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Showing episodes and shows of
Vince Torchia
Shows
The GROW! Show
What We'll Learn at GROW! 2026
In this episode of The Grow Show, Vince Torchia and Emily Lindley detail the planning that has gone into GROW! 2026, what will be different about this year's event, and how landscape pros can get the most out of this learning experience - whether they attend or not. Sign up for Grow 2026! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Timestamps 00:50 - Introduction to Grow 2026 02:04 - Insights from the Peer Groups 03:45 - Event Space and Logistics 04:50 - Changes to the Tour Schedule and Innovations...
2026-01-07
16 min
The GROW! Show
Strategy: Setting Your New Year Up for Success
In this episode, Vince Torchia shares how he sees landscaping companies set their year up for success early with planning, refining messaging, defining the wins, and communicating all of this with teams. He shares the themes that have driven Grunder Landscaping's growth and messaging, and how to evaluate where your focus should be for 2026. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Timestamps 01:32 Setting Up for Success: The Importance of a Yearly Theme 05:05 Recognizing and Appreciating Your Team 09:45 Effective Communication Strategies for 2026 13:54 Conclusion...
2025-12-31
14 min
The GROW! Show
What Marty Learned While Previewing the GROW! 2026 Tour of Complete Landsculpture
In this episode, Marty details what the Complete Landsculpture team shared during our tour session rehearsals that had him frantically scribbling down notes to help the team back at home. He shares what impressed him from this, and then what he's working with his own team to implement as a result. Cookie Recipe Sign up for Grow 2026! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Timestamps 00:54 - Upcoming Grow 2026 Event in Dallas 03:29 - The Four P’s Framework 06:39 - Focus on Your People 08:4...
2025-12-17
17 min
The GROW! Show
Year-End Reflections: The Highs and Lows of 2025 of Grunder Landscaping
In this episode, Marty Grunder and Vince Torchia recap what 2025 looked like for Grunder Landscaping Co. and the ups and downs that we saw. There were some great wins and also some lessons learned, all shared in our best effort to help other landscaping teams. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:54 - Landscape Pros Playbook Overview 01:48 - Reflecting on 2025: Wins and Learnings 02:19 - Platform: Culture and Growth 08:56 - People: Team Additions and Changes 18:02 - Process: Improvements and Challenges 21:14 - P...
2025-12-10
31 min
The GROW! Show
How We Work Matters: Four Keys to Growing Through Referrals
Grunder Landscaping’s Cincinnati location recently secured a high-profile account simply because a prospect walked by one of their crews and was impressed—even though they couldn't see the actual work being done in the backyard. In this short episode, Marty breaks down the four key philosophies that turn job sites into referral generators, from treating your internal team better than you expect them to treat clients to consistently looking for the good instead of just pointing out problems. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Timestamps 00:57 - Site One Early Order Program...
2025-12-03
17 min
The GROW! Show
Gene Freeman & Chris Strempek: 34-Year Partnership, Scaling Complete Landsculpture & Hosting Grow 2026
Sign up for Grow 2026! Chris Strempek and Gene Freeman have been partners at Complete Landsculpture in Dallas, Texas for 34 years. In this conversation, they reveal why they would've hired consultants and learned their numbers much earlier, how treating team members like owners transformed their culture, and what makes their partnership work after more than three decades together—essential lessons whether you're building a partnership, scaling your business, or just trying to figure out your next hire. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 01:52 - Chris’s Journey: 40 Y...
2025-11-26
59 min
Roots of Success
ACE Coaches Roundtable: What's the deal with McFarlin Stanford & The Grow Group?
Ever wondered how the partnership between McFarlin Stanford and The Grow Group got its start? On this roundtable episode of Roots of Success, Jason New, Chris Psencik and Jim Cali of McFarlin Stanford sit down with Marty Grunder and Vince Torchia of The Grow Group to recall how ACE Peer Groups began and how it has grown through over 10 years of collaboration. You'll hear the candid, behind-the-scenes tales of how a simple idea—born out of entrepreneurial struggle and a desire for community—blossomed into a nationwide network changing the lives and businesses of its members. Get the inside trac...
2025-11-26
38 min
The GROW! Show
The Landscape Pros Playbook: Your Year-Round Guide to Training, Pay, and Growth
Marty Grunder announces the new Landscape Pros Playbook, an 8-year dream project created with Landscape Management magazine. Learn why training should target specific pain points, how to answer "Would you want to work for you?", and why competitive pay with career paths transforms seasonal workers into department leaders. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:41 - The Landscape Pros Playbook: A Dream Realized01:23 - The Importance of Landscape Management Magazine01:57 - Unveiling the Landscape Pros Playbook04:16 - Training: An Investment, Not an Expense06:35 - Would You Want t...
2025-11-19
15 min
The GROW! Show
Your Business Superpower: How to Find It, Leverage It, and Scale with It
Marty Grunder reveals how to identify your personal superpower and spend 80% of your time leveraging it for maximum business growth. Learn the StrengthsFinder framework that unlocks hidden potential in your team, plus four practical tips to work more in your strength zone - even when you're doing it all yourself. StrengthsFinder 2.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00:30 Introduction and Welcome 00:01:04 Leadership Team Success 00:02:24 Understanding Superpowers 00:03:21 Marty's Superpowers 00:06:35 Brian's Journey to Success 00:09:35 Discovering and Leveraging Superpowers 00...
2025-11-12
21 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Training Your Team for Success with Matt Crinklaw
In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by Greenius' Matt Crinklaw to talk about the mistakes that come from not teaching your team the skills that they need, experiments in how onboarding impacts success, how to successfully train your team, and the tools available to support landscaping companies in effectively training your team. Matt shares the different learning styles people have, tailoring training to what works for your team, the importance of training documentation, and the impact great training has on individuals and organizations. Grunder Landscaping Co. Field Trips — The Grow Group ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ...
2025-11-05
44 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Barrett Chow on Taking Care of Your Team
Barrett Chow, Executive Coach with McFarlin Stanford, joins Marty to discuss why the green industry's approach to human resources is fundamentally broken—and how to fix it. Barrett shares the strategic framework that transforms HR from a cost center into a growth enabler. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:30 - Episode Welcome 02:51 - Barrett’s Journey: From PGA Tour to Green Industry Coaching 04:23 - Why the Green Industry Is Different (And Better) 06:46 - Leaders Are Bringing in HR Much Earlier Now 09:34 - Why “People O...
2025-10-29
44 min
The GROW! Show
GROW Host Interview Series: The Early Days at Grunder Landscaping Co. with Marty Grunder and Emily Lindley
Marty Grunder, founder of Grunder Landscaping Company and the Grow Group, sits down with his daughter Emily Lindley, the Grow Group's Content and Event Manager, to reflect on 30 years of the Grow Conference and the evolution of their $18 million landscaping company. From hosting the first Grow event with just 14 people in 1994 to today's conferences drawing over 1,000 attendees, Marty shares how staying stuck at $4.5 million for 12 years taught him the difference between being comfortable and truly scaling, why he once bought a racehorse with the dining room table money, and how his wife's unwavering support became as important to the...
2025-10-25
51 min
The GROW! Show
Facility Design Takeaways with Emily Lindley
In this episode, Emily Lindley talks about what she's seen from facilities as she's toured landscaping companies and previews what our GROW! 2026 attendees will see and takeaway from our tour of Complete Landsculpture. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro 00:44 - Exploring Various Facilities 02:10 - Complete Landsculpture Tour 03:06 - Adapting Spaces for Growth 04:49 - Innovate Facility Ideas 07:31 - Evolving Workspaces 09:51 - Career Path Signage 12:25 - Final Thoughts & Grow 2026! Resources:Virt...
2025-10-22
14 min
The GROW! Show
GROW Host Interview Series: Ryan and Annette McCarthy of RJ Lawn & Landscape
In this episode, Marty reconnects with RJ Lawn & Landscape owners Ryan & Annette McCarthy who hosted the GROW! Tour at GROW! 2024 in Des Moines, IA. We hear about what's changed in their business since we visited, what challenges their business is currently facing, and what they've learned in their years in business. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro 02:31 - Meet Ryan and Annette McCarthy 03:28 - The Journey of RJ Lawn and Landscaping 06:12 - Working Together as a Married Couple 06:45 - Current Bu...
2025-10-18
44 min
The GROW! Show
Industry Trends: What's Happening Among Our ACE Peer Group Members with Vince Torchia
In this episode, Vince shares what he’s seeing across the five ACE Peer Groups he facilitates; the real-world growing pains companies are facing, how revenue mix is often being shaped by the market instead of leadership decisions, and practical ways to drive more accountability inside your business. He also invites listeners to take the next step and join us at ACE Discovery, where owners and leaders come together to learn, connect, and grow. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:32 - Introduction: What Vince is Seeing Across 60 ACE Companies0...
2025-10-15
18 min
The GROW! Show
GROW Host Interview Series: Taylor Milliken of Milosi
In this interview, Marty Grunder is joined by Taylor Milliken to talk about changes that come when you grow a company and the journey from being a high-schooler striping lawns to now being an impressive, professional operation serving Nashville's growing market. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Start 01:01 - A Heartfelt Thank You 01:50 - Meet Taylor Milliken 02:31 - Taylor’s Background and Early Days 05:13 - Building the Business 07:13 - Challenges and Lessons Learned 15:19 - Focus on Custo...
2025-10-11
38 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: Understanding and Communicating on Production Hours - A Key to Profitability
Addressing a question we received from a listener, Marty Grunder talks about the importance of understanding how hours impact the profitability of a job, how he helps his team understand the impact they can have, and what they do to monitor and manage hours. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Start00:31 - Why Production Hours Matter: You Sell Time03:09 - Get Off Paper: The Case for Software Systems07:36 - The Estimation Standardization Meeting09:54 - How Grunder Grew from $4.5M to $18M12:31 - Finding Your Minimum...
2025-10-08
15 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Six Month Check in With GROW! 2025 Tour Host Jason Cromley
In this episode Jason Cromley talks about the community he discovered by attending the GROW! Annual Conference, what it was like to host the conference, and what they've been up to in the six months since they hosted the tour during GROW! 2025. Jason shares how they're finding leads, what challenges the team is navigating this year, and what he hopes to see in the future for Hidden Creek Landscaping. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro 00:57 - The Importance of Walking & Routines 0...
2025-10-04
40 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Leadership in Landscaping with Vince Torchia
In this episode, Marty Grunder and Vince Torchia talk about the leadership traits they look for when adding to the team at Grunder Landscaping Co, how they manage planning conversations, and how great leaders push each other to get better. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro 01:03 - The Importance of Kindness in the AI Era 01:53 - Leadership Challenges and Concepts 03:01 - The Art of Effective Communication 07:15 - Procrastination & Decision-Making in Business 08:41 - The Value of Clear Vi...
2025-10-01
31 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Jarod Hynson on Growing a Landscaping Business
Jarod was an early member of our ACE Peer Group Program and has been a longtime friend. In this episode, him and Marty reminisce on their businesses and where they started, how things changed, and what that journey looked like. They talk about the services they've offered and how that's changed as they've refined their businesses, how their roles have changed over time, and what drove each of those changes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Social Media Accounts for Earth, Turf & WoodFacebook Twitter/X Instagram Pinterest Client Communication...
2025-09-24
48 min
The GROW! Show
Marketing: Organic Social Media Presence
In this episode, Emily Lindley shares three tips for landscaping companies to put a focus on their organic social media presence. She shares tips for planning out content, securing your account, and also ideas for content that will appeal to your clients. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Episode Intro 00:32 - The Power of Professional Landscaping 02:34 - The Importance of Organic Social Media 05:00 - Consistency in Social Media Posting 08:43 - Securing Your Social Media Accounts 12:44 - Creating...
2025-09-17
19 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: 5 Essential Focus Areas for Landscape Business Leaders
The devil is in the details, and smart leaders know that the hardest part of their job tends to be consistency. In this episode, Marty shares 5 things that landscaping company leaders need to be doing or thinking about in order to be successful in their roles. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! The Power of Cleanliness in Landscaping (Youtube Episode) Marty's Tips on Planning Ahead (Youtube Episode) Episode Chapters: 00:30 - The Power of the Family Group Chat 02:12 - The Importance of Generating Business 03...
2025-09-10
25 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: The Impact of Procrastination on You and Your Business
Procrastination can be a silent killer in your business and in your personal life. In this episode, Marty talks about how procrastination holds people back and the impact of not procrastinating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Episode Intro 01:00 - The Power of Walking 02:20 - Procrastination: The Silent Killer 03:33 - Personal Stories of Overcoming Procrastination 06:11 - Strategies to Beat Procrastination 06:30 - Do You Have a Vision? 11:19 - Organize for Success 17:16 - Reward Yourself 21:02 - Please Share...
2025-09-03
22 min
The GROW! Show
Equipment: Planning Your Purchases & Managing Your Fleet
Team Grunder works on multi-year plans so that they can project growth and know what investments are needed now for it to be possible later. In this episode, the team talks about what goes into making equipment purchase decisions. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 02:18 - Introducing Bill Rosell - Grunder Landscaping 02:55 - Managing the Fleet with Aspire 04:06 - Equipment Purchasing & Insights 05:57 - Truck Types and Their Uses 08:07 - Box Trucks for Mowing Crews 08:58 - The Benefits of the Box Truck
2025-08-27
28 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: Handling Materials for Large Projects
When you work on properties and landscape installations as large as the ones in McHale Landscape Design's portfolio, managing materials becomes either a weakness or an opportunity to excel. In this episode, Emily Lindley details what she sees the McHale team doing to find the plants and materials they need and get them where they need to go. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start 00:35 - Preview of the NALP Field Trip 01:44 - Material handling Insights 02:44 - Centralized Plant Farm Strategy 05:18 - Operations...
2025-08-20
11 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: How Do You Keep Your Trucks Clean?
Keeping your trucks clean is more than just a to-do list task: it's part of the daily company culture at Grunder Landscaping. In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by members of the Grunder Landscaping production teams who share how they manage to keep things clean, how organization makes their jobs easier, and what goes into keeping everything in order. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Episode Intro 00:30 - Introduction 01:57 - The Importance of Cleanliness in Landscaping 02:26 - Nick: Cleanliness Culture 05...
2025-08-13
25 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series - Brian Fullerton on the Landscaping Industry
In this episode, Marty is joined by Brian Fullerton of Brian's Lawn Maintenance. They discuss the landscaping industry as a whole, running a business while raising a family, and the challenges that they've both faced as business owners. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Brian's Shop Tour at GrunderBrian's Lawn Maintenance (YT Channel) Marty's Turn to 2 Interview 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:31 - Meet Brian Fullerton 02:31 - Brian’s Early Career and Challenges 05:41 - Changing Careers to Start Brian’s Lawn Maintenance 07:33...
2025-08-06
51 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: Turning Damages into Opportunities
Lights in the turf, grass running all the way up against a building or fence, low-laying branches, and more. Sometimes the landscape design sets up maintenance crews to fail by making it way too easy to damage properties. In this episode, Marty shares how landscape designers can be mindful of these things when creating plans and how account managers can use these damages as opportunities to sell enhancements. Looking for more work with your existing clients is a great way to drum up more sales! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Intro
2025-07-30
15 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Dan Hoard, The Voice of the Cincinnati Bengals
In this episode, Marty Grunder interviews Dan Hoard, the voice of the Cincinnati Bengals, on his career as a sportscaster, what it's like finding creativity in tough situations, and what it's like working in the pro-football world. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! Dan's Podcast: Bengals Booth Marty's Studio 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:25 - Meet Dan Hoard: Voice of the Cincinnati Bengals 03:33 - Marty’s Personal Connection to Sports Broadcasting 04:24 - Balancing Family and Career 07:29 - Organizational Tactics and Time Management ...
2025-07-23
42 min
The GROW! Show
Financial Transparency to Build A Strong, Educated Team with Vince Torchia
In this episode, we dive into why financial transparency isn't just good leadership—it's essential for building a strong, educated team. From using scoreboards and company-wide “State of the Union” meetings to walking through the Penny Exercise, Vince breaks down exactly where every dollar goes in your business. Tune in to learn how sharing the numbers empowers your team and drives smarter decisions across the board. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start00:31 - The Importance of Financial Transparency and Literacy01:32 - Tools for Financial Transparency04:39 - Monthly Team C...
2025-07-16
17 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Keith Bowman of McHale Landscape Design
In this episode, Marty is joined by Keith Bowman of McHale Landscape Design who shares what the McHale team does to find new clients, build strong client relationships, find and retain team members, install and maintain award-winning properties, and keep their business running as smoothly as possible. Field Trips with NALP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:27 - Meet Keith Bowman from McHale Landscaping 01:53 - History & Growth of McHale Landscaping 03:12 - McHale’s Unique Operations and Facilities 05:42 - Custom...
2025-07-09
46 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership :The Summer Vacation Test with Marty Grunder
Have a vacation planned for this summer? In this episode, Marty Grunder shares how he uses his out-of-office time as an opportunity for new leaders to learn and develop their skills. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 02:02 - The Origin of “The Summer Vacation Test” 04:27 - Strategic Planning & Leadership with Time Off 07:33 - Three Philosophies with Vacation & Workplace Dynamics 08:18 - Don’t Overstate Your Value 08:48 - Would You Want to Work for Yourself? 13:02 - Vacation is a Chan...
2025-07-02
19 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Bret Achtenhagen of Seasonal Services on Growing a Family Business
In this episode, Marty sits down with Seasonal Service's Bret Achtenhagen to talk about his family business, the roundabout way he ended up in the green industry, and how the business evolved over time. They talk about the company's focus on residential work, how they keep the whole team focused on quality work, how they market for more work and more during this episode. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome01:32 - Meet Bret Achtenhagen02:12 - Bret’s Early Life and Family Business05:27 - Starting Seasonal...
2025-06-25
46 min
The GROW! Show
Marketing: Let's Talk Emails with Emily Lindley
Emails to our existing and past clients have been a surprising source of work for us this spring at Grunder Landscaping. This low-effort outreach is working better than we expected it to, and in this episode Emily Lindley shares what we're sending emails on and what we're doing to make them work for us. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start 00:35 - The Importance of Email Marketing 01:18 - The Challenges and Strategies of Email Marketing 03:57 - Marketing Pro: How to Implement 05:26 - Evaluating Email Ma...
2025-06-18
20 min
The GROW! Show
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Insights: A Conversation with Phil Harwood
Marty Grunder talks with Phil Harwood from Snow Fighters about leadership lessons from 40 years in landscaping and snow removal. Phil reveals why his previous company made 80% of profits from snow despite it being only 50% of revenue, and shares insights on leading by example and building profitable snow operations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start 00:30 - Introduction and Welcome 01:24 - Meet Phil Harwood: New Strategic Partner 02:56 - Phil’s Personal Background 04:19 - The Importance of Having a ‘Why’ 06:27 - Phil’s Career Journey 09:50...
2025-06-11
30 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: Getting a Branch Up and Running
Marty shares the real story behind opening Grunder Landscaping's first branch location in Cincinnati. From overcoming team resistance and zoning battles to building systems that scale, discover the leadership lessons, market entry strategies, and mindset shifts required to successfully expand your business into new markets. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:31 - Opening a New Branch: Early Challenges 03:11 - Meeting Seth Pflum & The Growth of Grunder Landscaping 04:30 - The New Cincinnati Branch: Opportunities and Challenges 06:30 - Remodeling the New Facility 08:53 - O...
2025-06-04
19 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Jason Cromley on a 90-Day Follow Up from GROW 2025
In this episode, Marty sits down with GROW 2025 tour host Jason Cromley to discuss what they both learned from the event, what the Hidden Creek team has been up to since February, and how they expect the year to go for their companies and the industry. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:32 Random Acts of Kindness 01:51 Interview with Jason Cromley 02:30 Reflections on Hosting Grow 09:23 Sales and Growth Updates 14:52 Operations and Hiring Challenges 18:15 Feedback and Future Plans ...
2025-05-28
40 min
The GROW! Show
Ask Marty Anything! - With Marty Grunder & Emily Lindley of The Grow Group
Our listeners sent in their top questions, and we're asking Marty during this week's episode of The Grow Show! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:05 - Book Recommendation: Winning with Accountability 02:15 - Ask Marty: Finding and Keeping Good People 05:59 - Career Paths & Opportunities for Growth 12:03 - Addressing Family Members in the Workplace 18:23 - H-2B Program Insights 23:04 - Sharing Metrics With Your Team 29:35 - Probing Questions for One-on-One Meetings 31:25 - Buy or...
2025-05-21
55 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Vince Torchia on Focusing on What We Can Control
In this session, Marty and Vince discuss the three things Vince is thinking about and working with our ACE Peer Group Members in 2025. They also cover trends that they're seeing in the market, in companies around the country, and what companies should be paying attention to this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:41 - Meet Vince Torchia & His Role at Grunder and the Grow Group 03:42 - Legal Concerns for Landscaping Companies 12:46 - ACE Companies and Revenue Benchmarks 14:05 - Focus on Ma...
2025-05-14
24 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Training the Trainer & Empowering Your Team
We trust members of our team in leadership roles to share information and coach the team that reports to them to do their best work, but are we investing in their education too? In this episode, Marty Grunder shares what they do at Grunder Landscaping Co. to coach new leaders and support them as they teach their own teams their skills. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 00:40 - The Importance of Training 01:41 - Vision, Mission, and Core Values 02:44 - Non-Negotiables & Training Framework
2025-05-07
14 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Running Meetings that Actually Work
Nobody likes bad meetings — they waste time, drain energy, and rarely get results. In this episode, we’re breaking down the 5 must-haves for running meetings that actually work. From setting a clear purpose to leaving with real action items, we’ll give you a simple framework to tighten up every meeting on your calendar. If your meetings are lacking this Spring; this episode is for you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Start 01:01 - Defining the Purpose of Meetings 02:00 - Setting the Agenda 03:27 - Assigning Roles and Responsi...
2025-04-30
12 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Essential Spring Focus Areas for Your Landscaping Business
The seasonality of our businesses is real. In this episode, Marty outlines ways that landscape pros can keep their sanity and optimize their productivity in the busy spring and summer months. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:45 - Annual Theme for Grunder Landscaping: FOCUS 02:44 - Key Focus Areas for Success This Spring 03:34 - Sales Strategies & Client Management 06:58 - Getting Work Done Efficiently 09:06 - Take Care of Your Team 11:36 - What NOT to Focus On 18:03 - Please S...
2025-04-23
19 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Mark Tipton and Whitney Griffin On Streamlining Operations
In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder is joined by Mark Tipton, Founder & CEO of Aspire and Whitney Griffin to talk about the early days of starting the company, how the software has evolved, and what lessons the team has learned along the way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:29 - Meet Mark Tipton: The Journey of Aspire 10:02 - Mark’s Personal Life and Family 11:13 - Introducing Whitney Griffin 12:13 - Whitney’s Career Path and Challenges 16:32 - Aspire’...
2025-04-16
49 min
The GROW! Show
Spring Traps: 3 Leadership Traps to Watch This Spring
In any busy time; it’s easy to fall into bad habits. On this week's episode of the GROW Show; Vince will give you 3 leadership mistakes to avoid this Spring. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - Leadership Influence on Company Culture 01:34 - Aligning Actions With Priorities 02:46 - Grow Leaders Within The Company 04:17 - Empower Leaders Through Experience 06:20 - The Role of Chief Reminding Officer 08:39 - Final Thoughts Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape p...
2025-04-09
09 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Managing Stress - "Find the Blue Skies"
We're on the run right now, and as leaders (whether in title or just in attitude) we set the tone for our organization. By taking care of ourselves, we can be the best versions of ourselves for our coworkers, family, and friends. In this episode, recovering hot head Marty Grunder shares what he does to stay calm even when you-know-what hits the fan. Remember the Blue Skies Video 10 Minute Meditation by Headspace 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 01:23 - Grow 2026 - Dallas, Texas 02:02 - Managing Stress: An Overview...
2025-04-02
27 min
The GROW! Show
Marketing: Are Your Ads Targeted? - Boost Your Spring Marketing Campaign!
As you and your company work to drum up spring business, Emily Lindley uses this episode of The Grow Show to talk about what to watch for when setting up social media ads and how to get the most bang for your buck. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 00:27 - Introduction to Spring Marketing Campaigns 00:54 - Benefits and Challenges of Running Ads on Social Media 02:07 - Common Mistakes in Ad Targeting 04:27 - Setting Up Effective Social Media Ads 09:39 - Be Intentional With...
2025-03-26
13 min
The GROW! Show
Building a Business Through Brotherhood - With Marty & Rich Grunder
In this special 100th episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder, CEO of Grunder Landscaping Company and The Grow Group, welcomes his younger brother, Rich Grunder. Rich is employee #2 at Grunder Landscaping Co. Holding the title of "most fired and rehired employee" in the company's history. Together, they reminisce about their early days of starting the landscaping business, sharing stories about overcoming challenges, dealing with tough clients, and the experiences that shaped their work ethic. Rich, who now works in wealth management in Seattle, talks about his journey, including his time fighting forest fires in Al...
2025-03-19
38 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: Marty's Tips for Spring Sales - Prospect, Nurture, & Close!
In this episode of The Grow Show powered by Stihl, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping Company and The Grow Group shares actionable sales tips to help you improve your sales strategies. Marty emphasizes the importance of daily routines in sales, focusing on three key actions: prospecting, nurturing relationships, and closing deals. He also highlights the significance of follow-up post-sale and appreciating your team members. Marty’s insights are designed to help you manage your time effectively and build lasting relationships with clients, ensuring repeat business and referrals. Subscribe to stay updated and boost your sales performance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow S...
2025-03-12
16 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Spring Cleanups: Tips for Efficiency with Alan Whitt of Grunder Landscaping
In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping Company and the Grow Group discusses spring cleanups with Alan Whitt, a group leader at the company. They emphasize the importance of having a systematic approach to ensure efficiency and quality in cleanup tasks. Alan shares his role in supporting team members, the tasks involved in a spring cleanup, and the importance of training and consistent communication. The episode also highlights the use of technology like Microsoft Outlook's Q function and the Aspire system to improve efficiency and work-life balance. Marty and Alan discuss leadership styles, team...
2025-03-05
25 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Change Starts Here - Maximize Productivity With Your Team
As our team is onsite for GROW! 2025 this week, Marty shares his tips for making the most of industry events by prioritizing the take-aways you'll implement, having a growth mindset, and getting your team onboard for changes. Action Steps: Prioritize and Organize Tasks: Use a structured approach like 'bracketology' to prioritize tasks. Write all tasks down, sort them by importance, and focus on completing the top priorities first. Be Realistic and Mindful of Your Team: Avoid overwhelming your team with too many ideas at once. Understand that they can only handle so much, and focus on w...
2025-02-26
28 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Greg Cole: Thriving Through Positive Culture in Landscaping
In this episode of The Grow Show powered by Stihl, host Marty Grunder speaks with Greg Cole from Cole Landscaping outside of Boston. The conversation emphasizes building a strong culture, setting clear goals, and the importance of giving back to both the community and the industry. 00:00 - Welcome to the Grow Show 01:42 - Meet Greg Cole from Cole Landscaping 02:17 - Greg’s Journey into Landscaping 05:28 - Challenges and Mentorship As a Business Grows 10:34 - Greg’s Personal Growth and Transformation 14:59 - Time Management and Building Daily Habits
2025-02-19
43 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Kickoff Meeting Secrets - How to Energize and Align Your Team
In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder shares essential insights on conducting an effective seasonal kickoff meeting for landscaping businesses. Marty outlines five key strategies: Plan meticulously with a formal agenda Create an experiential learning environment Involve team members in presenting different sections Share more information than you're comfortable with Debrief and improve after the meeting Marty emphasizes the importance of transparency, engagement, and clear communication. Sharing financial goals, company mission, core values, and creating a rallying cry to motivate the team. The episode provides a detailed walkthrough of Grunder Landscaping's 2024 kickoff meeting, highlighting how...
2025-02-12
17 min
The GROW! Show
Marketing: Make a Great First Impression!
In this episode of The Grow Show, hosted by Emily Lindley, content and events manager at The Grow Group and marketing manager for Grunder Landscaping Company, listeners are introduced to effective client communication strategies for landscaping companies. Emily emphasizes the importance of good communication to stand out from competitors and build trust with clients. She highlights automating communications to ease the burden on sales and production teams and shares a practical example of a sales team introduction email template. This episode offers insights on setting up efficient communication practices during the winter to prepare for the busy spring season...
2025-02-05
10 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Orientation & Onboarding Strategies
Discover the key differences between orientation and onboarding in this concise podcast episode. Learn why both are crucial for successfully integrating new hires and boosting long-term engagement. We'll break down how orientation sets the stage and how onboarding drives deeper employee connection and productivity and learn how RJ Lawn and Landscape and Hidden Creek do this well! Tune in to ensure your new hire process is setting your team up for success! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:58 - De...
2025-01-29
11 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: How the 4 Pillars of Success Support Landscaping Companies
In this episode, Marty Grunder and Vince Torchia discuss the 4 Pillars of Success and what successful landscaping companies are doing in 2025 to ensure they have strength in their Platform, People, Process, and Profits. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show! ️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel! In This Episode: 00:00 - Start 00:24 - Introduction and Welcome 01:59 - The Four PIllars of Success 02:45 - Deep Dive into Platform 07:39 - Focusing on People 10:02 - Thoughts on the Current Labor Market 15:34 - Optimizing Processes ...
2025-01-22
26 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership Essentials: Practical Tips for 2025
In Episode 91 of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping and the Grow Group provides valuable insights into effective leadership. Marty emphasizes the importance of leading by example, maintaining integrity, showing enthusiasm, and communicating effectively. He shares personal anecdotes and actionable steps to become a better leader in 2025, including being proactive, taking risks, and embracing challenges with a positive mindset. Additionally, Marty underscores the importance of setting a clear vision and purpose, and constantly working on self-improvement. The episode concludes with an invitation to the Grow 2025 event in Columbus, Ohio, focusing on leadership, sales, and finance. ...
2025-01-15
21 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Managing Up
How can you, as a team member who isn't in a leadership role, drive meaningful change within your organization in 2025? In this episode of The Grow Show, Vince Torchia, Vice President of The Grow Group, discusses the often overlooked but crucial skill of managing up. While much focus is placed on how managers can lead their teams, Vince emphasizes the importance of team members effectively managing their relationship with their manager to ensure smoother operations and success within the company. Vince shares practical tips on anticipating challenges, communicating clearly, embracing ownership, and adapting to decisions for the g...
2025-01-08
08 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: Networking and Business Development Basics
In this episode, Marty reveals how a simple $70 lunch turned into nearly $2M in business for Grunder Landscaping Co. in 2024! Tune in to hear Marty share his networking strategies, from identifying the right clients to building meaningful relationships that lead to long-term success. Learn how to craft a targeted prospect list, leverage contact management tools like Aspire, and stand out in a crowded market. Discover the power of personal touches, like handwritten notes, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings, and hear how sports and shared interests can create lasting business connections. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining...
2025-01-01
21 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Thinking Like Owners with Christianna Denelsbeck Rudder
How can mentorship serve as a pivotal influence in career advancement, particularly for women in traditionally male-dominated fields such as finance and landscaping?In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by Landscape Workshop CFO Christianna Denelsbeck Rudder to talk about how they get their branch managers to think like owners, what's changed as the company has grown, the metrics they pay attention to, what it's like working with CEO J.T. Price, and the challenges and solutions she's found as the business faced challenges. Christianna stresses that cultural integration is more than a buzzword—it's th...
2024-12-25
48 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Jordan Smith from VSI by Boss on Health and Snow
What are the challenges and opportunities facing the snow and ice control industry, and how are companies like VSI and Storm Equipment leading the way in setting new standards and educating contractors on best practices?Marty Grunder is joined by Jordan Smith on this episode of The Grow Show powered by STIHL to discuss his journey in the landscaping and snow removal industry. They talk about the challenges Jordan has faced in his career and how he's overcome them, the changes the snow industry has faced, and what he believes is coming next for pros who offer...
2024-12-18
45 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Wake Up Calls, Turning Points, and the Role of a Leader with Jeffrey Johns
How did a chance meeting at a GROW! boot camp 30 years ago set the stage for Jeffrey Johns' successful journey in the landscaping industry with his company Coastal Greenery?Marty Grunder chats with Jeffrey about their similar paths and experiences, Jeffrey's journey as an entrepreneur, the tough times in business that served as wake-up calls, and what was important for him to learn to get to where he is today. The episode then pivots to Jeffrey's role today, what he does to help his team, and how he works with family successfully.Discover how Jeffrey's...
2024-12-11
36 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Bob and David Grover on Working with Family and Growing a Commercial Landscaping Business
Bob and David Grover join Marty Grunder on The Grow Show this week to talk about working with family, the journey and growth of Pacific Landscape Management, and what goes into running their Portland, OR-based commercial landscaping business.The episode delves into turning a shared passion for the outdoors into a thriving family business in landscaping. The Grovers candidly discuss the unique challenges of managing family dynamics in a business setting, their strategies for maintaining professionalism, and the necessity of clear boundaries and mutual respect. They also share insights on business growth, particularly their expansion from Portland...
2024-12-04
57 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Managing Battery Power All Day Long LIVE from Equip Expo
In this special live episode from the STIHL booth at Equip Expo 2024, moderator Marty Grunder is joined by an expert panel including Brandon Haley, Vice President of Grounds at SSC Services for Education, Chase Stetson of "That Lawn Dude," and Mike Poluka, Senior Manager at STIHL USA. The panel explores best practices for managing battery-powered tools, both on-site and at company headquarters. You’ll hear how to promote battery technology to customers, how and where to use mobile charging solutions, and how to track assets and equipment with connected tracking systems. Wondering about charging times and environmental cha...
2024-11-27
34 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: What Should You Be Doing Now to Ensure a Healthy Backlog Next Spring
As companies look ahead for a healthy spring backlog, Marty shares tips and tactics to help teams wrap up 2024 well and prepare their sales team to work together for a successful 2025.Marty discusses identifying your best clients to focus on, establishing clear sales goals with your team, and relays wisdom from Grunder President Seth Pflum on refining your sales process. How are your client renewal rates? Have you reached out to your prospects for 2025? Whether it's scheduling lunches, sending unsolicited quotes, or simply making "warm calls" now - this is the time to build relationships for the...
2024-11-20
16 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Marketing Landscaping Work with Emily Lindley
On this week's episode, Marty Grunder sits down with Grow Group Content & Events Manager and Grunder Landscaping Marketing Manager, Emily Lindley. They talk about GLC's marketing priorities for 2025, what worked and what didn't in 2024, and offer a sneak peek at some exciting marketing-focused sessions at the upcoming GROW! 2025 conference. In this episode, topics covered include how to effectively target advertisements, analyze website traffic, and set social media goals. Emily also shares insights on the 2025 marketing budget and plan, client engagement strategies using Aspire for automated communication, and the importance of showcasing your landscape work through professional photography...
2024-11-13
22 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: The Ins and Outs of Battery Powered Equipment LIVE from Equip Expo
In this panel held live at Equip Expo in the STIHL booth, Marty Grunder is joined by Stihl experts Brian Fullerton, Dan Mabe, and Paul Beblowski to discuss what landscape pros should consider when evaluating switching to electric equipment. They talk about what benefits teams are seeing as they're using battery-powered equipment and what solutions contractors have found to common challenges that come from making the switch.Brian, Dan, and Paul cover key considerations for professionals contemplating this shift, including tool pricing, charging logistics, and potential insurance changes. Paul shares STIHL’s financing options, while Brian emphasizes th...
2024-11-06
58 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: What We Learn by Seeing it Firsthand
In this episode, Marty reveals how firsthand experiences at other leading landscaping companies inspired three key operational changes at Grunder Landscaping Co., enhancing efficiency and saving money. He highlights a recent team success, discusses improvements made by President Seth Pflum, and shares the significant benefits of Aspire software, including enhanced metrics, speed, and productivity. Additionally, Marty covers the impact of optimized truck setups, the value of their monthly GROW meetings, and maintaining transparency in financial data. Remember, teamwork is the most important ingredient in driving operational efficiency! Find out more in February at GROW! 2025.In This Episode:
2024-10-30
14 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Vince Torchia's Takeaways from Touring Landscaping Companies
In this episode, Vince Torchia, Vice President at The Grow Group, shares insights from RJ Lawn & Landscape and Hidden Creek Landscaping, hosts for GROW! 2024 and 2025 events. Vince highlights the operational strengths and unique approaches of both companies, focusing on their intentional strategies in team building, departmental organization, and cultivating a strong company culture. As we enter Q4 2024, he reflects on key takeaways from the Des Moines GROW! 2024 event and sets the stage for what to expect in February’s GROW! 2025. Tune in for valuable leadership lessons and a sneak peek at Hidden Creek’s innovative practices.In This...
2024-10-23
15 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Meet Our GROW! 2025 Tour Host
Jason Cromley of Hidden Creek Landscaping sits down with Marty Grunder to talk about his journey as a landscape professional - from starting his company in college to today. Consider this episode a preview of what we'll see when we're onsite touring their facility for GROW! 2025 in February!After starting his company in college, Jason reflects on his challenges and triumphs in building a successful business today. From his family roots in Ohio and the influence of growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to highlighting how that shaped his motivation and drive, the conversation dives into...
2024-10-16
47 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: How to Find Winter Work
Look ahead at your schedule: do you have enough winter work lined up to get you through the colder months ahead? For the time between snow storms, there are certain kinds of work that can keep crews working. In this episode, Marty Grunder shares the kinds of work they're looking for at Grunder Landscaping Co. and what they're doing to find more jobs for December - February.With winter often viewed negatively, Marty explains how to shift that narrative, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning year-round. He discusses strategies for identifying viable services, setting achievable goals, and...
2024-10-09
14 min
The GROW! Show
Strategy: The Questions to Ask As You Plan for 2025
Tis the Season for Strategic Planning! In this episode, Vince Torchia shares what teams should consider and how they can structure their strategic planning to ensure they're well prepared for 2025. Vince discusses the need to revisit vision and mission statements, ensuring core values remain relevant. You’ll hear how Grunder Landscaping revamped their mission to foster teamwork and highlights the significance of recognizing team members who embody these values. The episode also delves into crucial aspects such as revenue targets, ideal client profiles, equipment needs, and the skills of team members, encouraging listeners to evaluate their company’s location and...
2024-10-02
16 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: The Journey to Success with Lee Buffington of Thrive Outdoor
In this episode, our longtime friend Lee Buffington, Founder & CEO of Thrive Outdoor in Alabama, shares stories from his 29-year journey as a landscape pro. Starting his company at 19 years old, he shares the challenges that seemed big in the early years, how his team has overcome them, and what they're working on today.Lee delves into the critical importance of mindset, emphasizing how attitude can elevate someone from a weed eater operator to a successful business leader. He discusses the evolution of his company over nearly three decades, examining current industry trends and the management of...
2024-09-25
38 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Industry Trends with Seth Jones of Landscape Management Magazine
In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder and Seth Jones, Editorial Director of Landscape Management Magazine, dive deep into the emerging trends, such as the growing influence of technology and innovative sales approaches that are reshaping the sector. Seth shares his professional journey and the current outlook for landscaping businesses, offering insights into overcoming the anticipated challenges of 2024 and 2025. The conversation also explores how peer groups have led to impressive results and examines valuable lessons gleaned from journalism and golf industry trends. Additionally, Marty and Seth discuss the importance of “consistent and constant low-risk experiments” for entrepreneurs. Tune...
2024-09-18
44 min
Roots of Success
Progress Over Perfection: Building Winning Processes with Vince Torchia
Ever considered that your company's morning routine could make or break your entire day? Join us on the Roots of Success podcast as host Tommy Cole dives deep with Vince Torchia, the VP of the Grow Group, to explore the undeniable power of systems and processes. Learn how to turn your morning rollouts from chaos into a well-oiled machine, and discover actionable strategies to carry that efficiency throughout your entire operation. Tune in and take the first step towards a more organized and productive landscape business with unlimited potential. THE BIG IDEA: Progress Ov...
2024-09-12
23 min
The GROW! Show
Team: The Power of Clarity in Your Vision
In this episode, Marty Grunder emphasizes the crucial role of having a clear vision for the future, particularly for 2025, to unite and inspire your team behind a common goal. Marty shares insights on defining your vision and why it should be developed now. The episode covers topics such as the importance of having a personal “superbowl” vision, drawing parallels between sports and business, and the significance of a well-defined vision for long-term success. Grunder also reflects on his early days, the value of visualizing success, and how a cohesive vision benefits the entire team.Grunder Landscaping Vision and...
2024-09-11
20 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: Tips for Closing More Sales
In this episode, Marty Grunder goes through the tips and tricks he uses to get a sale over the finish line. He'll share ways that salespeople can politely ask for business and move the sale to "won" without having commission breath.You’ll hear Marty unveil how to handle leads with precision and speed, and learn the essential steps to turn inquiries into sales. Marty dives into common pitfalls and excuses, highlighting the top qualities that make a successful salesperson—honesty, detail, and reliability. Tune in to master the art of being "professionally pushy" and transform your sale...
2024-09-04
19 min
The GROW! Show
Marketing: Ways to Communicate with Clients and Set Relationships Up for Success
In this episode of The Grow Show, Emily Lindley, Content & Events Manager at The Grow Group and Marketing Manager at Grunder Landscaping Co., details three ways GLC communicates with clients to strengthen relationships and set up clients to have beautiful, well-cared-for properties.In This Episode: Preparing teams and clients for success Three simple communication strategies Care instructions for clients - tips on watering, fertilizing, pruning Automated after-service notes for maintenance clients General reminders - watering tips for dry periods, box moth protocols Communications combine marketing, sales, and production Sign up for GROW! 2025 Share with someone in...
2024-08-28
15 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Sustaining a Company Culture with Joe Calloway
In this episode of The Grow Show, acclaimed author and business consultant Joe Calloway joins Marty Grunder to talk about how companies can differentiate themselves. With 40 years of experience working with entrepreneurs and leaders, Calloway highlights the importance of immediate response to customers, prospects, and partners, strategic hiring, and the power of culture as a differentiator. Your company has a culture no matter if you're paying attention to it or not, and Joe shares his insights on the crucial role of intentional culture in businesses, navigating the changing landscape of customer expectations and technologies, and managing economic uncertainties.
2024-08-21
42 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: Brent's Favorite Ways to Find Commercial Landscape Prospects
Marty is joined by Brent Grolnic, Grunder Landscaping's lead salesperson, (aka LandKeeping Consultant), to delve into the world of landscaping sales and service. Brent shares his journey from hands-on landscaping to a successful sales career, offering invaluable insights into securing lucrative contracts and repeat business. Listeners will discover practical tips for hitting sales goals, cultivating high-end clientele, and fostering a culture of positive feedback. Brent's firsthand experience in the field provides a unique perspective on identifying customer needs and delivering tailored solutions. In This Episode: Incredible hydrangeas in Connecticut Brent’s background and career path from ha...
2024-08-14
17 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: Whatever it Takes
The Grunder Landscaping team has a powerful mantra they repeat when faced with a challenge: "whatever it takes," which is a guiding principle for everyone on the team. This philosophy embodies a commitment to problem-solving, going above and beyond, and achieving excellence. In this episode, Marty discusses the importance of drive and mindset for success, how leaders should model desired behaviors, and some strategies for managing team attitudes during challenging tasks like snow season. You’ll hear about the value of recognizing positive actions and delve into how mindset, rather than formal education, plays a crucial role in career ad...
2024-08-07
12 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: How Technology Makes Our Work Easier with Gage Roberts
In this episode, Marty talks with Gage Roberts of Aspire Software about the impact technology has had on Grunder Landscaping Co., what smart landscaping companies are doing to make their daily tasks easier, and what the future holds with AI and other technology advancements coming.Discover how the right tech tools can ease team tensions and drive growth, and how community support and intentional business decisions play a crucial role. You’ll get a sneak peek at the Ignite Conference in August 2024, set to inspire with its forward-thinking approach. Learn the value of “Stay Interviews” to improve compan...
2024-07-31
34 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: How Sebert's Environmental Focus is Just Good Business
At Sebert Landscape, “Yellow is the new Green.” As a leader in the commercial landscape industry, Chicago-based Sebert keeps sustainability at the forefront. “The new green” means seeing environmental stewardship as a way to achieve business success – both for the company and its customers. In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by Sebert Landscape founder and CEO Jeff Sebert to talk about the origins of the company, their commitment to sustainability, and what's important to the team at Sebert as they take care of clients. In This Episode: Griddle cooking - got any recipes to share wi...
2024-07-24
34 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: Investing in Your People with Seth Pflum of Grunder Landscaping
Seth Pflum, President of Grunder Landscaping Co., and has been instrumental in leading the team's growth alongside Marty in his 12+ years with the company. A huge part of that growth has come from investing in, and believing in, the leaders on their team. In this episode, Marty and Seth will discuss how the company culture has shifted at Grunder, what they're doing to constantly look for new opportunities for their team members, and how this renewed focus on the team has impacted all of them. In This Episode: Spinning vinyl on a new record player Seth’s...
2024-07-17
35 min
The GROW! Show
Bonus Program Basics
At GROW! 2025, Vince Torchia will lead a workshop session where attendees can start to build out a Bonus Program plan. In this episode, Vince gives the cliff notes version of what you should consider if you're thinking about implementing a Bonus Program for your team! In This Episode: Vince is out with one of the many ACE groups this week Two types of bonus programs - what’s the difference? Aligning team behaviors with goals for a bonus program Clarity in communications around the goals Using scoreboards or scorecards to track goals How each job relates to...
2024-07-10
13 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: Teaching the Teachers
In this insightful episode, Marty delves into the essential components of effective team leadership and training. The emphasis is on gratitude, how safety is paramount, and the power of engaging storytelling. From the intricacies of operational procedures to the strategic "why" behind training, each detail underscores the importance of clarity and repetition. Whether you're leading a crew or managing your own team, Marty's wisdom on patience, praise, and involving the whole team promises transformative insights for fostering excellence in landscaping and beyond. In This Episode: Gratitude for the good things, including great son-in-laws Training - what...
2024-07-03
23 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: Prospecting for New Business
Where do you find new business when you need it? Finding new clients is key to a company's growth but can be challenging for salespeople: this isn't something they teach in school. In this episode, Marty delves into his favorite strategies to elevate your landscaping business to new heights. From uncovering the fun in prospecting and discovering your team’s motivation, he explores how residential and commercial referrals—perhaps from your clients’ neighbors—can be goldmines. Whether it’s using golf outings and meals for prospecting or tapping into community meetings, our discussion revolves around the timeless advice: go...
2024-06-26
15 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: James Cali on Scalable Systems, Training Teams, and Business Opportunities
In this episode, Marty Grunder and James Cali discuss how they initially met, what they've learned from working togther on our ACE Peer Group Program, and what they love to see landscaping companies implement because of the results that come from it.James Cali is a Grow Group executive coach, where he draws on his more than 25 years of executive leadership experience within the professional services industry to help business owners develop and execute strategy. Having helped lead a landscape firm from $3M to more than $28M in annual revenue, he is a master tactician whose focus...
2024-06-19
51 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: The Little Touches Add Up
How can you exemplify exceptional customer service? Being courteous and thoughtful goes a long way in impressing clients, and usually that doesn't mean doing anything that hard. Smiling and saying hello when you see someone outside, pause your blower for a second as someone walks by, or pull up the trashcans for your client if you're there on trash day. Little things add up to delighting your clients, in this episode, Marty Grunder shares how crews can do just that.When you focus on cultivating profitable, ideal, and sustainable client relationships, it’s the little things can ma...
2024-06-12
16 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: A Peek into the Early Years of Grunder Landscaping Co. with Lisa Grunder
In this episode of The Grow Show, Lisa Grunder, who has been married to Marty Grunder for over 30 years, shares insights into their journey together. From meeting in college to navigating the early years of Grunder Landscaping Co., Lisa delves into the challenges and triumphs of balancing work, family, and life. Marty and Lisa highlight the importance of dividing responsibilities and leveraging each other's skill sets, emphasizing the crucial role of family support. They also discuss the passion and intensity Marty has always had in their business, advocating for the mantra "notice, pause, allow." Touching on topics like going...
2024-06-05
30 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: The Mistakes We Make
Ever think Grunder Landscaping Co. has it all figured out? Think again! This week, Marty Grunder shares some mistakes we've made over the years, and how we bounced back. Because mistakes happen, but it's your reaction that determines if you and your team recover or get bogged down.Marty unpacks common pitfalls like micromanaging, perfectionism, and failing to delegate. You'll hear about the importance of trusting your team and the dangers of "trusting but not verifying." The episode also tackles financial mistakes and the fear of asking for help. By learning from these missteps, you can become...
2024-05-29
29 min
The GROW! Show
Team: Questions to Ask Yourself in the Busy Season
Feeling overwhelmed and buried in never-ending to-do lists? It's Spring, and we know how busy it can get. In this episode, Vince Torchia shares questions you can ask yourself so you can make sure you're prioritizing correctly, planning appropriately, staying on top of your numbers, and also staying sane.Vince will help you identify your biggest priority and cut through the noise. Learn powerful strategies to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive planning. Unleash the power of daily metrics to track your progress and crush your goals. But wait, there's more! We'll also show you the importance o...
2024-05-22
10 min
The GROW! Show
Operations: Finding Career Paths
Skilled team members want a career, not just a job. Showing them the career path that's available to them, outlining what it will take for them to be promoted, and then following through on what's promised is essential for retention. In this episode, Vince Torchia shares how he sees successful teams doing this.Vince unveils Grunder’s roadmap for their team members, illustrating clear paths to promotions and advancement using real-world examples to inspire and guide them. Vince recommends specific steps you can take to illuminate paths to advancement including essential training and certifications, publicizing organizational charts at...
2024-05-15
12 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: The Traits that Make Salespeople Successful
In this excerpt from our Virtual Sales Bootcamp, Marty Grunder is joined by Chris Psencik to discuss qualities that successful salespeople have, and how you can work to develop these qualities and the skills they lead to yourself. Happening today, May 8-9 2024: Recharge Your Selling Approach from the Ease of Your Office or Home Join us online to dive even deeper into sales best practices for landscaping teams. During this event, Grunder Landscaping Co. President & CEO Marty Grunder will share the strategies, tips, and tactics he's used to win at sales in his nearly 40 years of selling...
2024-05-08
20 min
The GROW! Show
Interview Series: JT Price from Landscape Workshop on Leading with a Performance Culture
Get to know JT Price, the CEO of Landscape Workshop. In this interview, JT shares stories with Marty from the early days of taking over the company, talks about what he's learned from acquisitions he's done, shares mistakes he's made along the way, and talks about why the company culture at Landscape Workshop is what it is. The conversation explores JT's path to scaling the business, the importance of internal culture shifts, and how to effectively track customer focus. JT also discusses valuable leadership tips, including his morning routines, handling low performers, and avoiding the pitfalls of u...
2024-05-01
43 min
Snow Talk with SIMA
Financial Health
The Grow Group's Vince Torchia and McFarlin Stanford's Jennifer Murray join Snow Talk to share how they counsel landscaping and snow companies to be financially healthy. Listen for this tips and more:Look beyond revenue to include understanding margins and profits.Have enough liquidity to manage through rough patches.Building a "sell"-worthy company.
2024-04-29
34 min
The GROW! Show
Sales: Running an Effective Sales Meeting
Running effective sales meetings helps your entire team maximize their day and their time together, and is one of the hallmarks of a well-run sales team. In this episode, Marty Grunder speaks with Grunder’s Director of Sales Operations Chris Maloney, on how he approaches sales. Chris also shares details about a typical day on his sales team, including the Tuesday sales meeting structure, fun team activities, and sales techniques for different customer types. In This Episode: Chris’ career path before joining Grunder Landscaping Different products, but sales methods remain similar Transferable skills from retail “A day in...
2024-04-24
23 min
The GROW! Show
Leadership: Keep Your Cool
As schedules get busier, it's easy to get frustrated. With your team, with your clients, or just with the general public. In a continuation of "Nice People Don't Finish Last", Marty Grunder shares how leaders at every level of the organization can be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Marty urges people to stay calm and collected under pressure, especially leaders. The challenges of managing stress and avoiding outbursts, using techniques like "Notice, pause, allow" are explored to help control reactions and improve communication. By taking responsibility for their emotions and remaining composed, leaders can...
2024-04-17
17 min
The GROW! Show
GROW 2024 Replay: Nice People Don't Finish Last
Marty Grunder kicked off GROW! 2024 in Des Moines, IA with a talk entitled "Nice People Don't Finish Last: How Kindness Fuels Success," This week's episode is a replay of that session. It's April and as we're in the thick of busy season kick-off, let's remember the little things we do make an impact on the people around us. In This Episode: Kicking it off with a little AC/DC “Grunder Struck” Des Moines vs. Dayton, dining out, and touring RJ Lawn & Landscaping An unusual experience with United Airlines Being kind, Marty’s loss of his mom and da...
2024-04-10
26 min
Roots of Success
The Hidden Power of Peer Groups with Vince Torchia
DESCRIPTION: Are you tired of feeling like you're carrying the weight of your landscape company all on your own? It doesn't have to be this hard. In this eye-opening episode of Roots of Success, we challenge the conventional methods of business growth with the help of Vince Torchia from the grow group. Explore the power of Ace peer groups and discover how landscape business owners are revolutionizing their success by collaborating with others in the industry. If you're ready to break free from traditional approaches and take your company to new heights, tune in for this game-changing c...
2024-02-01
24 min
Roots of Success
Say Yes to Success: Navigating Growth Challenges with Vince Torchia
Are you an owner in the landscape industry who is striving for success? In this episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole sits down with landscape industry expert, Vince Torchia, to discuss the challenges of saying yes to many opportunities in order to build a thriving company. But as your business grows, how do you know when to start saying no and focus on what you do best? Tune in as they share their insights on how to navigate the growth of your landscape company and find the balance that leads to long-term success. THE...
2023-09-14
49 min