Growing In The Green Industry

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Ashly Neneman, General Manager of Sun Valley Landscaping in Omaha, NE. Discussion topics include Ashly’s career path (including a move from another industry), lessons learned in her role as general manager, the importance of strong and continuous employee development, and correlating meaningful, purpose-driven work while making a profit....

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Mick Mulhall, president of Mulhall’s, an Omaha, Nebraska-based family of green industry businesses. Mick shares a brief history of the business and thoughts around finding his place and passion, as well as the organization’s continued focus on plentiful and meaningful community engagement. The group also discusses the importance of focus...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Andrew Bray, Vice President of Government Relations at NALP. During this engaging episode, Andrew reviews NALP’s legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state level, including the process through which NALP navigated and supported the industry’s COVID-19 response.  Andrew also offers insight regarding the new admin...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Andrew Ziehler, owner and CEO of Ziehler Lawn and Tree Care located in Centerville, Ohio. Andrew, the immediate Past-President of the NALP Board of Directors, discusses his unique year of leading the association, including navigating the pandemic, and touches on company growth and evolution, the customer experience, and the benefits of v...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Leigh McGonagle, owner of Poplar Point Studio, a small boutique fine gardening company in upstate NY.  Discussion topics include: the importance and impact of professional mentoring relationships, creating a niche business and the definition of success, and how recognizing and learning from your mistakes helps drive growth. This epi...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Matt Gramer, president of NatureWorks Landscape Services, a high-end residential landscape firm serving suburban Boston. An early adopter of autonomous mowers, Matt provides an overview of his organization’s robotic mower rollout, modifications made to their sales process and customer service experience, and details the benefits and chal...

On this last day of 2020, our hosts reflect on the past year, talk resolutions and goals for the new year, and share what they are most looking forward to in 2021. A big thank you to our listeners! We’re grateful for your support and excited about continuing this journey together in the new year. We'll be back next week with a brand-new episode. Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays from the Growing in the Green Podcast! Whether you’re continuing long-standing traditions or creating new ones (because….you know…2020), we hope you can enjoy some time with those you love this holiday season.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Kirk Armstrong from Armstrong Sales Coaching.  Kirk provides an overview of the concierge selling method, discusses the importance of clear communication and expectations, and encourages those in a sales capacity, or with aspirations to be in a sales role, to blaze their own trail. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Part...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include Software.  You may recognize Miles as one of our hosts; today he removes that hat and joins us as guest.  Discussion topics include defining KPI, reviewing categories and types of metrics, and thoughts around utilization within a business. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome guest James Warner, co-owner of Odd Job Larry, a handyman and remodeling business in Kenosha, WI. Topics discussed include the value of consistent training and professional development, the process of ownership transition within a business, and the key to developing strong and healthy relationships within an organization. This episode is...

From our families to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!  Our celebrations may look a little (or a lot) different this year, but the focus on giving thanks remains.  We have a new group of folks to be thankful for this year - our listeners.  Thank you!  Perhaps you'll find the chance over the holiday to 'carve' out a little time to listen to episodes you may have missed.  We'll be...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome guest Neil Bales, President and COO of LandPatterns, a landscape architectural firm in Dallas, TX.  Topics discussed include how to be an intentional leader, the importance of mentorship, and how faith has shaped and supported Neil's personal journey in the landscape industry.  Our guest also shares thoughts on his recent...

In the 25th episode of the Growing in the Green Industry Podcast, hosts Miles Kuperus III, system architect at Include Software, Neal Glatt, managing partner of GrowTheBench, Luke Melograno, production coordinator at Mariani Landscape and Brett Lemcke, VP of R.M. Landscape reflect back on the first 24 episodes, including favorite topics, individual takeaways and lessons learned, and personal and p...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Warren Gorowitz, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hunter Industries, discusses how every business can engage with a sustainable approach.  Topics discussed include what corporate social responsibility encompasses, the simple steps every business can take to get started being a better corporate citizen, an...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Zech Strauser of Strauser's Nature's Helpers, discusses sustainability and environmental consciousness in landscape maintenance. Topics covered include the importance of balance, vision casting, the value of intrapreneurship, and leaving a legacy. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, Syste...

Our hosts are busy at LANDSCAPES Virtual 2020 this week, and we're excited to be back next week with a brand-new episode. In the meantime, feel free to check out some of the episodes you may have missed.

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Paul Fraynd of Sun Valley Landscaping discusses pros and cons of partnerships and how to motivate employees.  Topics covered include compensation plans for employees at all levels, navigating family business dynamics, and placing people over profit.  This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, Sy...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Macey Wollenberg of LandCare discusses her journey from a college graduate to a future manager. Topics covered include the importance of investing in people, making work more than a paycheck, and knowing when to make a career move. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuper...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts, along with guest host Jenn Myers of NALP, discuss NALP's LANDSCAPES virtual conference.  Topics covered include schedule highlights, tips for a successful conference, and how to network effectively in a virtual environment.  This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, System Architect at Include...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Mike Bogan of LandCare discusses how culture, purpose, and core values drive success.  Topics covered include how to manage organizational change through pilot testing, discovering the what really motivates employees, and key steps needed for solid market expansion.  This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench,...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Richard Kuperus of the Farmside Landscape & Design discusses how he balances work, school, and family dynamics in business. Topics covered include how to navigate business relationships as a young professional, navigating shifting dynamics at work, and balancing ambition with humility. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partne...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Thom Singer, professional speaker, advisor, and content creator, discusses how to properly network and build relationships for sales, job offers, and career advancement.  Topics covered include the importance of thank you notes, building great mentor relationships, and how to connect authentically through virtual methods.  This episode is...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Ed Walsh of The Greathouse Company discusses how a team mentality and building relationships helps him sell and succeed. Topics covered include the importance of values, selling while social distancing, and what makes the green industry attractive regardless of previous education or knowledge.  This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managi...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our guest Chris Joyce of the Joyce Companies discusses how developing a family culture and leading with empathy is key to his success.  Topics covered include how to balance employee career development, the value of associations and networking, and learning how to shift from being a great operator to being a great leader.&n...