Ep 59 – Too Many Hats: HR Tips for Landscape Owners

📅 September 18, 2025 ⏱️ 35:15 🎤 Jim Cali, Barrett Chow, Nubia Gutierrez, Jason New

Chapters

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0:00

Introduction to Roots of Success

Jim Cali introduces the 'Roots of Success' podcast, highlighting McFarland Stanford's role in coaching landscape businesses.
0:46

Barrett Child's HR Journey

Barrett Child shares his background in HR across industries and his transition into the green industry as an executive coach and HR lead.
1:55

Introducing Nubia Gutierrez

Barrett introduces Nubia Gutierrez, CEO of HR in Bloom, who shares her extensive HR experience in the landscape industry.
3:24

Challenges in Landscape HR

Nubia discusses the biggest challenges in landscape HR, including multi-hat roles, resource limitations, and staffing issues.
4:15

Being a One-Person HR Team

Nubia and Barrett discuss the struggles of being a sole HR professional, focusing on time management, compliance, and proving value.
9:20

Supporting HR Departments

Nubia explains how companies can support their HR departments, emphasizing listening to HR professionals and providing a 'seat at the table'.
13:40

Transitioning to Strategic HR

Nubia elaborates on her personal transition from hands-on HR to a strategic leadership role and the impact on her perspective.
17:20

Reducing Turnover and Building Culture

Nubia shares strategies for reducing turnover and building a top workplace culture, including organic recruitment and referral bonuses.
22:10

Career Paths and Internal Promotion

Nubia discusses the development of career paths and the importance of promoting from within to motivate employees and enhance company culture.
28:20

HR as a Competitive Advantage

Nubia and Barrett discuss how investing in HR, including certifications and peer groups, can transform it into a significant competitive advantage.

Speakers

Jim Cali

Host — Principal and Coach, McFarland Stanford

Barrett Chow

Host — Executive Coach, Director of Recruiting, and HR Practice Lead, McFarland Stanford

Nubia Gutierrez

CEO, HR in Bloom

Jason New

Host — Co-founder and Principal, McFarland Stanford

Key Takeaways

✦

Recognize that HR is more than just administrative tasks; it's a strategic function that can drive company growth and profitability.

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Actively recruit by leveraging all company assets, including company trucks and employee referrals, to find new talent.

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Invest in a dedicated HR role or team as the company grows to allow for strategic focus and improved employee experience.

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Implement structured career paths and training programs to foster internal growth and reduce turnover, demonstrating investment in employees.

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Encourage HR professionals to immerse themselves in field operations to understand daily challenges and build effective, tailored solutions.

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Provide HR with a 'seat at the table' in leadership discussions to ensure HR strategies align with business goals and contribute to overall success.

✦

Support HR professionals with opportunities for professional development, such as certifications and peer groups, to enhance their skills and the company's competitive edge.

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← Ep 60: How This Landscaper Built AND Sold Two Companies Before 40

Ep 058 - ACE Coaches Roundtable: Daddy issues and Busch Light Math →