The landscape industry is at an inflection point. Robotic mowers are being deployed at scale. AI is automating executive-level admin work. And the companies that fail to adapt are not just falling behind on efficiency — they're creating a competitive gap that will be nearly impossible to close in three to five years. The question for green industry leaders is not whether to modernize. It's whether they're moving fast enough.

If you run or lead a green industry business and you're trying to figure out where technology fits, how to lead your people better, or how to get out of your own way, this is a blueprint worth your time. Learn more about The Disruptors at jwhitegroup.com.

Timecodes:

00:00 – 00:27 | Welcome to Rooted in Innovation
00:27 – 07:02 | Guest Introduction and K&D's Origin Story
07:02 – 10:02 | The Three Pillars That Started the Turnaround
10:02 – 13:12 | Community Partnerships and the Leo's Haven Project
13:12 – 16:55 | The $1.5M Tech Mistake of 2021
16:55 – 21:19 | Skin in the Game: Jim's Subcontractor Ownership Model
21:19 – 27:31 | Intentional Tech: Robotic Mowers and the 30-40% Pricing Advantage
27:31 – 32:45 | The Fifth Pillar: Why Every Landscape Company Needs a Tech Leader
32:45 – 35:22 | Where Technology Pays the Most in the Field
35:22 – 40:15 | Robotics by 2030 and What's Coming for the Green Industry
40:15 – 43:32 | Automating 80% of CEO Admin and Getting Back to People
43:32 – 46:21 | Why Justin Built The Disruptors
46:21 – 53:54 | The 90-Day Vision Exercise for Leaders Who Feel Stuck
53:54 – 54:19 | Outro and How to Stay Connected

Resources:

Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com

Connect with Jim Mancini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-mancini-743b386/
Connect with Dionisio Roman III on

In this episode of Rooted in Innovation, we sit down with Rob Ambler, founder and owner of Ambler Industries, LLC, a design/build and maintenance firm based in Pennsylvania. Rob shares his deeply personal story of burnout, renewal, and the business transformation that followed. From restructuring his leadership team to adopting Aspire software, Rob rebuilt his company around culture, clarity, and faith-driven leadership. We explore what it takes to attract great people, make bold software investments, and lead with purpose in a fast-moving, often chaotic industry. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the growth cycle, or questioned how to scale without losing your soul, this episode is for you.

Timecodes:

00:00 – Welcome to Rooted in Innovation

01:05 – Meet Rob Ambler of Ambler Industries

02:25 – The mission: build a values-driven landscape company

04:01 – What culture looks like in practice: hiring, retention, clarity

06:14 – Burnout at $5M: sleepless nights, high anxiety, tough calls

08:52 – Replacing great-but-misaligned leaders

10:47 – How Rob found his new leadership team through divine timing

12:29 – Creating a no-turnover workplace through vision & loyalty

14:55 – The ripple effect of servant leadership at all levels

17:08 – Aspire software: from sticker shock to game-changer

19:36 – Tracking labor variance and tying it to performance

21:44 – Addressing pushback: “You only care about money”

23:03 – Gamifying incentives and linking data to growth paths

25:22 – Leading with faith and integrity: what it means on-site

27:00 – The story of one foreman’s transformation

28:38 – Rob’s personal “why”: faith, family, and making an impact

30:02 – Reflections on Plumstead Christian School and giving back

32:14 – Final takeaways on growth, leadership, and long-term vision

Resources:

Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com

Connect with Jim Mancini on LinkedIn

Connect with Dionisio Roman III on LinkedIn

Connect with Rob Ambler on LinkedIn

On this episode of Rooted in Innovation, we sit down with Joseph Marker, owner of Marker Elevated Landscapes, to explore what it really means to lead a residential landscape firm with vision.

From his signature 3-2-1 design process to his hybrid use of drone imagery and hand-drawing, Joe walks us through the artistic, technical, and deeply personal aspects of designing meaningful outdoor spaces. We also hear the story behind a 144-acre Tuscan-inspired estate, why Vastu Shastra shaped its layout, and how Joe honors the legacy of his family business while pushing the boundaries of what modern landscape design can be.

Whether you’re a designer, contractor, or homeowner, this episode will challenge the way you think about space, communication, and the role of technology in the design-build process.

Timecodes

00:00 – 01:21 - Intro: Meet Joseph Marker and Marker Elevated Landscapes
01:22 – 03:16 - The 3-2-1 Design Process: From Concept to Master Plan
03:17 – 05:12 - Inspiration Sources: Travel, Books, Social Media & Gardens
05:13 – 07:06 - Drone-Backed Hand Drawings: Communicating Clearly with Clients
07:07 – 10:14 - The Role of Process in Avoiding Miscommunication
10:15 – 13:32 - Flexibility, Late Nights & Sunrise Site Visits
13:33 – 16:04 - Designing a 144-Acre Tuscan Estate in Pennsylvania
16:05 – 17:35 - Applying Vastu Shastra Principles to Landscape Design
17:36 – 20:00 - Flat Lots, Rolling Hills, and the Role of the Client
20:01 – 22:06 - Maintenance: Growing Slowly and Preserving Quality
22:07 – 24:49 - Family Legacy: Honoring His Father’s Company & Vision
24:50 – 27:11 - Leadership, Hard Work, and What Joe Learned from His Dad
27:12 – 29:21 - Low-Maintenance Design, Deer Pressure & Plant Strategy
29:22 – 32:06 - Golf Course Inspiration & Finding Creativity Outdoors
32:07 – 34:49 - Designing Par-3 Greens for Clients (and for Fun)
34:50 – 37:19 - Tree Favorites, Annual Preferences, and Unique Palettes
37:20 – 39:58 - Final Reflections: Communication, Creativity, and Vision

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that uncovers the ebbs and flows of industry shifts, marketing strategies, and the essence of genuine connections in business. From the subtle nuances of spec writing to the evolving role of digital tools, explore a tapestry of insights woven with personal anecdotes and practical wisdom. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a curious listener, this episode offers an engaging glimpse into the dynamic world of modern business.

Timecodes:

Engaging Insights and Industry Trends (00:00 - 19:59)
Sales Strategies and Marketing Insights (20:00 - 23:59)
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities (24:00 - 29:59)
Spec Writing Dynamics and Industry Challenges (30:00 - 33:59)
Privacy Concerns and Technological Impact (34:00 - 35:59)
Brian’s Personal Passions: Cycling and Painting (36:00 - 39:59)
Anecdotes and Entertaining Experiences (40:00 - 43:06)

Resources:

Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com
Connect with Jim Mancini on Linkedin
Connect with Brian Miller on LinkedIn

In this episode of Rooted in Innovation, our hosts continue the conversation with Perry Russo, the owner of All County Irrigation. Perry shares his extensive experience and knowledge about modern irrigation systems, highlighting the technical aspects of spray heads, drip irrigation, and rotary heads. The conversation takes a look at the latest innovations in the irrigation industry, including Wi-Fi controllers and wireless solenoids, and addresses common challenges contractors and homeowners face in maintaining efficient irrigation systems. Perry provides insights on how irrigation systems are integral to maintaining landscape investments, offering practical tips and wisdom to both contractors and homeowners alike.

Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction
00:27 – Working with Reliable Irrigation Experts
01:38 – Choosing the Right Landscapers
02:24 – The Difference Between Spray Heads, Rotary Heads, and Drip Irrigation
05:30 – Working with New Contractors
06:13 – Adapting to New Irrigation Technologies
09:13 – Wi-Fi Controllers and Remote System Management
10:03 – Dealing with Customer Complaints
11:21 – Homeowners Adjusting Irrigation Settings
13:25 – The Importance of Proper Water Source and Backflow Preventers
14:50 – Water Usage Analysis and Client Education
16:17 – Favorite Irrigation Projects
17:25 – Advice for Homeowners
19:12 – Outro

Resources:

Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com

Connect with Jim Mancini on LinkedIn

Connect with Perry Russo on LinkedIn

In this episode our hosts dig into the pivotal role of relationships in business, offering firsthand experiences and practical advice for building trust and collaboration with clients and partners. From weathering economic storms to fostering resilience and strategic foresight, you will gain valuable insights into navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through candid discussions and expert advice, this episode offers a roadmap for aspiring landscape entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike, emphasizing the significance of integrity, hard work, and continuous learning in the journey towards entrepreneurial excellence.

Timecodes:
(00:00 - 01:50) Introduction and Setting the Stage
(19:31 - 22:39) The Importance of Relationships in Business
(22:57 - 25:02) Core Principles of Relationship Building
(25:30 - 31:48) Navigating Through Economic Downturns
(33:47 - 38:18) Key Principles for Business Success
(38:19 - 40:02) Conclusion

What does it take to bring a brand-new building product to market and actually make it stick? In this episode, veteran market developer Taron Young shares insights from 20+ years in the construction and building materials industry. From code compliance to product education, distribution channels to holding spec, Taron breaks down what it really takes to go from unknown to industry standard.

This one’s for builders, specifiers, product manufacturers—and anyone trying to launch something new in an old-school industry.

Timecodes:

00:00 – Intro to Rooted in Innovation and guest Taron Young
01:45 – Taron’s background and current role in building materials
03:00 – Why most product launches fail: market research mistakes
06:15 – Finding early adopters and incentivizing them the right way
08:45 – The role of distribution and channel development
10:00 – Tariffs, pricing strategy, and maintaining integrity
16:25 – Understanding and influencing specifiers and builders
21:45 – Holding the spec: how to protect your product from being swapped
25:05 – What true market development looks like (vs. sales)
27:00 – Why you need trust and long-term relationships in this business
30:00 – How technology has changed sales—but not relationships
34:45 – Advice for launching new products: don’t skip the research
38:30 – Final thoughts: check your ego, listen, and partner well

Resources:

Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com
Connect with Jim Mancini on LinkedIn
Connect with Taron Young on LinkedIn
Connect with Dionisio Roman III on LinkedIn

In this episode of Rooted in Innovation, our hosts sit down with Perry Russo, the owner of All County Irrigation. Perry shares his journey from college student to irrigation expert, providing insights into the technical challenges and innovations in the field. Learn how Perry’s hands-on approach and passion for design have set his company apart, and discover the latest advancements in irrigation technology that are shaping the future of landscaping.

Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction
00:27 - Perry Russo's Journey
01:50 - Why Irrigation?
03:01 - What Sets All County Irrigation Apart
04:14 - The Purpose of Irrigation Systems
05:15 - Innovations in Irrigation Technology
07:15 - Digital Challenges and Maintenance
09:13 - Design Considerations for Landscape Architects
10:52 - Working with Landscape Architects
12:28 - Water Source and Irrigation Needs
14:27 - Dealing with Hard Water
17:18 - Sponsorship Segment
19:01 - Balancing Budget and Quality

Resources:

Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com

Connect with Jim Mancini on LinkedIn

Connect with Perry Russo on LinkedIn