Gamifying Business with Ryan Markewich

Ryan Markewich of Creative Roots joins the podcast to share a fascinating approach to running a lean, profitable landscaping company with a big emphasis on gamification and open book management.

From humble beginnings in lawn care to building a multimillion-dollar design-build-maintenance company, Ryan has done it all — and then some. He’s sold most of his business to a group of employees and now focuses on mentoring, systematizing, and driving performance through creative engagement.

Ryan explains how applying the principles of "The Great Game of Business" transformed his company culture. By teaching employees to understand the financials and allowing them to help define and measure success, his team operates with ownership, even if they aren’t literal owners.

He emphasizes how numbers aren’t just math — they’re stories about people. When team members understand their impact on the score, they play to win. From mini-games to long-term goals, Ryan’s practical approach to employee engagement is something every contractor should take note of.

Key Takeaways:

• Gamification motivates teams and improves systems.

• Open-book management builds trust and accountability.

• Efficiency doesn’t require spreadsheets — it starts with understanding.

• Let the team create the game — and watch buy-in soar.