Landscape Insider with Ryan and Aaron

Scott Grams
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Landscape Insider involves conversations across the Illinois green industry - where the focus is on helping you grow as a landscape professional. Join us as we explore the core components of the green industry and uncover the trends shaping its future. Whether you grow it, build it, maintain it, or supply it, we’ll take an honest look at the challenges and opportunities we all face.

  1. 4d ago

    Landscape Insider - Episode 17: Jim Cirrincione

    In this episode, Jim Cirrincione, President of Hinsdale Nurseries joins hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych on the Landscape Insider podcast. Jim shares his journey from landscaping to corporate America and back, highlighting lessons learned about leadership, business management, and industry insights. Discover how his diverse background shapes his approach to running Hinsdale Nurseries and his views on present and future industry challenges. He reminisces about industry mentors, the evolution of software and technology, and his own leadership journey to avoid micromanagement and ensure success. This is part of the "Meet the Board" series. Chapters: Jim's journey from political science to landscapingTransition from corporate America to Hinsdale NurseriesLeadership lessons and management style evolutionThe role of mentors and industry relationshipsTechnology, systems, and integration in businessFinancial management and fractional CFO insightsIndustry challenges and future outlookLeadership style and team managementTravel stories and personal experiencesNetworking, industry involvement, and board participation

  2. Jul 28

    Landscape Insider - Episode 16: Adam Bellas

    Adam Bellas of Bellas Landscaping joins the Landscape Insider podcast. In this episode, Adam discusses how he leverages community involvement, strong company culture, and industry diversification to grow his landscaping, brewing, and hospitality ventures while fostering meaningful relationships and industry advancement. This is part of the "Meet the Board" series. Chapters: Adam's transition from lawn maintenance to leading multiple successful businessesThe importance of culture and community involvement in sustainable growthStrategies for client acquisition and word-of-mouth marketingInsights on operational efficiency, technology, and equipment managementThe role of community service and giving back in brand buildingDifferentiating regional challenges and opportunities in IllinoisBalancing work-life harmony in a demanding industryLeadership perspective on mentorship, staff loyalty, and employee careFuture vision for landscape Illinois and industry advocacy

  3. Jul 14

    Landscape Insider - Episode 15: Ashley Marrin

    Ashley Marrin, Landscape Illinois Past President and owner of Bret-Mar Landscape shares her journey in the landscape industry on the Landscape Insider podcast. Discover how her background, leadership style, and industry challenges shape her success. Ashley explains a unique leadership style inspired by horses, the role of family and succession planning in business, financial literacy and business management, and adapting to evolving technology and client demands. This is part of the "Meet the Board" series. Chapters: Introduction and Ashley’s background in the industryDivision of responsibilities between Ashley and her brotherTransition of her parents out of the businessChallenges in leadership transition and communicationImplementing change and technology in the businessLearning the financial side of the businessIndustry involvement and networking benefitsWork-life balance and personal passionsLeadership style inspired by horses and emotional intelligenceIndustry challenges and future outlookAdvice for industry newcomers and legacyReflections on industry evolution and personal growth

  4. Jun 26

    Landscape Insider - Episode 14: Nikki Melin

    In this episode of the Landscape Insider podcast, Nikki Melin, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Midwest Groundcovers, shares her journey from urban forestry to leadership in the horticulture industry. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, balancing a love of plants and management, and industry collaboration. Discover her insights on leadership development, industry trends, and innovative technologies shaping the future of plant production. This is part of the "Meet the Board" series. Chapters Career Journey at Midwest GroundcoversLeadership Development and TrainingMentorship and Industry ConnectionsBalancing Management and Passion for PlantsCollaboration Between Sales and ProductionNavigating Trends in HorticultureEducational Opportunities and NetworkingFostering Growth in Team MembersUnderstanding Growers and ContractorsThe Importance of Native PlantsAutomation and Technology in HorticultureIndustry Collaboration and FeedbackThe Future of Green SpacesLeadership Insights from Nikki MelinThe Importance of Continuous Learning and Growth

  5. Jun 22

    Landscape Insider - Episode 13: Michael Massat

    In this episode, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych talk with Michael Massat of The Growing Place Garden Center. Michael shares his journey in the garden center industry, provides insights on consumer trends, and explains how his business adapted during COVID. We explore the importance of native plants, retail customer loyalty, knowing when to embrace trends, and provide some advice for newcomers in the horticulture industry. Chapters: Michael's Journey into HorticultureThe Hands-On Approach to BusinessNavigating Seasonal Staffing ChallengesUnderstanding Clientele ChangesAdapting to Trends in GardeningThe Impact of COVID on Plant AwarenessAdapting Business Strategies During the PandemicThe Importance of Networking in the Garden Center IndustryNavigating Retail and Contractor RelationshipsTrends in Native Plants and Invasive SpeciesUnique Perspectives from Retail Garden Center OwnersAdvice for Newcomers in the Horticulture IndustryPersonal Insights and Preferences in GardeningAdapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-19 on Garden CentersTrends in the Gardening Industry: The Fast-Paced Nature of Plant popularityCommunity Engagement: The Importance of Client Relationships in Gardening

  6. Jun 15

    Landscape Insider - Episode 12: Becky Thomas

    In this episode, Landscape Insider hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych interview grower and Landscape Illinois Board member Becky Thomas of Spring Grove Nursery in Mazon, IL. She shares her journey from landscape architect to nursery grower, her involvement in industry programs, and insights on sustainable growth, industry collaboration, and adapting to market changes. She discusses key business strategies, plant marketing, nursery management, and what every landscape contractor needs to understand about growing plants. Finally, she discusses working with her husband and children and leaning on the strengths of the people closest to you. This is part of Landscape Illinois' "Meet the Board" series. Chapters: Introduction to Becky's JourneyTransition from Landscape Architecture to NurseryEarly Challenges and Growth of the NurseryMentorship and Support in the IndustryNavigating Economic ChallengesImportance of Networking and AssociationsThe Eagle Program ExperienceInvolving the Next GenerationBuilding Connections in the IndustryBalancing Strengths in a Family BusinessStrategic Growth vs. Operational EfficiencyAdapting to Labor ChangesEmbracing Technology in GrowingUnderstanding Growers' NeedsThe Importance of Plant SelectionCollaboration in the IndustryPersonal Connections in Business

  7. Jun 9

    Landscape Insider - Episode 11: Shane Griffith

    On this episode of the Landscape Insider podcast, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych allow Shane Griffith to share his journey from turf science to leading Weed Man franchises across the country. Discover how technology, industry trends, and leadership shape the future of lawn care and landscape management. This is part of Landscape Illinois's "Meet the Board" series. Chapters Career Journey and Early InfluencesTransition to Business and EntrepreneurshipGrowth and Development in the Turf IndustryNavigating Regulations and Environmental ConcernsTechnology in Lawn CareCustomer Relationships and Industry TrendsFuture of the Green IndustryRole on the Board and Industry RepresentationThe Importance of Expert Knowledge in BusinessTechnology's Role in Enhancing Service Efficiency

  8. Jun 1

    Landscape Insider - Episode 10: Steve Worth

    Hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych interview 2025 Landscape Illinois Person of the Year, Steve Worth of Kankakee Nursery. The industry veteran shares his journey in the nursery business, discusses long-term planning, company culture, and the future of horticulture from the perspective of a business that spans four generations. Learn from his experiences and gain valuable tips on growth, succession, and industry trends. Chapters: Introduction and Guest BackgroundEarly Career and Family Business RootsIndustry Changes and Market TrendsLong-Term Planning and ForecastingNursery Production Methods: Balled and Burlapped vs ContainersIndustry Challenges: Labor and AutomationCompany Culture and Leadership PhilosophyRetirement Planning and Succession StrategiesFuture Industry Trends and OpportunitiesAdvice for New Entrants and Industry Outlook

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Landscape Insider involves conversations across the Illinois green industry - where the focus is on helping you grow as a landscape professional. Join us as we explore the core components of the green industry and uncover the trends shaping its future. Whether you grow it, build it, maintain it, or supply it, we’ll take an honest look at the challenges and opportunities we all face.

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