https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/landscape-live-s-tracks--1248248enSociety & CultureCopyright North Coast Mediahttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/b925b666bf63f543a3bdb252211e284a.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/landscape-live-s-tracks--1248248Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:51:11 +0000North Coast MediaNorth Coast Mediafeeds@spreaker.comLandscape Live! is a weekly talk show brought to you by Landscape Management magazine for landscape professionals who want to gain valuable insights from some of the biggest names in the green industry.cleanepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/alex-nathanson-on-rain-bird-esp-tm2-and-esp-me-with-lnk-wifi--13291389https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13291389Fri, 10 Nov 2017 13:27:41 +0000North Coast MediaAt the 2017 Irrigation Show, Rain Bird had a whopping seven new products on display. Here Alex Nathanson, corporate marketing brand manager, explains what three of them have in common.37irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/new-check-valve-makes-xfs-cv-dripline-the-choice-for-slopes--13291213https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13291213Fri, 10 Nov 2017 13:02:35 +0000North Coast MediaCombining Rain Bird's Copper Shield Technology and a new 4.3-psi check valve, the XFS-CV dripline can be used in areas with up to 10 feet in elevation changes, says corporate marketing brand manager Alex Nathanson at the 2017 Irrigation Show.119irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rain-bird-esp-9v-battery-operated-controller-is-more-durable-than-ever--13291162https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13291162Fri, 10 Nov 2017 12:53:50 +0000North Coast MediaSpeaking at the 2017 Irrigation Show, corporate marketing brand manager Alex Nathanson describes what makes the new product so reliable--and so useful to contractors.32irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/k-rain-s-new-bl-kr-gen-2-makes-grounds-care-easier--13288981https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13288981Fri, 10 Nov 2017 04:07:50 +0000North Coast MediaErica Vine, COO of K-Rain, says the new device-agnostic Bluetooth controller exhibited at the 2017 Irrigation Show makes mass changes like those needed for managing municipal and school facilities so affordable and efficient "you don't even have to...75irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brad-wardle-of-hydro-rain-previews-the-b-hyve-smart-hose-faucet-controller--13288887https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13288887Fri, 10 Nov 2017 03:48:51 +0000North Coast MediaThe B-hyve Smart Hose Faucet Controller was one of two Hydro-Rain products now in limited release that was exhibited as part of the 2017 Irrigation Show's New Product Contest.52irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/toro-s-orion-goe-on-what-makes-the-pcv-500-precision-check-valve-unique--13286788https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13286788Thu, 09 Nov 2017 21:48:08 +0000North Coast MediaOrion Goe, marketing manager for residential & commercial irrigation at Toro, talks about the differentiating value of the PCV-500, which was a nominee in the New Product Contest at the 2017 Irrigation Show.29irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rachio-appeals-to-landscape-contractors-through-consumers--13280899https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13280899Thu, 09 Nov 2017 04:53:07 +0000North Coast MediaSteve Schneiter, channel manager for Rachio Pro, talks at Irrigation Show 2017 about how the controller startup uses customer service (and Amazon reviews) to stand out in a crowded market.56irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hydro-rain-s-b-hyve-institutional-controller--13276691https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13276691Wed, 08 Nov 2017 18:48:03 +0000North Coast MediaBrad Wardle, director of B-hyve, describes why the institutional controller is a good fit for landscape contractors at the 2017 Irrigation Show.38irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/startup-profile-sprinkl--13276581https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13276581Wed, 08 Nov 2017 18:31:04 +0000North Coast MediaAt the 2017 Irrigation Show, Daniel Pruessner, co-founder of Sprinkl, describes why he his co-founder Noel Geren got into the irrigation business 3 years ago. The Texas-based startup dedicated to adding advanced conservation and cloud connectivity to...37irrigation,irrigationshow,landscapemanagement,landscapercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-141-is-led-for-me--6441140https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6441140Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:08:07 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Drew Tedford, Midwest sales manager for FX Luminaire, talks about how LED technology has created new opportunities in landscape lighting. He also discusses the difference between LED and traditional landscape lighting, including the...1992dbisymposium,drewtedford,fxluminaire,landscapelive,nalpcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-140-what-s-up-with-vertical-farming--6428086https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6428086Fri, 31 Jul 2015 13:26:29 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, George Irwin, president and founder of Green Living Technologies, discusses why vertical farming is becoming a growing industry. He also covers what types of crops perform well in a vertical environment, the advantages and...2184dbisymposium,greenlivingtechnologies,landscapelive,nalp,verticalplantingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-139-the-4-ps-of-differentiation--6424735https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6424735Thu, 30 Jul 2015 19:09:17 +0000North Coast MediaIn all highly competitive industries, there are companies that somehow overcome all odds to rise above the competition. What is different about them and how can you become the company that leads your market in profitability, customer loyalty and...1984dbisymposium,envisor,kenthomas,landscapelive,nalpcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-138-what-s-your-sales-process--6419908https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6419908Wed, 29 Jul 2015 20:19:59 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode of Landscape Live, Joe Salemi, product marketing manager at DynaSCAPE, discusses the importance of following a defined sales process and tracking leads to maximize your company’s sales opportunities.2041dbi,dynascape,landscapelive,nalp,salemicleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-142-do-you-have-peony-s-envy--6387043https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6387043Wed, 22 Jul 2015 15:17:29 +0000North Coast MediaTonight we will be talking to Kathleen Gagan, Owner of Peony's Envy and discussing peonies, including such topics as how to properly care for your peonies, the best ways to make your peonies grow, different shapes and sizes of peonies, and common...2263gagan,landscapelive,peonys,peonysenvy,plantingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-137-how-to-be-a-proven-winner--6324496https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6324496Wed, 08 Jul 2015 14:15:03 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Jane Beggs-Joles, licensing analyst and marketing specialist for Spring Meadow Nursery, talks about what consumers are looking for in plant material. She also covers what Proven Winners represent, as well as the most popular and...2099beggs-joles,hydrangea,landscapelive,plants,provenwinnerscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-136-creating-inedible-landscapes--6271454https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6271454Fri, 26 Jun 2015 14:08:32 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Chris Markham, wildlife biologist and president of New Jersey Deer Control, talks about the behavior of deer, including their habitats, lifestyles, typical diet and natural migration patterns. He explains solutions to deer damage,...2087deercontrol,deerspray,landscapelive,markham,njdeercontrolcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-135-let-the-wood-chips-fly--6262917https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6262917Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:06:17 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Cary Shepherd, chainsaw applications expert for Husqvarna, discusses chainsaw safety and maintenance. He explains how to choose the right chainsaw for your application and the correct personal protective equipment needed, as well as...2361chainsaw,husqvarna,landscapelive,safety,shepherdcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-134-maintaining-your-clients--6232442https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6232442Wed, 17 Jun 2015 22:13:42 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Justin Flatow, director of landscape maintenance for Green Meadows Landscaping, talks about his position at the company, their business mix and the processes he uses each day to make Green Meadows run smoothly. He also discusses his...2491cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-133-the-state-of-the-market--6168750https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6168750Thu, 04 Jun 2015 18:08:23 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Ron Edmonds, president of The Principium Group, talks about the current state of the landscape market. He also discusses business acquisitions in the lawn and landscape space, the impact of the Brickman/ ValleyCrest deal (BrightView)...1956brickman,edmonds,exitplanning,landscapelive,valleycrestcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-132-outsourcing-your-human-resources--6163571https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6163571Wed, 03 Jun 2015 17:03:01 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Diana Brown, sales and marketing coordinator of Consolidated Human Resources, discusses payroll and workers' compensation as it pertains to the landscaping industry. She explains how to save money with pay-as-you-go workers'...1791compliance,consolidatedhumanresources,hr,landscapelive,pcigroupcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-131-continuing-your-education--6097725
You can also learn how to improve your knowledge base from trade magazines, trade shows, landscape associations and continuing education programs. Many of these short courses are geared towards the landscape professional. They focus on everything from landscape design to budgeting and estimating to turf grass management.

In this episode, Joe Canzano, program coordinator of the landscape and grounds management program at Rutgers University, discusses the importance of continuing your education.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6097725Wed, 20 May 2015 20:48:54 +0000North Coast MediaWhether you're a high school graduate, a college graduate or have a masters degree, you should never stop learning. For many of us, this means on-the-job training or a painful education from the school of hard knocks. You can also learn how to...
You can also learn how to improve your knowledge base from trade magazines, trade shows, landscape associations and continuing education programs. Many of these short courses are geared towards the landscape professional. They focus on everything from landscape design to budgeting and estimating to turf grass management.

In this episode, Joe Canzano, program coordinator of the landscape and grounds management program at Rutgers University, discusses the importance of continuing your education.]]>1898canzano,continuinged,landscapelive,rutgerscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-130-become-a-networking-genius--6064681https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6064681Wed, 13 May 2015 20:11:10 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Kristen Edens, or Kris the Scribbler, discusses how networking can be the key to business growth. It’s not as hard as you think—and you never know where your lead of the year will come from.2232kristhescribbler,landscapelive,landscaping,networking,scribblerkriscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-129-d-b-a-clients-perspective--6032921https://api.spreaker.com/episode/6032921Wed, 06 May 2015 21:16:52 +0000North Coast MediaHave you ever wondered what your clients experience during a construction project? In this episode, we talk to my clients, Don and Donna Hammer, about their current backyard renovation project.1887customers,design/build,landscapelive,landscaping,salescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-128-back-to-design-school--5999545https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5999545Wed, 29 Apr 2015 21:08:40 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, we are going back to design school with Susan Cohan, Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) landscape designer and adjunct professor. We are broadcasting live from the design studio at the Gold LEED Certified Landscape...1837apld,ccm,cohan,landscapedesign,landscapelivecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-127-bookkeeping-with-quickbooks--5966406https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5966406Wed, 22 Apr 2015 23:05:25 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Karen Rivera, owner of Dynamic Push, talks about how to properly manage your landscaping company using QuickBooks.1858bookkeeping,dynamic,landscapelive,landscaping,quickbookscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-126-serving-those-who-serve-us--5924294https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5924294Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:08:50 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Bill Vogel, president of Project EverGreen, talks about the "GreenCare for Troops" and "SnowCare for Troops" programs and how you can get involved.1881greencarefortroops,healthykids,healthyturf,landscapelive,projectevergreencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-125-what-s-the-buzz-about-the-bees--5873534https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5873534Fri, 03 Apr 2015 15:35:01 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Dave Hunter of Crown Bees discusses the difference between native bees and honey bees; how mason bees help reduce stress on the troubled honey bee; raising mason bees; and how landscape contractors can use bee houses in their designs....1968bees,crownbees,honeybees,landscapelive,masonbeescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-124-creating-a-company-vision--5840600https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5840600Fri, 27 Mar 2015 17:10:32 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Jeffrey Scott, MBA and author, discusses what a company vision is and how to create one. He also explains who should participate in developing a vision and how this vision can motivate current employees as well as attract new ones.2201jeffreyscott,landscapelive,landscaping,sales,visioncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-123-from-white-to-green--5830186https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5830186Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:57:26 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Danny Kindergan, president of Kindergan Landscaping, talks about how he transitions his company from snow and ice management to landscape maintenance and design/build. He also discusses staffing, equipment and scheduling issues as...1899kindergan,landscapelive,landscaping,maintenance,snowplowcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-122-h-2b-and-you--5798748
In this episode, Jody Shilan and Gail Woolcott discuss recent updates regarding the DOL and UCSIS's decision to temporarily suspend the H-2B guest worker program. Plus listen for breaking news!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5798748Wed, 18 Mar 2015 23:02:59 +0000North Coast MediaLast week, we spoke to Arnulfo Hinojosa, vice president of the Federation of Employees & Workers of America (FEWA), and Jarrod Sharp, general counsel at FEWA, about the H-2B issue. Since that time, the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of...
In this episode, Jody Shilan and Gail Woolcott discuss recent updates regarding the DOL and UCSIS's decision to temporarily suspend the H-2B guest worker program. Plus listen for breaking news!]]>1816breakingnews,h2b,jodyshilan,landscapelivecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-121-h-2b-shutdown--5765396
In this episode, Arnulfo Hinojosa, vice president of the Federation of Employees & Workers of America (FEWA), discusses why the DOL and USCIS have temporarily shut down the H-2B program and what it means for those using H-2B workers as well as the entire landscaping industry. He also explains how the shutdown happened and what you must do about it right now.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5765396Wed, 11 Mar 2015 21:37:14 +0000North Coast MediaIf you have not heard by now, as of March 5, 2015, the H-2B program has been temporarily shut down at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) level. In this episode, Arnulfo Hinojosa, vice...
In this episode, Arnulfo Hinojosa, vice president of the Federation of Employees & Workers of America (FEWA), discusses why the DOL and USCIS have temporarily shut down the H-2B program and what it means for those using H-2B workers as well as the entire landscaping industry. He also explains how the shutdown happened and what you must do about it right now.]]>1813dol,fewa,h2b,landscapelive,shutdowncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-120-subcontracting-your-design-work--5730185https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5730185Wed, 04 Mar 2015 16:39:27 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Patrick DuChene of DuChene Design Solutions and Jody Shilan discuss the pros and cons of working with an independent designer for your company. They'll also talk about how to integrate an independent designer into your workflow, as...2104design,duchene,dynascape,landscapelive,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-119-keeping-employees-safe-and-legal--5689198https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5689198Mon, 23 Feb 2015 21:40:16 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Ron Mondello, a foreign national criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey, discusses how landscape business owners and Hispanic workers can protect themselves in 2015. He also explains changes in and enforcement of immigration law, as...1971immigration,landscapelive,mondello,undocumentedcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-118-propane-not-just-for-grills--5660443https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5660443Tue, 17 Feb 2015 20:12:31 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Jeremy Wishart, deputy director of business development for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), discusses why propane continues to grow in popularity as an alternative fuel source for landscape contractors. He explains...1983landscapelive,landscaping,perc,propane,wishartcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-117-rules-of-engagement--5633707https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5633707Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:09:17 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Dave Marciniak of Describeit discusses the importance of sales cycles and evaluates on why they should be kept short. He also explains some excellent do's and don'ts when it comes to your overall sales process. Finally, he talks about...2175describeit,landscape,landscapelive,proposals,salescyclecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-art-heart-science-of-business--5598789https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5598789Tue, 03 Feb 2015 22:21:01 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Dan Pestretto, founder of Sales People on Demand, discusses why the landscaping business is part art, part science and all heart. He also touches on the four core functions of every business, the importance of business systemization...1984business,salespeople,systemizationcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-115-benchmarking-high-profit--5570854https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5570854Wed, 28 Jan 2015 21:18:12 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Kevin Kehoe of Aspire, LLC, discusses what numbers in your financial reports matter most. He also explains performance ratios and how company size can affect these ratios. Finally, he talks about net profit drivers and reveals eight...2104aspire,benchmarking,kehoe,kevinkehoe,landscapelivecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-114-smart-controllers-next-generation--5527113https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5527113Tue, 20 Jan 2015 17:39:53 +0000North Coast MediaChris Spain, co-founder of HydroPoint, explains how this next generation of smart irrigation systems will make it possible for an irrigation contractor to respond to a high flow alert, remotely verify when the master valve is closed down and send a...2063chrisspain,hydropoint,landscapelive,smartcontroller,smartsensecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-113-selling-a-customer-in-30-seconds--5477241https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5477241Tue, 13 Jan 2015 02:03:47 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Danny Wood of Sandler Training discusses how to engage a potential client in 30 seconds or less to determine if there is a good fit. This is not some canned sales pitch, but a short and intentional process that is engaging, easy to do...197130secondcommercial,dannywood,landscapelive,sandlertraining,shilancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/immigration-2--5447627https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5447627Wed, 07 Jan 2015 18:45:45 +0000North Coast Media1111cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/immigration-deportation-and-crimmigrati--5447532https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5447532Wed, 07 Jan 2015 18:20:51 +0000North Coast Media1034cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-112-are-pools-still-cool--5417035https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5417035Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:12:11 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, John Migliaccio, president of NESPA and owner of The Pool & Spa Place, gives us a history lesson on how the pool industry has changed over the last 40 years along with the opportunities, issues and trends he sees moving forward. He...2033apsp,nespa,pools,pool_show,spascleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-111-lifecycle-of-landscape-business--5384631https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5384631Mon, 22 Dec 2014 20:16:48 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Ken Thomas of Envisor Consulting discusses why some landscape companies achieve their dreams, while others struggle to get by. He also talks about each stage of growth and how you can define your landscape business strategy to thrive!2192business,envisor,growth,landscaping,stagescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-110-today-s-snow-and-ice-manager--5363028https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5363028Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:13:08 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Bob Smart of Smart Scapes, Rich Arlington & Associates and SIMA discusses why snow plowing is now referred to as risk management. He will also review common mistakes contractors make when signing a contract, ways to plan for upcoming...2093asca,richarlington,sima,smartscapes,snowcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-109-making-sales-fun--5301666https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5301666Wed, 03 Dec 2014 16:12:08 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Kirk Gibson, sales manager of Bobcat and Doosan, discusses selling professionally. Some of the topics covered include the "projection is perception" theory, the sales process and the 2 C's: confidence and competence. In addition, he...2057cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-108-customizing-your-plant-material--5236647https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5236647Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:20:41 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Rob Swanekamp of KubePak discusses how you can customize your plant material by working closely with your grower. You may not realize it, but growers need to be at least six months ahead of the season. By planning ahead and working...1884growers,kubepak,landscapelive,plants,swanekampcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-107-is-your-social-media-social--5236168https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5236168Fri, 21 Nov 2014 15:07:25 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Shaun Kanary, director of marketing for Weed Pro, discusses the best social media channels for the green industry. He also explains how to grow your social channels and improve their effectiveness, as well as where social media fits...1960facebook,landscapelive,shaun_kanary,social-media,weedprocleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-106-payment-processing-tips--5227444https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5227444Wed, 19 Nov 2014 15:12:54 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Alan Brandfon, managing partner of Priority Payment Systems Atlantic, discusses the past, present and future of credit card processing, as well as where the fees are and how you can save money. In addition, he talks about your options...2047brandfon,creditcardprocessing,landscapelive,ppsatlantic,shilancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-105-turfgrass-science-then-and-now--5199193https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5199193Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:08:44 +0000North Coast MediaDr. Bruce Clarke, director of turfgrass pathology at Rutgers professional golf turf management school, discusses the Rutgers turfgrass program, from its early history to its present day format. He will talk how the turfgrass industry has evolved over...1913clarke,njaes,rutgers,turf,turfgrasscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-104-the-future-of-the-green-industry--5137636https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5137636Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:10:50 +0000North Coast MediaTony Lobello, design director at Mariani Landscape, discusses some of the educational aspects of the green industry. For example, Lobello explains what types of job opportunities there are or will be in the future and what high school and college...2013cents15,education,landscaping,lobello,marianicleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-103-project-management-for-profits--5087793https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5087793Thu, 16 Oct 2014 18:08:12 +0000North Coast MediaThe job has been designed and sold. You've got your estimate, including material lists and man-hours, along with your projected profits. Now it's time for production. Who plans the installation? Who tracks materials and man-hours? Who compares...2251landscapelive,landscaping,profits,projectmanagement,vandevlietcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-102-landscapes-changing-landscape--50750191. The National Gardening Survey (NGS) that shows a rapid uptick in the "do it for me" market
2. The increasing fear of failure from DIY’ers
3. With the exception of food gardening, landscaping is seen as just another project to complete
4. Garden retailers have noticed a very strong trend towards landscape decorating
5. Food gardens as a foundation feature in the landscape
6. The trend towards 100 percent organic landscapes, including native plants, bees and butterflies with drought tolerant and rain garden statuses]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5075019Mon, 13 Oct 2014 18:05:58 +0000North Coast MediaSome of the topics discussed with Ian Baldwin include: 1. The National Gardening Survey (NGS) that shows a rapid uptick in the "do it for me" market 2. The increasing fear of failure from DIY’ers 3. With the exception of food gardening, landscaping...1. The National Gardening Survey (NGS) that shows a rapid uptick in the "do it for me" market
2. The increasing fear of failure from DIY’ers
3. With the exception of food gardening, landscaping is seen as just another project to complete
4. Garden retailers have noticed a very strong trend towards landscape decorating
5. Food gardens as a foundation feature in the landscape
6. The trend towards 100 percent organic landscapes, including native plants, bees and butterflies with drought tolerant and rain garden statuses]]>1948customers,gardencenters,gardens,ianbaldwin,landscapelivecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-101-the-root-of-the-problem--5054421
Some of the topics discussed include:
-The importance of dirt
-Getting water into and out of the soil
-Our fear of clay
-The problem with the plants we buy
-The problems we create at the base of the tree]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5054421Wed, 08 Oct 2014 14:06:11 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Jim Urban of Urban Trees and Soils discusses some basic but important concepts when it comes to the proper care and health of something we work with every day: trees. Some of the topics discussed include: -The importance of dirt...
Some of the topics discussed include:
-The importance of dirt
-Getting water into and out of the soil
-Our fear of clay
-The problem with the plants we buy
-The problems we create at the base of the tree]]>2533cents15,jimurban,landscapelive,soils,treescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-100-low-impact-development--5047027https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5047027Mon, 06 Oct 2014 15:07:24 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Peter MacDonagh of Kestrel Design Group discusses low impact development (LID). MacDonagh talks about what low impact development is and why and who should be concerned about it, in addition to providing examples. He also explains...1875cents15,kestrel,landscapelive,lid,low_impact_developmentcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-99-translating-english-to-english--5006557
Why do some construction projects go more smoothly than others, even when the size and scope of work are nearly identical? Communication, or lack thereof, could be the answer.

Some of the topics discussed are:
• The various methods of communication;
• Reasons why communication is so difficult; and
• Ideas and solutions to reduce miscommunication.

Listen to hear what Schmalenberger has to say about enhancing communication within your company.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5006557Thu, 25 Sep 2014 20:07:45 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Tim Schmalenberger of MKSK discusses communicating with clients, employees and co-workers. Why do some construction projects go more smoothly than others, even when the size and scope of work are nearly identical? Communication, or...
Why do some construction projects go more smoothly than others, even when the size and scope of work are nearly identical? Communication, or lack thereof, could be the answer.

Some of the topics discussed are:
• The various methods of communication;
• Reasons why communication is so difficult; and
• Ideas and solutions to reduce miscommunication.

Listen to hear what Schmalenberger has to say about enhancing communication within your company.]]>2025communication,landscape_live,mksk,schmalenberger,shilancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-98-h-2b-the-new-wage-methodology--5001189
What the H-2B guest worker program is;
How the program works;
Why it's so important to the landscape industry;
How the the DOL arrived at the new wage methodology;
How the new wage rates affect all contractors; and
What can be done to return these wage rates back to competitive rates.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/5001189Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:35:07 +0000North Coast MediaArnulfo Hinojosa discusses the H-2B program and the new wage methodology. Topics include: What the H-2B guest worker program is; How the program works; Why it's so important to the landscape industry; How the the DOL arrived at the...
What the H-2B guest worker program is;
How the program works;
Why it's so important to the landscape industry;
How the the DOL arrived at the new wage methodology;
How the new wage rates affect all contractors; and
What can be done to return these wage rates back to competitive rates.]]>1905fewa,h-2b,hinojosa,immigration,landscape-livecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-97-organic-land-care-planting--4957857https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4957857Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:05:33 +0000North Coast MediaTonight, Richard will discuss problems associated with improper planting and over mulching, as well as organic land care.1903landcare,mccoy,mulching,organiccleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-96-herbicide-resistance--4929914https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4929914Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:21:41 +0000North Coast MediaTurf and ornamental weed researcher Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., from the University of Tennessee, talks with Landscape Live! about herbicide resistance in the landscape and lawn care industry. Listen to this episode to learn more about this concerning issue,...2057herbicide_resistance,herbicides,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-95-the-new-landscape-live--4924231
In this show, which is #95, Gail and I kick things off by doing a little talk show "freestyling." We discuss our new programming, our Green Industry backgrounds and finally, how you can get more involved with the show.

That’s right. “Guests? We don’t need no stinkin' guests.” Just kidding, we’ll really do need guests. If you know of anyone who might be a great guest, want us to interview anyone (and I do mean anyone) or think you have an interesting story to tell, let us know and we’ll make it happen.

Who knows, you might be our next guest on Landscape Live!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4924231Wed, 03 Sep 2014 22:39:59 +0000North Coast MediaLandscape Live! is back with a new season, a new format and a new attitude. We’ve ditched Blog Talk Radio and are now broadcasting live on Spreaker. The show is now 30 minutes long so we can give you the same great information but in half the time....
In this show, which is #95, Gail and I kick things off by doing a little talk show "freestyling." We discuss our new programming, our Green Industry backgrounds and finally, how you can get more involved with the show.

That’s right. “Guests? We don’t need no stinkin' guests.” Just kidding, we’ll really do need guests. If you know of anyone who might be a great guest, want us to interview anyone (and I do mean anyone) or think you have an interesting story to tell, let us know and we’ll make it happen.

Who knows, you might be our next guest on Landscape Live!]]>1845landscapemanagement,landscaperadio,landscapers,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-94-sourcing-materials-equipment--4910017
Martini says the business model of one-stop shopping can:

-Save you money
-Reduce the time and materials you use
-Organize your jobs more effectively
-Maximize efficiency by having materials delivered and debris removed simultaneously

Sean Martini began working for Britton during high school. At the time, the company was landscape company, and he cut grass and landscaped for Jim Britton during the summers. Sean graduated high school and went away to college in 1992. He returned and went back to Britton full time as a loader, as the company had become more focused on land clearing and recycling. Sean grew along with the company and has served as inside sales, dispatch and outside salesperson.

Britton Industries now has four facilities that focus on recycling of organic waste and recycling of concrete. They have become a very diversified company and also offer mulch, topsoil, and compost, Landscape and Construction Supplies, Snow and Ice Control supplies, Roll off containers, Recycled Concrete, decorative stone and sand, land clearing, and on-site grinding.

Visit www.BrittonIndustries.com or call 844-BRITTON for more information.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4910017Sat, 30 Aug 2014 20:21:52 +0000North Coast MediaSean Martini, outside sales manager of Lawrenceville, N.J.-based Britton Industries, discusses getting all of your landscaping materials and equipment from the same location. Martini says the business model of one-stop shopping can: -Save you...
Martini says the business model of one-stop shopping can:

-Save you money
-Reduce the time and materials you use
-Organize your jobs more effectively
-Maximize efficiency by having materials delivered and debris removed simultaneously

Sean Martini began working for Britton during high school. At the time, the company was landscape company, and he cut grass and landscaped for Jim Britton during the summers. Sean graduated high school and went away to college in 1992. He returned and went back to Britton full time as a loader, as the company had become more focused on land clearing and recycling. Sean grew along with the company and has served as inside sales, dispatch and outside salesperson.

Britton Industries now has four facilities that focus on recycling of organic waste and recycling of concrete. They have become a very diversified company and also offer mulch, topsoil, and compost, Landscape and Construction Supplies, Snow and Ice Control supplies, Roll off containers, Recycled Concrete, decorative stone and sand, land clearing, and on-site grinding.

Visit www.BrittonIndustries.com or call 844-BRITTON for more information.]]>3557efficiency,heavyequipment,landscapers,landscaping,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-93-new-retail-profit-centers--4910014
Some of the topics include:

-Landscape contractors who own garden centers
-Purchasing a garden center to be it’s own profit center
-Adding installation services if you own a garden center
-Providing design/build opportunities to a garden center
-Selling retail, wholesale, plants only, plants plus hardscape and more

Bailey began his career working at a garden center while attaining a bachelor’s degree in Plant & Soil Science and a specialization in Business. With more than 40 years in the garden center industry and 18 years as a garden center owner, he currently serves as the financial analysis consultant for The Garden Center Group. His focus is on retail margin management, inventory control and profitability.
Bailey is also the developer of the $eason2Buy Budgeting System, an online buying budgeting and inventory control tool for retailers.

For more information, visit www.stevebaileyconsulting.biz or www.season2buy.com or call Bailey at (618) 319-9205.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4910014Sat, 30 Aug 2014 20:20:14 +0000North Coast MediaSteve Bailey of Steve Bailey Consulting discusses new retail profit centers. Some of the topics include: -Landscape contractors who own garden centers -Purchasing a garden center to be it’s own profit center -Adding...
Some of the topics include:

-Landscape contractors who own garden centers
-Purchasing a garden center to be it’s own profit center
-Adding installation services if you own a garden center
-Providing design/build opportunities to a garden center
-Selling retail, wholesale, plants only, plants plus hardscape and more

Bailey began his career working at a garden center while attaining a bachelor’s degree in Plant & Soil Science and a specialization in Business. With more than 40 years in the garden center industry and 18 years as a garden center owner, he currently serves as the financial analysis consultant for The Garden Center Group. His focus is on retail margin management, inventory control and profitability.
Bailey is also the developer of the $eason2Buy Budgeting System, an online buying budgeting and inventory control tool for retailers.

For more information, visit www.stevebaileyconsulting.biz or www.season2buy.com or call Bailey at (618) 319-9205.]]>3679businessadvice,gardencenter,landscapers,retail,sellingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-92-growing-your-garden-center--4909984
Learn how to make your company both logically and emotionally appealing and boost your profits at the same time. From cheap paint and wallpaper tricks to investments that money can't buy, you can build the marketability of your business one step at a time with little cash and no credit in four strategic areas: Products, Place, People, and Customers.

Sid Raisch is a small business advocate. He is the founder of Horticultural Advantage, a consulting firm to the commercial horticulture industry and Service Provider to The Garden Center Group. He has created the Advantage Development System to help client companies increase their effectiveness to earn greater profits.

For more information, visit www.AdvantageDevelopmentSystem.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909984Sat, 30 Aug 2014 20:12:18 +0000North Coast MediaIn this episode, Sid Raisch will discuss growing your garden center. Learn how to make your company both logically and emotionally appealing and boost your profits at the same time. From cheap paint and wallpaper tricks to investments that money...
Learn how to make your company both logically and emotionally appealing and boost your profits at the same time. From cheap paint and wallpaper tricks to investments that money can't buy, you can build the marketability of your business one step at a time with little cash and no credit in four strategic areas: Products, Place, People, and Customers.

Sid Raisch is a small business advocate. He is the founder of Horticultural Advantage, a consulting firm to the commercial horticulture industry and Service Provider to The Garden Center Group. He has created the Advantage Development System to help client companies increase their effectiveness to earn greater profits.

For more information, visit www.AdvantageDevelopmentSystem.com.]]>3709entrepreneurs,gardencenter,horticulture,landscapers,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-91-landscape-business-basics--4909967
Whether you're new to the green industry or a seasoned professional looking for a business basics refresher course, you must listen in tonight as Marcus vandeVliet walks us through the five business necessities that you must have to remain competitive and profitable - both now and in the future.

1. Why you must have a business plan
2. How to create a realistic budget
3. The importance of an accurate estimating system
4. Job costing basics
5. What is an information management system

Marcus vandeVliet is the founder of a design build company in New Jersey that he re-directed into a niche business specializing in project management of high-end projects for the residential marketplace. He developed and improved accounting and information transfer systems to help maximize profitability of a large landscaping company with 400 employees and $23 million in revenues. He was President of a residential design build firm, improving profitability from 6 percent to 19 percent while maintaining the company's $7 million in revenues.

VandeVliet is recognized as an expert in bidding and estimating in the construction industry when working with Vander Kooi and Associates and delivered presentations and conducted workshops throughout the United States. He has put his insight and experience to work for a broader swath of businesses by founding MV Consulting, now MV Enterprises. Through Power PlanningTM, Performance Consultation, and Public Speaking, he is dedicated to helping clients improve performance and profitability to realize their potential and achieve long-term growth and sustainability.

For more information, visit MV Enterprises at www.mventerprises.biz.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909967Sat, 30 Aug 2014 20:06:04 +0000North Coast MediaEven though many landscape contractors have been in business for 5, 10 or even 20 years, they still overlook the fundamentals when it comes to running their businesses. This causes them to improperly price work, month after month and year after year,...
Whether you're new to the green industry or a seasoned professional looking for a business basics refresher course, you must listen in tonight as Marcus vandeVliet walks us through the five business necessities that you must have to remain competitive and profitable - both now and in the future.

1. Why you must have a business plan
2. How to create a realistic budget
3. The importance of an accurate estimating system
4. Job costing basics
5. What is an information management system

Marcus vandeVliet is the founder of a design build company in New Jersey that he re-directed into a niche business specializing in project management of high-end projects for the residential marketplace. He developed and improved accounting and information transfer systems to help maximize profitability of a large landscaping company with 400 employees and $23 million in revenues. He was President of a residential design build firm, improving profitability from 6 percent to 19 percent while maintaining the company's $7 million in revenues.

VandeVliet is recognized as an expert in bidding and estimating in the construction industry when working with Vander Kooi and Associates and delivered presentations and conducted workshops throughout the United States. He has put his insight and experience to work for a broader swath of businesses by founding MV Consulting, now MV Enterprises. Through Power PlanningTM, Performance Consultation, and Public Speaking, he is dedicated to helping clients improve performance and profitability to realize their potential and achieve long-term growth and sustainability.

For more information, visit MV Enterprises at www.mventerprises.biz.]]>3723budgeting,businesstips,landscapers,landscaping,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-90-successful-event-marketing--4909934
Some of the topics covered include:

-Promoting yourself through a trade show
-Choosing the right event
-Preparing and setting goals for the event
-Proper booth setup
-Pre-show marketing
-Incentives and discounts in the booth
-Employees working the booth
-Post show follow-up
-Measuring results

McLaughlin is a trade show manager and partner of MAC Events, L.L.C. For the past 22 years he has been responsible for up to 8 annual consumer events with responsibilities including event marketing, sales management, new business development and leads the firm's Internet Marketing initiative.

In 2010, McLaughlin expanded MAC Events into the business-to-business side of trade shows with the addition of NJ Plants – Professional Landscape & Nursery Trade Show and in 2012 he added the Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (PANTS) to their inventory of annual events.

Kevin received a B.S. in Marketing & Finance from the University of Oregon in 1987 and currently sits on the advisory board for Rutgers Gardens.

For more information, visit MAC Events at www.macevents.com or email McLaughlin at kevin@macevents.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909934Sat, 30 Aug 2014 19:56:27 +0000North Coast MediaKevin McLaughlin discusses successful event marketing. Some of the topics covered include: -Promoting yourself through a trade show -Choosing the right event -Preparing and setting goals for the event -Proper booth setup...
Some of the topics covered include:

-Promoting yourself through a trade show
-Choosing the right event
-Preparing and setting goals for the event
-Proper booth setup
-Pre-show marketing
-Incentives and discounts in the booth
-Employees working the booth
-Post show follow-up
-Measuring results

McLaughlin is a trade show manager and partner of MAC Events, L.L.C. For the past 22 years he has been responsible for up to 8 annual consumer events with responsibilities including event marketing, sales management, new business development and leads the firm's Internet Marketing initiative.

In 2010, McLaughlin expanded MAC Events into the business-to-business side of trade shows with the addition of NJ Plants – Professional Landscape & Nursery Trade Show and in 2012 he added the Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (PANTS) to their inventory of annual events.

Kevin received a B.S. in Marketing & Finance from the University of Oregon in 1987 and currently sits on the advisory board for Rutgers Gardens.

For more information, visit MAC Events at www.macevents.com or email McLaughlin at kevin@macevents.com.]]>3670businessstrategies,eventsmarketing,landscapers,marketing,tradeshowscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-89-wood-decking-you-can-do--4909913
In this episode he talks about:

-The history of decking
-Decking vs. raised patios
-Decking sustainability and environmental issues
-Pros and cons of various materials
-Building codes
-Construction techniques
-Fasteners, hangers and hardware
-Outdoor living spaces

Kelly began his building materials career with Georgia Pacific in 1993 after graduating from college. In 1995, he joined Thompson Mahogany Company in Philadelphia to sell a new hardwood decking specie, Ipe. Thompson Mahogany was one of the three original companies to market Ipe to the residential deck market.

In 2005, Kelly left the lumber industry to work commercial construction as a project manager. In 2008, he returned to the lumber business and was able to combine both skill sets as he began to sell lumber into the commercial marine construction market. Kelly worked with New York City on their pile supply and also with the marine transfer stations for the NYC Department of Sanitation.

After helping DassoUSA Americanize their XTR product line, Kelly was asked to stay on board to develop the market. Today Dasso is committed to making a place for bamboo in the exterior deck and siding market. He is also teaching the industry to look at decking from a different point of view.

For more information visit www.dassoxtr.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909913Sat, 30 Aug 2014 19:49:17 +0000North Coast MediaBrett Kelly is an expert in bamboo decking, with years of experience in the lumber and landscaping industries. In this episode he talks about: -The history of decking -Decking vs. raised patios -Decking sustainability and environmental...
In this episode he talks about:

-The history of decking
-Decking vs. raised patios
-Decking sustainability and environmental issues
-Pros and cons of various materials
-Building codes
-Construction techniques
-Fasteners, hangers and hardware
-Outdoor living spaces

Kelly began his building materials career with Georgia Pacific in 1993 after graduating from college. In 1995, he joined Thompson Mahogany Company in Philadelphia to sell a new hardwood decking specie, Ipe. Thompson Mahogany was one of the three original companies to market Ipe to the residential deck market.

In 2005, Kelly left the lumber industry to work commercial construction as a project manager. In 2008, he returned to the lumber business and was able to combine both skill sets as he began to sell lumber into the commercial marine construction market. Kelly worked with New York City on their pile supply and also with the marine transfer stations for the NYC Department of Sanitation.

After helping DassoUSA Americanize their XTR product line, Kelly was asked to stay on board to develop the market. Today Dasso is committed to making a place for bamboo in the exterior deck and siding market. He is also teaching the industry to look at decking from a different point of view.

For more information visit www.dassoxtr.com.]]>3648bamboo,building,decking,landscapers,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-88-the-411-on-internet-marketing--4909898
-Whether you really need a website
-Using a Facebook page as your website
-Free websites vs. paid for services
-How to make Google work for you
-Pulling data from your website to help you better understand your clients
-Finding time for Social Media, Blogging and e-mail marketing
-How e-mail marketing will work for your business

As business development director of Company 119, McClintock is working with companies reach out to prospects through various channels to better interact with them and tell their story, working with them to create and implement marketing strategies that generate more leads and ultimately sell more and using technology to make business processes more effective and efficient.

His first sales role was with Electrolock, Inc., where Jim quickly learned how frustrating, difficult and lonely sales can be. Plodding through a career of mediocrity until he was introduced to and trained in a nationally acclaimed sales methodology that literally changed his sale's career, he began to study and understand how to sell. Years of being a client led to the joining of that Sandler Training Franchise where he further honed his craft and skillset.

After years of instructing others to be more effective at prospecting, shorten sales cycles, increase their closing percentages, boost profitability and, in general, be more effective sales professionals he fully understands the sales process and people's buying motives.

Today he is using that knowledge and experience as he assists companies in their efforts to reach suspects with a variety of tools and a message that increases the likelihood of converting those suspects to prospects and ultimately new customers.

For more information, visit www.company119.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909898Sat, 30 Aug 2014 19:42:25 +0000North Coast MediaJim McClintock is a master of internet marketing, who will help you learn: -Whether you really need a website -Using a Facebook page as your website -Free websites vs. paid for services -How to make Google work for you -Pulling...
-Whether you really need a website
-Using a Facebook page as your website
-Free websites vs. paid for services
-How to make Google work for you
-Pulling data from your website to help you better understand your clients
-Finding time for Social Media, Blogging and e-mail marketing
-How e-mail marketing will work for your business

As business development director of Company 119, McClintock is working with companies reach out to prospects through various channels to better interact with them and tell their story, working with them to create and implement marketing strategies that generate more leads and ultimately sell more and using technology to make business processes more effective and efficient.

His first sales role was with Electrolock, Inc., where Jim quickly learned how frustrating, difficult and lonely sales can be. Plodding through a career of mediocrity until he was introduced to and trained in a nationally acclaimed sales methodology that literally changed his sale's career, he began to study and understand how to sell. Years of being a client led to the joining of that Sandler Training Franchise where he further honed his craft and skillset.

After years of instructing others to be more effective at prospecting, shorten sales cycles, increase their closing percentages, boost profitability and, in general, be more effective sales professionals he fully understands the sales process and people's buying motives.

Today he is using that knowledge and experience as he assists companies in their efforts to reach suspects with a variety of tools and a message that increases the likelihood of converting those suspects to prospects and ultimately new customers.

For more information, visit www.company119.com.]]>3655digitalmarketing,emarketing,facebook,landscapers,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-87-create-beautiful-water-features--4909877
Some of the topics Demi Fortuna talks about include:

-The types of water features that are fastest to install, easiest to maintain and most profitable
-Creating and sizing above-ground and in-ground reservoirs
-Selecting and hiding pumps and plumbing
-Making a water feature out of literally ANYTHING
-The most fool-proof ways to maintain your customer's water feature.

Demi Fortuna is Director of Product Information for industry leader Atlantic Water Gardens, traveling and working with contractors and distributors alike in developing targeted Atlantic sales support materials. Fortuna has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of water garden design and construction, the last ten years in product research, development, sales and product training.

When he isn't presenting complex topics via seminars and lectures in an accessible, enjoyable manner, he can usually be found up to his elbows in pond slime working with his two sons, Edwin and Ely, in their water feature design/build business August Moon Designs.

For more information, visit www.atlanticwatergardens.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909877Sat, 30 Aug 2014 19:34:15 +0000North Coast MediaWaterscaping can be a creative outlet...and a catalyst for profit for your business. Some of the topics Demi Fortuna talks about include: -The types of water features that are fastest to install, easiest to maintain and most profitable...
Some of the topics Demi Fortuna talks about include:

-The types of water features that are fastest to install, easiest to maintain and most profitable
-Creating and sizing above-ground and in-ground reservoirs
-Selecting and hiding pumps and plumbing
-Making a water feature out of literally ANYTHING
-The most fool-proof ways to maintain your customer's water feature.

Demi Fortuna is Director of Product Information for industry leader Atlantic Water Gardens, traveling and working with contractors and distributors alike in developing targeted Atlantic sales support materials. Fortuna has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of water garden design and construction, the last ten years in product research, development, sales and product training.

When he isn't presenting complex topics via seminars and lectures in an accessible, enjoyable manner, he can usually be found up to his elbows in pond slime working with his two sons, Edwin and Ely, in their water feature design/build business August Moon Designs.

For more information, visit www.atlanticwatergardens.com.]]>3650landscapers,landscaping,pools,profit,waterfeaturescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-86-estimating-the-right-way--4909748
Some of the topics talked about include:

-The six methods of estimating
-Overhead budgets
-Labor burdens and average wages
-Time and Materials
-Break-even points (BEP) and Gross & Net Profit Margins

Huston has more than 35 years of diverse business management experience and holds an MBA degree in finance. He is also a member of the American Society of Professional Estimators. He is a Certified Professional Landscape Estimator and he is one of only two such CPLE's in the world.

As a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, he held positions in finance, aviation supply inventory management and procurement. After his tour of duty with the Marines, he became a senior production control analyst for the electronics division of General Dynamics.

Since 1987, he has been a management consultant to the Green Industry. Early in his career, he was in charge of the consulting division for Charles Vander Kooi and Associates, Inc. In 1989 he formed J. R. Huston Consulting.

Huston has written five books that deal specifically with the landscape, irrigation and tree service industries. He has also developed five software programs for the Green Industry.

Huston has also assisted in the computerization of the estimating and/or accounting of hundreds of companies in the Green Industry. He closely monitored a number of those companies over an extended period of time.

Huston has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada consulting with landscape and irrigation contractors, conducting estimating workshops, and installing estimating and accounting software. He has also assisted in the evaluation, purchase and/or sale of more than 100 Green Industry companies.

Huston is a firm believer in education who holds a bachelors in psychology and a masters in Christian apologetics.

For more information visit www.jrhuston.biz.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909748Sat, 30 Aug 2014 18:59:04 +0000North Coast MediaHave trouble estimating? Jim Huston will show you the right way. Some of the topics talked about include: -The six methods of estimating -Overhead budgets -Labor burdens and average wages -Time and Materials -Break-even points...
Some of the topics talked about include:

-The six methods of estimating
-Overhead budgets
-Labor burdens and average wages
-Time and Materials
-Break-even points (BEP) and Gross & Net Profit Margins

Huston has more than 35 years of diverse business management experience and holds an MBA degree in finance. He is also a member of the American Society of Professional Estimators. He is a Certified Professional Landscape Estimator and he is one of only two such CPLE's in the world.

As a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, he held positions in finance, aviation supply inventory management and procurement. After his tour of duty with the Marines, he became a senior production control analyst for the electronics division of General Dynamics.

Since 1987, he has been a management consultant to the Green Industry. Early in his career, he was in charge of the consulting division for Charles Vander Kooi and Associates, Inc. In 1989 he formed J. R. Huston Consulting.

Huston has written five books that deal specifically with the landscape, irrigation and tree service industries. He has also developed five software programs for the Green Industry.

Huston has also assisted in the computerization of the estimating and/or accounting of hundreds of companies in the Green Industry. He closely monitored a number of those companies over an extended period of time.

Huston has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada consulting with landscape and irrigation contractors, conducting estimating workshops, and installing estimating and accounting software. He has also assisted in the evaluation, purchase and/or sale of more than 100 Green Industry companies.

Huston is a firm believer in education who holds a bachelors in psychology and a masters in Christian apologetics.

For more information visit www.jrhuston.biz.]]>3642budgeting,businessfinance,landscapers,landscaping,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-85-my-lighting-is-better-than-yours--4909732
-Misconceptions the public has about landscape lighting
-Common problems in lighting installations
-The most exciting things happening in the field of lighting
-How landscape designers or design/build firms can work with a lighting-only pro to increase profits

Deo is the president and founder of NatureScape Lighting and an award winning lighting designer. Since he is also formally trained in landscape design, his lighting projects reflect a deep knowledge of horticulture. He is keenly aware of how plants change not only with the seasons but over time and how each will react to light. His signature style is evident anywhere there is texture – beautiful millwork, exfoliating bark, the transparent leaves of a Japanese maple.

Deo frequently teaches lighting design at Rutgers Home Gardener's school and appears as a guest lecturer in residential garden design classes at both Rutgers and the County College of Morris. Michael has also been a contributing writer for Gardener News and was featured twice on News 12 NJ's Backyard Gardener. He is an active member of the: Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals; Designer's Lighting Forum of NY; NJNLA; International Dark Sky Association; US Green Building Council - NJ; and a former Board member of the Professional Landscape Alliance of NJ and currently serves on the board of the AOLP. NatureScape Lighting is also an active sponsor of the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

NatureScape Lighting transforms beautiful landscapes into exquisite works of art. The company's sole focus is to help people extend the enjoyment of their gardens after daylight hours through the use of cutting edge green technologies.

For more information, visit www.NatureScapeLighting.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909732Sat, 30 Aug 2014 18:51:22 +0000North Coast MediaLow-voltage landscape lighting is Michael Deo's specialty. He'll share his tips and cover some other hot-button lighting topics such as: -Misconceptions the public has about landscape lighting -Common problems in lighting installations -The...
-Misconceptions the public has about landscape lighting
-Common problems in lighting installations
-The most exciting things happening in the field of lighting
-How landscape designers or design/build firms can work with a lighting-only pro to increase profits

Deo is the president and founder of NatureScape Lighting and an award winning lighting designer. Since he is also formally trained in landscape design, his lighting projects reflect a deep knowledge of horticulture. He is keenly aware of how plants change not only with the seasons but over time and how each will react to light. His signature style is evident anywhere there is texture – beautiful millwork, exfoliating bark, the transparent leaves of a Japanese maple.

Deo frequently teaches lighting design at Rutgers Home Gardener's school and appears as a guest lecturer in residential garden design classes at both Rutgers and the County College of Morris. Michael has also been a contributing writer for Gardener News and was featured twice on News 12 NJ's Backyard Gardener. He is an active member of the: Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals; Designer's Lighting Forum of NY; NJNLA; International Dark Sky Association; US Green Building Council - NJ; and a former Board member of the Professional Landscape Alliance of NJ and currently serves on the board of the AOLP. NatureScape Lighting is also an active sponsor of the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

NatureScape Lighting transforms beautiful landscapes into exquisite works of art. The company's sole focus is to help people extend the enjoyment of their gardens after daylight hours through the use of cutting edge green technologies.

For more information, visit www.NatureScapeLighting.com.]]>3636businesstips,landscapers,landscaping,lighting,lightpollutioncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-84-how-to-deal-with-angry-customers--4909707
Some of the topics Mark Adamson covers include:

-Why it is important to "stay in touch" with customers
-What Mark's definition of an angry customer is
-Why dealing with angry customers is important to a business
-The DO's and DON'TS of working with angry customers
-Why the DON'TS are as important as the DO's

Adamson is convinced that there is no business like snow business. After living in the south for half of his career, he found a great reason to move back north...snow. He had been involved in the Green Industry for more than two decades with John Deere Company before dedicating himself to the "white" industry.

Adamson obtained his MBA from Duke University with an emphasis in marketing.

For the last nine years Mark has been the Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Douglas Dynamics, leaders in snow and ice control and manufacturers of Western, Fisher, Blizzard, SweepEx, TurfEx and SnowEx brands. He currently resides in Milwaukee, but with additional locations in Rockland, Maine, Madison Heights, Michigan and numerous customer visitations, it is rare to catch him in the office. He is a member of NTEA, AMA, APWA, ASCA and currently serves on the Board of Directors for SIMA, Snow and Ice Management Association.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909707Sat, 30 Aug 2014 18:40:25 +0000North Coast MediaYour business reputation depends on your employees' ability to recover unsatisfied customers. No one enjoys being confronted with an angry customer, but we all understand the importance of conflict resolution for positive word of mouth and the future...
Some of the topics Mark Adamson covers include:

-Why it is important to "stay in touch" with customers
-What Mark's definition of an angry customer is
-Why dealing with angry customers is important to a business
-The DO's and DON'TS of working with angry customers
-Why the DON'TS are as important as the DO's

Adamson is convinced that there is no business like snow business. After living in the south for half of his career, he found a great reason to move back north...snow. He had been involved in the Green Industry for more than two decades with John Deere Company before dedicating himself to the "white" industry.

Adamson obtained his MBA from Duke University with an emphasis in marketing.

For the last nine years Mark has been the Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Douglas Dynamics, leaders in snow and ice control and manufacturers of Western, Fisher, Blizzard, SweepEx, TurfEx and SnowEx brands. He currently resides in Milwaukee, but with additional locations in Rockland, Maine, Madison Heights, Michigan and numerous customer visitations, it is rare to catch him in the office. He is a member of NTEA, AMA, APWA, ASCA and currently serves on the Board of Directors for SIMA, Snow and Ice Management Association.]]>3638businessstrategies,conflictresolution,customerservice,landscapers,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-83-extend-the-life-of-your-equipment--4909684
If you've ever had these questions, listen in as Mark Caprio sets you straight.

He'll also talk about : whether to have an in-house mechanic versus outsourcing; winter storage/spring startup; and the big "ethanol controversy."

Caprio joined Lawn Doctor, Inc. in 2000 after twenty years in the automotive industry. Since coming to Lawn Doctor, he has held the position of Senior Equipment Specialist for over eight years and has worked together with their Equipment Research and Development team in the design and support Lawn Doctor's Turf Tamer® equipment to their 490 franchise locations. He currently holds the position of Director of Equipment Support and his responsibilities include supervising the Equipment Support Department.

In 2006 he earned the title of Certified Turfgrass Professional from The University of Georgia and is also Landscape Industry Certified from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).

His professional career outside of Lawn Doctor includes technical writing for various turf industry publications. Mike also serves as the chairperson for PLANET's Membership Committee and serves on their Public Relations Committee and Government affairs Committee.

For more information, visit www.lawndoctor.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909684Sat, 30 Aug 2014 18:33:25 +0000North Coast MediaWhat are the most common and most preventable causes of equipment downtime? What are examples of a good preventative maintenance program? Who is responsible for what in a preventative maintenance program and how do they log change? How do I tracking...
If you've ever had these questions, listen in as Mark Caprio sets you straight.

He'll also talk about : whether to have an in-house mechanic versus outsourcing; winter storage/spring startup; and the big "ethanol controversy."

Caprio joined Lawn Doctor, Inc. in 2000 after twenty years in the automotive industry. Since coming to Lawn Doctor, he has held the position of Senior Equipment Specialist for over eight years and has worked together with their Equipment Research and Development team in the design and support Lawn Doctor's Turf Tamer® equipment to their 490 franchise locations. He currently holds the position of Director of Equipment Support and his responsibilities include supervising the Equipment Support Department.

In 2006 he earned the title of Certified Turfgrass Professional from The University of Georgia and is also Landscape Industry Certified from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).

His professional career outside of Lawn Doctor includes technical writing for various turf industry publications. Mike also serves as the chairperson for PLANET's Membership Committee and serves on their Public Relations Committee and Government affairs Committee.

For more information, visit www.lawndoctor.com.]]>3696ethanol,heavyequipment,landscapers,landscaping,powertoolscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-82-serenity-in-the-garden--4909657
She covers:
-The surprising role that shapes, water, place, trees, and color play in transforming our state of mind outdoors
-The three primary features that are needed for a serenely inspired landscape
-Why north is the direction for contemplative viewing gardens
-How well-placed stones can add a sense of calm to a setting

Jan Johnsen is a professional landscape designer and is a principal, along with her husband, of the established design/build firm, Johnsen Landscapes & Pools, in Westchester County, NY. She is an adjunct professor at Columbia University and an award-winning instructor at the New York Botanical Garden. For the last several years, Johnsen has written the popular garden blog, "Serenity in the Garden." She is also a contributing editor for Garden Design Magazine.

Ever since she lived in Japan as a college student, Johnsen has been an advocate of the transformative power of nature upon our wellbeing. Her initial experiences of walking through ancient Japanese gardens made her aware of the power that serene outdoor spaces have to calm and refresh us. She went on to study landscape architecture at the University of Hawaii and was further influenced there. Her travels took her back home to New York State, where she worked under a Versailles-trained French gardener at Mohonk Mountain House, learning the secrets of French horticulture and its rigorous all-natural standards.

A speaker for botanical garden and garden show audiences, Johnsen loves to share her insights in the beneficial effects of informed garden design with others. Her unique approach, incorporating ancient practices with contemporary makes for fascinating presentations. She combines the "why" with the "how-to" in an engaging manner. And as always, she adds a large dose of stunning "eye candy" to make everyone realize that heaven is indeed a garden.

For more information, visit www.johnsenlandscapes.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909657Sat, 30 Aug 2014 18:21:39 +0000North Coast MediaJan Johnsen discusses the serenity in the garden. She covers: -The surprising role that shapes, water, place, trees, and color play in transforming our state of mind outdoors -The three primary features that are needed for a serenely inspired...
She covers:
-The surprising role that shapes, water, place, trees, and color play in transforming our state of mind outdoors
-The three primary features that are needed for a serenely inspired landscape
-Why north is the direction for contemplative viewing gardens
-How well-placed stones can add a sense of calm to a setting

Jan Johnsen is a professional landscape designer and is a principal, along with her husband, of the established design/build firm, Johnsen Landscapes & Pools, in Westchester County, NY. She is an adjunct professor at Columbia University and an award-winning instructor at the New York Botanical Garden. For the last several years, Johnsen has written the popular garden blog, "Serenity in the Garden." She is also a contributing editor for Garden Design Magazine.

Ever since she lived in Japan as a college student, Johnsen has been an advocate of the transformative power of nature upon our wellbeing. Her initial experiences of walking through ancient Japanese gardens made her aware of the power that serene outdoor spaces have to calm and refresh us. She went on to study landscape architecture at the University of Hawaii and was further influenced there. Her travels took her back home to New York State, where she worked under a Versailles-trained French gardener at Mohonk Mountain House, learning the secrets of French horticulture and its rigorous all-natural standards.

A speaker for botanical garden and garden show audiences, Johnsen loves to share her insights in the beneficial effects of informed garden design with others. Her unique approach, incorporating ancient practices with contemporary makes for fascinating presentations. She combines the "why" with the "how-to" in an engaging manner. And as always, she adds a large dose of stunning "eye candy" to make everyone realize that heaven is indeed a garden.

For more information, visit www.johnsenlandscapes.com.]]>3648gardening,japanesegardens,landscapers,landscaping,serenitygardencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-81-horticultural-therapy-defined--4909635
Listen in as DePrado defines what horticultural therapy is, what it's benefits are, where it is practiced, how it differs from "garden therapy," the types of training needed to become a Horticultural Therapist and legislation to promote awareness and benefits of horticultural therapy.

DePrado is a horticultural Specialist and Horticultural Therapy Practitioner and founder, owner of Final Touch Plantscaping, LLC, Branchburg in Somerset County, N.J., specializing in connecting people and plants through customized activities and programs from children through seniors throughout New Jersey. She is a featured Horticultural Therapy columnist for Gannett Publishing, mycentraljersey.com, Courier News, Home News Tribune and Asbury Park Press, and writer for state and local magazines. Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, and Horticultural Therapy Certificate from Rutgers University.

She is the 2013 recipient of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, 2013 Alice Burlingame Humanitarian Award for work which achieved national recognition as the cover feature for Turf Magazine in May 2013, and in the November edition of Edible Jersey Magazine, "Swords to Plowshares". Edible Jersey Magazine describes DePrado "as a pioneer in the "burgeoning movement" of Horticultural Therapy. Her efforts of impact in connecting people and plants have resulted in the 2013 and 2014 Horticultural Therapy Resolutions passed by the New Jersey agricultural delegates from all 21 counties at the 98th and 99th Agricultural Convention in Atlantic City.

For more information, visit www.finaltouchplantscaping.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909635Sat, 30 Aug 2014 18:15:12 +0000North Coast MediaLaura DePrado has achieved numerous awards locally and nationally for her work in horticultural therapy. What is that you ask? Listen in as DePrado defines what horticultural therapy is, what it's benefits are, where it is practiced, how it differs...
Listen in as DePrado defines what horticultural therapy is, what it's benefits are, where it is practiced, how it differs from "garden therapy," the types of training needed to become a Horticultural Therapist and legislation to promote awareness and benefits of horticultural therapy.

DePrado is a horticultural Specialist and Horticultural Therapy Practitioner and founder, owner of Final Touch Plantscaping, LLC, Branchburg in Somerset County, N.J., specializing in connecting people and plants through customized activities and programs from children through seniors throughout New Jersey. She is a featured Horticultural Therapy columnist for Gannett Publishing, mycentraljersey.com, Courier News, Home News Tribune and Asbury Park Press, and writer for state and local magazines. Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, and Horticultural Therapy Certificate from Rutgers University.

She is the 2013 recipient of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, 2013 Alice Burlingame Humanitarian Award for work which achieved national recognition as the cover feature for Turf Magazine in May 2013, and in the November edition of Edible Jersey Magazine, "Swords to Plowshares". Edible Jersey Magazine describes DePrado "as a pioneer in the "burgeoning movement" of Horticultural Therapy. Her efforts of impact in connecting people and plants have resulted in the 2013 and 2014 Horticultural Therapy Resolutions passed by the New Jersey agricultural delegates from all 21 counties at the 98th and 99th Agricultural Convention in Atlantic City.

For more information, visit www.finaltouchplantscaping.com.]]>3769horticulture,landscapers,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-80-why-doesn-t-anybody-listen--4909616 -Snail Mail
-E-mail
-Phone calls
-Text Messages

John Massaro is the President of Customized Business Software, LLC, whose flagship product is BILLMASTER, a complete software service solution (office and mobile) for the lawn care industry. Massaro has been a Glen Rock, N.J. resident for over 23 years, but is originally from Rockland County, N.Y. He is the Scoutmaster of Troop 15 of Glen Rock and a Free Mason with the Hawthorne-Fortitude Lodge in Ramsey, N.J. He is married with four children.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4909616Sat, 30 Aug 2014 18:07:20 +0000North Coast MediaBusiness communication methods don't have to be complex. You can effectively communicate via: -Snail Mail -E-mail -Phone calls -Text Messages John Massaro is the President of Customized Business Software, LLC, whose flagship product... -Snail Mail
-E-mail
-Phone calls
-Text Messages

John Massaro is the President of Customized Business Software, LLC, whose flagship product is BILLMASTER, a complete software service solution (office and mobile) for the lawn care industry. Massaro has been a Glen Rock, N.J. resident for over 23 years, but is originally from Rockland County, N.Y. He is the Scoutmaster of Troop 15 of Glen Rock and a Free Mason with the Hawthorne-Fortitude Lodge in Ramsey, N.J. He is married with four children.]]>3658businesscommunication,communication,directmail,landscapers,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-79-beyond-facebook-and-twitter--4905883
Denice Shuty is an avid "Houzzer" both personally and professionally and is fluent in the use of the popular web platform and its value as a marketing/PR tool for businesses and organizations involved in residential design, construction, and remodeling. She creates and manages Houzz profiles for her clients and offers best-practices coaching on how to optimize the program's features and tools for increased brand visibility.

She'll answer the following questions for you:
-What is Houzz?
-How is Houzz different than other social media or other types of online marketing?
-What Houzz can do for my landscape business?
-Who is the typical "Houzzer"?
-How do I get started on Houzz?
-Is there a "right way" to use Houzz?

Shuty is a former landscape design/build professional with more than 15 years experience working with some of the Chicago area's top landscape and interiorscape companies.

With in-depth knowledge of the design-build industry, Shuty is now a marketing and public relations consultant to practitioners, professional associations and product manufacturers in the architecture, design, and construction industries. Her company, ArchiBusiness Marketing, works with small- to medium-sized B2B and B2C businesses on marketing strategy and planning, awards-submissions, marketing/PR content, publicity, branding, email marketing, social media management and campaigns.

Shuty served as the Public Relations Committee Chair for the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association from 2010-2013 and is currently working with the USGBC-Illinois Chapter on its 2014 GreenBuilt Home Tour. Her clients include furniture manufacturers, building products manufacturers, lighting designers, landscape architects and contractors, luxury home-builders, interior designers, and green technology professionals. She was named a Constant Contact Email Marketing All-Star for 2012 and has recently won two Marketing Star Awards from the Construction Marketing Association.

Prior to her career in the landscape industry, Shuty worked as an event planner and stylist for eight years and before that as production assistant in the television and film industry. Denice has a degree in Journalism from Trition College in Illinois and a degree in TV/Film from San Diego State University.

For more information, visit www.ArchiBusinessMarketing.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905883Fri, 29 Aug 2014 19:18:19 +0000North Coast MediaSure you know about social media, but do you know anything beyond Facebook and Twitter? Denice Shuty is an avid "Houzzer" both personally and professionally and is fluent in the use of the popular web platform and its value as a marketing/PR tool for...
Denice Shuty is an avid "Houzzer" both personally and professionally and is fluent in the use of the popular web platform and its value as a marketing/PR tool for businesses and organizations involved in residential design, construction, and remodeling. She creates and manages Houzz profiles for her clients and offers best-practices coaching on how to optimize the program's features and tools for increased brand visibility.

She'll answer the following questions for you:
-What is Houzz?
-How is Houzz different than other social media or other types of online marketing?
-What Houzz can do for my landscape business?
-Who is the typical "Houzzer"?
-How do I get started on Houzz?
-Is there a "right way" to use Houzz?

Shuty is a former landscape design/build professional with more than 15 years experience working with some of the Chicago area's top landscape and interiorscape companies.

With in-depth knowledge of the design-build industry, Shuty is now a marketing and public relations consultant to practitioners, professional associations and product manufacturers in the architecture, design, and construction industries. Her company, ArchiBusiness Marketing, works with small- to medium-sized B2B and B2C businesses on marketing strategy and planning, awards-submissions, marketing/PR content, publicity, branding, email marketing, social media management and campaigns.

Shuty served as the Public Relations Committee Chair for the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association from 2010-2013 and is currently working with the USGBC-Illinois Chapter on its 2014 GreenBuilt Home Tour. Her clients include furniture manufacturers, building products manufacturers, lighting designers, landscape architects and contractors, luxury home-builders, interior designers, and green technology professionals. She was named a Constant Contact Email Marketing All-Star for 2012 and has recently won two Marketing Star Awards from the Construction Marketing Association.

Prior to her career in the landscape industry, Shuty worked as an event planner and stylist for eight years and before that as production assistant in the television and film industry. Denice has a degree in Journalism from Trition College in Illinois and a degree in TV/Film from San Diego State University.

For more information, visit www.ArchiBusinessMarketing.com.]]>3672houzz,landscapers,landscaping,publicrelations,socialmediacleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-78-stop-acting-like-an-employee--4905844
Goldhill will tell you W=what the owner of a design/build landscape company needs to be doing as the CEO and why and how business owners need to learn how to be better entrepreneurs and leaders.

Goldhill is a master business coach delivering one-on-one, group and team coaching and specializing in Sales Training, Online & Traditional Marketing Planning, Financial Analysis, Profitability Planning, Leadership and Team Development. Since 1987, Goldhill has advised the owners, managers and sales professionals in privately-held and family-owned businesses in more than 125 different industries. As an expert in developing and executing business growth strategies, he has worked with more than 75 landscape business owners, since joining the green industry in 2006, helping many to achieve double-digit percentage growth in their sales and profits. Jonathan has owned and/or managed three entrepreneurial businesses, all of which grew into multimillion dollar companies.

Goldhill is the author of Sales Accelerator, a speaker, and veteran business coach who earned an MBA from the University of Southern California in Entrepreneurship and has a B.A. from University of California at Santa Barbara in Sociology.

For more information, visit www.TheGoldhillGroup.com and www.LandscaperCoach.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905844Fri, 29 Aug 2014 19:05:21 +0000North Coast MediaWhy do small business owners STRUGGLE to grow their businesses or get STUCK along the way? Jonathan Goldhill says its because they're still thinking like an employee. Goldhill will tell you W=what the owner of a design/build landscape company needs...
Goldhill will tell you W=what the owner of a design/build landscape company needs to be doing as the CEO and why and how business owners need to learn how to be better entrepreneurs and leaders.

Goldhill is a master business coach delivering one-on-one, group and team coaching and specializing in Sales Training, Online & Traditional Marketing Planning, Financial Analysis, Profitability Planning, Leadership and Team Development. Since 1987, Goldhill has advised the owners, managers and sales professionals in privately-held and family-owned businesses in more than 125 different industries. As an expert in developing and executing business growth strategies, he has worked with more than 75 landscape business owners, since joining the green industry in 2006, helping many to achieve double-digit percentage growth in their sales and profits. Jonathan has owned and/or managed three entrepreneurial businesses, all of which grew into multimillion dollar companies.

Goldhill is the author of Sales Accelerator, a speaker, and veteran business coach who earned an MBA from the University of Southern California in Entrepreneurship and has a B.A. from University of California at Santa Barbara in Sociology.

For more information, visit www.TheGoldhillGroup.com and www.LandscaperCoach.com.]]>3649entrepreneurs,landscapers,landscaping,motivational,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/77katz--4905807https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905807Fri, 29 Aug 2014 18:57:59 +0000North Coast Media3641cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-76-by-the-numbers-with-bill-dysert--4905776
Bill has made a commitment to continuing education and leadership to development as he maintains a Landscape Industry Certification as a member of PLANET (Professional Land Care Network), is a member of the Ohio Landscape Association and The Leader's Edge (a national peer group). He was recently elected as a Director of the Geauga Growth Partnership and works with the Entrepreneur Task Force. Bill graduated with “the best class” of Leadership Geauga and is a past V.P. on the Board of Trustees. He truly enjoys participating at the Auburn Career Center as part of the Horticultural Advisory Committee.

When Bill's not working on developing Exscape Designs, you'll find him at home enjoying time with his wife and kids, cycling and running. Bill finished his first marathon in 2011.

For more information, visit www.exscapedesigns.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905776Fri, 29 Aug 2014 18:49:37 +0000North Coast MediaAs the founder and CEO of Exscape Designs, Bill brings more than 15 years of experience to the leadership and project direction of the company. Bill uses his skills to cast the strategic vision for the organization as a whole as well as overseeing...
Bill has made a commitment to continuing education and leadership to development as he maintains a Landscape Industry Certification as a member of PLANET (Professional Land Care Network), is a member of the Ohio Landscape Association and The Leader's Edge (a national peer group). He was recently elected as a Director of the Geauga Growth Partnership and works with the Entrepreneur Task Force. Bill graduated with “the best class” of Leadership Geauga and is a past V.P. on the Board of Trustees. He truly enjoys participating at the Auburn Career Center as part of the Horticultural Advisory Committee.

When Bill's not working on developing Exscape Designs, you'll find him at home enjoying time with his wife and kids, cycling and running. Bill finished his first marathon in 2011.

For more information, visit www.exscapedesigns.com.]]>3681cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/75moore--4905743https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905743Fri, 29 Aug 2014 18:37:04 +0000North Coast Media3609cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/74mercurio--4905608https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905608Fri, 29 Aug 2014 18:05:53 +0000North Coast Media3546cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/73stringer--4905580https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905580Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:56:36 +0000North Coast Media3670cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/72moskowitz--4905555https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905555Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:49:40 +0000North Coast Media3791cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/71semple--4905233https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905233Fri, 29 Aug 2014 16:26:52 +0000North Coast Media3596cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/70stigliano--4905182https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905182Fri, 29 Aug 2014 16:17:12 +0000North Coast Media3745cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/69stickley--4905140https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4905140Fri, 29 Aug 2014 16:07:49 +0000North Coast Media3618cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-68-get-to-know-your-greenhouse--4902521
In this episode Tim discusses:

-How to work with a grower instead of running all over the place buying from several nurseries or garden centers
-Which plants consumers are asking for
-Which plants bloom the longest
-Which plants are more disease resistant
-The process of propagating plants
-What it's like being a grower and systems needed to succeed as a grower
-Fertilizing and deadheading to extend bloom time

For more information, visit www.hionisgreenhouses.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902521Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:42:57 +0000North Coast MediaTim Hionis co-owns Hionis Greenhouses with his three brothers. He has been growing annual bedding plants, containers and hanging baskets, Spring Flowering bulbs, Holiday Plants, and much more for over 45 years in the industry. With over 10 acres of...
In this episode Tim discusses:

-How to work with a grower instead of running all over the place buying from several nurseries or garden centers
-Which plants consumers are asking for
-Which plants bloom the longest
-Which plants are more disease resistant
-The process of propagating plants
-What it's like being a grower and systems needed to succeed as a grower
-Fertilizing and deadheading to extend bloom time

For more information, visit www.hionisgreenhouses.com.]]>3525gardening,greenhouse,landscaping,nursery,plantscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-67-creating-a-profitability-team--4902502https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902502Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:35:42 +0000North Coast Media3620cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-66-plant-health-care-for-profit--4902454https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902454Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:21:21 +0000North Coast Media3646cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-65-making-a-difference-in-snow-biz--4902425https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902425Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:13:40 +0000North Coast Media3591cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-64-snow-and-landscape-contracts--4902375https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902375Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:57:17 +0000North Coast Media3647cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-63-snow-sleet-or-hail-management--4902351https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902351Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:50:36 +0000North Coast Media3620cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-62-growing-a-maintenance-company--4902311https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902311Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:39:25 +0000North Coast Media3619cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-61-how-to-hire-and-keep-employees--4902246https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902246Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:23:13 +0000North Coast Media3565cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-60-time-for-a-website-re-design--4902199https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902199Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:10:45 +0000North Coast Media3674cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-59-the-young-guns-of-landscaping--4902160https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902160Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:00:12 +0000North Coast Media3643cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-58-married-to-the-business--4902134https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902134Thu, 28 Aug 2014 19:52:24 +0000North Coast Media3612cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-57-human-resources-with-steven--4902113https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4902113Thu, 28 Aug 2014 19:44:58 +0000North Coast Media3592cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-56-profit-from-green-roofs-walls--4901716https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4901716Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:51:51 +0000North Coast Media3648cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-55-minimize-your-snow-liability--4901696https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4901696Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:44:45 +0000North Coast Media3725cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-54-partner-for-drug-free-business--4901659https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4901659Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:33:59 +0000North Coast Media3610cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-53-landscape-governmental-affairs--4901625https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4901625Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:20:59 +0000North Coast Media3642cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-52-why-consider-a-franchise--4901580https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4901580Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:10:49 +0000North Coast Media3600cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-51-the-hottest-plants-for-2014--4901521https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4901521Thu, 28 Aug 2014 16:58:01 +0000North Coast Media3621cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-50-a-successful-corporate-culture--4901481
Some of the topics in this episode include:

-What is world-class service?
-The importance of creating world-class service.
-Training your employees / team to deliver world-class service.
-How this service be applied to any type of company.

Pedatella believes successful employees build a successful business and that success lies with the entire team. As a lifelong enthusiast in the fitness field, Joe manages over 140 employees, for which he is responsible for hiring, training, personnel duties. He has provided the business with a Customized Business plan, which has built Spa 23 tremendously since he took on the role of Executive Director.

Pedatella has consulted and provided problem-solving techniques for owners of both small and large landscape and design firms. He has also taken his unique methods and leadership to other industries in the consulting capacity.

In his 16-year history within both fields he has a history of working one-on-one, in teams and with all outside organizations, always with a focus is on creating a culture based on exceptional service and finding and implementing strategies to remedy shortfalls. He has created a learning environment with his business, encouraging both employees and clients, and allowing them not only to take the steps to their personal goals, but to lunge towards the challenges and succeed in their journey.

For more information, visit www.spa23.com or www.kodiakpavers.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4901481Thu, 28 Aug 2014 16:41:27 +0000North Coast MediaJoe Pedatella, Director of Spa 23 Health & Racquet Club and Kodiak Landscape Design, tells you how to create a successful corporate culture in your business. We will talk about why it is so important to give your customers world-class service and how...
Some of the topics in this episode include:

-What is world-class service?
-The importance of creating world-class service.
-Training your employees / team to deliver world-class service.
-How this service be applied to any type of company.

Pedatella believes successful employees build a successful business and that success lies with the entire team. As a lifelong enthusiast in the fitness field, Joe manages over 140 employees, for which he is responsible for hiring, training, personnel duties. He has provided the business with a Customized Business plan, which has built Spa 23 tremendously since he took on the role of Executive Director.

Pedatella has consulted and provided problem-solving techniques for owners of both small and large landscape and design firms. He has also taken his unique methods and leadership to other industries in the consulting capacity.

In his 16-year history within both fields he has a history of working one-on-one, in teams and with all outside organizations, always with a focus is on creating a culture based on exceptional service and finding and implementing strategies to remedy shortfalls. He has created a learning environment with his business, encouraging both employees and clients, and allowing them not only to take the steps to their personal goals, but to lunge towards the challenges and succeed in their journey.

For more information, visit www.spa23.com or www.kodiakpavers.com.]]>3660businessstratgies,entrepreneur,fitness,managementtips,trainingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-49-exit-strategies-for-landscapers--4900719
For most green industry business owners, their business represents their most significant asset and one that they expect to rely on to finance their retirement or the next step on their life's adventure. As important as it may be, few have taken the steps to understand the real value of that asset or how to increase the probability that they can unlock the value of that asset when they want to.

Ron Edmonds is president of The Principium Group, a leading advisory firm serving the Green Industry in the areas of mergers b& acquisitions, exit planning and capital formation.

For buyers, he assists in developing strategic plans for acquisitions, identifying targets, facilitating negotiations, structuring transactions and conducting due diligence investigations.

For sellers, he advises on preparing businesses for sale and represents sellers by marketing their businesses.

He is particularly focused on advising green industry business owners in the area of exit planning because he believes that planning will often allow green industry business owners to achieve a better result when the time comes to exit their businesses.

Edmonds is an expert in green industry mergers and acquisitions, having played a key role in hundreds of transactions over the past ten years. He is the author of "Green Exit – Exit Planning for Green Industry Business Owners," along with two other books. He edits a monthly newsletter, "Green Industry Merger & Acquisition News." He is frequently quoted in industry publications and has had several articles published in industry publications, including Landscape Management. He holds BS and MS degrees in accounting from Oklahoma State University and previously was in private practice as a CPA. He is based in Cordova, Tennessee in the Memphis area, but serves clients throughout North America.

For more information, visit www.PrincipiumGroup.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4900719Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:21:14 +0000North Coast MediaDo you have an exit plan for your green industry business? Are you counting on your business to fund your retirement or other activities? For most green industry business owners, their business represents their most significant asset and one that...
For most green industry business owners, their business represents their most significant asset and one that they expect to rely on to finance their retirement or the next step on their life's adventure. As important as it may be, few have taken the steps to understand the real value of that asset or how to increase the probability that they can unlock the value of that asset when they want to.

Ron Edmonds is president of The Principium Group, a leading advisory firm serving the Green Industry in the areas of mergers b& acquisitions, exit planning and capital formation.

For buyers, he assists in developing strategic plans for acquisitions, identifying targets, facilitating negotiations, structuring transactions and conducting due diligence investigations.

For sellers, he advises on preparing businesses for sale and represents sellers by marketing their businesses.

He is particularly focused on advising green industry business owners in the area of exit planning because he believes that planning will often allow green industry business owners to achieve a better result when the time comes to exit their businesses.

Edmonds is an expert in green industry mergers and acquisitions, having played a key role in hundreds of transactions over the past ten years. He is the author of "Green Exit – Exit Planning for Green Industry Business Owners," along with two other books. He edits a monthly newsletter, "Green Industry Merger & Acquisition News." He is frequently quoted in industry publications and has had several articles published in industry publications, including Landscape Management. He holds BS and MS degrees in accounting from Oklahoma State University and previously was in private practice as a CPA. He is based in Cordova, Tennessee in the Memphis area, but serves clients throughout North America.

For more information, visit www.PrincipiumGroup.com.]]>3713businessowners,entrepreneurs,landscapers,retirement,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-48-the-truth-about-organics--4900673
Some of her key talking points are:

-Bionutrition lessons: Soil food web, how it makes other products more effective and marketing analogies for customers
-Marketing in the green industry: Creating a marketing machine/plan, social media and inbound techniques

After spending the last 10 years helping build two multi-million dollar companies, Nicole Wise knows her way around the green industry. Originally a teacher, Wise graduated from La Salle University with a bachelor's degree and then Temple University with her master's degree in education. However, she quickly realized that project management, marketing, and business was where she really fit. Shortly after, Wise joined HappyLawn of America, a lawn care service provider, as a coordinator for the company, playing a significant role in creating systems for the fast growth firm as well as generating marketing plans and leading marketing campaigns.

Today, Wise is the head of marketing at Holganix, a manufacturer of a bionutritional plant product. She utilizes these past experiences to build the Holganix brand, manage marketing projects at Holganix and consult with product users to help them build their brand, and create their own marketing plans. Over the past four years she has helped lawn care companies increase revenue, reduce bottom line expenditures, create strategic marketing plans and grow their companies. Barrett Ersek, CEO of Holganix notes, “She has a unique knack for having her finger on the pulse of the company and positively influences the running of the company.”

For more information, visit www.holganix.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4900673Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:12:56 +0000North Coast MediaNicole Wise tells us the truth about organics -- and how best to market yourself in the business. Some of her key talking points are: -Bionutrition lessons: Soil food web, how it makes other products more effective and marketing analogies for...
Some of her key talking points are:

-Bionutrition lessons: Soil food web, how it makes other products more effective and marketing analogies for customers
-Marketing in the green industry: Creating a marketing machine/plan, social media and inbound techniques

After spending the last 10 years helping build two multi-million dollar companies, Nicole Wise knows her way around the green industry. Originally a teacher, Wise graduated from La Salle University with a bachelor's degree and then Temple University with her master's degree in education. However, she quickly realized that project management, marketing, and business was where she really fit. Shortly after, Wise joined HappyLawn of America, a lawn care service provider, as a coordinator for the company, playing a significant role in creating systems for the fast growth firm as well as generating marketing plans and leading marketing campaigns.

Today, Wise is the head of marketing at Holganix, a manufacturer of a bionutritional plant product. She utilizes these past experiences to build the Holganix brand, manage marketing projects at Holganix and consult with product users to help them build their brand, and create their own marketing plans. Over the past four years she has helped lawn care companies increase revenue, reduce bottom line expenditures, create strategic marketing plans and grow their companies. Barrett Ersek, CEO of Holganix notes, “She has a unique knack for having her finger on the pulse of the company and positively influences the running of the company.”

For more information, visit www.holganix.com.]]>3657bionutrition,landscaping,marketing,organic,plantscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-47-improve-your-attitude-at-work--4900657
This lesson will show you how your attitude drives everything, your behavior makes things happen and the techniques are the tools you need to get it done. Discover the areas in which you need to personally improve in order to help you be and stay a success.

Danny Wood is recognized nationally as a business development expert, specializing in Executive Sales Consulting and Sales Productivity Training. He is an affiliate of Sandler Training and is an 8-time recipient of the Platinum Award for sales excellence.

Danny Wood Enterprises specializes in working with business owners, CEO's and senior managers to maximize the return on what is often their most underutilized resource…the sales team. By focusing on buyer's and seller's attitudes and behaviors, not just techniques, Wood's clients are able to achieve "superior selling." He utilizes the only Management Development Curriculum that has been ranked #1 for seven consecutive years by Entrepreneur Magazine. His work has been recognized by business leaders and corporate managers for providing their people with the aptitude to realize millions of dollars in additional business that would otherwise have never materialized or been lost to competitors.

Upon graduating with a degree in Marketing from Florida Atlantic University, Wood launched his selling career the hard way, selling apparel to retailers door to door. By the time he started his own business 16 years later, he was VP of Sales and Merchandising for a licensee of Wrangler Sportswear, traveling internationally and selling to the largest retailers in the world.

Wood believes that through education and training one can achieve any goal that one sets for themselves. His knowledge, experience, and tremendous respect for the Sales Professional led to his being selected by NJEntrepreneur.com to be their sales expert. He is also author of “The Sales Advisor,” a monthly column featured in NJBIZ Magazine.

For more information, visit http://dwood.sandler.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4900657Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:03:40 +0000North Coast MediaWant to improving your BATting average at work? In order to lead you to the top of your professional career, you will need to focus on three areas for your continued growth and improvement: Behavior, Attitude and Technique. This lesson will show you...
This lesson will show you how your attitude drives everything, your behavior makes things happen and the techniques are the tools you need to get it done. Discover the areas in which you need to personally improve in order to help you be and stay a success.

Danny Wood is recognized nationally as a business development expert, specializing in Executive Sales Consulting and Sales Productivity Training. He is an affiliate of Sandler Training and is an 8-time recipient of the Platinum Award for sales excellence.

Danny Wood Enterprises specializes in working with business owners, CEO's and senior managers to maximize the return on what is often their most underutilized resource…the sales team. By focusing on buyer's and seller's attitudes and behaviors, not just techniques, Wood's clients are able to achieve "superior selling." He utilizes the only Management Development Curriculum that has been ranked #1 for seven consecutive years by Entrepreneur Magazine. His work has been recognized by business leaders and corporate managers for providing their people with the aptitude to realize millions of dollars in additional business that would otherwise have never materialized or been lost to competitors.

Upon graduating with a degree in Marketing from Florida Atlantic University, Wood launched his selling career the hard way, selling apparel to retailers door to door. By the time he started his own business 16 years later, he was VP of Sales and Merchandising for a licensee of Wrangler Sportswear, traveling internationally and selling to the largest retailers in the world.

Wood believes that through education and training one can achieve any goal that one sets for themselves. His knowledge, experience, and tremendous respect for the Sales Professional led to his being selected by NJEntrepreneur.com to be their sales expert. He is also author of “The Sales Advisor,” a monthly column featured in NJBIZ Magazine.

For more information, visit http://dwood.sandler.com.]]>3752businessstrategies,entrepreneurs,landscapers,motivational,salescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-46-the-government-and-landscapers--4900636
Originally entering Rutgers University with the intent of becoming a veterinarian, Mondi ended up being accepted into the landscape architecture program and graduated in 2000. Mondi has worked for several landscape design build and landscape architecture firms, including Lipinski Landscape and Irrigation, now Merit Property Services, one of the top 100 landscape companies in the country. In addition to his professional landscape career, Mondi served as program coordinator for several years at the Rutgers University Office of Continuing Professional Education developing, organizing, and running educational programs for the green industry. Since joining the NJNLA as Executive Director in 2010, Mondi has been actively involved in the association's government relations activities, most recently focusing heavily on immigration and labor reform at the national level. He is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Nursery and Landscape Association Executives of North America.

For more information, visit www.njnla.org.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4900636Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:57:45 +0000North Coast MediaDominick Mondi, Executive Director of the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association discusses labor and the landscape industry and how immigration reform could impact the entire horticulture supply chain. He gets into why immigration reform makes...
Originally entering Rutgers University with the intent of becoming a veterinarian, Mondi ended up being accepted into the landscape architecture program and graduated in 2000. Mondi has worked for several landscape design build and landscape architecture firms, including Lipinski Landscape and Irrigation, now Merit Property Services, one of the top 100 landscape companies in the country. In addition to his professional landscape career, Mondi served as program coordinator for several years at the Rutgers University Office of Continuing Professional Education developing, organizing, and running educational programs for the green industry. Since joining the NJNLA as Executive Director in 2010, Mondi has been actively involved in the association's government relations activities, most recently focusing heavily on immigration and labor reform at the national level. He is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Nursery and Landscape Association Executives of North America.

For more information, visit www.njnla.org.]]>3606businessregulation,governmentaffairs,immigration,laborlaw,landscaperscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-45-seo-in-plain-english--4900609
Topics we discuss include:

-How to find out what people are searching for relating to your business
-Tools to rank your website for the actual keywords people search for
-How to convert your web site traffic into sales and/or leads
-Methods to geographically market to your online target audience

Conklin's entrepreneurial career started with mowing lawns and a baseball card selling business out of his parent's apartment (grand opening balloons and all) while in the third grade. More recently, Conklin has built three profitable and highly successful companies, from conception to development and execution. This portfolio includes GetMyHomesValue.com, which was featured in the Inc 500 lists as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the nation for 2008 and then again for 2009.Today, Conklin spends his time between his two sets of twins, volunteering in Haiti, regularly sampling cheese and wine while “Googling” things and perusing his local Apple store and teaching business leaders all over the world how to effectively use internet marketing to grow their companies, thus increasing their ROI.

He, along with business partner Steve Young, is growing his latest project, RankPop.com, a rapidly growing company that is already gaining national attention. Conklin's passion for marketing through digital means is inspirational to both the “button pushers”, who are responsible for making the magic happen at their companies, as well as ( and arguably more importantly ) the head decision makers of companies. He encourages and motivates them to not only get up to speed on how to hire, manage and properly direct digital marketing teams; but to (gasp!) get excited about it.

For more information, visit www.rankpop.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4900609Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:49:44 +0000North Coast MediaDave Conklin is a highly energetic and successfully savvy entrepreneur who motivates his audiences by sharing real-world, interactive strategies for businesses to use both in search marketing and social media. Conklin shares his “Should I or Shouldn't...
Topics we discuss include:

-How to find out what people are searching for relating to your business
-Tools to rank your website for the actual keywords people search for
-How to convert your web site traffic into sales and/or leads
-Methods to geographically market to your online target audience

Conklin's entrepreneurial career started with mowing lawns and a baseball card selling business out of his parent's apartment (grand opening balloons and all) while in the third grade. More recently, Conklin has built three profitable and highly successful companies, from conception to development and execution. This portfolio includes GetMyHomesValue.com, which was featured in the Inc 500 lists as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the nation for 2008 and then again for 2009.Today, Conklin spends his time between his two sets of twins, volunteering in Haiti, regularly sampling cheese and wine while “Googling” things and perusing his local Apple store and teaching business leaders all over the world how to effectively use internet marketing to grow their companies, thus increasing their ROI.

He, along with business partner Steve Young, is growing his latest project, RankPop.com, a rapidly growing company that is already gaining national attention. Conklin's passion for marketing through digital means is inspirational to both the “button pushers”, who are responsible for making the magic happen at their companies, as well as ( and arguably more importantly ) the head decision makers of companies. He encourages and motivates them to not only get up to speed on how to hire, manage and properly direct digital marketing teams; but to (gasp!) get excited about it.

For more information, visit www.rankpop.com.]]>3683entrepreneurs,landscapers,seo,socialmedia,websitedesigncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-44-the-best-of-the-best-plants--4900590
As director of Rutgers Gardens, Bruce Crawford oversees a 180-acre outdoor teaching classroom, horticultural research facility and arboretum.

He is also adjunct professor in the Landscape Architecture Department, at Rutgers - School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the Director of Rutgers Gardens since 2005.

Bruce has addressed numerous horticultural organizations and regularly participates in the Rutgers – Continuing Education Program. His articles have been featured in Fine Gardening Magazine. Most of all he loves plants and gardens!

For more information, visit http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4900590Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:44:12 +0000North Coast MediaThree of the biggest challenges for growers, garden centers, and landscape professionals are meeting the rising demands from homeowners to find plant material that exceeds their expectations for deer resistance, extended impact or bloom time, and...
As director of Rutgers Gardens, Bruce Crawford oversees a 180-acre outdoor teaching classroom, horticultural research facility and arboretum.

He is also adjunct professor in the Landscape Architecture Department, at Rutgers - School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the Director of Rutgers Gardens since 2005.

Bruce has addressed numerous horticultural organizations and regularly participates in the Rutgers – Continuing Education Program. His articles have been featured in Fine Gardening Magazine. Most of all he loves plants and gardens!

For more information, visit http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/.]]>3791flowers,gardening,horticulture,landscaping,plantscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-43-making-customers-loyal--4900573
In this episode we discuss:

-What is the definition of a loyal customer?
- How can you create customer loyalty?
- Social media and customer loyalty
- Is there really such thing as a satisfied customer?
- Under promise and over deliver
- Referrals, Referrals, Referrals

Tom Shay is a lifelong small business owner and manager and the fourth generation to be involved in the family business.

Shay moved to Florida to join his parents in the family operation they had purchased in 1971. Over the next 26 years, the Shay family owned and operated three businesses in the retail trade and a fourth in the wholesale and manufacturing industry.

Shay has authored 11 books on small business management and co-authored a book on retailer/vendor relations. He has also written a textbook on small business financial management. During the past 18 years, Tom has written over 400 management articles that have appeared in over 70 national and international trade magazines.

Shay's experiences provide him with the knowledge and background to present ideas to assist owners, managers, and staff with the day-to-day operation of their businesses. He presents proven and time-tried ideas on the topics of promoting, customer loyalty, business management design, marketing, business strategy, employee skills development, and financial control. His clients include PANTS, the Independent Garden Center Show, Ewing Irrigation, John Deere Landscape, E.P. Henry, VPG, many of the state nursery and landscape associations, as well as many of the wholesalers in the trade.

As a speaker, Shay has earned the Certified Speaking Professional distinction, an honor that has been earned by fewer than 7 percent of speakers worldwide.

He attended Hendrix College and University of South Florida. He has been married to Marilyn French Shay for 37 years with whom he has three children, Amanda, Darren and Blake.

For more information, visit www.profitsplus.org.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4900573Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:33:11 +0000North Coast MediaIf you're spending tons of money on attracting new customers, you're making a huge mistake. Businesses that are growing tend to spend so much of their time and money acquiring new customers that they often overlook their best source of growth:...
In this episode we discuss:

-What is the definition of a loyal customer?
- How can you create customer loyalty?
- Social media and customer loyalty
- Is there really such thing as a satisfied customer?
- Under promise and over deliver
- Referrals, Referrals, Referrals

Tom Shay is a lifelong small business owner and manager and the fourth generation to be involved in the family business.

Shay moved to Florida to join his parents in the family operation they had purchased in 1971. Over the next 26 years, the Shay family owned and operated three businesses in the retail trade and a fourth in the wholesale and manufacturing industry.

Shay has authored 11 books on small business management and co-authored a book on retailer/vendor relations. He has also written a textbook on small business financial management. During the past 18 years, Tom has written over 400 management articles that have appeared in over 70 national and international trade magazines.

Shay's experiences provide him with the knowledge and background to present ideas to assist owners, managers, and staff with the day-to-day operation of their businesses. He presents proven and time-tried ideas on the topics of promoting, customer loyalty, business management design, marketing, business strategy, employee skills development, and financial control. His clients include PANTS, the Independent Garden Center Show, Ewing Irrigation, John Deere Landscape, E.P. Henry, VPG, many of the state nursery and landscape associations, as well as many of the wholesalers in the trade.

As a speaker, Shay has earned the Certified Speaking Professional distinction, an honor that has been earned by fewer than 7 percent of speakers worldwide.

He attended Hendrix College and University of South Florida. He has been married to Marilyn French Shay for 37 years with whom he has three children, Amanda, Darren and Blake.

For more information, visit www.profitsplus.org.]]>3583customerservice,landscapers,landscaping,managementtips,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-42-from-0-to-1-million-in-60-mins--4898387
In this episode, some of the topics we are going to discuss include:

-How to create an annual budget
-Job costing do's and don'ts
-Estimating for profit
-MOR's vs. SOR's vs. T&M
-Estimates vs. Proposals
-How to create a P & L statement
-Man vs. Machine
-Adding Managers
-Creating a balanced landscape portfolio

Joining us is Jerry Gaeta, a Green Industry Business Advisor and Coach helping business owners increase their performance and quality of life since 1994.

Gaeta and his business associate started a design/build commercial landscape, irrigation and landscape maintenance firm in 1975 and sold it 28 years later. Gaeta was chairman for the development of the Nursery and Landscape Certified Landscape Technician Program for South Carolina and ALCA (now PLANET) and was awarded in 1991 Nurseryman of the Year, the first landscape contractor to receive this award.

Jerry is a successful estimator and entrepreneur who has bid hundreds of millions of dollars in landscape construction and maintenance projects, has consulted, and lectured for the Green Industry in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, and Guam on budgeting, overhead recovery, estimating and bidding, managing work crews and overall business management and planning. Gaeta helped many small and mid-sized companies with financial success while working with Charles Vander Kooi as senior associate for 17 years. In these challenging times he guides his clients to maintain their financial performance with the experiences of guiding his own company through the difficult economy in the late 1970's.

For more information, visit http://jerrygaetabusinessplan.com/.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898387Wed, 27 Aug 2014 21:22:40 +0000North Coast MediaBelieve it or not, there are some basic ingredients to growing your company to a million-dollar business. Now, nobody is saying that the recipe is easy; however, there are logical and achievable steps that you can take to grow your company to become a...
In this episode, some of the topics we are going to discuss include:

-How to create an annual budget
-Job costing do's and don'ts
-Estimating for profit
-MOR's vs. SOR's vs. T&M
-Estimates vs. Proposals
-How to create a P & L statement
-Man vs. Machine
-Adding Managers
-Creating a balanced landscape portfolio

Joining us is Jerry Gaeta, a Green Industry Business Advisor and Coach helping business owners increase their performance and quality of life since 1994.

Gaeta and his business associate started a design/build commercial landscape, irrigation and landscape maintenance firm in 1975 and sold it 28 years later. Gaeta was chairman for the development of the Nursery and Landscape Certified Landscape Technician Program for South Carolina and ALCA (now PLANET) and was awarded in 1991 Nurseryman of the Year, the first landscape contractor to receive this award.

Jerry is a successful estimator and entrepreneur who has bid hundreds of millions of dollars in landscape construction and maintenance projects, has consulted, and lectured for the Green Industry in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, and Guam on budgeting, overhead recovery, estimating and bidding, managing work crews and overall business management and planning. Gaeta helped many small and mid-sized companies with financial success while working with Charles Vander Kooi as senior associate for 17 years. In these challenging times he guides his clients to maintain their financial performance with the experiences of guiding his own company through the difficult economy in the late 1970's.

For more information, visit http://jerrygaetabusinessplan.com/.]]>3624entrepreneuronfire,landscapers,makemoney,management,profitabilitycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-41-the-perennial-diva-s-flower-tips--4898345
The self-proclaimed Perennial Diva Stephanie Cohen has got you covered. She discusses her favorite tried and true perennials (and some grasses, too) that will give your clients the color that you want, while working within their budget and limiting the amount of maintenance that is required throughout the year.

She also goes over:

-Perennial garden design basics
-Her top 10 tried and true perennials
-Sequential color throughout the year
-More than just flower color
-Divide and conquer
-Perennial bed maintenance opportunities
-Her bottom 10 perennials
-What about the natives?
-Perennials vs. annuals

Cohen has taught herbaceous plants and perennial design at Temple University for over 20 years. She was the Founder and Director of the Landscape Arboretum at Temple University, Ambler. She is a contributing editor for “Fine Gardening”, the advisory board for “Green Profit” and is a regional writer for The Blooms of Bressingham Plant Program.

She has received three awards from the Perennial Plant Association for design, as well as receiving their Service and Academic Award. She has received awards from Temple University, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and The American Nursery and Landscape Association for Garden Communicator of the Year 2000. She is the first woman to receive the honor award from The Perennial Plant Association at their meeting in 2005 in Canada

In 2005, she became a fellow of Temple University Alumni Association, the highest award given to an alumna. She has lectured coast to coast, including Alaska, and has been featured on QVC TV as the “Perennial Diva.”

In 2005, she also wrote a book on perennial garden design called “The Perennial Gardeners Design Primer,” published by Storey Press. It was chosen by The Garden Writer's of America as the winner in the best overall book category.

She has also written three other books published by Timber Press. In 2007, she authored "Fallscaping", 2011 she published “The Non-Stop Garden” and her newest book, “Greenhouse Grower" was just translated into Russian.

For more information, visit www.theperennialdiva.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898345Wed, 27 Aug 2014 21:13:00 +0000North Coast MediaOne of the top three things that clients request for their landscaping project is seasonal color year-round. One of the fastest, easiest and best ways to do this is by including perennials in your installations. The problem is that there are literally...
The self-proclaimed Perennial Diva Stephanie Cohen has got you covered. She discusses her favorite tried and true perennials (and some grasses, too) that will give your clients the color that you want, while working within their budget and limiting the amount of maintenance that is required throughout the year.

She also goes over:

-Perennial garden design basics
-Her top 10 tried and true perennials
-Sequential color throughout the year
-More than just flower color
-Divide and conquer
-Perennial bed maintenance opportunities
-Her bottom 10 perennials
-What about the natives?
-Perennials vs. annuals

Cohen has taught herbaceous plants and perennial design at Temple University for over 20 years. She was the Founder and Director of the Landscape Arboretum at Temple University, Ambler. She is a contributing editor for “Fine Gardening”, the advisory board for “Green Profit” and is a regional writer for The Blooms of Bressingham Plant Program.

She has received three awards from the Perennial Plant Association for design, as well as receiving their Service and Academic Award. She has received awards from Temple University, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and The American Nursery and Landscape Association for Garden Communicator of the Year 2000. She is the first woman to receive the honor award from The Perennial Plant Association at their meeting in 2005 in Canada

In 2005, she became a fellow of Temple University Alumni Association, the highest award given to an alumna. She has lectured coast to coast, including Alaska, and has been featured on QVC TV as the “Perennial Diva.”

In 2005, she also wrote a book on perennial garden design called “The Perennial Gardeners Design Primer,” published by Storey Press. It was chosen by The Garden Writer's of America as the winner in the best overall book category.

She has also written three other books published by Timber Press. In 2007, she authored "Fallscaping", 2011 she published “The Non-Stop Garden” and her newest book, “Greenhouse Grower" was just translated into Russian.

For more information, visit www.theperennialdiva.com.]]>3604flowers,gardeningtips,gardens,landscapers,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-40-top-10-reasons-businesses-fail--4898282
Recently, however, Ross was asked – “What are the Top 10 reasons companies fail?” Typically, consultants tend to be optimistic and think about the positive reasons why businesses are successful and use this information to help their clients grow their businesses. This time Ross is going to discuss the downside risks to running a business and try to help all of us avoid as many as we can.

Here are Franks Top Ten Fails (or bottom ten):

1. Lack of Cash Flow
2. Drive by Estimating
3. No Job Tracking
4. No Pricing by Profit Center
5. No Financial Reporting by Profit Center
6. No Budgets
7. No Long Range Planning
8. Lack of Labor Control
9. No Overtime Controls
10. No Ownership of Benchmarks

Born in Charlotte, N.C., Ross is involved in several companies, all having to do with working with contractors to make them more profitable, including Ross-Payne & Associates, Inc. (started in 1973), 3 Point Group, Inc. (started in 2009) and A Better Way 2 Learn, LLC (started in 2011).

Ross received his bachelor's degree from NC State in Chemical Engineering, and went on to receive his Masters from the University of N.J. in Psychology. He is the author of "Pricing for the Green Industry" and "Financing Your Business" and was inducted into the ANLA Hall of Fame and Who's Who in America. Ross has held various positions on industry boards and is married to his lovely wife Barb. Together they have 5 children and a dog.

For more information, visit www.3pgconsulting.com or www.abetterway2learn.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898282Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:52:42 +0000North Coast MediaAs a consultant, Frank Ross is constantly asked questions like “What are the reasons companies succeed?” or “What do other companies do to make more money?” Recently, however, Ross was asked – “What are the Top 10 reasons companies fail?” Typically,...
Recently, however, Ross was asked – “What are the Top 10 reasons companies fail?” Typically, consultants tend to be optimistic and think about the positive reasons why businesses are successful and use this information to help their clients grow their businesses. This time Ross is going to discuss the downside risks to running a business and try to help all of us avoid as many as we can.

Here are Franks Top Ten Fails (or bottom ten):

1. Lack of Cash Flow
2. Drive by Estimating
3. No Job Tracking
4. No Pricing by Profit Center
5. No Financial Reporting by Profit Center
6. No Budgets
7. No Long Range Planning
8. Lack of Labor Control
9. No Overtime Controls
10. No Ownership of Benchmarks

Born in Charlotte, N.C., Ross is involved in several companies, all having to do with working with contractors to make them more profitable, including Ross-Payne & Associates, Inc. (started in 1973), 3 Point Group, Inc. (started in 2009) and A Better Way 2 Learn, LLC (started in 2011).

Ross received his bachelor's degree from NC State in Chemical Engineering, and went on to receive his Masters from the University of N.J. in Psychology. He is the author of "Pricing for the Green Industry" and "Financing Your Business" and was inducted into the ANLA Hall of Fame and Who's Who in America. Ross has held various positions on industry boards and is married to his lovely wife Barb. Together they have 5 children and a dog.

For more information, visit www.3pgconsulting.com or www.abetterway2learn.com.]]>3805businessstrategies,entrepreneurs,financepodcast,landscapers,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-39-growing-a-balanced-landscape-biz--4898263

Rich Goldstein, Owner and President of Green Meadows Landscape Contractors, gives us:
-A step-by-step approach to growing your business
-Design/Build vs. Maintenance
-Commercial vs. Residential
-Best management practices (BMP's)
-Job descriptions and responsibilities
-The importance of a good estimating system
-Top quality customer service
-How to attract good people

Goldstein founded Green Meadows in 1982. His goal was to provide personalized service, high quality maintenance and skilled construction: characteristics that he felt were lacking in the business of landscape contracting.

His commitment to customer service and his understanding of its importance is the reason why his book of business continues to expand and why his clients remain with him year after year. Goldstein has more than 30 years of experience in all phases of landscape construction and lawn maintenance; is also a licensed pesticide applicator, Landscape Industry Certified Technician and an ICPI-certified installer.

He prides himself on maintaining the high quality of workmanship necessary to ensure that Green Meadows surpasses industry standards.

In his free time, Rich is a firefighter for the Township of Monroe, NY, where he served as a past President and is currently the Treasurer. He also sits on the board of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, where he is the treasurer as well.

For more information, visit www.greenmeadowsinc.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898263Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:45:54 +0000North Coast MediaGrowing a successful landscape design/build and maintenance business is incredibly difficult. Not only do we have the traditional headaches of employees and customers, managing payroll and insurance, as well as marketing and advertising. We also have...

Rich Goldstein, Owner and President of Green Meadows Landscape Contractors, gives us:
-A step-by-step approach to growing your business
-Design/Build vs. Maintenance
-Commercial vs. Residential
-Best management practices (BMP's)
-Job descriptions and responsibilities
-The importance of a good estimating system
-Top quality customer service
-How to attract good people

Goldstein founded Green Meadows in 1982. His goal was to provide personalized service, high quality maintenance and skilled construction: characteristics that he felt were lacking in the business of landscape contracting.

His commitment to customer service and his understanding of its importance is the reason why his book of business continues to expand and why his clients remain with him year after year. Goldstein has more than 30 years of experience in all phases of landscape construction and lawn maintenance; is also a licensed pesticide applicator, Landscape Industry Certified Technician and an ICPI-certified installer.

He prides himself on maintaining the high quality of workmanship necessary to ensure that Green Meadows surpasses industry standards.

In his free time, Rich is a firefighter for the Township of Monroe, NY, where he served as a past President and is currently the Treasurer. He also sits on the board of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, where he is the treasurer as well.

For more information, visit www.greenmeadowsinc.com.]]>3665businessgrowth,entrepreneurs,landscapers,landscaping,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-38-design-awesome-car-truck-wraps--4898237
In this episode Adam Sokoloff, President of Sunrise Signs, explains:

-What is a logo and why you must have one.
-Is it time to update your current logo?
-Color definitions and what they say about your brand.
-Brand consistency for small businesses.
-Small brand changes that can have a huge impact on your company.
-How car and truck wraps can help brand your fleet.

Sokoloff's career originally began at the High School of Engineering and Science in Philadelphia. After graduating high school, he quickly realized that engineering was not his thing and became a music major in college. Although he loved music, his career really took of when he entered the job market working in retail for BJ's Wholesale Club.

His desire to understand every aspect of the business, combined with good old-fashioned “hard work” was immediately noticed as he rose through the ranks and became an assistant vice president. There he was responsible for over 800 employees and approximately a half a billion dollars in yearly sales. His career at BJ's lasted 20 years and taught him about customer service, operations and especially marketing.

When the company downsized, Sokoloff took the opportunity to start his own business. A year later, Sunrise Signs was born and he hasn't looked back. In five short years, Sunrise Signs has grown from a local Philadelphia sign company to a nationally recognized leader in small business fleet branding and advertising solutions. As the President and owner of Sunrise Signs, Sokoloff has fostered a culture that takes a hands-on, highly consultative approach with clients to truly learn about their businesses and how to help them grow.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898237Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:35:03 +0000North Coast MediaWhether you have one truck or a fleet of trucks, one employee or a hundred, how you present your company to the public is critical to creating and establishing your own unique image. Too often, landscape contractors fail to be consistent with their...
In this episode Adam Sokoloff, President of Sunrise Signs, explains:

-What is a logo and why you must have one.
-Is it time to update your current logo?
-Color definitions and what they say about your brand.
-Brand consistency for small businesses.
-Small brand changes that can have a huge impact on your company.
-How car and truck wraps can help brand your fleet.

Sokoloff's career originally began at the High School of Engineering and Science in Philadelphia. After graduating high school, he quickly realized that engineering was not his thing and became a music major in college. Although he loved music, his career really took of when he entered the job market working in retail for BJ's Wholesale Club.

His desire to understand every aspect of the business, combined with good old-fashioned “hard work” was immediately noticed as he rose through the ranks and became an assistant vice president. There he was responsible for over 800 employees and approximately a half a billion dollars in yearly sales. His career at BJ's lasted 20 years and taught him about customer service, operations and especially marketing.

When the company downsized, Sokoloff took the opportunity to start his own business. A year later, Sunrise Signs was born and he hasn't looked back. In five short years, Sunrise Signs has grown from a local Philadelphia sign company to a nationally recognized leader in small business fleet branding and advertising solutions. As the President and owner of Sunrise Signs, Sokoloff has fostered a culture that takes a hands-on, highly consultative approach with clients to truly learn about their businesses and how to help them grow.]]>3561branding,cars,landscapers,signage,truckscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-37-create-a-profitable-green-brand--4898209
Some of the topics that we will cover include:

-What is a green brand and do you create one?
-How do you differentiate yourself from the other “green businesses”?
-How can you create a greener advantage?
-What are some green “myths”?
-Tactical tips for profitable and sustainable “green” growth
-Green in the white industry.
-What is the future of green?

Guido & Associates specializes in the areas of Strategy, Branding, Sales, Marketing, Research, Product Development and Mergers & Acquisitions within the Green, Snow and Sustainable markets and focuses on helping organizations grow their people and profits.

Guido has been recognized as one of the highest-ranking women in the Green Industry. Prior to founding her own business management practice, Guido was the Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer of Valley Crest, the nation's largest [$950 million with 10,000+ employees] privately-held integrated landscape firm. Some of Valley Crest's brands include Valley Crest Landscape Architecture, Valley Crest Landscape Development, Valley Crest Golf, Valley Crest Tree and Nursery and the 200+ U.S. Lawn franchises.

She also served as a senior marketing and strategy executive with ServiceMaster, a $3.5+ billion Fortune 500 company, whose brands include TruGreen and TruGreen-Landcare and is a global service provider.

Guido was one of four executives who took LandCare USA public [IPO] on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in June of 1998. She was the Executive VP and national director of sales at LandCare USA, which was purchased by ServiceMaster in 1999, and integrated into their TruGreen group.

For more information, visit http://www.guidoassoc.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898209Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:28:29 +0000North Coast MediaWhat is a green brand and what is it not? Judith Guido, Chairwoman and founder of Guido & Associates, a business management company, will explain how you can capitalize on this trend that is exploding throughout our industry and around the world....
Some of the topics that we will cover include:

-What is a green brand and do you create one?
-How do you differentiate yourself from the other “green businesses”?
-How can you create a greener advantage?
-What are some green “myths”?
-Tactical tips for profitable and sustainable “green” growth
-Green in the white industry.
-What is the future of green?

Guido & Associates specializes in the areas of Strategy, Branding, Sales, Marketing, Research, Product Development and Mergers & Acquisitions within the Green, Snow and Sustainable markets and focuses on helping organizations grow their people and profits.

Guido has been recognized as one of the highest-ranking women in the Green Industry. Prior to founding her own business management practice, Guido was the Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer of Valley Crest, the nation's largest [$950 million with 10,000+ employees] privately-held integrated landscape firm. Some of Valley Crest's brands include Valley Crest Landscape Architecture, Valley Crest Landscape Development, Valley Crest Golf, Valley Crest Tree and Nursery and the 200+ U.S. Lawn franchises.

She also served as a senior marketing and strategy executive with ServiceMaster, a $3.5+ billion Fortune 500 company, whose brands include TruGreen and TruGreen-Landcare and is a global service provider.

Guido was one of four executives who took LandCare USA public [IPO] on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in June of 1998. She was the Executive VP and national director of sales at LandCare USA, which was purchased by ServiceMaster in 1999, and integrated into their TruGreen group.

For more information, visit http://www.guidoassoc.com.]]>3650branding,green,makemoney,sustainability,womeninbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-36-a-mission-statement-for-your-biz--4898189
In 2005, Jim McCutcheon recognized that this was the situation at his company, HighGrove Partners, and changed his business model from that of landscape company that provides maintenance services to a service company that does landscape maintenance.

McCutcheon is owner and CEO of HighGrove, a $15 million company that provides Land Services, Landscape Maintenance and Water Management to commercial clients in the Metropolitan Atlanta area.

He answers common business questions:

-What is the role of an owner and CEO?
-How can you differentiate yourself in a competitive market place?
-What is a service company?
-How do you develop a mission statement?
-Water management opportunities for the "green industry"

McCutcheon graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture. He has been in the landscape industry for almost 25 years and has developed a broad background of experience. Through the years he has led all aspects of a landscape company including operations, sales and service. He is primarily focused on the vision for HighGrove and building a strong team to help him make the vision a reality. He often refers to himself as “the chief protector of the culture.”

McCutcheon is also very involved in community and professional organizations. He was recently named President-Elect of PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) and is the current Past-President of the Academic Excellence Foundation. He is also involved in the Building Owners and Managers Association, the Community Association Institute, the Urban Agriculture Council and the Georgia Association of Water Professionals.

For more information, visit http://www.highgrove.net/.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898189Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:20:49 +0000North Coast MediaSo many landscape companies don't have a clear vision of who they are and what business they are really in or what business they should be in. For those that do have some sort of mission statement most have not articulated that ideal to their...
In 2005, Jim McCutcheon recognized that this was the situation at his company, HighGrove Partners, and changed his business model from that of landscape company that provides maintenance services to a service company that does landscape maintenance.

McCutcheon is owner and CEO of HighGrove, a $15 million company that provides Land Services, Landscape Maintenance and Water Management to commercial clients in the Metropolitan Atlanta area.

He answers common business questions:

-What is the role of an owner and CEO?
-How can you differentiate yourself in a competitive market place?
-What is a service company?
-How do you develop a mission statement?
-Water management opportunities for the "green industry"

McCutcheon graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture. He has been in the landscape industry for almost 25 years and has developed a broad background of experience. Through the years he has led all aspects of a landscape company including operations, sales and service. He is primarily focused on the vision for HighGrove and building a strong team to help him make the vision a reality. He often refers to himself as “the chief protector of the culture.”

McCutcheon is also very involved in community and professional organizations. He was recently named President-Elect of PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) and is the current Past-President of the Academic Excellence Foundation. He is also involved in the Building Owners and Managers Association, the Community Association Institute, the Urban Agriculture Council and the Georgia Association of Water Professionals.

For more information, visit http://www.highgrove.net/.]]>3638businessstrategies,businesstips,landscapers,smallbusiness,startupcompaniescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-35-risk-prevention-tips-from-a-cop--4898158
With his years of experience from two completely different occupations, Donovan has the ability to understand and demonstrate real world practical experience and put it into layman's terms "in his own upbeat disturbingly honest way" to help his audience understand the risks involved in this "HIGH RISK" business we are all in.

You are sure to walk away from this show with valuable information that you can use to run a safe business and sleep better at night!

On tonight's show, we are going to focus on:

-Truck and Trailer Safety
- Title 49 CFR
-Protecting Your Drivers and Your Fleet
-Weight, Registration and Load Securement
-PPE (personal protective equipment)
-Risk and Injury Reduction
-Minimizing Workers Comp Complaints

With 30 years in the Landscape Industry as an owner/operator, and 27 years as a Police Officer for the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J., Donovan possesses a unique skill set and experience level from complete opposite sides of the spectrum which is sure to benefit the green/landscape arena.

As a Police Officer, Pat was assigned to an Emergency Services Unit in Staten Island N.Y. and received a myriad of training throughout his career. Most notable, certified "Fatal Crash Investigator" from North Western University, Weigh Master State of N.J. and Federally Certified Motor Carrier Inspector. On the Landscape side, his credentials include; Licensed N.J. Home Improvement Contractor, ICPI Certified, NCMA Certified, Licensed N.J. Pesticide Applicator, Licensed NJ Pesticide Business, Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional, HAZWOPER Certified, Class A Commercial Vehicle Operators License, member of NJLCA, SIMA and PLANET.

For more information, visit http://classiclandscaping.net.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898158Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:13:31 +0000North Coast MediaThis episode's special guest is Pat Donovan, retired Police Officer for Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J. and owner of Classic Landscaping and Risk Prevention Consultants. With his years of experience from two completely different occupations, Donovan...
With his years of experience from two completely different occupations, Donovan has the ability to understand and demonstrate real world practical experience and put it into layman's terms "in his own upbeat disturbingly honest way" to help his audience understand the risks involved in this "HIGH RISK" business we are all in.

You are sure to walk away from this show with valuable information that you can use to run a safe business and sleep better at night!

On tonight's show, we are going to focus on:

-Truck and Trailer Safety
- Title 49 CFR
-Protecting Your Drivers and Your Fleet
-Weight, Registration and Load Securement
-PPE (personal protective equipment)
-Risk and Injury Reduction
-Minimizing Workers Comp Complaints

With 30 years in the Landscape Industry as an owner/operator, and 27 years as a Police Officer for the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J., Donovan possesses a unique skill set and experience level from complete opposite sides of the spectrum which is sure to benefit the green/landscape arena.

As a Police Officer, Pat was assigned to an Emergency Services Unit in Staten Island N.Y. and received a myriad of training throughout his career. Most notable, certified "Fatal Crash Investigator" from North Western University, Weigh Master State of N.J. and Federally Certified Motor Carrier Inspector. On the Landscape side, his credentials include; Licensed N.J. Home Improvement Contractor, ICPI Certified, NCMA Certified, Licensed N.J. Pesticide Applicator, Licensed NJ Pesticide Business, Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional, HAZWOPER Certified, Class A Commercial Vehicle Operators License, member of NJLCA, SIMA and PLANET.

For more information, visit http://classiclandscaping.net.]]>3630landscaper,landscaping,police,riskmanagement,safetycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-34-landscaping-trends--4898114
We discuss what the top designers and design/build contractors in the industry are doing. Listen in as we discuss the hottest trends in landscape design and construction, and how you can become a part of it.

We are going to focus on the latest trends in:

-Outdoor living spaces
-Kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits
-Green roofs and living walls
-Swimming pools
-Extending the season
-Sustainable green product trends
-Hardscape and landscape materials

Maciulis is the creative genius and principle designer of Natural Landscape Inc., bringing more than 20 years of landscape industry wisdom and experience to every project he touches.

Maciulis, never satisfied with the status quo, endeavors to take everything he touches and make it better. His passion won't be limited by the small town he operates from, so he uses his “ADHD power” to take the average small-town business and make it available to the masses on the web. Whether he designs in-house or through his cyber design service he spends his days rescuing landscapes, one home at a time. Next stop world domination!

From simple to extravagant, Maciulis loves any challenge. He's not afraid to fly beyond traditional and create unique outdoor-living environments for his clients.

In office, Dave presents as a metrosexual designer with his European manbag and iPad in hand, although he finds it a challenge to know which designer shirt to wear over his “stealth abs” (washboard stomach hidden under 3 inches of belly fat). In the field, he's more likely to wear Carhartt work pants, steel toe boots and carry a shovel. Dirt and sweat are not foreign to Dave and he will be in the trenches to ensure that every project is completed properly – quality control is at the top of his list.

Maciulis's won numerous awards for both himself and local landscapers and has appeared as an expert on TV shows such as “Backyard Pleasures” and “Til Debt do us Part”.

He also publishes a Canada-wide landscape magazine to inspire homeowners about outdoor living. He can be found online at www.naturallandscapemagazine.com, www.naturallandscapedesign.com and www.justaskdave.ca.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898114Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:04:56 +0000North Coast MediaIf you're tired of using the same old, same old in your landscaping or are looking for new and exciting ideas to stimulate your design process and excite your clients, then tune in for this interview with Dave Maciulis, creative genius, principle...
We discuss what the top designers and design/build contractors in the industry are doing. Listen in as we discuss the hottest trends in landscape design and construction, and how you can become a part of it.

We are going to focus on the latest trends in:

-Outdoor living spaces
-Kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits
-Green roofs and living walls
-Swimming pools
-Extending the season
-Sustainable green product trends
-Hardscape and landscape materials

Maciulis is the creative genius and principle designer of Natural Landscape Inc., bringing more than 20 years of landscape industry wisdom and experience to every project he touches.

Maciulis, never satisfied with the status quo, endeavors to take everything he touches and make it better. His passion won't be limited by the small town he operates from, so he uses his “ADHD power” to take the average small-town business and make it available to the masses on the web. Whether he designs in-house or through his cyber design service he spends his days rescuing landscapes, one home at a time. Next stop world domination!

From simple to extravagant, Maciulis loves any challenge. He's not afraid to fly beyond traditional and create unique outdoor-living environments for his clients.

In office, Dave presents as a metrosexual designer with his European manbag and iPad in hand, although he finds it a challenge to know which designer shirt to wear over his “stealth abs” (washboard stomach hidden under 3 inches of belly fat). In the field, he's more likely to wear Carhartt work pants, steel toe boots and carry a shovel. Dirt and sweat are not foreign to Dave and he will be in the trenches to ensure that every project is completed properly – quality control is at the top of his list.

Maciulis's won numerous awards for both himself and local landscapers and has appeared as an expert on TV shows such as “Backyard Pleasures” and “Til Debt do us Part”.

He also publishes a Canada-wide landscape magazine to inspire homeowners about outdoor living. He can be found online at www.naturallandscapemagazine.com, www.naturallandscapedesign.com and www.justaskdave.ca.]]>3720design,green,landscape,landscaping,sustainablebusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-33-tree-climbing-champ-talks-trees--4898028
Mark discusses how to properly start, grow or integrate tree care into your current business in a safe and professional manner. We will focus on such topics as:

-In-house tree work vs. subcontracting (or out-house)
-Safety gear (PPE) and safety training (where to get it)
-Managing "downed" trees
-Proper tree care before, during and after construction
-Mulch mountains and volcanoes
-Importance and value of certification and professional associations

Up in the trees, navigating the Web, or educating and learning from tree experts, Chisholm is the embodiment of the well-rounded arborist. For Chisholm, this is more than just his life's work; it's also a family affair. He works with his father Steve, mother Laura, and brother Steve at Aspen. He doesn't just have the physical strength and flexibility of an athlete required to elevate among the highest limbs in nature, though. He has acquired a vast knowledge of tree climbing wisdom. He knows the ropes, inside and out, about crane removals, aerial rescue, cabling and bracing, proper pruning techniques, and complex climbing and rigging techniques, not to mention tree physiology.

He has assisted the USDA in scouting out the spread of the insidious Asian long horned beetle throughout the Northeast. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and on CNN. He has also appeared on P. Allen Smith's Garden Home on PBS and the syndicated show P. Allen Smith Gardens. The shows featured Chisholm pruning centuries-old post oaks at the Garden Home Retreat in Arkansas of TODAY Show garden expert P. Allen Smith. He has also appeared on DIY Network's Deconstruction.

Chisholm has won every International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) New Jersey Chapter Tree Climbing Championship for the last 19 years. He has conquered the wider tree-climbing world on three occasions, most recently in 2010.

The competitive nature in Chisholm finds its release in an arena far away from chalkboards and text books – it's high in the trees where guys like him make their living working with incredible speed and agility at dizzying heights. Competitors come from all over the country – and world – to put their skills to the test, because when they're hundreds of feet in the air, it helps to keep sharp – and at the very top of their games – so to speak.

Another endeavor on which Chisholm has set his eyes is forming a stronger community within the arboriculture industry via the development of his website treebuzz.com, with climber, innovator, friend, and fellow arborist, Tom Dunlap. Chisholm is very enthusiastic about the dynamic website that is designed to move and shake with this ever changing industry.

By pooling common resources and contacts in arboriculture that Tom Dunlap and himself have accrued over the course of their successful careers, along with offering the most innovative technology and newest information, he hopes this tool will be just as valuable to tree professionals as their pruning saws, ropes and rigging.

Chisholm is as dedicated to the science of trees as he is to the competition, and is a part of the overarching community of tree climbers, arborists and enthusiasts the world over.

For more information on Mark Chisholm and tree care, visit www.treebuzz.com or www.treesaregood.org.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898028Wed, 27 Aug 2014 19:42:36 +0000North Coast MediaThis episode's special guest is Mark Chisholm of Aspen Tree Expert Co. and STIHL. One part acrobat, one part expert rope climber, one part tree physiologist, and several parts competitor and thrill seeker Chisholm is a third-generation, certified...
Mark discusses how to properly start, grow or integrate tree care into your current business in a safe and professional manner. We will focus on such topics as:

-In-house tree work vs. subcontracting (or out-house)
-Safety gear (PPE) and safety training (where to get it)
-Managing "downed" trees
-Proper tree care before, during and after construction
-Mulch mountains and volcanoes
-Importance and value of certification and professional associations

Up in the trees, navigating the Web, or educating and learning from tree experts, Chisholm is the embodiment of the well-rounded arborist. For Chisholm, this is more than just his life's work; it's also a family affair. He works with his father Steve, mother Laura, and brother Steve at Aspen. He doesn't just have the physical strength and flexibility of an athlete required to elevate among the highest limbs in nature, though. He has acquired a vast knowledge of tree climbing wisdom. He knows the ropes, inside and out, about crane removals, aerial rescue, cabling and bracing, proper pruning techniques, and complex climbing and rigging techniques, not to mention tree physiology.

He has assisted the USDA in scouting out the spread of the insidious Asian long horned beetle throughout the Northeast. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and on CNN. He has also appeared on P. Allen Smith's Garden Home on PBS and the syndicated show P. Allen Smith Gardens. The shows featured Chisholm pruning centuries-old post oaks at the Garden Home Retreat in Arkansas of TODAY Show garden expert P. Allen Smith. He has also appeared on DIY Network's Deconstruction.

Chisholm has won every International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) New Jersey Chapter Tree Climbing Championship for the last 19 years. He has conquered the wider tree-climbing world on three occasions, most recently in 2010.

The competitive nature in Chisholm finds its release in an arena far away from chalkboards and text books – it's high in the trees where guys like him make their living working with incredible speed and agility at dizzying heights. Competitors come from all over the country – and world – to put their skills to the test, because when they're hundreds of feet in the air, it helps to keep sharp – and at the very top of their games – so to speak.

Another endeavor on which Chisholm has set his eyes is forming a stronger community within the arboriculture industry via the development of his website treebuzz.com, with climber, innovator, friend, and fellow arborist, Tom Dunlap. Chisholm is very enthusiastic about the dynamic website that is designed to move and shake with this ever changing industry.

By pooling common resources and contacts in arboriculture that Tom Dunlap and himself have accrued over the course of their successful careers, along with offering the most innovative technology and newest information, he hopes this tool will be just as valuable to tree professionals as their pruning saws, ropes and rigging.

Chisholm is as dedicated to the science of trees as he is to the competition, and is a part of the overarching community of tree climbers, arborists and enthusiasts the world over.

For more information on Mark Chisholm and tree care,...]]>3600adventurer,arborist,gardening,landscaping,treescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-32-brandscaping--4898006
Goldman discusses marketing, branding, management, and business-building topics. He has seen his share of business owners, in and out of the landscape/hardscape industry, and has plenty of examples (inspirational case studies as well as horror stories), advice and input.

Goldman is also the author of two works on business and marketing topics, including one that has been translated into Japanese. For more information, visit Brand Launcher at www.brandlauncher.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4898006Wed, 27 Aug 2014 19:35:34 +0000North Coast MediaJon Goldman is President of Brand Launcher, a business and marketing strategy firm with teams in the U.S., Canada, Israel and South Africa. Goldman is a dynamic speaker who has presented at numerous conventions, conferences, and expos, including...
Goldman discusses marketing, branding, management, and business-building topics. He has seen his share of business owners, in and out of the landscape/hardscape industry, and has plenty of examples (inspirational case studies as well as horror stories), advice and input.

Goldman is also the author of two works on business and marketing topics, including one that has been translated into Japanese. For more information, visit Brand Launcher at www.brandlauncher.com.]]>3657branding,brandingtips,business_strategies,landscapers,marketingtipscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-31-the-employee-focused-business--4897606
Chris Davitt, Partner and President of Ruppert Landscape, has the secret.

Ruppert is a very unique, employee-focused culture built on hard work, high energy and attention to detail. Davitt believes his company's No. 1 asset is its employees so he devotes significant attention to hiring employees and keeping them for life.

Some of the topics covered include:

-Celebrating successes and longevity
-Performance Based Bonus Plan & discretionary bonuses
-Growth and promotion
-Opportunity for Training & Development
-Organizational / branching structure to enable autonomy
-The role of charitable giving
-Innovation: green, organic and sustainable development and what is their role

Ruppert Companies is composed of the Ruppert Landscape, Ruppert Nurseries, Ruppert Properties and Ruppert Ventures entities. Davitt shares responsibility for the overall management of each company, including strategic planning, personnel development, financial management, quality control, systems development and management, facilities planning, public and customer relations, and acquisitions and growth.

Ruppert Landscape provides commercial landscape installation and landscape management services in the mid-Atlantic region and currently has 15 branches in 5 states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. In his role as president, Davitt oversees all landscape management and landscape installation operations and ensures that the company's visions and values are integrated into its daily operation. He works closely with the management team on its planning, personnel development and systems control processes.

Davitt serves or has served as a member on the: University of Maryland Advisory Board (landscape management); American Electrical Services Board of Directors; Associated Landscape Contractors of America (now PLANET), The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and St. Anselms Abbey Highschool. He was a former member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) and is a current member of the World Presidents' Organization (WPO).

In 2000, he was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year award by Food For The Poor, the number one international relief and development charity in the United States, who provide emergency relief and micro-enterprise assistance in the Caribbean and Latin America. Davitt raises money annually and plans home building trips to Haiti and Jamaica to provide relief assistance for this organization.

He attended Frostburg State University and the University of Maryland and is a graduate of the Owner, Presidents, Managers program of the Harvard Business School. Davitt lives in Silver Spring, Md. with his wife, and he has six children and two grandchildren.

For more information, visit Ruppert Landscape at www.ruppertlandscape.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4897606Wed, 27 Aug 2014 17:53:00 +0000North Coast MediaHow do you do you form an employee-focused organization and what are the advantages? Chris Davitt, Partner and President of Ruppert Landscape, has the secret. Ruppert is a very unique, employee-focused culture built on hard work, high energy and...
Chris Davitt, Partner and President of Ruppert Landscape, has the secret.

Ruppert is a very unique, employee-focused culture built on hard work, high energy and attention to detail. Davitt believes his company's No. 1 asset is its employees so he devotes significant attention to hiring employees and keeping them for life.

Some of the topics covered include:

-Celebrating successes and longevity
-Performance Based Bonus Plan & discretionary bonuses
-Growth and promotion
-Opportunity for Training & Development
-Organizational / branching structure to enable autonomy
-The role of charitable giving
-Innovation: green, organic and sustainable development and what is their role

Ruppert Companies is composed of the Ruppert Landscape, Ruppert Nurseries, Ruppert Properties and Ruppert Ventures entities. Davitt shares responsibility for the overall management of each company, including strategic planning, personnel development, financial management, quality control, systems development and management, facilities planning, public and customer relations, and acquisitions and growth.

Ruppert Landscape provides commercial landscape installation and landscape management services in the mid-Atlantic region and currently has 15 branches in 5 states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. In his role as president, Davitt oversees all landscape management and landscape installation operations and ensures that the company's visions and values are integrated into its daily operation. He works closely with the management team on its planning, personnel development and systems control processes.

Davitt serves or has served as a member on the: University of Maryland Advisory Board (landscape management); American Electrical Services Board of Directors; Associated Landscape Contractors of America (now PLANET), The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and St. Anselms Abbey Highschool. He was a former member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) and is a current member of the World Presidents' Organization (WPO).

In 2000, he was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year award by Food For The Poor, the number one international relief and development charity in the United States, who provide emergency relief and micro-enterprise assistance in the Caribbean and Latin America. Davitt raises money annually and plans home building trips to Haiti and Jamaica to provide relief assistance for this organization.

He attended Frostburg State University and the University of Maryland and is a graduate of the Owner, Presidents, Managers program of the Harvard Business School. Davitt lives in Silver Spring, Md. with his wife, and he has six children and two grandchildren.

For more information, visit Ruppert Landscape at www.ruppertlandscape.com.]]>3624employee_engagement,hiring,humanresources,landscapers,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-30-create-beautiful-rooftop-gardens--4897578
Heller is known as a real character, a good friend and just a lot of fun. So if you are interested in Green Roofs and Green Walls you should listen in.

Heller grew up in the heart of New York City and has more than 30 years of experience working in all areas of the landscape industry including; interior plants and orchids, floral design, as well as landscape design, installation and maintenance. He is a Landscape Industry Certified Manager & Technician and writes for The Pelham Weekly and the NY Landscape Contractor newspapers. Richard provides consulting and public speaking services regarding sustainable landscaping, greenroofs, and greenwalls.

Greener by Design, Inc. became the company name in late 2005 following 26 years as Mornhurst Gardens, Co. Inc. Ann Roberts Levine, Heller's mother, founded Mornhurst Gardens in 1979.

They are a family business in a broader sense of the word. As a company, they are invested in creating a better world not just making a quick buck. In addition, they treat their employees like family, by striving to obtain affordable health insurance, and by training and providing employment opportunities even during the slow months. They provide both weekly and monthly safety training meetings and have won safety awards over the past five years. They have a no pesticide approach to land care that is based on Integrated Pest Management, natural controls, and selecting the appropriate plant for each location.

For more information, visit Greener By Design at www.greenerdesigns.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4897578Wed, 27 Aug 2014 17:42:11 +0000North Coast MediaRichard Heller, the founder, CEO, and CFO of Greener By Design, has worked as a design/build contractor creating some of the most beautiful rooftop gardens in Manhattan. In this episode he discusses everything from his design philosophy to unique...
Heller is known as a real character, a good friend and just a lot of fun. So if you are interested in Green Roofs and Green Walls you should listen in.

Heller grew up in the heart of New York City and has more than 30 years of experience working in all areas of the landscape industry including; interior plants and orchids, floral design, as well as landscape design, installation and maintenance. He is a Landscape Industry Certified Manager & Technician and writes for The Pelham Weekly and the NY Landscape Contractor newspapers. Richard provides consulting and public speaking services regarding sustainable landscaping, greenroofs, and greenwalls.

Greener by Design, Inc. became the company name in late 2005 following 26 years as Mornhurst Gardens, Co. Inc. Ann Roberts Levine, Heller's mother, founded Mornhurst Gardens in 1979.

They are a family business in a broader sense of the word. As a company, they are invested in creating a better world not just making a quick buck. In addition, they treat their employees like family, by striving to obtain affordable health insurance, and by training and providing employment opportunities even during the slow months. They provide both weekly and monthly safety training meetings and have won safety awards over the past five years. They have a no pesticide approach to land care that is based on Integrated Pest Management, natural controls, and selecting the appropriate plant for each location.

For more information, visit Greener By Design at www.greenerdesigns.com.]]>3639design,gardening,green,landscaper,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-29-estimating-and-growing-with-mike--4897544
Rorie, the former President and Owner of GroundMasters, is currently the CEO of GIS Dynamics the makers of Go iLawn and Go iPave an online measuring system for green industry contractors.

Rorie will discuss how you can use today's technology to leverage your systems and make your business more efficient and more profitable. In addition, he will share his insights about the differences between running your own company versus working with a big national service provider. Along with what it is like as a vendor for the green industry working with Go iLawn.

For more information, visit Go iLawn at www.goilawn.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4897544Wed, 27 Aug 2014 17:33:11 +0000North Coast MediaMike Rorie talks about his incredible journey beginning in 1979, when he first started his lawn care business with just a pickup truck and some hand tools and how he grew GroundMasters into a multi-branch, regional platform as one of the most...
Rorie, the former President and Owner of GroundMasters, is currently the CEO of GIS Dynamics the makers of Go iLawn and Go iPave an online measuring system for green industry contractors.

Rorie will discuss how you can use today's technology to leverage your systems and make your business more efficient and more profitable. In addition, he will share his insights about the differences between running your own company versus working with a big national service provider. Along with what it is like as a vendor for the green industry working with Go iLawn.

For more information, visit Go iLawn at www.goilawn.com.]]>3636efficiency,landscapers,landscaping,smallbusiness,technologycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-28-landscape-outdoor-lighting--4897437
He walks you through the general growth of the company from one installer to 12 employees and how to:

-Create a market in your area
- Develop strategic partnerships
-Design a maintenance program
-Sell lighting installation service
-Set yourself apart from competitors

He also covers lighting design.

McKay is owner and president of McKay Landscape Lighting and the primary lighting designer for the company. He is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, a graduate of Creighton Preparatory School, and got his B.A. degree from Seattle University. In 1987, he began a lawn care service that over time, slowly evolved into an outdoor lighting company. The business officially re-launched in 1992 as McKay Landscape Lighting. Since then, the company has grown into a regional market leader and one of the area's only dedicated outdoor lighting firms.

For more information, visit McKay Landscape Lighting at www.mckaylighting.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4897437Wed, 27 Aug 2014 17:10:16 +0000North Coast MediaJerry McKay discusses the evolution of landscape lighting over the years, including the various lighting uses, styles and applications. He walks you through the general growth of the company from one installer to 12 employees and how to: -Create...
He walks you through the general growth of the company from one installer to 12 employees and how to:

-Create a market in your area
- Develop strategic partnerships
-Design a maintenance program
-Sell lighting installation service
-Set yourself apart from competitors

He also covers lighting design.

McKay is owner and president of McKay Landscape Lighting and the primary lighting designer for the company. He is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, a graduate of Creighton Preparatory School, and got his B.A. degree from Seattle University. In 1987, he began a lawn care service that over time, slowly evolved into an outdoor lighting company. The business officially re-launched in 1992 as McKay Landscape Lighting. Since then, the company has grown into a regional market leader and one of the area's only dedicated outdoor lighting firms.

For more information, visit McKay Landscape Lighting at www.mckaylighting.com.]]>3692design,landscapers,landscaping,lightingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-27-why-not-you-from-rags-to-riches--4897392
Arlington, author of "Why Not You?", is a green industry consultant and business manager who offers business training, risk management, and financial expertise to exterior maintenance service contractors, facility owners and property managers.

As a U.S. Marine, Arlington is dedicated to assisting U.S. Veterans and their families. All the profits from his book sales are donated to the American Veterans Traveling Tribute and Texas Freedom Tribute Foundation to help fund scholarships

In 2000, he joined Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, Inc. as a consultant and business manager to assist in its growth. Today, the business encompasses 39 States with over 5,000 affiliate contractors and a 99% contractor retention rate. In 2005, he established a consulting firm, Rich Arlington & Associates, which offers business training, risk management, and financial expertise to exterior maintenance service contractors, facility owners and property managers. His clients have come to rely on his wealth of industry knowledge and experience with training in efficiencies and operations.

Arlington is a Professional Landcare Network (‘PLANET') Trailblazer, a group of 118 selected veteran industry experts who dedicate their time to mentoring those in the landscape business. He also served on Snow and Ice Management Association's (SIMA) Board of Directors for three years and he is one of the founders of SIMA's Build-A-Bid program. In 2010, SIMA recognized Rich Arlington & Associates with an Excellence in Business Award and in 2011 the Company received the Industry Commitment Award from the organization.

In addition to this, Arlington continues to oversee Arlington Lawn Care, his first brainchild formed in 1987, based in Erie where he resides with his family.

To learn more visit www.richarlington.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4897392Wed, 27 Aug 2014 16:59:49 +0000North Coast MediaEven a humble guy from a poor background can make it in the green industry. Listen in as Rich Arlington details his life story and reveals how a homeless 16-year-old living on the streets of Erie, Pennsylvania became a successful, wealthy entrepreneur...
Arlington, author of "Why Not You?", is a green industry consultant and business manager who offers business training, risk management, and financial expertise to exterior maintenance service contractors, facility owners and property managers.

As a U.S. Marine, Arlington is dedicated to assisting U.S. Veterans and their families. All the profits from his book sales are donated to the American Veterans Traveling Tribute and Texas Freedom Tribute Foundation to help fund scholarships

In 2000, he joined Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, Inc. as a consultant and business manager to assist in its growth. Today, the business encompasses 39 States with over 5,000 affiliate contractors and a 99% contractor retention rate. In 2005, he established a consulting firm, Rich Arlington & Associates, which offers business training, risk management, and financial expertise to exterior maintenance service contractors, facility owners and property managers. His clients have come to rely on his wealth of industry knowledge and experience with training in efficiencies and operations.

Arlington is a Professional Landcare Network (‘PLANET') Trailblazer, a group of 118 selected veteran industry experts who dedicate their time to mentoring those in the landscape business. He also served on Snow and Ice Management Association's (SIMA) Board of Directors for three years and he is one of the founders of SIMA's Build-A-Bid program. In 2010, SIMA recognized Rich Arlington & Associates with an Excellence in Business Award and in 2011 the Company received the Industry Commitment Award from the organization.

In addition to this, Arlington continues to oversee Arlington Lawn Care, his first brainchild formed in 1987, based in Erie where he resides with his family.

To learn more visit www.richarlington.com.]]>3673enterpreneur,landscapers,motivationalspeaker,smallbusiness,veteransradiocleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-26-profit-from-social-marketing--4897260
According to Korhan, you don't need a marketing degree or be technologically savvy to have a highly successful social marketing campaign. What's more important is a basic understanding of business, the desire to help your customers, and a reliable process to effectively engage them with your business in a meaningful way. Korhan teaches all of us how to use social media marketing to interact with your customers better to earn more profits.

Korhan is a business marketing speaker, trainer, and coach who helps mainstream small businesses use social media and Internet marketing to create exceptional customer experiences that accelerate growth.

In the first decade of his career, Korhan was a Fortune 50 Sales and Marketing Executive. He later founded a landscape company that earned numerous awards, including twice being named Small Business of the Year.

Korhan is an author, syndicated publisher and regular content contributor to leading business publications and websites. His own New Media and Small Business Marketing website has ranked among the Top 100 Small Business blogs in the world by Technorati Media.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4897260Wed, 27 Aug 2014 16:12:15 +0000North Coast MediaMarketing executive and author Jeff Korhan, MBA, is the former CEO of Treemendous, a highly successful design/build company. He is now the owner True Nature and is one of the most sought after social media experts in the green industry. In this...
According to Korhan, you don't need a marketing degree or be technologically savvy to have a highly successful social marketing campaign. What's more important is a basic understanding of business, the desire to help your customers, and a reliable process to effectively engage them with your business in a meaningful way. Korhan teaches all of us how to use social media marketing to interact with your customers better to earn more profits.

Korhan is a business marketing speaker, trainer, and coach who helps mainstream small businesses use social media and Internet marketing to create exceptional customer experiences that accelerate growth.

In the first decade of his career, Korhan was a Fortune 50 Sales and Marketing Executive. He later founded a landscape company that earned numerous awards, including twice being named Small Business of the Year.

Korhan is an author, syndicated publisher and regular content contributor to leading business publications and websites. His own New Media and Small Business Marketing website has ranked among the Top 100 Small Business blogs in the world by Technorati Media.]]>3703landscaping,marketingdigital,smallbusiness,socialmarketingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-25-networking-with-influencers--4896716
Salemi's experience with CNLA taught him how to develop strategic relationships with key industry influencers, product partners and trade associations. His background and knowledge is extremely broad-based including strategic planning, marketing and advertising, and human resources.

Salemi managed CNLA's communications programs, including website, enews publications, member services and advertising sponsorships. He represented the organization at industry trade shows, spoke at conferences and symposiums, and co-ordinated the CNLA National Awards of Landscape Excellence.

Salemi shares his wealth of knowledge and experience as he discusses the lessons he's learned throughout his career to help all of you market and grow your business by developing your own strategic alliances within your own network.

Salemi's experience with CNLA was very broad-based from managing CNLA's external communications, website, enews, publications, member services and programs, advertising and sponsorship, representing the organization at tradeshows, speaking at conferences and symposiums, and co-ordinating the CNLA National Awards of Landscape Excellence to facilitating strategic planning sessions.

Salemi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University in St. Catharines, ON where he concentrated on communications studies, marketing, and organization behavior. He received his Post Diploma Certificate in Human Resource Management from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology in Hamilton, ON. Additionally, he completed the Certified Association Executive program through the Canadian Society of Association Executives.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4896716Wed, 27 Aug 2014 13:44:01 +0000North Coast MediaJoe Salemi, former member services and communications manager with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and current marketing manager for DynaSCAPE Software. Salemi's experience with CNLA taught him how to develop strategic relationships...
Salemi's experience with CNLA taught him how to develop strategic relationships with key industry influencers, product partners and trade associations. His background and knowledge is extremely broad-based including strategic planning, marketing and advertising, and human resources.

Salemi managed CNLA's communications programs, including website, enews publications, member services and advertising sponsorships. He represented the organization at industry trade shows, spoke at conferences and symposiums, and co-ordinated the CNLA National Awards of Landscape Excellence.

Salemi shares his wealth of knowledge and experience as he discusses the lessons he's learned throughout his career to help all of you market and grow your business by developing your own strategic alliances within your own network.

Salemi's experience with CNLA was very broad-based from managing CNLA's external communications, website, enews, publications, member services and programs, advertising and sponsorship, representing the organization at tradeshows, speaking at conferences and symposiums, and co-ordinating the CNLA National Awards of Landscape Excellence to facilitating strategic planning sessions.

Salemi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University in St. Catharines, ON where he concentrated on communications studies, marketing, and organization behavior. He received his Post Diploma Certificate in Human Resource Management from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology in Hamilton, ON. Additionally, he completed the Certified Association Executive program through the Canadian Society of Association Executives.]]>3672landscapers,marketing,networkingevents,tradeshowscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-24-3d-modeling-with-google-sketchup--4894764
Tal discusses what Google SketchUp is and how landscape professionals can use it's powerful tools to create their own 3-D models in just a few days to help them design, sell and build work.

Tal has worked in the architectural and landscape design industry as a project manager for 14 years. He writes articles for various publications including Landscape Architecture Magazine.

Daniel teaches SketchUp workshops across the country and online. He is currently teaching annual classes at the University of Maryland and regularly speaks at national trade conferences including the American Society of Landscape Architecture.

Tal consults with several software companies providing demonstrations at conferences, feedback on user needs and helps beta test future releases. He is currently consulting with the Trimble SketchUp developers, Dynascape and ARTVPS, the makers of Shaderlight.

For more information about Ambit-3D visit www.ambit-3d.com. Check out some of Tal's work at http://www.ambit-3d.com/Renderings.html.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894764Tue, 26 Aug 2014 22:22:49 +0000North Coast MediaDaniel Tal, RLA is the CEO of Ambit-3D and author of "Google SketchUp for Site Design and Rendering" and "Rendering in SketchUp." Tal creates virtual 3D site plan models for architects, landscape architects and developers working in both the private...
Tal discusses what Google SketchUp is and how landscape professionals can use it's powerful tools to create their own 3-D models in just a few days to help them design, sell and build work.

Tal has worked in the architectural and landscape design industry as a project manager for 14 years. He writes articles for various publications including Landscape Architecture Magazine.

Daniel teaches SketchUp workshops across the country and online. He is currently teaching annual classes at the University of Maryland and regularly speaks at national trade conferences including the American Society of Landscape Architecture.

Tal consults with several software companies providing demonstrations at conferences, feedback on user needs and helps beta test future releases. He is currently consulting with the Trimble SketchUp developers, Dynascape and ARTVPS, the makers of Shaderlight.

For more information about Ambit-3D visit www.ambit-3d.com. Check out some of Tal's work at http://www.ambit-3d.com/Renderings.html.]]>36263dmodeling,architecture,design,googlesketchup,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-23-free-business-legal-advice--4894746
Believe it or not, Ferguson is going to discuss what you need to do stay out of court, not get into it. That's right! He is going to give you free legal advice when he discusses:

-The most common disputes between contractors and homeowners that wind up in court and how to prevent them.
-Basic information that every contract should have to protect you and your client.
-When you should go to small claims court, choose arbitration or just walk away.
-Services that attorneys provide and when you should retain their services.
-The variety of options available when it comes to collections. There's more than you think.

So join us for this podcast, and stay out of court.

Ferguson works primarily in the areas of commercial premises, motor vehicle, and construction defect litigation, and has litigated cases throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has presented at various seminars throughout the United States on First-Party and Third-Party automobile insurance, contract review/creation/negotiation, snow and ice removal, risk management, bad faith claims and general claims handling.

He lives with his wife and two dogs in their Center City Philadelphia home and is an active member in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Organization.

For more information, visit www.kentmcbride.com email jferguson@kentmcbride.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894746Tue, 26 Aug 2014 22:16:28 +0000North Coast MediaJosh Ferguson an attorney at Kent/McBride in Philadelphia, PA has been retained as general counsel for a wide variety of businesses, including but not limited to those in the snow removal and landscaping industries. Believe it or not, Ferguson is...
Believe it or not, Ferguson is going to discuss what you need to do stay out of court, not get into it. That's right! He is going to give you free legal advice when he discusses:

-The most common disputes between contractors and homeowners that wind up in court and how to prevent them.
-Basic information that every contract should have to protect you and your client.
-When you should go to small claims court, choose arbitration or just walk away.
-Services that attorneys provide and when you should retain their services.
-The variety of options available when it comes to collections. There's more than you think.

So join us for this podcast, and stay out of court.

Ferguson works primarily in the areas of commercial premises, motor vehicle, and construction defect litigation, and has litigated cases throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has presented at various seminars throughout the United States on First-Party and Third-Party automobile insurance, contract review/creation/negotiation, snow and ice removal, risk management, bad faith claims and general claims handling.

He lives with his wife and two dogs in their Center City Philadelphia home and is an active member in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Organization.

For more information, visit www.kentmcbride.com email jferguson@kentmcbride.com.]]>3551contractors,landscapers,lawyer,legaladvice,litigationcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-22-efficiency-training-employees--4894726
That's right. If you really think about it, you're not training your employees how to be safe your training them how to properly use your equipment so that they can be efficient, productive and profitable. You know what else? Proper training also requires your employees to understand how to take care of your equipment (i.e. a reduction in equipment repair costs).

You know what a great by-product of all of this equipment training is? Your employees are going to work safer.

Hmmmmm! All of a sudden safety training sounds pretty exciting doesn't it? Jay Murray, CLP, is President of LS Training System. He is a Certified Horticulturist and former landscape contractor. LS Training System is an online training system with 35 videos covering most landscape maintenance, construction, and golf course equipment, plus MSDS, Personal Safety, and other HR training.

For more information, visit www.landscapesafety.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894726Tue, 26 Aug 2014 22:07:49 +0000North Coast MediaLet's be honest, most contractors never seriously think about training issues until, unfortunately, something happens. Instead of thinking of this as safety training and a drain on your time and resources, think of it as equipment efficiency training...
That's right. If you really think about it, you're not training your employees how to be safe your training them how to properly use your equipment so that they can be efficient, productive and profitable. You know what else? Proper training also requires your employees to understand how to take care of your equipment (i.e. a reduction in equipment repair costs).

You know what a great by-product of all of this equipment training is? Your employees are going to work safer.

Hmmmmm! All of a sudden safety training sounds pretty exciting doesn't it? Jay Murray, CLP, is President of LS Training System. He is a Certified Horticulturist and former landscape contractor. LS Training System is an online training system with 35 videos covering most landscape maintenance, construction, and golf course equipment, plus MSDS, Personal Safety, and other HR training.

For more information, visit www.landscapesafety.com.]]>3632businessstrategies,efficiency,landscapers,safety,trainingprogramcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-21-giving-back-is-good-business--4894694
According to Shayne Newman, founder of YardApes, if you're passionate about what you do, you'll be successful, have fun, and never work a day in your life. So many times we get caught up in the day to day stress of being business owners that we forget to think about why we started in this industry.

Many landscapers grew up with an inherent love of nature. Shayne says the only thing more rewarding than this is getting involved in community service projects.

Experienced in the trade since 1987, Newman founded YardApes, Inc. in 1990 and holds the title of president. He hails from Telluride, Colorado, but has lived in New Milford for the past 27 years. Shayne received a B.S. in Finance from UCONN, is a Landscape Industry Certified Technician, Landscape Industry Certified Manager, holds a Connecticut Supervisory Pesticide License and is a Certified Landscape Designer. He is also the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) PR committee chair, a CNLA committee member, founding member of the Connecticut LICT committee on training & testing, Community Culinary School of Northwestern CT board member, as well as Village Center for the Arts board member.

Always involved in the community, Newman created and hosts the YardApes Quad-Am Golf Classic, raising $39,000 for area nonprofits since 2006. Additionally, YardApes has participated in PLANET's Day of Service since its inception, volunteering time and materials to revitalize civic venues including The Creative Playground, The Pratt Nature Center, Harrybrooke Park, Sullivan Farm, and the Brookfield Public Library, The Children's Center and the Abbey of Regina Laudis.

Newman was featured on FOX News for his participation in Project EverGreen's GreenCare for Troops. In addition, the Connecticut affiliate of the American Psychological Association honored Newman with two of its five 2008 Psychologically Healthy Work Place Awards: Employee Growth and Development and Employee Recognition. He received awards alongside Pratt & Whitney and Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang camp.

YardApes, Inc. is the recipient of 2011 Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Big Business Award and has been North Western Connecticut's leading service provider of residential and commercial landscapes for over twenty-two years. The award-winning landscape firm is a full-service design, construction, and maintenance company with 25 employees.

For more information, visit YardApes at www.yardapes.org.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894694Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:59:17 +0000North Coast MediaYou can have all the money in the world, but if you don't love what you do, give back to your community and enjoy Mother Nature then what's the point? According to Shayne Newman, founder of YardApes, if you're passionate about what you do, you'll be...
According to Shayne Newman, founder of YardApes, if you're passionate about what you do, you'll be successful, have fun, and never work a day in your life. So many times we get caught up in the day to day stress of being business owners that we forget to think about why we started in this industry.

Many landscapers grew up with an inherent love of nature. Shayne says the only thing more rewarding than this is getting involved in community service projects.

Experienced in the trade since 1987, Newman founded YardApes, Inc. in 1990 and holds the title of president. He hails from Telluride, Colorado, but has lived in New Milford for the past 27 years. Shayne received a B.S. in Finance from UCONN, is a Landscape Industry Certified Technician, Landscape Industry Certified Manager, holds a Connecticut Supervisory Pesticide License and is a Certified Landscape Designer. He is also the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) PR committee chair, a CNLA committee member, founding member of the Connecticut LICT committee on training & testing, Community Culinary School of Northwestern CT board member, as well as Village Center for the Arts board member.

Always involved in the community, Newman created and hosts the YardApes Quad-Am Golf Classic, raising $39,000 for area nonprofits since 2006. Additionally, YardApes has participated in PLANET's Day of Service since its inception, volunteering time and materials to revitalize civic venues including The Creative Playground, The Pratt Nature Center, Harrybrooke Park, Sullivan Farm, and the Brookfield Public Library, The Children's Center and the Abbey of Regina Laudis.

Newman was featured on FOX News for his participation in Project EverGreen's GreenCare for Troops. In addition, the Connecticut affiliate of the American Psychological Association honored Newman with two of its five 2008 Psychologically Healthy Work Place Awards: Employee Growth and Development and Employee Recognition. He received awards alongside Pratt & Whitney and Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang camp.

YardApes, Inc. is the recipient of 2011 Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Big Business Award and has been North Western Connecticut's leading service provider of residential and commercial landscapes for over twenty-two years. The award-winning landscape firm is a full-service design, construction, and maintenance company with 25 employees.

For more information, visit YardApes at www.yardapes.org.]]>3672communityservice,landscaping,makemoneyfromyourpassion,mothernature,volunteeringcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-20-transforming-the-family-business--4894665
She attributes much of her business success to several factors including; managing inventory, streamlining purchasing, computerizing accounting and scheduling and always focusing on bottom line profits.

Hufnagel will discuss what it is like to run a successful women owned landscape design/build/maintenance business in today's environment.

Hufnagel focuses on controlling cost factors to ensure a profitable enterprise. She designs, coordinates, implements and supervises project installations.

She has received the 2002 Excellence in Curb Appeal - NJ Apartment Association, the 2003 Courtyard Garden Award - Stevens Cooperative School, the 2009 Readers Choice & Editor's Pick - NJ Life, the 2010 Honoree Women's History Month - Office of the Hudson County Executive, and the 2011 Contractor of the Year - NJ Landscape Contractors Association.

For more information about Hufnagel Landscape, visit www.hufnagellandscaping.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894665Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:50:29 +0000North Coast MediaAs president & CEO of Hufnagel Landscape of North Bergen, N.J., Valerie Hufnagel has transformed a small, family owned landscaping company that grossed $75,000 to a million-dollar design/build business. She now manages and oversees a staff of 25...
She attributes much of her business success to several factors including; managing inventory, streamlining purchasing, computerizing accounting and scheduling and always focusing on bottom line profits.

Hufnagel will discuss what it is like to run a successful women owned landscape design/build/maintenance business in today's environment.

Hufnagel focuses on controlling cost factors to ensure a profitable enterprise. She designs, coordinates, implements and supervises project installations.

She has received the 2002 Excellence in Curb Appeal - NJ Apartment Association, the 2003 Courtyard Garden Award - Stevens Cooperative School, the 2009 Readers Choice & Editor's Pick - NJ Life, the 2010 Honoree Women's History Month - Office of the Hudson County Executive, and the 2011 Contractor of the Year - NJ Landscape Contractors Association.

For more information about Hufnagel Landscape, visit www.hufnagellandscaping.com.]]>3651familybiz,landscapers,landscaping,management,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-19-email-marketing-tips--4894647
Wendi Caplan-Carroll is going to show you how to grow your company using email marketing campaigns and how easy it is share your message with your customers, who can then share it with their networks. The more they spread the word, the more your business grows. And, if your message really gets out there you might even go viral.

Caplan-Carroll delivers real-world tools and strategies that will help you drive stellar results immediately. Although her information is cutting edge she will break everything down to give you the "Know How" to boost your business, consumer awareness and customer loyalty.

Caplan-Carroll is a marketing expert, speaker and educator with more than 25 years experience developing and implementing marketing strategies for businesses and organizations spanning a variety of industries. In her role as senior development director at Constant Contact, Caplan-Carroll coaches small businesses and organizations on best practices of email and social media marketing. Additionally, she creates powerful business alliances and initiatives to help empower Constant Contact customers and its partners.

For more information about Constant Contact visit http://www.constantcontact.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894647Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:43:30 +0000North Coast MediaEmail marketing helps you keep customers and prospects coming back by using attractive, professional-looking email communications to stay in regular touch with them and build strong customer relationships. It's better and more effective than regular...
Wendi Caplan-Carroll is going to show you how to grow your company using email marketing campaigns and how easy it is share your message with your customers, who can then share it with their networks. The more they spread the word, the more your business grows. And, if your message really gets out there you might even go viral.

Caplan-Carroll delivers real-world tools and strategies that will help you drive stellar results immediately. Although her information is cutting edge she will break everything down to give you the "Know How" to boost your business, consumer awareness and customer loyalty.

Caplan-Carroll is a marketing expert, speaker and educator with more than 25 years experience developing and implementing marketing strategies for businesses and organizations spanning a variety of industries. In her role as senior development director at Constant Contact, Caplan-Carroll coaches small businesses and organizations on best practices of email and social media marketing. Additionally, she creates powerful business alliances and initiatives to help empower Constant Contact customers and its partners.

For more information about Constant Contact visit http://www.constantcontact.com.]]>3588emailmarketing,emarketing,marketingdigital,marketingtips,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-18-harvest-your-potential--4894627
With 29 years of experience overseeing ValleyCrest's $25 million Southern California maintenance operations, including 6 branch offices, 5 service lines and over 600 employees, Arman knows how to get from "here" to "there" easier, faster and with less pain and will show you how to "Harvest Your Potential."

Arman served as Vice President of Human Resources at ValleyCrest for two years specialized in the area of organizational development and for all training, recruiting and performance management systems for this $650 million, 6,500-employee operation. He is trained and educated as a horticulturist along with a long career in corporate landscaping nurtured at one of the nation's largest landscape companies. His expertise in human development and helping organizations thrive is rooted in 35 years of experience growing great programs and people.

After successfully leading ValleyCrest's Southern California Region and overseeing the company's multi-million-dollar portfolio, Arman developed and implemented a national training program, performance management system, and the recruiting program as ValleyCrest's V.P. of Human Resources.

In 2007, Arman co-founded a national landscape business consultancy called The Harvest Group, where he serves as The Head Harvester.

Today, Bill and his fellow Head Harvesters, Ed Laflamme, Steve Cesare and Cindy Code travel nationwide helping organizations, leaders, and team members in “Harvesting Their Potential” with their Harvest Way “Sounding Board” and Online Academy Programs.

For more information, visit The Harvest Group at http://www.harvestlandscapeconsulting.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894627Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:36:41 +0000North Coast MediaBill Arman, the former Regional Vice President of ValleyCrest Landscape Companies, is going to take his 46 years of experience and share his cornucopia of ideas with you to make your "green industry journey" a little bit easier, a lot more fun and a...
With 29 years of experience overseeing ValleyCrest's $25 million Southern California maintenance operations, including 6 branch offices, 5 service lines and over 600 employees, Arman knows how to get from "here" to "there" easier, faster and with less pain and will show you how to "Harvest Your Potential."

Arman served as Vice President of Human Resources at ValleyCrest for two years specialized in the area of organizational development and for all training, recruiting and performance management systems for this $650 million, 6,500-employee operation. He is trained and educated as a horticulturist along with a long career in corporate landscaping nurtured at one of the nation's largest landscape companies. His expertise in human development and helping organizations thrive is rooted in 35 years of experience growing great programs and people.

After successfully leading ValleyCrest's Southern California Region and overseeing the company's multi-million-dollar portfolio, Arman developed and implemented a national training program, performance management system, and the recruiting program as ValleyCrest's V.P. of Human Resources.

In 2007, Arman co-founded a national landscape business consultancy called The Harvest Group, where he serves as The Head Harvester.

Today, Bill and his fellow Head Harvesters, Ed Laflamme, Steve Cesare and Cindy Code travel nationwide helping organizations, leaders, and team members in “Harvesting Their Potential” with their Harvest Way “Sounding Board” and Online Academy Programs.

For more information, visit The Harvest Group at http://www.harvestlandscapeconsulting.com.]]>3613businesspodcast,businessstrategies,humanresources,landscapers,motivationalcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-17-trade-show-marketing-for-roi--4894612
Kevin McLaughlin of Mac Events produces some of the best trade shows in the country and tonight he is going to give us his insights about:

-Why you must participate in home shows
-How to maximize your rate of return
-Locating yourself on the trade show floor sweet spot
-The do's and don'ts of trade show marketing
-Finding the best show for you and your company

Take advantage of McLaughlin's 30-plus years of experience in the business and learn how to develop a relationship with a trade show promoter and get additional exposure without paying a penny more.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894612Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:30:30 +0000North Coast MediaIf you're thinking about marketing your business at a trade show for the first time or want to improve your rate of return from your current trade show, then you don't want to miss this interview. Kevin McLaughlin of Mac Events produces some of the...
Kevin McLaughlin of Mac Events produces some of the best trade shows in the country and tonight he is going to give us his insights about:

-Why you must participate in home shows
-How to maximize your rate of return
-Locating yourself on the trade show floor sweet spot
-The do's and don'ts of trade show marketing
-Finding the best show for you and your company

Take advantage of McLaughlin's 30-plus years of experience in the business and learn how to develop a relationship with a trade show promoter and get additional exposure without paying a penny more.]]>3631landscaping,marketing,marketingtips,roi,tradeshowcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-16-stop-guesstimating-now--4894596
You know what else?

You'll have confidence in your numbers because they'll be based on reality and not guess work. After this interview you will understand what it really takes to price any job and to price it profitably.

So listen in. You've got nothing to lose except your business.

Lysecki joined The Beach Gardener, a large Toronto-based full-service landscape firm, after six years, developing and implementing software systems in landscape companies across North America. He and the TBG ownership focused on developing systems, processes and training that would reduce mistakes, increase productivity and align staff around a common vision of success. Chief among their amazing results was a doubling of sales revenue ($3.5 million to 7 million) without increasing any staff. Now as director of the Landscape Management Network, he develops and trains those same systems for the entire green industry through their member network.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894596Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:22:18 +0000North Coast MediaMike Lysecki, Director of Landscape Management Network, discusses how you develop a pricing system that covers labor, materials, overhead and profit accurately so that once and for all you can finally stop guesstimating and start estimating. You know...
You know what else?

You'll have confidence in your numbers because they'll be based on reality and not guess work. After this interview you will understand what it really takes to price any job and to price it profitably.

So listen in. You've got nothing to lose except your business.

Lysecki joined The Beach Gardener, a large Toronto-based full-service landscape firm, after six years, developing and implementing software systems in landscape companies across North America. He and the TBG ownership focused on developing systems, processes and training that would reduce mistakes, increase productivity and align staff around a common vision of success. Chief among their amazing results was a doubling of sales revenue ($3.5 million to 7 million) without increasing any staff. Now as director of the Landscape Management Network, he develops and trains those same systems for the entire green industry through their member network.]]>3683businessstrategies,landscapers,landscaping,makemoney,revenuecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-15-find-the-perfect-job-or-employee--4894543
If you're a successful business owner looking to hire some top talent, now is the time to do it. There is an exceptional amount of experienced managers, estimators and designers who are tired of working for average landscape businesses and want to work for a professional company, like yours.

Ferrell is in his 13th year with Florasearch, Inc., an executive recruiting firm specializing in the International Horticulture industry. Jack is the company's consultant for key level searches in the landscape, grounds and estate sectors. In the early 1990's, he started and published the twice-a-month employment newspaper and website, Ferrell's Jobs in Horticulture. After he sold the publication, it was rebranded and is now known as Jobs in Horticulture. Prior industry experiences include management at a top 100 garden center and as marketing manager for a wholesale nursery. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography/Biogeography from Slippery Rock University.

For more information visit www.florasearch.com]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894543Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:12:19 +0000North Coast MediaJack Ferrell, green industry recruiter of Florasearch, lets us know what the hottest jobs are in the green industry are and where to find them. If you're a job seeker looking to make a move, your timing couldn't be better. There are new job...
If you're a successful business owner looking to hire some top talent, now is the time to do it. There is an exceptional amount of experienced managers, estimators and designers who are tired of working for average landscape businesses and want to work for a professional company, like yours.

Ferrell is in his 13th year with Florasearch, Inc., an executive recruiting firm specializing in the International Horticulture industry. Jack is the company's consultant for key level searches in the landscape, grounds and estate sectors. In the early 1990's, he started and published the twice-a-month employment newspaper and website, Ferrell's Jobs in Horticulture. After he sold the publication, it was rebranded and is now known as Jobs in Horticulture. Prior industry experiences include management at a top 100 garden center and as marketing manager for a wholesale nursery. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography/Biogeography from Slippery Rock University.

For more information visit www.florasearch.com]]>3712hiring,horticulture,humanresources,landscapers,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-14-debating-landscape-design-theory--4894456
Brad and Jody have debated this topic, along with other members of the LinkedIn Landscape Design/Build Group, but this will be the first time they take it "on-air."

Groff is the co-owner of River Valley Landscapes and Pools, which he started with Doug Caldwell during the spring break of their senior year at Delaware Valley College in 1991. River Valley has award-winning projects published nationally, regionally, and locally. Although Groff is proud of all these accomplishments, he is most proud of developing a team and processes that allows him to help oversee a $4 million business and still be home by 5:00 p.m. Most recently Groff decided to share his most valuable management tool, co-founding CAPAX which produces “Schedule 2 Win” software.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894456Tue, 26 Aug 2014 20:57:17 +0000North Coast MediaOur host Jody Shilan debates Brad Groff, the co-founder of River Valley Landscape and Pools in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, on opposing design/build philosophies. The question is: How little or how much information should be included in your landscape...
Brad and Jody have debated this topic, along with other members of the LinkedIn Landscape Design/Build Group, but this will be the first time they take it "on-air."

Groff is the co-owner of River Valley Landscapes and Pools, which he started with Doug Caldwell during the spring break of their senior year at Delaware Valley College in 1991. River Valley has award-winning projects published nationally, regionally, and locally. Although Groff is proud of all these accomplishments, he is most proud of developing a team and processes that allows him to help oversee a $4 million business and still be home by 5:00 p.m. Most recently Groff decided to share his most valuable management tool, co-founding CAPAX which produces “Schedule 2 Win” software.]]>3644businessstrategies,customersatisfaction,landscaper,landscaping,rfpcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-13-let-it-snow-let-it-snow-let-it--4894288
Backed by a fleet of 75 plows, salters and trucks, Canete Snow Management was chosen as one of the Top 50 snow removal companies in America by Snow magazine. Few contractors know the business of snow and ice management better than Tom Canete and is so willing to share his own snow trade secrets with his competitors.

Canete started mowing lawns at the age of 9 with 8 weekly maintenance customers. He attended William Paterson University, as well as Rutgers University and has degrees in both horticulture and business. Canete owns and manages 3 separate companies--Canete Landscape, Canete Snow Management and Canete Garden Centers. Currently Canete services Northern and Central New Jersey but has his eye on the rest of the state and beyond.

Canete is a very active board member of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA), is a director of the the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) and is a member of FromDesign2Build.com. He was recently awarded the "Contractor of the Year" award by the NJLCA for his dedication, volunteerism and commitment to the green industry.

For more information, visit www.snowremovalbycanete.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894288Tue, 26 Aug 2014 20:00:08 +0000North Coast MediaTom Canete shares his knowledge, background and experience in the snow fighting industry. From his humble beginnings working out of his basement to how he manages storms from just his laptop and cell phone to how he just landed one of his biggest...
Backed by a fleet of 75 plows, salters and trucks, Canete Snow Management was chosen as one of the Top 50 snow removal companies in America by Snow magazine. Few contractors know the business of snow and ice management better than Tom Canete and is so willing to share his own snow trade secrets with his competitors.

Canete started mowing lawns at the age of 9 with 8 weekly maintenance customers. He attended William Paterson University, as well as Rutgers University and has degrees in both horticulture and business. Canete owns and manages 3 separate companies--Canete Landscape, Canete Snow Management and Canete Garden Centers. Currently Canete services Northern and Central New Jersey but has his eye on the rest of the state and beyond.

Canete is a very active board member of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA), is a director of the the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) and is a member of FromDesign2Build.com. He was recently awarded the "Contractor of the Year" award by the NJLCA for his dedication, volunteerism and commitment to the green industry.

For more information, visit www.snowremovalbycanete.com.]]>3631contracting,customerservice,landscaper,landscaping,snowcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-12-risks-of-snow-ice-management--4894056
ASCA is a trade association dedicated to the advancement of the professional snow and ice management industry and to promoting its role in performing high-risk services to society.

Gilbride began his career with GIE Media in 1996 and rose through the sales ranks to National Accounts Sales, National Sales Manager, and eventually Group Publisher.

During his tenure as Group Publisher, Gilbride was part of the team that created Snow Magazine and Commercial Dealer. In August 2011, GIE Media announced the creation of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association, with Gilbride being named Executive Director, the position he holds today. Within a year of the association's inception, the ASCA established the industry's first set of professional standards, developed an educational-based certification program, instituted an ISO9001-based certification program specifically for the professional snow removal industry, and has taken an active stance toward tort reform, including providing testimony to Congress about the impact frivolous slip-and-fall claims have on small businesses.

A Cleveland-area native, graduate of St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University, Gilbride spends his free time with his wife, Annemarie, and their three children, as well as working on his 18 handicap.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894056Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:55:06 +0000North Coast MediaAlthough the potential profits are highly lucrative in snow and ice management, the risks are much greater. This is one of the important topics that Kevin Gilbride, Executive Director of Accredited Snow Contractors Association and publisher of Snow...
ASCA is a trade association dedicated to the advancement of the professional snow and ice management industry and to promoting its role in performing high-risk services to society.

Gilbride began his career with GIE Media in 1996 and rose through the sales ranks to National Accounts Sales, National Sales Manager, and eventually Group Publisher.

During his tenure as Group Publisher, Gilbride was part of the team that created Snow Magazine and Commercial Dealer. In August 2011, GIE Media announced the creation of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association, with Gilbride being named Executive Director, the position he holds today. Within a year of the association's inception, the ASCA established the industry's first set of professional standards, developed an educational-based certification program, instituted an ISO9001-based certification program specifically for the professional snow removal industry, and has taken an active stance toward tort reform, including providing testimony to Congress about the impact frivolous slip-and-fall claims have on small businesses.

A Cleveland-area native, graduate of St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University, Gilbride spends his free time with his wife, Annemarie, and their three children, as well as working on his 18 handicap.]]>3379landscaping,liability,personalinjury,snowcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-11-the-godfather-of-snow-management--4894004
Allin was the 2010 winner of the GIE "Pioneer Award" and is founder of the Snowfighters Institute, which pursues research and training for the snow industry. He helps snow contractors market their businesses, streamline their operations and develop exit strategies.

For more information visit http://www.johnallin.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4894004Tue, 26 Aug 2014 18:40:19 +0000North Coast MediaJohn Allin, the Godfather of Snow & Ice Management, begins a 3-part series on what landscapers call "the white industry," those dedicated to helping customers in the winter months. Allin was the 2010 winner of the GIE "Pioneer Award" and is founder...
Allin was the 2010 winner of the GIE "Pioneer Award" and is founder of the Snowfighters Institute, which pursues research and training for the snow industry. He helps snow contractors market their businesses, streamline their operations and develop exit strategies.

For more information visit http://www.johnallin.com.]]>3653businessstrategy,landscaping,marketing,snowcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-10-greencare-snow-care-for-troops--4893798
Code is the Executive Director of Project EverGreen, a national non-profit group that proactively promotes the positive benefits of yard, parks and green spaces. Code's tenure in the green industry spans twenty plus years as an award-winning journalist with Lawn & Landscape magazine and as an advocate for the green industry through board and committee positions with PLANET, RISE, OTF and TOCA.

For more information, visit http://projectevergreen.org/.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4893798Tue, 26 Aug 2014 17:28:46 +0000North Coast MediaCindy Code, Executive Director of Project Evergreen, discusses why Project EverGreen is good for the entire green industry. In addition, we will talk about GreenCare for Troops/SnowCare for Troops and how the programs work. Code explains recent...
Code is the Executive Director of Project EverGreen, a national non-profit group that proactively promotes the positive benefits of yard, parks and green spaces. Code's tenure in the green industry spans twenty plus years as an award-winning journalist with Lawn & Landscape magazine and as an advocate for the green industry through board and committee positions with PLANET, RISE, OTF and TOCA.

For more information, visit http://projectevergreen.org/.]]>3596landscapers,landscaping,snow,supportourtroops,volunteerismcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-9-break-through-the-grass-ceiling--4879769
We will also talk about her passion for landscape design, and how the APLD has helped her throughout her career, as well as the challenges that she has faced.

Find out what she sees as the future for landscape design and landscape designers ... and maybe learn a few of her trade secrets.

Olinger is the 2012 president of the APLD, founder of the APLD's N.J. chapter and has served on their International Board of Directors since 2008.

She is a landscape and garden designer with Sterling Horticultural Services, in Flanders, N.J., where since 1996 she has been creating custom landscape designs, and overseeing the installations for this full-service firm.

In addition to attending numerous workshops and conference tours in this country and in Europe, Olinger has completed certificate courses at Rutgers University and Harvard Graduate School of Design. She also holds a degree in Landscape Design from County College of Morris.

Olinger began her career in a retail nursery, managed private gardens, and served a two-year horticultural internship at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown, N.J. She has lectured to groups and adult schools on garden design and plant maintenance, and is a freelance garden writer, member of the Garden Writers Association.

For more information, visit www.sterlinghort.com and www.apld.com or email susan@sterlinghort.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879769Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:33:49 +0000North Coast MediaAward winning designer Susan Olinger, President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), discusses the importance of being a certified landscape designer and the value of joining an organization like the APLD. From starting as a...
We will also talk about her passion for landscape design, and how the APLD has helped her throughout her career, as well as the challenges that she has faced.

Find out what she sees as the future for landscape design and landscape designers ... and maybe learn a few of her trade secrets.

Olinger is the 2012 president of the APLD, founder of the APLD's N.J. chapter and has served on their International Board of Directors since 2008.

She is a landscape and garden designer with Sterling Horticultural Services, in Flanders, N.J., where since 1996 she has been creating custom landscape designs, and overseeing the installations for this full-service firm.

In addition to attending numerous workshops and conference tours in this country and in Europe, Olinger has completed certificate courses at Rutgers University and Harvard Graduate School of Design. She also holds a degree in Landscape Design from County College of Morris.

Olinger began her career in a retail nursery, managed private gardens, and served a two-year horticultural internship at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown, N.J. She has lectured to groups and adult schools on garden design and plant maintenance, and is a freelance garden writer, member of the Garden Writers Association.

For more information, visit www.sterlinghort.com and www.apld.com or email susan@sterlinghort.com.]]>3688businessstrategies,gardening,horticulture,landscaping,womeninbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-8-how-to-get-free-advertising--4879753
Every single day, magazine and newspaper editors are on the prowl for the newest, latest and greatest to create unique content. So why shouldn't they write about you or one of your projects? While other companies are spending “ad” dollars like crazy, you can have a feature article written about you, your business or latest landscaping project for all of your customers and competitors to see.

Palmieri gives you the inside scoop about what editors are looking for to help you get your company featured in the local newspaper, regional lifestyle magazine or industry trade journal.

An experienced Green Industry editor, Palmieri has won many awards for her coverage of the landscape and golf course markets from the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA), the Press Club of Cleveland and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE). In 2007, ASBPE named her a Young Leader.

Palmieri is a wife, a mother of two girls and a proud Clevelander. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, cum laude, from Ohio University's Scripps School of Journalism.

For more information, visit www.landscapemanagement.net or email mpalmieri@northcoastmedia.net]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879753Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:26:23 +0000North Coast MediaAccording to Marisa Palmieri, editor in chief of Landscape Management Magazine, it's not as hard as you think it might be to get free advertising in magazines and newspapers. Every single day, magazine and newspaper editors are on the prowl for the...
Every single day, magazine and newspaper editors are on the prowl for the newest, latest and greatest to create unique content. So why shouldn't they write about you or one of your projects? While other companies are spending “ad” dollars like crazy, you can have a feature article written about you, your business or latest landscaping project for all of your customers and competitors to see.

Palmieri gives you the inside scoop about what editors are looking for to help you get your company featured in the local newspaper, regional lifestyle magazine or industry trade journal.

An experienced Green Industry editor, Palmieri has won many awards for her coverage of the landscape and golf course markets from the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA), the Press Club of Cleveland and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE). In 2007, ASBPE named her a Young Leader.

Palmieri is a wife, a mother of two girls and a proud Clevelander. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, cum laude, from Ohio University's Scripps School of Journalism.

For more information, visit www.landscapemanagement.net or email mpalmieri@northcoastmedia.net]]>3665advertising,landscaping,marketingtips,mediarelations,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-7-buy-sell-hold-what-to-do--4879730
Plus, he'll answer you questions on whether you should buy, sell or hold.

In addition to 27 years of consulting and training experience, Kehoe has 9 years of general management experience. He has worked with more than 150 companies in the Green Industry helping them increase growth and profits, as well as setting up succession plans, helping them grow by acquiring other companies, and assisting them in the valuation and sell of their businesses when it comes time to cash out. He is a regular speaker for state associations and PLANET.

Kehoe is an author whose books include “Making Money in Landscape Contracting”, “Meetings That Work”, “Enhancing Leadership Impact”, “The Selling Advantage”, “How to Build A Five Year Plan”, and “The Little Red Book of Sales and Customer Service.” He has published 200+ articles in business and trade magazines.

Kehoe's education includes a B.A. in Economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, an M.B.A. in Finance from Southern Methodist University, and a Masters in International Management from the American Graduate School in Phoenix.

Kevin is married and has a 20-year daughter. He golfs and surfs - although he is average at both. His real passions are his family, surfing the West Coast and riding a motorcycle – anywhere.

For more information, visit www.3pgconsulting.com/ or email kevin@3PGConsulting.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879730Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:18:50 +0000North Coast MediaKevin Kehoe of Three Point Group talks about how his company helps landscape contractors with strategic planning, profit improvement, valuation services and business exit strategies. Kehoe is a leading authority on these topics who artfully explains...
Plus, he'll answer you questions on whether you should buy, sell or hold.

In addition to 27 years of consulting and training experience, Kehoe has 9 years of general management experience. He has worked with more than 150 companies in the Green Industry helping them increase growth and profits, as well as setting up succession plans, helping them grow by acquiring other companies, and assisting them in the valuation and sell of their businesses when it comes time to cash out. He is a regular speaker for state associations and PLANET.

Kehoe is an author whose books include “Making Money in Landscape Contracting”, “Meetings That Work”, “Enhancing Leadership Impact”, “The Selling Advantage”, “How to Build A Five Year Plan”, and “The Little Red Book of Sales and Customer Service.” He has published 200+ articles in business and trade magazines.

Kehoe's education includes a B.A. in Economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, an M.B.A. in Finance from Southern Methodist University, and a Masters in International Management from the American Graduate School in Phoenix.

Kevin is married and has a 20-year daughter. He golfs and surfs - although he is average at both. His real passions are his family, surfing the West Coast and riding a motorcycle – anywhere.

For more information, visit www.3pgconsulting.com/ or email kevin@3PGConsulting.com.]]>3650businessstrategies,landscapers,makingmoney,profitability,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-6-are-you-job-costing--4879686
VandeVliet is the founder of a design build company in New Jersey that he re-directed into a niche business specializing in project management of high-end projects for the residential marketplace. He developed and improved accounting and information transfer systems to help maximize profitability of a large landscaping company with 400 employees and $23 million in revenues. He was president of a residential design build firm, improving profitability from 6 percent to 19 percent while maintaining the company's $7 million in revenues.

Marcus is recognized as an expert in bidding and estimating in the construction industry who worked with Vander Kooi and Associates and delivered presentations and conducted workshops throughout the United States. He has put his insight and experience to work for a broader swath of businesses by founding MV Consulting, now MV Enterprises. Through Power Planning, performance consultation, and public speaking, he is dedicated to helping clients improve performance and profitability to realize their potential and achieve long-term growth and sustainability.

In addition to this, Marcus works as a business consultant with DynaSCAPE and helped develop "DynaSCAPE Manage 360," a software program that integrates with DynaSCAPE design software. Manage 360 provides you with the business management tools to necessary to estimate the design, manage the installation and also integrates with your business accounting software providing you with a complete design and business solution.

For more information, visit http://mventerprises.biz or email marcus@mventerprises.biz.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879686Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:10:57 +0000North Coast MediaMarcus vandeVliet of MV Enterprises discusses job costing, including why you need to job cost, how to set up your estimating system for job costing, the major risk involved with job costing, types of info you can obtain through job costing, and much...
VandeVliet is the founder of a design build company in New Jersey that he re-directed into a niche business specializing in project management of high-end projects for the residential marketplace. He developed and improved accounting and information transfer systems to help maximize profitability of a large landscaping company with 400 employees and $23 million in revenues. He was president of a residential design build firm, improving profitability from 6 percent to 19 percent while maintaining the company's $7 million in revenues.

Marcus is recognized as an expert in bidding and estimating in the construction industry who worked with Vander Kooi and Associates and delivered presentations and conducted workshops throughout the United States. He has put his insight and experience to work for a broader swath of businesses by founding MV Consulting, now MV Enterprises. Through Power Planning, performance consultation, and public speaking, he is dedicated to helping clients improve performance and profitability to realize their potential and achieve long-term growth and sustainability.

In addition to this, Marcus works as a business consultant with DynaSCAPE and helped develop "DynaSCAPE Manage 360," a software program that integrates with DynaSCAPE design software. Manage 360 provides you with the business management tools to necessary to estimate the design, manage the installation and also integrates with your business accounting software providing you with a complete design and business solution.

For more information, visit http://mventerprises.biz or email marcus@mventerprises.biz.]]>3638businessstrategies,construction,landscaping,projectmanagement,softwarecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-5-3d-landscape-plans--4879670
Porco discusses how landscape professionals can use 3D landscape design and visualization software to create an incredible customer experience helping you lock in the install, and he will provide some of his own "trade secrets" for landing upscale clients and getting
back to them quicker.

Porco is Founder and CEO of VisionScape Interactive, LLC. By nature, Porco is a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of professional design experience.

Early in his career Porco built and sold several successful design businesses before setting his sights on the landscape and outdoor living industry. His frustrations as a homeowner embarking on a landscape project for his backyard lead to to the birth of VisionScape and its 3D landscape design and visualization platform.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879670Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:04:45 +0000North Coast MediaAs all of us know, it is oftentimes difficult for homeowners to understand two dimensional landscape plans. That's where John Porco, Founder and CEO of VisionScape, comes in. VisionScape allows designers and contractors to show their clients a drawing...
Porco discusses how landscape professionals can use 3D landscape design and visualization software to create an incredible customer experience helping you lock in the install, and he will provide some of his own "trade secrets" for landing upscale clients and getting
back to them quicker.

Porco is Founder and CEO of VisionScape Interactive, LLC. By nature, Porco is a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of professional design experience.

Early in his career Porco built and sold several successful design businesses before setting his sights on the landscape and outdoor living industry. His frustrations as a homeowner embarking on a landscape project for his backyard lead to to the birth of VisionScape and its 3D landscape design and visualization platform.]]>36133dprinting,architecture,autocad,design,landscapingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-4-today-s-efficient-power-tools--4879619
Now before you grab your bamboo rake and hand trimmer, listen, Roger Phelps, Promotional Communications Manager at Stihl, Inc., discusses what manufacturers are doing to minimize the "operational impact" of handheld power equipment by utilizing new technologies that can reduce emissions and noise, while improving efficiencies.

Phelps is a Navy veteran who joined STIHL in 2001 with a background in events production. He is responsible for STIHL's sponsorships, public relations, social media, event marketing and trade shows. He oversees the production of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series seen on the Outdoor Channel and ESPNU and STIHL's event marketing and PR relationships like the STIHL Tour des Trees, National FFA Foundation, and the American Farm Bureau. He also oversees STIHL's trade association relationship development and is on the board of directors of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), PLANET AEF (Academic Excellence Foundation) and the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA). Phelps is also involved with STIHL's environmental stewardship strategy. He is a Certified Landscape Industry Professional.

Phelps previously served as the assistant managing director for OpSail 2000 Virginia, education director for the Virginia International Arts Festival and operations manager for the City of Norfolk, Va., Civic Facilities.

Phelps holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy. He is a Landscape Industry Certified Manager.

He can be reached at roger.phelps@stihl.us.

For more information, visit the following:

www.stihlusa.com
www.stihldealer.net
www.facebook.com/stihlusa
www.twitter.com/stihlusa
www.youtube.com/stihlusa
www.stihlusablog.com
www.independentwestand.org]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879619Fri, 22 Aug 2014 16:57:07 +0000North Coast MediaIt seems like every day you read about another town trying to ban the use of outdoor power equipment used by professional landscape contractors. If it's not a restriction on what hours of the day we can operate, it's decibels and emissions. Now...
Now before you grab your bamboo rake and hand trimmer, listen, Roger Phelps, Promotional Communications Manager at Stihl, Inc., discusses what manufacturers are doing to minimize the "operational impact" of handheld power equipment by utilizing new technologies that can reduce emissions and noise, while improving efficiencies.

Phelps is a Navy veteran who joined STIHL in 2001 with a background in events production. He is responsible for STIHL's sponsorships, public relations, social media, event marketing and trade shows. He oversees the production of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series seen on the Outdoor Channel and ESPNU and STIHL's event marketing and PR relationships like the STIHL Tour des Trees, National FFA Foundation, and the American Farm Bureau. He also oversees STIHL's trade association relationship development and is on the board of directors of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), PLANET AEF (Academic Excellence Foundation) and the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA). Phelps is also involved with STIHL's environmental stewardship strategy. He is a Certified Landscape Industry Professional.

Phelps previously served as the assistant managing director for OpSail 2000 Virginia, education director for the Virginia International Arts Festival and operations manager for the City of Norfolk, Va., Civic Facilities.

Phelps holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy. He is a Landscape Industry Certified Manager.

He can be reached at roger.phelps@stihl.us.

For more information, visit the following:

www.stihlusa.com
www.stihldealer.net
www.facebook.com/stihlusa
www.twitter.com/stihlusa
www.youtube.com/stihlusa
www.stihlusablog.com
www.independentwestand.org]]>3624contractors,equipment,landscapers,landscaping,powertoolscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-3-gross-margin-with-ed-laflamme--4879548
Ed Laflamme of The Harvest Group Business Consulting will show you how to set gross margin goals and how to set up a system to track these goals.


Tracking your gross margin is so important for the success of your landscape business. By doing this you will not only know if you are making money but also be alerted to potential problems in your estimating process, including markups and installation issues.

Laflamme is the author of the nationally acclaimed book, "GREEN SIDE UP, Straight talk on growing and operating a profitable landscaping business." He started his own business with $700 that he borrowed from his mother, bought two lawn mowers and began by working out of the trunk of his car. Nine years later he sold the residential segment of his business and concentrated on commercial and industrial maintenance. Always a "big thinker" Laflamme set his sites on the mother of all commercial contracts: General Electric's World Headquarters in Fairfield Connecticut. In 1985 he was awarded his first multimillion-dollar account.

Today Laflamme is an author, professional speaker, consultant/coach and mentor to landscape owners nationwide working as the East Coast's Head Harvester at The Harvest Group. He uses his unique "sounding board" approach to act as a silent partner, helping his clients' businesses thrive and grow as a result of his personal mentoring. Laflamme is a Landscape Industry Certified Professional and currently sits on PLANET's membership committee.

He lives in Wilton, Connecticut with his wife and two sons.

He can be reached at ed@harvestlandscapeconsulting.com or 203-858-4696. For more information visit www.harvestlandscapeconsulting.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879548Fri, 22 Aug 2014 16:40:51 +0000North Coast MediaAs the old saying goes, "what gets measured gets managed, and what get's managed gets improved." Ed Laflamme of The Harvest Group Business Consulting will show you how to set gross margin goals and how to set up a system to track these goals....
Ed Laflamme of The Harvest Group Business Consulting will show you how to set gross margin goals and how to set up a system to track these goals.


Tracking your gross margin is so important for the success of your landscape business. By doing this you will not only know if you are making money but also be alerted to potential problems in your estimating process, including markups and installation issues.

Laflamme is the author of the nationally acclaimed book, "GREEN SIDE UP, Straight talk on growing and operating a profitable landscaping business." He started his own business with $700 that he borrowed from his mother, bought two lawn mowers and began by working out of the trunk of his car. Nine years later he sold the residential segment of his business and concentrated on commercial and industrial maintenance. Always a "big thinker" Laflamme set his sites on the mother of all commercial contracts: General Electric's World Headquarters in Fairfield Connecticut. In 1985 he was awarded his first multimillion-dollar account.

Today Laflamme is an author, professional speaker, consultant/coach and mentor to landscape owners nationwide working as the East Coast's Head Harvester at The Harvest Group. He uses his unique "sounding board" approach to act as a silent partner, helping his clients' businesses thrive and grow as a result of his personal mentoring. Laflamme is a Landscape Industry Certified Professional and currently sits on PLANET's membership committee.

He lives in Wilton, Connecticut with his wife and two sons.

He can be reached at ed@harvestlandscapeconsulting.com or 203-858-4696. For more information visit www.harvestlandscapeconsulting.com.]]>3633budgeting,businessstrategies,landscapers,landscaping,moneymakerscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-2-have-a-business-breakthrough--4879515
How you decide to manage your business right now can make the difference between propelling your business to the next level or remaining in neutral with a frustrating, slow growing, inefficient business.

Bill Silverman of Springboard Business Coaching discusses the reasons why small businesses stop growing and what you can easily do to not be one of them.

Silverman is a business coach who coaches contractors to help them propel their businesses to the next level of consistent growth and profit while dramatically improving their quality of life. He specializes in helping business owners tackle difficult growth challenges and is known for his ability to pinpoint and solve the real problems that hold businesses back and for helping owners achieve more than they ever thought possible in both their businesses and their lives.

A frequent speaker for national and state trade associations, Silverman is an engaging presenter with a knack for delivering useful information in a simple, step-by-step fashion that makes it easy to use.

He draws heavily on his 25 years of success in reinvigorating businesses at Marriott, CIGNA, and other companies, in senior marketing, business development and HR positions and on his business and life-coaching experience to deliver “out of the industry box” information that truly helps owners establish their businesses and lives successfully at the next level.

He can be reached at bill@springboardbizcoaching.com. For more information visit www.springboardbizcoaching.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879515Fri, 22 Aug 2014 16:31:17 +0000North Coast MediaIf your business growth has slowed dramatically or stalled, the new economy may not be to blame! There's a very good chance that you're just stuck at one of the natural plateaus that plagues most landscape contractors. How you decide to manage your...
How you decide to manage your business right now can make the difference between propelling your business to the next level or remaining in neutral with a frustrating, slow growing, inefficient business.

Bill Silverman of Springboard Business Coaching discusses the reasons why small businesses stop growing and what you can easily do to not be one of them.

Silverman is a business coach who coaches contractors to help them propel their businesses to the next level of consistent growth and profit while dramatically improving their quality of life. He specializes in helping business owners tackle difficult growth challenges and is known for his ability to pinpoint and solve the real problems that hold businesses back and for helping owners achieve more than they ever thought possible in both their businesses and their lives.

A frequent speaker for national and state trade associations, Silverman is an engaging presenter with a knack for delivering useful information in a simple, step-by-step fashion that makes it easy to use.

He draws heavily on his 25 years of success in reinvigorating businesses at Marriott, CIGNA, and other companies, in senior marketing, business development and HR positions and on his business and life-coaching experience to deliver “out of the industry box” information that truly helps owners establish their businesses and lives successfully at the next level.

He can be reached at bill@springboardbizcoaching.com. For more information visit www.springboardbizcoaching.com.]]>3719businessstrategies,contracting,landscape,landscaping,smallbusinesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-1-from-website-to-lead-generator--4879330
He compares outdated and ineffective, lead generating methods such as the phone book (remember that big yellow thing?), unqualified referrals and random cold calling to the high quality leads that you can develop from inbound marketing.

Chris will show you how to combine social media, content marketing and search marketing into an integrated and measurable campaign that will help you sell more work.

Chris Heiler is the founder and president of Landscape Leadership, an inbound marketing agency that combines social media, content marketing, and search marketing into integrated and measurable campaigns for green industry clients ranging from landscape design/build firms and landscape management companies to garden centers, growers and specialty manufacturers.Chris regularly speaks at green industry events across the country, writes for industry publications, and is an active member of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) as a “consultant member”.

Before founding Landscape Leadership, Chris spent seven years creating some of the most beautiful gardens in west Michigan as principle of Fountainhead Gardens. Prior to that, Chris worked for numerous companies within the green industry and graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelors degree in horticulture and landscape design. He now lives in Austin, TX.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/4879330Fri, 22 Aug 2014 15:32:52 +0000North Coast MediaChris Heiler, of Landscape Leadership, is the "Inbound Marketing Guru” of the landscape industry and will show you how to turn your existing website into a lead generation machine! He compares outdated and ineffective, lead generating methods such as...
He compares outdated and ineffective, lead generating methods such as the phone book (remember that big yellow thing?), unqualified referrals and random cold calling to the high quality leads that you can develop from inbound marketing.

Chris will show you how to combine social media, content marketing and search marketing into an integrated and measurable campaign that will help you sell more work.

Chris Heiler is the founder and president of Landscape Leadership, an inbound marketing agency that combines social media, content marketing, and search marketing into integrated and measurable campaigns for green industry clients ranging from landscape design/build firms and landscape management companies to garden centers, growers and specialty manufacturers.Chris regularly speaks at green industry events across the country, writes for industry publications, and is an active member of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) as a “consultant member”.

Before founding Landscape Leadership, Chris spent seven years creating some of the most beautiful gardens in west Michigan as principle of Fountainhead Gardens. Prior to that, Chris worked for numerous companies within the green industry and graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelors degree in horticulture and landscape design. He now lives in Austin, TX.]]>3729landscapers,landscaping,leadgeneration,marketingtips,websitedesigncleanfull