SYNKD on Air - Innovation + Sustainability for Outdoor Living Professionals.

Angelique Robb
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Join us for insightful discussions on landscape architecture, design, construction / hardscaping, landscaping, and grounds management as SYNKD™ Media unites landscape professionals. Tune in as we meet amazing people and learn how they contribute to our industry. SYNKD™️ Media unites landscape professionals across architecture, construction, and horticulture to accelerate progress, spark innovation, and shape a more sustainable planet — one smart solution at a time. https://www.synkd.io We have in-person events, digital media, podcasts, webinars, education and a publication - contact us to share your project or your story! https://synkd.io/live-event We record on Riverside - get your own Riverside account here: https://riverside.sjv.io/550YYn

  1. Aug 10

    Stronger Together: Rethinking Partnerships in the Landscape Industry with Karen Larson

    What if the company you think of as a competitor could actually help you build a stronger business? In this episode of SYNKD On Air, Angelique Robb talks with Karen Larson, founder of Soake Pools, about why strategic partnerships have been fundamental to the company’s growth—and why landscape business owners may want to rethink the traditional boundaries between vendors, subcontractors and even competitors. From landscape designers and contractors to pool builders and crane operators, Soake Pools has built a nationwide network around collaboration, trust and clearly defined expertise. Karen shares how those relationships can make projects more efficient, expand what a company can offer and ultimately create a better experience for the client. The conversation also explores a bigger opportunity for the landscape industry: Instead of trying to do everything in-house, what could your business accomplish by finding great partners and playing to each other’s strengths? For business owners navigating labor challenges, profitability pressures and changing client expectations, partnership may be more than a way to complete a project—it could be a smarter way to grow. https://www.soakepools.com/

  2. Aug 5

    Why Ecological Landscapes Need Community | Mae Lin Plummer, Ecological Landscape Alliance

    What does it take to create landscapes that are truly resilient? In this episode of SYNKD On Air, host Angelique Robb sits down with Mae Lin Plummer, Executive Director of the Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA), to discuss why ecological landscaping is about far more than plant selection—it's about building relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating a stronger professional community. Mae Lin shares her own journey into horticulture, explains how ELA has spent more than 35 years educating landscape professionals, and discusses why bringing people back together through in-person events matters now more than ever. In this episode, you'll learn: What the Ecological Landscape Alliance is and who it's forWhy collaboration is essential to creating resilient landscapesThe importance of connecting designers, contractors, growers, conservationists and educatorsHow ecological practices continue to evolve through science, research and shared experienceWhy community may be one of the industry's most important tools for tackling today's environmental challengesWhether you're a landscape architect, contractor, maintenance professional, grower or simply passionate about sustainable landscapes, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful change happens when we work together. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to SYNKD for more discussions connecting the Design • Build • Maintain sectors of the landscape industry. Here's where you can register for the ELA event in August 2026: https://ela.member365.org/public/event/details/c57c6f434b8d1fd6a7eef3ef51920866254c6daf/1 See you there!

  3. Aug 3

    Do we really have a labor shortage? Or do we have a recruit-and-retain problem?

    If your company is constantly hiring, Jay Worth has a challenge for you: maybe the problem isn't the labor market. In this episode of SYNKD On Air, Angelique Robb sits down with Jay Worth, Regional Business Development Manager at Down To Earth and author of The Recruit and Retain Playbook, to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions facing the landscape industry. Drawing on more than two decades in the field, experience across five states, and conversations with hundreds of landscape business owners, Jay argues that our industry doesn't have a labor shortage—it has a recruiting and retention problem. Together, they explore why culture is every company's greatest competitive advantage, how small improvements in onboarding and leadership compound over time, and why attracting the next generation of professionals starts with changing the way we talk about careers in landscaping. Whether you're an owner, manager, HR professional or crew leader, this conversation offers practical ideas you can implement immediately to build a workplace where great people want to stay. Come to Phoenix to learn from Jay Worth and improve your recruitment and retention! https://app.getnetworked.com/event/synkd-live-phoenix-2026 Get in touch with Jay here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-worth/ Get Jay's book here: https://a.co/d/02I3wTfL

  4. Jul 28

    Stop Letting Customers Run Your Schedule - A Simple Strategy to Help

    "Customers always have expectations. If you don't define them, they will." Holly McIlwain, CEO, Skilled Pro Academy joins us on the podcast with some real life examples of how to turn your chaos into glowing referrals. Does your team's day feel like controlled chaos? You're not alone. In this episode, Holly McIlwain shares why "reactive scheduling" quietly drains profits and creates unnecessary stress for both your team and your customers. Learn how setting clear expectations, creating repeatable communication scripts, and sticking to your business model can transform your customer experience and improve efficiency across your operation. It's a practical conversation every landscape business owner, manager, and service leader should hear. https://skilledproacademy.com/ 🎁 Free Resource for SYNKD ListenersHolly McIlwain is offering SYNKD listeners a free Communication Script Planning Guide to help you build consistent customer communication and standard operating procedures for your business. The guide includes a checklist of the scripts every landscape or irrigation company should develop, making it easier to standardize your customer experience and improve team communication. To receive your free copy: 📧 Email studentservices@skillproacademy.com Subject: SYNKD (or mention "SYNKD" in your message) The SkillPro Academy team will send you the guide.

  5. Jul 14

    What If the Future of Landscaping Starts Beneath Our Feet?

    What if healthier landscapes could create healthier people, stronger businesses, and more resilient communities? In this episode of SYNKD On Air, Angelique Robb sits down with Brit Sastrawidjaya, founder of Blueprint Earth and host of the Land Language podcast, to explore how regenerative landscaping is reshaping the industry. Together they discuss everything from soil biology and stormwater management to client psychology, leadership, and creating outdoor spaces that truly connect people with nature. This conversation challenges long-held industry practices while offering practical ideas that landscape professionals can begin implementing today. Listen to Brit and Bethany's podcast here: https://www.landlanguage.org/ Look at Blueprint Earth's website here: https://www.be.land/

  6. Jun 30

    Beyond Sales: Edward Morrow on Communication, Confidence & Leading with Value

    Beyond Sales: Edward Morrow on Communication, Confidence & Leading with ValueSuccess in the landscape industry isn't just built on technical expertise—it's built on how we connect with people. In this episode of SYNKD On Air, Angelique Robb sits down with arborist, educator and speaker Edward Morrow to explore the often-overlooked psychology behind communication, sales and leadership. Drawing from his experience in tree care, accounting and business development, Edward shares why emotional regulation, authentic conversations and an abundance mindset can transform the way professionals build relationships with clients and teams. From overcoming decision fatigue to communicating with confidence, this conversation offers practical strategies for anyone looking to reduce stress, strengthen leadership and create more meaningful connections in business and life. Check out his book series here: https://edwardthearborist.com/

  7. Jun 15

    The Hidden Cost of Bad Irrigation: What Every Landscape Professional Needs to Know

    Water may be the most valuable resource in the landscape, but too often irrigation systems are treated as an afterthought—until a client calls about dead plants, soggy turf, or a water bill that’s suddenly through the roof. In this episode of SYNKD On Air, irrigation expert Richard Restuccio dives into the hidden challenges that impact nearly every landscape project, from design and installation to long-term maintenance. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience with companies including Rain Bird, Jain Irrigation, Husqvarna Water, and ValleyCrest, Richard explains why common irrigation problems continue to persist and what landscape professionals can do to prevent them. From improper head spacing and pressure issues to outdated controller settings and overlooked maintenance practices, he reveals how small mistakes can lead to major consequences for both landscapes and business profitability. The conversation also explores the growing importance of water management as utility costs rise across the country. Richard shares practical strategies for using smart controllers, flow sensors, and water audits to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and create valuable service offerings that set companies apart from the competition. Along the way, he challenges the industry to move beyond low-bid thinking and embrace a more holistic approach that connects design intent, installation quality, and long-term landscape performance. Whether you're a landscape architect, contractor, irrigation specialist, or maintenance professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you deliver healthier landscapes, strengthen client relationships, and uncover new opportunities for growth. If water touches every part of the landscape—and it does—this conversation will change the way you think about managing it. https://substack.com/@h2otrends

  8. Jun 9

    What Comes After the Blueprint? Architecture, AI & the Human Need to Belong with Alexander Josephson

    Award-winning architect and PARTISANS founder Alexander Josephson joins Angelique Robb for a thought-provoking conversation that begins with design and ends somewhere much deeper. From the business value of creativity and the future of AI in architecture to the surprising inspiration behind Cumulus—a digital platform designed to preserve memories across generations—Alex explores how great design shapes not only spaces, but people. Along the way, the discussion tackles belonging, legacy, community, and why our increasingly digital world may be making human connection more important than ever. More info here: https://partisans.com/ https://www.cumulus.world/ One of the most compelling ideas from this conversation is that design isn't just about creating places—it's about creating meaning. Whether through architecture, technology, or the landscapes we shape every day, the work we leave behind becomes part of our legacy. What role do you think designers, builders, and maintenance professionals play in helping people feel connected to something bigger than themselves?

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Join us for insightful discussions on landscape architecture, design, construction / hardscaping, landscaping, and grounds management as SYNKD™ Media unites landscape professionals. Tune in as we meet amazing people and learn how they contribute to our industry. SYNKD™️ Media unites landscape professionals across architecture, construction, and horticulture to accelerate progress, spark innovation, and shape a more sustainable planet — one smart solution at a time. https://www.synkd.io We have in-person events, digital media, podcasts, webinars, education and a publication - contact us to share your project or your story! https://synkd.io/live-event We record on Riverside - get your own Riverside account here: https://riverside.sjv.io/550YYn

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