In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Jason Craven, President & CEO of Southern Botanical and Dylan Richmond, Business Development, Commercial with Southern Botanical. During this podcast, Jason and Dylan share the importance of mastering the basics of customer service. They discuss recruiting the right people, finding the right mentor and how to encourage your team members to build confidence in themselves to grow in their roles. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperu...
Feb 15, 2023•56 min•Season 3Ep. 37
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Kristin Pontarelli, COO of Proscape Landcape Management Corp. Kristin was a Spanish teacher for over 25 years when she decided to start working for her husband’s company. During this episode, she shares her perspective on how having a Spanish speaker on staff in a management role has helped to bridge some of the gaps between staff members through her translating. She touches on cultural differences and how that factors into translation...
Feb 08, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 36
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Beth Berry, Vice President of Turf and Ornamental Sales with Advanced Turf Solutions. Beth is a seasoned green industry executive with more than two decades of experience leading marketing, sales, business development, partner integration and customer support teams. During this podcast, she shares her perspective on how to embrace technology in an industry that is slow to adapt to change. Beth touches on the importance of networking, t...
Feb 01, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 35
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts talk about mapping your your customer journey. They discuss being an effective communicator and making the market more aware of who you are as well as knowing what to go after and being very specific. They touch on selling on value and always having a “plan B.” This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape and Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: ht...
Jan 25, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 34
In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, Drew Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group with Rancho Mesa and Greg Garcia, Account Executive with Rancho Mesa discuss the importance of talking to your team and building awareness about safety. They share tips of starting your own company and implementing a safety plan and different strategies on how to be proactive when it comes to safety in the workplace. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape and Macey Robins...
Jan 18, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 33
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts talk about recharging in the new year and starting off the new year on the right foot. They touch on goal setting, always looking ahead and delivering value. They also talk about failure and why we fail. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape and Macey Robinson with LandCare. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals...
Jan 11, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 32
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...
Jan 04, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 32
In this special episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we want to wish you and your families a Happy Holidays! This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Softwareand Neal Glatt at GrowTheBench, Luke Melograno with Mariani Landscape and Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals
Dec 28, 2022•20 min•Season 3Ep. 31
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guests Vanessa McQuade, Senior Account Executive and Owner and Rob Murray, CEO and Co-owner of Intrigue Media discuss the bigger picture with sales and marketing. They talk about digital marketing and making the communication shift from company centric, and solution oriented to customer centric, and program oriented with their content. They also talk about the steps to help contractors get past pushing marketing off year after year as well as...
Dec 21, 2022•55 min•Season 3Ep. 29
In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Brian McNichol, Sales and Operations Manager with Snow and Ice Management. During this podcast, Brian shares his best practices and how to properly prepare for the snow season and why it’s important to have a 12-month plan. He also touches on how to manage the risks with the risk being so great for the snow industry. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke, VP at R.M. Landscape, Miles Kuperus, Systems Architect at Include Softwar...
Dec 14, 2022•46 min•Season 3Ep. 28
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Jennifer Burnett, EVP of Organizational Development at LandCare discusses attracting and engaging talent and how it looked many years ago compared to how it is today. She also talks about attracting talent from other industries. Jennifer tells her story about exploring new opportunities and challenging and investing in yourself to achieve your goals. She also touches on family life and how she handles work/life balance. This episode is ...
Dec 07, 2022•54 min•Season 3Ep. 27
In this replay 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 Robinson at LandCare, Ne...
Nov 30, 2022•57 min•Season 3Ep. 26
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts wanted to wish all our listeners a very Happy Thanksgiving! This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus, Macey Robinson with LandCare and Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals
Nov 23, 2022•22 min•Season 3Ep. 25
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Steve Mulvany, President and founder of Management Tools Inc., which works on a long-term basis with companies throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia implementing strategies to improve management and service quality practices, impacting company performance and customers’ perceptions. With Steve’s guidance and input, the group breaks down the key components of long range planning, discusses the difference between strategic ...
Nov 16, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 24
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Phill Sexton, Founder and Managing Partner of WIT Advisors, gives his advice on late season sales requests for the upcoming snow season when it comes to supply chain and workforce issues. He also touches on the renewal process and the opportunities of planning ahead. Phill talks about the importance of looking at the opportunity costs instead of always looking at the topline revenue. He also talks about strategies to prepare yourself fo...
Nov 09, 2022•50 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Zech Strauser of Strauser's Nature's Helpers, discusses sustainability and environmental consciousness in landscape maintenance. Topics covered include the importance of balance, vision casting, the value of intrapreneurship, and leaving a legacy. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus at Include Software, and Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape. For more information, please visit http://strausernature.com...
Nov 02, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 22
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Elizabeth Bonadonna, President of Busy Beaver Lawn and Garden. Elizabeth talks about embracing technology and the efficiencies and connections. She talks about making sure that your employees are comfortable with technology and being able to provide and receive feedback. She touches on having the right people in place to push it out and having accountability. Elizabeth also talks about diversifying your business and staying ahead of th...
Oct 26, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Jenny Girard, Area Manager at R.M. Landscape. Jenny’s description of her unique career path, which includes stops at Longwood Gardens and Busch Gardens Tampa, includes details of some amazing live plant displays (a 12 ft orangutan?!) and lessons in going for what you want and living your passion. The hosts and Jenny also talk company culture and ties to strategic planning, mentorship, and volunteerism. This episode is hosted by ...
Oct 19, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Trista Imrich, Owner of Wild Works of Whimsey. Trista discusses water conservation and the environmental effect. She talks about opportunities available to be environmentally aware within the green industry and touches on some guidelines and best practices for landscapers when thinking about drainage and things to be aware of when considering plantings. Trista also talks about tips to convince your clients to understand that overtime b...
Oct 11, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Mike Bogan of LandCare discusses how culture, purpose, and core values drive success. Topics covered include how to manage organizational change through pilot testing, discovering the what really motivates employees, and key steps needed for solid market expansion. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape, and Luke Melograno at Mariani Landscape.
Oct 05, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 20
This episode of Growing in the Green Industry is presented by the Women in Landscape Network and hosted by Beth Berry with Advanced Turf Solutions, Becca Presley with Senske and Gail Reinhart with Five Season Landscape Management. In this episode they discuss how to get more women involved in the industry. They also discuss some of the challenges that women go through in a male dominated industry – from clothing to equipment. They touch on where to seek more female candidates and the different o...
Sep 28, 2022•53 min•Season 3Ep. 19
In this replay 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 at Include Software, Nea...
Sep 21, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 18
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Robyn Schmitz, CEO of High Prairie Landscape Group. Robyn talks about assessing the customer journey as well as the employee journey. She discusses what the touchpoints are, filling the gaps to provide better value to the customer, making the hand-off effective and the importance of having clear communication. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape and Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench.
Sep 14, 2022•51 min•Season 3Ep. 17
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 of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus ...
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 16
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Sean Monahan, pre-construction/estimating division with RP Marzilli. Sean talks about establishing the estimating process and the uniqueness of every job. He says communication is key and talks about the mistakes and learning from them. He also discusses building relationships and building growth within the company. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape and Macey Robinson with LandCare.
Aug 31, 2022•50 min•Season 3Ep. 15
In this replay 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 of GrowTheBench, Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape, and Ma...
Aug 24, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 14
This episode of Growing in the Green Industry is presented by the Women in Landscape Network and hosted by Pam Dooley with Plants Creative and Claire Goldman with R&R Landscaping. In this episode they discuss burnout and finding ways to cope with the emotional and physical aspects of having burnout and trying to be more intentional. They talk about sharing your voice and they touch on impostor syndrome as well as the exciting new conference ELEVATE – an event you won’t want to miss!
Aug 17, 2022•46 min•Season 3Ep. 13
In this replay 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 at Include Software, Brett Lemcke of R.M. Lands...
Aug 10, 2022•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 12
In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Tommy Lather, Founder of Takeoff Monkey. Tommy talks about the process of estimating – the importance of documenting and having a process and who is the right person to do the estimating. Tommy talks about best practices, efficiencies and how to manage with the client as well as what is the draw to having someone who just focuses on estimating. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape, Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench and M...
Aug 03, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 11
This episode of Growing in the Green Industry is presented by the Women in Landscape Network and hosted by Jenny Girard with RM Landscape and Stephanie Leveling with the Integra Group. In this episode they discuss mentorships. Stephanie and Jenny talk about their experiences as a mentor and mentee as well as why to be a mentor, where to look to find the right mentors and choosing the right mentor for you. They talk about the importance of finding the right person and building that trust and rela...
Jul 27, 2022•49 min•Season 3Ep. 10
