Growing In The Green Industry

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Tom Shotzbarger, Grounds Manager of Graver Arboretum, located at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.  Tom, a strong and vocal advocate of continuing education, shares his personal career path and story, motivations and recommendations for industry certification, and how finding fulfillment in your career should be a priority and no...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Steve Mulvany, President and founder of Management Tools Inc., which works on a long-term basis with companies throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia implementing strategies to improve management and service quality practices, impacting company performance and customers’ perceptions. With Steve’s guidance and input, the grou...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Tara and Bruce Allentuck, Co-Founders of RightPlantz. On Monday, July 19, 2021, NALP celebrated 25 years of giving back through the Renewal & Remembrance event; during this podcast, the group shares their experiences around this important annual event and highlights projects for 2021. Bruce and Tara also share the story of their new...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Bob Grover, President of Pacific Landscape Management. A long-time contributor and participant on state and national association leadership teams, Bob shares thoughts about past experiences and goals for the future, as he steps into the NALP Board of Directors President role on October 1, 2021. The group also explores work/life integrati...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts reflect back on recent episodes, while also looking forward to Fall and Winter, and how planning and budgeting for the year ahead looks different in a post-covid market.  We’ll talk honest conversations (they’re more important than ever), identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your team (and yourself), and the future of professi...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Lara Omick from Conserva Irrigation. Lara and the hosts take a deep dive into all things marketing, with a special focus on how things have changed over the last 18 months.  They also touch on Smart Irrigation Month, and Lara provides insight into the world of national brand and consumer marketing for Conserva Irrigation’s franchise...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Tyler Bloom from Tyler Bloom Consulting. Tyler and the hosts talk all things workforce, including the importance and benefits of having a diverse staff, why evolution and adaptation in employee education and development is paramount, and how listening to your team is underrated (and one of the easiest and most powerful things an organiza...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Jessica and Andrew Habasevich from Weed Man Lawn in Houston, TX. While they are both relatively new to the industry, Jessica has a long family connection to Weed Man; she is the daughter of Turf Holdings|Weed Man|Mosquito Hero CEO, Jennifer Lemcke. Jessica and Andrew dive into their career paths, and how backgrounds in accounting (Jessic...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Jenny Girard, Area Manager at R.M. Landscape. Jenny’s description of her unique career path, which includes stops at Longwood Gardens and Busch Gardens Tampa, includes details of some amazing live plant displays (a 12 ft orangutan?!) and lessons in going for what you want and living your passion. The hosts and Jenny also talk company cul...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts cover a lot of territory, focusing on mentors and mentorship (is it better to have one mentor or many?) and critical conversations (how do I best approach this tough topic with my supervisor?), while sharing personal experiences and lessons learned. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt, Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, Miles Kuperus, Sys...

We kick off the second season of Growing in the Green Industry with guest Britt Wood, CEO of the National Association of Landscape Professionals. The hosts and Britt cover a lot of ground, including NALP’s role in supporting the landscape and lawn care industry and how young professionals can continue to engage with the association and with each other. Britt also shares some not to be missed profe...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Mark Chisholm, certified arborist, climbing champion, sought-after consultant, and industry spokesperson. The hosts and Mark chat all things arboriculture, including business evolution and service lines; how company culture, values and safety are uniquely intertwined; and why we all must continue to educate ourselves and each other. This...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome licensed landscape contractor, author and TV personality, Sara Bendrick. The host of “ I Hate My Yard ” shares her personal career path and how a passion for residential design led to opportunities in media and beyond. The group also talks best practices for business, including how to create and maintain a healthy and successful social m...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Michele Posehn, Senior Manager of Diversity Initiatives and University Relations at SiteOne Landscape Supply. Michele and the hosts talk company culture and methods to encourage connections, how to work together to bring about change and attract diverse populations to our industry, how an intentional focus on inclusion should be essentia...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts provide personal and professional updates on the Spring season, and touch on several notable topics, including: having honest conversations with clients and setting expectations, taking time to recognize and support employees, focusing on operational systems and efficiency, and how to identify pain points and find comprehensive solutions....

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Josh Flynn, CEO of Seabreeze Property Services, a full-service landscape contractor based in Portland, ME. Discussion topics include Seabreeze’s tech-first approach to empowering employees and providing them with the tools needed to operate efficiently, how investment in employees pays off, and the steps all companies should be taking no...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Monique Allen, Founder & Creative Director of The Garden Continuum. Monique shares her distinct business model, with a focus on “Life-Scaping” and sustainable landscape practices for residential and commercial properties. The group also discusses the importance of true evaluation and evolution as you build your business, and best pra...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Brandon Sheppard, Weed Man Multiunit Franchise Owner and Sub Franchisor, and Lisa Stryker, NALP VP of Communications and Marketing. As we kick-off National Lawn Care Month (NLCM), the hosts and guests discuss the history and importance of NLCM, the current focus on how healthy lawns fight climate change, and the benefits that lawn care a...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Matthew Ross, Director of Continuing Education at Longwood Gardens. The hosts get back to their horticultural roots, as Matthew talks about the history of public gardens, the importance of connecting people to the natural environment, and the horticultural and educational opportunities Longwood Gardens provides for the public. Matthew pr...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts are live from the 45th Annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition, where 600 students, 97 faculty members, and 347 industry professionals have gathered to learn, compete, and network. Discussion topics include charting your career path (and how it will change and evolve over time) and best practices for networking, interviewing, and...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Roger Phelps, Corporate Communications Manager from STIHL Inc.  During this engaging discussion, Roger shares highlights from his career, including oversight of STIHL’s social media rollout and the popular STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series, and the importance of leaning into opportunity.  The group also touches on STIHL’s commitment t...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Palmer Higgins, CEO of Mainely Grass, a New England lawn care company. During this session, Palmer and the hosts take a deep dive into the importance of a consistent, comprehensive, and accountable training program, and how a focus on education helps elevate both your employees and your entire business. This episode is hosted by Miles Ku...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Seth Kehne, President of Lawn Butler, a maintenance and design-build firm in Knoxville, TN. Discussion topics include: the importance of focusing on your team (which also leads to a better experience for your clients), the value of timely, honest and thorough communication, and the future and evolution of the landscape and lawn care indu...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, our hosts dive deep and get real about finding balance in your life. Discussion points include: what does a healthy balance look like for you; work/life balance, especially in the time of covid-19; different types of balance (ie. mental, physical, emotional, spiritual); how balance changes over time; and more. This episode is hosted by Neal Glatt,...

In this episode of Growing in the Green Industry, we welcome Jason Becker, Marketing Manager with Caterpillar, Inc.  Jason shares a unique perspective, both as a vendor supporting the landscape and lawn care industry, and as a longtime participant in NALP volunteer leadership, including several years as an NALP Board member. The group also stresses the importance and benefits of professional...