In this conversation, Scott Horoszewski from Landscapes by Acme shares his journey in the landscaping industry, detailing his transition from employee to business owner. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction, continuous learning, and adapting to changes in the industry. Scott also highlights the significance of design in landscaping and the need for proper training and management as a business grows.

https://www.landscapesbyacme.com/

takeaways

• Scott started in landscaping after high school, initially working for his uncle's company.
• He quickly advanced from crew hand to manager within a year.
• Scott learned the importance of adaptability in the landscaping business.
• He emphasizes the value of customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth marketing.
• Scott's art background enhances his landscaping design skills.
• He transitioned from lawn care to offering a wider range of services over time.
• Rapid growth taught Scott the importance of understanding business numbers.
• Training employees properly is crucial for maintaining quality service.
• Scott believes in continuous learning to advance in the industry.
• He aims to keep his business manageable while still considering growth.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Scott Horoszewski and His Journey

00:59Starting in the Landscaping Industry

03:06Transitioning to Business Ownership

06:55Learning and Growing in the Industry

10:31Expanding Services and Skills

14:10The Importance of Design in Landscaping

16:37Lessons Learned from Rapid Growth

21:17Current Business Structure and Future Plans

"Failure is not an option here."

In this conversation, Paul Voresis shares his journey with Delta Landscape Inc., a family business founded by his father. He discusses the challenges of growing up in the landscaping industry, transitioning to construction management, and ultimately taking over the family business after his father's passing. Paul reflects on the lessons learned, the impact of the housing crisis, and the current challenges in the landscaping market. He expresses a desire to pass the business on to the next generation while maintaining a focus on quality and service.

Takeaways

Paul's father migrated from Greece and started Delta Landscape Inc.

Growing up in the family business taught Paul valuable life skills.

Paul transitioned to construction management before taking over the family business.

The housing crisis impacted the construction industry significantly.

Paul's determination to succeed helped him navigate challenges after his father's passing.

The company experienced growth after the economy began to recover.

Paul shifted the company's focus from construction to maintenance services.

The current market presents challenges for quality and service in landscaping.

Paul reflects on the importance of preserving the company's reputation.

He hopes to pass the business on to his children in the future.

Chapters

00:00 The Legacy of Delta Landscape Inc.

03:59 Growing Up in the Landscape Business

06:59 The Journey to College and Beyond

09:41 Transitioning to Construction Management

11:22 Navigating the Housing Crisis

17:22 Taking Over the Family Business

19:36 Life After Loss and Business Challenges

21:56 Facing Challenges Head-On

23:24 Evolution of Delta Landscape

25:04 Navigating Industry Changes

26:49 Shifting Focus to Maintenance

28:25 The Emotional Toll of Change

29:29 Considering a Return to Construction

31:16 Quality vs. Cost in Today's Market

33:02 Understanding Market Dynamics

35:26 Positioning for Future Opportunities

36:46 Legacy and Future Generations

The conversation covers the evolution of the landscape industry, the challenges of business growth, the intersection of urban nature and workwear, and the importance of business skills in the trades industry. Zech Strauser shares insights on his journey and the key factors that have shaped his approach to business and entrepreneurship. The conversation covers the challenges and dynamics of sales channels in the apparel industry, the impact of social media on sales and marketing, and the role of social selling in retail. It also delves into the challenges of product delivery and customization in the apparel industry.

Takeaways

• Landscape industry evolution
• Challenges of business growth
• The intersection of urban nature and workwear
• The importance of business skills in the trades industry Sales channels in the apparel industry
• Challenges with product delivery and customization

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Landscape Industry Beginnings
• 10:01 The Importance of Business Skills in the Trades Industry
• 29:52 Sales Channels in Apparel Industry
• 40:26 Impact of Social Media on Sales and Marketing
• 48:24 The Role of Social Selling in Retail

Jonathan Torres shares his journey from incarceration to becoming a landscape architect and his work with Project Kinship to support at-risk youth. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and providing resources for youth to break the cycle of incarceration.

Takeaways

• Mentorship
• Breaking the Cycle

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Stephanie Carlson from Naturspire, discussing her journey from journalism to the landscaping industry, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the importance of biophilic design. Stephanie shares her passion for creating living walls and green spaces, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future of her business. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration, trust, and the benefits of incorporating nature into indoor and environments in unique ways.

Takeaways

• Stephanie transitioned from journalism to landscaping after raising her children.
• She discovered biophilic design and its benefits for indoor environments.
• COVID-19 increased demand for indoor plants and greenery.
• NatureSpar focuses on creating living walls and green roofs.
• Collaboration with architects and designers is key to her business.
• Stephanie emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the industry.
• She aims to educate clients on the value of greenery in spaces.
• The business has grown through reinvestment and expanding services.
• Stephanie's passion for nature drives her creativity and projects.
• She believes in the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature.

Sound Bites

• "I love doing rooftops."
• "It just brings happiness."
• "Nature is like the best Xanax."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:48Transition to NatureSpire and Biophilic Design

05:35Impact of COVID-19 on Business

08:39Expanding Services and Collaborations

11:10Creative Projects and Challenges

14:01Growth and Business Development

17:33Building Relationships and Trust

21:30Future Vision and Industry Insights

This morning we had Kris Kiser on the SYNKD on air show and here's a summary of the topics we covered. Will you be there next week? SYNKD team will be there so please reach out to us if you see us!!

https://www.synkd.io/synkd-news/equip-expo-wins-will-you-be-there-next-week

Equip Exposition Named “Greatest Trade Show of 2024,” Celebrated for Industry Impact and Community Stewardship

Equip Exposition—the nation’s largest gathering for landscapers, contractors, dealers, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers—has been named “The Greatest Trade Show of 2024” by Trade Show Executive at the Gold 100 Awards and Summit. The event also received the “Against All Odds Award” and was ranked the third largest trade show in the United States.

Despite facing a major cyberattack on its registration vendor days before opening, the Equip and OPEI teams pivoted seamlessly to deliver a record-breaking, sold-out show with 28,500 attendees, demonstrating resilience and operational excellence.

A Hub for Networking, Education, and Innovation

Peer-to-peer networking continues to be at the heart of Equip, giving industry professionals vital access to suppliers, partners, and new opportunities. As one industry leader put it:

“You can’t not be known each year.”

The show features:

• Hands-on Outdoor Demo Yard with 30 acres of equipment trials
• Expanded UTV Test Track
• Robust education and training sessions
• High-energy industry events, including concerts and receptions

Outdoor Stewardship and Community Engagement

Beyond business, Equip champions outdoor stewardship and community impact, highlighted through its partnership with the TurfMutt Foundation.

Key initiatives include:

• Reaching 70 million children with outdoor education programs
• Using a dog superhero character to promote conservation and responsible land use
• Hosting dog adoption events at the expo, turning industry gatherings into opportunities for giving back
• Encouraging community involvement in outdoor activities and connecting stewardship with real-life action

As shared in the podcast:

“There’s a real dog behind that.”

This storytelling approach humanizes the mission and deepens engagement.

Education That Inspires the Next Generation

Equip and TurfMutt understand that shaping the future of the industry begins with education. Their programs teach kids to value green spaces, care for the environment, and even consider careers in the outdoors.

“We reach 70 million kids.”

This long-term educational vision aligns perfectly with Equip’s role as the industry’s innovation leader.

Why Equip Exposition Stands Apart

Equip isn’t just a trade show—it’s a movement.

Its success comes from combining:

✅ Unmatched networking

✅ Forward-thinking education

✅ Hands-on industry events

✅ Deep commitment to outdoor stewardship

✅ Heartwarming dog adoption initiatives through the TurfMutt Foundation

By blending business growth with community purpose, Equip has set a new standard—making it clear why it earned the title “The Greatest Show of 2024.”

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

The expo continues to expand programming and experiences, with new initiatives already in motion for 2025. As the industry evolves, Equip remains the place to connect, learn, innovate, and give back.

Equip Exposition isn’t just the biggest. It’s the most impactful.

In this episode, we delve into EarthaPro’s mission to empower small landscaping businesses with intuitive software solutions. Founders Courtney Krstich and Peter Quan share their journey of identifying market needs, launching their platform, and the initial feedback received. We discuss their commitment to local development, community support, and future plans for collaboration and innovation in the landscaping industry.

In this podcast, we dive into the bold strategies and visionary mindset that propelled K&D Landscaping to eight-figure success. Explore how they’ve redefined personal and professional growth, championed industry collaboration, and embraced cutting-edge technology to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. Discover the power of community, the value of expertise, and the disruptor mindset that’s driving innovation and impact in the landscaping world.

This is your guide to transforming challenges into opportunities.