Hardscape Growth: Recent Episodes
Hardscaper
Hardscape Growth: A podcast for business leaders in the trenches, is a show focused on helping hardscape professionals find success in growing their businesses. We’re talking with business leaders, designers and experts who are shaking things up in the hardscape world. Each episode will dive into real, honest conversations with the people who are making a difference. From pavers to profits and everything in between, if it can help you succeed, we’re going to cover it. Tune in and stay up to date with the latest trends, strategies, tools and techniques. We’re here to help you grow!
Finding the right candidates is always difficult. And if they’re family it can be even harder.
But, it doesn’t mean it can’t work. The important thing for any manager or owner to consider as they try to step back, get the right people in the right spots, and begin to focus on the growth of the company is developing the right team.
That’s why what Tony Zambito, Owner at Groupe Zamco, has to say is more important than ever. For Tony, he’s worked with families who have and haven’t always been the best fit. He’s also worked with brand new help that he didn’t think would be around more than a day, but years later are some of his most trusted. His advice? Never judge a book by its cover. On this episode of Hardscape Growth, growing your team thoughtfully and successfully.
Join us as we discuss:
- What to look for in a candidate
- How to navigate working with family
- Developing your team for the long haul
Check out the full episode for Tony’s perspective on how to build the best team possible for the future of your company.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
And the costs, they are a-changin’.
How in the world are you supposed to give reliable bids to customers when the costs of materials are always changing? Do the math and be a good friend. That’s the advice Kevin Moore, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Carroll Landscaping and CLI Home Services Inc., gives. Being competitive doesn’t mean underselling the value of your products or services. It means finding creative ways to be transparent and honest without compromising the livelihood of your business.
Join us as we discuss:
- The difference between a bid and an estimate
- How to (and why it’s important to) make friends with your clients
- Selling from a point of strength
To hear more of Kevin and Alex talking about running a successful business, check out their earlier conversation Project Management: Staying Ahead of Material Shortages.
Check out the Techo-Bloc Estimation Tool.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
What do your customers say about you when you’re not around? What do your employees say?
Building and maintaining your company brand is more than chance. It’s about creating an honest, caring, and direct line of communication and expectations. Your customers should know what to expect like what they’re going to pay. And the people who work for you should know that you’ve got their back. In landscaping, an aging employee needs to know there is a career path forward as much as a young person on day one needs to feel treated like more than just a spare shovel. Anyway, that’s what Adrian Bartels, President of Cedar Springs Landscape Group, says. That all comes down to training. Training a customer’s expectations and training your team to keep the grandiose portrait in your vantage.
Join us as we discuss:
- Training and keeping your people
- Career benefits and perks
- Building a farm system for leadership
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Having good core values means company growth.
A lot of times companies may think it is nice, helpful, or convenient to have a good company culture. That’s good and all, but do you trust your core values to help actually build the business? Brad Stephenson, Co-Owner, and Phil Neri, Designer, at New Castle Lawn & Landscape both began in entry-level positions and have worked their way up to their current roles.
Their story isn’t all sunshine and roses, however. In 2018, with the H2B restrictions in place, they lost 25 employees and had to scramble to get things back on track. That year, they lost $350,000.
Join us as we discuss:
- Core values
- Must-reads for company success
- Getting the right people in the right seats
Check out the full episode for a firsthand look at a company that grew from $400K to $10M.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
A contract is signed, but then the cost of the job supplies, materials, or even fuel has gone up 5, 10, even 15%! Then what happens? A contractor begs the supplier for a better rate, or they can surprise the customer with a higher price tag and lowered trust. What if there was a better way: write contracts that accommodate a changing economy.
Join us as we discuss:
- Change orders and how to use them
- Resources for cost fluctuation
- Navigating tough conversations with customers
- Cutting labor by staying up to date with the latest tech
Check out this episode with Russ Springer, Owner & President at Legends Landscape Supply, to understand price in creases and supply demands, plus tips and tricks for contractors to be better prepared and more proactive when submitting quotes and getting materials from dealers.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
It’s easy to do things the way you’ve always done them. But that’s not always a recipe for growth. Especially when you’re not taking into account the newest, most effective (and most comfortable!) equipment. And let’s not forget about using state of the art software like Trimble Earthworks, designed to make sure the job only gets done as many times as is necessary: once.
Listen in as Jeremy Swihart, Owner at J Squared Outdoor Living and Lighting shares his best tips for not only cutting labor costs, but growing his business at the same time.
Join us as we discuss:
- Using equipment to lower labor costs
- Hiring the right employees to grow your business
- Using tilt rotators to maximize equipment’s output
- Using Grade Control software to reduce labor on site
- Building and making equipment to be more efficient
- Having a good relationship with your equipment dealer to reduce downtime
- Using project management software to communicate project information with employees
Check out the full episode for Jeremy’s first-hand experience using these pieces of equipment and software to learn about how they’ve transformed his business.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wh erever you listen to podcasts.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, we’re honored to welcome Jake Baxter, the owner of Lawn Vets Outdoors, and a U.S. Navy veteran and former Reservist.
Jake has poured his blood, sweat, and tears into his highly-regarded and successful company, so there’s no way he’s letting thieves get their dirty hands on his expensive tools and equipment.
He’ll share his military-grade expertise on how you can protect your property and job site, including:
- Making the switch to combo locks
- Implementing anti-terrorism RAM methodology
- Leveraging your clients’ existing security systems
- Air Tags, GPS, and the importance of visual branding
- 24-hour video surveillance connected to your smartphone
- Investing in the right insurance coverage
Check out the full episode for Jake’s harrowing true story of how these tactical measures just proved how valuable they really are.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Zach Kitzmiller is the founder of Kitzmiller Design Solutions, based in Ohio. The firm supports design/build professionals across the United States and Canada and is a great outsource option for all outdoor living designs.
His goal?
To help design/build professionals win with design.
In this episode, Zach outlines his 3-step process to design:
- Set design objectives
- Apply common sense
- Use designer discretion
We also explore the techniques he uses to differentiate his company, how to educate the homeowner and how to focus on bringing value through every step of the project.
Tune in onApple Podcasts,Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In his return to the Hardscape Growth show, Matt Hiner, Owner at Hiner Outdoor Living, takes us deeper into how he’s continuing to build a strong company culture by sharing his vision of a “Destination Company.”
We explore the roles of culture, leadership, environment, training, and brand in building a company that people love to work for. Matt also shares his game-changing approach to HR and what impact it has had on Hiner Outdoors.
More information about Matt and today’s topics:
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthiner/
- Company Website: https://hinerlandscapes.com/
- Matt is on Instagram at @the_yardist and @hineroutdoorliving
Tune in onApple Podcasts,Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Etienne “ET” Leger is the Founder of Paysagiste Leger Landscaptes one of the largest hardscape restoration businesses in Canada and has quadrupled the number of teams he employs and maintains a 40% net profit annually!
How does he do it, by placing a tremendous amount of focus and energy on his people.
Hiring is one of the biggest pain points in scaling a company and it can be difficult to know whether or not the person you hire will add value to your organization; but ET has found a way to introduce aspects to his culture that has earned him the trust and respect from all of his hires.
Etienne “ET” Leger, Founder and Business Owner of Paysagiste Leger Landscapes
- Join us as we discuss:
- Why hiring someone with little to no experience can be a good thing.
- Employee Referral programs.
- How to easily identify if someone is a good cultural fit
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In business since 1999, Bob Phillips, President of Phillips Contracting, is a long-time Techo-Pro and has attended our Showcase and Summit events for the past decade. He does so because he believes in the importance of learning and experiencing new ideas. It’s why he founded the Hardscape Contractors of America Facebook Group a few years ago.
He started the group looking for advice, ideas and inspiration specific to different paver borders and edges. Over time, it has become the place where over 14,000 professionals share their experiences with each other.
In this episode we talk about some of the things he’s learned from the group, as well as some of his most valuable lessons in running his own company for over 2 decades. Specifically, we spend time talking about equipment: renting vs buying and how to make that decision.
- Join us as we discuss:
- Why Facebook has been huge for Phillips Contracting
- Renting vs. buying equipment
- Charging for estimates
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Social media can be crucial for lead gathering—if you use it right. From time-lapse videos to before and after pictures, it all comes down to what brand you’re trying to build.
I invited Sean Collinsgru and Catherine Lippincott from Premier Outdoor Living, to give their take on social media strategies, narrowing down ideal clientele, and using content to grow their reach.
In this episode, we discuss:
- the type of content that works best
- how to create it
- how much time they invest on content vs how much someone just getting started should invest
- how their strategy impacts their ability to hire
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
When it comes to landscaping, you can’t understate the importance of planning. From dumpster availability to material orders, being prepared pays ten-fold.
To give their take on planning, working from a van, and staying organized as a small business, I invited Sean Collinsgru and Catherine Lippincott from Premier Outdoor Living, to sketch out their process for success.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What led to the decision to create a fully administrative role and hire an industry outsider
- Benefits of an outsider on the team
- Their customer intake and design initiation processes
- The importance of stopping the action to plan, to communicate, and to start growing the business intentionally
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
A picture is worth a thousand words…
That’s nice — but wouldn’t you prefer if it was a thousand leads?
Well, it can be… if you step up your social media game.
To help you do that, I invited social media maven Vanessa Angell, Owner at Social Media by Vanessa, to lay out a winning path to social success for hardscapers.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The importance of images on social in this industry
- How social media fits into — and ultimately shapes — the buyer's journey
- The importance of engagement (and more than 3 words)
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
How often do you speak with your team throughout the course of a project?
Sure, at the beginning of the day, everyone is on the same page…
But if you’re not checking in, gradually the plans can start to drift apart.
Today, I’m joined again by the team behind the Hardscaper Showcase Case Study Project: Tony Zambito, Brandon Taunton, Peter Wesholowski, and Tyler Walsh, who discuss the challenges and lessons that came with designing and building the feature-rich project that will be the focus of the 2022 Hardscaper Showcase and Summit events.
We get into why being involved in this project was so important, some of the design considerations and how they impacted the build.
We discuss:
- The difficulties that come with new tools and working in such a small space
- What the team would do differently if they had to do it again
- The importance of organization and communication to the success of any project
And be sure to register for these upcoming events here.
Why design a six-figure hardscape with all the bells and whistles?
It allows you to show what is possible — both for your customers and the industry.
And once you see it in all its glory, you can’t unsee it.
Today, I’m joined again by the team behind the Hardscaper Showcase Case Study Project: Tony Zambito, Brandon Taunton, Peter Wesholowski, and Tyler Walsh, who discuss what went into designing and building the feature-rich project that will be the focus of the 2022 Hardscaper Showcase and Summit events.
We get into why being involved in this project was so important, some of the design considerations and how they impacted the build.
We discuss:
- Why upsells can benefit you and your customer
- The difference between a Hardscape builder and a creator of experiences
- The feature-rich possibilities hiding within a tight, urban space
And be sure to register for these upcoming events here.
No matter how good you are in your field, you don’t know everything.
But that’s OK — it means there is always more to learn.
And one of the best ways is by getting together with others and teaching each other.
Today, I’m joined by the team behind the Hardscaper Showcase Case Study Project: Tony Zambito, Brandon Taunton, Peter Wesholowski, and Tyler Walsh, who are always excited to learn from others at Showcase — and certainly learned from one another taking on this challenging project.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why everyone can’t wait for the Hardscaper Showcase and Summit events
- The importance of building relationships with others in your field
- The design considerations that went into the project
And be sure to register for these upcoming events here.
If you want to be the first to know about educational events coming up in your area, sign up for Hardscaper News.
Kevin Moore is the VP and COO at Carroll Landscaping Inc. and is responsible for operations, sales and project management.
His belief is that leaders in all positions, be it owner, manager, project manager, foreman… exist to serve their teams. To facilitate their work.
Therefore, a project manager facilitates the execution of a project.
A big key to this? PROACTIVITY.
He believes this role should aim to never be putting out fires, never be reactive.
Over his 30+ year career in the industry, some basic actions have made his life easier. Relying on his well-worn clipboard, Kevin is an avid note-taker and list-maker.
In this episode, we asked this project management master how he stays ahead of the current challenges with material shortages. He answered the bell with some good, actionable tips from his own business.
Things we covered:
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Daily game plan prepared the night before
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Scheduled and consistent communication with teams
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Transparency and empathy when setting expectations
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Proactive approaches to purchasing materials
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Importance of a strong network
If you want to be the first to know about educational events coming up in your area, sign up for Hardscaper News.
Courtney Schild is the president of Dutch Barn Landscaping and Pools in New Lenox, IL. He acquired t he company in 2018 after founding his own landscape company a few years earlier. He joined us on the show to talk about how he’s addressed the two biggest issues plaguing the industry today: material and labor shortages.
For both, his solution has been simple. Be proactive.
We started the conversation with how he goes about stocking inventory to supply his projects. How that has helps his operations run smoothly and what implications inventory and inventory management have on his business. We looked at the steps he took to build a plan and how he executes it.
We ended the conversation talking about his approach to hiring, training and retaining people. He’s not afraid to get the best talent available, even if they don’t have industry experience, because he’s willing to invest time and resources into them. His belief: investing in them now will pay larger dividends later.
Referenced in this episode:
Investing time in training your teams with tools like Hardscaper.com
Becky Fidler (@beckyfidlerfitness on Instagram) joins me on the show to talk about her journey in the hardscape industry and the role that fitness and nutrition play in the continuation of her career.
Becky joined the hardscape industry in 2011 after deciding that desk jobs and low pay were not for her. She was seeking a career that would be more personally fulfilling and improve her ability to provide for her family.
It’s no secret that the industry is a male-dominated one. It’s also one where, historically, brute strength and prior experience were absolute pre-requisites for the job. That’s what makes Becky’s story so special.
In the beginning, she had never laid a paver and barely weighed more than some of the materials that she needed to handle. To say she wasn’t welcomed with open arms is an understatement.
Her first weeks on the job were physically and mentally demanding as she tried her best but would feel like she was letting the crew down because she wasn’t good enough. Her lowest point may have been when she couldn’t even get a wheelbarrow up the ramp into the dumper and would need to wait for someone to help out.
That’s when she doubled down. Committed to succeeding in the trade and being a valuable member of the team, she began to focus on physical fitness and nutrition.
While working, she earned an Associate’s Degree as a Physical Fitness Specialist and became a Certified Personal Trainer, all with the intentions of becoming a better laborer on site.
Today, Becky still finds herself on the job every day and helps with hiring and training of new team members.
We wrap up the interview with helpful tips for improved mobility and health through proper stretching and dietary supplements.
Chad Quenneville started Natural Design Landscapes in Cornwall, ON, ten years ago.
Early on, a lot of the company’s work was small and lacking in creativity. Gradually, Chad started taking design chances, which led to greater satisfaction in his work and improved profits for his company. By elevating his company’s project “standards” he was able to attract a more discerning clientele that was willing to hire him for his expertise and his creativity.
Another key lesson he learned in the process was to go the extra mile to make his clients happy. For example, he filled in the planting beds with quality topsoil, even if it wasn’t part of the original project scope or contract. Sometimes, those smaller details go a long way in building a reputation and earning quality testimonials and referrals, the latter being Chad’s only form of marketing.
In this episode, you’ll also hear about:
- Shaking off the starving artist mentality
- Doing cool stuff to gain referrals instead of advertising
- Balancing larger corporate jobs with smaller artistic jobs
- Building an amicable reputation among competitors
Chad’s million-dollar company has a phenomenal reputation and a strong relationship with their vendors, sub-contractors and other tradespeople. He may have grown his company backwards according to business wisdom, but his art speaks for itself.
Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:
- Natural Design Landscapes is a certified Techo-Pro
- Find photos of Chad’s work on Instagram
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
This recording is with our first returning guest on the show, Matt from Hardscape Ottawa. He was featured in our second episode released on Feb. 5.
The conversation revolves around a book by L. David Marquet, a retired U.S. Navy Captain, called “Turn the Ship Around!” based on a true story of turning followers into leaders.
Matt and I got on this topic as we have had many conversations over the years about building a better company through its people.
Through a few stories, Matt walks us through the leadership ladder and the 3 C’s (Confidence, Control and Competency), and provides some practical advice on how to instill these principles within a team.
Follow Matt @hardscapeottawa on Instagram or visit his website at www.hardscapeottawa.com.
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
Mike Arnold is the President of Creekside Outdoor Living, based in Crown Point, Indiana. They focus on being outdoor living design and build experts and they strive to show this through everything they do by emphasizing the details.
For example, the clients’ homes in the 3D renders have gutters, on the project every miter cut has to be perfectly symmetrical, the joint sand needs to be just below the paver’s chamfer… They focus on the details because, to them, the details matter.
This focus shows itself in their content marketing strategy, too. While lots of contractors have found success showing backyard transformations, or showcasing the design process, Mike has figured out a way to make his love of details be the message that helps define his company’s brand online.
The result? More leads of higher quality and prospects that value what Mike’s team loves doing most. You don’t need fancy metrics or KPIs to see that impact.
In this episode, we cover that and a few other topics including:
- The concept of expert positioning
- Overcoming fear and guilt in order to charge appropriately
- Acknowledging that a prospect, a client, a vendor, an employee or a stranger all have one thing in common, they’re all people, and they all want to feel the same things early in a relationship
There’s a moment in the show where Mike talked about how he was beginning to dread his sales process because it was all about hunting down his prospects and constantly following up and how now, because of an effective content strategy, he has more leads of better quality and doesn’t need to waste time following up with the wrong customers. He has shifted where he invested his time to drive better results for his company, without investing more time.
Referenced Links:
- Instagram handle: @creeksidenwi
- Website : https://creeksidenwi.com/
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
Concrete overlays: Fantastic business opportunity, but watch out for these mistakes!
This week’s episode takes a look at concrete overlays in common residential applications.
Overlaying an existing concrete structure like a front step or balcony is a great way to add value to a home. With such a huge variety of colors, textures, shapes and sizes, this type of hardscape project is one of the easiest facelifts a client can invest in!
While construction of this pavement system is relatively easy, there are some all too common pitfalls that we forget to watch out for.
This episode will break down a couple of those common mistakes and review the correct installation method to ensure success and happy customers.
In this episode:
- Forensic analysis of a real-life problem on a project
- Easy cleaning of organic stains
- The correct steps to follow for an overlay application
- How this system represents a good revenue growth opportunity for any hardscape company, regardless of size or experience.
Helpful links:
- Blu 45 overlay slabs https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/steps/blu-45-smooth/
- Venetian overlay caps and risers https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/steps/venetian-smooth/
- Pacific overlay slabs https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/slabs/pacific/
- Pacific overlay coping https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/caps/pacific-cap/
- Polymeric sand made for overlays https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/accessories/Flexlock-Ultra-Sand-G2-RAPID-Set-/
- Concrete Overlay Video Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfN3W8KvHTpqIMkgCX4k5DMLnfYJeIqh3
- Concrete Overlay Construction Demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-7hXG6mevQ&t=289s
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
Be patient. It’s one of those things that is much easier said than done, especially if you’re a hardscaper working on a blistering hot day. This is when even the little things get you: spilling coffee, looking for tools, orders arriving a few minutes late.
It’s so easy to forget about your progress and remind yourself to be patient, so today we’re dedicating this episode of Hardscape Growth to patience.
What we talked about:
- The build-up of all the little things that go wrong
- The value in breaking down our frustrations
- Trusting the process: DIY vs. patience and delegation
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
With Tussey Landscaping’s steady, healthy growth, it’s easy to see why they’ve retained such loyal employees and have now exceeded $4 million annually. They describe their success using a metaphorical model of a tree: the roots are the company & organizational structure; the trunk is the direction of the company; the branches are the vision; and the water is the transparency/team environment/leadership.
Steve Martin, Matt Martin, & Wes Zimmerman of Tussey Landscaping, join the show to discuss how steady organic growth has led to their success.
What we talked about:
- How Tussey Landscaping got its start
- Matt, Steve, & Wes’ roles in the company
- Delegation of responsibility & creating new roles
- The metaphorical tree of success
- Company event perspectives from owner & employee
- Budget strategies w/ growth
- The value of social media in regards to retention
Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:
- https://hardscaper.com
- https://www.tusseylandscaping.com/
- Tussey Landscaping on Instagram
To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to the Hardscape Growth Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.
How can a 3-man team pull off subbing for a company with 135 employees?
By working smarter, not harder.
And you do that by investing in the right equipment.
Our latest guest is Zak Key, a hardscape installer for his dad’s company, Key Landscape & Irrigation in Keene, NH.
What makes Key Landscape so special is their focus and dedication to mechanically-installed permeable pavements. In 2020, their 3-person crew installed over 65,000 square feet of residential and commercial permeable pavements. Some projects saw them lay over 35 pallets per day!
In this episode, we break down what equipment Zak’s crew uses and how to get the most out of it.
The labor challenge is VERY REAL and smart contractors continuously evaluate ways to improve efficiency and productivity. This can be achieved by changing installation methods, using different materials and favoring the use of specialized equipment. Key Landscape does all of the above.
We discuss:
- How Zak’s 3-man operation manages to perform the work of a much larger organization (without being tired all the time!)
- How to determine when and what equipment to invest in
- How courses and certifications have helped Zak along the way.
Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:
- Zak’s Instagram which has lots of great videos of this equipment in action
- Pave Tool Innovator’s Vacu-Mobile Allrounder (the main machine we talk about in the episode)
- How geogrid works in pavement to reduce base thickness
- Learn about the 3 different base types for paver installation
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
You need to stop setting pricing based on your competitors. Instead, you need to set costs based on overhead.
Because if you’re not job costing and constantly improving your budgeting and estimates…
It’s business suicide.
That’s one thing our latest guest, Wes Zimmerman (@synkedup on Instagram) Co-Creator of the SynkedUP app and Marketing Director at Tussey Landscaping, has learned over the years and he wants to help put a stop to it — even going so far as to create an app to tackle the problem. He joins the show to share the secrets of budgeting, estimating and job costing the right way.
What we talked about:
- The importance of proper budgeting, estimating and job costing
- How to establish a feedback loop of continuous improvement and accuracy in your bids
- The new course and free budgeting and pricing template at Hardscaper.com
Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:
- The new Budgeting, Estimating and Job Costing Course
- The SynkedUP app
- Tussey Landscaping YouTube Channel. It’s awesome.
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
Strong leadership within a company can never be overstated. Not only does it help shape performance and results, a leader influences one of the most important aspects of a company: culture.
Without a thriving culture, the company won’t retain all-star employees and they won’t be able to take the company to the next level.
Alex Cadieux, from Techo-Bloc, discusses leadership and culture while referencing two standout episodes with Jordan Daneker, from Evolve Design Build, and Matt Hiner, from Hiner Outdoors.
What was talked about:
- Reflection on Jordan Daneker’s Excerpt and Building the Right Team
- Reflection on Matt Hiner’s Excerpt and The 12 Core Values of Company Success
Check out the resources below for more information:
- Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action By Simon Sinek
- The Amazon Management System: The Ultimate Digital Business Engine That Creates Extraordinary Value for Both Customers and Shareholders By Ram Charan and Julia Yang
To hear more interviews like this one, subscribe to Hardscape Growth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.
Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_
The outdoor living world has seen an incredibly fortunate surge in demand that has been great for all hardscape professionals. In fact, the new American status symbol is a backyard that’s basically a fancy living room!
This episode of Hardscape Growth is all about helping you take that next step from a design build perspective to bring as much value as possible to your clients using Techo-Bloc’s Contractor Support Manual.
The Contractor Support Manual includes over 130 pages of plans, step-by-step instructions, and materials lists for a wide variety of fire pits, water features, kitchen islands, tables and benches.
If you’re looking to build these features into your 3D designs using popular tools, like Sketchup, the Designer’s Toolbox has all the CAD files, hatch patterns, texture files, and even pre-built 3D models at your fingertips.
Resources Mentioned on the Show:
- The Contractor Support Manual
- “The new American status symbol: A backyard that’s basically a fancy living room”
- Warming Trends Crossfire Burner Technology
- Techo-Bloc Fire Pits
- Example of Grill Island Construction
Learn more about how to access the Contractor Support Manual, what builds our outdoor living guides cover, and how the manual helps you build features as efficiently and profitably as possible by tuning in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In the hardscaping world, you have to be a student of the game so you're best positioned to make the right decisions.
The businesses that grow and continue to succeed year after year are the ones that are open to change and building relationships with those who can help them succeed.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Kyle Needham, owner of Needham Outdoor Solutions, about lessons he’s learned from being in the industry for 20+ years.
We also talked about:
- Hardscaping as a creative outlet.
- How designs and plans help the client, the contractor, and the crew.
- How to manage hardscaping and maintenance.
- How relationships with reps and local dealers make your business better.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Find Kyle on Instagram and Facebook.
Looking for Design Files and Hatch Patterns? Check out the Designer’s Toolbox
If you’ve been in the hardscaping game for a while, you’re probably familiar with the 5S lean management system: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain.
It can get a little tedious, but in many cases it’s critical to running an efficient business.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Stephane Poirier, Owner of Peartree Property Services , about the role the 5S s y stem plays in his development of best practices and standard operating procedures.
We also talked about:
- The use of mobile apps to improve communication in the field.
- Making sales calls and presentations more impactful and efficient.
- The importance of innovation.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Check out our video on tool trailer optimization.
Learn more about the Checklist App for Mobile Inspections and Field Reporting.
Ten years ago, hardscaping was a tough industry to get into.
But now anyone who has a knowledge of the trade and a passion for the work can perform in the industry.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Adam Santo, Owner of Lilley LLC, about coexisting with your competition, differentiating through personalized service, and doing what you love.
We also talked about:
- What led him to start his business at 23
- How design is a differentiator for his business
- Tackling fear and knowing your worth
- How to determine pricing
- His favorite hardscaping tools
Mentioned on the show:
Adam’s Instagram
Lilley LLC Website
Bartell Global
Techo-Bloc Sample Booklet Kit
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In a world where clients finance everything from their homes to their cars, even cell phones, payment options are no longer "nice to have;” they're expected.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Joey Brandone, Sales Manager Eastern Canada at Financeit, about how successful contractors leverage financing programs to improve the efficiency and impact of their marketing and sales efforts.
We also talked about:
- The biggest misconception about financing.
- How financing is an asset to your business.
- The right time to talk financing with your client.
- Why clients who have the means to pay upfront still choose financing.
Financeit is Techo-Bloc's Canadian lending partner for the Pave Now, Pay Later financing program. Learn more about how your company can take advantage of this fantastic program by visiting pavenowpaylater.com
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
In a world where clients finance everything from their homes to their cars, even cell phones, payment options are no longer "nice to have;” they're expected.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Andrew Clark Relationship Manager at EnerBank USA, about how successful contractors leverage financing programs to improve the efficiency and impact of their marketing and sales efforts.
We also talked about:
- The 6 steps to financing
- How to use financing to prequalify customers
- How easy it is to use Pave Now, Pay Later
- How to build fees into your pricing structure
EnerBank USA is Techo-Bloc’s American lending partner for the Pave Now, Pay Later financing program. Learn more about how your company can take advantage of this fantastic program by visiting pavenowpaylater.com
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Lights add an extra element to hardscaping.
They help create a beautiful, inviting, comfortable space.
And they’re easier to install than you might think.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Rob Redden, VP at in-lite Design Corporation, about using landscape lighting in your hardscape business to increase revenue.
We also talked about:
- What everyone gets wrong about lighting.
- Why some hardscapers shy away from lighting.
- How much a standard entry level light package costs.
- The best way to go about installing lighting for the first time.
Resources Discussed:
- Hardscaper Course https://hardscaper.com/courses/landscape-lighting/.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Connect with Robb on LinkedIn.
Learn more about landscape lighting through our online course
Outdoor living products and technology have evolved in the last few years.
They now allow homeowners to make their outdoor living spaces smarter, cleaner, more efficient, and better for the environment.
That new technology allows hardscapers to design fresh ideas to create spaces that customers love living in.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Matt Daly, Outdoor Living Design Consultant at Water & Earth Landscape Design, about how he found his niche in landscape design, and how he’s been able to partner with contractors to grow his design-only company.
We also talked about:
- Why 3D Design early in the sales cycle is overrated.
- Why you should tell clients what they DON’T want to hear.
- How Matt filters out bad leads.
- How easy, important, and impactful blogging is for your marketing performance.
- How to use technology like Zoom to increase productivity and expand your team intelligently.
Additional related resources:
- Techo-Bloc Designer’s Toolbox with updated hatches and textures for 2D and 3D designs
- Typeform.com is how Matt created his prequalification form for his website
Tune in to Hardscape Growth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or Instagram.
So much of professional success is dependent on personal growth.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Matt Hiner, Owner of Hiner Outdoor Living, about goal-setting, mindsets, empowerment, and leadership.
We also talked about:
- How he grew his social presence and sales using Instagram
- How he sets and enforces core values
- How he doubled his business by shifting his mindset
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or Instagram.
It’s proven time and time again that one of the easiest ways to add value to your projects and your company is to include fire features.
Plus, fire features are in high demand; they’re the number one outdoor living aspect that people search for online.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Art Kunkle, VP of Sales at Warming Trends, about fire features in the outdoor industry and how they can benefit your hardscaping business.
We also talked about:
- How to show customers fire feature ROI.
- How to install a fire feature and challenges to consider.
- How to gauge the volume of fuel for a fire feature.
- How to know what vents and ignition to use.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Connect with Art on LinkedIn or email.
Learn more at Techo Bloc’s educational site or in our support manual.
We’re being joined by Tony Zambito, Owner at Zamco Group, to drill down into how hardscape companies can add more value for customers and ultimately improve their bottom line.
In our discussion we:
- Bust through myths about competitive pricing and differentiation
- Encourage you to think beyond the product, to a package- or experience-oriented value proposition
- Link years of field experience with sensible design approach
- Highlight the value and importance of a strong professional network
- Focus on the role that your physical office space can play in your customer experience strategy
Resources we mention include:
- Zamco Group website
- Zamco Group Instagram Profile
- Hardscaper.com website
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
People are your most valuable resource.
When your people understand, believe, and support that, your company will only see greater success.
Building an environment that empowers and encourages your people to do their best work…that’s where the magic happens.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Jordan Daneker, Co-Owner of Evolve Design Build LLC, about the role company culture plays in your company’s success.
We also talked about:
- How leadership requires honesty and vulnerability.
- The importance of building a strong team.
- Your brand and the role it plays in your productivity.
- How to create a healthy working relationship with your team.
Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Connect with Jordan on Instagram or email.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
In this industry, attracting and retaining staff can be competitive. One way to attract good people to your company and keep them is to make safety a top priority.
In today’s episode, we’re tapping into 30+ years of industry experience as Mike Pennington, the founder of Paver King Enterprises, joins the podcast to talk about how focusing on safety shows your people you care and ultimately improves your business.
What we talked about:
- How the industry has gotten safer over the years
- Improving productivity and employee retention by focusing on safety
- Making funding safety initiatives a priority
Some resources we mentioned during the podcast:
- Follow Mike on Instagram
- Paver King Website
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
As we think back on 2020 and get into the thick of 2021, one theme that comes up again and again is that of efficiency.
If we want to capitalize on demand, we have to get as many projects done as profitably as possible. We need to have a plan for increased productivity.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Josh Bahler, Operations Manager at Bahler Brothers Construction, about his strategies and tactics for a more efficient workforce.
We also talked about:
- His bonus program and why it works.
- Software he uses for management.
- How he determines what tasks to prioritize.
- How he implements new techniques and tools.
- How he makes efficiency and productivity a focal point.
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
Think you can’t charge a premium for your work? Think again.
In this episode, we sat down with Richard Carroll, owner of RC Outdoor, to discuss how finding your niche and creating unique designs can attract new customers, intimidate competitors, and bring elevated value to your work.
Some topics we covered:
- Creating a niche that allows him to charge a premium and do fewer jobs a year
- Creating and selling designs so ambitious that few competitors are willing to undertake them
- How circles set his designs apart and how he developed that style
- Why confidently charging what you’re worth helps you and the industry
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
You can’t accomplish anything worthwhile without taking risks. In this world, it’s the innovators and the risk-takers who come out on top.
After only two years in business, Alex Mewshaw and Daniel Hoff, from Oasis Landscape Group, have accomplished more than many who have been in the game for far longer. In this episode, they stop by to share some things they’ve learned about growing and scaling a company and pushing past their comfort zone.
What we talked about:
- Taking the risk of investing in shiny new equipment
- How a polished brand attracts potential clients AND top talent
- Why free consultations are bogus
- Taking the leap and tackling something you’ve never done
- How joining private Facebook groups helps your business grow
Check out:
- Oasis Landscape Group on Instagram
- Alex’s YouTube channel
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
It’s important to focus your energy on the tasks that you’re good at and delegate tasks that aren’t your strength to other team members.
And that goes for your marketing needs too.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Marc Levesque, founder of Webrunner Media, a digital marketing firm focused on lead generation for home renovation contractors, to discuss lead generation basics and the mindset behind setting a strong marketing budget for your business.
We also talked about:
- Common misconceptions about marketing.
- Marketing tactics people need to stop using.
- What messaging to use to get more leads.
- What to put on your landing page to get greater conversions.
- How to know when to outsource your marketing.
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.
YouTube & LinkedIn & TikTok, oh my!
Today, there are so many different ways to promote your business online. For Sean Collinsgru, he focused on being creative with his videos, marketing and patios. Since then they have paid unbelievable dividends and are not only streams of revenue, but a consistent stream of organic, qualified leads.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Sean Collinsgru, owner and operator of Premier Outdoor Living. We covered:
- Having a relentless pursuit of your vision when starting a business
- Why turning down projects that weren’t his style was one of the best decisions
- Selling jobs on unconventional platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Word of mouth marketing sucks.
That doesn’t mean that you should stop telling your friends about companies that you know and love, but it does mean that the business isn’t in charge of the narrative. They have no control over the image that they’re putting into the world when they ONLY rely on word of mouth marketing.
Instead of relying on word of mouth marketing, hardscapers need to be all in on platforms like Instagram. But how do you use Instagram effectively? How do you make sure that you’re posting the right things, in the right way, at the right time?
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Matthew May Hall. Matthew is the owner and operator of Hardscape Ottawa, and our conversation was all about:
- How to use instagram hashtags effectively to reach maximum local exposure
- Why relying on word of mouth marketing is a huge mistake
- How Matthew’s company pivoted to Zoom in a big way for home design consultations
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
It can be too easy to write off landscaping and hardscaping as just a “service.” Something where a crew comes in, digs some holes, plants some bushes and lays some stones, and then leaves.
But the outdoor space isn’t what it used to be. People are spending more and more time at home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as such are investing more and more into their outdoor living spaces. And when you’re tasked with something as grand as that, you spend a lot of time on the design of the space.
And make no mistake about it, the design of an outdoor space is art.
On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Dan Wasson. Dan is the owner and a landscape designer at Wasson Nursery. He and I spent this episode talking all about:
- Why landscape and hardscape design is art and should be treated as such
- Using Instagram as a way to highlight and showcase your work
- Why he prefers using 2-man teams for his projects, even the larger ones
- How his business finally started charging customers for the design process
- So much more
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.
Welcome to the first ever episode of Hardscape Growth. If you’re looking for a podcast dedicated to the people that make the hardscape industry great, this is the show for you. Every episode we’ll be talking to some of the business leaders who are making waves in the hardscape industry.
People who are thinking outside the box. Leveraging Instagram to be the sole source of leads for their business, or figuring out how to design projects so that you’re minimizing man hours and saving the customer money. It’s all about who is doing the cool things that are different from what everyone else is doing.
If you have an idea for a guest, or have a burning question that you’d love for our host, Alex, to answer, reach out to podcast@hardscaper.com.
Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.