He Stopped Removing Snow To Do This! Ron Coleman | GreenScapes Ohio

📅 April 4, 2026 ⏱️ 1:01:14 🎤 Nevin, Greg Durbin, Ron Coleman

Chapters

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0:00

Show Opening & Banter

The hosts, Greg and Nevin, kick off the show with their usual energetic intro, lighthearted banter, and a discussion about their theater backgrounds and pop culture references.
0:18

Introducing Ron Coleman

Ron Coleman, owner of GreenScapes Ohio, is introduced as the special guest, sharing his over 25 years of experience in the landscaping industry.
0:19

Greenscapes Ohio's History

Ron recounts starting his business in 1999, selling it to a larger corporate entity, and later restarting Greenscapes Ohio after two years due to a preference for a non-corporate environment.
0:22

Rapid Growth & Newspaper Ad

Ron explains how a newspaper article led to unexpectedly rapid growth for his initial business, highlighting the benefits and challenges of quick expansion in the early 2000s.
0:28

Transition to Firewood Sales

Ron shares his decision to stop snow plowing due to competitiveness and personal reasons, and how firewood sales became a profitable alternative for winter income.
0:32

Firewood Business Model

Ron details how he acquires wood for free or at low cost, the profitability of firewood sales, and how different customer segments use firewood.
0:44

Seasoning & Wood Types

Ron explains the process of seasoning wood, testing for dryness, and discusses preferred and less desirable wood types for burning.
0:48

Firewood Equipment & Safety

The conversation covers the equipment used for firewood processing, from chainsaws to bundlers, and touches upon safety aspects like wearing chaps.
0:56

Drawbacks & Add-on Business

Ron discusses the drawbacks of the firewood business, such as hard work in cold weather and equipment costs, but emphasizes its potential as a complementary service for existing landscaping businesses.

Speakers

Nevin

Host

Greg Durbin

Host

Ron Coleman

owner of Greenscapes Ohio

Key Takeaways

✦

Consider diversifying income streams beyond core services; firewood sales can be a lucrative winter add-on for landscaping businesses.

✦

Leverage existing client relationships for new services; marketing new offerings to your current customer base can lead to immediate sales.

✦

Assess the true profitability of services like snow plowing by factoring in hidden costs such as equipment wear, labor, and personal time commitment.

✦

Look for opportunities to acquire materials at low or no cost, such as fallen trees from municipalities or logging companies, to increase profit margins.

✦

Understand market demand and customer segments for new services; tailor your offerings (e.g., aesthetic vs. heating firewood) to different customer needs.

✦

Invest in the right equipment based on scale and efficiency goals, recognizing that upfront costs can significantly impact long-term operational efficiency.

✦

Prioritize safety and proper training for any new service involving dangerous equipment, ensuring employee well-being and reducing accident risks.

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