Hardscape Growth

Rob Green, owner of StoneCraft Designs shares his journey of growing his hardscaping business from a shovel to $5 million in revenue in just 12 months.! He started the business with a simple website and a $200 Facebook ad, landing his first job without even owning a shovel. Rob tells us the importance of commitment to quality and customer education, which led to referrals and more opportunities. Even when facing challenges and losses, Rob's focus on the luxury market and leveraging his existing network helped him turn the business around. He also tells us why mentorship matters to him. In this conversation, Rob Green shares his journey in the hardscaping industry and the strategies he used to build a successful business. Rob shares insights on analyzing numbers, managing inventory, and building a strong brand. Takeaways Commitment to quality and customer education can set a business apart and lead to referrals and more opportunities. Challenges and losses are part of the journey, but they can be turned into positive learning experiences. Starting small and taking calculated risks can lead to significant growth in a short period of time. 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 Jonathan and Dan, co-founders of Creative by Nature. The conversation discusses various topics related to hardscape business growth and optimization. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and involving clients in the design process. They also discuss the relevance of understanding access, setbacks, and drainage in projects. The conversation highlights the role of support managers in bridging the gap between design and construction. Additionally, they discuss the significance of collaboration, culture, and processes in building a successful team and brand in a saturated market. The conversation covers various topics related to building a successful landscaping business, including the importance of building a strong team and brand, the value of storytelling and branding, the significance of design and personal experience, overcoming challenges and building relationships, the power of pivoting and collaboration, asking for help and networking, and embracing abundance and opportunities. Takeaways Building a strong team and showcasing their work can set your landscaping business apart from the competition. Branding and storytelling are essential for creating a unique identity and connecting with customers. Collaboration, networking, and asking for help can lead to new opportunities and growth. This episode was a live recording at our Hardscaper Summit in King of Prussia, PA.

Justin Tal, owner of Creative Design and Maintenance, shares his journey from a maintenance company to a successful hardscaping business. He emphasizes the importance of communication with clients and implementing digital systems for project management. Justin discusses the significance of creating checklists and processes for efficient operations and scaling the business. He also highlights the role of financing in growing the business and the importance of a solid brand, website, and sales process. Justin concludes by emphasizing the value of targeting the right customers and analyzing marketing channels. Implement digital systems for communication and project management to improve efficiency and client satisfaction. Create checklists and processes to ensure consistency and streamline operations. Consider offering financing options to increase sales and attract more clients. Educate clients on the installation process and project costs to manage expectations and build trust. Target the right customers and analyze marketing channels to maximize the effectiveness of your advertising efforts.

In this episode, Alex and Lee discuss the impact of showcase events on business growth and the importance of bringing the team to these events. They also highlight the benefits of networking and the value of lighting in hardscape projects. Lee shares success stories and tips for selling lighting, emphasizing the importance of designs and visualizing the effects. They introduce Bold Lighting, a new brand that offers innovative lighting solutions with features like smart transformers and versatile zoning capabilities. Lee emphasizes Bold Pros' commitment to high-quality products and innovative solutions. He invites listeners to attend the Hardscape Show to see their new products firsthand. Showcase events provide valuable education, networking, and resources for contractors to grow their businesses. Networking with industry professionals and learning about new products and techniques is essential for business growth. Lighting is a crucial element in hardscape projects, creating ambiance, safety, and highlighting key features. Bold Lighting offers innovative lighting solutions with features like smart transformers and versatile zoning capabilities. Consider voltage drop when running multiple connections on a line. 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 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_