In this insightful narrative, Kurt Kane, CEO of TruGreen, shares his daily routine as he navigates the demands of leading one of North America's largest lawn care companies. Based in Nashville, Kane's day is a blend of strategic planning, physical activity, and family time. As an empty nester, he finds new ways to balance work and personal life, emphasizing the importance of staying active and connected with loved ones. With over 2.3 million customers, TruGreen thrives under Kane’s leadership, showcasing how a seasoned executive can reinvent a mature brand and drive growth.
Each morning begins early for Kurt Kane, who rises at 5:30 a.m. to prepare for the day ahead. Living in Nashville, he dedicates time to fitness by visiting a local gym before heading to the office. By 8:30 a.m., Kane is ready to dive into his workday, which involves meetings with the leadership team and checking on business performance metrics. The company operates year-round, with peak seasons during spring and summer but remains busy through fall and winter for strategic planning.
Kane's afternoons are filled with continued engagement with field leaders and ad hoc conversations that keep him connected with all aspects of the business. Despite a hectic schedule, he ensures to take breaks, often grabbing a quick lunch at his desk. Around 6:30 p.m., Kane wraps up his day at the office and heads home for dinner. Evenings are spent unwinding with his wife, discussing business strategies, and enjoying activities like walking their dogs or playing tennis.
As an empty nester, Kane has found new hobbies to fill his leisure time, including golfing, which also serves as a networking opportunity given TruGreen's partnership with the PGA Tour. His day ends with reflection on the successes and challenges faced, preparing him to tackle the next day with renewed energy.
From a journalist's perspective, Kane's story highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle even in high-pressure roles. His commitment to fitness and family demonstrates that success in leadership goes beyond professional achievements. It also underscores the value of adaptability and continuous learning, essential qualities for any CEO aiming to lead a company toward sustainable growth.