The Green Grind Podcast

In this powerhouse episode of The Green Grind, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Kevin Scott, founder of Muskoka Landscapers, a premier high-end design/build firm specializing in luxury lakefront projects throughout Canada's cottage country. Kevin shares the raw truth behind scaling from a one-man operation to a $10M+ landscape company, breaking down the wins, failures, and jagged growth curve that shaped his business. From leaving a secure job with benefits, to landing his first major lakefront projects, to navigating the chaos of million-dollar builds, Kevin gives an unfiltered look into what it really takes to succeed at the top end of the industry. 🎧 Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc 🌐 Need a website? Use code "GreenGrind" to get your first month for $1: greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

In this episode of The Green Grind, LeRoy and Kory sit down with Shane Cunningham, owner of The Lawn Shark, a full-service lawn care and landscape company based in Westminster, Maryland. Shane brings an unfiltered, brutally honest look into what it takes to survive, rebuild, and scale in the lawn and landscape industry when life hits hard. Shane shares his journey from a troubled youth to building a thriving landscape and lawn-care business, surviving the 2008 housing crash, navigating a divorce, raising his children as a single parent, and rebuilding his company with a completely new level of clarity, discipline, and purpose. 🎧 Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc 🌐 Need a website? Use code "GreenGrind" to get your first month for $1: greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

In the final installment of the Scaling Smart Series, Kory and LeRoy dive deep into two pillars that determine whether a company grows with intention—or stays stuck: culture and building like a builder instead of hustling. They unpack the realities of culture at every stage of business, reminding listeners that culture isn't something you create once you have 10–20 employees—it starts with your first hire. From shifting language from "employees" to "team members" to modeling the standards you expect, they break down how small leadership actions (and inactions) ripple across morale, behavior, and performance inside a company.  🎧 Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc 🌐 Need a website? Use code "GreenGrind" to get your first month for $1: greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard  

Kory and LeRoy are back with Part Three of the Scaling Smart Series, diving into what it really takes to scale a company with discipline, consistency, and mature leadership. They break down how owners evolve from reacting to everything that goes wrong… to staying calm, solving problems, and leading with intention. This episode covers the routines and habits that create real growth—showing up for your team, running consistent meetings, staying disciplined with cash flow, and sticking to the processes that built your business in the first place. If you're ready to move from hustling to building and create a business that grows without chaos, this one's packed with lessons you can put to work immediately. 🎧 Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc 🌐 Need a website? Use code "GreenGrind" to get your first month for $1: greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard  

In this episode of The Green Grind, Kory and LeRoy dive into the second part of their Scaling Smart Series, tackling one of the biggest challenges every growing business faces—creating systems that actually work. They break down how chaos kills growth, why great people can't thrive without structure, and how to systematize everything from your crews' daily routines to your sales process. 🎧 Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc 🌐 Need a website? Use code "GreenGrind" to get your first month for $1: greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard  

Kory and LeRoy kick off the brand-new Scaling Smart Series — a 4-part deep dive into what it really takes to grow and scale a green industry business the right way. In this first episode, they sit down for a no-fluff, straight-talk conversation about building the foundation for sustainable growth. From defining a clear vision to living by your company's core values, they break down why so many business owners stay stuck at the same size year after year—and what separates those who scale with purpose. The guys share real stories from their own journeys—mistakes, mindset shifts, and tough leadership calls that shaped their success. Whether it's hiring the right people, enforcing accountability, or letting go of those who can't grow with you, this episode hits hard on leadership, culture, and vision. This is just the start of the Scaling Smart Series—four powerful episodes designed to help you grow smarter, lead better, and build a business that lasts. 🎧 Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc 🌐 Need a website? Use code "GreenGrind" to get your first month for $1: greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard  

This week, LeRoy sit's down with Bryan Clayton, founder of GreenPal, often called the "Uber for lawn care." Brian's entrepreneurial story is nothing short of inspiring. He started mowing lawns at 18, grew his landscaping company into a $10M business with over 150 employees, successfully sold it, and then pivoted into tech — building GreenPal, which now connects 300,000+ users with lawn care professionals across the country. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

This week, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Ted Glaser, owner of Summit Lawns to talk about the highs and lows of building a landscaping business from the ground up. Ted shares how he started small, what motivated him to keep pushing through challenges, and the lessons he's learned about leadership, hiring, and staying profitable in a competitive industry. From navigating employee turnover to building strong client relationships, Ted opens up about the real struggles business owners face — and how mindset, persistence, and smart decision-making can carry you through. If you're in the green industry and looking for encouragement, practical advice, and an honest perspective on what it takes to grow a resilient business, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

In this episode, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Arik Levy, a serial entrepreneur best known for creating Laundry Locker, Luxer One, and now YardPro, an irrigation software and sensor company revolutionizing how homeowners and professionals manage outdoor systems. Arik shares his incredible journey from the early days of the dot-com boom to building multimillion-dollar businesses centered around one simple principle — solving problems. He talks about scaling Luxer One to a $30-million-a-year operation before selling it, what life was like after the exit, and how that led him into the world of irrigation technology with YardPro. The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, recurring revenue models, and how technology like AI and automation are transforming the landscape industry. Whether you're a tech-minded business owner or a boots-on-the-ground operator, this episode is packed with insights on identifying opportunities, building efficient systems, and thinking beyond "old-school" methods. 🎧 Tune in for a masterclass on innovation, business growth, and how solving real-world problems leads to lasting success. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

This week on The Green Grind, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Lukas Blumling, owner of Blumling Lawn Care LLC, to share his journey of building a thriving lawn care and landscaping business from the ground up. Lukas talks about what inspired him to take the leap into business ownership, how he's balancing growth with family life, and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation dives deep into the realities of running a small business — from pricing and profitability to managing crews and knowing when to say no. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow smarter, this episode offers honest insight into the discipline, systems, and mindset it takes to scale sustainably while avoiding burnout. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard  

At just 21 years old, Landon Holt has built Holt Landscape Group into a multimillion-dollar company with over 40 employees — and he's just getting started. In this inspiring episode, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Landon to unpack how he scaled so quickly, the importance of discipline and systems, and why faith and humility are central to his leadership style. Landon shares his philosophy on taking calculated risks, building a culture that attracts and retains top talent, and keeping a "student mentality" no matter how big the business grows. Whether you're just starting your green industry journey or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights on growth, leadership, and long-term vision. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard  

This week, Kory and LeRoy sit down with industry veteran Kevin Salters and financial expert Joey Coberly from Lawn Care Launch to tackle the biggest mistakes new lawn care and landscaping business owners make — and how to avoid them. Kevin shares his journey from running a $6M commercial maintenance company to coaching small operators, while Joey brings a financial lens to help owners understand their numbers and build businesses that don't just generate revenue but actually create profit. Together, they break down common traps like underpricing, overleveraging debt, and failing to track key metrics like gross margin and revenue per man hour. They dive into why culture starts with the owner, why communication with your spouse and team is critical, and how to build systems and SOPs that let you step back and scale. If you're starting or growing your green industry business, this episode is packed with real-world advice on pricing, financial management, leadership, and building a company that works for you — not the other way around. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

In this episode of The Green Grind, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Bob Scott, owner of Lowe's Greenhouse in Bainbridge, Ohio. Bob shares how he and his partner transitioned from running a small landscape design/build company to acquiring a third-generation greenhouse and garden center. The conversation dives deep into the complexities and opportunities of vertical integration in the green industry — from growing and selling plants to running retail, landscaping, floral, and greenhouse operations all under one roof. Bob explains the pros and cons of owning the supply chain, the challenges of managing diverse departments, and the lessons learned from growing the team from 12 to 65 employees. Listeners will also hear about navigating retail trends, balancing overhead with efficiency, and building a resilient business model where multiple departments support one another. Whether you're running a small landscape crew or leading a multi-division operation, Bob's insights on leadership, systems, and customer experience will spark ideas for growth. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard  

In this episode, Kory and LeRoy welcome Kirstin Mains back to The Green Grind to dive deep into one of the most important topics for any business owner: getting out of your own way. Fresh off their trip to the Landscaper event in Charlotte, the crew unpacks why so many owners become the bottleneck in their business and how to fix it. They discuss building systems that scale, empowering team members to take ownership, and focusing on vision over chaos. You'll also hear about the new AI tools being developed for the green industry, the importance of setting short- and long-term goals, and how sharing your vision with your team can transform company culture. Whether you're running a $250k business or a $5M one, this episode is packed with practical advice on breaking free from control-freak tendencies, reducing burnout, and leading your team toward growth. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard Join 800 landscapers at the LeanScaper Finance Intensive in Dallas, Sept. 15–16, and build a three year plan with AI, robotics, and smart investments to scale profits and increase your company's value. https://leanscaper.com/financial-blueprint-intensive?utm_source=apple_podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=event_promotion&utm_content=TheGreenGrindPodcast_finance_intensive

In this episode, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Aaron Suttenfield, founder of A&D Suttenfield Landscaping, to explore the role of faith, family, and values in building a successful business from the ground up. Aaron shares his journey—from mowing grass in high school to leading a full-service landscape company—and how staying true to his principles has shaped every part of his business. With a strong focus on customer service, employee relationships, and doing the right thing (even when it's hard), Aaron explains how he built a business that reflects more than just financial goals. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard Join 800 landscapers at the LeanScaper Finance Intensive in Dallas, Sept. 15–16, and build a three year plan with AI, robotics, and smart investments to scale profits and increase your company's value. https://leanscaper.com/financial-blueprint-intensive?utm_source=apple_podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=event_promotion&utm_content=TheGreenGrindPodcast_finance_intensive

In this episode, Kory and LeRoy are joined by Adam Fullerton, a marketing strategist and creative agency owner who helps service-based businesses cut through the noise and actually connect with customers. Adam breaks down what most companies get wrong about marketing—and how to fix it. From storytelling and brand consistency to knowing your audience and crafting the right message, Adam offers practical strategies you can apply right now to grow your business the smart way. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard Join 800 landscapers at the LeanScaper Finance Intensive in Dallas, Sept. 15–16, and build a three year plan with AI, robotics, and smart investments to scale profits and increase your company's value. https://leanscaper.com/financial-blueprint-intensive?utm_source=apple_podcasts&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=event_promotion&utm_content=TheGreenGrindPodcast_finance_intensive

In this episode, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Eric Hill, a driven entrepreneur who has built his landscaping business through grit, vision, and relentless focus on relationships. Eric shares the real story behind starting small, facing setbacks, and pushing through the challenges of growing a company in a competitive industry. From developing leadership skills to creating a culture that values people, Eric's journey is packed with lessons on resilience, growth, and staying grounded through it all. He also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team, adapting to industry changes, and leading with integrity. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

For his fourth appearance on The Green Grind, Kory and LeRoy welcome back Sam Gembel, co-owner of Atlas Outdoor, to dive into the strategic side of scaling a landscaping business—with purpose. Sam shares how focusing on leadership, culture, and communication has transformed both client experiences and team performance. From hiring with intention to creating clear SOPs (standard operating procedures), he explains how structure, consistency, and accountability have propelled Atlas Outdoor to the next level. If you're a business owner looking for more than the usual hustle-and-grind narrative, this conversation offers a fresh, sustainable perspective on what real success looks like. Free Trial + 20% Off Jobber for 6 Months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a Website? Use code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1: greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard  

Kory and Leroy are joined by Derek Lines, CEO of Showtime Homes, to dive into what makes his business—and his leadership—stand out in a crowded market. From pounding nails on a framing crew to creating a culture-driven custom home building company, Derek breaks down the mindset, mistakes, and momentum that fueled his journey. He shares how emotional intelligence, brand energy, and hard conversations are key to building lasting client relationships and an all-in team. This episode is packed with leadership gold: how to develop a standout brand, inspire loyalty in employees, own your mistakes, and still love your business years later. Whether you're in landscaping, construction, or any service industry, Derek's story will give you a blueprint for doing things different—and better. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

In this powerful episode, Kory and Leroy welcome back Jonathan Guinipero, owner of Stateline Landscaping in Massachusetts. After appearing on the show in 2022, Jonathan returns with a raw, honest look at how downsizing his business nearly cost him everything—including his marriage and family time. Jonathan shares how he went from feeling "comfortable" with just two employees to realizing he was simply stuck in survival mode. He opens up about the emotional toll, the wake-up call that changed everything, and how hiring a business coach helped him rebuild his company and personal life. This is a must-listen for any entrepreneur questioning their path, searching for clarity, or needing motivation to make real change. If you're in the trenches, trying to grow a business without losing yourself in the process—this one's for you. Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard