Crooked Stripes Podcast

Brandon Brubacher, Kyle Breiner

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. 109: Rowdy, RCR & Rocks Surf and Turf

    3d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 102: From Fanshawe to the Field | 2026 Landscape Trends w Cole Martin

    Mar 9

    102: From Fanshawe to the Field | 2026 Landscape Trends w Cole Martin

    In Episode 102, Brandon welcomes back returning guest Cole Martin (from Episode 99) for a conversation about where the landscaping industry is heading and what the next generation of landscapers should be paying attention to. With Kyle busy trying to sell a mower, Brandon and Cole dive into 2026 landscape trends, lessons from the field, and how young landscapers can set themselves up for success. Cole shares his experience studying in the Landscape Design program at Fanshawe College, giving a big shoutout to the school that helped kickstart his career in the industry. They talk about the value of hands-on learning, what landscape students should focus on while in school, and how the transition from classroom to jobsite really looks. The conversation also explores what’s trending in landscaping right now and what contractors are seeing more of from clients. From low-maintenance landscapes and native plantings to outdoor wellness spaces, new materials like Corten steel, and smarter drainage solutions, Brandon and Cole break down the ideas shaping landscape design heading into 2026. They also discuss the versatility of the landscaping industry, from design and horticulture to project management and running your own business.. plus practical tips for quoting jobs, communicating with clients, and building long-term relationships that keep projects coming back year after year. For students, young landscapers, or anyone thinking about entering the trade, this episode is packed with real-world insight and a few stories from the early days getting started. Takeaways: Landscape design trends shaping projects heading into 2026 Why the Landscape Design program at Fanshawe College prepares students well for the industry The growing demand for low-maintenance and functional outdoor spaces Practical quoting and client communication strategies for contractors Why adaptability and learning new materials or techniques is key in a changing economy Whether you're a landscape student, contractor, or just passionate about the industry, this episode is full of insights on where landscaping is headed next … and how to stay ahead of the curve. 🌿🚜 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

    59 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.

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