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ACE Coaches Roundtable: What’s the deal with McFarlin Stanford & The Grow Group?

📅 November 26, 2025 ⏱️ 38:54 🎤 Jim Cali, Vince Torchia, Chris Psencik, Marty Grunder, Jason New

Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Roots of Success Welcome
    Jim Callai introduces the podcast and McFarland Stanford's mission to help landscape businesses.
  • 1:45
    Introducing the Panel
    Vince Torchia, Chris Pinick, Jim Callie, Marty Grunder, and Jason New introduce themselves and their roles.
  • 3:55
    Origin of ACE Peer Groups
    Marty Grunder recounts the solitary nature of entrepreneurship and how he started the ACE peer groups in 1996.
  • 8:20
    Vince's Entry into Grow Group
    Marty Grunder shares how Vince Torchia, initially an intern, became a pivotal partner in the Grow Group.
  • 10:48
    McFarland Stanford Partnership
    Jim Callie describes the serendipitous meeting between McFarland Stanford and Grow Group at an event, leading to their partnership.
  • 15:55
    ACE Program Enhancements
    Vince Torchia highlights new ACE program features, including peer groups for non-owners, monthly webinars, Greenius discounts, an honor code, and a dedicated app.
  • 21:26
    The Annual Grow Event
    Chris Pinick and Marty Grunder discuss the history and impact of the annual Grow event, emphasizing its role in industry education and networking.
  • 28:10
    Expanding Coaching & Services
    Marty Grunder and Jason New explain how their combined services, including bookkeeping and recruiting, address specific industry needs and help businesses thrive.
  • 33:25
    Power of Partnership
    The hosts reflect on the strength and synergy of their decade-long partnership, emphasizing the 'better together' philosophy.

Speakers

J
Jim Cali
Host — one of the principles and coaches of McFarland Stanford
V
Vince Torchia
Host — Partner at the Grow Group, ACE facilitator, role at Grunder Landscaping Company
C
Chris Psencik
Host — Partner at McFarland Stanford, ACE facilitator
M
Marty Grunder
Host — Founder of Grunder Landscaping Company and the Grow Group
J
Jason New
Host — Co-founder of McFarland Stanford, ACE facilitator

Key Takeaways

✦

Leverage peer groups for accountability and diverse perspectives; connect with other contractors for shared experiences and solutions, as it's 'lonely out there' running a business.

✦

Actively seek and be open to feedback, especially from those with firsthand business experience, to improve operations and management.

✦

Prioritize continuous learning and team development by attending industry events like 'Grow' and utilizing educational resources; stay updated on industry changes.

✦

Consider external specialized services (e.g., bookkeeping, recruiting) to focus on core business strengths, as delegation frees up time for client and team interactions.

✦

Embrace technology to streamline communication and access to information, such as dedicated apps for peer groups, to enhance efficiency and collaboration.

✦

Encourage team members to join specialized peer groups and webinars to foster their growth, providing learning opportunities beyond just owners.

✦

Build a strong network and community; actively engage with peers at events, as these connections can provide invaluable support and opportunities.

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