Hardscape Growth

Hardscaper

The Hardscape Growth podcast is back with a brand new season, and this time we're focusing on the Hardscaper High Five. Hosted by Alex Cadieux from Techo-Bloc, this season will break down the five core values that every successful hardscaper needs to focus on. With a new framework and theme to help compartmentalize the information and make it easier to digest, listeners will learn from industry veterans who have been through the ups and downs, made mistakes, and achieved success.

  1. JAN 27

    How to Build a Landscape Company People Want to Work For | Hiring, Retention & Culture

    This episode breaks down one of the most misunderstood growth levers in the landscape industry: Building careers — not just filling jobs. Alex sits down with Chris Mace (VP of Construction & Design) and Lisa Riess (HR Leader) from Gelderman Landscape Services to unpack how intentional people strategy drives profitability, retention, and long-term growth. They dive into: Why consistent, guaranteed pay is a competitive advantage in a seasonal industry How clear career paths unlock loyalty, performance, and leadership from within The real cost of employee turnover — and why most contractors underestimate it How training, communication, and culture outperform “quick hires” every time What small and mid-sized contractors can realistically implement without a full HR department If you want to grow a stronger company, execute better work, and stop losing your best people — this episode lays out the blueprint. 🎧 Listen now — because the next generation of great landscape companies will be built by leaders who take care of their people. 🔗 https://events.hardscaper.com/ Learn more about Gelderman Landscape Services:🌐 https://geldeman.com/ 😎 Enjoyed this episode? Apple Podcasts | SpotifyNew episodes every month! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com. Follow & Subscribe: 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/ Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!

    1h 1m
  2. 09/23/2025

    How to Build an Empire After a Financial Rock Bottom

    At 17, John Karpov was broke, alone, and cut off from his only source of financial support. Today, he's the founder of a $20M+ landscaping business , and he’s building with a trillion-dollar vision in mind.   In this episode of the Hardscaper Growth Podcast, host Alex Cadieux sits down with John to unpack how a rock-bottom moment turned into a relentless mindset shift, a door-to-door hustle, and the foundation for a fast-scaling company. 💬 What they cover: How getting cut off at 17 sparked a growth-at-all-costs mindsetThe lessons John learned selling driveway sealing door-to-doorWhy “figuring it out as you go” can still work — if you stay ethicalHow to build a team before you burn outThe difference between working hard and scaling smartCreating systems and SOPs that make your business scalableWhat to do when mistakes happen — and how to learn from them From figuring it out on the fly to building systems, teams, and infrastructure for serious growth, this episode goes deep on what it really takes to go from survival to scale, and how to do it without burning out or bottlenecking your future.    Follow John: @actionhomeservices 📈 Learnmore at: https://actionhomeservices.ca 🎧 Listen now—because the next era of landscaping giants is being built today.   New episodes every month! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com Follow & Subscribe: 📸 Instagram: @hardscaper_ 📺 YouTube: @hardscaper 🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! →Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free.

    49 min
  3. 04/22/2025

    Design Isn’t Optional – It’s the Foundation for Profit

    In this live-recorded episode of the Hardscape Growth Podcast, Alex from Techo-Bloc is joined by returning guest Tigran from Applewood Landscapes and designer Taylor Young to explore the real impact of design on growing a hardscape business. From eliminating costly on-site confusion to creating a “wow” factor that sells jobs, they break down how having a clear plan streamlines operations, improves margins, and builds trust with clients. Key Takeaways: Why a clear design prevents costly mistakes and wasted labor How the design process builds trust and emotional buy-in from clients The business case for charging design fees—and how to position them Tips for navigating budget conversations early and effectively The competitive advantage of keeping design and build under one roof Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting out, this episode proves that design isn't just a nice-to-have—it's the foundation for scaling your business. New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com. Follow & Subscribe:📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/:tv: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper:globe_with_meridians: Website: https://hardscaper.com/ Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!

    34 min
5
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

The Hardscape Growth podcast is back with a brand new season, and this time we're focusing on the Hardscaper High Five. Hosted by Alex Cadieux from Techo-Bloc, this season will break down the five core values that every successful hardscaper needs to focus on. With a new framework and theme to help compartmentalize the information and make it easier to digest, listeners will learn from industry veterans who have been through the ups and downs, made mistakes, and achieved success.

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