Aussie LawnStars

In this interview Garry Ashton talks to Bec about transitioning from a larger landscape company to running her own gardening maintenance business in and around Canberra. From Soil quality, to aquiring customers and  climate. We even talk about motorbikes.

Garry Ashton and Silvio Matas caught up in person in Melbourne to tour the Stihl warehouse. This interview is the compilation of in person footage and over the internet video call to bring together behind the scenes Stihl office and product releases and a lengthy interview about all things Stihl Australia.

In this conversation, Garry Ashton interviews Stuart Griffiths from Eco Green Garden Care, focusing on sustainability in the gardening industry. They discuss the importance of conscientious capitalism, the mindset required for business growth, and the transition from petrol to battery-powered tools. Stuart shares his journey in the gardening business, emphasizing the role of networking and client acquisition. The conversation also delves into profit margins, the technical aspects of battery tools, and their practical applications in gardening. The discussion concludes with thoughts on the future of battery technology in the industry. In this conversation, Stuart Griffiths and Garry Ashton discuss various aspects of running a landscaping business, including the selection of tools, the future of autonomous mowers, achieving carbon neutrality, effective marketing strategies, and managing client expectations. They emphasize the importance of choosing the right jobs, the evolution of battery-powered tools, and the significance of building a strong brand. The discussion also highlights the challenges of pricing and the necessity of clear communication with clients to ensure satisfaction and prevent scope creep.

In this conversation, Garry Ashton speaks with Mikey and Olive from Creeks Garden Care about their journey from youth work to starting a gardening business. They discuss the challenges of naming a business, the transition from employment to entrepreneurship, pricing strategies, and the importance of networking within the industry. The conversation also touches on equipment choices, financial management, and the significance of understanding tax implications for small business owners. In this conversation, Garry Ashton and Mikey discuss various aspects of running a landscaping business, including the importance of understanding business expenses, pricing strategies, and the significance of reliability in service. They share personal experiences with challenges, setbacks, and the role of professionalism in the industry. The discussion also touches on the integration of landscape design and maintenance, the impact of technology, and the importance of networking and referrals in building a successful business. Mikey emphasizes the need to find a niche and balance design with functionality in landscaping projects. fun doing this interview and I know you’ll find value in so many of the topics we covered. Join www.sortscape.com.au/lawnstars for one of the best systems to help you succeed.

In this conversation, Garry Ashton interviews Gavin Turner, a gardener from Launceston, Tasmania, who shares his journey from working in a salmon farm to running a successful gardening business. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of gardening in Tasmania, marketing strategies, client relationships, and the importance of mindset in business. Gavin reflects on his pricing strategies, seasonal work, and the significance of providing value to clients while maintaining profitability. In this conversation, Gavin and Garry discuss the challenges of maintaining client relationships and pricing in the gardening industry. They explore the evolution of Gavin's equipment setup, including the integration of solar power and battery technology, and compare various tool brands. The discussion also delves into the innovative use of robotic mowers and the systems Gavin has implemented to enhance business efficiency.

Today there is no excuse for starting a business and floundering or failing because you don’t know what you’re doing. Listen to Aussie LawnStars to learn business secrets, shortcuts and systems. Join www.sortscape.com.au/lawnstars for one of the best systems to help you succeed. Dan Aubrey has taken many paths before starting in business and he has learnt from others in the industry so that he is successful and continuing to move towards new goals.  Check out his story here

Chris Vogel has worked for a Jim’s franchise, bought a Fox franchise and now operates independently to offer lawn care packages and gardening targeted to clients who want premium results.

Jim and Shai from Mow Buddy graced the dungeon with a visit to explain the Mow Buddy platfrom and share how it can provide jobs that are already pre qualifed to save you time and effort chasing leads and advertising. You need to listen to the interview to decide if the Mow Buddy platform is a good option for your business.

Peter has a history steeped in business practices banking and accounting, Peter has insights into small business that will help you succeed. Peter is a good friend of mine and I’ve been talking him into doing this interview for a while now and I know you will get a lot of value from the topics we cover.

When you start a business you are training your brain to think about a whole lot of challenges you have never faced before...What are they? You probably have already thought about what tools to buy and the basics of impressing the customer with quality service, BUT, what does that look like? Do you wow them with technical knowledge or promise them the world with the best gardens and lawns or the cheapest prices? We take a deep dive into what you need to be thinking about and thinking like so that you gain the right business skills and attitudes to run a great business, whatever the product and customer and service may look like.

Matthew Wandmaker has built his business on successful practices and systems that he has proven work well. We cover a lot of ground in this business heavy episode. If you wonder about what works and what doesnt work when you grow a business, this is a must listen episode.

Luke Bennett visited us in the early days of the podcast. Less than 6 months in. Now he is working for Felco I wanted to catch up again and share Luke's wealth of product knowlege so you can learn more about these humble yet vital tools.

Jared started his business in the best suburbs of Sydney. We cover the pros and cons of working in the North Shore and we focus in on his setup for this to work well. Join SortScape today at www.sortscape.com/lawnstars

Do you add a full range of lawn treatments to your lawn mowing run? or do you refer this onto a Coochie HydroGreen? Nick runs a Coochie HydroGreen on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria and we spent two hours discussing his work life, some great banter on mulch v catch and robot mowers too.

I finally met Bachio adn we had a great time at the Diesel Dirt and Turf expo in Sydney. Shortly after we recorded this interview so you can get some insight into the Whipper Snipper destruction and mayhem along with his actual business which is growing in an area where he becoming quite a strong player

We talked to Dirk over two years ago about robotic mowers and how they work and if they suit a market with lawn and garden maintenance. This interview is a long awaited update. The new technology and a deeper dive into the functionality and practical uses within our industry. They will not suit everyone, but be sure to listen to this exciting topic

This was recorded in November of 2022. The follow up interview is published today. Michelle has made a lot of changes in two and a half years.

Michelle's original interview was recorded in November 2022. Today we revisited how she operates her business in Kalgoorlie. She has revised several times working with employees, customers and tools. She has also made deliberate and significant changes to her fitness and wellbeing with personal and business life being affected by lifestyle choices. Go into the Podcast feed and listen to her first interview here before this one if you need a refresher.

Tony may have moved here from the UK, but he is as true blue as You'd expect from any Aussie, and he has built his business through hard work and perserverence in the grounds of Aussie battlers.  We all have to start from somewhere and build up to represent our selves and our businesses. Tony has demonstrated that this can be done well in the tough suburban markets where prices do get challenged and labour isn't cheap. He has ensured his business has deep foundations and he shares what it takes for you to do the same thing. It's not always fancy, high end and luxury properties that we build a lawn and garden maintenance business on, and this episode is proof that you can make it work.

Chris has elluded me for far too long so when I called him, I got his interview the next day and got it straight out to you this week. Well thought out and executed start Tested market value and viable margins Text book business startup, yet so unique an inspiring. And you'll love the instagram account; https://www.instagram.com/full_throttle_lawn_n_garden?igsh=cTR4MGRhaHZzamNq