The RootZone Podcast

As the owner of Greenturf and Colonel Landscaping, Nick has been in business since 2004 and has done a great job as an owner operator over the years. But like a lot of guys in this industry, things can slip when you get pulled in too many directions and the difficulties in employee's start to mount.    After a busy 24/25 snow season, Nick has a renewed focus and a clear vision for what’s ahead. In...

New season, real conversations. 🌱 Chris sits down with Dan Tennity of Lawn & Land by Tarzan for a no-fluff breakdown of what it actually looks like to build a lawn care business the smart way. From running 230+ customers as a solo operator to using systems, referrals, and strong expectations to stay efficient, Dan shares what’s working—and what he’s learned the hard way. They dive into growth...

In this solo episode of The Rootzone Podcast, Chris Stoudt checks back in after some time away. He talks about finding his rhythm again, having the energy to get back behind the mic, and why he’s excited about what’s ahead. A quick reset, a look forward, and a return to the conversations that matter—with some great new guests coming this year.

In this episode, I sit down with Zach Smith of Gregson-Clark Spraying Equipment — a guy I’ve been talking with every season for over a decade. We dive into: • Zach’s path from motocross and ecommerce to green industry manufacturing • The behind-the-scenes growth of Gregson-Clark • Why their customer service is second to none • Challenges and lessons from building custom spray systems If you're in...

Saying that Chase Gallagher has a lot of energy is an understatement! I started following @chase_gallagher_ about four years ago, not long after launching Stout Lawn & Pest. Since then, I’ve watched him grow CMG Landscaping and successfully launch his fertilizer division, Lawn Pros. There’s a lot of talk about the “next” generation not working as hard, but Chase is living proof that’s not alwa...

This episode was recorded about six weeks ago, and it was a great conversation. The three of us had an insightful discussion about where it all started for us and where we’re headed. It’s always a good time when you can sit down with real industry pros and dive into the journey. Vince Doell keepinitgreenlandscaping.com Kevin Salters  rootdevelopmentllc.com Nicholas Schmitz green-turf.com

In this episode, Jon and I dive into all things insurance. We discuss why it’s so important to find the "Wright" insurance company, how your policies and customer interactions are impacted, and what goes into building an insurance policy. Jon also shares a great point on how insurance companies structure their policies. Additionally, we highlight the importance of small businesses and their role i...

We’re thrilled to welcome Brian back for his second visit to The Rootzone Podcast! This time, he’s joined by special guest Steve Pileggi as we dive into everything about Divine Business Growth. Brian has made an impressive transition from the service industry to consulting small businesses on management, strategic direction, financial planning, employee training, and so much more. It was a pleasur...

What an incredible conversation with Kendall! He’s truly done it all in the green industry. From running his own fertilizer and weed control business to creating and selling innovative software tailored for the industry, Kendall has seen every corner of the green world. In this episode, we dive deep into marketing strategies—everything from social media to direct mail—and discuss Kendall’s excitin...

This was an incredible episode! I’ve had the privilege of knowing Rob for many years, and I’ve always been inspired by how he turned his vision into reality. From starting as a small-time landscaper and facing near failure, Rob’s journey to owning three thriving businesses—all while living in a different state—is nothing short of remarkable. For more about Rob, you can find him across social media...

Seth truly has his finger on the pulse of the green industry, and I was thrilled to sit down with him for an insightful conversation. We explored his journey, from how he started in publishing to what eventually drew him to the green industry. Along the way, we discussed some of the remarkable people he’s met and the incredible places his career has taken him. Toward the end, we reflected on where...

Jim and I had a captivating discussion about sales, spanning from his military beginnings to his leadership in sales teams and his current venture as a Real Estate agent. Jim's extensive expertise was evident as we caught up, and his valuable sales tips left a lasting impression. I look forward to applying some of the insights we shared and hope they prove beneficial to everyone!   facebook.com/ji...

Christian is always such a delight to chat with! His excitement and enthusiasm for his small business, @biobomb, are absolutely infectious. In our conversation, we dive into his latest venture, Bio-Bombs, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We also explore his journey from launching his first small business in the early 2000s, the valuable lessons he learned along the way, and how he seamlessl...

I met Mike about eight years ago at the #RealGreen conference. Since then, we've stayed in touch and always have great conversations. In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics, from Mike's early start in golf to how that path led him to where he is now with 4evergreen, a leader in #lawncare in the Providence, RI, area. We get a little nerdy in this episode, talking turf and how Mike run...

When I sat down with Chris, I knew we were going to get some great information, but this podcast was so much more. Chris and I really got into the nuts and bolts of owning and operating a small business.   Chris, a recognized NALP Trailblazer and co-founder of Teed & Brown, Inc., shares his journey from the early decisions that led him to start Teed & Brown in 1995, to the pivotal branding...

What a fantastic and enjoyable conversation I had with Luke O'Brien! From his beginnings as an aspiring and talented musician to his role as an emotional support teacher in Philadelphia, Luke's journey is truly remarkable. Now, he leads his own creative content company, @lukeobriencreative, where his creativity shines.  But that's not all—Luke, along with our good friend Chris Lerch, has embarked...

This episode was somewhat self-indulgent. I responded to a cold call/email, a rare occurrence, and met berts_turf. It turned out he was a golfer and possibly had products suitable for the lawn care industry. Fast forward 18 months, and now some of Aspen Outdoors' products are integrated into the Stout Turf Care program. As a lawn care owner, I believe the golf market holds some hidden secrets. We...

After a bustling conference season, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Perry, the Owner of Green County Fertilizer Company. Our conversation ranged from his beginnings in the green industry to his intriguing TV appearances, all the way to the humble origins and current success of GCF. It was truly inspiring to interview such a prominent figure in the industry. I hope everyone enjoys this...

We discuss the humble beginnings of two brothers starting a business, growing into a 5000 sq. ft shop, and their mutually beneficial relationship with Stout Lawncare. Plus we talk about the importance of building up your employees and training them for success!  Jastrem Premium Landscaping   Providing a tick and mosquito control service?  Tick and Skeeter Deleter is an all natural repellent with a...

Me and Steph sit down for a quick interview about how she got her start in the green industry and how she has handled a new job, a new marriage, and doing all this while running to small businesses.   Thanks again Steph for your time.     https://yardcomfort.com/

In this joint podcast with The Turf Nutrition and Management Podcast , Kevin Salters visits from Suffield, Connecticut to talk about how his passion for human nutrition helped him build his  business Root Development , knowing your limits as an owner and when to ask for help, and adapting your home life to become more environmentally friendly.  Plus, Kevin reveals what he saw at 14 years old that...

In this episode, Joe from Royersford Fence Company explains how he turned a side job into a second full-time job.  We discuss work-life balance, especially when raising a family and being a teacher, and if there is such a thing as an "exit plan." Plus, where to put your advertising dollars in a world where everyone is on the Internet, and the intricacies of sharing responsibilities with you busine...

In this episode, we talk to Kara and Greg Lehman, an incredible couple who are the proud owners of Kara Jo Skincare ( https://www.karajoskincare.com/ ) and the Kara Jo Bee Farm. Our conversation takes us on their remarkable journey, starting with the discovery of a solution to Kara's personal skincare issue, which eventually blossomed into a thriving business venture. Since then, Kara and Greg hav...

Chris Lerch joins the podcast to discuss the origins of Hello422, launching during the pandemic to help small businesses, and leveraging social media for success. 

Justin Brown and Dan Tennity discuss their experience as line level employees, taking initiative to learn new skills, and the ways they like to be acknowledged in the workplace for a job well done.