Taking a Calculated Risk

If I had to define in one word how we were able to grow Landscape Warehouse from a little blue house next to a lawnmower shop in Pasadena to eight irrigation supply and nursery locations in three counties, that would be the Spanish word “albur.”

One meaning of the word involves a double entendre, or a word that has a double meaning, usually an obvious one and another not so obvious. For example, “You really look hot.” This can be taken in two ways.

That’s not me. I have no trouble saying what I mean and meaning what I say. What better defines my philosophy is albur’s other meaning: “A chance to which the result is trusted.” In other words, TAKING A CALCULATED RISK. (This use of the word came out of a Mexican card game!)

Opportunities in life come and go – but the same opportunities usually don’t come around a second time. In business, as well as in your personal life, you have to learn when to take that calculated risk, and, as the song says, “know when to fold ‘em” as well.

The more you do this – applying albur in your life – the better you get at it. Sure, you may take a chance on something and have it not turn out the way you hoped it would. But don’t let that stop you from tackling the next opportunity that comes along, or your growth – personal and business – will stop dead in its tracks. If that happens, take a good look around you, because chances are that’s where you’ll be ten years from now.

As for me – even at an early age – I have always loved assessing opportunities, taking calculated risks on the best ones, working hard to overcome any challenges that may pop up, and then enjoying the benefits of another successful endeavor with friends and loved ones.

Albur works for me…I’ll bet it can work for you too.

– José Robles, owner, Landscape Warehouse