The LeanScaper Podcast

Morgan Tate, an M&A advisor at Breakwater M&A specializing in blue-collar exits, dives into the booming landscaping sector as private equity positions itself for opportunity. He discusses how AI's rise is reshaping investor interests, moving focus to tangible businesses. Tate sheds light on maximizing sale prices and demystifies common pitfalls in business valuation. He emphasizes the importance of operational systems, predictability in cash flow, and a strong client base to boost saleability. Essential insights for landscapers thinking about their future!

What happens when you hire a software programmer, not a landscaper, to help run one of the biggest jobs of your career? In this live talk turned podcast episode, Mike Lysecki reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how systems, transparency, and accountability became the backbone of TBG’s success and eventually the foundation for LMN and LeanScaper. From a $5M residential project that ballooned into $12M, to a job interview where Mark opened his QuickBooks and doubled Mike’s salary on the spot, this conversation lays out the real playbook landscapers need to scale smarter. ✅ Why you might want to hire an operator instead of another landscaper ✅ How a $12M project exposed the need for systems ✅ The surprising power of financial transparency in leadership ✅ The first version of the Lean Playbook—and why it still works today ✅ Lessons from 20 years of cutting waste, building teams, and scaling businesses This isn’t theory. It’s the operating system that transformed a company, and can transform yours. 

You don’t run a profitable landscaping business by accident. In this episode, Benji sits down with Robert Gauvreau - CPA, author of The Wealthy Entrepreneur, and founder of Gauvreau Accounting, Tax, Law, Advisory - to expose the eight most common financial mistakes contractors make and how to avoid them. Robert’s firm has worked with over 4,000 businesses across North America, including 700+ contractors, giving him a unique, behind-the-scenes look at what drives sustainable profitability in landscaping. Expect to learn: • Why financial literacy is still taboo in the trades and how to get over it • The biggest “cash flow killers” and how to fix them fast • Why underpricing is not a math problem, but a mindset problem • The truth about taxes and why “I bought it with cash” is just bad business • How to build a simple financial scoreboard to make better decisions Whether you’re just getting your books in order or gearing up for serious growth, this episode will show you how to become the CFO your business needs. Because doing great work is only half the battle. The other half? Knowing your numbers. 🔗 Connect with Robert: https://www.gauvreaucpa.ca/ 📥 Need help? DM us or visit leanscaper.com 

Discover how an effective people plan can save your team from chaos. Benji Carlson shares insights from a challenging year in leadership, highlighting the importance of clear communication and trust. Learn about the common pitfalls contractors face and how to break the blame cycle within teams. Hear real-world reflections from business owners and practical strategies to empower your employees and enhance accountability. Tune in for actionable takeaways that can transform your organization!

In this powerful episode, Benji sits down with Jon DeWaal, Executive Director of Liminal Space, to unpack burnout from the inside out - what it feels like, why it happens, and how entrepreneurs can break free from the grind that’s stealing their energy and purpose. Expect to learn: • What “functional burnout” feels like and how it traps leaders in a life they can’t escape • How burnout hijacks your presence, leadership, and decision-making • Easy-to-spot signs you’re burning out (and what to do about it) • 5 practical strategies to get back your energy and lead with purpose • Why owning your limits can actually build trust and performance in your team This episode cuts to the heart of a common but unspoken problem: the cost of grinding nonstop without pause. Jon gives you the tools to self-diagnose burnout and reframe it not as a failure, but as a signal that it’s time to lead differently. If you’re running low on energy but can’t slow down - this one’s for you. Connect with Jon Learn more at inaliminalspace.org Email: jon@inaliminalspace.org

Justin White, CEO of K&D Landscaping, shares his inspiring journey of turning around a struggling family business. He emphasizes the power of a championship mindset, the necessity of long-term vision, and the value of setting ambitious goals. Discover how 'sweat equity' and resilience set successful leaders apart, along with insights on how private equity is reshaping the landscaping industry. With actionable advice and a focus on discipline, Justin motivates listeners to embrace challenges and take massive action.

In a dynamic discussion, Tom Reber, a Marine Corps veteran and business coach, emphasizes that mindset often trumps tactics for success. He reveals that fear is the biggest barrier to growth and shares techniques to overcome self-doubt. Discover daily habits used by top contractors, the importance of proactive leadership in tough conversations, and how to create a supportive work environment. Tom introduces his T-BAR mindset framework to help reset thinking. Tune in for insights that challenge you to take control of your personal and professional journey!

On Thursday July 24th, LeanScaper’s Founder Mark Bradley unveiled LeanScaper.ai, the first and only AI platform built for landscapers and their teams. Lana, the chat agent inside LeanScaper.AI, which you’ll see demonstrated in this video is available to you now for free. Just click here to create an account in less than one minute. In this groundbreaking keynote from the Lawn and Landscape Technology Conference, Mark shares the deeply personal story behind Lana’s creation, a mission sparked by his son’s decision to join the landscaping industry and a determination to help the next generation avoid the burnout and chaos Mark once faced. More than just tech, Lana represents a new era of leadership, efficiency, and empowerment for landscape business owners. If you’re tired of the grind, overwhelmed by inefficiencies, and ready to unlock real growth, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how LeanScaper.AI is built to eliminate waste, scale smarter, and give landscapers the tools and the freedom they’ve been missing.

In this engaging discussion, Ryan Groth, CEO of Sales Transformation Group, dives into the future of sales in the contracting industry. He emphasizes that the era of order-taking is over and highlights the importance of a strong sales culture. Ryan shares insights on building high-performance sales teams, mastering CRM systems, and the need for proactive leadership. He cautions against complacency in an AI-driven world and discusses the importance of transforming sales roles to ensure accountability and success amidst evolving market dynamics.

SEO isn’t what it used to be and if your marketing agency is still chasing backlinks and blog posts, you’re falling behind. In this episode, Benji talks with Devon Hayes, co-founder of Elevation Marketing, about how AI and large language models have transformed search and what landscaping business owners must do to stay visible and competitive. You’ll learn: • Why your brand is now the biggest factor in Google rankings • What “entity SEO” means and how it’s already impacting your business • How to audit your online presence with a Pre-SEO Checklist • Why reviews, SOPs, and internal ops matter more than you think If you’re paying an agency to “do SEO,” this is your wake-up call. Get aligned, get visible, and get modern. Get the SEO Readiness Checklist hereConnect with Devon here