Are you ready to take your landscaping business to the next level? Tune in to Roots of Success, the premier landscaper's podcast that brings you the latest tips and strategies from the industry's most successful coaches. Hosted by Tommy Cole, VP and Principal of McFarlin Stanford, each episode features candid conversations with landscape business owners and industry experts who have overcome obstacles and achieved extraordinary success. Whether you're struggling with people, profits, or just ...
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Ep. 55 - Celebrating Two Years + Marketing Insights with John Dalton
45:36
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45:36Think marketing is just about flashy ads and social media posts? Think again. In this special two-year anniversary episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole sits down with marketing mastermind John Dalton to celebrate the two year anniversary of the show and expose the real secrets behind building a thriving landscape brand. From their own stori…
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Ep. 54 - Investing in People: Adam Dukes’ Approach to Leadership and Landscape Excellence
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39:52What if the most rewarding part of growing a landscape business isn’t the lush gardens or high-end installs, but something much deeper? On this episode of Roots of Success, Tommy Cole chats with Adam Dukes, founder of GrandScapes, who pulls back the curtain on his journey from a two-person startup in 2008 to a highly respected Charleston landscape …
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Ep - 53 Drive, Data, and Disruption: Bob Carey’s Landscape Success Formula
54:25
54:25
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54:25Are you still running your landscape maintenance crews like it’s 2005—while your competitors leap ahead with data-driven decisions and battery-powered fleets? In this episode, Tommy sits down with Bob Carey, a leader who’s mastered every angle of the business—from gritty field operations to creating scalable systems and jumping into the disruptive …
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Ep 52 - Expanding Horizons: Jake Malone on Family Dynamics and Branch Management
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33:34Ever wonder how to maneuver the tricky world of family-owned landscaping businesses? Join us as we dive into the captivating journey of Jake Malone from Malone's Landscaping, exploring how second-generation leadership can evolve a company while overcoming the challenges of family dynamics. Discover how Jake and his team have mastered the art of mai…
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Ep. 51 - Two Crews to Multiple Locations: Chase Mullin's Journey to Landscape Expansion
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24:07DESCRIPTION: Have you ever thought about the challenges of transforming a small two-crew landscaping business into a thriving multi-location success? In this episode of "Roots of Success," Tommy Cole sits down with Chase Mullin of Mullin Landscape to uncover the strategic decisions that fueled his company's impressive growth. From leveraging the af…
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Playing the long game: 40 Years of with Gene Freeman
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31:50
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31:50Are you thinking long-term in landscaping, or are you trapped in short-term wins? Transform your approach with insights from Gene Freeman of Complete Landsculpture, as he sits down with our host Tommy Cole. Explore the pivotal changes that propelled Complete Landsculpture into a thriving business with a focus on maintenance and leadership developme…
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Ep 049 - Building Strong Teams and Embracing Change with Mark Sedgley
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45:50
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45:50Are you truly embracing change, or is it just "the way we’ve always done it" that’s holding your landscape business back? Join Tommy Cole as he sits down with Mark Sedgley, CEO of LMN and Single Ops, in this episode of the Roots of Success podcast. Mark reveals the dynamics of integrating technology in landscaping, debunking myths about software su…
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Conquering Crisis: Jillian Burns' Story of Resilience and Success
37:20
37:20
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37:20What if your toughest challenge became the foundation of your success? Join us on Roots of Success as we explore how Jillian Burns turned financial adversity into a thriving landscape venture. Learn about her unwavering commitment to investing in her team, her innovative strategies in snow and landscaping, and her passion for fostering female leade…
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Ep 047 - People First Philosophy: The Secret behind EMI Landscape’s Growth
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49:25
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49:25Is your landscape business prepared for the unpredictable? From navigating snowless winters that threatened his company's survival to innovating with heavy machinery and fostering rock-solid vendor relationships, Bob Marks shares his blueprint for turning challenges into triumphs. In this episode, host Tommy Cole uncovers actionable strategies that…
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Ep 046 - Inside Hidden Creek Landscaping: Jason Cromley's Approach to Team and Business
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40:31
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40:31DESCRIPTION: Staying in your comfort zone is the enemy of success. On today's Roots of Success, Tommy dives into a revealing conversation with Jason Cromley, who dishes out the hard-learned lessons from growing Hidden Creek Landscape. They've soared from $12 million to $21 million in revenue but hit a ceiling they couldn't crack. Discover how embra…
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Culture, Customers, and Efficiency: Insights from Oasis Landscape
45:19
45:19
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45:19Is your landscaping business thriving, or just surviving? On this episode of "Roots of Success," join Tommy Cole as he uncovers the gameplay behind building and growing a successful landscape company with Ross Day from Oasis Landscape. Learn how meticulous budget management, innovative enhancement sales, and the power of strong relationships transf…
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Learning & Growing: Melissa Blake on Landscape Education and Client Relationships
38:54
38:54
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38:54Ready to Level Up Your Landscaping Company? Here's the Secret: It’s Not a Degree. Join us on "Roots of Success" as Melissa Blake from Bates Landscaping reveals how hands-on experience and continuous learning can catapult your business ahead of the competition. Host Tommy Cole and Melissa engage in a spirited discussion on the value of fieldwork, th…
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Trash Your To-Do List: Tanya Dalton’s Strategies for Crushing Your Goals
49:28
49:28
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49:28Are you overwhelmed by the endless tasks on your to-do list, feeling like true productivity is slipping through your fingers? In this episode of Roots of Success, Tommy Cole sits down with Tanya Dalton, a productivity expert who challenges common misconceptions about work-life balance and time management. Discover why traditional to-do lists may be…
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Remote Leadership: Building a successful landscape company you can run from anywhere.
31:10
31:10
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31:10Are you ready to see your landscaping business thrive by stepping back? Join our host Tommy Cole as he sits down with Matt Davis, the innovative mind behind College Fund Landscaping, in this episode of "Roots of Success." Discover how Matt’s journey from a student with a mower to a remote leader living his dream in Crested Butte, Colorado, reveals …
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Tech-Driven Evolution: Building Landscape Success with Greg Cole
44:22
44:22
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44:22Does the key to your landscape company's success lie in the talent of seasoned professionals and strategic technology investments? This episode of Roots of Success might just challenge your preconceptions. Join host Tommy Cole as he dives deep with Greg Cole, the mastermind behind Cole Landscaping, who's taken his company from humble beginnings to …
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Ep 040 - Building Resilience: Lex Mason on Strategy and Innovation
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43:24
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43:24Could embracing water-conserving technology be the game-changer your landscape business needs? In this episode of "Roots of Success," Tommy Cole and Lex Mason explore how Weathermatic bucked industry norms to revolutionize irrigation with Smartline and Smartlink technology. Uncover the principles behind successful hiring, maintaining a positive com…
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Inside the annual ACE Peer Groups Summit with Jason New
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15:40
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15:40Could your landscape business be falling short because it’s missing key operational skills? Join Tommy and his exceptional guest, Jason New, as they break down the critical skills that can transform your landscape construction and maintenance teams into finely tuned machines. Learn the inside scoop on the ACE Peer Group Summit in New Orleans—an eve…
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Ep 038 - Cultivating Success: How Rob Shrieve Engages and Empowers His Team
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34:00Can standardized training programs and career ladders transform your landscape company overnight? This episode is packed with groundbreaking insights from guest Rob Shrieve, the owner of Coastal Shores. Rob shares his unique approach to training, leadership, and effective team member engagement. From weekly morning meetings to life skills sessions …
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Progress Over Perfection: Building Winning Processes with Vince Torchia
23:34
23:34
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23:34Ever considered that your company's morning routine could make or break your entire day? Join us on the Roots of Success podcast as host Tommy Cole dives deep with Vince Torchia, the VP of the Grow Group, to explore the undeniable power of systems and processes. Learn how to turn your morning rollouts from chaos into a well-oiled machine, and disco…
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Building Sustainable Teams and Culture with Kyle Cahill
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41:47
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41:47Ever wonder if success in landscaping requires more than just hard work and a green thumb? Tune in to this riveting episode of Roots of Success, where host Tommy Cole sits down with industry leader Kyle Cahill. Discover how Kyle’s innovative approach to a four-day work week and the 980 work schedule not only prevents burnout but also creates a thri…
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Mastering Disruptive Growth in the Landscape Industry with Justin White
40:26
40:26
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40:26Do you think revenue is the only metric that matters? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of "Roots of Success," Tommy Cole chats with Justin White, the trailblazing CEO of K&D Landscaping. Justin discusses why fostering a robust company culture—even at the expense of short-term profits—can lead to unstoppable growth. Unpack the strategic deci…
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Building a Legacy: Profile of a Family Landscape Business
36:56
36:56
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36:56What does it take to build a multi-generational landscaping business that stands the test of time? In this compelling episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole interviews Ryan Malone, a second-generation landscape professional who has defied the odds and transformed his family business into a thriving success story. Ryan shares his secrets for b…
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Christmas in July: Unlocking Winter Revenue with Tim Hikade
22:39
22:39
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22:39What if we told you holiday lights could be your landscaping company's most unexpected revenue stream? On today's episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole delves into the festive world of holiday lighting with Tim Hikade, who has successfully integrated this service into his business, Full Circle Lawn Care. Uncover the strategies Tim uses to ke…
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Growth and Resilience: Insights from Lifescape CEO Michael Hupf
37:23
37:23
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37:23What does it take to turn a business struggling through a recession into a multi-million-dollar success story? On this episode of Roots of Success, Michael Hupf, CEO of Lifescape Colorado, reveals the blueprint behind growing his landscape company from the brink of collapse to earning $36 million in revenue. Get ready to explore the powerful impact…
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Secrets to Success: Landscape Strategies from LMN CEO Mark Bradley
39:06
39:06
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39:06What if the key to your landscaping business's success isn't just hard work, but smart work? On this episode of "Roots of Success," host Tommy Cole introduces Mark Bradley, the CEO of LMN, who reveals the secrets behind his rapid business growth and the systems that keep it thriving. Delving into the importance of apprenticeship programs, key finan…
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Is your financial strategy prepared to outlast the end of easy sales? In this eye-opening episode, Tommy Cole sits down with Jennifer Murray, finance savant and executive coach at McFarlin Stanford. Discover the hidden pitfalls of fraud risk in landscape companies and why internal processes can make or break your success. Learn how to maintain liqu…
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From Chaos to Control: Embracing Change and Enjoying the Journey
39:22
39:22
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39:22Think change is too difficult to manage in your landscape business? Think again. In today's episode of Roots of Success, Tommy Cole interviews Kevin Keim, an executive coach and CRO, who shares game-changing approaches to sustaining momentum when implementing new strategies and technologies. Learn how to cultivate a resilient company culture, simpl…
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Using Innovation to Revolutionizing Professional Landscaping: with Bret & Robyn Schmitz
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43:51
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43:51Think landscaping is just 'glorified hole-digging'? Think again. In this compelling episode of Roots of Success, we're joined by industry innovators Robyn and Bret Schmitz of High Prairie, who are transforming perceptions and practice through high-level training and cutting-edge robotic technology. Discover how they tackle the industry's biggest ch…
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Legal-ease: Tips for Protecting your Business with Karalynn Cromeens
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35:53
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35:53Are you protecting your hard-earned cash flow with a pen or just a handshake? This week we dive deep into the world of legal fortification in the landscaping business with Karalynn Cromeens, a seasoned construction lawyer bringing 20 years of industry-specific expertise. We unravel the secrets to not just surviving but thriving through the legal ju…
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The Hidden Value of HR Coaching for Landscape Leaders with Barrett Chow
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33:31Are your managers leaving HR in a bind regarding employee relations? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the often-underestimated power of HR coaching alongside Barrett Chow of the McFarland Stanford team. With his impressive background at the Ritz Carlton, PGA Tour, and Lifescape Colorado, Barrett unpacks the essentials of empowering manager…
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The McCarthy Method: Using Empowerment & Efficiency to Scale Your Landscape Business
40:07
40:07
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40:07Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion for landscaping into a thriving enterprise? Find out on this enlightening episode of "Roots of Success," as we chat with the power couple behind RJ Lawn and Landscape, Ryan and Annette McCarthy. Discover their journey from overworked entrepreneurs to industry leaders, focusing on client-cent…
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From Pushing Mowers to Pulling Profits: Breaking Barriers with Austyn Roth
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32:19
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32:19Who says youth is a barrier to success? Austyn Roth, at just 21 years old, has disrupted the landscaping game with his savvy business strategies and commitment to quality. In this episode of Roots of Success, we explore how Lucky Landscaping, under Austyn's leadership, transitioned from a cash-starved startup to a strategic, customer-focused market…
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Empowerment & Accountability: Sam Rankin’s Guide to Explosive Growth
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34:07
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34:07Are you ready to transform failures into your company’s building blocks for success? Find out how embracing mistakes can skyrocket your business, as we delve into the unique "get shit done" philosophy that quadrupled Sam Rankin's landscaping business in just two years. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Rankin, owner of Etch Outdoor, to explore …
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Revolutionize Your Workforce: Why Big Landscape Companies Swear By LMN & Greenius
34:43
34:43
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34:43DESCRIPTION: Do you feel trapped in your landscape business by old school business management tools? It’s time to step your tech game and turn your company into a well oiled machine! Join Tommy and his guests, David Ellis and Rich Thiebaud from LMN & Greenius. They're spilling their secrets on how technology and consistent training can simplify you…
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The Hidden Power of Peer Groups with Vince Torchia
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24:14
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24:14DESCRIPTION: Are you tired of feeling like you're carrying the weight of your landscape company all on your own? It doesn’t have to be this hard. In this eye-opening episode of Roots of Success, we challenge the conventional methods of business growth with the help of Vince Torchia from the grow group. Explore the power of Ace peer groups and disco…
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Embracing Discomfort to Build Better Leaders with Claire Goldman
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33:34
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33:34Is resilience the secret ingredient to growth in the landscaping business? When Claire Goldman faced a life-altering health crisis, her landscape company didn't just survive—it rebounded stronger than ever. Join Tommy and Claire as they unpack the transformative journey from personal challenges to professional triumphs. Discover how embracing adver…
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3 Keys to Landscape Marketing Mastery with John Dalton
33:43
33:43
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33:43Are you ignoring your most important marketing assets? Do defined marketing budgets impact your sales? Should you be focusing my marketing on social media? Uncover the answers to these important questions and discover the potential of effective marketing strategies in this episode with marketing expert and CMO John Dalton. Tap into all the knowledg…
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Cutting to Grow: Tim Trimmer’s Radical Approach to Higher Profits
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34:21
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34:21Imagine hacking away a third of your landscape company's revenue stream only to watch its profits soar. This episode of 'Roots of Success' podcast spotlights Tim Trimmer's radical decision that set Professional Grounds on an unprecedented path to growth. Tim's bold moves to ax a major landscaping department, implement rigorous tracking systems, and…
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Landscape Sales Simplified with Mike Weinberg & David Amigo
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34:20
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34:20Are you spending countless hours into your landscape business but can't seem to get the growth you crave? Maybe it's time to cut through the tactical noise and refocus on your sales strategy. This week on the show, we get to the root of what truly cultivates landscape prosperity with bestselling author Mike Weinberg and ACE Peer Group member David …
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Recruiting 101: MJ's Insider Tips on Attracting Top Talent
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30:44
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30:44Are you tired of ‘panic hiring’ and making mistakes? In this episode, MJ O’Toole, executive recruiter with McFarland Stanford, dispels the myth of instant hiring, and shows us that success lies in sourcing candidates who align with your company’s culture. Emphasizing a positive candidate experience from day one, fostering relationships, and prepari…
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Secrets to Building a Landscape Dream Team with Chase Coates
35:23
35:23
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35:23Attention all landscape business owners! Are you tired of struggling to find the right people, stay on top of finances, and grow your brand? In this episode of Roots of Success, we sit down with Chase Coates, the man behind Outback Landscape. We explore groundbreaking strategies and proven tactics that will guide you towards running the successful …
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Lessons in Leadership: Managing People 101 with Michael Bosco
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29:27
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29:27Running a successful landscape company goes beyond simply creating beautiful outdoor spaces. In this episode of Roots of Success, I sit down with Michael Bosco, executive coach and industry expert, as he shares his unique journey from founding Soils Alive to taking over the family pest control business, SafeHaven. Join us as we explore all aspects …
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Marty Grunder's Growth Playbook: Winning Strategies to Propel Your Landscaping Business
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36:28Join us in this eye-opening episode of Roots of Success as Tommy interviews Marty Grunder, the brilliant mind behind Grunder Landscaping Company and The Grow Group. Marty candidly shares his personal journey, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to shed his ego and embrace new growth strategies. Discover how Marty's commitment to continuou…
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Risky Business: Rethinking the Landscape Industry's Growth Paradigm
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34:43
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34:43Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform your small landscape company into a multimillion-dollar empire? In this episode,Tommy sits down with Jason Cromley, the CEO of Hidden Creek Landscaping, as he reveals the unconventional strategies and mindset that propelled his business to success. From bouncing checks to building a state-of-the-art…
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Say Yes to Success: Navigating Growth Challenges with Vince Torchia
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49:43Are you an owner in the landscape industry who is striving for success? In this episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole sits down with landscape industry expert, Vince Torchia, to discuss the challenges of saying yes to many opportunities in order to build a thriving company. But as your business grows, how do you know when to start saying no …
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Uncover Hidden Strengths: How to Identify Talent in Your Landscape Team
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48:18
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48:18What if your landscape company could tap into untapped potential by harnessing the power of individual strengths? Join host Tommy Cole in this eye-opening episode of "Roots of Success" as he explores the transformative impact of identifying, understanding, and leveraging individual strengths within your business. Learn why focusing on what's right …
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The Art of Empowerment: The Key to Productivity and Success
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38:46
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38:46Are you looking to create a thriving landscape company that not only delivers exceptional results but also fosters a vibrant and supportive culture? In this episode of "Roots of Success," we have a heartfelt conversation with Danielle Padilla & Michaela Rivas from The Padilla Group. They share their journey from starting in a humble garage to estab…
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Mastering Operations and Finance with Olin Unruh
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41:49
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41:49Looking to take your landscape & irrigation company to the next level? Step into the world of Olin Unruh, the owner of Wetlands Irrigation and Turf, in this captivating episode of Roots of Success. In a profession that often requires specialized knowledge, Olin defied expectations and turned a lack of experience into an advantage. In this deep dive…
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Growing Green: How Josh Schmieder Built a Thriving Landscape Company
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46:52Is it possible for a small landscaping business to achieve explosive growth and become a multi-million dollar operation? Absolutely! Join us on Roots of Success as we dive into the remarkable success story of Josh Schmieder, owner of Josh Landscape Company. We explore his humble beginnings, the obstacles he faced, and the strategies he employed to …
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The Secret to Thriving in a Recession with Jack Jostes
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45:58On this episode of Roots of Success, Tommy sits down with Jack Jostes, CEO of Ramblin Jackson, a marketing agency for the landscape industry. Jack shares insights about the current state of the industry, and advocates different strategies you can implement to prepare your business for economic downturns. Jack stresses the need for constant communic…
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