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at 14 he plans to work at WRIGHT mowers! @RocSolidLawns

⏱️ 1:07:58 🎀 Tony Rudolph, Rock Tollman
AUDIO EPISODE
at 14 he plans to work at WRIGHT mowers! @RocSolidLawns
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction & Guest Story
    Tony introduces Rock Tollman, a young lawn care enthusiast, who shares his early fascination with mowers and how it began.
  • 3:40
    Passion for Mowers
    Rock recounts his early experiences with push mowers and his first encounter with a Wright zero-turn, which sparked his enduring interest.
  • 7:18
    Equipment Upgrades & Ambitions
    Rock details his progression through different lawn care equipment, including his current Wright ZTO 52-inch mower, and his aspiration to work for Wright Manufacturing.
  • 23:21
    Tony's Equipment & Philosophy
    Tony discusses his own diverse fleet of mowers, his preference for lighter, ride-on equipment for high-end properties, and his move towards battery-powered tools.
  • 48:52
    Future Career & Equipment Discussion
    Rock outlines his plan to start a small lawn care business at 16 and then pursue a sales role at Wright, leading to a discussion on autonomous mowers and battery equipment.
  • 53:41
    Hydrofluid & Deck Insights
    Tony provides advice on hydrofluid changes and shares his opinions on various mower deck designs from top brands.
  • 1:10:33
    Toro Mowers & Price Trends
    Rock and Tony discuss their experiences with Toro Turf Master and Time Master mowers, noting the significant increase in equipment prices over the years.
  • 1:34:09
    Blower Talk & Brand Preferences
    They delve into a detailed conversation about Echo backpack blowers, comparing models and discussing their preferences and experiences with different brands.
  • 1:55:36
    Equip Expo Experience
    Rock enthusiastically shares his memorable first-time experience at the Equip Expo, meeting industry figures, and the unique atmosphere of the event.
  • 2:10:22
    Closing Remarks & Inspiration
    Tony and Rock conclude the interview, with Rock offering inspiring advice to young listeners about starting small in lawn care.

Speakers

T
Tony Rudolph
Host β€” Tony's Lawn Care Talk
R
Rock Tollman

Key Takeaways

✦

For new contractors, begin with accessible, even used, equipment to learn the basics and build experience before investing heavily.

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Prioritize excellent customer service by engaging personally with clients, like visiting them during holidays, to build strong relationships and show appreciation.

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Learn to perform your own equipment maintenance, such as hydrofluid changes, to save costs and reduce downtime. Follow manufacturer procedures carefully for critical tasks.

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Consider the weight and maneuverability of equipment, especially for varied property types. Lighter machines can offer advantages on certain high-end landscapes.

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Gradually transition to battery-powered handheld equipment for noise reduction and environmental benefits; this can be a strong selling point for customers seeking quieter services.

✦

Research mower deck designs and consider local turf conditions (e.g., Bermuda grass) when selecting equipment to ensure optimal cutting performance.

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Attend industry expos like Equip Expo to network, meet manufacturers, test new equipment, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.

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