Growing In The Green Industry

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts talk about filling the gaps with new hires and some of the challenges they face when bringing on new team members - how to measure and quantify what we have asked them to achieve and how fast that should happen.  They also discuss knowing where you are as an organization and the balance of flexibility.  They talk about employee satisfaction and how our employees feel at our organizations but what’s most important is being willing to do something with that feedback. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape and Skyler Westergard with LandCare. 

In this special replay 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

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Kyle Narsavage, President with GreenSweep. As someone who started their business very young, Kyle shares advice on starting your own business.  Kyle also talks about his success being driven by his team.  He shares his mantra on GreenSweep’s Row the Boat concept, how it started and how it has defined his team and business.  This episode is hosted by Skyler Westergard with LandCare and Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape.

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Brian Horn, editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine. A career journalist, Brian shares thoughts about what makes our industry truly unique, and how his team works each month to develop engaging and forward-thinking content. The group also focuses on the importance of embracing technology now and in the future, and Brian provides a preview of his session at LANDSCAPES 2021, Inside Customers' Minds: Results of Lawn & Landscape's Grow the Market Study. This episode is hosted by Jenn Myers at NALP, and Lisa Stryker at NALP.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome our guest, Savana Craven, Project Designer and Plant Specialist at Northland Design Group. Savana is a repeat guest and talks about what has changed since her last time on the podcast.  She talks about some of the software she uses for design and in her planting design role she talks about the things that excite her - to include staying current and keeping up with the trends.  She also touches on some of her experiences with traveling outside the United States to get new inspirations which has helped her feel more confident in her designing.  This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape and Skyler Westergard with LandCare. Listen here or on your favorite podcast app: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nalp-young-professionals

In this replay 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 passionate about bringing people together through their shared love of plants. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus, Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench, Luke Melograno at Mariani Landscape, and Macey Robinson at LandCare.

This episode of Growing in the Green Industry is presented by the Veterans in Landscape Network and hosted by Joe Lewis with Yard Solutions, Brian Chapman with LMI Landscapes and Terry Williams with Green Lawn Fertilizing.  In this special VILN takeover episode these military Veterans discuss how to be adaptable leaders and working beside your team as well as leadership dependability and being able to lean on your team.  They discuss patience and how having the military mentality has helped them to learn and adapt to a new environment.  They also talk about being present to make an impact.  It’s an episode you won’t want to miss! Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals.

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Tyler Bloom from Tyler Bloom Consulting. Tyler and the hosts talk all things workforce, including the importance and benefits of having a diverse staff, why evolution and adaptation in employee education and development is paramount, and how listening to your team is underrated (and one of the easiest and most powerful things an organizational leader can do). This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench, and Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome our guest, Chelsea Hartshorn, Co-founder of Threadleaf Landscape Design.  Chealsea shares her story on how she started in the green industry as a young professional in college.  She talks about the flexibility of her design company and how they have been able to utilize the opportunities of a hybrid working environment.  She also talks about AI and how it can revolutionize our industry.  Chelsea shares how it can help in your daily job and how this new technology is evolving and why you should be open to integrating this into your personal and professional world.  This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape and Skyler Westergard with LandCare. Listen here or on your favorite podcast app: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nalp-young-professionals

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Katie Raymond, Regional Director of Operations with Case Facilities Management Solutions.  Katie talks about her experience working with service partners (subcontractors) and how to communicate with them to build a successful relationship.  She talks about tips for being strategic and not technical with your service partners. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus and Macey Robinson with LandCare. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome our guest, Jack Pohutsky, Assistant Project Manager and Site Supervisor at R.P. Marzilli & Co.  Jack shares his thoughts on pushing for your career and being authentic.  He talks about his 5 to 10-year goals and how his company is helping him achieve those goals.  He also talks about being an advocate for yourself and your professional development as well as the industry.  Jack also talks about the secret sauce and tips for what helps him with time management. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape and Skyler Westergard with LandCare. Listen here or on your favorite podcast app: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nalp-young-professionals

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome D’Anna Wade Thompson, CEO of StandOut Communications. During this podcast, D’Anna talks about Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and how to partner in the space you work in. She touches on the importance of impact reports and tracking your initiatives. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus, Neal Glatt at GrowTheBench, Luke Melograno with Mariani Landscape and Macey Robinson, with LandCare. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals

In this replay 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, Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench and Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape.

This episode of Growing in the Green Industry is presented by the Latino Landscape Network and hosted by Tim Martinez with LandCare, Jennifer Menjivar with Gachina Landscape Management and Debbie Bartsch with Chalet Nursery.  In this special LLN takeover episode they discuss bridging the culture gap and having that cultural awareness.  They talk about the importance of the onboarding process.  They also discuss empowering your team members and their career path.  The hosts also share their passion for the Latino Landscape Network and why it drives them.  Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals.

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Savana Craven, Landscape Designer at Sunline Landscapes in Draper, Utah. Savana shares her perspective as a young professional, including the value of hands-on experience (like internships or working with campus grounds teams), the discovery process to find your passion and the roles that embrace it, and how sales and customer service skills are essential for success in any professional landscape position. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench, Luke Melograno at Mariani Landscape, and Brett Lemcke at R.M. Landscape.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Hope Smith with Plants Creative Landscape. Hope shares her story behind the Ultimate Experience Manager and talks about what the ultimate experience for Plants Creative is all about.  Hope talks about employee engagement and the one-on-one discussions she has with her team and how that helps build that employee trust.   She touches on the onboarding process, their core values and some of the benefits that they offers their team to include how they implemented their employee assistance program.  This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape. Listen here or on your favorite podcast app: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nalp-young-professionals

In this replay 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 planning and operational planning (and the importance of both), encourages viewing change as a challenge (and not a path to excuses), and so much more. You don’t want to miss this discussion! This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, Systems Architect at Include Software, Luke Melograno, Production Coordinator at Mariani Landscape, and Brett Lemcke, VP at R.M. Landscape.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Mike Bogan and Jensen Bogan with LandCare.  Mike and Jensen share their unique perspective on ways to operate a family business.  They talk about their personal stories, how they started working together and how Jensen fell into her fathers’ footsteps.  Jensen talks about how her skills from the hospitality industry transferred into the green industry.  They both talk about the pros, the cons, and the challenges of working together.   This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

In this replay 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 by Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench and Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Skyler Westergard with LandCare.  Skyler shares his story about how he ended up in learning and development and how he went about creating new opportunities.  He talks about different ways that people learn and retain information as well as how we assess learning.  He also talks about the importance of investing in your team.  This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Pam Dooley, Owner with Plants Creative Landscape.  Pam talks about the how and why and the successes, challenges, and opportunities of branching models. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape and Macey Robinson with LandCare. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Claire Goldman with R&R Landscaping.  Claire talks about the importance of event-based education and why company owners should attend industry events.  Claire discusses how connecting with other companies at events has elevated her business, who to bring with you and getting a new perspective on your business.  As the ELEVATE committee chair, Claire also shares a few teasers of what to expect at ELEVATE 2023 in Dallas.  This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

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 Miles Kuperus and Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Joe Lewis, COO with Yard Solutions, Inc.  Joe talks stress management and setting expectations with your team.  He talks about the importance of taking care of your team as well as educating and training your team on how to manage stress.   Joe talks about being proactive vs. reactive and having a plan in advance to set your team up for success.  This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Taylor Milliken of Milosi Landscaping discusses the importance of coaching in personal and professional success.  Topics covered include training to all levels, budgeting for development, learning from professional coaches, and growing through learning.  This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus and Luke Melograno at Mariani Landscape.

This episode of Growing in the Green Industry is presented by the Women in Landscape Network and hosted by Brigitte Orrick with The Davey Tree Expert Company, Laura Shartle with SiteOne Landscape Supply and Angela Hieronimus with Blades of Green.  This episode they discuss their experiences with turnover and culture in trying to make their companies a great place to work.  They talk about involuntary and voluntary turnover as well as sharing their onboarding process with new hires and making sure they have the right support system.  They also talk about where they go to find new and qualified talent. 

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Lara Omick from Conserva Irrigation. Lara and the hosts take a deep dive into all things marketing, with a special focus on how things have changed over the last 18 months. They also touch on Smart Irrigation Month, and Lara provides insight into the world of national brand and consumer marketing for Conserva Irrigation’s franchise operations. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench, and Miles Kuperus.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Erin Barr, HR Consulting with Erin Barr Consulting.  Erin talks about some of the struggles that the green industry has been facing when it comes to workforce.   Erin talks about strategies to make progress and how to approach your team with getting feedback.  She talks about the importance of making sure whatever you implement in your company, to make sure that you make it sustainable and buildable over a long period of time. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

In replay this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Marshall Jones, Landscape Design Account Manager with Valley Landscaping. During this podcast, Marshall talks about what it takes to have the skill set of account management and taking the time and the importance of understanding what you are selling. He also touches on the stress over meeting your sales goals. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software and Neal Glatt at GrowTheBench, Luke Melograno with Mariani Landscape, Brett Lemcke with RM Landscape and Macey Robinson with LandCare. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Michael Bauman, CEO and Owner of Grand Entrance Group.  Michael shares his story of how he took over the family business.  He talks about finding the problems and failures and embracing them.  He reflects back and speaks on priding yourself in your mistakes and making the sacrifices to see the end results.  He talks about making hard decisions and the struggles he went through to stay afloat through the difficult times.  This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Joshua Gillow, Founder of YES Express, and Duane Draughon owner and lead designer of VizX Design Studios.  Both Joshua and Duane are also the co-hosts of Outerspaces, a podcast dedicated to empowering contractors in the outdoor living space.  During this podcast, they share their own career paths and how they came together and stayed connected before deciding to go into business together. They touched on the importance of networking, taking chances, and navigating away from fear mode and the growth of employees and self-care. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke at R.M. Landscape, Luke Melograno at Mariani Landscape, and Neal Glatt at GrowTheBench.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Patrick Henry, COO of Monarchchem.  Patrick shares his perspective on herbicides and finding alternatives for your customers. He talks about the market changing and educating people on the subject.   This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus and Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Dan Foley, President of DHCC Management Corporation. A long-time volunteer in association leadership at both the state and national level, Dan shares the story of his personal career path, including important lessons learned along the way (planning is so very important, even if things often don’t go as planned). The conversation also includes a deep dive into Dan’s current role and his passion for coaching leaders both in and out of the landscape industry. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke, VP at R.M. Landscape.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Brooke Garcia, Garden Director with Magnolia.  Brooke shares her unique story of working with Magnolia and her experience of having a creative mind mixed with a little business.  Brooke talks about her interview process as well as tips and trends about not selling yourself short and how you are your own brand.  She discusses finding out your wins and your successes.  She also touches on inspiration and garden trends. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench and Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Tom Shotzbarger, Grounds Manager of Graver Arboretum, located at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.  Tom, a strong and vocal advocate of continuing education, shares his personal career path and story, motivations and recommendations for industry certification, and how finding fulfillment in your career should be a priority and not an afterthought. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt of GrowTheBench, Macey Robinson at LandCare, and Brett Lemcke at R.M. Landscape.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome David Grover, Branch Manager of Pacific Landscape Management as well as Jenn Myers, Senior Director of Workforce Development with NALP. Last week NALP held its National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) in Starkville, MS and together David and Jenn talk about the stories, memories, and the impact of what this event has on college students around the country.  This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench and Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

In this replay episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Paige Tisdale, Business Developer with Dennis’ 7 Dees. During this podcast, Paige shares the importance and benefits of interior plants and why brining nature indoors can enhance the environment with your health and wellbeing. She mentions knowing the language of your client and trends in the current market with remote work. This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke, VP at R.M. Landscape, Miles Kuperus, Systems Architect at Include Software and Neal Glatt at GrowTheBench and Luke Melograno with Mariani Landscape. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform: https://anchor.fm/nalp-young-professionals

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Dan Simpson, Product Manager of Fleetio.  Dan talks about when and where to be proactive when it comes to fleet management. He discusses utilizing supportive technology and the timing of the lifecycle of a vehicle. He also talks about the importance of why you should think like you are in the business of fleet maintenance.  This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench and Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

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 of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape, and Luke Melograno at Mariani Landscape.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Dave Pacifico, co-founder of Team Engine.  Dave talks about thoughtful automation of keeping and building an engaging workforce. Dave discusses having a broad, diversified strategy for companies to adopt when it comes to looking for new talent. He talks about thinking about what makes you different as a company from other companies and how you sell that to the talent out there. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench and Brett Lemcke with R.M. Landscape.

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 Kuperus at Include Software, Brett Lemcke at R.M. Landscape and Luke Melograno at Mariani Landscape.

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 translations, helpful online translation tools, and creating a welcoming company culture that keeps employees coming back year after year. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software and Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench.

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, taking chances for career challenges and knowing your audience. This episode is hosted by Miles Kuperus at Include Software, Brett Lemcke at R.M. Landscape, Luke Melograno at Mariani Landscape, and Macey Robinson at LandCare.

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

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 how to get started with their marketing efforts with starting small and how not to overwhelm yourself.  This episode is hosted by Brett Lemcke of R.M. Landscape and Neal Glatt with GrowTheBench.