Explore every episode of the podcast The GROW! Show
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership Essentials: Practical Tips for 2025 | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:21:04 | |
In Episode 91 of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping and the Grow Group provides valuable insights into effective leadership. Marty emphasizes the importance of leading by example, maintaining integrity, showing enthusiasm, and communicating effectively. He shares personal anecdotes and actionable steps to become a better leader in 2025, including being proactive, taking risks, and embracing challenges with a positive mindset. Additionally, Marty underscores the importance of setting a clear vision and purpose, and constantly working on self-improvement. The episode concludes with an invitation to the Grow 2025 event in Columbus, Ohio, focusing on leadership, sales, and finance. Leave a Review for the Grow Show! Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! In This Episode: (00:00) - Introduction & Welcome (02:28) - Leading By Example (03:36) - Embracing Challenges (06:17) - Bring the Juice! (08:20) - Communicate Effectively (13:08) - 4 Steps to Better Communication (16:23) - Impact for the Better (17:54) - Fix Problems With TNT Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month! Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips | |||
| Leadership: Managing Up | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:08:03 | |
How can you, as a team member who isn't in a leadership role, drive meaningful change within your organization in 2025? In this episode of The Grow Show, Vince Torchia, Vice President of The Grow Group, discusses the often overlooked but crucial skill of managing up. While much focus is placed on how managers can lead their teams, Vince emphasizes the importance of team members effectively managing their relationship with their manager to ensure smoother operations and success within the company. Vince shares practical tips on anticipating challenges, communicating clearly, embracing ownership, and adapting to decisions for the greater good—skills that can make a big difference in both team dynamics and overall company performance. In This Episode:
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH <... | |||
| Interview Series: The Ins and Outs of Battery Powered Equipment LIVE from Equip Expo | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:58:08 | |
In this panel held live at Equip Expo in the STIHL booth, Marty Grunder is joined by Stihl experts Brian Fullerton, Dan Mabe, and Paul Beblowski to discuss what landscape pros should consider when evaluating switching to electric equipment. They talk about what benefits teams are seeing as they're using battery-powered equipment and what solutions contractors have found to common challenges that come from making the switch. Your company can start small with battery-powered tools, achieving the benefits of quieter operation, reducing noise pollution, and enhancing workplace culture. Audience questions tackle government collaboration for air quality improvements and battery disposal guidelines, with insights on available incentives. Tune in for the benefits and challenges of transitioning to battery-powered tools from STIHL.
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| Operations: What We Learn by Seeing it Firsthand | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:14:57 | |
In this episode, Marty reveals how firsthand experiences at other leading landscaping companies inspired three key operational changes at Grunder Landscaping Co., enhancing efficiency and saving money. He highlights a recent team success, discusses improvements made by President Seth Pflum, and shares the significant benefits of Aspire software, including enhanced metrics, speed, and productivity. Additionally, Marty covers the impact of optimized truck setups, the value of their monthly GROW meetings, and maintaining transparency in financial data. Remember, teamwork is the most important ingredient in driving operational efficiency! Find out more in February at GROW! 2025.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: Ace Discovery Nov 12-15 New Orleans Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips Sign up by November 1! GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH | |||
| Leadership: Vince Torchia's Takeaways from Touring Landscaping Companies | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:15:09 | |
In this episode, Vince Torchia, Vice President at The Grow Group, shares insights from RJ Lawn & Landscape and Hidden Creek Landscaping, hosts for GROW! 2024 and 2025 events. Vince highlights the operational strengths and unique approaches of both companies, focusing on their intentional strategies in team building, departmental organization, and cultivating a strong company culture. As we enter Q4 2024, he reflects on key takeaways from the Des Moines GROW! 2024 event and sets the stage for what to expect in February’s GROW! 2025. Tune in for valuable leadership lessons and a sneak peek at Hidden Creek’s innovative practices.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: Ace Discovery Nov 12-15 New Orleans Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips | |||
| Interview Series: Meet Our GROW! 2025 Tour Host | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:47:39 | |
Jason Cromley of Hidden Creek Landscaping sits down with Marty Grunder to talk about his journey as a landscape professional - from starting his company in college to today. Consider this episode a preview of what we'll see when we're onsite touring their facility for GROW! 2025 in February!
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||
| Sales: Networking and Business Development Basics | 01 Jan 2025 | 00:21:59 | |
In this episode, Marty reveals how a simple $70 lunch turned into nearly $2M in business for Grunder Landscaping Co. in 2024!
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||
| Interview Series: Thinking Like Owners with Christianna Denelsbeck Rudder | 25 Dec 2024 | 00:48:24 | |
How can mentorship serve as a pivotal influence in career advancement, particularly for women in traditionally male-dominated fields such as finance and landscaping? Christianna stresses that cultural integration is more than a buzzword—it's the backbone of successful mergers. With a dedicated PMI team, companies can align cultures and operations, ensuring smoother transitions. She also sheds light on why business owners might consider selling, highlighting that larger partnerships can alleviate labor challenges and administrative burdens, allowing businesses to thrive by focusing on core strengths. From mentorship to leadership, Christianna speaks candidly about the importance of direct feedback and open communication in career growth. Learn how she's been inspired by mentors with McKinsey backgrounds and how "honest, open, and transparent" conversations foster a performance-driven culture. You’ll hear some of the unique challenges women face in this industry, advocating for mentorship to break down barriers, whether it's navigating maternity leave or bridging gender gaps. Community involvement is key - Christianna recounts her engagement with initiatives like Rotaract, demonstrating the powerful impact of mentorship and community support.
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| Interview Series: Jordan Smith from VSI by Boss on Health and Snow | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:45:19 | |
What are the challenges and opportunities facing the snow and ice control industry, and how are companies like VSI and Storm Equipment leading the way in setting new standards and educating contractors on best practices? In the evolving landscape of the snow industry, standardized practices are necessary. In their conversation, Marty and Jordan discuss how companies like VSI and Storm Equipment are pioneering efforts to educate contractors about proper pricing and asset recovery. You’ll hear about cutting-edge advancements in snow removal technology, from versatile Boss products to heavy equipment innovations that enhance productivity and employee morale. Find out how the value of a passionate team and treating snow as a critical service can transform challenges into opportunities.
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| Interview Series: Wake Up Calls, Turning Points, and the Role of a Leader with Jeffrey Johns | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:36:28 | |
How did a chance meeting at a GROW! boot camp 30 years ago set the stage for Jeffrey Johns' successful journey in the landscaping industry with his company Coastal Greenery? Coastal Greenery specializes in commercial landscape maintenance, providing tailored solutions that enhance the beauty and sustainability of each property. Their experienced team offers a Total Care Program, which includes turf care, tree and shrub maintenance, water management, seasonal flower installations, plant healthcare, and mulch installations. The Coastal Greeneryteam is dedicated to creating landscapes that reflect a business’s values while ensuring long-term health and functionality. From routine care to customized enhancements, Coastal Greenery is committed to delivering exceptional service for every commercial property.
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| Interview Series: Bob and David Grover on Working with Family and Growing a Commercial Landscaping Business | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:57:58 | |
Bob and David Grover join Marty Grunder on The Grow Show this week to talk about working with family, the journey and growth of Pacific Landscape Management, and what goes into running their Portland, OR-based commercial landscaping business. Pacific Landscape Management, founded in 2001, has grown into a leading landscape management company in the northwest with 4 branches in Oregon and Washington. In 2022, they expanded to the Puget Sound region, partnering with Earthworks Landscape Services and His Hands Lawncare. With a team of 500, they manage over 2,000 properties from Everett, WA to Corvallis, OR. Pacific offers full-service landscape management, specializing in sustainable practices such as water conservation, pesticide reduction, and waste recycling. They are committed to enhancing landscapes while minimizing environmental impact, earning national recognition for their efforts.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||
| Interview Series: Managing Battery Power All Day Long LIVE from Equip Expo | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:34:51 | |
In this special live episode from the STIHL booth at Equip Expo 2024, moderator Marty Grunder is joined by an expert panel including Brandon Haley, Vice President of Grounds at SSC Services for Education, Chase Stetson of "That Lawn Dude," and Mike Poluka, Senior Manager at STIHL USA. The panel explores best practices for managing battery-powered tools, both on-site and at company headquarters. You’ll hear how to promote battery technology to customers, how and where to use mobile charging solutions, and how to track assets and equipment with connected tracking systems. Wondering about charging times and environmental challenges—like extreme heat and cold? These issues are also addressed. The benefits of battery power are many, including its lighter weight, enhanced safety features, and improved performance. The episode concludes with audience questions, tackling real-world challenges and practical solutions for keeping battery tools running smoothly throughout the day.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources... | |||
| Sales: What Should You Be Doing Now to Ensure a Healthy Backlog Next Spring | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:16:26 | |
As companies look ahead for a healthy spring backlog, Marty shares tips and tactics to help teams wrap up 2024 well and prepare their sales team to work together for a successful 2025.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||
| Interview Series: Marketing Landscaping Work with Emily Lindley | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:22:54 | |
On this week's episode, Marty Grunder sits down with Grow Group Content & Events Manager and Grunder Landscaping Marketing Manager, Emily Lindley. They talk about GLC's marketing priorities for 2025, what worked and what didn't in 2024, and offer a sneak peek at some exciting marketing-focused sessions at the upcoming GROW! 2025 conference. In This Episode:
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH | |||
| Leadership: Orientation & Onboarding Strategies | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:11:29 | |
Discover the key differences between orientation and onboarding in this concise podcast episode. Learn why both are crucial for successfully integrating new hires and boosting long-term engagement. We'll break down how orientation sets the stage and how onboarding drives deeper employee connection and productivity and learn how RJ Lawn and Landscape and Hidden Creek do this well! Tune in to ensure your new hire process is setting your team up for success! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! In This Episode:
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:58 - Defining Orientation 02:54 - Setting the Tone With Orientation 06:19 - Defining Onboarding & Effective Strategies 08:04 - Increase Retention & Engagement 10:17 - Conclusion And Final Thoughts
Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month! Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips | |||
| Leadership: How the 4 Pillars of Success Support Landscaping Companies | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:26:46 | |
In this episode, Marty Grunder and Vince Torchia discuss the 4 Pillars of Success and what successful landscaping companies are doing in 2025 to ensure they have strength in their Platform, People, Process, and Profits. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! In This Episode:
00:00 - Start 00:24 - Introduction and Welcome 01:59 - The Four PIllars of Success 02:45 - Deep Dive into Platform 07:39 - Focusing on People 10:02 - Thoughts on the Current Labor Market 15:34 - Optimizing Processes 19:26 - Driving Profits 23:12 - Grow Event 2025
Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month! Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips | |||
| Interview Series: Spring Cleanups: Tips for Efficiency with Alan Whitt of Grunder Landscaping | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:25:13 | |
In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping Company and the Grow Group discusses spring cleanups with Alan Whitt, a group leader at the company. They emphasize the importance of having a systematic approach to ensure efficiency and quality in cleanup tasks. Alan shares his role in supporting team members, the tasks involved in a spring cleanup, and the importance of training and consistent communication. The episode also highlights the use of technology like Microsoft Outlook's Q function and the Aspire system to improve efficiency and work-life balance. Marty and Alan discuss leadership styles, team dynamics, and goals for continued growth and improvement in 2025. 00:00 - Intro 00:23 - Introduction & Greeting from Marty 01:05 - Microsoft Outlook’s Q Function Increases Communication 02:16 - Introducing Alan Whitt & The Role of A Group Leader 05:18 - Spring Cleanup Systems 10:40 - Team Coordination, Language Barriers & Solutions 13:04 - Implementing Technology in Landscaping 16:17 - Specific Ways to Lead Your Team Members 17:49 - Reflecting on Past Successes & Building Relationships 21:49 - Maintaining High Standards From Top to Bottom in a Company 23:52 - Conclusion and Invitation Show Notes: Structured System for Tasks Like Spring Cleanups: Implementing a system for tasks like spring cleanups helps ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality across different job sites. It allows teams to follow a standardized process, resulting in better outcomes and time management. Role of a Group Leader: Group leaders are essential in preparing and planning tasks for team members. They assist in identifying potential issues ahead of time and streamline the work process, which is crucial for minimizing delays and ensuring projects are completed smoothly. Continuous Training and Cross-Training: Regular training and cross-training enable team members to be versatile and capable of handling various tasks. This approach ensures that the team remains adaptable, especially when there are absences or unexpected changes in the workload. Utilizing Technology: Leveraging tools like Microsoft Outlook's Q function and the Aspire system enhances project management and operational efficiency. It allows for better planning, communication, and tracking, ultimately leading to increased productivity and profitability. Maintaining Professionalism: Professionalism in attire, behavior, and cleanliness of equipment and vehicles builds client trust and portrays a positive company image. This practice is critical for client satisfaction and helps in securing repeat business and referrals.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ... | |||
| Leadership: Change Starts Here - Maximize Productivity With Your Team | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:28:16 | |
As our team is onsite for GROW! 2025 this week, Marty shares his tips for making the most of industry events by prioritizing the take-aways you'll implement, having a growth mindset, and getting your team onboard for changes. Action Steps:
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:38 - Recap of Grow 2025 Event 02:09 - Strategies to Prioritize Tasks 03:50 - Organize Your Thoughts Through Bracketology 09:30 - How to Implement Your Action Plan 14:08 - Stay Focused and Find Accountability 18:26 - Share Goals and Seek Help When Necessary 23:42 - Reward Success & Celebrate Achievements 26:55 - Final Thoughts
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month! Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. | |||
| Interview Series: Greg Cole: Thriving Through Positive Culture in Landscaping | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:43:26 | |
In this episode of The Grow Show powered by Stihl, host Marty Grunder speaks with Greg Cole from Cole Landscaping outside of Boston. The conversation emphasizes building a strong culture, setting clear goals, and the importance of giving back to both the community and the industry. 00:00 - Welcome to the Grow Show 01:42 - Meet Greg Cole from Cole Landscaping 02:17 - Greg’s Journey into Landscaping 05:28 - Challenges and Mentorship As a Business Grows 10:34 - Greg’s Personal Growth and Transformation 14:59 - Time Management and Building Daily Habits 21:24 - Greg’s Open Book Philosophy 23:52 - Things to Learn From Smaller Companies 27:56 - Embracing Technology for Growth 29:23 - Greg’s Advice to Younger Self 31:42 - Strategies to Build a Positive Culture 35:12 - The Importance of Giving Back 39:09 - The Impact of Collaboration and Networking 40:36 - Final Thoughts
Show Notes: Personal Development and Health Impact Business Success: Focusing on personal growth and health can transform your mindset and leadership abilities. It not only boosts your energy levels but also positively affects how you run your business. Importance of Setting Clear Goals and Accountability: Writing down clear goals and tracking your daily activities ensures accountability and direction. Tools like Habit Tracker can help manage and achieve your targets efficiently. Learning from and Sharing with Peers: Engaging with peer groups and sharing knowledge with both smaller and larger companies can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. This peer interaction fosters continuous improvement. Leveraging Technology for Growth: Adopting technology solutions like Aspire software is crucial for operational efficiency and growth. Integrating tech can streamline processes and help scale your business. Building and Maintaining a Positive Culture: Creating a positive work environment through activities like morning stretch sessions and regular recognition boosts employee satisfaction and performance. A strong culture is essential for long-term success. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month! Subscribe and share the Grow Show... | |||
| Leadership: Kickoff Meeting Secrets - How to Energize and Align Your Team | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:17:51 | |
In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder shares essential insights on conducting an effective seasonal kickoff meeting for landscaping businesses. Marty outlines five key strategies:
Marty emphasizes the importance of transparency, engagement, and clear communication. Sharing financial goals, company mission, core values, and creating a rallying cry to motivate the team. The episode provides a detailed walkthrough of Grunder Landscaping's 2024 kickoff meeting, highlighting how to make these gatherings both informative and inspiring. 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 00:51 - Dealing With Challenges: A Snowstorm Story 02:01 - Seasonal Kickoff Meetings: Importance & Best Practices 03:26 - Planning & Executing a Successful Kickoff Meeting 05:13 - Engaging Your Team: Experiential Learning 07:39 - Sharing Information & Building Trust 10:50 - Debriefing and Continuous Improvement 11:26 - Kickoff Meeting Highlights & Examples 15:51 - Conclusion & Grow 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month! Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||
| Marketing: Make a Great First Impression! | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:10:13 | |
In this episode of The Grow Show, hosted by Emily Lindley, content and events manager at The Grow Group and marketing manager for Grunder Landscaping Company, listeners are introduced to effective client communication strategies for landscaping companies. Emily emphasizes the importance of good communication to stand out from competitors and build trust with clients. She highlights automating communications to ease the burden on sales and production teams and shares a practical example of a sales team introduction email template. This episode offers insights on setting up efficient communication practices during the winter to prepare for the busy spring season. This topic will be spoken on in more depth at the upcoming Grow 2025 event in Columbus, Ohio. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Discussed in this episode: - Automate client communication where possible to alleviate workload from sales and production teams. - Personalize communication with clients by providing detailed introduction emails featuring salespeople's backgrounds and personal touches. - Use templates for consistent messaging; ensure every salesperson has a tailored template set up in email systems. - Highlight company-wide promises and unique value propositions in client communications to build trust. - Maintain high standards for team attitudes and behaviors, emphasizing friendliness, tidiness, efficiency, and preparedness. - Encourage internal communication to prevent clients from having to repeat information, ensuring smooth transitions between sales and production teams. - Sign off introduction emails from company leadership to emphasize the importance of the client relationship and the salesperson's role.
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:32 - Importance of Client Communication 02:57 - Automating Your Communication with Clients 04:07 - Strengthen Your Sales Team Introduction Email 05:07 - Key Ways to Personalize Client Interactions 06:56 - Communicating the Company Promises and Values 08:59 - Conclusion and Invitation to Grow 2025
Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month! Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape profession... | |||
| Sales: Marty's Tips for Spring Sales - Prospect, Nurture, & Close! | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:16:49 | |
In this episode of The Grow Show powered by Stihl, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping Company and The Grow Group shares actionable sales tips to help you improve your sales strategies. Marty emphasizes the importance of daily routines in sales, focusing on three key actions: prospecting, nurturing relationships, and closing deals. He also highlights the significance of follow-up post-sale and appreciating your team members. Marty’s insights are designed to help you manage your time effectively and build lasting relationships with clients, ensuring repeat business and referrals. Subscribe to stay updated and boost your sales performance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Welcome to the Grow Show 00:23 - Show Introduction 03:16 - Daily Sales Routine: Prospect, Nurture, Close 05:10 - Nurture Relationships 07:16 - Close the Deal! 09:44 - The Real Selling Starts After The Sale 11:38 - Show Appreciation for Your Team 15:15 - Conclusion and Upcoming Events Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
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| Interview Series: Training Your Team for Success with Matt Crinklaw | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:44:50 | |
In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by Greenius' Matt Crinklaw to talk about the mistakes that come from not teaching your team the skills that they need, experiments in how onboarding impacts success, how to successfully train your team, and the tools available to support landscaping companies in effectively training your team. Matt shares the different learning styles people have, tailoring training to what works for your team, the importance of training documentation, and the impact great training has on individuals and organizations. Grunder Landscaping Co. Field Trips — The Grow Group ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:59 - Meet Matt Matt Crinklaw: Journey to Greenius 02:53 - The Birth of Greenius 04:53 - The Importance of Training in Landscaping 09:10 - Understanding Adult Learning 11:13 - The Three Ways of Learning 19:23 - Career Pathways and Employee Retention 24:10 - Effective Training Setups and Greenius Benefits 27:31 - Avoid Costly Mistakes Through Training 30:19 - Getting Started with Greenius 32:56 - Common Mistakes in Training Programs 37:00 - Emerging Trends in Landscaping Technology 39:36 - Big Announcement from Grow & Greenius 43:12 - Sign Up for a Field Trip to Grunder Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
Show Notes: Training Gets New Hires to Productivity 40% Faster – I measured new hires against employees with one year of experience on 50 properties. The experienced employees were 40% more efficient.... | |||
| Interview Series: Barrett Chow on Taking Care of Your Team | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:44:50 | |
Barrett Chow, Executive Coach with McFarlin Stanford, joins Marty to discuss why the green industry's approach to human resources is fundamentally broken—and how to fix it. Barrett shares the strategic framework that transforms HR from a cost center into a growth enabler. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:30 - Episode Welcome 02:51 - Barrett’s Journey: From PGA Tour to Green Industry Coaching 04:23 - Why the Green Industry Is Different (And Better) 06:46 - Leaders Are Bringing in HR Much Earlier Now 09:34 - Why “People Operations” Eliminates the Grim Reaper Stigma 12:07 - Ways to Improve Your People Operations 16:29 - Transformational HR Practices 18:04 - Building a Positive Company Culture 23:06 - Defining Your Company’s Unique Value 24:14 - Creating an Inviting Workplace 25:10 - Managing Employee Engagement 27:28 - Promoting from Within 31:28 - The Importance of Stay and Exit Interviews 40:08 - HR Predictions for 2026 43:26 - Please Like, Share, Subscribe to the Grow Show! Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
Show Notes: HR Is a Philosophy, Not Just a Department – I heard the president of SHRM say "HR is not a department, it's a philosophy." Poorly run HR pits employees against the company, where people go to HR when they don't like a policy. That creates tension that's not needed. Well-run people operations creates strategic partnership. Leaders Are Embracing HR Much Earlier Now – We're seeing leaders embrace HR a lot earlier in their business lifecycle. Before, you had to be $15-20 million with over 100 team members for it to make sense. Now we're bringing in HR professionals earlier so they get to build the foundation for a company to grow on versus trying to be an add-on. Rebranding to "People Operations" Eliminates Stigma – At Lifescape I rebranded HR as "People Operations" because of the stigma—if HR is in the room, you did something wrong. There's a joke that I was known as the grim reaper: if Barrett asked you to bring your computer charger, you knew what was happening. Rebranding allowed people to see me in a different light. COVID Shifted HR from Cost Center to Strategic Partner – COVID turned HR on its head. We're now seeing that shift from "this is a cost center" to "this is my strategic partner, this is strategic enablement for me to focus on areas in my business that I know nothing about." Owners themselves can be the biggest HR issue—that's where you need a partner. Onboarding Separates Top Performers from Underperformers – The difference between your top performers and adequate performers and underperformers comes down to: did you set them up for success from day one? It's not just the first day or week—it's the first 30, 60, 90 days where you're continually checking in on expectations. Stay Interviews Matter More Than Exit Interviews – Exit interviews tell you why people left, but stay interviews tell... | |||
| Interview Series: Jarod Hynson on Growing a Landscaping Business | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:48:15 | |
Jarod was an early member of our ACE Peer Group Program and has been a longtime friend. In this episode, him and Marty reminisce on their businesses and where they started, how things changed, and what that journey looked like. They talk about the services they've offered and how that's changed as they've refined their businesses, how their roles have changed over time, and what drove each of those changes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Social Media Accounts for Earth, Turf & Wood Facebook Twitter/X Instagram Pinterest Client Communication Sample for Earth, Turf & Wood
Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro 01:45 - Meet Jarod Hynson 03:57 - The Importance of Family 07:10 - Balancing Business and Family 09:22 - The Evolution of Earth, Turf & Wood 17:27 - Building a New Facility 22:54 - Client Relationships & Sales Process 25:02 - Key Standard Operating Procedures 25:53 - The Importance of Setting Appointments 28:03 - Leadership and Team Processes 29:44 - Safety Meetings & Team Pride 31:36 - Client Communication Strategies 36:08 - Reflecting on Business Mistakes and Growth 37:24 - The Value of Peer Groups and Networking 42:38 - Planning for the Future and Exit Strategies 47:04 - Please Like, Subscribe and Share!
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| Marketing: Organic Social Media Presence | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:19:59 | |
In this episode, Emily Lindley shares three tips for landscaping companies to put a focus on their organic social media presence. She shares tips for planning out content, securing your account, and also ideas for content that will appeal to your clients. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro 00:32 - The Power of Professional Landscaping 02:34 - The Importance of Organic Social Media 05:00 - Consistency in Social Media Posting 08:43 - Securing Your Social Media Accounts 12:44 - Creating Engaging Content 18:35 - Upcoming Events Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
Show Notes:
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| Leadership: 5 Essential Focus Areas for Landscape Business Leaders | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:25:06 | |
The devil is in the details, and smart leaders know that the hardest part of their job tends to be consistency. In this episode, Marty shares 5 things that landscaping company leaders need to be doing or thinking about in order to be successful in their roles. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! The Power of Cleanliness in Landscaping (Youtube Episode) Marty's Tips on Planning Ahead (Youtube Episode) Episode Chapters: 00:30 - The Power of the Family Group Chat 02:12 - The Importance of Generating Business 03:35 - The 5 Things Every Landscaper Should Focus On 04:01 - Breaking Down Efficiency Rating 05:31 - Have Consistency In Your Brand 06:55 - The Social Media Test 10:00 - Cleanliness Standards 10:18 - A Leadership Lesson From Pam Morris 14:12 - Team Member Wellbeing 17:20 - The Rehire Question 19:53 - Playing Favorites and Accountability 20:35 - Leaders, Check Your Ego 21:45 - Know Your Strengths & Weaknesses 23:20 - Recap of the 5 Areas to Focus On Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
Show Notes:
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| Leadership: The Impact of Procrastination on You and Your Business | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:22:04 | |
Procrastination can be a silent killer in your business and in your personal life. In this episode, Marty talks about how procrastination holds people back and the impact of not procrastinating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Episode Intro 01:00 - The Power of Walking 02:20 - Procrastination: The Silent Killer 03:33 - Personal Stories of Overcoming Procrastination 06:11 - Strategies to Beat Procrastination 06:30 - Do You Have a Vision? 11:19 - Organize for Success 17:16 - Reward Yourself 21:02 - Please Share and Subscribe!
Show Notes:
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| Equipment: Planning Your Purchases & Managing Your Fleet | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:28:59 | |
Team Grunder works on multi-year plans so that they can project growth and know what investments are needed now for it to be possible later. In this episode, the team talks about what goes into making equipment purchase decisions. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 02:18 - Introducing Bill Rosell - Grunder Landscaping 02:55 - Managing the Fleet with Aspire 04:06 - Equipment Purchasing & Insights 05:57 - Truck Types and Their Uses 08:07 - Box Trucks for Mowing Crews 08:58 - The Benefits of the Box Truck 10:28 - Land Keeping Trucks 13:27 - Heavy Construction Trucks 15:20 - The Switch to Isuzu Trucks 16:43 - Training and Maintenance Procedures 17:11 - Monday Morning Truck Checks with Aspire 21:17 - Sales Vehicles & Their Importance 22:56 - Mini Skids and Loaders 23:40 - Mower Brands and Outsourcing Repairs 25:02 - Stihl Products at Grunder 25:19 - Final Thoughts on Fleet Management
Show Notes
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| Operations: Handling Materials for Large Projects | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:11:39 | |
When you work on properties and landscape installations as large as the ones in McHale Landscape Design's portfolio, managing materials becomes either a weakness or an opportunity to excel. In this episode, Emily Lindley details what she sees the McHale team doing to find the plants and materials they need and get them where they need to go. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Start 00:35 - Preview of the NALP Field Trip 01:44 - Material handling Insights 02:44 - Centralized Plant Farm Strategy 05:18 - Operations Team as Logistics Managers 07:34 - Direct Delivery of Non-Green Goods 10:04 - Conclusion & Event Details
Show Notes:
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| Operations: How Do You Keep Your Trucks Clean? | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:25:52 | |
Keeping your trucks clean is more than just a to-do list task: it's part of the daily company culture at Grunder Landscaping. In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by members of the Grunder Landscaping production teams who share how they manage to keep things clean, how organization makes their jobs easier, and what goes into keeping everything in order. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Episode Intro 00:30 - Introduction 01:57 - The Importance of Cleanliness in Landscaping 02:26 - Nick: Cleanliness Culture 05:48 - Zack and Brian: Safety and Cleanliness 09:32 - Lorenzo: Consistency in Cleanliness 12:03 - The Importance of Sensory Experience 14:31 - Investing in Clean Facilities 16:16 - Hiring for Healthy Habits 19:30 - Leadership and Leading by Example 22:17 - Final Thoughts
Show Notes Create Daily Micro-Habits – Like Nick's turn signal analogy, build tiny cleaning actions into existing routines (fuel up = wipe down, end of shift = trash out) Invest in Employee Spaces – Quality bathrooms, break rooms, work areas show you value your team and set expectations for how they should treat client spaces Use All Five Senses – Audit your facility for what people see, hear, smell, feel when they walk in. Each sense communicates your standards Implement Monday Inspections – Weekly vehicle safety and cleanliness checks create accountability and prevent small problems from becoming big ones Hire for Culture Fit – Interview questions about organization/cleanliness, then check candidate's personal vehicle to see if actions match words Model the Behavior – Leaders must personally demonstrate the cleanliness standards they expect from others Create Visual Systems – Labels, outlines, designated spots make it easy for anyone to know where things belong, regardless of language or experience Address Issues Immediately – Don't let messes or low standards slide "just this once" - consistent enforcement prevents decay
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| Interview Series - Brian Fullerton on the Landscaping Industry | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:51:00 | |
In this episode, Marty is joined by Brian Fullerton of Brian's Lawn Maintenance. They discuss the landscaping industry as a whole, running a business while raising a family, and the challenges that they've both faced as business owners. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Brian's Shop Tour at Grunder 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:31 - Meet Brian Fullerton 02:31 - Brian’s Early Career and Challenges 05:41 - Changing Careers to Start Brian’s Lawn Maintenance 07:33 - Growth and Success 08:13 - Relatibility and Community Engagement 09:55 - Reflecting on Humble Beginnings 13:45 - Creating Content for Landscapers 22:08 - Lessons Learned: Leadership and Team Building 26:29 - Get Feedback From Your Team 29:46 - The Importance of Company Culture 33:10 - Common Mistakes in Landscaping 37:22 - Operational Efficiency and Morning Routines 39:30 - Takeaways from Visiting Grunder Landscaping 45:42 - Future Goals 49:58 - Please Share and Subscribe! Show Notes
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| Sales: Turning Damages into Opportunities | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:15:00 | |
Lights in the turf, grass running all the way up against a building or fence, low-laying branches, and more. Sometimes the landscape design sets up maintenance crews to fail by making it way too easy to damage properties. In this episode, Marty shares how landscape designers can be mindful of these things when creating plans and how account managers can use these damages as opportunities to sell enhancements. Looking for more work with your existing clients is a great way to drum up more sales! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Intro 01:18 - Appreciation and Team Morale 02:26 - Finding Opportunities in Client Properties 03:04 - Deep Relationships and Client Focus 04:23 - Sales Strategies and Client Engagement 06:23 - Route Density and Business Growth 08:43 - Practical Examples for Your Advantage 14:02 - Please Like & Share This Episode!
Show Notes
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| Interview Series: Dan Hoard, The Voice of the Cincinnati Bengals | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:42:21 | |
In this episode, Marty Grunder interviews Dan Hoard, the voice of the Cincinnati Bengals, on his career as a sportscaster, what it's like finding creativity in tough situations, and what it's like working in the pro-football world. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:25 - Meet Dan Hoard: Voice of the Cincinnati Bengals 03:33 - Marty’s Personal Connection to Sports Broadcasting 04:24 - Balancing Family and Career 07:29 - Organizational Tactics and Time Management 08:11 - The Importance of Preparation 16:38 - Handling Tough Conversations 20:32 - Conducting Yourself Daily to Build Respect 21:49 - The Art of Not Talking Too Much 23:02 - The Importance of Short, Direct Questions 24:51 - Leadership Qualities and Communication 26:43 - Joe Burrow: A Case Study in Leadership 32:14 - The Mental Side of Success 39:18 - Prediction for the Bengals’ Season 40:51 - Please Share & Subscribe! Show Notes
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| GROW Host Interview Series: The Early Days at Grunder Landscaping Co. with Marty Grunder and Emily Lindley | 25 Oct 2025 | 00:51:24 | |
Marty Grunder, founder of Grunder Landscaping Company and the Grow Group, sits down with his daughter Emily Lindley, the Grow Group's Content and Event Manager, to reflect on 30 years of the Grow Conference and the evolution of their $18 million landscaping company. From hosting the first Grow event with just 14 people in 1994 to today's conferences drawing over 1,000 attendees, Marty shares how staying stuck at $4.5 million for 12 years taught him the difference between being comfortable and truly scaling, why he once bought a racehorse with the dining room table money, and how his wife's unwavering support became as important to the business's success as any employee they've ever had. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:30 - Introduction and Episode Overview
Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips Key Learnings Say Yes to Get to $2 Million, Say No to Grow Beyond It – What gets you to a million (adjusted to $2 million today) is saying yes. What gets you beyond that is saying no. I didn't know what the word "no" meant in the early days. We said yes to way more than we should have and didn't have the focus we have today on the right kinds of work. The Basic Foundations Never Change – In many respects, it wasn't a whole lot different in the '90s than what we do today in terms of basic business strategies. I've always known you gotta have your clients happy. I... | |||
| Financial Transparency to Build A Strong, Educated Team with Vince Torchia | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:17:22 | |
In this episode, we dive into why financial transparency isn't just good leadership—it's essential for building a strong, educated team. From using scoreboards and company-wide “State of the Union” meetings to walking through the Penny Exercise, Vince breaks down exactly where every dollar goes in your business. Tune in to learn how sharing the numbers empowers your team and drives smarter decisions across the board. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start
Show Notes
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| Interview Series: Keith Bowman of McHale Landscape Design | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:46:27 | |
In this episode, Marty is joined by Keith Bowman of McHale Landscape Design who shares what the McHale team does to find new clients, build strong client relationships, find and retain team members, install and maintain award-winning properties, and keep their business running as smoothly as possible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:27 - Meet Keith Bowman from McHale Landscaping 01:53 - History & Growth of McHale Landscaping 03:12 - McHale’s Unique Operations and Facilities 05:42 - Customer Service and Competitive Advantage 08:40 - Marketing and Networking Strategies 14:30 - Employee Retention and Career Development 20:12 - Family Dynamics in Business 22:53 - Balancing Family and Business 24:22 - Leveraging Subcontractors for Success 26:52 - Protecting Pricing in Landscape Design 30:50 - Efficient Morning Rollouts 36:04 - Equipment Used & Theft Prevention 41:10 - Award Winning Work & Company Culture 43:37 - Challenges at McHale and Authenticity 44:49 - Conclusion & Field Trip Invitation
Show Notes:
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| Leadership :The Summer Vacation Test with Marty Grunder | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:19:31 | |
Have a vacation planned for this summer? In this episode, Marty Grunder shares how he uses his out-of-office time as an opportunity for new leaders to learn and develop their skills.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 02:02 - The Origin of “The Summer Vacation Test” 04:27 - Strategic Planning & Leadership with Time Off 07:33 - Three Philosophies with Vacation & Workplace Dynamics 08:18 - Don’t Overstate Your Value 08:48 - Would You Want to Work for Yourself? 13:02 - Vacation is a Chance to Sharpen Your Saw 15:18 - Two Things Before You Leave for Vacation 17:57 - Recap & Final Thoughts
Show Notes & Key Takeaways
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| Interview Series: Bret Achtenhagen of Seasonal Services on Growing a Family Business | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:46:04 | |
In this episode, Marty sits down with Seasonal Service's Bret Achtenhagen to talk about his family business, the roundabout way he ended up in the green industry, and how the business evolved over time. They talk about the company's focus on residential work, how they keep the whole team focused on quality work, how they market for more work and more during this episode. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
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| Marketing: Let's Talk Emails with Emily Lindley | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:20:20 | |
Emails to our existing and past clients have been a surprising source of work for us this spring at Grunder Landscaping. This low-effort outreach is working better than we expected it to, and in this episode Emily Lindley shares what we're sending emails on and what we're doing to make them work for us. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start 00:35 - The Importance of Email Marketing 01:18 - The Challenges and Strategies of Email Marketing 03:57 - Marketing Pro: How to Implement 05:26 - Evaluating Email Marketing Success 08:08 - Effective Email Campaigns and Tactics 12:28 - Specific Email Content Examples 19:04 - Conclusion and Upcoming Grow 2026
1. Prioritize Value Over Frequency
2. Strategic Email Selection Based on Business Needs
3. Measurement Strategy
4. Technical Implementation Best Practices
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| Strategic Partnerships and Industry Insights: A Conversation with Phil Harwood | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:30:28 | |
Marty Grunder talks with Phil Harwood from Snow Fighters about leadership lessons from 40 years in landscaping and snow removal. Phil reveals why his previous company made 80% of profits from snow despite it being only 50% of revenue, and shares insights on leading by example and building profitable snow operations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start 00:30 - Introduction and Welcome 01:24 - Meet Phil Harwood: New Strategic Partner 02:56 - Phil’s Personal Background 04:19 - The Importance of Having a ‘Why’ 06:27 - Phil’s Career Journey 09:50 - Funny Stories and Lessons Learned 13:22 - Phil’s Transition to Consulting 15:07 - The Value of External Perspectives 16:27 - Core Leadership Lessons from Phil 17:34 - The Importance of Preparation 19:49 - The Power of Continuous Learning 22:33 - Technological Trends in Snow Removal 26:29 - Phil’s Thoughts on the Future of the Industry 28:09 - Final Thoughts and Advice Show Notes & Key Takeaways
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| Operations: Getting a Branch Up and Running | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:19:44 | |
Marty shares the real story behind opening Grunder Landscaping's first branch location in Cincinnati. From overcoming team resistance and zoning battles to building systems that scale, discover the leadership lessons, market entry strategies, and mindset shifts required to successfully expand your business into new markets. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:31 - Opening a New Branch: Early Challenges 03:11 - Meeting Seth Pflum & The Growth of Grunder Landscaping 04:30 - The New Cincinnati Branch: Opportunities and Challenges 06:30 - Remodeling the New Facility 08:53 - Operational Strategies and Team Growth 12:42 - Using Your Mission Statement for Growth 16:16 - The Challenge to Grow 18:46 - Please Like, Share and Subscribe! Strategic Planning & Vision
Leadership & Team Development
Operational Excellence
Market Entry Strategy
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| Interview Series: Jason Cromley on a 90-Day Follow Up from GROW 2025 | 28 May 2025 | 00:40:07 | |
In this episode, Marty sits down with GROW 2025 tour host Jason Cromley to discuss what they both learned from the event, what the Hidden Creek team has been up to since February, and how they expect the year to go for their companies and the industry. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:32 Random Acts of Kindness 01:51 Interview with Jason Cromley 02:30 Reflections on Hosting Grow 09:23 Sales and Growth Updates 14:52 Operations and Hiring Challenges 18:15 Feedback and Future Plans 20:37 Sales Challenges and Solutions 21:46 Operational Insights and Peer Feedback 26:51 Personal Focus and Family Priorities 28:14 Future Goals and Team Dynamics 30:35 Takeaways and Final Thoughts 38:24 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
Show Notes: Focus on improving efficiency rather than increasing headcount. Jason Cromley's company aims to boost revenue by $6 million without hiring additional staff. This underscores the importance of optimizing current resources and processes to achieve growth. Utilize CRM and data analytics to drive sales and improve pipelines. Jason mentions that relying on data rather than emotions helps better understand sales figures and probabilities. This approach enables targeted efforts to close deals and meet financial goals more effectively. Ensuring every team member is in the right role and performing efficiently is crucial. Jason aspires to have a team where each person understands their responsibilities and has the capacity to perform them well. This leads to a more productive and motivated workforce. Building and maintaining trust with customers is essential. Prompt communication and reliability in service help foster strong client relationships. Jason emphasizes the importance of not giving customers a reason to doubt your business, which in turn secures repeat business and new referrals. Strategic planning and forecasting are vital for sustainable growth. Jason highlights the importance of looking ahead and planning for future growth, ensuring that the business can handle increases in workload and demand. This long-term vision helps in setting realistic goals and preparing the team and resources accordingly.
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of... | |||
| Ask Marty Anything! - With Marty Grunder & Emily Lindley of The Grow Group | 21 May 2025 | 00:55:03 | |
Our listeners sent in their top questions, and we're asking Marty during this week's episode of The Grow Show!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:05 - Book Recommendation: Winning with Accountability 02:15 - Ask Marty: Finding and Keeping Good People 05:59 - Career Paths & Opportunities for Growth 12:03 - Addressing Family Members in the Workplace 18:23 - H-2B Program Insights 23:04 - Sharing Metrics With Your Team 29:35 - Probing Questions for One-on-One Meetings 31:25 - Buy or Lease: Truck & Equipment Acquisition Strategies 34:53 - Boosting Team Productivity 43:16 - Deer & Rabbit Control Challenges 46:07 - Effective Marketing Strategies 51:45 - Vertical Integration Methods and Subcontracting 54:03 - Final Thoughts
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||
| Interview Series: Vince Torchia on Focusing on What We Can Control | 14 May 2025 | 00:24:55 | |
In this session, Marty and Vince discuss the three things Vince is thinking about and working with our ACE Peer Group Members in 2025. They also cover trends that they're seeing in the market, in companies around the country, and what companies should be paying attention to this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:41 - Meet Vince Torchia & His Role at Grunder and the Grow Group 03:42 - Legal Concerns for Landscaping Companies 12:46 - ACE Companies and Revenue Benchmarks 14:05 - Focus on Maintenance and Stability 15:25 - Economic Anomalies and Workforce Issues 18:23 - Training and Development Trends 22:18 - Future Plans & An Exciting Announcement
- Vince reflects on his 15-year journey at Grunder Landscaping, from intern to partner, highlighting the strong partnership and growth they've achieved. - Vince outlines his responsibilities at both Grunder Landscaping and the Grow Group, emphasizing his role in strategic operations and peer group management. - The importance of training for leadership and legal compliance in landscaping companies is stressed, with a focus on harassment policies and documentation. - Vince discusses the necessity of clear BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies to manage work-related communications and data on personal devices. - Contracts should be regularly reviewed for clear entry and exit terms to avoid legal and operational issues. - Vince shares his perspective on the economy, advising businesses to focus on controllable elements and remain pragmatic about external economic factors. - Significant insights from ACE group meetings indicate that sales growth is slowing, but companies are still expanding, and there's renewed focus on maintenance services for stability. - Marty and Vince discuss the challenges of high interest rates, low unemployment, and difficulty in finding workers, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt and train internally. - Finally, Vince talks about the upcoming events for the Grow Group and the exciting partnership with Snow Fighters to provide training and education for snow removal professionals.
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Gro... | |||
| Facility Design Takeaways with Emily Lindley | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:14:09 | |
In this episode, Emily Lindley talks about what she's seen from facilities as she's toured landscaping companies and previews what our GROW! 2026 attendees will see and takeaway from our tour of Complete Landsculpture. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro 00:44 - Exploring Various Facilities 02:10 - Complete Landsculpture Tour 03:06 - Adapting Spaces for Growth 04:49 - Innovate Facility Ideas 07:31 - Evolving Workspaces 09:51 - Career Path Signage 12:25 - Final Thoughts & Grow 2026! Resources: Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
Show Notes: Make Your Space Work for You – Complete Landsculpture built their facility in 2008 doing $8 million in revenue and now does $24.6 million out of the same space. They built with foresight into where they wanted the business to go, stayed flexible, and changed layouts to accommodate growth without adding new buildings. Design Around Your Business Model – Both Complete Landsculpture and Hidden Creek have design showrooms where clients come to them to see sample materials, past project photos, and make final selections. This eliminates pain points of bringing trunk-loads of samples to client sites or needing multiple meetings when clients don't like initial options. There's No Right or Wrong Way – Emily has seen fancy offices and bare bones ones focused purely on operations and efficiency. All the companies are successful - it's about knowing who you are as a business and making a decision that fits your brand and approach. Use Vertical Space – Complete converted a disorganized storage loft into open-air collaborative workspaces by... | |||
| Leadership: Training the Trainer & Empowering Your Team | 07 May 2025 | 00:14:43 | |
We trust members of our team in leadership roles to share information and coach the team that reports to them to do their best work, but are we investing in their education too? In this episode, Marty Grunder shares what they do at Grunder Landscaping Co. to coach new leaders and support them as they teach their own teams their skills. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 00:40 - The Importance of Training 01:41 - Vision, Mission, and Core Values 02:44 - Non-Negotiables & Training Framework 03:51 - Why We Train 05:16 - How We Train 06:51 - Steps to Effective Training 10:20 - The Power of Praise 13:51 - Please Share & Subscribe!
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| Leadership: Running Meetings that Actually Work | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:12:22 | |
Nobody likes bad meetings — they waste time, drain energy, and rarely get results. In this episode, we’re breaking down the 5 must-haves for running meetings that actually work. From setting a clear purpose to leaving with real action items, we’ll give you a simple framework to tighten up every meeting on your calendar. If your meetings are lacking this Spring; this episode is for you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start 01:01 - Defining the Purpose of Meetings 02:00 - Setting the Agenda 03:27 - Assigning Roles and Responsibilities 05:13 - Types of Meetings and Their Goals 07:00 - Maintain Your Meeting Commitments 09:40 - Weekly & Monthly Meeting Structures 11:30 - Final Thoughts Clear Meeting Purpose: Always define the purpose of each meeting to prevent unnecessary gatherings Agenda Preparation: Create and share a detailed agenda in advance to ensure participants come prepared. Defined Roles: Assign roles such as timekeeper, note-taker, and facilitator to ensure smooth meeting flow. Types of Meetings: Distinguish between decision-making, working, and informational meetings to maintain focus and clarity. Honor Commitments: Keep meeting schedules and commitments to build trust within the team even during peak seasons. Essential Meetings: Schedule regular weekly meetings for operations, sales, and finance/admin, along with monthly and quarterly reviews. One-on-One Sessions: Conduct weekly one-on-ones to address individual progress and foster personal connections. Final Thought: Structured and respected meetings build momentum and improve organizational efficiency.
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||
| Leadership: Essential Spring Focus Areas for Your Landscaping Business | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:19:00 | |
The seasonality of our businesses is real. In this episode, Marty outlines ways that landscape pros can keep their sanity and optimize their productivity in the busy spring and summer months. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:45 - Annual Theme for Grunder Landscaping: FOCUS 02:44 - Key Focus Areas for Success This Spring 03:34 - Sales Strategies & Client Management 06:58 - Getting Work Done Efficiently 09:06 - Take Care of Your Team 11:36 - What NOT to Focus On 18:03 - Please Subscribe!
Episode 99 Sales: Marty's Tips for Spring Sales - Prospect, Nurture, & Close! Episode 102 - Leadership: Managing Stress - "Find the Blue Skies"
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||
| Interview Series: Mark Tipton and Whitney Griffin On Streamlining Operations | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:49:36 | |
In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder is joined by Mark Tipton, Founder & CEO of Aspire and Whitney Griffin to talk about the early days of starting the company, how the software has evolved, and what lessons the team has learned along the way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:29 - Meet Mark Tipton: The Journey of Aspire 10:02 - Mark’s Personal Life and Family 11:13 - Introducing Whitney Griffin 12:13 - Whitney’s Career Path and Challenges 16:32 - Aspire’s Focus on Construction 21:50 - User Feedback and Development 25:05 - Aspire’s Vendor Management Feature 26:47 - Flexibility in Estimating and Purchasing within Aspire 26:57 - Final Thoughts 27:59 - Implementing Aspire: Challenges and Benefits 30:46 - Aspire’s Item Substitution Feature 32:09 - Final Reflections and Advice 34:07 - New Features and Future Roadmap for Aspire 40:33 - Best Practices for Using Aspire 45:60 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community. The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business. Resources: | |||