Crooked Stripes Podcast

Brandon Brubacher, Kyle Breiner
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

The Crooked Stripes Podcast is where contractors talk shop. Hosted by Brandon Brubacher in Canada and Kyle Breiner in Ohio, the show features real conversations about lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, and what it takes to build a business in the green industry. From equipment and efficiency to marketing and the day-to-day grind, each episode shares honest insights from the field. New episodes weekly.

  1. 111: Your body is the business ft. Cole Martin

    3d ago

    111: Your body is the business ft. Cole Martin

    In this episode, Brandon and Cole discuss the importance of staying healthy in the trades, including tips on nutrition, exercise, and injury prevention, as well as insights into trading jobs and the value of proper body care. In this episode, Brandon and Cole dive into the challenges faced by small businesses, infrastructure issues, and the importance of quick lead response in the landscaping industry. They also touch on local politics, taxes, and the upcoming landscape expo, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts Takeaways: Here are your takeaways for this episode: Your body is the business. What you put in is what you get out — protein, creatine, sleep, and a chiropractor aren't luxuries when your back and legs are how you pay the bills.Cole's dad was out there grinding all day without a word of complaint. They really don't make them like that anymore.The economy is patchy right now — protect yourself with diversification, locked-in contracts, and lean overheadOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

    1h 19m
  2. 110: Blame it on the Mouse .. Kyle's Back & So Is Everything Else

    Jun 18

    110: Blame it on the Mouse .. Kyle's Back & So Is Everything Else

    Episode 110 is in the books. Kyle's back and we cover a lot of ground, a truck written off by a mouse, men's mental health, the Waterloo Region water crisis, World Cup turf, and a lawn bylaw documentary that somehow won two awards. June is Men's Mental Health Month and we thought it was worth an honest conversation. Not preachy, just two guys in the trades talking about what actually helps when the season gets heavy working out, eating right, calling a buddy. If you're going through it, you're not alone. And on a cooler note.. the sod farm we source from is supplying grass for the World Cup. BMO Field ripped everything out for a $3 million install. Pretty cool to see our industry on that stage. Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: The mouse that wrote off the truck — and why even clutch-up energy has its limitsMen's Mental Health Month — real talk on what actually helps when things get heavyThe Waterloo Region water crisis and why showing up to the township meeting mattersWorld Cup turf — how our industry ended up on the biggest stage in soccerOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada🅾️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn👨‍💻 Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design — greenfrogwebdesign.com

    1 hr
  3. 109: Rowdy, RCR & Rocks Surf and Turf

    May 31

    109: Rowdy, RCR & Rocks Surf and Turf

    This one's extra special.. Kyle is out in the field so it's just me and a guy I've been wanting to get on for a while. Rocky Reynolds, former sales manager at Senix, has officially made the leap and started his own lawn and pressure washing business out in Mooresville, North Carolina. Love to see it. We kick things off by dedicating this episode to Kyle Busch and the entire RCR family. A two-time NASCAR Cup champion gone way too soon at 41,this one hit different. I've got my Kyle Busch hat on that I grabbed at Watkins Glen last year, and we spend some time talking about what he meant to the sport and to us personally. Rocky actually played a role in bringing Senix into the RCR and NASCAR world, so we get into how that whole deal went down and what that experience was like behind the scenes. Then we shift gears and talk about Rocky's new venture..Rocks Surf and Turf. What it took to make the leap, how he's been landing customers, what he's running for equipment, and what year one actually looks like. Real talk from someone in the thick of it. If you've ever thought about going out on your own, this one's worth a listen. Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: Remembering Kyle Busch — two-time Cup champion, Rowdy Nation, and what he meant to NASCARHow the Senix x RCR NASCAR partnership came together behind the scenesMaking the leap from corporate sales to running your own businessBuilding a customer base from scratch — what's actually workingRunning a combo lawn and pressure washing operation in year oneThe reality of the grind when you're doing it all yourselfWhether you're a NASCAR fan, a lawn care guy, or just someone thinking about betting on yourself — there's something in this one for you. And a few laughs too. Other Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

    51 min
  4. 108: What's in the Water?

    May 15

    108: What's in the Water?

    This one's a proper solo catch-up, no guests, no script, just Brandon getting into it. A busy spring, some wins, some headaches, and a local issue that deserves way more attention than it's getting. We get into the Canadian Tire promo collab (a goal from day one, now becoming real), picking up the sprayer, and what a wild start to the season has actually looked like on the ground. Plus a rant about customer service that'll hit close to home for anyone running a business .. and a deep dive into the Waterloo Region groundwater crisis that's quietly shutting down development across Elmira, Kitchener, Waterloo and beyond. If you're grinding through your own busy season right now, this one's for you. Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: Field blunders, a popped tire, and rising fuel costs, the real math of running a lawn care businessLanding brand deals: how the Canadian Tire collab came together and what it means for Stripe LifeNew equipment: the sprayer is in the fleetCustomer service is broken across every industry, here's the standard we hold ourselves toThe Waterloo Region water crisis: what's happening, why it matters, and why it's not getting enough attentionWhether you're just starting out or scaling up, this one's got something for you — and a few laughs along the way. Other Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada🅾️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn👨‍💻 Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design — https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

    36 min
  5. 107: We’re in the Thick of It… Life & Lawn Care Update

    Apr 25

    107: We’re in the Thick of It… Life & Lawn Care Update

    This one’s just us getting back to basics..no big agenda, no overthinking it. Just a real catch-up on life, work, and everything that comes with a busy spring season. We talk about what the past few weeks have looked like, how things are ramping up, and the reality of trying to keep up when everything hits at once. From long days to juggling jobs, content, and life outside of work—it’s all part of the grind. If you’re in the middle of your own busy season, this one will feel pretty relatable. Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: Spring landscaping season and industry trendsPricing strategies and managing costsRoute density and business growth tacticsWhether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. Other Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

    43 min
  6. 106: Stop Wasting Leads - The Website & Marketing Fix You Need with Ezra McCarthy

    Apr 18

    106: Stop Wasting Leads - The Website & Marketing Fix You Need with Ezra McCarthy

    This week, Brandon is joined by Ezra McCarthy from Green Frog Web Design for a marketing-focused conversation all about turning your online presence into real customers. Ezra breaks down what goes into building a high-converting website, what most service businesses are doing wrong online, and how small changes can make a big difference when it comes to getting leads. The guys also talk through the impact of a well-built site (including the one Ezra created for them), and why your website should be working just as hard as you are. They also dive into Google My Business, how to show up locally, and the role social media actually plays in growing your business. From first impressions to final conversions, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to level up their marketing.Takeaways: Why your website needs to focus on converting, not just looking goodThe biggest mistakes contractors make onlineHow to use Google My Business to get more local leadsThe difference between social media and your website (and why you need both)Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs.  Other Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

    30 min
  7. 105: Slow Season Coming? Here’s How We’re Adjusting Our Landscaping Business

    Apr 10

    105: Slow Season Coming? Here’s How We’re Adjusting Our Landscaping Business

    In this solo episode, Brandon sits down during a spring snowstorm (yep… fake spring is in full effect) to talk about what’s really happening in the landscaping industry right now—and how to adapt. After speaking with multiple contractors, one thing is clear: this season may be slower, and those big-ticket projects are getting harder to land. But instead of panicking, it’s time to pivot. This episode breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help recession-proof your service-based business, protect your cash flow, and stay busy.. even when things tighten up. From focusing on recurring revenue to cutting unnecessary expenses and getting creative with marketing, this is a no BS look at what it takes to stay ahead this year. Takeaways: Why “need-based” services will outperform luxury projects this seasonHow recurring services can stabilize your incomeWhen and how to make tough decisions with your teamHow switching to battery equipment can save money over timeWhether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. Other Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

    36 min
  8. 104: Living the Lawn Life with Kenny Cooper – Behind the Perfect Lawn

    Mar 30

    104: Living the Lawn Life with Kenny Cooper – Behind the Perfect Lawn

    This week, Brandon and Kyle are joined by Kenny Cooper and Kyle Breiner for a laid-back conversation that covers everything from NASCAR trips and late-night White Castle runs to building a standout lawn and growing on social media. Kenny shares what his day-to-day looks like outside of lawn care, how he balances a full-time job with content creation, and what’s been working for him online. The guys also get into equipment, including what Kenny’s currently running, new gear he’s testing, and what it really takes to get that next-level lawn. They also touch on the shift toward battery-powered equipment, industry trends, and the mindset needed to stay consistent, whether you’re running a business or just leveling up your own lawn.Takeaways: Equipment talk + what Kenny’s usingTips for cleaner stripes and better lawnsBattery vs gas discussionSocial media growth in the lawn spaceWhether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs.  Other Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

    57 min
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About

The Crooked Stripes Podcast is where contractors talk shop. Hosted by Brandon Brubacher in Canada and Kyle Breiner in Ohio, the show features real conversations about lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, and what it takes to build a business in the green industry. From equipment and efficiency to marketing and the day-to-day grind, each episode shares honest insights from the field. New episodes weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Brandon Brubacher, Kyle Breiner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brandon Brubacher, Kyle Breiner
  • Show Website
    Crooked Stripes Podcast

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