was out sick”…
It don’t take long, and you ain’t got to write a novel. Just a few real words of recognition. The kind that stick. The kind that say, “I see you. I appreciate you.”
You’d be amazed at how many employees have never been told “thank you” on the job — much less by the owner.
Why It Works (And Why It’ll Never Go Out of Style)
We live in a world where folks are glued to their phones, swipin’ and scrollin’ through digital noise all day long. But when they get something handwritten… something real… something personal… it hits different.
This is not a “touchy-feely” thing. It’s a smart leadership strategy.
And here’s what it does:
- ✅ Builds loyalty
- ✅ Boosts pride
- ✅ Reduces turnover
- ✅ Costs zero dollars
You don’t need a bonus program or benefits package the size of a phone book to make an impact. All you need is a pen, a notepad, and a sincere word of thanks.
Heck. I usually write the note in the blank space on the paycheck stub. There’s empty white space just begging for some ink – or words of appreciation to show some love.
Real Recognition Beats Empty Perks
If you’re serious about building a winning team — the kind that shows up on time, takes pride in their work, and stays with you for the long haul — you’ve got to do what the big boys won’t.
Give ‘em real recognition. Not corporate platitudes. Not performance reviews buried in HR folders. Just honest, specific thanks. Old-fashioned? Maybe. But it works.
Remember, the guy who got that note from me didn’t go bragging to his buddies…
He sent a picture of it to his Mother.
That’s what you call impact.
The Takeaway
If you’re an employer who still shakes hands, signs checks, and shows up with your boots on, you’ve got an edge the big guys will never have.
Use it.
Next payday, write just one note. Start there. Attach it to the check or write it in that blank space on the pay stub. Think about how important that one person is. Look your employee in the eye. Tell them what they did right.
You’ll be amazed how far that little piece of paper can go…without an extra dollar.
Remember the story about my guy who shared his note with his mama. This is real powerful stuff!
To your hiring success,
Tony Bass
Founder, Super Lawn Toolkit
Still writes notes. Still believes in people. Still fighting for the small business hero.
PS – We’ve been teachin’ lawn and landscape business owners how to improve business profit since 1998. If you need help boosting profits, getting better employees or winning the high-paying customers, hit reply and let me know. We stand ready to assist.
Oh yea…those blue colored hot links above take you to home study materials that you can buy right now to get started…
