Bob and David Grover join Marty Grunder on The Grow Show this week to talk about working with family, the journey and growth of Pacific Landscape Management, and what goes into running their Portland, OR-based commercial landscaping business. The episode delves into turning a shared passion for the outdoors into a thriving family business in landscaping. The Grovers candidly discuss the unique challenges of managing family dynamics in a business setting, their strategies for maintaining professi...
Dec 04, 2024•58 min•Ep. 85
In this special live episode from the STIHL booth at Equip Expo 2024, moderator Marty Grunder is joined by an expert panel including Brandon Haley, Vice President of Grounds at SSC Services for Education, Chase Stetson of "That Lawn Dude," and Mike Poluka, Senior Manager at STIHL USA. The panel explores best practices for managing battery-powered tools, both on-site and at company headquarters. You’ll hear how to promote battery technology to customers, how and where to use mobile charging solut...
Nov 27, 2024•35 min•Ep. 84
As companies look ahead for a healthy spring backlog, Marty shares tips and tactics to help teams wrap up 2024 well and prepare their sales team to work together for a successful 2025. Marty discusses identifying your best clients to focus on, establishing clear sales goals with your team, and relays wisdom from Grunder President Seth Pflum on refining your sales process. How are your client renewal rates? Have you reached out to your prospects for 2025? Whether it's scheduling lunches, sending ...
Nov 20, 2024•16 min•Ep. 83
On this week's episode, Marty Grunder sits down with Grow Group Content & Events Manager and Grunder Landscaping Marketing Manager, Emily Lindley. They talk about GLC's marketing priorities for 2025, what worked and what didn't in 2024, and offer a sneak peek at some exciting marketing-focused sessions at the upcoming GROW! 2025 conference. In this episode, topics covered include how to effectively target advertisements, analyze website traffic, and set social media goals. Emily also shares ...
Nov 13, 2024•23 min•Ep. 82
In this panel held live at Equip Expo in the STIHL booth, Marty Grunder is joined by Stihl experts Brian Fullerton, Dan Mabe, and Paul Beblowski to discuss what landscape pros should consider when evaluating switching to electric equipment. They talk about what benefits teams are seeing as they're using battery-powered equipment and what solutions contractors have found to common challenges that come from making the switch. Brian, Dan, and Paul cover key considerations for professionals contempl...
Nov 06, 2024•58 min•Ep. 81
In this episode, Marty reveals how firsthand experiences at other leading landscaping companies inspired three key operational changes at Grunder Landscaping Co., enhancing efficiency and saving money. He highlights a recent team success, discusses improvements made by President Seth Pflum, and shares the significant benefits of Aspire software, including enhanced metrics, speed, and productivity. Additionally, Marty covers the impact of optimized truck setups, the value of their monthly GROW me...
Oct 30, 2024•15 min•Ep. 80
In this episode, Vince Torchia, Vice President at The Grow Group, shares insights from RJ Lawn & Landscape and Hidden Creek Landscaping, hosts for GROW! 2024 and 2025 events. Vince highlights the operational strengths and unique approaches of both companies, focusing on their intentional strategies in team building, departmental organization, and cultivating a strong company culture. As we enter Q4 2024, he reflects on key takeaways from the Des Moines GROW! 2024 event and sets the stage for...
Oct 23, 2024•15 min•Ep. 79
Jason Cromley of Hidden Creek Landscaping sits down with Marty Grunder to talk about his journey as a landscape professional - from starting his company in college to today. Consider this episode a preview of what we'll see when we're onsite touring their facility for GROW! 2025 in February! After starting his company in college, Jason reflects on his challenges and triumphs in building a successful business today. From his family roots in Ohio and the influence of growing up in a family of entr...
Oct 16, 2024•48 min•Ep. 78
Look ahead at your schedule: do you have enough winter work lined up to get you through the colder months ahead? For the time between snow storms, there are certain kinds of work that can keep crews working. In this episode, Marty Grunder shares the kinds of work they're looking for at Grunder Landscaping Co. and what they're doing to find more jobs for December - February. With winter often viewed negatively, Marty explains how to shift that narrative, emphasizing the importance of proactive pl...
Oct 09, 2024•15 min•Ep. 77
Tis the Season for Strategic Planning! In this episode, Vince Torchia shares what teams should consider and how they can structure their strategic planning to ensure they're well prepared for 2025. Vince discusses the need to revisit vision and mission statements, ensuring core values remain relevant. You’ll hear how Grunder Landscaping revamped their mission to foster teamwork and highlights the significance of recognizing team members who embody these values. The episode also delves into cruci...
Oct 02, 2024•16 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, our longtime friend Lee Buffington, Founder & CEO of Thrive Outdoor in Alabama, shares stories from his 29-year journey as a landscape pro. Starting his company at 19 years old, he shares the challenges that seemed big in the early years, how his team has overcome them, and what they're working on today. Lee delves into the critical importance of mindset, emphasizing how attitude can elevate someone from a weed eater operator to a successful business leader. He discusses the...
Sep 25, 2024•38 min•Ep. 75
In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder and Seth Jones, Editorial Director of Landscape Management Magazine, dive deep into the emerging trends, such as the growing influence of technology and innovative sales approaches that are reshaping the sector. Seth shares his professional journey and the current outlook for landscaping businesses, offering insights into overcoming the anticipated challenges of 2024 and 2025. The conversation also explores how peer groups have led to impressive re...
Sep 18, 2024•44 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, Marty Grunder emphasizes the crucial role of having a clear vision for the future, particularly for 2025, to unite and inspire your team behind a common goal. Marty shares insights on defining your vision and why it should be developed now. The episode covers topics such as the importance of having a personal “superbowl” vision, drawing parallels between sports and business, and the significance of a well-defined vision for long-term success. Grunder also reflects on his early d...
Sep 11, 2024•21 min•Ep. 73
In this episode, Marty Grunder goes through the tips and tricks he uses to get a sale over the finish line. He'll share ways that salespeople can politely ask for business and move the sale to "won" without having commission breath. You’ll hear Marty unveil how to handle leads with precision and speed, and learn the essential steps to turn inquiries into sales. Marty dives into common pitfalls and excuses, highlighting the top qualities that make a successful salesperson—honesty, detail, and rel...
Sep 04, 2024•20 min•Ep. 72
In this episode of The Grow Show, Emily Lindley, Content & Events Manager at The Grow Group and Marketing Manager at Grunder Landscaping Co., details three ways GLC communicates with clients to strengthen relationships and set up clients to have beautiful, well-cared-for properties. In This Episode: Preparing teams and clients for success Three simple communication strategies Care instructions for clients - tips on watering, fertilizing, pruning Automated after-service notes for maintenance ...
Aug 28, 2024•16 min•Ep. 71
In this episode of The Grow Show, acclaimed author and business consultant Joe Calloway joins Marty Grunder to talk about how companies can differentiate themselves. With 40 years of experience working with entrepreneurs and leaders, Calloway highlights the importance of immediate response to customers, prospects, and partners, strategic hiring, and the power of culture as a differentiator. Your company has a culture no matter if you're paying attention to it or not, and Joe shares his insights ...
Aug 21, 2024•42 min•Ep. 70
Marty is joined by Brent Grolnic, Grunder Landscaping's lead salesperson, (aka LandKeeping Consultant), to delve into the world of landscaping sales and service. Brent shares his journey from hands-on landscaping to a successful sales career, offering invaluable insights into securing lucrative contracts and repeat business. Listeners will discover practical tips for hitting sales goals, cultivating high-end clientele, and fostering a culture of positive feedback. Brent's firsthand experience in...
Aug 14, 2024•18 min•Ep. 69
The Grunder Landscaping team has a powerful mantra they repeat when faced with a challenge: "whatever it takes," which is a guiding principle for everyone on the team. This philosophy embodies a commitment to problem-solving, going above and beyond, and achieving excellence. In this episode, Marty discusses the importance of drive and mindset for success, how leaders should model desired behaviors, and some strategies for managing team attitudes during challenging tasks like snow season. You’ll ...
Aug 07, 2024•13 min•Ep. 68
In this episode, Marty talks with Gage Roberts of Aspire Software about the impact technology has had on Grunder Landscaping Co., what smart landscaping companies are doing to make their daily tasks easier, and what the future holds with AI and other technology advancements coming. Discover how the right tech tools can ease team tensions and drive growth, and how community support and intentional business decisions play a crucial role. You’ll get a sneak peek at the Ignite Conference in August 2...
Jul 31, 2024•35 min•Ep. 67
At Sebert Landscape, “Yellow is the new Green.” As a leader in the commercial landscape industry, Chicago-based Sebert keeps sustainability at the forefront. “The new green” means seeing environmental stewardship as a way to achieve business success – both for the company and its customers. In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by Sebert Landscape founder and CEO Jeff Sebert to talk about the origins of the company, their commitment to sustainability, and what's important to the team at Seber...
Jul 24, 2024•35 min•Ep. 66
Seth Pflum, President of Grunder Landscaping Co., and has been instrumental in leading the team's growth alongside Marty in his 12+ years with the company. A huge part of that growth has come from investing in, and believing in, the leaders on their team. In this episode, Marty and Seth will discuss how the company culture has shifted at Grunder, what they're doing to constantly look for new opportunities for their team members, and how this renewed focus on the team has impacted all of them. In...
Jul 17, 2024•35 min•Ep. 65
At GROW! 2025 , Vince Torchia will lead a workshop session where attendees can start to build out a Bonus Program plan. In this episode, Vince gives the cliff notes version of what you should consider if you're thinking about implementing a Bonus Program for your team! In This Episode: Vince is out with one of the many ACE groups this week Two types of bonus programs - what’s the difference? Aligning team behaviors with goals for a bonus program Clarity in communications around the goals Using s...
Jul 10, 2024•13 min•Ep. 64
In this insightful episode, Marty delves into the essential components of effective team leadership and training. The emphasis is on gratitude, how safety is paramount, and the power of engaging storytelling. From the intricacies of operational procedures to the strategic "why" behind training, each detail underscores the importance of clarity and repetition. Whether you're leading a crew or managing your own team, Marty's wisdom on patience, praise, and involving the whole team promises transfo...
Jul 03, 2024•24 min•Ep. 63
Where do you find new business when you need it? Finding new clients is key to a company's growth but can be challenging for salespeople: this isn't something they teach in school. In this episode, Marty delves into his favorite strategies to elevate your landscaping business to new heights. From uncovering the fun in prospecting and discovering your team’s motivation, he explores how residential and commercial referrals—perhaps from your clients’ neighbors—can be goldmines. Whether it’s using g...
Jun 26, 2024•15 min•Ep. 62
In this episode, Marty Grunder and James Cali discuss how they initially met, what they've learned from working togther on our ACE Peer Group Program, and what they love to see landscaping companies implement because of the results that come from it. James Cali is a Grow Group executive coach, where he draws on his more than 25 years of executive leadership experience within the professional services industry to help business owners develop and execute strategy. Having helped lead a landscape fi...
Jun 19, 2024•51 min•Ep. 61
How can you exemplify exceptional customer service? Being courteous and thoughtful goes a long way in impressing clients, and usually that doesn't mean doing anything that hard. Smiling and saying hello when you see someone outside, pause your blower for a second as someone walks by, or pull up the trashcans for your client if you're there on trash day. Little things add up to delighting your clients, in this episode, Marty Grunder shares how crews can do just that. When you focus on cultivating...
Jun 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 60
In this episode of The Grow Show, Lisa Grunder, who has been married to Marty Grunder for over 30 years, shares insights into their journey together. From meeting in college to navigating the early years of Grunder Landscaping Co., Lisa delves into the challenges and triumphs of balancing work, family, and life. Marty and Lisa highlight the importance of dividing responsibilities and leveraging each other's skill sets, emphasizing the crucial role of family support. They also discuss the passion...
Jun 05, 2024•30 min•Ep. 59
Ever think Grunder Landscaping Co. has it all figured out? Think again! This week, Marty Grunder shares some mistakes we've made over the years, and how we bounced back. Because mistakes happen, but it's your reaction that determines if you and your team recover or get bogged down. Marty unpacks common pitfalls like micromanaging, perfectionism, and failing to delegate. You'll hear about the importance of trusting your team and the dangers of "trusting but not verifying." The episode also tackle...
May 29, 2024•30 min•Ep. 58
Feeling overwhelmed and buried in never-ending to-do lists? It's Spring, and we know how busy it can get. In this episode, Vince Torchia shares questions you can ask yourself so you can make sure you're prioritizing correctly, planning appropriately, staying on top of your numbers, and also staying sane. Vince will help you identify your biggest priority and cut through the noise. Learn powerful strategies to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive planning. Unleash the power of daily metr...
May 22, 2024•11 min•Ep. 57
Skilled team members want a career, not just a job. Showing them the career path that's available to them, outlining what it will take for them to be promoted, and then following through on what's promised is essential for retention. In this episode, Vince Torchia shares how he sees successful teams doing this. Vince unveils Grunder’s roadmap for their team members, illustrating clear paths to promotions and advancement using real-world examples to inspire and guide them. Vince recommends specif...
May 15, 2024•12 min•Ep. 56
