We kick off the second season of Growing in the Green Industry with guest Britt Wood, CEO of the National Association of Landscape Professionals. The hosts and Britt cover a lot of ground, including NALP’s role in supporting the landscape and lawn care industry and how young professionals can continue to engage with the association and with each other. Britt also shares some not to be missed professional advice, including techniques and tips for navigating your career, building trust from your t...
May 26, 2021•58 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Mark Chisholm, certified arborist, climbing champion, sought-after consultant, and industry spokesperson. The hosts and Mark chat all things arboriculture, including business evolution and service lines; how company culture, values and safety are uniquely intertwined; and why we all must continue to educate ourselves and each other. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include Software, Neal Glatt, Managing Part...
May 19, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome licensed landscape contractor, author and TV personality, Sara Bendrick. The host of “ I Hate My Yard ” shares her personal career path and how a passion for residential design led to opportunities in media and beyond. The group also talks best practices for business, including how to create and maintain a healthy and successful social media presence, and the importance of setting clear and realistic expectations for clients. This epis...
May 12, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Michele Posehn, Senior Manager of Diversity Initiatives and University Relations at SiteOne Landscape Supply. Michele and the hosts talk company culture and methods to encourage connections, how to work together to bring about change and attract diverse populations to our industry, how an intentional focus on inclusion should be essential for every business, and much more. This episode is hosted by Macey Wollenberg, Branch Manager at L...
May 05, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts provide personal and professional updates on the Spring season, and touch on several notable topics, including: having honest conversations with clients and setting expectations, taking time to recognize and support employees, focusing on operational systems and efficiency, and how to identify pain points and find comprehensive solutions. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, System Archi...
Apr 28, 2021•47 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Josh Flynn, CEO of Seabreeze Property Services, a full-service landscape contractor based in Portland, ME. Discussion topics include Seabreeze’s tech-first approach to empowering employees and providing them with the tools needed to operate efficiently, how investment in employees pays off, and the steps all companies should be taking now to prepare for the future. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include So...
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Monique Allen, Founder & Creative Director of The Garden Continuum. Monique shares her distinct business model, with a focus on “Life-Scaping” and sustainable landscape practices for residential and commercial properties. The group also discusses the importance of true evaluation and evolution as you build your business, and best practices for engaging your team and cultivating passion for the work they do. This episode is hosted b...
Apr 14, 2021•55 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Brandon Sheppard, Weed Man Multiunit Franchise Owner and Sub Franchisor, and Lisa Stryker, NALP VP of Communications and Marketing. As we kick-off National Lawn Care Month (NLCM), the hosts and guests discuss the history and importance of NLCM, the current focus on how healthy lawns fight climate change, and the benefits that lawn care and landscaping companies get when they help educate the end user, along with the tools NALP has avai...
Apr 07, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Matthew Ross, Director of Continuing Education at Longwood Gardens. The hosts get back to their horticultural roots, as Matthew talks about the history of public gardens, the importance of connecting people to the natural environment, and the horticultural and educational opportunities Longwood Gardens provides for the public. Matthew provides a unique perspective, as a horticulturist, educator, and photographer, and as someone who is ...
Mar 31, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts are live from the 45th Annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition, where 600 students, 97 faculty members, and 347 industry professionals have gathered to learn, compete, and network. Discussion topics include charting your career path (and how it will change and evolve over time) and best practices for networking, interviewing, and follow up. The hosts also share personal interviewing, internship, and onboarding experiences and w...
Mar 24, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Roger Phelps, Corporate Communications Manager from STIHL Inc. During this engaging discussion, Roger shares highlights from his career, including oversight of STIHL’s social media rollout and the popular STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series, and the importance of leaning into opportunity. The group also touches on STIHL’s commitment to supporting young people and future generations of lawn and landscape professionals. This episode is hosted by ...
Mar 17, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Palmer Higgins, CEO of Mainely Grass, a New England lawn care company. During this session, Palmer and the hosts take a deep dive into the importance of a consistent, comprehensive, and accountable training program, and how a focus on education helps elevate both your employees and your entire business. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include Software, Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, and Luke ...
Mar 10, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Seth Kehne, President of Lawn Butler, a maintenance and design-build firm in Knoxville, TN. Discussion topics include: the importance of focusing on your team (which also leads to a better experience for your clients), the value of timely, honest and thorough communication, and the future and evolution of the landscape and lawn care industry. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include Software, Brett Lemcke, V...
Mar 03, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts dive deep and get real about finding balance in your life. Discussion points include: what does a healthy balance look like for you; work/life balance, especially in the time of covid-19; different types of balance (ie. mental, physical, emotional, spiritual); how balance changes over time; and more. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench and Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include Software.
Feb 24, 2021•55 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Jason Becker, Marketing Manager with Caterpillar, Inc. Jason shares a unique perspective, both as a vendor supporting the landscape and lawn care industry, and as a longtime participant in NALP volunteer leadership, including several years as an NALP Board member. The group also stresses the importance and benefits of professional networking and relationships, and how their own experiences have impacted and helped grow their careers. T...
Feb 17, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Ashly Neneman, General Manager of Sun Valley Landscaping in Omaha, NE. Discussion topics include Ashly’s career path (including a move from another industry), lessons learned in her role as general manager, the importance of strong and continuous employee development, and correlating meaningful, purpose-driven work while making a profit. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Brett Lemcke, VP of R.M. La...
Feb 10, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Mick Mulhall, president of Mulhall’s, an Omaha, Nebraska-based family of green industry businesses. Mick shares a brief history of the business and thoughts around finding his place and passion, as well as the organization’s continued focus on plentiful and meaningful community engagement. The group also discusses the importance of focusing on the whole employee, not just the parts you need or encounter in the workplace, and how being ...
Feb 03, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Andrew Bray, Vice President of Government Relations at NALP. During this engaging episode, Andrew reviews NALP’s legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state level, including the process through which NALP navigated and supported the industry’s COVID-19 response. Andrew also offers insight regarding the new administration and the expected impact on the lawn and landscape industry. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt...
Jan 27, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Andrew Ziehler, owner and CEO of Ziehler Lawn and Tree Care located in Centerville, Ohio. Andrew, the immediate Past-President of the NALP Board of Directors, discusses his unique year of leading the association, including navigating the pandemic, and touches on company growth and evolution, the customer experience, and the benefits of volunteer leadership and association engagement. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partn...
Jan 20, 2021•54 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Leigh McGonagle, owner of Poplar Point Studio, a small boutique fine gardening company in upstate NY. Discussion topics include: the importance and impact of professional mentoring relationships, creating a niche business and the definition of success, and how recognizing and learning from your mistakes helps drive growth. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include...
Jan 13, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Matt Gramer, president of NatureWorks Landscape Services, a high-end residential landscape firm serving suburban Boston. An early adopter of autonomous mowers, Matt provides an overview of his organization’s robotic mower rollout, modifications made to their sales process and customer service experience, and details the benefits and challenges of embracing technology. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBen...
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 33
On this last day of 2020, our hosts reflect on the past year, talk resolutions and goals for the new year, and share what they are most looking forward to in 2021. A big thank you to our listeners! We’re grateful for your support and excited about continuing this journey together in the new year. We'll be back next week with a brand-new episode. Happy New Year!
Dec 30, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Happy Holidays from the Growing in the Green Podcast! Whether you’re continuing long-standing traditions or creating new ones (because….you know…2020), we hope you can enjoy some time with those you love this holiday season.
Dec 23, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Kirk Armstrong from Armstrong Sales Coaching. Kirk provides an overview of the concierge selling method, discusses the importance of clear communication and expectations, and encourages those in a sales capacity, or with aspirations to be in a sales role, to blaze their own trail. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include Software, Macey Wollenberg, Account Manage...
Dec 16, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include Software. You may recognize Miles as one of our hosts; today he removes that hat and joins us as guest. Discussion topics include defining KPI, reviewing categories and types of metrics, and thoughts around utilization within a business. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Brett Lemcke, VP of R.M. Landscape, and Luke Melograno, Production Coordinator at Mari...
Dec 09, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome guest James Warner, co-owner of Odd Job Larry, a handyman and remodeling business in Kenosha, WI. Topics discussed include the value of consistent training and professional development, the process of ownership transition within a business, and the key to developing strong and healthy relationships within an organization. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include ...
Dec 02, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 28
From our families to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Our celebrations may look a little (or a lot) different this year, but the focus on giving thanks remains. We have a new group of folks to be thankful for this year - our listeners. Thank you! Perhaps you'll find the chance over the holiday to 'carve' out a little time to listen to episodes you may have missed. We'll be back next week with a brand-new episode.
Nov 25, 2020•6 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome guest Neil Bales, President and COO of LandPatterns, a landscape architectural firm in Dallas, TX. Topics discussed include how to be an intentional leader, the importance of mentorship, and how faith has shaped and supported Neil's personal journey in the landscape industry. Our guest also shares thoughts on his recent recognition as NALP Young Entrepreneur of the Year. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowThe...
Nov 18, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In the 25th episode of the Growing in the Green Industry Podcast, hosts Miles Kuperus III, system architect at Include Software, Neal Glatt, managing partner of GrowTheBench, Luke Melograno, production coordinator at Mariani Landscape and Brett Lemcke, VP of R.M. Landscape reflect back on the first 24 episodes, including favorite topics, individual takeaways and lessons learned, and personal and professionals changes since the podcast launch.
Nov 11, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Warren Gorowitz, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hunter Industries, discusses how every business can engage with a sustainable approach. Topics discussed include what corporate social responsibility encompasses, the simple steps every business can take to get started being a better corporate citizen, and how sustainability has changed from purely environmentalism. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of ...
Nov 04, 2020•57 min
