24 episodes

Are you ready to take your landscaping business to the next level? Tune in to Roots of Success, the premier landscaper's podcast that brings you the latest tips and strategies from the industry's most successful coaches. Hosted by Tommy Cole, VP and Principal of McFarlin Stanford, each episode features candid conversations with landscape business owners and industry experts who have overcome obstacles and achieved extraordinary success. Whether you're struggling with people, profits, or just day-to-day challenges, Tommy and his guests have the real-world experience and practical advice to help you build a thriving and profitable landscape business.

Roots of Success McFarlin Stanford

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 23 Ratings

Are you ready to take your landscaping business to the next level? Tune in to Roots of Success, the premier landscaper's podcast that brings you the latest tips and strategies from the industry's most successful coaches. Hosted by Tommy Cole, VP and Principal of McFarlin Stanford, each episode features candid conversations with landscape business owners and industry experts who have overcome obstacles and achieved extraordinary success. Whether you're struggling with people, profits, or just day-to-day challenges, Tommy and his guests have the real-world experience and practical advice to help you build a thriving and profitable landscape business.

    From Pushing Mowers to Pulling Profits: Breaking Barriers with Austyn Roth

    From Pushing Mowers to Pulling Profits: Breaking Barriers with Austyn Roth

    Who says youth is a barrier to success? Austyn Roth, at just 21 years old, has disrupted the landscaping game with his savvy business strategies and commitment to quality. In this episode of Roots of Success, we explore how Lucky Landscaping, under Austyn's leadership, transitioned from a cash-starved startup to a strategic, customer-focused market leader. Discover the importance of keeping promises, the art of finding your niche, and the key challenges of creating a strong management team in the fast-paced landscape industry.
     
    THE BIG IDEA: 
    Learning & Empowerment Elevates Success.

    KEY MOMENTS:
    [06:06] Young professional defies doubters and perseveres.
    [11:47] Local company emphasizes personal, community touch.
    [15:14] Managing rapid growth while maintaining quality and training.
    [19:49] Subbing out work, self-performing, age 18.
    [20:30] Started with old equipment, upgraded for success.
    [25:52] LMN’s Young Professional Landscaper of the Year.
    [29:02] Austin shares messages of perseverance and determination.
     
    QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
    1. What are the best strategies for finding a business niche?
    2. What are the keys to maintaining high standards in service businesses?
    3. How can young entrepreneurs gain respect in traditional industries?
    4. How to shift business focus from quantity to quality clients?
    5. What are effective ways to build trust and relationships with clients?
    6. How do you start a successful landscaping business?
     
    FOR SHOW NOTES AND MORE GO TO:
    https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-024-from-pushing-mowers-to-pulling-profits-breaking-barriers-with-austyn-roth/

    • 32 min
    Empowerment & Accountability: Sam Rankin’s Guide to Explosive Growth

    Empowerment & Accountability: Sam Rankin’s Guide to Explosive Growth

    Are you ready to transform failures into your company’s building blocks for success? Find out how embracing mistakes can skyrocket your business, as we delve into the unique "get shit done" philosophy that quadrupled Sam Rankin's landscaping business in just two years. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Rankin, owner of Etch Outdoor, to explore his unconventional journey through accountability, empowerment, and shattering traditional management molds. We reveal the secrets behind building a culture that values quick decision-making and learning from mistakes, the fine art of delegation without micromanagement, and why Sam believes in celebrating the messier side of business on social media.
     
    The Big Idea:
    Learning & Empowerment Elevates Success
     
    Key Moments:
    [05:38] Promising action, growth, and fun as part of company culture
    [06:29] Being Open, honest, transparent with your team.
    [09:57] Encouraging team to make mistakes and learn.
    [14:14] Leading with head, hands tied, promotes growth.
    [18:07] Prioritize important takeaways based on urgency.
    [23:10] Social media is about sharing the story.
    [26:49] Continuous growth and high-level opportunities are priorities.
    [31:29] How to take advice from others.
     
    Questions We Answer:
    1. How do you delegate tasks effectively in a startup?
    2. What is the role of accountability in business success?
    3. How do you cultivate a positive company culture?
    4. What are the best practices for empowering employees?
    5. How can failures be turned into opportunities?
    6. What is a business scorecard and how is it used?
    7. How can social media impact company branding?
     
    For Show Notes & More Go To:
    https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-023-empowerment-accountability-with-sam-rankin/
     

    • 34 min
    Revolutionize Your Workforce: Why Big Landscape Companies Swear By LMN & Greenius

    Revolutionize Your Workforce: Why Big Landscape Companies Swear By LMN & Greenius

    DESCRIPTION:  Do you feel trapped in your landscape business by old school business management tools? It’s time to step your tech game and turn your company into a well oiled machine! Join Tommy and his guests, David Ellis and Rich Thiebaud from LMN & Greenius. They're spilling their secrets on how technology and consistent training can simplify your business operations and transform them. From real-time analytics to low-cost, high-impact training platforms, this episode is packed with practical insights for new landscape owners and seasoned veterans hungry for growth.
     
    THE BIG IDEA:  Pick One and GO!
     
    KEY MOMENTS: [07:28] Small Steps and Template Usage
    [10:06] What is Greenius
    [14:30] HR Capabilities of Greenius
    [15:57] Best Feature of LMN
    [23:24] Is LMN only for small companies?
    [25:47] Budgeting for LMN & Greenius
    [28:06] What's on the horizon for LMN & Greenius
     
    QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
    1. How can you tackle labor shortages in the landscaping industry?
    2. How does technology improve landscape business efficiency?
    3. Why is ongoing safety training important for landscapers?
    4. How can landscaping businesses benefit from digital transformation?
    5. What are the advantages of using software for employee performance reviews?
    6. Can software help attract and retain talent in the landscaping industry?
    7. What are cost-effective training tools for landscaping employees?
     
    FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
    https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/revolutionize-your-workforce-with-lmn-greenius/

    • 34 min
    The Hidden Power of Peer Groups with Vince Torchia

    The Hidden Power of Peer Groups with Vince Torchia

    DESCRIPTION:  Are you tired of feeling like you're carrying the weight of your landscape company all on your own? It doesn’t have to be this hard. In this eye-opening episode of Roots of Success, we challenge the conventional methods of business growth with the help of Vince Torchia from the grow group. Explore the power of Ace peer groups and discover how landscape business owners are revolutionizing their success by collaborating with others in the industry. If you're ready to break free from traditional approaches and take your company to new heights, tune in for this game-changing conversation.



    THE BIG IDEA:
    The Power of Many
     
    KEY MOMENTS: [01:52] What is ACE Discovery?
    [04:17] Does company size matter in ACE Peer Groups?
    [05:01] Small Companies vs Large Companies
    [09:01] New Generation of Business Owners
    [10:37] What do you learn in ACE Meetings?
    [15:55] The structure of ACE Meetings
    [17:45] Tenure of Peer Group Members
    [21:30] GROW 2024
     
    QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
    1. "What are the benefits of joining ACE peer groups?"
    2. "How can peer groups help landscape businesses grow?"
    3. "What is the ACE Discovery event for Peer Groups"
    4. "What topics are discussed in ACE Peer Group meetings?"
    5. "What are the advantages of attending industry events?"
    6. "Why is it important for owners to form relationships with other entrepreneurs?"
    7. "What are the benefits of long-term business relationships and networking?"



    FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
    https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-021-the-hidden-power-of-peer-groups-with-vince-torchia/

       

    • 24 min
    Embracing Discomfort to Build Better Leaders with Claire Goldman

    Embracing Discomfort to Build Better Leaders with Claire Goldman

    Is resilience the secret ingredient to growth in the landscaping business? When Claire Goldman faced a life-altering health crisis, her landscape company didn't just survive—it rebounded stronger than ever. Join Tommy and Claire as they unpack the transformative journey from personal challenges to professional triumphs. Discover how embracing adversity, restructuring roles, and rallying a rock star team propelled R R Landscape to a remarkable revenue increase and a brighter horizon.
     
     
    THE BIG IDEA:  Discomfort = Growth

     
     
    KEY MOMENTS: [01:16] Beginnings at R&R Landscaping Company
    [02:59] Building Culture in a Landscaping Company
    [04:35] Leading a company with your Spouse
    [08:34] The importance of a Landscape Production Manager
    [11:01] Dealing with serious Illness when leading a team
    [17:42] Planning for Sales Growth
    [18:47] Stronger team from learned experience
    [23:23] NALP Women of the Year 2020
    [25:39] Speaking and sharing in the Landscape industry 
     
     
    QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
    1. What are the roles and responsibilities of a landscape production manager?
    2. How do you overcome challenges in a family-owned landscaping business?
    3. What are the key factors in achieving growth in the landscaping industry?
    4. How important is company culture?
    6. How can personal adversity impact landscape operations 
    7. What are the strategies for recovering from a business setback?
    8. How to prepare for future demand in the landscaping business?
     
     
    FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO:
    https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-20-embracing-discomfort-claire-goldman/

    • 33 min
    3 Keys to Landscape Marketing Mastery with John Dalton

    3 Keys to Landscape Marketing Mastery with John Dalton

    Are you ignoring your most important marketing assets? Do defined marketing budgets impact your sales? Should you be focusing my marketing on social media? Uncover the answers to these important questions and discover the potential of effective marketing strategies in this episode with marketing expert and CMO John Dalton. Tap into all the knowledge from this 25-year marketing veteran to dive into actionable strategies that drive your marketing, and unlock your landscape company's success through smart, disciplined marketing fundamentals.


    THE BIG IDEA:  Ignore The Shiny Objects
     
    KEY MOMENTS: [01:25] Marketing Background and Branding through Mergers
    [5:40] How should you budget marketing?
    [08:27] How to track marketing efforts.
    [09:54] What to focus on in marketing.
    [12:53] Creating a social media plan for landscaping companies.
    [20:48] Your greatest tool for marketing is landscaping.
    [26:18] The value of referrals and reviews. 
    [31:39] The importance of customer needs for marketing.
     
    QUESTIONS WE ANSWER
    1. How do I effectively plan social media content?
    2. How much should I spend on landscape marketing?
    3. What marketing tactics should I be focusing on?
    4. Who should be doing my marketing in my landscaping business?
    6. Why do brand standards matter for my business?
     
    FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO: 
    https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/3-keys-to-landscape-marketing-mastery-with-john-dalton/

    • 33 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
23 Ratings

23 Ratings

Rjbeck77 ,

Very helpful

Great topics and great insight. Really enjoyed all the podcasts. Had many take-aways!

Annis Shai Said ,

Outstanding

One of the standout features of "Root of Success" is its dedication to showcasing the real-life journeys of accomplished individuals who have encountered obstacles and made mistakes along the way. McFarlin Stanford creates a safe space for candidly share for failures, reflecting on the lessons they've learned and how those experiences shaped their ultimate success. This aspect of the podcast is incredibly valuable as it reminds listeners that setbacks are not indicators of failure but rather opportunities for growth.

Phmnola ,

What a fantastic series!

So detailed and a fantastic training tool! Looking forward to the new episodes

Top Podcasts In Business

The Ramsey Show
Ramsey Network
Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
Money News Network
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC
NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
NerdWallet Personal Finance
Planet Money
NPR
The Money Mondays
Dan Fleyshman

You Might Also Like

The GROW! Show
Marty Grunder
The Ultimate Landscape CEO - Jeffrey Scott
Jeffrey Scott
The Commercial Landscaper Podcast
Robert Clinkenbeard
Green Industry Perspectives
SingleOps
Fullerton Unfiltered
Brian Fullerton
The Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing
Jack Jostes