This one’s just us getting back to basics..no big agenda, no overthinking it. Just a real catch-up on life, work, and everything that comes with a busy spring season.

We talk about what the past few weeks have looked like, how things are ramping up, and the reality of trying to keep up when everything hits at once. From long days to juggling jobs, content, and life outside of work—it’s all part of the grind.

If you’re in the middle of your own busy season, this one will feel pretty relatable.

Thanks for tuning in 🤝

Takeaways:

• Spring landscaping season and industry trends
• Pricing strategies and managing costs
• Route density and business growth tactics
  Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. 

Other Links:
👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

This week, Brandon is joined by Ezra McCarthy from Green Frog Web Design for a marketing-focused conversation all about turning your online presence into real customers.

Ezra breaks down what goes into building a high-converting website, what most service businesses are doing wrong online, and how small changes can make a big difference when it comes to getting leads. The guys also talk through the impact of a well-built site (including the one Ezra created for them), and why your website should be working just as hard as you are.

They also dive into Google My Business, how to show up locally, and the role social media actually plays in growing your business. From first impressions to final conversions, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to level up their marketing.
Takeaways:

• Why your website needs to focus on converting, not just looking good
• The biggest mistakes contractors make online
• How to use Google My Business to get more local leads
• The difference between social media and your website (and why you need both)

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. 

Other Links:
👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

In this solo episode, Brandon sits down during a spring snowstorm (yep… fake spring is in full effect) to talk about what’s really happening in the landscaping industry right now—and how to adapt.

After speaking with multiple contractors, one thing is clear: this season may be slower, and those big-ticket projects are getting harder to land. But instead of panicking, it’s time to pivot.

This episode breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help recession-proof your service-based business, protect your cash flow, and stay busy.. even when things tighten up.

From focusing on recurring revenue to cutting unnecessary expenses and getting creative with marketing, this is a no BS look at what it takes to stay ahead this year.

Takeaways:

• Why “need-based” services will outperform luxury projects this season
• How recurring services can stabilize your income
• When and how to make tough decisions with your team
• How switching to battery equipment can save money over time

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. 
Other Links:
👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

This week, Brandon and Kyle are joined by Kenny Cooper and Kyle Breiner for a laid-back conversation that covers everything from NASCAR trips and late-night White Castle runs to building a standout lawn and growing on social media.

Kenny shares what his day-to-day looks like outside of lawn care, how he balances a full-time job with content creation, and what’s been working for him online. The guys also get into equipment, including what Kenny’s currently running, new gear he’s testing, and what it really takes to get that next-level lawn.

They also touch on the shift toward battery-powered equipment, industry trends, and the mindset needed to stay consistent, whether you’re running a business or just leveling up your own lawn.
Takeaways:

• Equipment talk + what Kenny’s using
• Tips for cleaner stripes and better lawns
• Battery vs gas discussion
• Social media growth in the lawn space

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. 

Other Links:
👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

Episode 103 kicks off with Brandon and Kyle officially stepping into the spring rush…well, almost. While Kyle is already starting cleanups and gearing up for mowing season, Brandon is still shaking off the last bit of winter up north.

The guys dive into what a solid spring cleanup actually looks like from edging, pruning, and mulching to dealing with leftover winter debris. They also swap notes on equipment upgrades, including new trimmers, hedge cutters, and the pros/cons of trailer setups (and why extra weight on your tools is a dealbreaker).

Kyle shares a wild experience flying out to LA to link up with Nathan Stafford for community cleanups helping homeowners facing fines, tackling overgrown properties, and navigating some intense but rewarding interactions.

Takeaways:

• The importance of recurring revenue vs. large one-off projects
• Why this season might lean slower for big landscaping jobs
• Raising prices and communicating it effectively

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. 
Other Links:
👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

In Episode 102, Brandon welcomes back returning guest Cole Martin (from Episode 99) for a conversation about where the landscaping industry is heading and what the next generation of landscapers should be paying attention to. With Kyle busy trying to sell a mower, Brandon and Cole dive into 2026 landscape trends, lessons from the field, and how young landscapers can set themselves up for success.

Cole shares his experience studying in the Landscape Design program at Fanshawe College, giving a big shoutout to the school that helped kickstart his career in the industry. They talk about the value of hands-on learning, what landscape students should focus on while in school, and how the transition from classroom to jobsite really looks.

The conversation also explores what’s trending in landscaping right now and what contractors are seeing more of from clients. From low-maintenance landscapes and native plantings to outdoor wellness spaces, new materials like Corten steel, and smarter drainage solutions, Brandon and Cole break down the ideas shaping landscape design heading into 2026.

They also discuss the versatility of the landscaping industry, from design and horticulture to project management and running your own business.. plus practical tips for quoting jobs, communicating with clients, and building long-term relationships that keep projects coming back year after year.

For students, young landscapers, or anyone thinking about entering the trade, this episode is packed with real-world insight and a few stories from the early days getting started.

Takeaways:

• Landscape design trends shaping projects heading into 2026

• Why the Landscape Design program at Fanshawe College prepares students well for the industry

• The growing demand for low-maintenance and functional outdoor spaces

• Practical quoting and client communication strategies for contractors

• Why adaptability and learning new materials or techniques is key in a changing economy

Whether you're a landscape student, contractor, or just passionate about the industry, this episode is full of insights on where landscaping is headed next … and how to stay ahead of the curve. 🌿🚜

👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

In Episode 101, Kyle and Brandon shift from winter mode into spring prep. With warmer weather ahead, they talk about melting snow, lining up cleanup jobs, and getting ready for a busy season.

Kyle shares updates from starting a few weeks earlier, including community cleanups and what properties really look like once winter fades. Brandon discusses scheduling commercial work, kicking off with a golf course project, and making sure everything is dialled in before the rush.

They also touch on winter plow lessons, food struggles during overnight storms, pricing adjustments, and balancing business with family life during peak season.

Plus, a quick shoutout to Hitch City and their April 17 open house.

Spring is coming … and it’s time to build momentum. 🌱🚜
Takeaways:

• Lessons learned from winter plowing
• Planning for pricing adjustments heading into a new season
• Balancing business growth with family life during peak months

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. Other Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

Episode 100 of Crooked Stripes is a big one. We’re joined by Ken Morris and Trevor Spencer for a Ferris Factory team conversation packed with business growth talk, equipment insights, marketing strategies, and what’s ahead in the lawn care industry. We dive into how Ferris has been a game changer for our businesses, Ken’s upcoming move to Montana to expand operations, EXPO heading to Florida in 2028, travel stories from Australia, and the power of building a strong online presence. An hour and 17 minutes of real conversations, big plans, and momentum as we gear up for the next 100 episodes.

Takeaways:

• Business growth and expansion strategies
• Equipment choices and innovations in lawn care
• Expo plans and marketing strategies Landscaping equipment and tools
• Business expansion and team building

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights...and a few laughs. 
Other Links:
👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

In this episode, Brandon Brubacher hosts Cole Martin from Tri Green Landscape Group. They discuss Cole's journey in the landscaping industry, from starting his own business to joining Tri Green. The conversation covers the importance of design, professionalism, and branding in landscaping, as well as the challenges of winter work and snow removal. They also reflect on their high school days and the impact of sports on their lives, touching on injuries and the importance of work-life balance. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of balancing work and physical health, emphasizing the importance of diet, sleep, and physical activity. They share personal experiences of overworking and the consequences on health, while also highlighting the passion that keeps many in the field despite the toll it takes. The discussion touches on the significance of nature and outdoor work, the current challenges in the industry such as the salt shortage, and offers advice for new business owners in the landscaping field. The conversation concludes with thoughts on preparing for the upcoming spring season and the importance of networking and collaboration in the industry.

Takeaways:

• Cole started in carpentry before moving to landscaping.
• Effective communication with clients is crucial during snow removal.
• Winter work includes snow removal for commercial clients.
• Branding and professionalism are crucial in the landscaping industry.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights—and a few laughs. 

Other Links:
👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn
🌿 Hodder Landscaping: @hodderlandscaping

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

It’s just Brandon and Kyle on this one .. no guests, no script, just real shop talk. The guys break down recent storms, plowing chaos, and what it’s actually like being out all night moving snow.

Kyle recaps a big storm he just went through, while Brandon talks about getting back out plowing since the last episode and what those nights teach you about patience, logistics, clients, and pricing.

They also launch a new winter segment, Plow Life Problems, starting with Plow Truck Personality Types, the over-prepared legend, the chaos operator, the nervous new guy, and the full-send cowboy.

The episode wraps with real business value: why winter is the perfect time to build marketing in Canva, tighten up your Google My Business, and set yourself up for a strong spring.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights—and a few laughs. 

Other Links:
👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada

🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn
🌿 Hodder Landscaping: @hodderlandscaping

👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/