Nextra Presents...!

There have been some recent changes at Nextra! In this episode, Grant and Marla share about those changes, and the circumstances that set the changes in motion. Then Grant speaks with Jake DeJong from PowerGroup Resources about their part in the changes and what the future holds for both PowerGroup and Nextra.  Episode Links: Connect with Jake 519-865-2487 Email PowerGroup Resources Connect with G...

On today's episode, our HR Director, Charolette Cascioli talks with Dave Hockley from Hockley’s Landscaping in Simcoe. Hockley’s brought in two temporary foreign workers this year and Dave shares what that experience has been like for him and for his company as well as the staffing struggles that led up to using the TFW program and what the benefits have been since. If you are at all curious...

On today's episode, we welcome  back Wendy Ladd from Jim Pattison Lease. Wendy talks about the services JPL provides as well as gives us an update on the current vehicle market. She provides information on timelines and availability of new vehicles and outfitting, and then touches on what’s happening with electric vehicles as well as discounts available to contractors. We have Wendy on each y...

On today's episode, Grant speaks with Paul Vanderzon, a lifetime landscape/snow industry professional and mentor to many. Paul has spent his life working in and advocating for the snow removal industry and its associations. Grant and Paul discuss his experience, the changes he’s seen in the industry and the ones he feels still need to happen as well as the benefits of snow contractors being p...

On today's episode, Grant talks with Ryan Quigley and Mitch Bursey from Storm Solutions made a transition to liquid brine in 2019 and they share how they made that transition, what was involved, and how they trained their staff. Storm Solutions Plus is their sales, service and parts business. They are the Canadian dealer for VSI by Boss and for MetalPless snow blades and they were excited to...

On Today's episode, Grant is joined by Brian Cotter. Brian is the president of Lloyd’s Grounds Management Professionals and Durham Artificial Grass. Brian and Grant talk about about his history in the landscape industry, his dual businesses, the growth of the artificial turf industry and about the company culture he and his leadership team have created. They also give some sage wisdom on inve...

Today we’re sharing a podcast from Landscape Ontario where Grant was the guest. Grant discusses what he will be teaching at the Waterloo Chapter events this fall, as well as touching on some current issues facing the industry like sales and staffing. Grant doesn't often get to be on the other side of the microphone so we are excited to share this with you! Connect with Grant Email 519.868.639...

With company culture as our theme this month, we thought we would bring back an interview Grant did a couple of years ago with Jim & Jenna Monk of Markham Property Services. Grant met Jim and Jenna a number of years ago and was impressed with their willingness to share their journey, their victories as well as their failures, and their wisdom in order to see the landscape industry become full...

On today's episode, we decided to stay close to home and invite Charolette Cascioli, Nextra's HR Director and Martin Horsman, one of our resident Business Coaches to talk to Grant about a "crucial" topic. No one likes difficult conversations. But they are necessary and they're important for the health of businesses, relationships and mental wellbeing. The book Crucial Conv...

On today's episode, Grant talks with Paul McCallum from Toro. Paul talks about his history in the landscape industry, how Toro's survived the pandemic (and grown!), and how they are positioning themselves and their products to address the needs of landscapers and homeowners in the future. He also shares the most recent additions to the Toro line up and some new products Toro is offering,...

Choosing a business management software can be overwhelming. We’re hoping to make that easier for you. In the first of a series of episodes focused on business management software for landscapers, Grant talks to Mark Bradley from Landscape Management Network (LMN). Mark and Grant discuss the origin of LMN and the solutions and efficiencies it offers to landscapers.  E pisode links: LMN Website Pho...

On this episode, Grant talks with Martin Tirado, the CEO of SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association). They dive in and talk all about the snow industry - how Martin got involved, what SIMA is all about, the services and training they offer, as well as the future of the industry. Episode Links: SIMA Website CSP and ASM Training Programs   SIMA Symposium Connect with Martin LinkedIn Facebook Marti...

Over the last couple of years, most landscapers haven’t had to work at sales. In fact, most have had trouble keeping up with the demand for work. The result is that we’ve been more like order-takers rather than salespeople. But as the economy starts to slow down a bit, it is important that we revert to being salespeople to ensure the continued growth of our business. Andrew Wall has been in sales...

On today's episode, Jordan sits down with James Fullerton of Bidwell Financial. James talks about how he got involved in the financing side of the industry and what types of vehicles and equipment his clients reach out to him for. James and Jordan dive into the short and long term effects of the pandemic on commercial vehicle & equipment purchasing, the current state of the used market an...

On today's episode, Jordan speaks with Raqib Omer from Viaesys Inc. Raqib shares the unlikely story of how he got involved with the snow and ice industry, how he started Viaesys and what's next for the innovative technology company. Raqib also discusses some of the biggest issues facing snow and ice removal contractors, the importance of training your staff, and some thoughts on the curr...

On today's episode, Jordan speaks with Joanna Philipps from ESOP Builders. Joanna shares her knowledge about ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan), its goals and options, and the risks and benefits to both owners and employees. You will gain a strong understanding of an ESOP and if and how it would work for your company. Episode Links: ESOP Builders Website 1-416-645-0512 or 1-877-995-3767 Email...

Nextra Presents…! welcomes Lianna Desmarais from Plantscape Windsor. Liana talks about her introduction to the landscape industry, the resources she found so valuable in navigating her first few years, and how she’s grown the company. She also talks about gender bias and what it’s like to be a female landscape business owner in an industry that is male dominated.  Episode Links: Plantscape Windsor...

On this episode, Grant speaks with Chris Penny of Lucrative Landscape about his humble beginnings in the landscape world and how he realized his talent for marketing and growth focused on small businesses. Chris talks about the Lucrative Landscape model, how it can benefit small business owners and the ideal contractor that he can really help.  Episode Links: Lucrative Landscaping Website Facebook...

On this episode Jordan talks with Rob Murray of Intrigue Media about being more competitive by using your website and social media more effectively to position yourself for success. Rob is full of great information, and he delivers it in a way that is understandable for those of us who aren’t part of that world.  Episode Links: Intrigue Media 226-210-4276 Website Facebook Instagram Connect with Ro...

On our first episode of the year we wanted to talk about a part of the industry we have not touched on before... enter landscape lighting. Today Jordan talks with Scott Sim from Moon Glow Lightscapes about how he became involved in the lighting industry, the challenges he faces and the logistics and rhythm of the industry. He says, “irrigation is science, landscape lighting is art”. In the episode...

In this episode, Grant speaks with Lindsay Drake Nightingale. Lindsay owns Yorkshire Garden Services, who specializes in high end residential landscape maintenance and installations in Toronto and York Region. Today, Lindsay shares her experience and knowledge about business ownership, business growth, staffing, culture and networking.  E pisode links: Yorkshire Garden Services Website Facebook In...

Trevor Lively is the second-generation business owner of Blue Jay Irrigation, whose head office is in London. In this episode, he talks to Grant about the transition in leadership from his father to him, the things he’s learned, as well as the way he’s expanded the business.  Episode Links: Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Blue Jay Irrigation Websi...

On this episode, Grant talks with Jordan Smith from VSI about his history in the industry, the origin and development of VSI liquid brine sprayers, its recent purchase by Boss Snowplows, and the future of liquid de-icing in the snow industry. Episode Links: Smith Lawn and Landscape Website Instagram VSI Website Instagram Connect with Jordan LinkedIn Email Jordan’s Bookshelf Traction by Gino Wickma...

In this episode, Grant talks to Ed Hansen from Hansen Lawn and Garden about a wide range of topics, from how Ed got into landscaping, to growing his business, to his chairing the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging committee at Landscape Ontario. This episode just feels like a couple of friends chatting about life and work. And I know you’ll want to pull up a chair.  Episode Links: Connect with Ed...

It’s a great time to own a landscape business! Purchasing of landscape companies is on the rise as many larger companies and private equity firms recognize the value in well-run landscape operations. In this episode, Grant provides some information about how to make your company more appealing to potential buyers.  Episode Links: Connect with Grant 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter   Email Nextra Cons...