The Cost of Doing Business

In this episode I sit down with Logan Conklin, co-founder of Conklin Landscape Solutions, to dive deep into the real-life challenges and triumphs of growing a small business. Logan shares candid stories about starting his landscape company, weathering financial setbacks, learning the importance of contracts, and finding success through strategic improvements and faith. Discover how a near business shutdown turned into a turnaround, the vital role of work-life balance, and the rewards of building spaces where families create lasting memories. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and practical tips for entrepreneurs navigating the ups and downs of business ownership. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

I sit down with Chris Huser, founder of Huser’s Outdoor Design + Build, for an honest conversation about the realities of running a landscaping business. Chris shares his three-decade journey from mowing lawns to mastering hardscapes, revealing the challenges, pivotal moments, and mindset shifts that fueled his company’s growth. Discover how Chris navigated industry changes, embraced new technology, and built a team that thrives on opportunity and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to grow a resilient, people-focused business. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP  

Elliot shares how embracing risk and investing in his business; from marketing and coaching to the right tools, transformed his journey from cautious growth to real success. Hear candid stories about overcoming self-doubt, learning the value of spending money to make money, and the mindset shifts that helped him scale his landscaping company. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for entrepreneurs ready to bet on themselves and take their business to the next level. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP  

I sit down with Jesse Weidner in this episode, owner of Weidner Landscape Solutions, to uncover the real journey behind building a successful landscaping business. In this episode, Jesse shares actionable insights on scaling from a solopreneur to a thriving team, the power of niching down, and how to create a steady flow of qualified leads through intentional marketing strategies. Discover how leveraging tools like SynkedUP transformed his job costing, pricing, and profitability, and learn the essential lessons every entrepreneur should know about project management, team building, and maximizing margins. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your landscaping business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for business owners in the green industry. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP  

In this episode of The Cost of Doing Business Podcast, I sit down with Clayton Canby, owner of Mountain Lake Landscaping LLC, to dig into the real-life challenges and rewards of growing a successful landscaping company. Broadcasting from a historic West Virginia dairy farm, Clayton shares his journey from humble beginnings and long days in the field to leading a dedicated team and building a business rooted in hard work, integrity, and smart decision-making. Discover insights on pricing, team culture, letting go as an owner, and why investing in people and the right tools pays off. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this candid conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the ups and downs of business ownership. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP  

What happens when two buddies in small-town West Virginia go from mowing neighbors' lawns with a John Deere to running a thriving hardscaping company? In this episode, I sit down with Randall from M.R. Landscapes to unpack the raw, unfiltered story behind their evolution from maintenance to installs, how they battled seasonal cash flow nightmares, and the moment they realized hardscaping was their future. We talk about building a team, the pain of being stuck on the job instead of working on the business, and the power of budgeting, proposals, and communication in closing jobs fast. If you're a contractor trying to scale your business, navigate partnerships, or figure out when to finally hire that key crew member… this one’s for you. Listen in for: Why being on the tools too long might be hurting your growth The danger of “bank account barometer” thinking How SynkedUP helped shift their margins and mindset And what it really takes to lead a team through the highs and lows This is the cost of doing business; and it’s what they don’t show you on Instagram. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Robinson of Robinson Outdoors, right on the jobsite, to talk through what it really looks like to run a thriving landscape business as a one-man crew. We get into the systems, the tools, and the mindset that help him keep production high without burning himself out. We talk about how he protects his time, why simplicity wins, the trap of “busy but broke,” and the power of knowing your numbers (instead of just guessing). This episode is packed with lessons for anyone building a business that serves their life, not the other way around. Whether you’re solo or scaling, Kevin’s story is proof that doing it right matters more than doing it big. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron from Emerson Lawn & Landscape on a sunny spring morning outside Philly to talk about the not-so-glamorous side of leadership. We dive deep into what it actually looks like to transition from being the technician who does it all… to becoming the kind of leader who builds people, systems, and culture. Aaron gets real about almost losing the business, the mindset shifts that turned it around, and how leadership is less about control and more about letting go, automation, delegation, preparation, training, and anticipating problems before they hit. We talk about the hard lessons learned from jobs that bled money, the importance of knowing your break-even, and how building a team that runs without you isn’t just the goal, it’s the responsibility. If you're a business owner struggling to get out of the weeds or afraid to say no to the wrong work, this episode is packed with the kind of leadership gold that only comes from the trenches. Because success doesn’t come from working harder. It comes from leading better. Give Emerson a follow in instagram @‌emersonlawnlandscape If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

I sit down with Ken Brown of Liberty Outdoor Landscapes this week - an owner/operator with a big goal: hit $1 million in revenue before age 30. Ken's not there yet, but he’s well on his way by making smart moves most contractors overlook: implementing a Profit First-style banking system, tracking every job like it matters, and using tech to win back his time. From mowing seven days a week to designing custom outdoor projects, Ken shares the mindset shifts and systems that are helping him grow with purpose and not panic. If you’re stuck in the hustle or wondering how to scale without losing control, this episode is your blueprint. If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP  

On this podcast I sit down with Nick Pandolfi of Pandolfi Landscape Construction to talk about what it really takes to grow a business that lasts. From installing plunge pools to letting go of control, Nick opens up about the hard-earned lessons that freed up his time, protected his profit, and gave him back his family life. If you’ve ever wrestled with doing it all yourself, this episodes for you. Give them a follow: @pandolfilandscapeconstruction If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

This one hits deep. In today’s episode, I sat down with Robert from Stone Craft Design & Build to unpack what it really takes to scale a construction business. From nearly burning out and losing hundreds of thousands to regaining control, building a team culture that people would yearn to be part of, and finally running a profitable, sustainable business. We talk budgets, mindset shifts, what got him into SynkedUP, and how clarity around his numbers saved his business. This isn’t a story about square footage…it’s about stepping up and designing your future. Give them a follow on instagram: @stone_craftdesigns If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

This week I sit down with Marco from Annabelle Landscapes, a loyal customer and a guy who’s been through the real trenches of building a business. He tells the story of landing his first big patio job, an $80K project that sounded like a dream at first… until the stress, snow, and not knowing his numbers nearly broke him. That job almost convinced him to walk away from hardscaping entirely. Not because the work was bad - but because his mindset was the real limit. We talk through that shift. From feeling like you’ve got to do it all yourself to realizing the only way forward is to build systems, trust people, and let go of control. He shares what finally made him commit to using a CRM, how he got his crew to buy in (even when they hated clocking in), and the moment the business stopped feeling like a fight. If you’ve ever struggled with the fear of leveling up, or felt stuck because everything depended on you, this one’s for you. It’s not about overnight wins. It’s about doing the hard internal work to build something sustainable. Connect with Marco: https://www.instagram.com/annabellelandscapes/ If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

AJ Wanders from Monolith Artscapes shares what it really looked like to go from self-doubt to confidence in the early days of running his business. As a two-man crew, AJ talks about why he chose to invest in SynkedUP right out of the gate, and how that decision helped him win back his evenings, quote jobs faster, and make decisions with clarity instead of guesswork. He opens up about leaving the comfort of a steady paycheck, navigating mindset struggles, and how knowing his numbers gave him the freedom to put family first. If you’ve ever thought you’re too small for systems or felt the weight of trying to do it all 👉 this one’s for you. Give AJ a follow @‌monolithartscapes on Instagram If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow pond builder Joey Genovese from Genoscape Inc. They’re a full-service landscape construction company specializing in water features. Joey’s been in the game over two decades, evolving from general landscaping to becoming one of the most respected water feature specialists in the industry. We dig into everything, from slogging through mud at early Aquascape builds to installing 100-ton boulders in Southern Africa. We talk about surviving the 2008 crash, downsizing smart, building a niche brand, and most importantly… knowing your numbers. It’s an unfiltered, real convo about what it takes to go from scrappy craftsmen to sustainable business owner, and the mindset shift that makes all the difference. This ones for you if you're a builder, creator, or business owner trying to make your work profitable and purposeful. Follow Joe on Instagram: @‌genoscape_inc.landscaping If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

On this special episode of The Cost of Doing Business, I sit down with longtime friend and mentor Greg Wittstock, CEO and Founder of Aquascape. We dive deep into the real, messy journey of transforming a hobby into a thriving business, creating a company culture that lasts, and empowering a team strong enough to run the show without you. "If you're working IN the business, you have a job. If you're working ON the business, you have a company." Greg’s straightforward advice years ago was the catalyst that inspired me to start my own company, SynkedUP. Today, we revisit those life changing moments, discussing how setbacks can become stepping stones toward bigger successes, and why letting go is key to growth and entrepreneurial freedom. This conversation is real, raw, and packed with lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear.   If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

I’m at the HNA Expo in Louisville, recording live with Joel De La Paz from Nuñes Outdoor Living, a family-run landscaping business in northern Michigan. Recording podcasts at tradeshows like this—where we get to sit down with our customers, hear their stories, and learn from their experiences—is one of the most fulfilling parts of what we do. Joel gets real about the biggest challenges they’ve faced—figuring out their financials, keeping cash flow steady in the off-season, and navigating the dynamics of running a business with family. We dig into how he transitioned from being hands-on in the field to building processes that actually scale, and why networking, mentors, and the right systems (like SynkedUP) made all the difference. Give them a follow them on Instagram: @‌nunezoutdoorliving If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @SynkedUP

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Fransen, the owner of Derby City Pools & Outdoor Living in Louisville, Kentucky. As a contractor in the pool and landscaping industry for the past 28 years, Alex has some serious stories to share about the challenges of scaling his business. Alex opens up about the tough transition his company went through—shifting from a maintenance-focused operation to one centered on construction. He calls it a "monster" that his smaller maintenance side just couldn't keep up with. And finding and keeping good talent to grow those construction teams? A total headache. But the real eye-opener for Alex was getting his financial house in order. Like many contractors, he was grinding away, working hard, but had no real insight into whether he was actually making money. Once he started using the right software, organizing his books, and tapping into a supportive peer group, everything changed. Alex shares how getting a handle on his numbers not only gave him peace of mind but also the confidence to scale strategically—without sacrificing quality or his relationships with customers. No more just "working harder"—he's now working smarter. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for any contractor who feels stuck trying to break through the ceiling of their business. Alex’s story highlights the power of using data to drive decisions and the importance of not just working your butt off but building the right systems and processes to grow sustainably. https://www.instagram.com/derbycitypools/ If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/  

In this episode we sit down with Leo Diez, the owner of Volunteer State Landscapes, from Tennessee. Leo took a chance on himself, previously working as an Irrigation Technician he decided he wanted to pursue a landscaping business and took the plunge. Leo shares his inspiring story of overcoming the fear of starting his own company and the challenges of running a successful landscaping business. We drop some serious truth bombs about the importance of shifting your mindset from blaming everything around you to taking responsibility for your own growth and success. Be ready to get empowered to embrace self-belief, take action, and unlock your true potential. You can find Leo on Instagram @‌volunteer_state_landscapes If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/

This week we’re in Bend, Oregon with our friend and customer Kyle from @‌pacificpinelandscape. We dive into the challenges of building a strong team as a small business owner. Kyle and I discuss the importance of assuming the best intentions when employees make mistakes, rather than taking a blaming approach. This advice was applied in my own life during my Tussey Landscaping days from lessons I learned reading a book called “Extreme Ownership” - where the idea of having to take responsibility for your team’s mistakes was learned. We go on to share practical tips on fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement to develop loyal, high performing employees. If you’re looking to strengthen your team and drive sustainable growth, give it a listen. You can find Kyle here: @‌pacificpinelandscape If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/

I'm with Rob Picone from Picone Landscaping in New York, having a great discussion on balancing the pressure between growing a business and not letting life blow by and missing the moments that matter. We also discussed their journey of onboarding SynkedUP into their business, and how important discipline is in any process in your business. It's always easier to keep on doing what you've always done, it takes discipline to grow and improve. Give Rob and his wife Lisa a follow on Instagram (@piconelandscapingwny) If you're interested in learning more about SynkedUP, check us out:  SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software https://synkedup.com/