The Landscape Business Growth Lab

Ron McCabe
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Real conversations with landscaping business owners about what it takes to build a company that lasts. Each episode is hosted by Ron McCabe, founder of Everbearing Services. After a successful career as a technologist in the Silicon Valley, Ron transitioned to the green industry. For over 15 years, he has helped landscape companies transition from referrals to repeatable growth. Ron brings Silicon Valley growth strategies and out-of-the-box thinking to the digital marketing space. Each monthly episode features business owners and industry experts who share how they got started, what tools they rely on, and how they make critical decisions that keep their operations moving forward. They offer direct insights and give helpful advice on how to grow. Guests discuss how they got started in the landscaping business, marketing tips, and business strategies. Each episode focuses on the real-world decisions that drive sustainable growth. The Landscape Business Growth Lab is produced by Everbearing Services, a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on the landscape industry.

Episodes

  1. What Happens When You Build A Landscape Business Around Your Values With Todd Blossom

    JAN 26

    What Happens When You Build A Landscape Business Around Your Values With Todd Blossom

    Ron McCabe sits down with Todd Blossom, owner of Blossom in Portland, Oregon, to talk about how a values driven landscape company takes shape over time. Ron walks through Todd's early years in the field, what pulled him toward permaculture, and how caring for land, people, and city infrastructure came together in one business. Todd talks about right livelihood, what it means to build a company that matches his life, and how he keeps work grounded in observation instead of trends. Ron also talks with Todd about the stormwater retrofit work he led with the City of Portland, his move into electric maintenance equipment, and how native plants and lawn conversions support birds, soil, and long term garden health. Todd shares how contracts with the city helped him ride out market swings, why his team now leans on clear systems and SOPs, and what it takes to grow at a steady pace without losing the heart of the company. Chapters: 00:07 - Learning Through Mistakes in Permaculture03:38 - The Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery in Landscaping12:20 - Embracing Permaculture Philosophy15:08 - The Role of Stormwater Management in Urban Planning24:14 - Transitioning to Electric Equipment in Landscaping29:01 - The Importance of Team Dynamics in Business Growth38:17 - Navigating Business Growth: The Conductor's Role44:09 - The Importance of Nature in Our Lives46:07 - Building an Ecological Mindset Short list Companies MentionedBlossom (Blossom PDX)City of PortlandGreenworks (equipment partner)Bird Alliance (Backyard Habitat Certification Program) Short list Websites MentionedBlossom PDX: https://www.blossompdx.comLandscape Business Growth Lab: https://landscapebusinessgrowthlab.comOverbearing Services: https://overbearingservices.comBird Alliance Backyard Habitat Program: https://birdallianceoregon.org/backyard-habitat-certification-program Guest InformationTodd Blossom owns and leads Blossom, a Portland based company that focuses on ecologically sound residential and commercial landscapes. His work blends permaculture thinking, stormwater management, native plants, and electric maintenance services. Todd brings decades in the green industry and a...

    49 min
  2. Father and Son Both Sold Their Landscape Companies: Here's What They Did Differently

    12/01/2025

    Father and Son Both Sold Their Landscape Companies: Here's What They Did Differently

    In this episode, I sat down with Will Bailey from Avid Landscape to talk about building a solid landscape business. Will shared his journey from working in his dad's mechanic shop to running operations at some of Seattle's top landscaping companies. We covered what it takes to grow without losing quality, the real experience of going through a business acquisition, and how to think about your exit when the time comes. Will and I also spent time talking about his late father, Rod Bailey, who was a true pioneer in bringing financial discipline to the landscaping industry. Rod's influence shaped not just Will's career but the entire Pacific Northwest landscape community. We got into the details of project management, the role of technology in scaling a service business, and what it means to build something that lasts. Chapters: 00:06 - The Impact of Retirement on Life04:53 - The Legacy of a Landscape Business08:34 - The Influence of a Legacy: Rod Bailey's Impact on the Landscaping Industry14:50 - The Legacy of a Pioneer: Lessons from a Life in Business19:32 - Navigating Business Partnerships and Changes31:02 - Navigating Business Transitions: Insights on Selling and Succession Planning33:44 - The Importance of Staying Engaged After Retirement Takeaways: The line between retirement and active life is thinner than we think, with many folks still having much to offer post-retirement, as highlighted in the discussions. Investing in landscaping isn't just about aesthetics; it represents a growing business opportunity that can lead to significant financial returns and personal satisfaction. The importance of personal integrity and accountability in business is paramount, as learned from the experiences shared about Rod Bailey's legacy in the industry. Navigating business acquisitions can be complex, and understanding the motivations of buyers is crucial for a successful transition, as shared through personal experiences. Technology is revolutionizing the landscaping industry, streamlining operations and enhancing customer service, which is vital for future growth and efficiency. Considering different options for business transition, such as employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), can provide opportunities for legacy preservation and financial security for business owners. Companies Mentioned Avid Landscape Evergreen Services Corporation Trugreen Landcare Signature Landscape Services Monarch University of Washington Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP) Aspire Websites Mentioned landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com Guest Information Will Bailey is the owner of Avid Landscape in Edmonds, Washington, with over 34 years of experience in the landscaping industry. He spent seven years at his father's company, Evergreen Services Corporation, followed by 15 years as a partner at Signature Landscape Services, and four years with Monarch after the acquisition. Will completed the Executive Development Program at the University of Washington and now runs Avid Landscape with his business partner.

    37 min
  3. Scaling For Growth Sustainability In Landscaping - Strategizing Your Burn Rate

    11/03/2025

    Scaling For Growth Sustainability In Landscaping - Strategizing Your Burn Rate

    Managing cash flow is a tricky beast, especially for landscaping businesses navigating seasonal fluctuations. In this episode, we dive deep into how growth can sometimes strangle your cash flow if you're not keeping a tight grip on your numbers. We chat with Joe and Carla from CycleCPA, who emphasize the importance of tracking fixed assets like mowers and trucks to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. They lay out key performance indicators that every landscaping business should monitor as they scale up, including return on fixed assets and fixed asset turnover. If you’re looking to grow without falling into the cash crunch trap, we break down strategies to keep your operations running smoothly and your finances in check. Chapters: 00:13 - Understanding Cash Flow Challenges08:41 - Understanding the Financial Metrics for Landscaping Businesses11:13 - Starting a Landscaping Business: Financial Fundamentals24:26 - Navigating Cash Flow Challenges in Growing Businesses29:28 - Navigating Cash Flow Challenges in Landscape Businesses We explore the challenges that seasonal companies face, highlighting how growth, while typically seen as a positive, can actually strain cash resources if not handled correctly. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) like return on fixed assets and fixed asset turnover, which can provide valuable insights into how effectively a company is utilizing its equipment and resources. They underline the necessity of tracking these numbers to avoid costly mistakes, especially in an industry where equipment can represent a significant investment. By discussing the various stages of business growth, they also provide practical advice on how landscaping businesses can position themselves for success, ensuring that they remain financially healthy even during off-peak seasons. Ultimately, the episode serves as a wake-up call for business owners to keep a close eye on their financials and to develop robust systems for managing cash flow, ensuring sustainable growth in the long run. Takeaways: Cash flow management is crucial for seasonal businesses, as growth can complicate finances significantly. Utilizing machinery and equipment efficiently can directly affect profit margins in landscaping businesses. Tracking key performance indicators like gross margin helps landscape companies understand operational efficiency better. Staying consistent over time is key to long-term success in the landscaping industry, even amidst challenges. Companies mentioned in this episode: Everbearing Services CycleCPA Links referenced in this episode: cyclecpa.comlandscapebusinessgrowthlab.comeverbearingservices.com

    37 min
  4. Chasing $1 Billion: A CEO's Vision for Landscape Business Growth

    10/15/2025

    Chasing $1 Billion: A CEO's Vision for Landscape Business Growth

    I had an incredible conversation with Justin White, CEO of K&D Landscaping, and it reminded me why I love this industry so much. Justin took his parents' small family business and scaled it from $1.5 million to $20 million in revenue in just nine years. But what really struck me wasn't just the numbers; it was his vision to create generational wealth for his entire team through a potential IPO by 2035. That's the kind of thinking that's going to change the industry forever. We dove deep into the realities of growing a landscape business in today's market, including why 2025 has been tougher than expected for so many of us. Justin opened up about the adversity he's faced, the importance of leadership mindset, and why he created The Disruptors community to help other contractors accelerate their growth. If you're ready to stop playing small and start building something that outlasts you, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement right away. Timestamps3:04 - Growing Up in a Family Landscape Business: The Real Story 8:23 - The Turning Point: From $1.5M to $20M in Nine Years 14:19 - Adversity & Leadership: When Your Business Doesn't Love You Back 19:42 - Why 2025 Has Been Challenging for Landscapers Nationwide 26:34 - The Billion-Dollar Vision: Creating Generational Wealth 32:31 - Inside The Disruptors: Building a Community of High Performers 43:08 - Who Thrives in The Disruptors & How to Get Involved 48:07 - Take Action: Set an Unreasonable Goal Before Year-End Links & ResourcesJustin White & K&D Landscaping: Website: jwhitegroup.comLinkedIn & Instagram: @JustinWhiteKNDLandscaping The Disruptors Community: Learn more at jwhitegroup.com Landscape Business Growth Lab: Website: landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com Everbearing Services: Website: everbearingservices.com Companies & Organizations MentionedLandscape Companies: K&D Landscaping - Justin White's company, scaled from $1.5M to $20M in 9 yearsBrightView (formerly ValleyCrest & Brickman merger) - Publicly traded landscape companyJensen Landscape - Led by CEO John Vallee, inspiration for Justin's growth visionKachina Landscape - Top landscape company mentioned in industry research Technology & Software Partners of The Disruptors: Aspire - Landscape business management softwareGreenius - Training platform for landscape teamsTeam Engine - Employee engagement and communication toolBob Yard - Landscape business softwareCapsidata - Data and analytics platformCres Software - Landscape management solution Industry Associations: NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals)CLCA (California Landscape Contractors Association)ALCA (Associated Landscape Contractors of America)WALPOLE - Regional landscape association Other Peer...

    51 min
  5. Your Landscaping Business Needs to Be the Best Place to Work | Company Culture = Team Retention

    10/01/2025

    Your Landscaping Business Needs to Be the Best Place to Work | Company Culture = Team Retention

    Attracting the best talent starts with being the best place to work. In this episode, Chad Knight shares how he transformed a small backflow testing company into a thriving tech-forward irrigation business by focusing on clear organizational values. He emphasizes the importance of hiring people who align with those values and ensuring that they can focus on fantastic work instead of repetitive tasks that automation can handle. Chad's journey highlights the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a strong company culture, which he believes is essential for sustainable growth. If you want to elevate your landscaping business, understanding the value of your team and creating an environment where they can thrive is key. The Landscape Growth Lab Podcast EP. 1: Your Landscaping Business Needs to Be the Best Place to Work | Company Culture = Team Retention 0:00 - Values-Based Hiring Success 0:51 - Landscape Growth Lab Introduction 1:05 - Chad Knight's Background Story 2:55 - Organizational Values Framework 5:52 - Creating Scalable Systems 8:32 - Technology and Automation Impact 11:12 - Counterintuitive Hiring Decisions 14:32 - Premium Service Positioning 17:12 - Deep Green Technology Division 19:12 - Firewise Landscaping Approach 23:42 - Future of Irrigation Business 28:55 - Best Workplace Philosophy Chad Knight's journey from COO of EarthCruiser to the owner of Deschutes Backflow is a testament to how values shape a business's success. He emphasizes the importance of hiring based on alignment with core values like courage, excellence, growth, and teamwork. By establishing these values, Chad creates a framework that empowers his team to make decisions autonomously, allowing for a scalable and efficient operation. The focus on building a company culture where employees feel valued not only attracts top talent but also drives the organization toward sustainable growth. Chad's insights into automation further highlight his strategy for maintaining quality service without overextending the workforce. He argues that by leveraging technology to handle repetitive tasks, businesses can free skilled workers to focus on providing exceptional service, thus creating a competitive edge in the irrigation industry. Moreover, Chad discusses the evolving challenges of labor shortages in the landscaping sector and the need for businesses to adapt. He believes that companies must automate processes to thrive amidst increasing demands for efficiency. His commitment to training and developing a small, elite team stands out as a crucial element of his business philosophy. As the conversation unfolds, the idea of integrating deep green technology for water conservation emerges as a defining aspect of Chad's approach, marrying his commitment to environmental stewardship with practical business strategies. This episode ultimately underscores the message that aligning a company's operations with its core values is essential for fostering a resilient and thriving business in today's competitive landscape. Links referenced in this episode: deschutesbackflow.comlandscapebusinessgrowthlab.comeverbearingservices.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Everbearing Services EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles Deschutes Backflow

    31 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Real conversations with landscaping business owners about what it takes to build a company that lasts. Each episode is hosted by Ron McCabe, founder of Everbearing Services. After a successful career as a technologist in the Silicon Valley, Ron transitioned to the green industry. For over 15 years, he has helped landscape companies transition from referrals to repeatable growth. Ron brings Silicon Valley growth strategies and out-of-the-box thinking to the digital marketing space. Each monthly episode features business owners and industry experts who share how they got started, what tools they rely on, and how they make critical decisions that keep their operations moving forward. They offer direct insights and give helpful advice on how to grow. Guests discuss how they got started in the landscaping business, marketing tips, and business strategies. Each episode focuses on the real-world decisions that drive sustainable growth. The Landscape Business Growth Lab is produced by Everbearing Services, a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on the landscape industry.

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