IM Landscape Growth Podcast

Intrigue Media
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A landscape growth podcast where entrepreneurs help entrepreneurs grow faster, better, and stronger in leadership, sales, recruiting, and operational excellence.

  1. 2 OCT.

    Sergi: Landscaping CEO’s Secret to Growth: Fixing the Leader Bottleneck

    TimestampTopic01:04From Hobby to CEO: Tiffany Sergi's journey to leading Landscapes by D&J after quitting nursing school to take over the business.02:27The Primary Growth Constraint: Leaders themselves being a bottleneck is the biggest thing holding entrepreneurs back in the green industry.03:10Changing Culture: How self-reflection and implementing core values changed the company culture, starting with the leader.03:59The Core Values "FEATT" Acronym: Fun/Family, Excellence, Accountability, Transparency, and Teamwork.07:19Authentic Reinforcement: Creating a weekly core value winner who receives $20 to reinforce desired behavior.09:56Business Scale: Landscapes by D&J is currently around $4 million in revenue, aiming to flip to 70% commercial.10:30Personal Hurdles: Overcoming imposter syndrome as a female leader in a technical industry and hiring a fractional CFO to manage financial analysis.11:47The Superpower of Support: Acknowledging weaknesses and bringing in strong support (SME, fractional CFO) is a critical leadership style.13:20Fighting Imposter Syndrome: Reflecting on past successes and the team created to shift the framework and focus on the mission.14:49The Delegation Hurdle: The next biggest constraint is still being the bottleneck by having a hard time delegating ("I can do it quicker").17:47Balancing Profit and Capacity: How adding administrative salaries (heavy G&A) is an investment that frees up the CEO for higher-leverage, revenue-capturing activities.20:48The Accountability Chart Exercise (EOS): Placing roles and tasks in buckets, not people, to identify where tasks fall and reveal necessary new positions (like Director of Operations).24:49The Hard Part of Leadership: Tiffany walks through the difficult process of terminating employees, grounding the decision in the company's core values.27:52The Arrogance of Cocooning: The flawed thought process of keeping someone for the sake of "not messing up their life" at the expense of the whole company.29:30The Biggest Lesson: "Look in the mirror and not through the window." The culture is a reflection of the leader.30:36Resource Recommendations: Traction, How to Be a Great Boss (Gino Wickman/EOS), and Leaders Eat Last (Simon Sinek).Export to Sheets

    33 min
  2. The $30M Lawn Empire: Kurt LaButte's 46-Year Growth Playbook

    24 SEPT.

    The $30M Lawn Empire: Kurt LaButte's 46-Year Growth Playbook

    “I was the bottleneck. The biggest growth constraint was me learning to get out of the way.” - Burt Labutte Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Todd Services - Kurt LaButte's company Peer Group: Jeffrey Scott Consulting – growth-focused landscape peer groups Books/Authors: Simon Sinek – leadership and “Start With Why” principles AI and leadership books (unnamed, referenced as part of Kurt’s learning path) Game and Business: Referenced as a recommended resource for understanding measurement in business Topics Discussed:00:01 – Intro: Rob welcomes Kurt LaButte of Todd Services01:13 – The origin story: mowing lawns with rowboats and the “Todd” name04:03 – From small beginnings to $28M and 180 employees07:28 – Biggest growth constraint? Himself—learning to get out of the way08:24 – Surviving the 2008 crash: $10M down to $4M and losing his brother10:18 – The turning point: realizing he was the bottleneck12:09 – Joining a peer group and embracing lifelong learning13:25 – Shifting from dictatorship to open leadership culture15:44 – Tactical advice: sharing numbers, goals, and listening to staff18:23 – Helping employees align personal goals with company direction21:06 – Building for second generation and long-term retirements23:33 – Why stepping away empowers teams and strengthens culture28:28 – The fear of taking time off and advice for small business owners30:24 – Learning numbers early and why metrics matter34:36 – The value of patience, brand, and consistency in growth37:24 – The power of peer groups for accountability and growth39:16 – Books and resources: Simon Sinek, Jeffrey Scott Consulting, AI leadership titles41:00 – Closing thoughts and gratitudeActionable Key Takeaways:Get out of your own way – Leaders often create bottlenecks by micromanaging. Growth requires trust and delegation.Know your numbers – Don’t rely on guesswork; margins, costs, and metrics are non-negotiable for scaling.Embrace learning – Books, peer groups, and outside resources are critical, even if you’re an “old dog.”Share goals openly – Transparency with numbers and objectives boosts accountability and team motivation.Prioritize culture – People thrive when they feel safe making mistakes, voicing ideas, and aligning personal goals with company goals.Play the long game – Brand reputation and consistency compound over decades, not months.Step away sometimes – Taking time off creates space for your team to step up and develop autonomy.

    38 min
  3. Scott Grams: Solving Labour Shortages and Middle Management Challenges in Landscaping

    9 SEPT.

    Scott Grams: Solving Labour Shortages and Middle Management Challenges in Landscaping

    "Just like you wouldn’t expect to change the culture with just one person, the same goes for landscaping—true transformation comes when we embrace diverse perspectives at the leadership table." – Scott Grams Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Landscape Illinois: https://landscapeillinois.org – the main association for the Illinois landscape industry. Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: Amazon link to the book – A book focused on going above and beyond in customer service, offering insights for the landscaping industry. Malcolm Gladwell's books and podcasts: Malcolm Gladwell's website – Known for his books and the podcast Revisionist History, where he explores social behavior and culture. Perplexity AI: https://www.perplexity.ai – An AI tool recommended by Scott for conducting deep dives into regulations and laws. Topics Discussed:(00:02) - Introduction to Scott Grams and Landscape Illinois(02:06) - Scott’s background and current focus as Executive Director(04:23) - Scott discusses the primary growth constraint in the landscape industry today(06:05) - The impact of private equity and the rise of middle management demand(09:42) - How companies are retaining middle management through flexibility and benefits(13:33) - The landscape industry’s openness to sharing and collaboration(16:19) - The value of association engagement and niche demographic groups(19:57) - The importance of networking and mentoring in landscape growth(21:58) - Insights into legislative efforts and lobbying within the landscape industry(29:21) - AI and its growing role in landscape industry operations(33:49) - Educating the landscape community on AI adoption and its potential benefitsActionable Key Takeaways:Middle management is the most crucial but hardest-to-find tier in the landscaping industry today.Flexibility, better benefits, and team-building efforts can significantly improve retention of middle managers.Engagement with industry associations like Landscape Illinois provides a direct path to professional growth and knowledge sharing.Cultivating a strong professional network early in your career can be a game changer for long-term success.Industry growth often hinges on the collaboration and shared knowledge between competitors in the landscape design-build sector.Adopting AI tools in everyday operations, from communication to research, can save time and boost efficiency.Lobbying and legislative engagement are critical to protecting the landscape industry from restrictive regulations.

    44 min
  4. Financial Strategies in the Green Industry with David Whittaker

    19 AOÛT

    Financial Strategies in the Green Industry with David Whittaker

    "Recruiting is like shaving. If you don't do it all the time, you're going to look ugly." - David Whittaker - quoting Tennesee Football Coach Phillip Fulmer Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Books: "The Energy Bus" by John Gordon, "Traction" by Gino WickmanPodcast: Equiscape Insider, Grass to GratitudeWebsite: Equiscape Business AdvisorsTopics Discussed:00:00 - Introduction to David Whittaker and his background in the green industry.05:15 - David's journey from Gibbs Landscape to Equiscape Business Advisors.12:30 - The role of financial strategy in landscape business success.18:45 - Challenges in recruitment and the importance of a strong team.25:00 - Mindset shifts for entrepreneurs in the green industry.32:15 - The significance of continuous learning and adaptation.40:00 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with David Whittaker.Actionable Key Takeaways:Embrace a financial strategy that aligns with your business goals and market conditions.Prioritize recruitment and continuously build a strong team to drive growth.Shift from a transactional to a transformational mindset for long-term success.Invest in continuous learning and adapt to industry changes.Understand the value of collaboration and resource sharing within the industry.Balance owner's pay with business needs to ensure sustainable growth.Leverage data and analytics to make informed business decisions.

    52 min
  5. Paul Fraynd: Landscaping Success and Lessons Learned

    6 AOÛT

    Paul Fraynd: Landscaping Success and Lessons Learned

    "The business is out there, not on a computer screen. It's about connecting people with the work they love." - Paul Fraynd Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Books:"Setting the Table" by Danny Meyer"Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will GuidaraPodcasts:Founders Podcast by David SenraOrganizations:National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)Company:Sun Valley LandscapingTopics Discussed:00:00 - Introduction to Paul Fraynd and his early beginnings05:15 - The college startup story and early challenges12:30 - Key turning points in growing Sun Valley Landscaping20:45 - The importance of focusing on the right clients30:00 - Building a customer-centric business model40:15 - Insights on leadership and team management50:00 - Resources and books that influenced Paul's journey55:30 - Closing thoughts and future goalsActionable Key Takeaways:Focus on your core customer to streamline operations and increase efficiency. Embrace a growth mindset to overcome challenges and drive business success. Build a customer-centric model that prioritizes service and hospitality. Invest in your team by fostering a culture of care and development. Use setbacks as learning opportunities to refine your business strategy. Leverage industry networks for support and shared knowledge. Stay true to your passion and let it guide your business decisions.

    47 min
  6. Scaling Past $1.5M: The Key Hire That Changed Everything for Pika Landscapes

    28 JUILL.

    Scaling Past $1.5M: The Key Hire That Changed Everything for Pika Landscapes

    “I didn’t know what a yard of topsoil cost—but I knew how to learn fast and hire smart.” - Adam Neilson Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack A practical guide to open-book management that empowers teams by sharing financials and teaching business literacy. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Former FBI negotiator Chris Voss shares high-stakes negotiation tactics you can apply to business and leadership. Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler Learn how to navigate high-stakes conversations without conflict derailing the outcomes you need. Jordan Peterson’s Work Known for his philosophical and psychological insights, Peterson’s work was cited by Adam as a powerful influence on mindset and clarity. AI Agents Overview – FutureTools Explore a curated directory of AI tools (including task agents) that can help automate admin and back-office tasks affordably Pika Landscapes Adam’s company in Whistler, BC—proof that strategic acquisition, design focus, and leadership investments can grow a green industry business. Topics Discussed:00:00 – Intro: Meet Adam Neilson, owner of Pika Landscapes 01:00 – From landscape architecture to “I’m out”: Adam’s pivot to tech 03:00 – Why Adam bought a landscaping business…in the snow 05:30 – “We’re screwed”: The night Adam thought he blew it 06:30 – Turning it around through desperation and 10-hour estimates 08:00 – Rebranding, acquisition #2, and a Netflix-worthy Year 2 09:15 – Scaling pains: What $1.5M felt like without a leadership team 10:45 – Strategic hires: Construction manager, account manager, logistics 14:00 – The culture clash of merging two landscape crews 17:00 – What he’d do differently when buying a business 21:00 – Letting go of control vs. holding on to what you love 24:30 – Why Adam isn't building to sell—and why that matters 27:00 – A small bet: Dump truck investment and reversible decisions 30:00 – Where AI fits in landscape: The back office, not just the field 32:30 – Adam’s top business books + resources Actionable Key Takeaways:Hiring leadership = unlocking scale – Strategic hires took Adam from $1.5M to $4M. Culture eats strategy when buying companies – Misalignment in values cost people. Love something? Don’t outsource it – Adam keeps the parts of the business that light him up. AI can cut back-office costs fast – $30k VA work now potentially costs $1k with AI agents. You don’t need to build to sell – Adam’s model is about sustainability, not exits. You can undo big decisions – Buying a truck wasn’t permanent—it was a test.

    35 min
  7. Kevin Butler & Jame Toribio on Growing The Outdoor Living Company

    8 JUILL.

    Kevin Butler & Jame Toribio on Growing The Outdoor Living Company

    "Consistency in customer experience, from $7,000 to $70,000 projects, is what makes us stand out." — Kevin Butler Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Andy Frisella’s Podcast – A series that focuses on delivering more than expected in business, helping you stay ahead of the competition. Brandon Dawson's Business Growth Strategies – Provides practical advice on overcoming business hurdles and scaling operations effectively. Synkedup – Networking and learning opportunities for business owners to improve operations and scale their businesses. 10x Health System – Focuses on strategies for scaling your business and personal growth, perfect for those looking to expand their operations. The Outdoor Living Company’s Website – The company’s home for information on their services, portfolio, and how they deliver top-tier landscaping solutions. Topics Discussed:[00:03] – Introduction to Kevin Butler and Jame Toribio, the founders of The Outdoor Living Company [00:55] – How Kevin and Jame transitioned from working at a large company to starting their own landscaping business [02:02] – Current business focus: Creating outdoor living spaces in Southern Maryland [03:05] – How COVID-19 affected their business and accelerated growth opportunities [04:15] – The economic uncertainty and its impact on client decisions [05:33] – Growth constraints and how inconsistency in operations can hold them back [09:04] – How to provide a consistent and exceptional customer experience for every project [12:01] – The importance of consistency in leadership with the crew and maintaining morale [13:13] – Overcoming "fires" and staying prepared for the unpredictable demands of the business [17:16] – The challenges of not having an office admin and how it affects the team's productivity [19:48] – When to hire and the risks associated with bringing in new staff for growth [22:10] – Transitioning from a big company to entrepreneurship and the challenges that came with it [29:48] – How Kevin and Jame made their business look professional with new equipment and branding [32:17] – Over-delivering on customer service and its direct effect on business growth [34:33] – Inspirational business growth strategies from Andy Frisella and Brandon Dawson [37:36] – Closing thoughts: The power of networking, podcasts, and the landscaping community in helping them grow Actionable Key Takeaways:Consistency is Key: Whether in personal habits or customer experience, consistency sets the stage for sustained success. Every Customer Matters: Deliver the same high-quality experience regardless of the project size. Invest in Tools and People: Spending on the right equipment and hiring the right staff is essential for scaling your business. Clear Leadership: Being consistent in leadership and setting the right expectations ensures your crew performs efficiently. Take Risks for Growth: Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, like hiring new team members or investing in high-quality tools, to propel your business forward. Customer Service is the Differentiator: Over-delivering on service is what sets you apart in the competitive landscaping industry. Use Networking to Your Advantage: The landscaping community is a great resource for support, inspiration, and collaboration to push your business forward.

    38 min
  8. Meet Al Perreault of Green Collar: From Side Hustle to Industry Leader

    1 JUILL.

    Meet Al Perreault of Green Collar: From Side Hustle to Industry Leader

    “I was all in—there was no turning back. It had to work, so we built it to work.” — Al Perreault of Green Collar Landscaping Resources Mentioned in This Episode:MERX – Canada’s leading platform for accessing public and private procurement opportunities, including municipal landscape contracts. Latham Pools – North America’s largest manufacturer of fiberglass pools. Green Collar became a certified installer in 2020 to expand construction offerings. Google Ads – Used by Green Collar to target residential and commercial leads during seasonal slowdowns and market shifts. Facebook & Instagram – Platforms used for increasing brand visibility and reaching residential landscaping customers Topics Discussed:[00:31] Intro – Rob welcomes Al Perreault of Green Collar [01:06] The origin story – From weekend grass cutting to multi-million dollar growth [03:19] The breaking point – When Al had to choose between a 9–5 and his business [06:30] Going all-in – Scaling from 10 to 80 employees in under 5 years [08:55] COVID pivot – Adding pool installs during lockdown and surviving material shortages [10:43] The all-in-one advantage – Why customers prefer one company for everything [11:41] Career building – Creating long-term jobs, not just seasonal gigs [13:08] Leading from a distance – The surprising benefits of growing before going full-time [15:57] Growth constraints – Why lack of process and culture holds companies back [18:16] Internal growth – Promoting from within and creating pride in the team [21:44] Core values – How they actually implemented them (not just posters) [24:56] Vision casting – Communicating direction through casual, consistent check-ins [27:31] Marketing in 2025 – Where Green Collar spends budget and why [30:18] Commercial acquisition – How networking and performance lead to invites [32:45] Building processes – Start with what keeps breaking [36:42] Why landscaping – Loving the craft, building with pride, and mentoring the next gen Actionable Key Takeaways:Fix what keeps breaking. If it’s a recurring issue, build a system around it. Use motivation wisely. Fueling at night works better because people want to go home. Promote from within. It builds buy-in and makes employees proud to be part of growth. Don’t overcomplicate it. Simple, useful processes beat complex ones that collect dust. Communicate the vision. Whether it’s at a BBQ or team meeting, keep your team in the loop. Be present—on purpose. Even if you lead from a distance, culture needs constant care.

    42 min
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À propos

A landscape growth podcast where entrepreneurs help entrepreneurs grow faster, better, and stronger in leadership, sales, recruiting, and operational excellence.

Informations

  • Créateur
    Intrigue Media
  • Années d’activité
    2023 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    76
  • Classement
    Contenu explicite
  • Copyright
    © IM Landscape Growth Podcast 2023
  • Site Web de l’émission
    IM Landscape Growth Podcast

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