Nextra Presents...!

Grant talks to Sam Bauman from Earthscape about the ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan) program they’ve implemented and how it works. They also talk about the Traction program, which is also in place at Earthscape . It’s clear that Sam, like Grant, is a big fan of Traction!   Earthscape (519) 669-2972 Website Instagram Facebook Connect with Sam sam@earthscape.ca LinkedIn Sam’s Bookshelf Traction by...

Alex Cadieux from Techo-Bloc talks about the current state of the hardscape industry as well as the opportunities he sees in the next couple of years. He shares some excellent (and free!) resources that Techo-Bloc has recently developed. Episode Links: Techo-Bloc Links Techo-Bloc website Hardscaper.com Hardscape Growth podcast Contractor Showcase   Connect with Alex Email LinkedIn Twitter   Nextra...

Today Grant talks with Jesse Savage, owner of Savage Gardens and freelance landscape designer. They discuss landscape design and how Jesse’s services can assist landscapers who do not have a designer on staff. They also discuss Nextra’s new peer group for landscape designers that will be led by Jesse. If landscape design is part of your business – or you wish it were – you’ll appreciate this episo...

Today our own HR director, Charolette Casioli, is taking over the role of host as she interviews Sally Harvey, Landscape Ontario’s Director of Education and Labour Development.  They discuss the biggest challenge facing contractors this year – the labour shortage. They talk about attracting, recruiting and retaining great staff. Sally shares resources available to contractors both through the gove...

Today’s guest is George Urvari from Oriole Landscaping. George has a unique way of looking at equipment purchasing and the investment that equipment can be. And considering the current labor shortage, equipment might be a great alternative to staffing – if you get the right equipment. Episode Links: Connect with George 416.696.5110 x 231 george@oriolelandscaping.com www.oriolelandscaping.com Conne...

Season 3 is here! This year, we’ll again be bringing you interviews with industry experts, innovators, suppliers, and business leaders. The singular goal of this podcast is to provide you with information and resources that will help you improve your business and encourage you along the way. We’re starting the year off by interviewing Grant to have him provide you with an update on the industry in...

Joining us on the Podcast today is Nick Bohner. Nick is the president of NixSnow, a snow-removal company based in Stratford, Ontario focused solely on residential snow removal. Nick talks about his business model, developing his brand, expansion plans, and the future of the snow industry. *Disclaimer* While we have done our best to edit out and soften some of the audio errors, the audio on the gue...

Frank Bourque is back! Frank is a fountain of knowledge regarding all things related to design/build business. In this episode, he gives us an update from the GIE show in Louisville, including introducing us to some new products and equipment and talks about the stages of business and how to scale your business effectively and profitably. Frank Bourque – Episode Links: Connect with Frank Website  ...

With winter coming, what a perfect time to revisit one of our favorite episodes with an encore presentation of Brad Caton: On this episode, Grant speaks with Brad Caton, the Founder of Invictus Professional Snowfighters, a leading snow and ice management company in the Pacific Northwest that is solely dedicated to snow and ice management. Brad shares his extensive industry knowledge, insight and e...

Today on Nextra Presents..! Grant gives a “state of the industry” update including owner health, staffing, materials, equipment, and a temporary foreign workers pilot project, along with some encouragement and tips for getting through the rest of the season. Episode Links: Connect with Grant Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter   Email

Nextra’s Chief Technology Officer, Jordan Robertson, joins Grant on the podcast today to talk about technology in our industry, why owners are hesitant to accept new technology, and the biggest hurdles they face when trying to implement new technology.  Jordan will introduce you to three technology suppliers: Easy Locates, Ready Chek and Viaesys. These suppliers provide exceptional products that w...

We’re talking to our very own HR Director, Charolette Cascioli about employees. She’ll share how expanding staff training opportunities, using automated solutions, and thinking creatively about wage and benefit options will help you secure great employees, as well as programs available to help you.    Episode Links: Connect with Charolette Email LinkedIn   Connect with Grant Website Facebook Insta...

One of the most common issues facing business owners is staffing – finding the right people and making sure they’re in the right role. Today Grant talks to Jason Taylor of Predictive Success. Predictive Success empowers leaders with the data and skills to maximize the investment in their people. If you have staff, you – and they - will benefit from today’s episode. Episode Links: Get Out of Your O...

Today we’re talking about insurance.  If you’re a contractor, you’re probably already tensing up at the mention of insurance. Insurance premiums over the last number of years have skyrocketed and the way that claims are handled and managed by insurance companies is frustrating – even maddening at times.  Enter The Insurance Market and its Self-Insured Retention program. This is a unique, common-se...

Jacki Hart is back! As someone with her finger on the pulse of the industry, Jacki Hart’s insights, impressions, and perspective are worth listening to. This episode is no different. This is a sort of “state of the industry” address, where she speaks about the labor challenges and how we as industry leaders and business owners may need to change our perspective and attitude. Be prepared to be chal...

Today we welcome Chris, Jarred, Ryan, Joe and Gerald to the podcast. They are all contractors who have implemented liquid brine into their snow operations and share their experiences and insights about the product and process. Episode links: Connect with the Guests Chris Thacker – Mr. Mow It All Email Website   Jarred McKinley – Landscape Effects Email Website   Ryan Johnson – Mountview Landscapin...

On today’s episode, Grant talks with Chris Thacker, owner of Mr. Mow It All in downtown Toronto. Chris started mowing lawns at the age of 12 and has since grown that business into one that is a leader in residential and commercial urban property gardening, lawn mowing and snow removal. If you need some encouragement and inspiration, you’ll love today’s podcast. Episode links: Connect with Chris Em...

Today Grant talks with Joel Beatson, the Executive Director of Landscape Alberta and Landscape Saskatchewan. Joel shares his industry experience and talks about what’s happening in their associations, as well as the landscape industry in the west in general.  Episode Links: Connect with Joel Email LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter   Landscape Alberta & Landscape Saskatchewan Landscape Albert...

The book we have recommended the most in the last year is, by far, Profit Works . It’s all about creating effective incentive programs. Grant describes it as the best book on incentive plans he’s ever read. We’ve given away many copies and even hosted an online book study on it. Today, one of the authors – Alex Freytag – is on the podcast talking about the book – what prompted him to write it, the...

“Landscape Ontario is a community for mutual benefit and mutual improvement. Who doesn’t want to be in that kind of community?”  -       Tony DiGiovanni  On today’s episode, Grant speaks with Landscape Ontario Executive Director, Tony DiGiovanni. Tony is an industry giant if ever there was one. Even better is the fact that he is a humble man who simply seeks to serve others and encourage them in t...

Today Grant is talking with Ben Zlotnick, the founder of Eden App, a program he created to connect consumers who are looking for landscaping or snow removal services with contractors who can provide that service. It’s been built by contractors for contractors and it’s brilliant and revolutionary for both homeowners and contractors.  We love talking to creative, out-of-the-box thinkers creating pro...

Need some inspiration? Listen to this episode. This is one of the most interesting and revolutionary episodes we’ve recorded. Constantine Grechko is leading the industry in the practice of giving back to his team and his community. In fact, his company is called Give Back Contracting. You will be encouraged, challenged and amazed at his perspective and business model.  Episode Links : Give Back Co...

Grant’s LO podcast – Prevent Business Owner Burnout Today we’re sharing an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast from last month, in which Grant had the opportunity to talk about owner health. The purpose of this podcast is to encourage you to get and stay healthy in all aspects of your life – physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally. We hope you’ll be encouraged by today’s episode. 

Today we welcome Ryan Johnson of Mountview Landscaping and talk to him about the evolution of Mountview, continuing education, teaching your staff about business finances, staff retention, company culture and exit strategies. There’s a whole lot here today and you won’t want to miss it.  Episode Links: Connect with Ryan/Mountview Email LinkedIn Mountview website Mountview Instagram   Ryan’s Booksh...

We are huge fans of Greenius and it’s probably our most recommended program. Greenius is a software platform that delivers general training and role-specific training. It also provides all regulatory training required by the government of Ontario. With Greenius, you can track, report and record all staff training, ensuring that your staff are confident, competent and safe.   On today’s podcast, Gr...