Today Tim sits down with Adam Goldwasser, co-founder of Greener, discussing the evolution of robotic lawn care and its impact on the landscaping industry. Having managed large fleets of autonomous mowers, Goldwer explains how his company developed a specialized software platform to improve machine uptime and operational efficiency. This technology allows business owners to monitor diverse mower brands through a single interface while drastically reducing the labor hours required for traditional maintenance. The conversation highlights how electrification and automation can double a company's capacity by transforming workers from manual laborers into skilled technology technicians. Ultimately, the episode illustrates how service-based robotics and smart management tools are modernizing outdoor maintenance for both commercial landscapers and homeowners.

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Tim chats with entrepreneur and podcaster Cornell Mack, who discusses his transition from a demanding career in social services to a successful landscaping business owner. Mack shares his "Win in Life" philosophy, emphasizing that true success involves aligning personal happiness, family presence, and professional growth. He details the origins of his annual industry meetup, which uses activities like bowling and sports to break down social barriers and foster a supportive community for lawn care professionals. The conversation highlights Mack's journey through early financial struggles and physical injuries to illustrate how vulnerability and resilience are essential for entrepreneurial success. Ultimately, the episode serves as an inspirational guide for listeners seeking to find purpose and financial independence within the green industry.

Mack Landscaping on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mack_landscaping412/?hl=en

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Tim interviews Rick Watkins, owner of Big Buckeye Lawn Care, about the significant professional and personal setbacks he has recently faced. Watkins explains that his landscape construction business failed due to a dissolved partnership and mounting financial losses from unpaid client accounts, forcing him to liquidate his assets and close the company. This professional upheaval inadvertently provided the necessary time for Watkins to address physical ailments resulting from years of hard labor, necessitating extensive surgery on his shoulder and elbow.

Both Allard and Watkins share stories of past business failures, stressing the importance of viewing these incidents as setups for future success rather than outright failure. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the profound support and genuine connection they have found within the green industry community through professional networking events. Watkins concludes by actively seeking new opportunities in sales, product representation, or even a return to medicine within the Northeast Ohio region.

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Tim speaks with DJ Johnson from Kress Commercial. The discussion centers on Kress's three pillars of business: battery-powered handheld equipment, advanced robotic "cut and stay" equipment for large turf areas like golf courses, and the fully autonomous zero-turn mower, the Voyager. Johnson details how the Voyager, with its low purchase and maintenance costs compared to fully burdened labor, can create an 80%+ delta in savings, redefining the profitability of mowing for landscaping companies. Both men express excitement over the technology's ability to address labor shortages and elevate the quality of work, also briefly discussing new, more powerful blowers and larger-capacity robotic mowers.

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Tim interviews Charles Nelson of Stepping Stone Landscaping. The discussion focuses heavily on the ongoing electrification and automation revolution in the lawn care industry, including the practical application of equipment like Kress autonomous mowers and the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for business tasks. Nelson also discusses his company's structure, which emphasizes strong accountability through checklists and core values, and shares his experiences and future plans for business growth, particularly after attending industry events like the Equip Expo and LCR Summit.

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Tim provides a detailed recap of his experiences at the Equip Expo, including various networking events like the two-day LCR Summit, casual dinners, and the Win in Life Meetup hosted by Cornell Mack. He discusses attending major events such as the keynote speech by Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas and highlights new technologies, particularly the debut of the Crest fully autonomous zero-turn mower, which he believes is a game-changer for business scaling. Throughout the episode, Allard emphasizes the importance of networking and collaboration within the industry, contrasting the openness found at the expo with local competitive dynamics.

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Tim talks about the challenges of running multiple businesses in the current economic climate, particularly concerning pricing strategies and customer relations. He focuses on the difficulties of raising rates in service industries like landscaping due to increased operational costs and the resulting customer attrition, noting that many homeowners associations lack the necessary budget increases. Allard also shares a separate but related frustration from his apparel business, where a faulty product forced costly remakes, leading to a complex situation with a customer demanding a refund on a custom item that the business had already remanufactured at a loss. Ultimately, Tim is seeking feedback from listeners on how to handle these pervasive issues of customer frustration and maintaining profitability.

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Tim discusses his plans and excitement for the upcoming Equip Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. He details a packed schedule that begins with the LCR Media Summit, followed by various networking events, welcome receptions, and the keynote address featuring Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas. Throughout the week, he plans to attend industry shows like The Morning Show and Energize, check out new innovations in battery-powered and robotic equipment from companies like Kress and Vermeer, and spend time on Pod Row for interviews and content creation. Tim strongly encourages listeners to attend the expo, emphasizing the value of networking, education, and personal rejuvenation for business owners.

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Here in the conclusion of the V.I.P. Shop Tour, the discussion focuses on the benefits of transitioning from gas-powered to battery-powered and robotic landscaping equipment, such as reduced maintenance, fumes, and noise, along with improved employee morale and efficiency. The group highlights the cost-effectiveness of autonomous mowers as an alternative to traditional labor and share personal experiences with various electric tools. The podcast concludes with information about the upcoming LCR Summit, an event designed to foster networking and knowledge sharing among landscaping professionals. (Part 3 of 3).

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Tim and his guests explore the electrification and automation of the lawn care industry, discussing advancements like robotic mowers and battery technology. This particular episode, part two of a three-part series, features a shop tour of Stepping Stone Landscaping in Richmond, Virginia, with Tim and his "inner circle" of friends. The group discusses business strategies, employee culture, and the transition into turf care, with one participant sharing his background in restaurant management and robotics and his vision for creating a highly efficient, team-oriented lawn care company. They also address the challenges and benefits of adopting battery-powered equipment and autonomous mowers, considering factors like battery life, state regulations for turf care, and the practicalities of implementation for various business models. (Part 2 of 3).

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