Roots of Success

Are 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 world of robotic mowers. Bob breaks down how tracking data, focusing on customer education, and building for capacity have fueled his growth, and he reveals practical advice for hiring, training, and future-proofing your workforce in today’s ever-evolving market. THE BIG IDEA:  Systematize, train, and innovate for landscaping success KEY MOMENTS: [05:28] Landscaping Opportunity in Charleston [08:37] Learn By Doing in the Field [12:31] Data Tracking for Irrigation Management [15:49] Home Development and Landscaping Partnership [18:37] Landscaping Insight and Financial Expertise [22:17] Creative HOA Cost-Saving Strategy [28:05] Exciting Career in Autonomous Equipment [29:46] Coaches and Mentors Enhance Success [33:14] Three Charging Methods Explained [38:10] Equipment Purchase Cost Analysis [40:31] Plan Now for Future Demand [44:42] Effortless Robot Mower Installation [48:57] Labor Challenges and Purposeful Growth QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How do I grow my landscaping business efficiently? What are the benefits of using battery-powered landscaping equipment? What is the best way to train and develop landscape maintenance teams? How do I create scalable systems for my landscaping company? How does data management improve landscaping operations? How can landscape companies increase profitability with technology? What are the challenges and solutions in HOA landscape maintenance? How do you implement a commercial robotic mower in your landscaping business?  

Ever 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 maintaining high-quality installations, leveraging innovative management systems, and expanding into new branches without losing their unique company culture. Whether you're dealing with family business dynamics or considering expansion, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. THE BIG IDEA:  Trust the process and keep progressing forward. KEY MOMENTS: [04:25] Family Dynamics and Business Mentorship [08:10] Streamlining Process and Accountability [10:52] Quality Service with Strong Communication [15:22] Seasonal Staff Redistribution Strategy [16:21] "Maintaining Family Business Culture" [22:00] "End-of-Month Momentum Strategy" [23:49] Optimizing Operations with Forecasting [28:10] "Lessons from Difficult Clients" [31:34] Embrace Pain for Rare Success QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How can family dynamics impact a family-owned business? What are the benefits of implementing a strong business process in landscaping? How do you maintain quality standards in a landscaping business as it grows? What is the role of sports in developing work ethic and teamwork? How do you handle the transition of a family business to the next generation? What are the challenges of opening a new branch for an existing business?  

DESCRIPTION:  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 aftermath of Hurricane Ida to repositioning business focus from residential to commercial projects, Chase shares the pivotal moments that defined Mullin Landscape's journey. Plus, get insights into the power of maintaining a strong company culture while expanding to new locations. Don’t miss Chase’s valuable lessons on balancing growth and quality in the competitive landscaping industry.   THE BIG IDEA:  Adaptability leads to transformations.   KEY MOMENTS: [04:08 "Foundations: Residential to Commercial Evolution" [07:48] "Team's Transition and Truth" [12:27] Team Capacity for Expansion [14:12] Hurricane Ida: Damage and Opportunity [18:53] Aligning & Motivating Business Leaders [20:16] Comprehensive Meetings and Reporting [22:57] Minimalist Open Space Design

Are 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 development. Whether you're looking to elevate your landscape company's recurring revenue or refine your leadership strategies, this episode is your blueprint to success. Tune in and tune up your business strategy. THE BIG IDEA:  Strong leadership and teamwork fuel expansion KEY MOMENTS: [00:00] Maintenance Drives Business Growth [04:57] Team's Market Diversification Initiative [08:57] Trust Drives Customer Relationships [10:51] Developing Talent and Team Growth [15:42] Monthly Task Prioritization Discussion [17:51] Wednesday Midweek Meeting Schedule [19:26] Instant Feedback Fosters Team Growth [23:07] Profit Sharing Over Bonuses [27:03] Teamwork Sparks Growth and Improvement [29:20] Streamlined Crew Task Documentation QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are the benefits of focusing on maintenance in a landscaping business? How can a landscaping company grow its maintenance division? What is the impact of a recession on landscape design and maintenance companies? How to develop a leadership team in the landscaping industry? How does a profit-sharing program benefit landscape company employees? What role does client relationship management play in the landscaping business? How to transition from a design-build model to a maintenance-focused landscaping business? Why is attending industry events beneficial for landscaping companies?  

Are 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 suitability for different business sizes, and sharing secrets of building winning teams. Tune in to discover how embracing change can significantly propel your business forward and why the community might be your most powerful asset yet.   THE BIG IDEA:  Embracing change for growth.   KEY MOMENTS: [03:21] Landscape Business Strategy Insights [07:15] Creating Ripple Impact Through Software [11:07] "Kicking Off Success with Software" [13:17] Adapt to Change, Embrace Growth [19:37] Streamlining Core Software Features [22:45] Streamlining Tech: Simplifying User Experience [26:16] "Authentic Values Drive Success" [29:07] Business Leadership Focus [32:32] From Leader to CEO Growth [37:10] "Networking for Effective Problem Solving" [40:34] Overcoming Challenges   QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are effective strategies for managing business change? How can technology unlock potential in landscape industries? What is the role of a CEO in tech companies during a merger? Why is community important in the software development process? How can landscape companies benefit from comprehensive software solutions? What are the benefits of using peer groups and mentorship in business growth?  

What 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 leadership. This episode is packed with insights for landscape company leaders who want to redefine setbacks as opportunities.   THE BIG IDEA:  Transform setbacks into empowering opportunities   KEY MOMENTS: [00:00] From Adversity to Success [04:41] Value of One-on-One Meetings [08:24] Unsung Defender's Vital Role [14:45] Empowering Women in Business [18:24] Adapting Communication for Leadership Success [22:39] The Importance of Team Feedback [24:03] "Continuous Feedback: A Two-Way Street" [28:35] Women's Peer Group Initiative [31:20] Passionate Personal Branding Experience [33:33] Effective Leadership and Feedback QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How can women succeed in male-dominated industries? What is the role of leadership and strategy in landscape  business growth? How to overcome financial setbacks in a family business? What are effective ways to build and empower a team in the landscaping business? How do athletics influence success in a business career? What are the challenges and opportunities for women in snow management and landscape industries? How to establish and run a business networking group for women? What is the significance of one-on-one meetings in team management? How does personal branding impact business success? What strategies can help in managing and preventing business embezzlement?  

Is 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 will not only safeguard your landscaping firm but also propel it to new heights. Don't miss this insider's guide to weathering any storm—both literally and figuratively. THE BIG IDEA: People-first approach drives success KEY MOMENTS: [04:37] Clients Drives Our Landscape Business[09:15] Property Enhancement Strategy Overview[12:19] Consistent Care Builds Client Loyalty[16:32] Snow Removal Industry Evolution[21:10] Managing Snow Operations and Growth[24:24] Snow Equipment Challenges in Landscaping[26:45] Client Risk-Sharing for Asset Recovery[32:15] Prioritizing Employee Welfare[35:59] Vendor Partnerships for Growth[39:02] True Partnership with Mack Trucks[42:28] EMI: Building a People-First Team[43:34] People-First Approach Fuels Success[46:30] Mind and Body Leadership Essentials QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How can landscape companies diversify their revenue streams? What are the best practices for snow removal businesses? How to manage seasonal business cycles in the landscaping industry? How to train a landscape team for both summer and winter operations? What makes a good vendor relationship in the landscaping industry? What are effective strategies for landscape enhancement sales? How to maintain employee morale in a seasonal business?  

DESCRIPTION:  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 embracing discomfort, making critical personnel shifts, and prioritizing open feedback loops are transforming their journey towards sustainable growth. THE BIG IDEA:  Genuine relationships and efficient operations drive profitability. KEY MOMENTS: [00:00] Started business unintentionally, approaching 27-year anniversary. [03:33] Consistently reinvesting profits for business growth. [08:49] Hosting events boosts company pride and exposure. [12:38] Networking and learning, open-mindedness required. [16:35] Growing complexity creates communication challenges as we scale. [21:45] Open Town Hall; feedback rewarded with cash. [24:23] Encouraging accountability and feedback enhances success. [27:36] Executive Coaching catalyzed new personal growth. [28:50] Supporting and valuing employees as a family. [32:28] GROW: facility tour, team presentation. [36:11] Facility is efficient due to thoughtful design. QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are effective strategies for growing a landscaping business? How can town hall meetings improve company culture and communication? How do you set and achieve financial goals in a small business? What are the benefits of attending industry events for small businesses? What are the key challenges in scaling a landscaping company? How important is feedback for business growth and development? What are the best practices for reinvesting profits in a business? How can middle managers and frontline staff benefit from educational events? Why is personal and professional growth crucial for business leaders?  

Is 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 transform the bottom line. Ross shares his career journey from a teenage lawn-mower to VP, spilling secrets on leveraging culture, balancing residential and commercial clients, and executing strategic growth through small acquisitions. Don’t miss Ross’s indispensable advice for navigating challenges and fostering a supportive, profitable business environment. THE BIG IDEA:  Genuine relationships and efficient operations drive profitability. KEY MOMENTS: [03:00] Ross's early landscaping career and industry lessons. [06:45] Tommy debunks the myth of maintenance being unprofitable. [11:15] Strategies for managing team budgets and tracking hours. [15:55] Discussing cost-efficiency adjustments with clients. [20:40] A story of personal support from a friend in hard times. [25:25] Impact of small acts of kindness on client relationships. [30:50] Challenges in uniting diverse team members at a new branch. [36:30] Importance of on-site visits to maintain company culture. [42:15] Balancing residential and commercial projects. QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How can landscaping companies increase profitability? What are the best strategies for managing a landscaping business budget? How important are customer relationships in the landscaping industry? What are effective ways to build a positive company culture in a landscaping business? How do you manage multiple branches in a service-based company? What are the benefits of offering maintenance services in landscaping? How to balance residential and commercial landscaping clients? What are some successful strategies for customer retention in landscaping? How can small landscaping businesses grow through acquisitions? What techniques can landscaping companies use to improve efficiency and reduce waste?  

Ready 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, the importance of charging for design services, and crafting a bulletproof business development strategy. This episode is packed with practical insights for landscape company owners and executives looking to elevate their business to new heights. THE BIG IDEA:  Continuous learning ensures success. KEY MOMENTS: [00:00] Early Work in horticulture. [03:04] Loved tree climbing; became a climbing arborist. [08:28] Manually created custom garden designs for clients. [10:10] Professional services require compensation for expertise. [13:34] Understand your ideal customer to set expectations. [16:34] Uncover customer's needs to tailor solutions. [22:10] Design phase is a long; thorough, flexible process. [25:33] Always learn, work smart, be patient, start small. [26:45] Internship, odd jobs, real-world lessons, degree irrelevant. [31:55] Spoke truthfully at college, wasn't reinvited. [33:30] Never stop learning; avoid becoming stagnant. QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are the benefits of pursuing a career in landscaping? How can hands-on trade skills lead to financial success? What is the importance of continuous learning in the landscaping industry? How do landscape designers work with clients to create outdoor spaces? Why is it important to charge for landscape design services? What is the role of a landscape designer in transforming outdoor living spaces? How can using social media like Pinterest assist in landscape design?