CONFESSIONS OF THE CRAFT

What does it take to bring a golf course back to its original vision?  Chris Reverie of Deerwood Country Club joins us to discuss course restoration, staffing challenges, emerging technology, and why great teams are the foundation of every successful operation. Listen now to hear his perspective on the evolving role of today's golf course superintendent. Create a SiteOne.com account today to...

Create your own luck. In this episode, Lindsay Ross shares his journey from launching Living Green Landscaping in 2017 to becoming the incoming President of Landscape Ontario. Hear his insights on leadership, peer networks, and building a business that thrives through professionalism and consistency, including the unique team model that allows crews to finish early and still get paid. Create a Sit...

Confessions of the Craft host Jonathan Mills sits down with Willie Rodriguez, founder of A’s Ornamental Nursery and the Plant Movement podcast. Willie shares his journey from running a growing nursery operation to creating solutions that help growers, landscapers, and garden centers succeed through innovation, accountability, and strong industry relationships. Create a SiteOne.com account today to...

Antonio Angelini started with summer landscaping jobs. Now he's tackling site work, excavation, demolition and hydroseeding. Tune in to hear his discussion with Confessions host Shawn about taking risks, embracing technology, finding great employees and learning from mistakes along the way. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start growing your business: https://www.siteone.com/online YouTu...

World Golf Hall of Famer Jan Stephenson joins Steve Hritsko on Confessions of the Craft to discuss how technology and course management have transformed golf. She highlights the vital role of superintendents, improving conditions worldwide, efforts to create more equitable tee options for women, and her upcoming autobiography. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start growing your business: http...

A flickering lightbulb moment led Danielle Gomes from healthcare to landscape design. She joins host Shawn Sandink to discuss her business journey, design philosophy, contractor partnerships and why human creativity still matters in a tech-driven world. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start growing your business: https://www.siteone.com/online YouTube: https://bit.ly/3wGaeJ6 Facebook: https:...

In the latest episode of Confessions of the Craft, Kim Levell shares her journey from luxury exterior design to natural home building, discussing holistic landscapes, healthy homes, sustainable practices, and the future of Florida-inspired design. Tune in for insights on creating beautiful, functional spaces that support both people and the environment. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start...

What happens when the push for “all-natural” lawns goes too far? Seth Szobodi from Earthway Products shares why the growing trend of avoiding chemicals and mowing can quickly turn into a weed takeover. Seth also opens up about key lessons from building a business, including the cost of underpricing early on and why expanding product offerings sooner could help your growth. Create a SiteOne.com acc...

Host Max McGee catches up with Andy Jorgensen, Director of Community Maintenance Operations at On Top of the World Communities in Ocala, FL at GCSAA. This episode covers everything from record‑cold Florida weather to why face‑to‑face relationships still matter in a tech‑driven industry. Andy shares his perspective on the rise of robotic mowers, how to adapt new technology without losing craftsmans...

In this episode, we sit down with Sean of Rugged Earth Landscaping and Wild Landscape Lighting, a former supply teacher turned owner of an award‑winning, full‑service landscape firm in Muskoka and President of Landscape Ontario’s Muskoka North chapter. Sean shares how his teaching background shaped his communication style, team leadership, and client relationships, and why people‑first leadership...

In this episode of Confessions of the Craft, host Matt McNulty chats with James of JB Landscape & Irrigation, a Groveland, FL contractor specializing in irrigation, including temporary irrigation for roadside and new construction projects. From leveraging battery and solar‑powered systems, to a detail‑driven work philosophy, to keeping crews motivated in Florida heat, James shares how niche ex...

In this episode of Confessions of the Craft, Tony Groves of Michigan shares how he’s built a niche business creating custom food plots for white‑tailed deer. Blending his passion for hunting with habitat management expertise, Tony discusses nutrition, equipment investments, mentorship, and the challenges of understanding deer behavior. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start growing your busin...

From hand-dug irrigation ditches to leading a commercial installation business, Jeremiah Felix’s story is built on grit and adaptability. In this episode, the 20-year industry veteran shares how necessity pushed him to start his own company, why training from the ground up matters, and how family has become part of the business. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start growing your business: ht...

At the 2025 Golf Industry Show in San Diego, Max McGee from SiteOne Landscape Supply sat down with Corrin Clark to talk about life behind the scenes of the golf course superintendent role. Corrin shares what it’s really like balancing family life, careers, and the demands of the job, while shedding light on common misconceptions about what superintendents do every day. Create a SiteOne.com account...

In this episode of Confessions of the Craft, Shawn Brawn from Shade Tree Farm shares how his family’s three generation 350‑acre Central Florida tree farm has transformed through smarter growing practices, strategic pricing, and a commitment to planting even during the toughest years. He talks with host  Matt McNulty about surviving the 2008–2015 downturn, choosing tree varieties that grow faster,...

Host Shawn Sandink sat down with Logan Marks, owner of Mid America Landscape, who went from mowing lawns at 16 to running a full‑service landscaping company in Cincinnati. In this episode, he shares his biggest challenges, lessons learned from a mower sliding off a hill into a neighbor's yard, and how a Make‑A‑Wish project became one of his proudest moments. Create a SiteOne.com account today...

Micah Wise sits down with Tim Matty from Treetops Resort in Michigan at GCSAA. Tim shares how strategic tree removal at Treetops has uncovered original architectural features, improved turf health, and elevated the guest experience. He also discusses mentorship, team culture, and how autonomous mowing and battery-powered equipment are shaping the modern maintenance operation. Create a SiteOne.com...

In this episode, we talk with Matthew Johannes of Precision Lawn Care and Landscaping about how he and his brother collaborate on and manage a growing business in Quincy, Illinois. He shares what drives his passion for construction, the importance of ongoing training, and how a jobsite mishap became a valuable learning moment. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start growing your business: http...

In this episode, Confessions of the Craft host Shawn Sandink speaks with Kevin Battistoni from Hunter Industries on how he started in the industry and eventually became a well-known spokesperson, the importance and power of learning and growing, irrigation industry insights, and more.  Create a SiteOne.com account today to start growing your business: https://www.siteone.com/online YouTube: https:...

Host Shawn Sandink chats with Sara Bendrick of Sarita Landscapes. She turned an education in landscape architecture into a career in contracting and media, then pivoted into owning her own business after spotting different opportunities. Hear her experience as a well-known woman in the green industry, her biggest lessons and her worst ‘do-over’ moment on our latest episode. Create a SiteOne.com ac...

SiteOne associate Micah Wise chats with Nick Kray, superintendent at Elmcrest Country Club, about his career journey, tackling labor and weather challenges, embracing new technology, and mentoring his team. Nick also shares recent course upgrades and clears up common misconceptions about the superintendent role and the dedication behind great golf course management. Create a SiteOne.com account to...

In this episode of Confessions of the Craft, we interview a company with a powerful dual mission: providing employment opportunities for those in recovery and re-entry, while driving growth through word-of-mouth. Plus, learn about their inspiring housing project that helps kids aging out of foster care secure vouchers to secure their first apartment. Listen in to hear the details of their mission....

In this episode of Confessions of the Craft, we sit down with Joe, the owner of Shady Landscaping and Griswold Illumination in Nashville. Joe shares his journey from high school landscaping gigs to running two thriving businesses. Discover why focusing on your core strengths, managing time wisely, and building strong industry relationships are key to success. Plus, learn how Griswold Illumination...

Join Max McGee from SiteOne and Landon Clark, superintendent at Kensington Golf & Country Club, as they discuss turf management, labor challenges, and tech tools like moisture meters at the 2025 Golf Industry Show. Learn how Lanny tackles renovations, green speed expectations and environmental stewardship in this episode of Confessions of the Craft. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start...

In this episode of Confessions of the Craft, host Shawn Sandink sits down with David Hernandez of B. Hernandez Landscape. Hear how David honors his family legacy while navigating the transition to hardscaping, overcoming business challenges, and setting ambitious goals for the future. Create a SiteOne.com account today to start growing your business: https://www.siteone.com/online YouTube: https:/...