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Ep 101. Landscaping Unfiltered: From Canada to the EQUIP Expo

⏱️ 1:06:16 🎀 Jordan Upcavage, Jason Lee, Chad, Mike
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 101. Landscaping Unfiltered: From Canada to the EQUIP Expo
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Google Review Challenge Winners
    Jordan announces the winners of the Green Side Up podcast's Google review challenge between Independent Tree Service and Intrigued Media, highlighting their efforts and results.
  • 0:05
    Welcome to Equip Expo
    Jason and Jordan welcome Mike and Chad from Canada, sharing their experiences at the Equip Expo and discussing their respective businesses and roles.
  • 0:06
    Canadian Landscaping Realities
    Chad details his commercial landscaping business in Cornwall, Ontario, discussing the types of projects, the lack of HOAs, and Canada's tax system.
  • 0:11
    Work Culture and Challenges
    Chad describes the challenges of managing his crew, including issues with employee behavior like smoking weed on job sites and the impact of legal cannabis in Canada.
  • 0:16
    Employee Issues and Policies
    Jason and Jordan share their own experiences with employee issues, including firing for drug and alcohol use, and the struggle to maintain a productive work environment.
  • 0:24
    Mike's Hardscaping Business
    Mike explains his small hardscaping business, focusing on residential lift and relays due to frost heaving and his unique approach to staffing and work-life balance.
  • 0:27
    Entrepreneurial Journeys
    Chad and Mike recount their paths to entrepreneurship, from working at a stone yard to starting their own landscaping companies, driven by financial opportunity and passion.
  • 0:29
    Business Growth and Tools
    Mike discusses his philosophy of staying small and hands-on, alongside his development of the 'How to Hardscape Headquarters' software for budgeting and estimating.
  • 0:33
    Podcast Origins and Insights
    Chad shares the origins of his podcast and how he transitioned from a laborer to a business owner, highlighting lessons learned and the ongoing challenges of managing a growing company.
  • 0:39
    Winter Operations and Polymeric Sand
    The hosts and guests discuss winter shutdowns in Canada, strategies for retaining employees, and the use of polymeric sand, touching on product preferences and installation challenges.
  • 0:52
    Networking and Future Plans
    Jason and Jordan discuss their goals for attending events like Equip Expo, emphasizing networking and learning, while Mike and Chad share their plans and invite the hosts to their podcast.

Speakers

J
Jordan Upcavage
Host
J
Jason Lee
Host
C
Chad
M
Mike

Key Takeaways

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Implement a clear policy on substance use in the workplace and enforce it consistently, providing second chances when appropriate but prioritizing safety and productivity.

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Consider diversifying your services or creating tools that address common industry pain points, as Mike did with his estimating software, to generate additional revenue streams.

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Leverage networking opportunities at industry events to connect with peers, gain new insights, and foster potential collaborations or sponsorships.

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Embrace technology like AI-powered takeoff software to streamline bidding and estimating processes, even if initial investment seems high, it can save significant time.

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Build strong relationships with other contractors and suppliers; this can be a valuable source of leads, support, and advice when starting or growing your business.

✦

Understand and adapt to local climate and geological challenges, such as frost heaving, by using appropriate materials and construction techniques for lasting results.

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Explore creative solutions for seasonal downtime, like Chad's approach of partnering with other companies for demo work, to retain skilled labor and support employees year-round.

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