Hardscape Growth – Details, episodes & analysis

In this conversation, Alex and Mark discuss Mark's journey in building his interior residential renovation business and the importance of communication in their work. Mark specializes in kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovations, and he emphasizes the need for proactive communication with clients and subcontractors. He plans to hire a senior project manager to handle communication and focus on sales and marketing. Mark also mentions the importance of high-quality finishes and tradespeople, as well as the challenges of managing materials and estimating quantities accurately. The conversation covers the importance of following a consistent process in all projects, the use of templates for contracts and costing, the need for regular reviews and updates of templates, the trend of creating usable space in both interior and outdoor renovations, and the balance between personal health and business success. The main takeaway is the importance of building a strong team and delegating tasks to achieve business growth.

Check out the Hardscaper's Blueprint to Scaling with Online Marketing course referenced in this episode here.

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

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Did you miss this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to [https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-harsdcaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/] to check it out for free!

In this week's episode of the Hardscape Growth Podcast, we have Charlie Kerrigan of V.I.L. Landscaping. He started when he was in grade 4!

Charlie shares his journey on being a young entrepreneur and the challenges he came to face and how he was able to overcome these challenges through mentorship and literally saying "no".

He talks about some important aspect in running a business such as knowing your numbers, building a brand, building off of that brand and always learning through mentorship or through his podcast The Hard Lessons.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Focus on what you do best
• Build a dream team
• Always keep learning

Did you miss this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to [https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-harsdcaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/] to check it out for free!

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!

Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

In this week's episode of the Hardscape Growth show, we have Mark Bradley, CEO of LMN Landscape Management Network, shares insights on building a successful contracting business in the green industry. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on revenue per man hour and explains how it can drive profitability. Bradley also discusses the challenges of diversification and the need for businesses to stay focused on their core expertise. He highlights the role of fear in hindering business growth and provides strategies for overcoming it. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of marketing investment and the opportunities and challenges in the industry's current landscape. In this conversation, Mark Bradley discusses considerations for exiting a business and the various options available. He highlights the importance of understanding the factors that affect valuation, such as the type of work and revenue volume.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on revenue per man hour to drive profitability in the contracting business.
• Overcome fear by developing a clear financial plan and understanding your business's financials.
• Invest in marketing to attract the right customers and employees and continuously improve your business. When nearing the end of your career and considering an exit strategy, be aware of the different options available beyond industry consolidation and private equity.

The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!

Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

In this conversation, Cody Cook from Pro Green Outdoors shares his experiences and insights in the hardscaping industry. He discusses the importance of attending trade shows and how it has helped his business grow. Cody also reflects on the success of 2023 and the role of marketing in attracting clients. He emphasizes the need for effective communication within the team and with clients. Cody shares his vision for the future, including building pools in-house and creating a showroom. He also highlights the significance of managing client expectations and lead time.

In this conversation, Cody Cook from Pro Green shares insights on effective communication with clients, managing client expectations, guiding clients through the construction process, and the importance of consistency and persistence in business.

Takeaways

• Attending trade shows can be a valuable marketing strategy for hardscaping businesses, allowing them to showcase their work and attract potential clients.
• Effective communication is crucial in running a successful business, both within the team and with clients.
• Planning and setting goals are essential for long-term business growth and success.
• Managing client expectations and providing clear timelines can help build trust and satisfaction.

The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!

Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

Lawson shares his journey of starting and growing his hardscaping business, Greystone Hardscapes. He discusses the challenges of being a white collar guy in a blue collar industry and the importance of financial literacy and software implementation. Lawson also talks about the growth of his business and the adjustments he made to improve efficiency and profitability. Lawson shares his journey of transitioning to a three-man crew and managing overhead costs. He discusses the importance of making tough decisions and shifting his focus to sales. Lawson emphasizes the significance of mentors and building a network of advisors. He highlights the value of surrounding oneself with the right people and setting lofty goals. Lawson also emphasizes the importance of transparency and team collaboration, as well as rewarding performance and driving the ship.

Key Takeaways

• Starting a business in a new industry requires learning and adapting to new skills and knowledge.
• Building a strong team and delegating tasks is crucial for business growth and efficiency.
• Financial literacy and proper software implementation are essential for managing and growing a business.
• Making adjustments and setting goals based on past experiences and data can lead to improved profitability and success.

The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!

Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

In this week's episode on the Hardscape Growth, Seth Wharton, owner of Get Mowtivated shares insights into his landscaping business and the importance of maintenance services. He discusses the evolution of his company and the value of maintaining relationships with existing customers. Seth also talks about gathering information from customers, managing budgets, and navigating the permitting process. He shares the story of how he got the showcase project and highlights the importance of communication and building relationships with clients. Seth also discusses the challenges of scheduling and involving the team in estimating man hours. In this conversation, Seth Wharton discusses various strategies for improving efficiency and accuracy in job costing, including the use of templates and software. Seth shares his experience with analyzing profitability and making adjustments based on job costing data. He emphasizes the importance of tracking man hours and material costs to ensure accurate project estimates. Seth also highlights the significance of product knowledge and material selection in creating custom and long-lasting outdoor spaces. He discusses the benefits of working with industry experts and vendors to learn new construction methods and utilize innovative tools. Finally, Seth emphasizes the importance of taking care of clients and employees to build strong relationships and foster success in the industry.

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!

Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

In this episode, we're with 5 guests from an exclusive panel discussion featuring industry leaders. The event, held at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach, brought together top-tier tech pros from Canada and the United States. They discussed various aspects of running a successful landscaping business, covering challenges, workplace culture, productivity, and effective marketing and sales strategies. Charles Ciccarello, founder of Techo-Bloc, Paver Pete, director of Education, Mark Bradley, founder of LMN, Brad Stepehnson, CEO of New Castle Lawn and Landscape and Seth Wharton, owner of Get Mowtivated.

Key takeaways:

• Prioritize Your People
• Processes Drive Success
• Transparency Wins
• Budget for Success
• Measure What Matters
• Communicate Progress Simply
• Project Your Brand

Whether you're a business owner, leader, or aspiring entrepreneur in the landscaping industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate challenges and drive growth.

The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!

Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

In this week's episode, we have once again our returning guest Weston from SynkedUp! We just love having him on. Why? He genuinely loves helping the contractor community win! This week, he shares with us what he had shared at some of the trade-shows he's been. 4 Ways to Close more Proposals! He explains why dialling in your sales process, why that is so crucial for your business and simple steps to gain your customers trust when selling. Once again, he shares the link to meet with Wetston 1 on 1 to help you build out your budget. Click here to book your time with Wes today. The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free! We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

This week on the Hardscape Growth show, join Alex as he reflects on insights from industry experts and contractors, unveiling key strategies for hardscape businesses aiming to thrive in the upcoming year.

From tapping into the high-end market and maximizing revenue per client to exploring new offerings like outdoor audio and landscape lighting, this episode provides actionable tips to elevate your business.

Discover how to navigate industry changes, capitalize on upcoming trends, and position your company for success in the ever-evolving hardscape market.

Here's some episodes that was mentioned:

• Todd Tomalak's Vision for the Golden Age of Remodeling (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
• Tapping into the high-end market (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

Also not to forget, we have launched our registration page for our Hardscaper Showcase events for 2024! (Click here)

The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!

Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_

Welcome to another episode of the Hardscape Growth Podcast. This week we have Stephen Lisk of Lisk Landscape and Innovations. He's a landscape engineering/design/consultant and a master on the storm water management.

In this episode, we go deep into the discussion about storm water management and how he was able to make it a service that not only helps his business but also his clients on having a lasting outdoor living space.

He talks about why testing soils is a crucial part in knowing how to effectively manage storm water and his unique way of educating his clients through the use of social media.

He also shares his client vetting process and ways you can diversify your services to win in today's economy.

Here's a quote from the episode that can resonate with you all listening:

Provide value and specialize in something

The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!

Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_