The Commercial Landscaper Podcast

Justin Bates Justin Bates is the CEO of Bates Landscaping, a fast-growing landscape contractor based in the Northeast that specializes in HOA and community work, snow operations, and high-end design-build projects. With a mission to be the best company to work with and for, Justin has scaled Bates from a family-run operation to a multimillion-dollar business built on strong systems, a people-first culture, and relentless focus on client experience. Beyond landscaping, he's passionate about using AI and lean processes to cut down on human error, increase efficiency, and build a business that creates long-term opportunities for both his team and his clients. Melissa Blake Melissa is the Business Developer at Bates Landscaping, where she focuses on commercial snow removal and landscape maintenance for HOAs, senior living communities, and high-end apartments. She's helped Bates earn (2) NALP Awards of Excellence, grow sales year after year, and build a standout brand in a crowded market. Melissa also teaches as an adjunct professor at Williamson Trade School, sharing her industry know-how with future landscape leaders. Known for her quick wit, fast pace, and creative approach, she's the kind of person people always remember — usually because she makes them laugh while solving their toughest problems. And she likes Dad jokes 🙂

James is the Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch, a global technology company that serves the trades and other businesses. As an industry thought leader and expert in sales, leadership and business innovation, he has extensive experience working with entrepreneurs, small businesses and Fortune 500 enterprises. James is also an entrepreneur who founded a painting and power washing company. Website: https://www.liveswitch.com/ Start your free trial: https://www.liveswitch.com/contact-signup Coupon: Use code "CLP10" for 10% off at checkout! Book a demo: https://book-a-demo.referral-factory.com/uXYAPcUO About LiveSwitch: LiveSwitch is a leading communications platform that uses instant video to transform how people work and scale their business. Home service companies trust LiveSwitch to provide virtual estimates, document job progress, and streamline operations, all in real-time.  

Scott Hutcheon is a landscape architect, entrepreneur, and technology innovator with more than 25 years in design/build construction, green infrastructure, and landscape systems engineering. After founding one of Southern California's leading design/build firms and later pioneering the AquaFelt™ living-wall system for large commercial projects, Scott went on to build ShrubHub, which became the largest online landscape-design platform in the U.S. Across these ventures, Scott developed deep expertise in automation, data organization, and scalable workflows — long before modern AI emerged. Drawing from his architectural mindset and real-world field experience, he founded HeyFlora, the AI operating system for landscape management. HeyFlora unifies decades of landscape knowledge, comprehensive data sets, and company workflows into one intelligent platform that helps crews, managers, and executives operate with clarity and confidence. Scott's mission is to modernize the $150B landscape industry by transforming fragmented operations into unified intelligence — a category he calls Artificial Grounds Intelligence™.

Will Richardson serves as the Managing Director of Father Nature Landscapes, a Birmingham-based design-build firm creating thoughtful and lasting outdoor spaces. Father Nature exists to "connect life and land", with a focus on serving clients well, developing leaders, and pursuing excellence in everything they do. Since joining the team, Will has guided the company through significant growth, while keeping its mission and culture at the center. He's passionate about building strong teams, and helping others discover their calling through the work they do each day. For Father Nature, the best is yet to come.

Joe Iafigliola is President of Process-Smart, a business process outsourcing firm dedicated to helping landscaping companies operate more efficiently and profitably. Process-Smart manages critical back-office and operational functions such as estimating, payroll, invoicing, customer service and CRM management, allowing landscapers to focus on revenue growth, client satisfaction and team development. Under Joe's leadership, Process-Smart has become a trusted partner in the green industry by combining trained offshore talent with in-house subject matter experts and centers of excellence. The company's deep expertise with platforms like Aspire and LMN ensures seamless integration into existing workflows and delivers measurable improvements in speed, cost efficiency and service quality. With more than twenty years of experience in finance, operations and process optimization, Joe is committed to helping landscaping businesses scale profitably through disciplined processes, data-driven decision-making and talent development. His guidance enables Process-Smart to provide solutions that empower landscape business owners to concentrate on growth and build resilient, future-ready organizations.

Clay Martin is the founder of Isla Talent and former owner of MRC, two firms focused on connecting U.S. companies with skilled talent from Puerto Rico. He consults on how to recruit from Puerto Rico. His journey began with four years in the Peace Corps, living among Indigenous communities in Latin America, an experience that shaped not just his personality and crave for adventure and connecting with people, but also his passion for ethical recruiting and cross-cultural workforce solutions.

Travis Luther is a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and business coach who has built and sold multiple successful companies across industries ranging from legal technology to consumer products. He is the founder of MOSO Pillow, a performance sleep brand featured in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and the former owner of Queen Anne Pillow and TrialLine. Over the past two decades, Travis has led teams in marketing, brand strategy, and product development, helping businesses scale through a mix of creative storytelling and data-driven growth. He also served as President of Entrepreneurs' Organization Colorado and remains a trusted voice in the entrepreneurial community. Today, Travis shares the hard-won lessons of his journey with audiences worldwide, blending insights from his research in sociology with practical tools for business and personal growth. Through his writing, keynote talks, and coaching, he helps leaders confront limiting beliefs, build resilient companies, and create more meaningful lives. Listeners can learn more about his work, books, and coaching programs at travisluther.com.

J. T. Price is the CEO of Landscape Workshop, one of the leading commercial landscape maintenance firms in the Southern United States. Since taking the helm in 2014, J. T. has led the company through explosive growth—driving a 65X increase in equity value and growing the team to nearly 2,000 employees. With a background that includes time at McKinsey & Company, roles in private equity, and extensive operational leadership, J. T. brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and practical execution. He's deeply committed to making Landscape Workshop the premier destination in the Green Industry for high performers, while delivering consistent, professional service to clients. J. T. holds degrees from the University of Richmond and Harvard Law School, and currently serves on several boards, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (as Chair), and the Altamont School. He lives in Alabama with his wife, their two children (ages 13 and 11), and their dogs, Chewie and Oreo.  

Ed Jensen has dedicated more than 44 years to the landscape industry, building a career that spans hands-on fieldwork, high-level management, and nationwide consulting. He began as a landscape contractor, later moving into a management role with a real estate company before joining OLM, Inc., where he has spent over 36 years. At OLM, Ed has played a vital role in developing comprehensive landscape maintenance specifications, overseeing the competitive bidding process for landscape contracts, and conducting monthly quality-control site inspections. His expertise extends across diverse regions—including the South, Mid-Atlantic, and Western United States—giving him a deep understanding of regional variations in landscape management and maintenance practices. Throughout his career, Ed has combined technical knowledge and practical experience to help clients achieve and maintain high-quality landscape environments.

Doug Bonnell's journey in the landscaping industry began at an early age—sweeping garages and cleaning offices before he was even a teenager. After spending his high school summers working in the field, Doug went on to earn an engineering degree and spent several years in the automotive industry. In 2021, Doug received an unexpected call from his father with an opportunity that would change everything: a chance to join the family business, TruNorth Landscaping, based in Traverse City, Michigan. After thoughtful consideration, Doug and his wife decided to uproot their lives, leave behind stable careers, and invest in building the future of TruNorth. He began as Chief Operating Officer, leading the fertilization and maintenance division and later managing Green Team Lawn Care following its acquisition in 2022. By year three, Doug became heavily involved in the design-build side of the business as the succession plan progressed. Today, Doug and his wife are proud owner-operators of TruNorth Landscaping. Just a few months into ownership, they're already on pace for another record-setting revenue year—continuing the legacy while putting their own stamp on the company's future.

With over 20 years of experience in the landscape industry, Klark brings a deep understanding of every facet of the business—from maintenance and installations to account management and strategic leadership. Having worked in Tulsa, OK, Oklahoma City, OK, and Raleigh, NC, Klark has built a reputation for operational excellence and a people-first mindset. Since 2010, Klark has served on leadership and executive teams, developing a strong acumen for analyzing P&L reports and helping drive company decisions rooted in data and efficiency. What drives Klark most, though, are the relationships—"I've had the privilege of working alongside and serving some truly amazing people, and those connections are what I value most, professionally."

Marcus Hemington serves as the CEO of Hemington Landscape Services, a family-owned second-generation commercial landscaping firm founded in 1983 and based in Cameron Park, California. Under Marcus's leadership the company has expanded while upholding its core values and customer-centric principles. The company specializes exclusively in commercial landscape and concrete construction within the Sacramento region. Hemington's mission is both simple and profound: to create environments that make life better. Marcus firmly believes that landscapes have the power to improve not only the lives of end users and customers but also the lives of the dedicated individuals who bring these projects to life. As a values-driven leader, Marcus emphasizes service, quality, and character , cultivating a strategic advantage through a strong organizational culture. He is actively engaged in recruiting and mentoring talent, developing internal training programs such as Hemington University, and fostering a culture of accountability and care. Marcus is known for being hands-on, thoughtful, and deeply invested in both the people and places his company serves.

Frank Annino's career in the landscaping industry is a testament to his dedication and passion for the field. Growing up in the construction industry, Frank always knew that being in the field was where he wanted to be. He pursued a college degree in business management with an emphasis on organizational behavior, which laid the foundation for his professional journey. After college, Frank ran a landscape nursery in Thousand Oaks for three years, where he honed his leadership skills and gained invaluable knowledge in selling, managing P&L, and understanding plant materials, chemicals, and fertilizers.  In 1992, he joined Environmental Care, working in the field for the first two years to deeply understand the day-to-day operations of field workers. Over the years, he took on various leadership roles within the company, learning and managing different functions such as the shop, tree care, and irrigation. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to run a business for what became ValleyCrest Landscape in Ventura, California, where he successfully grew the business significantly and was promoted to Regional Manager. In his next career move, Frank helped ValleyCrest through its transition to BrightView, where his role expanded to managing a larger territory as Senior Vice President, covering the Inland Empire, all of Los Angeles, and the Pacific Northwest. In 2021, Frank joined Sperber Landscape Companies as President of the maintenance division, overseeing 16 subsidiary companies nationwide. In this role, Frank leads the strategy and execution of various departmental functions, including training, sales, and operations, with a focus on developing and expanding greenfield projects, irrigation, and tree care services. His favorite part of the job is teaching, training, and coaching. That moment when the lightbulb turns on in others is priceless.  Outside of work, Frank loves spending time with his wife Kim and their two children, Maey and Josie. The family enjoys traveling, attending concerts and music festivals, and as a true Southern California native, Frank is a die-hard Los Angeles sports fan.

Nina Mason is content director at 44Group, an events and media company that is primarily rooted in the horticulture sector. It is the creator of esteemed B2B magazines, starting with Pro Landscaper in the UK in 2011―a brand that has grown into a community of landscape contractors and designers and other industry professionals. Its dynamic approach, encompassing numerous channels, has been instrumental in connecting all parts of the landscaping industry across the country. Earlier this year, 44Group brought the brand across the pond with the launch of Pro Landscaper USA, a monthly magazine with the same ambition of creating a platform for all sectors of the industry as well as their trade associations to share ideas, insights and inspiration. It covers the latest news and innovations across the US, from interviews with the industry's key players, to residential and commercial projects showcasing the best of outdoor living, to the products that bring these schemes to life—all to inform, educate and inspire landscaping professionals across the West Coast and further afield. On December 9-10, it will also be hosting the first FutureScape USA in Los Angeles. The premier landscaping event has gone from strength to strength in the UK and is now bringing its exclusive format to California, offering an environment for networking, knowledge exchange, and exploring the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of landscaping.

Michael Tomaino is the Founder and "Head Gardener" of Landcrafters, a premier landscape design-build and maintenance firm based in Tampa Bay. Under his leadership, Landcrafters has grown into a $6M+ operation known for combining precision horticulture, design excellence, and disciplined business systems to serve some of Florida's most discerning residential and commercial clients. Drawing on nearly a decade in the landscape industry, Michael has built a culture that blends creative craftsmanship with data-driven execution. He's passionate about helping his team scale sustainably, through technology, accountability, and a deep focus on people. Michael frequently collaborates with Wilson360 and The Herring Group to refine Landcrafters' growth strategy and shares his lessons on leadership, profitability, and building "dream teams" in the green industry. Chad Diller is a 25+ year green industry veteran who served in various roles from operations to sales, and marketing. Currently, he's the CEO of Landscape Leadership, a marketing and sales agency that exclusively specializes in landscaping, lawn care, and tree service companies. Along with his team of green industry marketing specialists, they have partnered with dozens of the industry's most innovative and successful companies. Through website design, digital marketing, professional photography, and video production, they help green industry companies become true leaders in their market, both to prospective clients and team members. Learn more about their work at LandscapeLeadership.com

Adam Linnemann is the founder and CEO of The Green Executive, a landscape industry peer group and consulting firm.  With over 31 years of landscape industry experience, Adam has grown his nationally recognized landscape company, Linnemann Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc. from the bottom up. Starting at the young age of just 14 years old, Adam has grown his lawn and landscape company from 1 to over 25 employees and is experienced in small landscape business acquisitions, strategic planning and marketing.  His strengths include goal setting and accountability, organization of financial data and unique add-on business ideas that help generate additional company revenue. Adam is a Certified Profit First Professional Coach and LMN Certified Consultant.  He is a retired Trailblazer with the National Association of Landscape Professionals and has sat on the Landscape Management Magazine Editorial Advisory Board.  He has been featured in several trade magazines including Landscape Management, Turf, Lawn & Landscape Magazine and Green Industry Pros. Adam is a two time President of the Columbia, IL Rotary Club and is a regular columnist for the Waterloo, IL Republic Times.  He is a retired Police Officer from the Valmeyer, IL Police Department and the Monroe County IL Sheriffs Office, at which he served his community for over 15 years.  He is a member of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis Nursery & Landscape Association, Snow & Ice Management Association and participates in Project Evergreen and SnowCare for Troops. In his spare time, Adam enjoys vacationing in the Riviera Maya, Mexico with his wife, Sahra, and two boys, Nash and Wynn. He also enjoys going to St. Louis Cardinals games, riding ATV's, and is an avid cook using his Big Green Egg!

Cameron began his journey in California but quickly found his roots in Plano, Texas, where he grew up. His adventurous spirit led him to spend two transformative years living in Mexico, during which he became fluent in Spanish—a skill that has greatly enriched his professional and personal life. Returning stateside, Cameron discovered his passion for the landscaping industry, starting from the ground up on an erosion control crew. Driven by ambition and dedication, he steadily progressed from irrigation specialist to account manager, ultimately leading an entire irrigation department and then an entire company. The path has been both rewarding and humbling, filled with constant learning and growth. When Cameron isn't managing projects and driving business success, he enjoys spending quality time with his lovely wife and their two energetic children, who keep him happily busy at home.

Chris Rance is a proven revenue and growth leader with experience scaling field service companies, in both fast-paced and private equity-backed environments. He's led high-performing sales teams, built go-to-market strategies from the ground up, and loves performance-driven cultures that fuel consistent, sustainable growth. With a sharp focus on organic expansion and top-of-funnel development, he brings a hands-on, execution-first mindset to every challenge. Whether entering new markets or elevating service delivery, his track record shows a clear ability to turn vision into measurable results.

Jeffrey Johns is the CEO of Coastal Greenery, inc., a Commercial landscape maintenance company based in St. Simons Island, Georgia. where he is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the organization. He established the company in 1994, driven by a passion for plants and horticulture. Over the years, Johns has transformed Coastal Greenery into a leading provider of landscape services for commercial and industrial clients across Southeast Georgia, North Florida and South Carolina. Under Johns' leadership Coastal Greenery has cultivated a family-like atmosphere, carefully selecting professionals who align with the company Mission, Vision and Core Values. This Culture has contributed to the company's success and recognition within the communities they serve. Johns' innovative mindset is evident in initiatives like the "100 Days of Victory," which reframes the challenging spring season as an opportunity for growth and excellence.

From the first five minutes you meet Justin, it becomes clear this isn't just a job to him. Never mind, he has all the accreditations and schooling, his passion for what he does is infectious. Justin's love for the landscape industry started at a young age. Since high school he has been active working in the industry. First with a classic lawn care turned landscape business in high school/college. Then after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Horticulture, he went to work for a well-established design build company on the westside of the Twin Cities.  In 2015 Justin started Mangold Horticulture to continue living out his passion by building and beautifying landscapes. Today, Mangold Horticulture is a garden centric full-service landscaping company work throughout the Twin Cities. They have grown to over 50 people and have won awards both locally and nationally. Mangold Horticulture is committed being a leader in the Twin Cities market and beyond for both the client and the team experience.