In this episode, I sit down with Aaron from Emerson Lawn & Landscape on a sunny spring morning outside Philly to talk about the not-so-glamorous side of leadership. We dive deep into what it actually looks like to transition from being the technician who does it all… to becoming the kind of leader who builds people, systems, and culture. Aaron gets real about almost losing the business, the mindset shifts that turned it around, and how leadership is less about control and more about letting ...
Jun 23, 2025•57 min
I sit down with Ken Brown of Liberty Outdoor Landscapes this week - an owner/operator with a big goal: hit $1 million in revenue before age 30. Ken's not there yet, but he’s well on his way by making smart moves most contractors overlook: implementing a Profit First-style banking system, tracking every job like it matters, and using tech to win back his time. From mowing seven days a week to designing custom outdoor projects, Ken shares the mindset shifts and systems that are helping him grow wi...
Jun 09, 2025•33 min
On this podcast I sit down with Nick Pandolfi of Pandolfi Landscape Construction to talk about what it really takes to grow a business that lasts. From installing plunge pools to letting go of control, Nick opens up about the hard-earned lessons that freed up his time, protected his profit, and gave him back his family life. If you’ve ever wrestled with doing it all yourself, this episodes for you. Give them a follow: @pandolfilandscapeconstruction If you're interested in learning more about Syn...
May 26, 2025•42 min
This one hits deep. In today’s episode, I sat down with Robert from Stone Craft Design & Build to unpack what it really takes to scale a construction business. From nearly burning out and losing hundreds of thousands to regaining control, building a team culture that people would yearn to be part of, and finally running a profitable, sustainable business. We talk budgets, mindset shifts, what got him into SynkedUP, and how clarity around his numbers saved his business. This isn’t a story abo...
May 12, 2025•35 min
This week I sit down with Marco from Annabelle Landscapes, a loyal customer and a guy who’s been through the real trenches of building a business. He tells the story of landing his first big patio job, an $80K project that sounded like a dream at first… until the stress, snow, and not knowing his numbers nearly broke him. That job almost convinced him to walk away from hardscaping entirely. Not because the work was bad - but because his mindset was the real limit. We talk through that shift. Fro...
Apr 28, 2025•36 min
AJ Wanders from Monolith Artscapes shares what it really looked like to go from self-doubt to confidence in the early days of running his business. As a two-man crew, AJ talks about why he chose to invest in SynkedUP right out of the gate, and how that decision helped him win back his evenings, quote jobs faster, and make decisions with clarity instead of guesswork. He opens up about leaving the comfort of a steady paycheck, navigating mindset struggles, and how knowing his numbers gave him the ...
Apr 14, 2025•31 min
In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow pond builder Joey Genovese from Genoscape Inc. They’re a full-service landscape construction company specializing in water features. Joey’s been in the game over two decades, evolving from general landscaping to becoming one of the most respected water feature specialists in the industry. We dig into everything, from slogging through mud at early Aquascape builds to installing 100-ton boulders in Southern Africa. We talk about surviv...
Mar 31, 2025•39 min
On this special episode of The Cost of Doing Business, I sit down with longtime friend and mentor Greg Wittstock, CEO and Founder of Aquascape. We dive deep into the real, messy journey of transforming a hobby into a thriving business, creating a company culture that lasts, and empowering a team strong enough to run the show without you. "If you're working IN the business, you have a job. If you're working ON the business, you have a company." Greg’s straightforward advice years ago was the cata...
Mar 17, 2025•32 min
I’m at the HNA Expo in Louisville, recording live with Joel De La Paz from Nuñes Outdoor Living, a family-run landscaping business in northern Michigan. Recording podcasts at tradeshows like this—where we get to sit down with our customers, hear their stories, and learn from their experiences—is one of the most fulfilling parts of what we do. Joel gets real about the biggest challenges they’ve faced—figuring out their financials, keeping cash flow steady in the off-season, and navigating the dyn...
Mar 03, 2025•15 min
In this episode, I sit down with Alex Fransen, the owner of Derby City Pools & Outdoor Living in Louisville, Kentucky. As a contractor in the pool and landscaping industry for the past 28 years, Alex has some serious stories to share about the challenges of scaling his business. Alex opens up about the tough transition his company went through—shifting from a maintenance-focused operation to one centered on construction. He calls it a "monster" that his smaller maintenance side just couldn't...
Feb 17, 2025•30 min
In this episode we sit down with Leo Diez, the owner of Volunteer State Landscapes, from Tennessee. Leo took a chance on himself, previously working as an Irrigation Technician he decided he wanted to pursue a landscaping business and took the plunge. Leo shares his inspiring story of overcoming the fear of starting his own company and the challenges of running a successful landscaping business. We drop some serious truth bombs about the importance of shifting your mindset from blaming everythin...
Feb 03, 2025•34 min
This week we’re in Bend, Oregon with our friend and customer Kyle from @pacificpinelandscape. We dive into the challenges of building a strong team as a small business owner. Kyle and I discuss the importance of assuming the best intentions when employees make mistakes, rather than taking a blaming approach. This advice was applied in my own life during my Tussey Landscaping days from lessons I learned reading a book called “Extreme Ownership” - where the idea of having to take responsibility f...
Jan 20, 2025•32 min
I'm with Rob Picone from Picone Landscaping in New York, having a great discussion on balancing the pressure between growing a business and not letting life blow by and missing the moments that matter. We also discussed their journey of onboarding SynkedUP into their business, and how important discipline is in any process in your business. It's always easier to keep on doing what you've always done, it takes discipline to grow and improve. Give Rob and his wife Lisa a follow on Instagram (@pico...
Jan 06, 2025•42 min
This week I sit down with Joel Lattimer, a Christian entrepreneur who has built a thriving outdoor living and water features business with his brother. As the co-founder of Lattimer Outdoor Living and Waterscapes, Joel seamlessly integrates his faith-based values with his passion for exceptional craftsmanship. This commitment to doing business with integrity has earned Lattimer Outdoor Living a reputation for quality work and exceptional customer service. When not overseeing design-build project...
Dec 23, 2024•38 min
Bio: Christopher Castano started his landscaping business when he was 15, trimming bushes and spreading mulch on his lunch breaks. Fast forward, and he’s now running a thriving design-build company crafting high-end outdoor spaces with his team in North Carolina. In this episode, we dive into how Christopher went from figuring it out on the fly to tackling half-million-dollar projects, training a solid crew, and creating a business that’s all about quality, trust, and timeless designs. Christoph...
Dec 09, 2024•39 min
This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Laughter, the owner of Laughter Family Hardscapes in Asheville, North Carolina. Justin’s built a thriving hardscape design and construction business by staying laser-focused on delivering real value to his clients, rather than just building what they want. Justin shares his design-first approach ensuring his clients get outdoor living spaces that truly meet their needs and lifestyle, not just the latest trends. Justin's journey...
Nov 25, 2024•49 min
I sat down with Chris Morales, the founder of Morales Outdoor Living, to uncover the hard-won lessons and successes of his entrepreneurial journey. From humble beginnings with a two-door truck and an $800 trailer, to tackling a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas-themed hotel project, Chris shares his story of passion, perseverance, and the power of building a dedicated team. As a fellow green industry veteran, I was inspired by Chris's commitment to quality, his investment in company culture, and the ...
Nov 11, 2024•51 min
Today I'm with Jason Gwaltney of Gwaltney Landscaping in North Carolina. We had a fantastic discussion on his business journey, and how he decided to leave his job and strike out on his own. .... And all the challenges that come with that. Second guessing yourself on pricing, hustling to pay the bills, getting dependable help, on and on. Give Jason a follow on Instagram! He's building some awesome water features! Instagram (@gwaltneylandscaping_llc) Home | Gwaltney Landscaping If you're interest...
Oct 28, 2024•49 min
In this episode of The Cost of Doing Business , we sit down with Mike Schellhaas, owner of Schellhaas Landscape Construction, to unpack what it really takes to grow a hardscaping business without bleeding profits. Mike shares his journey from pen-and-paper estimates to leveraging technology, the hard lessons along the way, and why knowing your numbers is critical for your success. If you’ve ever wondered how to break out of the “ more work, same profit ” trap, this one’s for you! @schellhaasland...
Oct 14, 2024•46 min
This week, we sit down with Kevin Trobaugh, a landscape entrepreneur, to talk about his journey from solo operator to building a thriving, scalable business. We dive into the challenges he faced, like balancing job site demands with networking opportunities, and how he shifted his mindset to focus on empowering his team rather than just chasing top-line growth. Kevin shares the best advice he’s received, like knowing when to stop doing low-value tasks and instead invest in the right people. If y...
Sep 30, 2024•50 min
Kent Muir from Good 2 Great Landscape in Pittsburgh PA, was working as an employee in a landscaping company, and ended up buying it and taking it over. Listen to his story as he took it over and grew it into a great organization, even working for some famous sports celebrities in the Pittsburgh area! Give him and his team a follow: Instagram (@good2great.landscape) Good 2 Great Landscape If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out: SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management ...
Sep 16, 2024•41 min
Mark Todd's story is an interesting one. Listen to his journey with his business, Todd Quality, and how his model and services evolved over time. He went from 9 employees to 3 along the way, and we dig into the pros and cons with his experience on that change. Mark has significantly increased his net profit by using SynkedUP in his business, and he shares how it did that for him. Give Mark a follow and check out his awesome machines! Instagram (@toddquality) Todd Quality Landscape Services, Land...
Sep 02, 2024•48 min
No one ever blamed father and son team Anthony Mann and Anthony Hermann-Mann of being lazy. Man! The grass doesn't grow under these boys' feet. Anthony the father is a 3rd generation mason with roots in Italy, and is now working on nurturing Anthony the son up in the business, teaching not only the craft, but also the leadership and management skills it takes to run a successful business. Give them a follow! https://www.instagram.com/anthonygrouphardscapes https://www.anthonygrouphardscapes.com/...
Aug 19, 2024•41 min
Jeremy Morales of Morales Masonry & Landscaping has been pounding the pavement for years in this industry, working out in the field, hustling to make it. Today he tells his story on how he realized the work will always be there and started making some business and lifestyle changes. Today he's realizing his lifelong dream of getting his pilot's license and flying his own plane. Give him a follow at Instagram (@morales_masonry_landscaping) If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP,...
Aug 05, 2024•36 min
Jon Valenta is just one of those disciplined, price-driven guys who have built a beautiful 3 man company, ...and is closing 10 out of 10 proposals. Dude, that even blew my mind. Listen in to hear how he does it. Jon shares his proposal process more in-depth at the Contractor Summit 2024 in Dayton Ohio! Contractor Summit Give Jon a follow at: Instagram (@generalpavingstones) General Pavingstones LLC If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out: SynkedUP - Landscape Business ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Jim and James Womer are an incredible SynkedUP success story. I loved listening to it. On today's episode, they take us on their journey as a team, and the challenges of handing responsibilities from one owner to another. Transferring knowledge that's bottled up on one brain; to another brain trying to unpack and learn the process. Give the Womer boys a follow! Instagram (@womerlandscapinginc) Facebook Womer Landscaping | Pottsville PA If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check ...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr
The boys at Top Rock started off on their own, and worked as a pair for a while. Just recently they hired their first employee. We discuss their thought process behind adding employees, and how they think about structuring their crew and equipment setup. Give them a follow at: Instagram (@2018toprockdesign) SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/...
Jun 24, 2024•23 min
Description: Corey and Collin Schindler are truly role models of what we mean when we say #thrivenotsurvive at SynkedUP. Their story is both so relatable, and inspiring. Long story short, they went from being reactive in their decision-making, to strategic. They spent $5k a year on SynkedUP, and made $100k in additional profit in their first year. If you ask them, they’ll tell you it felt like spending money they didn’t have. But that investment came back to them many times over. Give them a fol...
Jun 10, 2024•57 min
Today I get to hang out with Rusty Metsker from Three Trails in Kansas City. We discussed the most efficient model for structuring crews and setting crews up for success. Give Rusty and his team a follow at https://www.instagram.com/threetrails If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out: SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/...
May 27, 2024•42 min
Caleb and Jack from Kindred Outdoor Solutions have dived into the entrepreneurial rollercoaster together as a 50/50 partnership, and they're doing really well. This intrigues me, as I know the 50/50 partnerships are controversial. But Jack and Caleb give us a peek into how it's working, what the challenges are, and the decisions they've made that have really benefitted the business. Give them a follow at: Instagram (@kindredoutdoorsolutions) and Kindred Outdoor Solutions - Landscaping and Hardsc...
May 13, 2024•44 min
