The Beer Garden

Welcome back to The Beer Garden, the only podcast where landscaping pros talk KPIs over IPAs. This week, we’re turning data into dollars with a deep dive into Production KPIs, the numbers that show you where you’re winning, where you’re bleeding, and what success actually looks like on the jobsite. Whether you’re running the company, managing crews, or out in the field, this one’s for you. Because...

This week, we’re talking about one of the biggest game-changers for growing businesses: outsourcing your customer service. If you’ve ever wondered how to get yourself out of the phone-and-email whirlwind without sacrificing customer satisfaction, this episode is for you. Whether you’re curious about virtual reps, tired of being the complaint department, or ready to reclaim your day — we break down...

🎙️ Episode Description: Let’s face it, great workmanship alone won’t win you lifelong customers anymore. In this episode of The Beer Garden, Jason and Brandon crack open a couple of cold ones and dive deep into the art (and science) of creating an exceptional customer experience. From Disney’s trash can placements to crafting a landscaping version of a blockbuster movie plot, this episode is all a...

Most of us have been guilty of it—handing a new hire a shovel and saying, “Follow this guy.” That might get the job done (barely), but it won’t build a high-performing team. In this episode of The Beer Garden, we dive deep into how to build a real-deal training program that actually develops your people—and your business. We’re breaking down how to create a scalable, repeatable system that trains...

If your idea of a financial system is just “hoping there’s money left after payroll,” this one’s for you. In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re joined by Michelle Ennis, Chartered Accountant, co-founder of Landscapers By Nature, and Head of Finance at Hypha Dynamics, to talk about transforming your company’s financials from a black box into a leadership tool. Michelle shares how she went from...

Ever feel like your crews spend more time in traffic than on turf? Then this episode is for you. In this week’s episode of The Beer Garden, we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked levers of profitability in landscaping and snow: route density. That’s right, how close your job sites are to one another can make or break your bottom line. We’ll crack open a cold one and dive into: Why route de...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re tackling one of the most chaotic (and costly) problems in many landscape and snow companies: inconsistent, unstructured pay. If your crew members are randomly asking for raises… if your hiring conversations feel like a poker game… or if payroll feels more like a monthly gamble than a strategy—this episode is for you. We break down exactly how to build and...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re digging into one of the most misunderstood—but most impactful—tools in your estimating arsenal: production rates. Whether you're still eyeballing bids or operating off tiered pricing, understanding production rates can help you price more consistently, boost profitability, and simplify performance conversations with your team. What we cover: What are produ...

Still sending quotes into the void and hoping for the best? It might be time to stop bidding and start building value. In this episode of The Beer Garden, we're doing a deep dive into how to improve your close rate for landscape maintenance contracts—without lowering prices, adding services, or spending more time on-site. Just smart strategy and better presentation. We share a real-life example of...

If your “CRM” is a stack of sticky notes, a chaotic spreadsheet, or just whatever’s rattling around in your brain, this episode is for you. In this Beer Garden listicle episode, we’re diving into the top 10 things you should look for when picking a CRM for your landscape or snow removal business. Whether you’re making your first leap into software or realizing your current platform is more headach...

It’s a new year, and you’re probably thinking about how to grow your business. But before you throw all your budget at Facebook ads or slap another sign on your truck, it’s time for a little strategy. In this episode of The Beer Garden, Jason introduces a concept he created called the Revenue Growth Pyramid—a smarter framework for growing your landscape or snow removal business. This episode is al...

The landscaping industry’s labor shortage isn’t getting any better, and let’s be honest—throwing a “Help Wanted” magnet on your truck isn’t going to cut it anymore. In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re digging into strategies for hiring in a competitive market—because let’s face it, you can’t scale your business without the right people. Whether you’re a seasoned hiring pro or just desperate...

Welcome back to The Beer Garden! After a well-earned holiday break (and maybe one too many seasonal beers), we’re kicking off 2025 with our Annual State of the Industry episode. We’re diving into Lawn & Landscape Magazine’s industry report to see what’s sprouting, what’s wilting, and what’s straight-up getting overrun by weeds this year. What’s Inside: 🍻 Industry Confidence – Are contractors...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re breaking down the process of building an effective sales plan for your landscaping or snow removal business. Whether you’re aiming for steady growth or gearing up for your best year yet, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you plan, track, and achieve your sales goals with confidence. What’s Inside: Segment 1: Setting a Realistic End Targ...

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore how to implement a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to streamline equipment maintenance and improve operational efficiency in your landscaping or snow removal business. What’s Inside: We’ll walk through a 5-step process to successfully implement a CMMS: Assign a Software Owner: Designate a single individual to oversee the impl...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re diving into a topic that can transform how you run your landscaping or snow removal business: the importance of standardizing your equipment. From deciding when to buy, rent, or lease to choosing the right tools and streamlining operations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. What’s I...

In this short Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we dive into a powerful strategic planning tool for owners and operators of landscape/snow businesses: the organizational chart. We’ll walk through how you can leverage an org chart not only to understand your current structure, but also to project and plan for future growth. What You’ll Learn: Build Your Current Org Chart: Begin by mapping out all...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re diving into the art and science of scaling your landscaping business. Whether you’re aiming for your first $1M in revenue, breaking through the $3M mark, or pushing beyond, this episode offers practical insights and strategies to help you grow smartly and sustainably. What’s Inside: The Root of the Problem Why scaling requires you to evolve your mindset an...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we explore the steps to successfully transition the estimating and sales role from the owner to others in the organization. This critical process can free up your time to focus on strategic growth and team leadership while empowering your team to take on more responsibility. Here’s what we cover: Why Owners Struggle to Let Go of Estimating and Sales Common conce...

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore why contractors should shift their focus from lowering prices to increasing the value they provide to their customers. Competing on price alone can be a race to the bottom, but by focusing on value, you can win the right clients, build a strong reputation, and grow your business sustainably. Here’s what we cover: Key Topics: Understanding Your...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we explore the critical role of a company vision in driving business success, particularly for landscapers and snow removal professionals. A clear and compelling vision isn’t just a lofty idea—it’s a practical tool that guides decision-making, inspires teams, and sets your business apart. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this epis...

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore creative ways to capitalize on the holiday season to boost your landscape or snow removal business. The holidays aren’t just for retail—they’re a golden opportunity for service-based businesses too. We’ll cover: Segment 1: Leverage Holiday Sales •Take advantage of Black Friday and holiday deals on electronics, tools, and software to gear up fo...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we tackle one of the most significant shifts in a professional's career: moving from an in-field employee to a management role. This transition requires more than a change in title—it demands a transformation in mindset, skills, and priorities. Whether you’ve just been promoted or are preparing for this leap, this episode offers practical advice and insights to...

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we dive into the shift from residential to commercial and homeowners association (HOA) customers—a move that can elevate your business but requires a strategic approach. Whether you're thinking about expanding your client base or have already started the transition, this episode provides practical advice and insights to guide you through the process. We cover: U...

In this special episode of The Beer Garden, we’re joined by our very first guest, Benji Carlson—a powerhouse in the world of contracting. Benji built a successful College Pro Painters franchise, where he gained recognition for managing the network’s most productive team. He then went on to help over 1,500 contractors across North America as the Assessment Specialist & Content Lead at Breakthro...