Shows
The Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingDid ChatGPT Eat Google’s Lunch?Has AI changed how homeowners and commercial property managers find landscape companies?In this solo episode, Jack Jostes shares a real story from his own home renovation disaster — a leaking dishwasher, asbestos discovery, insurance requirements, and two wildly different proposals. Instead of guessing which contractor to hire, Jack used ChatGPT to compare bids and generate smart follow-up questions. What happened next reveals exactly how customers are researching and buying in 2026.You’ll hear what the data actually says about Google vs. AI search, what’s changed inside search results pages, and where landscape companies should focus...
2026-02-1308 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow to Get More Google Reviews, Handle Negative Feedback, and Respond to Every ReviewIn this live Q&A session, Jack Jostes answers real-world questions from landscape business owners, straight from the stage. The conversation focuses on one of the most common challenges contractors face: getting consistent Google reviews, especially from maintenance clients, without feeling awkward or pushy.You’ll hear practical guidance on handling negative reviews the right way, whether employees should leave reviews, and how to use review feedback to build trust with future customers. If you want a clearer, more confident approach to reviews and reputation, this episode delivers tactical advice you can use immediately.Yo...
2026-02-0613 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingBrand Your Landscape Sales Process Webinar with Jack Jostes & Robert Felton Thursday 1/29/2026!https://landscapersguide.com/brand-your-sales-process-to-get-the-owner-out-of-sales-with-jack-jostes-and-robert-felton/Brand Your Sales Process To Get The Owner Out of Sales - with Jack Jostes and Robert FeltonDate: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 10:00 to 11:00 AM MTLocation: Virtual on ZoomInvestment: FREEIn this workshop, Ramblin Jackson CEO Jack Jostes and Director of Client Strategy Robert Felton will share what they've learned working with 300+ landscape companies to help you:Increase your close rate which will save you massive timeCreate a repeatable process that attracts both customers AND employees...Free up your time to grow the business
2026-01-2601 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Hardest Leadership Lessons of Last Year + What’s Next at Ramblin Jackson in 2026In this solo episode of The Landscaper’s Guide Podcast, host Jack Jostes reflects on the hardest leadership lessons he learned last year—particularly around letting the wrong people stay too long, dealing with toxic behavior, and the personal toll poor people decisions can take on business owners. Jack shares real stories from his own company and from client conversations, offering an honest look at why leadership often gets harder before it gets clearer.In the second half of the episode, Jack shifts gears and looks ahead to 2026. He previews what’s coming next at Ramblin Jackson, includ...
2025-12-2625 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingYear-End Sales, Pricing, and Profitability Tips from Aspire SoftwareAs the year winds down, landscape and snow business owners face important decisions around renewals, pricing adjustments, and profitability. In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide Podcast, Jack Jostes is joined by Maggie Wymore from ServiceTitan to discuss what service businesses should be reviewing at year-end to finish strong and plan confidently for the year ahead.Maggie shares practical insights on reviewing financial inputs, evaluating profitability by service line, improving renewal conversations, and using tools like site audits and client budget worksheets to increase retention and enhancement sales. If you want clearer numbers and better conversations he...
2025-12-1917 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing300 Episodes Later: The Biggest Social Media & Marketing Lessons To Grow Your Landscape CompanyAfter five years, 300 episodes, more than 75,000 audio downloads, and over 110,000 YouTube views, Jack Jostes shares the biggest lessons he’s learned from producing The Landscaper’s Guide. In this milestone solo episode, Jack breaks down the marketing mindset that has helped hundreds of landscape and snow companies grow with social media, storytelling, consistency, and simple video production.You’ll hear the real behind-the-scenes journey—starting the show in a tiny shed, leveling up gear over time, learning video and audio by doing, and why “done beats perfect” remains the #1 success principle for content-driven landscape companies. Jack also shares the s...
2025-12-0523 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Call Jam Playbook: A Simple System To Win More Landscape ClientsIn this episode, Jack Jostes breaks down one of the simplest and most profitable sales activities any landscape company can run: the Call Jam. Jack shares why calling customers still outperforms every other marketing channel, how to structure a winning Call Jam with your team, and how to prioritize your leads so you focus on the prospects most likely to buy. He also explains the Hopper Dropper method for doubling your response rates and gives a real example of a landscape company that generated $52,000 in slow-season revenue using this exact strategy.If you want a repeatable...
2025-11-2112 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingChatGPT for Landscape Sales Pros & Owners — Jack Jostes LIVE at NALP ELEVATE | Nov 5, 9:00–9:45AM MSTMost landscape companies lose sales because their follow-up is too slow and too inconsistent.In this short video, Jack Jostes — CEO of Ramblin Jackson and host of The Landscaper’s Guide Podcast — shares how one simple ChatGPT prompt can help your entire sales team follow up faster, sound more professional, and keep CRM notes consistent across your company.See Jack LIVE at NALP ELEVATE 2025 Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Time: 9:00–9:45 a.m. MST Location: Phoenix Convention Center | Phoenix, AZ***West Building - 100 Level - Room 105** Session: ChatGPT for Landscape Sales Pro...
2025-10-2702 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingMultipliers Book Review: How The Best Leaders Make Everyone SmarterAre you a multiplier or a diminisher in your company’s leadership? In this episode, Landscaper’s Guide podcast host Jack Jostes reviews Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman. Jack shares key insights from the book and from his Wild Frontier Mastermind discussion — including how to identify people’s native genius, when to move team members into new seats, and why great leaders admit mistakes publicly to build trust. You’ll hear practical, real-world applications for landscape and snow business owners who want to grow stronger leadership teams and elevate company culture.You’ll L...
2025-10-2413 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingWhy Landscapers Need a Marketing Coordinator (And a Few Cheese Curds)Hiring a Marketing Coordinator might sound like a luxury — but for growing landscape companies, it could be the smartest move you make (besides ordering cheese curds in Wisconsin).In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Ramblin Jackson’s Marketing Coordinator, Hayden Storms, who started as an apprentice and now leads podcast editing, video production, and marketing automation.You’ll discover:How to actually use your iPhone to shoot sharp, on-site video contentLeadership takeaways from Scouts and DECA that build real team cultureWhy keeping your current clients happy often pays mor...
2025-08-2929 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Community Women in Snow and Landscape Have Been MissingIsolation. Burnout. And feeling invisible in a male-dominated industry.These are just a few of the challenges women face in the snow and landscape world — whether they’re operators, spouses, or business owners themselves.In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes interviews Val Lesak, co-founder of Influential Encounters, live from the Ramblin Jackson booth at the SIMA Symposium. Val shares how she’s helping build a nationwide community that supports women in snow, landscape, and construction.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why “snow wives” often feel alone — and how you can...
2025-07-2519 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingYou’re Making Sales... So Where’s the Profit?You’re closing deals, working hard, and watching the money come in…But your bank account still isn’t growing. What gives?In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes interviews Jeff Heller, a Profit First Professional, landscape industry consultant at The Green Executive, and SIMA 2025 Board Member, about why so many snow and landscape companies struggle with cash flow — and how to fix it.Here’s ONE thing Jeff wants landscapers to know: If your profit is “whatever’s left over,” you’re doing it backwards.In this episode, you’ll lear...
2025-07-1817 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingWhat Most Landscapers Get Wrong About Artificial GrassArtificial turf is booming—but too many landscapers are cutting corners and losing money.In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Steve Rice, the founder of Lawn Kings and Titan Turf Supply. From Hollywood movie sets to thousands of installs across the U.S., Steve shares what it really takes to do turf right.Here’s one thing Steve wants every landscaper to know:The base prep is everything. Skip it, and you’ll lose trust—and repeat business.You’ll hear:Why cheap installs are...
2025-07-1145 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingWhy Grit Beats Experience in HiringWhat does it take to lead a multi-state snow and landscape company, when you didn’t grow up in the industry?In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Eddy Zakes, CEO of Earth Development, to explore how grit, values, and systems fuel business growth.Eddy shares:What it’s like to acquire and lead a company as an outsider to the industryHow Earth Development builds long-term partnerships with clients and service providersHis personal discipline—training for an Ironman while running a growing companyWhy hiring for grit, not just experien...
2025-07-0425 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingIs AI Killing Google Search?You’re not BrightView. You don’t have a $100 million budget, a fleet of trucks, or an army of marketers. But guess what? You don’t need it.In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes shares how small, family-owned landscape companies are outranking national giants — with one simple thing most businesses still overlook.What You’ll Learn:How Google reviews give small businesses a real edge over big brandsWhat Google’s 2025 SEO leak revealed — and what to do about itWhy most AI content falls flat, and how to make it actually sound like you
2025-06-2023 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingCan ChatGPT Make You a Better Manager?If you own or manage a snow and landscape company, you're probably already hearing a lot about AI. But are you actually using ChatGPT to coach your team, lead more effectively, and grow your business?In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes shares how he’s using ChatGPT at Ramblin Jackson to streamline management, improve communication, and lead with more confidence. Whether it’s running a 30-day check-in, preparing for a tough feedback conversation, or coaching based on DISC profiles—Jack shows how AI can be your behind-the-scenes assistant for people management.This epi...
2025-06-1311 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingLandscaping With Empathy: How Todd Brown Builds Trust, Family, and Long-Term ClientsWhat if better landscaping sales started with empathy?In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Todd Brown from Southern Classic Landscape Management. After nearly 40 years in business, Todd shares what he’s learned about running a high-touch company rooted in trust, clear communication, and treating clients like family—even when things go wrong.From handling a stolen magnolia tree and $50 underpayment with grace, to training his kids and team to lead with respect, Todd’s philosophy is simple but powerful: do good work, return c...
2025-06-0621 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingProtecting Your Kids Online: Lessons from a High School Author Fighting CyberbullyingWhat if your kid knew how to handle cyberbullying before it started?In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes interviews Ashley Parker, a high school author, illustrator, and founder of the nonprofit Click With Kindness. After facing online harassment herself, Ashley took action—writing and illustrating Sasha Goes to Cyberspace, a children's book designed to help elementary-aged students understand the risks of digital life and how to navigate them with empathy and confidence.This conversation is for parents raising kids in a digital world—and for leaders who believe in empowering the next g...
2025-05-3032 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Hidden Cost of Growing Too Fast: Why This Landscaper Prioritizes Service Over ScalingIs scaling your landscape business always the right move?In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes talks with Scott Parker of Parker Landscape Design about why he stopped chasing growth and started prioritizing craftsmanship, plant expertise, and exceptional customer service.Scott shares how trying to scale his business actually made things harder: more stress, lower quality, and less client satisfaction. So he pivoted—and hasn’t looked back.In this episode, you’ll learn:🌱 Why Scott says scaling nearly cost him his best competitive advantage📞 The power of being the only point...
2025-05-2336 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe One Minute Manager: Better Leadership for Landscapers in 60 Seconds or LessWhat if better leadership could start with just one minute?In this solo episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes unpacks his top takeaways from Ken Blanchard's The New One Minute Manager. It’s a tiny book with immense value, especially for landscaping company owners who are training managers, growing their team, and trying to get better results without micromanaging.Jack shares how he’s using this framework at Ramblin Jackson to train middle managers, increase clarity, and scale more smoothly.Here’s what you’ll learn:⏱️ The “one-minute goals” approach to getting aligned...
2025-05-1612 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingDebrief to Win: Fighter Pilot Lessons for Landscaping LeadersWhat do fighter pilots know about leadership that most landscape business owners miss?Turns out—a lot.In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Cujo Teschner, retired Air Force fighter pilot and author of Debrief to Win, live from the Bach Business Partners Summit. They talk about the kind of accountability that actually inspires high-performing teams, and how landscaping business owners can apply military-grade clarity, coaching, and vulnerability to scale smarter and stronger.Here’s what you’ll learn:✈️ Why fear-based accountability fails—and what works instead📉 How e...
2025-05-0919 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingSales on Skis: 3 Sales Strategies That Help Landscapers Close Faster (Without the Stress)Ever reviewed your sales process mid-ski run? 🎿This week on The Landscaper’s Guide, we’re riding the lift and carving out real sales advice with Ramblin Jackson’s Director of Client Strategy, Robert Felton. Join Jack Jostes as they break down three key sales strategies you can implement before your next coffee break. No snow gear required!From the base of Loveland Ski Area, they cover what really helps close premium landscaping jobs faster, and how you can lead your team through better systems (without burning out).Here’s what you’ll learn before...
2025-05-0221 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe $2M Growth Wall: What’s Really Holding Your Landscaping Business BackWhat if the biggest thing holding your landscaping company back... was you?In this special in-studio episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with two powerhouse landscapers, Robyn Schmitz of High Prairie Outdoors and Scott Parker of Parker Landscape Design, to dig into the messy, not-so-glamorous, but totally necessary shifts it takes to grow past $2M without losing your mind.They talk about leadership, marketing, margins, and the surprisingly simple things that have kept their companies thriving in 2025.🎯 What You’ll Learn:
2025-04-1847 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing75 Years in Business. 3 Google Reviews.Michelle Lane’s family landscaping business has been around for 75 years. But when she Googled herself during a presentation at Belgard University… she found three reviews.In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes talks with Michelle about something even the most established landscape companies get wrong—and how to fix it—with better branding, smarter marketing, and a whole lot more Google reviews.🎯 What You’ll Learn:🌼 Why legacy customers aren’t enough to win new business📍 How brand confusion and Google listings can kill your visibility🚫 What Michelle spent $350 on—and why she’...
2025-04-1117 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingYour Best Project Photos Are Costing You SalesLuxury design in a small space? That’s exactly what Joe Raboine, VP of Design at Oldcastle APG, helps contractors pull off every day.In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Joe at Belgard University in North Carolina to talk about real-world trends in outdoor living and what today’s homeowners are actually buying. From charging for consultations to closing $50K patio jobs in 15x30 ft lots, Joe brings the contractor’s mindset with a national designer’s perspective.Whether you’re designing, selling, or marketing outdoor spaces—this one’s full of...
2025-04-0419 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe #1 Missed Opportunity in Landscaping (And How to Fix It)Most landscapers are sitting on a high-margin service they’re barely tapping into – irrigation. If you’re only fixing irrigation when it breaks, you’re missing out on recurring revenue and long-term client retention.In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes sits down with Weathermatic President Lex Mason to share how irrigation can become a profit center instead of a reactive expense. Lex explains why water costs are rising faster than any other utility, why most landscapers lose clients over irrigation issues, and how SmartL...
2025-03-2128 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing3 Reasons Employees Choose Your Landscaping Company (Or Someone Else’s)Struggling to Hire? Here’s How One Landscaper Got 120+ Applicants FASTMost landscape business owners struggle to find and keep great employees—but if your job postings aren’t bringing in the right candidates, chances are you’re making one big mistake.In this episode, Jack Jostes takes you inside his keynote at Green & Growin’ in North Carolina, where he shares real-world hiring strategies that work. You’ll learn the 3 key reasons employees choose one landscaping company over another—and how one landscaper used these strategies to get 120+ job applicants...
2025-03-1408 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe #1 Hiring Mistake That’s Costing You Great EmployeesStruggling to hire and keep great employees in your landscaping business? You’re not alone. With more job options than ever, competition is fierce, and if you’re not standing out, you’re losing out. But the best landscape companies are winning the hiring game with smarter, more strategic approaches—and in this episode, we’re breaking them down.Join Jack Jostes as he sits down with Robert Felton and Jamie DuBose from Ramblin Jackson to uncover what’s actually working in recruiting right now. Forget postin...
2025-03-0728 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe 5 Keys to a Healthier Landscape with Agronomist Dr. Eric BrownSome folks think keeping a landscape healthy just means dumping more fertilizer and cranking up the sprinklers. But that’s like throwing steak on the grill without seasoning—it’s not gonna turn out the way you hoped. That’s why at NALP’s Elevate conference in Charlotte, NC, Jack Jostes caught up with Dr. Eric Brown, a PhD agronomist from Massey Services, to talk about what really makes plants thrive (hint: it’s not just luck).Dr. Brown has spent years researching how to get big results with fewer inputs—which means less waste, healthier plants, and more money...
2025-02-2109 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Financial Plan Every Landscaping Business Needs for 2025Most landscapers think they have a handle on their numbers—until cash flow problems, unexpected equipment costs, or skyrocketing overtime smack them in the face. In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes talks with Steven Bach from Bach Business Partners (BBP) about the financial traps that cost landscapers money every single year—and how to avoid them.One of the biggest mistakes? Confusing sales with revenue. Just because you landed a contract doesn’t mean that money is in your pocket. Steven shares how landscapers can track revenue correctly, avoid cash flow surprises, and set real...
2025-02-1444 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingAspire Reveals the #1 Software Mistake Killing Landscaping BusinessesRolling out new software at your landscaping company? It can either transform your business—or turn into an expensive headache. At NALP’s Elevate conference, host Jack Jostes caught up with Aspire CEO Mark Tipton to unpack the real challenges behind implementing new systems and making them work.Mark explains exactly who Aspire is designed for and why some companies thrive with it while others struggle. The key? It’s not just about the features—it’s about having the right mindset. Jack also shares a hard lesson he learned when rolling out new software in his own compan...
2025-02-0708 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow Aspire Helps Landscapers Fix Labor & Vendor HeadachesWhat if you could get more done with the same team—and without the stress? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Mark Tipton, CEO of Aspire, and Whitney Griffin, Senior Product Owner, to talk about the biggest challenges landscapers face, from labor shortages to vendor management. They share real-world strategies for improving efficiency, streamlining operations, and planning smarter.One of the key takeaways? Proactive planning beats putting out fires. Whitney explains how tools like Gantt charts and better workflow systems can keep your projects on schedule and your team focused. Plus...
2025-01-3122 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingFollowing the Money: How SkyFrog Landscape Grows Smart and Stays ProfitableWhat does landscaping have to do with alligator hunting? More than you'd think! In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes talks with Jason Lee, owner of SkyFrog Landscape and co-host of the Green Side Up Podcast, about how he balances running a thriving landscape business in Florida while wrangling gators in his free time. Spoiler alert—both require patience, skill, and a solid plan!Jason shares how he grew SkyFrog Landscape from humble beginnings into a full-service company specializing in residential renovations and commercial maintenance. He dives into the challenges of expanding into new mark...
2025-01-2441 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow Pleasant Landscapes Builds Leaders and Plans for the Future with Kelly SlaterHow do you grow a landscaping company without selling your soul—or your business—to private equity? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes chats with Kelly Slater, the newly promoted CEO of Pleasant Landscapes, about building leaders, planning for a future of employee ownership, and why she’s sticking to her roots (literally).Kelly shares how her team is developing junior leadership roles, turning employees into stakeholders with phantom stocks, and using AI to make everyday tasks easier. From role-playing sales objections to drafting cooler, calmer emails, AI is freeing up time for the team...
2025-01-1712 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow Wellness Design Can Win You High-Value Clients in the Landscape Industry!What if your landscape could lower stress as easily as a good sunset on the prairie? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes chats with Daniel and Rome from Avesso Studio, the Dallas-based duo transforming homes inside and out. They’ll show you how thoughtful design can wrangle chaos and create calm, both in your backyard and beyond.From anxiety-lowering water features to the hidden power of color and texture, Daniel and Rome are breaking new ground in design. They’ll reveal how merging interior and landscape design not only looks stunning but fosters real m...
2025-01-1036 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing7 Sponsorship Tips Every Snow & Landscape Company Needs to Know!Are your sponsorships rolling away like tumbleweeds, leaving your bottom line dry? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes shares seven essential tips to help snow and landscape companies turn sponsorship dollars into measurable results. Whether it’s a trade show, webinar, or local event, these strategies will grow more than just brand awareness!Learn how to craft offers that stick like a deeply-rooted tree and design landing pages your audience won’t forget. These practical tips will help you connect with your target market while standing out from the crowd. We’ll also show you...
2025-01-0307 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingReflecting on 2024: Business Wins, Lessons, and 2025 Goals for Landscaping ProsWhat do you want your life and business to look like next year? In this special year-end episode, Jack Jostes teams up with his longtime business coach, Wayne Herring, to reflect on the wins, challenges, and lessons of 2024. Tune in for actionable insights to help you prepare for 2025.From launching a record number of websites to leveraging AI for efficiency, Jack shares how Ramblin Jackson hit major milestones this year. Wayne also dives into the benefits of having a business coach and how intentional conversations can help owners overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.This...
2024-12-2050 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingPhotography Hacks for Landscapers: How Wickenburg Builds Trust, Wins Awards, and Attracts Clients!Ever wonder what separates good landscapers from GREAT ones? Spoiler: It’s not just about cutting grass! In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes interviews Aaron Wolfe, owner of Wickenburg Landscape. With over 40 years of family legacy, Aaron spills the secrets to running a standout business built on punctuality, eye-catching photography, and unforgettable client relationships.Aaron isn’t your average landscaper—he’s an industry trailblazer and advocate. With decades of experience, paver instructor certification, and a passion for helping others, Aaron’s insights are a goldmine for landscapers everywhere. Whether you’re managing snow...
2024-12-1331 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingTurning Fall Slumps to Year-Round Wins: Green Season’s Proven Forecasting and Service Expansion StrategiesEver wonder how to turn a seasonal lawn care business into a thriving operation? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes chats with Clint Baxter, owner of Green Seasons Lawn and Tree Service. Live from Elevate 2024, Clint shares how he’s grown from a 200-customer buyout to serving over 2,000 loyal clients.Clint reveals his strategies for tackling the highs and lows of seasonality. From managing marketing budgets to preparing for the big spring rush, he’s got tips every lawn care pro can use. And if you’re curious about expanding into new services like pes...
2024-12-0624 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingAward-Winning Landscape Properties: How GreenWeaver Achieves National Recognition for Their DesignsWhat does it take to create AWARD-WINNING landscape designs that prioritize sustainability? In this episode, join Jack Jostes at Elevate 2024 as he catches up with Ryan Snyder, General Manager of GreenWeaver Landscapes. Together, they dive into how Ryan’s team is redefining landscaping in southeastern Pennsylvania—and racking up national awards for it.GreenWeaver recently snagged a Silver and Bronze award for their incredible residential design-build projects. These accolades highlight their unique ecological approach: using native plants, managing stormwater, and prioritizing sustainability to craft landscapes that are both beautiful and responsible.Ryan dives into the stor...
2024-11-2910 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingGrowing the Next Generation of Green Industry Leaders with Jason DavisWhat if the future of your business was sitting in a classroom or working on a small family farm right now? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes interviews Jason Davis—a farmer, educator, and lifelong advocate for agricultural education. Jason shares his unique perspective on blending teaching, farming, and building connections with the next generation.Jason runs a farm specializing in high-value crops like mums, sweet corn, and cut flowers. He explains how Facebook helps him sell directly to local customers and why creating display-ready plants can boost revenue. If you’re lookin...
2024-11-1513 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingFrom Basement Meeting to Industry Leader: The Founding Story of SIMA with Rick KierAre you ready to hear how one basement meeting sparked the creation of an industry-defining association? In this episode of The Landscaper's Guide, Jack Jostes chats with Rick Kier, one of the founding members of the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA). Rick shares the captivating story of how eight determined individuals came together in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a vision that would eventually grow into an organization with thousands of members.Rick takes us back to his roots, starting his snow business at just 11 years old and building a career that spanned over four decades. He reflects...
2024-11-0812 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingBuild a Stronger Business in 2025: Scott Lesak’s Guide to Snow & Landscape SuccessCurious about what it takes to build a sustainable snow and landscape business in today’s market? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Scott Lesak from Kasel Rocks Landscape Co. at the SIMA Symposium to talk about sustainable growth, the importance of continuous improvement, and how to create a team that genuinely cares about the success of the company. Scott shares the insights he’s gained from years of industry experience and the values that drive his leadership style.From managing rapid growth to maintaining quality in service, Scott dives into h...
2024-11-0108 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingSnow Pro Secrets: Michael Anderson’s Tips for Snow & Landscape Business SuccessWhat advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Michael Anderson of Snow & Ice Pros, live from the SIMA Symposium, to discuss the lessons he’s learned throughout his career in the snow and landscape industry. From humble beginnings buying a broken lawnmower as a kid to becoming an industry expert, Michael shares his journey, insights, and the values that shaped his leadership style.Tune in to hear about how a Jesuit education at Marquette University influenced Mich...
2024-10-2514 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow AI & ChatGPT Are Transforming the Landscaping Industry and What It Means for Your BusinessIs AI the missing tool in your snow and landscape business? In this special episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with John Paganini of CrewTracker Software, live from the 2024 SIMA Symposium in Pittsburgh. They explore how AI, like CrewTracker’s innovative Help Desk chatbot, is changing the way businesses manage snow and landscape operations, from streamlining HR processes to optimizing customer service.John breaks down how CrewTracker’s AI integration can improve daily operations by automating tasks such as answering client inquiries, generating reports, and handling routine HR functions. Whether you need help schedu...
2024-10-1114 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingRambler Takeover: Unlock Expert SEO Secrets and Sales Strategies to Drive Your Landscape Business into 2025In this special Rambler Takeover episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, our Sales and Marketing Manager, Jamie DuBose, takes the reins while Jack Jostes is off the trail. The Ramblin Jackson team takes over to share key insights from working with landscape businesses across the country. We’re counting down to the 5th Annual Landscaper’s Summit, happening on October 10, and diving into what you can expect from this year’s event.In this episode, you’ll hear from members of our team on topics like fine-tuning your sales process, improving your SEO, and making the most of the upc...
2024-10-0424 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingTransforming an Ordinary Nashville Property into a Breathtaking Outdoor Oasis by Master’s Landscape DesignIn this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide Podcast, host Jack Jostes takes us to Nashville, Tennessee, for a special property showcase recorded during our annual Ramblin Retreat. We’re featuring a backyard transformation at the home of Peggy and Gary, designed and built by Mike Pruitt and the team at Master’s Landscape Design. From a luxurious pool to creative softscaping and a beautiful covered structure, this project shows how thoughtful design can turn any outdoor space into something truly remarkable.Mike and his team guide us through the entire project, sharing key details of the design...
2024-09-2027 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingGenerations in Landscaping: How Alpine Gardens Adapted Over 45 Years of Tech, Clients, and CommunicationIn this episode of The Landscaper's Guide, we dive into the rich history of Alpine Gardens, one of Colorado's longest-standing landscaping companies. Jack Jostes sits down with Jack Fetig, the founder, his son Nate, now the owner, and their sales manager Kris Nylander. Together, they share stories of the vintage tools and artifacts that helped build their business over the last 45 years.Ever wonder what it was like to run a landscape business in the ‘70s? How did companies manage projects before CRMs, smartphones, and online scheduling? This episode reveals the fascinating ways Alpine Gardens navigated those ea...
2024-09-1333 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingCutting Costs, Growing Revenue: How Weathermatic's SmartLink Technology is Powering the Future of Irrigation ManagementIn this episode of The Landscaper's Guide, we're recording from Dallas, Texas, with two heavy hitters in the irrigation and landscape industry. Jack Jostes interviews Lex Mason, President of Weathermatic, and Chase Cook, CEO of SMC Landcare, to explore how Weathermatic’s SmartLink technology is reshaping the future of irrigation management by slashing labor costs and conserving water. You'll hear how Chase uses Weathermatic’s cutting-edge systems to streamline operations, speed up inspections, and fuel business growth. From leveraging SmartLink to reduce labor costs to incorporating solar-powered solutions, they discuss the game-changing impact of modern technology on the i...
2024-09-0636 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingMindset, Marathons, and Million-Dollar Businesses: How Dave Wescott Aligns Personal Growth with Business LeadershipWhat does it take to juggle a multimillion-dollar snow and landscape business with a podcast, nonprofit, and a commitment to fitness? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes catches up with Dave Wescott of Transblue, recorded live from the SIMA Symposium in Pittsburgh. Dave opens up about how he leads in the snow and landscape industry while balancing multiple passions and responsibilities.Out here in the snow and landscape community, there’s nothing like riding alongside a supportive crew. Dave discusses the importance of connecting with industry peers and how being part of such...
2024-08-3017 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingProperty Showcase Tour: How Tory Chlanda is Transforming Outdoor Spaces & Using Video Marketing to Attract More Landscape ClientsWhat’s it like to manage a landscape project for over 15 years? 🌳 Join host Jack Jostes as he tours a stunning property in Amherst, Massachusetts, meticulously designed and maintained by Better View Landscapes. In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack is joined by Tory Chlanda, the owner of Better View Landscapes, who shares the secrets behind this incredible project and his 29-year journey in the landscaping industry.The episode kicks off with a detailed property tour, where Tory walks us through the unique features of the landscape, including a marble egg from Vietnam, a though...
2024-08-2328 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingScaling Your Landscape Business: Proven Techniques to Maximize Profits and Overcome Growth Hurdles (with Christeen Era)Are you just growing your landscape business, or are you scaling it deliberately for long-term success? In today’s episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes dives into the crucial differences with Christeen Era, a true trailblazer in landscape finance. Christeen is the author of Profit First for Lawn Care and Landscape Businesses and has been guiding landscape companies through financial storms for over 25 years. If you’re ready to turn your hard work into real profits, Christeen’s the trail guide you need to follow.In this episode, Christeen shares her hard-earned wisdom on...
2024-08-1630 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingAccuWeather’s Top Solutions: Weather-Proof Your Snow and Landscape Business!In this episode of The Landscaper's Guide, host Jack Jostes sits down with Lou Seidel, Director of Business Development at AccuWeather. Discover how AccuWeather's professional services can transform your snow and landscape business by providing precise, real-time weather data to prevent issues and maximize efficiency.Lou Seidel brings over 30 years of experience at AccuWeather to the table, sharing unique ways weather impacts businesses. He explains how AccuWeather customizes its services to meet the specific needs of snow and landscape companies.From proactive weather warnings to authenticated snowfall totals for accurate billing, Lou dives into the...
2024-08-0914 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingFrom SIMA Scholarship to 4x Revenue: Jacob Peffer's Snow & Landscape Success StoryIn this episode of The Landscaper's Guide, host Jack Jostes sits down with Jacob Peffer, a rising star in the commercial snow and landscape industry. At just 23 years old, Jacob has QUADRUPLED his snow sales in one year and grown his business exponentially. Discover the strategies and processes that have propelled his company to new heights.Jacob shares his journey from winning SIMA’s Alan Steiman Scholarship to managing multiple crews and focusing on sales and admin work. He talks about the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of hiring the right team members, and his ambitious pl...
2024-08-0213 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingCoaching Employees to Excellence: Insights from SIMA's Award-Winning Commercial Snow and Landscape TeamWould you consider your company culture to be “award-winning”? In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes sits down with Matt Hager, VP of Operations at Earth Development, and Cassandra Baron, Operations Support Manager. Earth Development has been named the Best Place to Work by SIMA three years in a row, and today, we’re diving into their secrets to success.Discover how Earth Development creates an environment where employees thrive. From setting clear key performance indicators (KPIs) to offering unwavering support, Matt shares how his team achieves excellence year after year. Plus, you’ll hear abo...
2024-07-2612 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow Scott Pearce Transformed a Small Business into a 21-Acre Garden Center SuccessIn this episode of The Landscaper's Guide, host Jack Jostes stops by For Garden's Sake in Durham, North Carolina, to chat with owner Scott Pearce. Scott shares his journey from running a small lawn treatment business to owning a 21-acre property featuring a Garden Center, Landscape Design-build Division, and Maintenance Company.Scott dives into his unique marketing strategies, highlighting the power of social media and community events to draw in customers. Learn how he juggles the different business units and the benefits of cross-marketing between the Garden Center and landscaping services.Scott also opens up...
2024-07-1944 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingFrom Burnout to Balance: How Self-Care and Intentional Leadership Revolutionized Rob Miller’s Landscaping BusinessIn this episode of The Landscaper's Guide, host Jack Jostes sits down with Robert Miller, the Owner of RPM Landscape Contractor. Dive into Robert's incredible journey of personal and professional growth, revealing how a mix of intentional living and some good ol' self-care can work wonders for your business.Robert opens up about how focusing on health and fitness, including teaming up with a personal trainer, has boosted his mental and physical strength, turning him into an outstanding leader. He also chats about the importance of mental health and how networking within the landscaping community has been...
2024-07-1219 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingWhy Technology and Core Values Are Crucial for Landscapers in 2024! (Feat. Josh Bahler)In this episode, host Jack Jostes chats with Josh Bahler, the innovative Operations Manager and Owner of Bahler Brothers, to explore the mighty combo of core values and the potential for technology in landscaping. Discover how Josh brings values like quality, integrity, and family to life through creative methods like fun team games and epic t-shirt designs. Wondering how tech could spice up your landscaping business? Josh dives into his current practices and picks Jack's brain on how to leverage AI and other technology to boost operations. This conversation is a blend of old-school values and future-forward t...
2024-07-0536 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing5 Essential Sales Management Tips to Close More Sales NOW!In this episode, host Jack Jostes goes solo to unveil powerful sales strategies guaranteed to boost your landscape business and close more deals right away! Drawing from his vast experience and insights gained from working with numerous clients, Jack shares five essential sales management tips that will streamline your operations and significantly enhance your closing rates. Whether you're a landscape or tree care company, these practical tips will transform your sales process. Are you struggling with communication breakdowns within your team? Or perhaps your response times to leads are longer than they should be, causing po...
2024-06-2817 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingFrom Zero to 200 Designs: Discover Ryan King’s Secret to Nationwide Virtual Landscape Design SuccessIn this episode, host Jack Jostes sits down with Ryan King from King Landscape Design, a landscape designer who's changing the game with his virtual design business. 🌍 Ryan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, from his roots in Connecticut to creating a successful nationwide business.Jack and Ryan explore the story of how a random message from a Canadian client kickstarted Ryan’s career. They also discuss the differences between landscape design and architecture and why understanding these can make a big difference for your projects.Curious about how outsourcing can change the game for you...
2024-06-2137 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe SIMA Safety Standard for Snow & Ice Management (feat. Mike Wagner)In this episode, host Jack Jostes sits down with Mike Wagner from Exbet Advising, a prominent member of the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) who helped rewrite the SIMA Safety Standards documentation. Mike shares his extensive experience in the snow industry, from his beginnings as a heavy equipment mechanic to his role as a fleet manager and safety manager. Together, they discuss the development of new safety standards for the snow and ice industry, and why it’s important to maintain effective training.Whether you’re a seasoned snow professional or new to the indus...
2024-06-1427 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingGrowing Success: Dujon Blondel’s Journey to Greening the Garden StateIn this episode, host Jack Jostes sits down with the inspiring Dujon Blondel, founder of Green Glow Gardens. Dujon shares his incredible journey from cultivating cannabis in Humboldt County to becoming a pioneer in regenerative agriculture. Discover how Dujon's unique background and personal health breakthroughs have shaped his innovative approach to landscaping and gardening. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional in the snow and landscape industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.Listen to the full episode to learn more about: Regenerative Agriculture's Impact: Learn how healing the soil c...
2024-06-0731 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingBrothers from Another Mother: A Discussion on Preserving Natural Resources & Practicing Intelligent, Responsible Lawn Care with 2 Landscape Company OwnersIn today’s episode, host Jack Jostes sat down for a healthy debate on the importance of regenerative lawn care and sustainable water management with Phil Holloway, owner of Go Green Customized Lawn Care and Jay Archer, owner of Green Jay Landscape Designs. This episode is a continuation of a previous podcast featuring Jay Archer and his viewpoints on water conservation and turf maintenance. Listen to the full episode to hear the importance of:Green Industry Education and Communication: Jay Archer emphasized the importance of educating clients and industry professionals alike about sustainable practices and the...
2024-05-3133 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingRambler Takeaways & Semi-Finalist Surprises from the Magnetic Marketing SuperConferenceIn this episode, Jack Jostes, Jamie DuBose and Robert Felton share their takeaways from the Magnetic Marketing SuperConference in Dallas, TX. They discuss the game-changing insights and strategies for elevating your landscape business. Whether you're looking to optimize your marketing automation, identify your Hell Yes Customer, or improve team efficiency, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear Jack’s experience as a semi-finalist for the Magnetic Marketer of the Year contest and get a sneak peek of his unique semi-finalist prize. Listen to the full epis...
2024-05-2425 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Future of Marketing for Landscapers: Embracing AI, Robotic Mowing & Direct Marketing Strategies to Grow & ScaleIn today’s episode, host Jack Jostes shares conversations from attending Dan Kennedy’s Magnetic Marketing SuperConference in Dallas, TX. Despite the conference being a marketing-focused event, he met some green industry business owners and the world’s fastest copywriter who shared their stories on this episode of the Landscaper’s Guide.Listen to the full episode to learn more about: Direct Response Marketing for the Green Industry: Learn how innovative marketing strategies can transform your business and effectively communicate your value to customers.Advancements in Robotic Mowing: Discover the benefits of robotic mowers, including consistent lawn aest...
2024-05-1720 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingInnovative Solutions for Native Landscape Design & Team Management with Jack WilliamsIn this episode host, Jack Jostes, is joined by Ramblin Jackson client, Jack Williams from Austin Living Landscapes. Get a behind the scenes look at the transformation of a beautiful residential property in Austin, Texas, exploring innovative solutions for landscaping challenges and efficient project management. Watch the full episode to learn: - Unique methods for creating privacy and managing drainage in residential landscaping, using specific plants and strategically designed creek beds.- Insights into overcoming staffing challenges in the landscaping business, including when to know if you’re ready to invest in skilled proj...
2024-05-1032 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingBook Recommendation: Unlock Stress-Free Sales with David Sandler’s Proven Selling SystemIn today’s episode, host Jack Jostes shares his personal experiences and key takeaways from the book "You Can't Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar" by David H. Sandler, exploring its impact on both personal and team sales performance. This episode is a must-listen for landscape companies who are looking to refine their sales process, enhance customer interactions, and improve team communication.Listen to the full episode to hear: How Sandler’s 7-step selling system not only fine-tunes your sales process but also enhances overall communication within your team. The importance of knowin...
2024-05-0311 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingRooted in Integrity: Unique Landscaping's Formula for Sustainability and Customer SuccessIn today's episode, host Jack Jostes is joined by Donna and Kurt Kauffman from Unique Landscaping, who discuss how their horticultural expertise and business insight has propelled their company to the forefront of the landscaping industry. Listen to the full episode to hear: Unique Landscaping’s strategies for adapting landscaping designs to regional climates, and how they overcame extreme weather events like the Great Texas Freeze.How to infuse integrity and professionalism into every landscape project, resulting in high quality service tailored to specific client needs.How to use performance-based incentives and a transparent employee scorecard syst...
2024-04-2641 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingMastering Cash Flow in Landscaping: Strategies from Cycle CPA ExpertsIn today’s episode, Jack Jostes sits down with Cycle CPA owners Joe & Carla Policastro to discuss why accurate cash flow numbers aren't a luxury, but a necessity for landscape companies. They covered how to make critical investments in financial processes and software before scaling with staff, the art of balancing a marketing budget that fuels aggressive growth, and how to successfully prepare for those winter cash flow dips. Listen to the full episode to hear: The repercussions of outdated books, leading to strained cash flow during slower seasons and how to prepare ahead of time.The...
2024-04-1939 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingEnvisioning Green: Building Success Through Strategic Downsizing and Goal SettingIn this episode, host Jack Jostes is joined by Steven & Erika Johns, owners of Envisioning Green, where they discuss how they've streamlined operations while maintaining a positive work-life balance through the power of goal setting and intentional scaling.They share their firsthand experience on making the tough calls to trim services and redefine their landscape business to focus on their ideal clients and provide exceptional customer service to see measurable results.Listen to the full episode to learn:The strategic process behind setting impactful goals that align with a leaner operational model, driving Envisioning Green toward...
2024-04-1231 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingQuarterly Forecast: Marketing Trends and Growth Strategies for a Successful SpringIn this episode, Jack Jostes and Jessica Winkler sit down to review current marketing trends and explore technology's evolving role in digital marketing, They cover insights of Google trends, the importance of reviews on Google and their impact on search results, innovative AI applications for customer engagement, and they share exciting events and new products coming soon from Ramblin Jackson & The Landscaper’s Guide Listen to the full episode to hear: - How the latest advancements in AI technology can benefit your marketing strategies & automated follow up. - The importance of online searches and r...
2024-04-0535 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingGreen Jay Landscape Design's Approach to Natural Pest Control and Soil RestorationIn this episode, host Jack Jostes is joined by Lora and Jay Archer from Green Jay Landscape Design in New York, who share their expertise on ecological landscaping and restoration. Discover how ecological landscaping can naturally curb pests, restore balance, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Listen to the full episode to: Learn how ecological restoration mirrors natural environments and its impact on the ecosystem.Explore the benefits of preserving natural landscapes without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides.Understand the significance of soil conditions, plant selection, and reducing resource consumption to create beautiful, eco-friendly landscape de...
2024-03-2928 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingMore than Just a Paycheck: Uncovering the Secrets to Employee SatisfactionIn this episode, host Jack Jostes dives into the importance of values beyond financial compensation for employees in the landscape industry. He shares personal insights and stories from employees of landscape companies, shedding light on what truly matters to them, a key ingredient to creating a fulfilling workplace environment and retaining employees for years to come.In this episode, listeners will learn:How employees value emotional and intellectual compensation in addition to financial rewardReal-life stories of employees leaving higher-paying jobs for companies with better company culture and ethical practicesThe impact of a strong, competent team and...
2024-03-2214 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingBuilding Strong Relationships & Elevating Your Client Experience: Insights from Outdoor Living MasteryIn this episode, host Jack Jostes speaks with 3 green industry experts: Joshua Gillow from Yes Express, Mike Carey from Marmiro Stones, and Phil Bahler from Pave Tool Innovators. They discuss how landscaping companies can differentiate themselves with exceptional client experiences, better communication, and state of the art hardscape materials. Their insights can elevate your landscape company's brand and increase client satisfaction and results.Listen to the full episode to learn:How to revolutionize your landscape company by adopting a hospitality-based approach.The keys to building trust and strong client relationships through communication and setting expectations.Innovative...
2024-03-1520 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Key To Being The Best Place To Work in the Commercial Snow & Landscape IndustryIn this episode, Jack Jostes hosts Eddy Zakes from Earth Development, an industry leader in commercial snow and landscape management known for creating a culture of integrity and continuous improvement.Earth Development has been honored with the Snow and Ice Management Association's Best Place to Work award for two consecutive years. Under Eddy Zakes's leadership since 2021, the company has been redefining what it means to invest in not just landscaping company growth, but the people who make it possible.Listen to the full episode to learn:Earth Development's approach to ensuring reliability, responsiveness, and...
2024-03-0829 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingWhat Happens When Someone Fills Out Your Website Contact Form?!In this episode of the Landscaper's Guide podcast, host Jack Jostes sits down with Senior Landscape Marketing Strategist, Robert Felton, to discuss the crucial elements of a website that can significantly impact sales for snow and landscape companies. From the importance of an effective contact form to the power of a compelling thank you page, this conversation sheds light on key website components that are essential for closing more deals.Listen to the full episode to learn:- The significance of an automated response system for website contact forms and why it can...
2024-03-0116 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingFrom Mary Kay Influence to Landscaping Leader: A Conversation with Jake HarrisIn today's podcast episode, Jack Jostes is joined by CEO, Jake Harris of Jake's Designs in Colorado Springs, CO, where they dive deep into conversations of leadership, business growth, and how to retain employees for 10+ years and beyond.Listen to the full episode to hear: How mentorship and active listening contribute to business success and employee retention.Effective employee motivation techniques and work-life balance practices.Sales strategies and customer service tips for sustainable growth in landscaping.Show Notes:Watch the full episode + see the transcript at: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/Tell u...
2024-02-2331 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingVolunteering, Business Operations, and Creating Healthy Personal Boundaries with Jessica WinklerIn this episode, Jack Jostes sits down with Jessica Winkler, Director of Operations at Ramblin Jackson, to discuss the importance of a visionary and an integrator in business. Jessica shares insights on her volunteer work in a women's prison and how it relates to setting boundaries in professional relationships. Listen to the full episode to learn: The importance of having a visionary and an operational leader in your businessHow the lack of leadership integration can affect company successThe significance of setting boundaries, learned from Jessica's volunteer work at a women's prisonThe balance of separating personal needs fr...
2024-02-1620 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingMaximizing Sales and Marketing Automation in Landscaping with Derick KelsoIn this week’s episode, Jack Jostes sits down with Derick Kelso from All Purpose Landscaping who shares his journey from mowing lawns to becoming Operations Controller for a successful landscape company in Colorado Springs, CO. Together, they dive into the nuts and bolts of running a successful landscaping business, discussing sales strategies, customer relationships, and the integration of technology for business growth.Listen to the full episode to learn:Proven sales techniques and the value of automated services to not only streamline a landscaping company's operations but also to significantly boost upselling opportunities.The significance of...
2024-02-0934 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingFrom Apprenticeship to Employee Mastery: Cultivating Team Retention with Monique AllenIn today’s podcast episode, Jack Jostes sits down with Monique Allen, The Lifescape Coach, to discuss the intersection of landscaping and well-being. They discuss how yoga can not only aid in physical recovery for landscaping professionals but also serve as a pivotal aspect of personal and business growth in the industry. They also explore Monique's innovative approaches to staffing and apprenticeship programs that have positively impacted her business's success.Listen to the full episode to hear: Yoga's Role in Physical Labor: Hear about how yoga's focus on flexibility aids in injury recovery and promotes overall heal...
2024-02-0240 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingLocation, Location, Location: How Landscape Marketing Is Like Real Estate InvestingIn this podcast episode, Jack Jostes and Robert Felton discuss how SEO for landscapers is like investing in real estate. Robert shares his insights on the digital shifts he’s noticed after talking with over a thousand landscape companies over the last 6 years, and he shares a sneak peek of his upcoming presentation at the ProGreen Expo later this month. Listen to the full episode to hear: Why location matters for landscape companies, not just in real estateHow to use Google Keyword Search for anticipating market growth in the landscaping industryHow Digital Priorities Have Shifted for Land...
2024-01-2636 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Power of Curiosity in Growing Your Business: A Conversation with Tom Backman & John HammondIn this podcast episode, Jack Jostes interviews Tom Backman and John Hammond, who have partnered to create an innovative refrigeration system - the AG1000 that won the AHR Innovation Award. Tom also shares his experience of hiring a former police officer as a private driver, which turned out to be an excellent decision during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they share their experience and lessons learned with creating a sellable business.Listen to the full episode to hear:the importance of hiring consultants and seeking outside perspectives to improve business operationsthe value of having w...
2024-01-1927 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing2024's Top Recruiting Tips To Prepare for the Spring Hiring RushIn this episode of The Landscaper's Guide Podcast, host Jack Jostes interviews Dave Pacifico, co-founder of Team Engine, software that helps with employee recruitment and retention. They discuss the top trends in recruiting for 2024 and provide valuable insights and tactics for landscape companies to prepare for the spring recruiting rush. Listen to full episode to hear: Strategies for reactivating previous applicantsHow to effectively bring back seasonal workersThe effectiveness of employee referral bonuses The importance of building a strong company culture Show Notes:Watch the full episode + see the transcript at...
2024-01-1226 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingTakeaways From 200 Episodes Of The Landscaper’s Guide Podcast!It’s the 200th episode of The Landscaper's Guide Podcast! In this episode, host Jack Jostes shares how he got inspired to start the podcast, what’s kept him consistently producing episodes each week, and he shares some lessons he’s learned along the way that you can apply to your business. Watch the Full Episode to Hear:How creating microcontent from episodes and repurposing it on social media boosts efficiency and social engagement.Insights into handling negative comments and their impact on the landscaping community.The importance of getting started on projects without waiting for the per...
2024-01-0526 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingJack’s Top 3 Business Lessons from 2023 & A Look AheadIn today’s podcast episode, Jack Jostes reflects on his personal and business goals for the year and shares some lessons learned. He discusses the importance of setting goals and using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to plan and track progress. Jack also highlights some of the wins and milestones achieved by his company, Ramblin Jackson, including breaking $2 million in revenue and gives a preview of what’s on the horizon in 2024. Listen to the episode to hear: Why you should fire toxic clients quickly How to support your staff when key managers are outHow to bounce...
2023-12-2227 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingIncrease Your Profit Margins with Jeremy Macliver's Blueprint for Maximum GrowthIn this week’s podcast episode, Jack Jostes interviews Jeremy Macliver, a certified EOS implementer and owner of Disruptor Group, to discuss practical strategies for landscape companies to boost net profit. Macliver provides actionable insights on tracking conversion rates and key metrics, and offers valuable guidance for landscape businesses who want to optimize their profitability in 2024. Listen to the full episode to learn: The concept of "ghost profit" and its impact on profit and loss statements.The importance of focusing on actual dollars in profit analysisPractical strategies for tracking conversion rates of leads to estimates and lead...
2023-12-1520 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow Terry Shaffer Increased Employee Hiring Rates from 10% to 40% with Ramblin JacksonIn today’s podcast episode, Jack Jostes discusses the challenges of recruiting employees with Terry Shaffer of Summit Lawn & Landscape and how Ramblin Jackson helped Terry improve his employee interview attendance rate and fill his staff using strategies from Ramblin Jackson's Ultimate Recruiting Package. Listen to the full episode to hear: The importance of pre-qualifying potential employees to save time & resourcesHow to streamline the recruitment process through website updates & better job descriptions The benefits of using Team Engine, a recruiting software that helps manage applicants and improve engagement. Why it’s important to try new technologies to impro...
2023-12-0811 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe #1 Sales & Marketing Question Landscape Companies MUST Answer Before End Of The YearIn this week’s podcast episode, Jack Jostes discusses the importance of identifying your Hell Yes Customer for your snow and landscape company. Listen to the full episode to: Understand who your Hell Yes Customer is and why they should choose your company over others Download the Hell Yes Customer worksheet to help you clarify your target customer and offers Hear examples of unique selling positions that can set your company apart from the competitionUnderstand the importance of alignment among team members in defining your Hell Yes CustomerShow Notes:Watch the full...
2023-12-0128 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing5 Growth Hurdles Between $0 and $10M For Landscape Companies with Mike CallahanIn this podcast episode, Jack Jostes interviews Mike Callahan, CEO and founder of Simple Growth, about the five key hurdles that landscape companies face on their path to $10 million in revenue. They uncover those 5 hurdles and share tips for overcoming them. Listen to the full episode to hear:How a scorecard can help you retain A Players on your teamA simple concept called the Big ThreeHow to create simple, scalable service offeringsThe significance of financial clarityHow to incentivize employees based on productivity & profitabilityWatch the full episode + see the transcript at: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/
2023-11-2438 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingElk Camp Adventures: Business Lessons From The Flat Tops of ColoradoToday Jack Jostes takes you behind the scenes of his annual Elk Hunting Experience in the mountains of Colorado with one of his clients. Even if you’re not a hunter, check out today's podcast to hear a story of adventure and four wheel drive in the high country of Colorado. The holidays are quickly approaching, and he also gives a gift suggestion that every outdoor enthusiast will appreciate and enjoy.Listen to today’s episode to discover:The exciting story of Jack’s successful cow elk harvestHow an annual goal can motivate you throughout the year t...
2023-11-1729 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingRevealed: Results from the 2023 Snow & Landscape Sales SurveyThe results are in…and in this episode of The Landscaper's Guide Podcast, Jack Jostes discusses the highlights of the 2023 Snow & Landscape Sales Survey. The survey, which interviewed nearly 200 companies in the snow and landscape industry, covers topics such as sales close rates, marketing budgets, and the most effective marketing strategies.Watch today’s episode to gain more insight on how landscape companies across the United States are growing their business and use these results to create a marketing plan that will help you accelerate your company growth in 2024.In this episode, you’ll discover: The n...
2023-11-1036 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow to Take Control of Your Time to Serve CustomersIn today’s podcast episode, Jack Jostes features Andrew Hardison as the winner of this year’s “What’s Working Now” contest from the 2023 Landscaper’s Summit. Andrew challenges the belief that working 80 hours a week is necessary for success and shares his strategies for taking control of your time and serving customers more effectively. During his (hilarious & fun) presentation, Andrew shares the importance of: trusting your teambeing selective with projects & choosing Hell Yes Customers charging for initial consultations investing in a professionally designed websitecontinuously learning and growing to be a better leader Purchase a digital replay of...
2023-11-0322 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing7 Ways Your Marketing Is Spooking Away Potential Landscape Customers This HalloweenIn this episode of the Landscaper's Guide Podcast, and in honor of Halloween, Jack Jostes discusses 7 things that may be scaring potential customers away from working with your snow & landscape company. WARNING: if you don’t like terrible puns and dad jokes…do not watch today’s episode.Today Jack talks about how: Old, low-quality website photos make your company look outdatedLack of response to negative Google reviews is bad for your online reputationFake reviews on Facebook mislead prospects who are researching your brand (and what to do about them)Unprofessional social media content can spoo...
2023-10-2714 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing9 Reasons To Attend The 2023 Landscaper’s Summit Virtual Conference on Thursday, 10/26!The Landscaper’s Summit is a virtual conference happening on October 26th, 2024. In today’s podcast episode, Jack Jostes shares nine reasons why snow & landscape companies should consider attending the summit. Attend the Landscaper’s Summit if you want to: learn how to become a manager and leaderincrease employee retention through communicationimprove your sales processunderstand key numbers for profitabilityGet free pizza delivered to your doorstepgain insights on acquiring maintenance clientsfind ways to have more personal timeimprove employee culture and retentionget inspired by successful landscape professionals. The Landscaper’s Summit offers educational sessions from sponsors like Team Engine...
2023-10-2009 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingDon’t Take The Monkey: Lighten Your Load As The LeaderToday, Jack Jostes interviews Megan Parker, a certified executive leadership coach at McFarlin Stanford. In this episode you’ll get a preview of Megan's upcoming presentation titled “Don’t Take the Monkey” at the upcoming Landscaper's Summit happening on October 26, 2023, where she will provide interactive coaching exercises and tools for landscapers to improve their coaching skills. Listen to learn: how coaching employees to find their own solutions helps them gain confidence and prevents the burden of problem-solving from falling on the leader.the importance of setting clear expectations and using a “coach approach” to help emp...
2023-10-1318 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing5 Ways To Join Ramblin Jackson at NALP's ELEVATE in Dallas, Texas!Are you heading to the NALP's ELEVATE show in Dallas, TX? Here are five ways to join Jack Jostes and meet the Ramblin Jackson team!Stop by Booth #1110 for a bag of jerky + enter to win a Traeger GrillMonday, 9/11 - Join us for a private client Ramblin Reception for Ramblin Jackson Clients (space is limited!)Tuesday, 9/12 - Join Jack for the Breakfast with Champions: How To Brand Your Sales Process To Get The Owner OUT of SalesWed, 9/13 - Join Jack for the Breakfast with Champions: How To Recruit A-Players With Social MediaShoot a podcast interview...
2023-09-0804 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingMilestone Videos: The Secret to Saving Time & Improving Landscape Client CommunicationListen to today’s episode if you’re ready to save time and communicate more effectively with your clients during every step of your landscaping project. Jack Jostes shows you the magic of Milestone Videos and walks you through the exact process for reviewing your project timeline and finding the perfect places to proactively inform your clients about the status of their project. He’ll cover: How to decide which Milestone Videos you should createHow Milestone Videos enhance your design-build ProcessHow to keep your Milestone Videos organizedHow Ramblin Jackson makes it easy to produce Milestone...
2023-08-1821 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingHow To Increase Close Rates by Charging for Landscape ConsultationsJoin Jack Jostes and Andrew Hardison as they discuss the positive effects of being selective with landscaping client projects, charging initial consultation fees, pursuing higher-quality projects, and prioritizing efficient processes to increase close rates and balance a successful business with growing family.Watch the full episode + see the transcript at: https://landscapersguide.com/how-to-increase-close-rates-by-charging-for-landscape-consultations Tell us where to ship your beef jerky + Marketing Toolbox! https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox/ Join us at an upcoming event! https://landscapersguide.com/eventsCONNECT WITH ANDREW: Find Andrew onli...
2023-08-1026 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThe Faces of the SIMA Symposium: Inspiring Stories from the Snow and Landscape IndustryJoin host Jack Jostes as he navigates through the Snow Ice Management Association Symposium, featuring intriguing conversations with young industry pioneers, chance encounters on a train, and inspiring business ideas, all aimed at helping grow your snow and landscape company.Although I can't introduce you to all the remarkable individuals I met at the symposium, I had the privilege of interviewing a handful of truly fascinating people during my time there. Picture this: conversations with some of the youngest minds making waves in the snow and landscape industry, encounters with random but intriguing individuals right...
2023-06-2330 minThe Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & MarketingThree Marketing + Recruiting Takeaways From 2021 GIE+ EXPORamblin Jackson CEO Jack Jostes and Landscape Marketing Strategist Robert Felton share three sales, marketing, & recruiting takeaways from their trip to the 2021 GIE+ EXPO and Landscapes Show, PLUS exciting news about upcoming industry events. Listen to today’s episode for: Stories from my Mastermind Tables about What’s Working + attractive employee benefit trends (tip: profit sharing + open book accounting is increasingly popular -- and working. Do you offer this?)A conversation with Ramblin Jackson’s Sr. Landscape Marketing Strategist and his takeaways from the show. (This is interesting to hear an employee’s perspective. Do you eve...
2021-10-2815 min