Crooked Stripes Podcast

By Brandon Brubacher, Martin Hodder

Two Small-Town Canadians, Brandon and Martin, take you on a journey through the world of lawn care and landscaping, sharing their unique perspectives and valuable insights.

Join these down-to-earth b... more

· Business

FAQs about Crooked Stripes Podcast:

How many episodes does Crooked Stripes Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.

Crooked Stripes Podcast episodes:

October 01, 202438: Turnip For What? - When Veggies Crash the Party
Brandon and Martin share their experiences from a busy Monday in landscaping, discussing equipment repairs, seasonal preparations, and the joys of working in the industry. They recount a road trip for plant materials, celebrate a friend's success in hockey, and share funny stories from their adventures. The conversation also includes a Q&A segment where they engage with their audience, answering questions about their favorite equipment and personal preferences in the landscaping business. In this engaging conversation, Martin and Brandon discuss various topics related to landscaping, including equipment choices, networking opportunities, and their favorite fast food. They delve into the pros and cons of gas versus battery-powered tools, share tips on finding quality workers, and reflect on the importance of networking in the industry. The conversation is lighthearted, filled with banter and personal anecdotes, making it relatable for listeners in the landscaping community.
Takeaways:
Always be prepared for unexpected challenges in landscaping. Choosing the right equipment is crucial for efficiency.

Battery-powered tools are becoming increasingly popular for convenience.

Networking within the community can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Finding quality workers is a challenge but can be achieved through various means.
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Green Frog Website Design
https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 12min
September 26, 202437: "Turf Meets Track" Ferris Mowers’ Unique Approach - Featuring Chad Ofiara w Briggs & Stratton
In this episode, Chad Ofiara from Ferris Mowers discusses his transition from NASCAR to the lawn care industry, sharing insights from the Equip Expo and the innovative strategies Ferris is implementing to stand out in the market.
He highlights the importance of real connections with customers, the unique features of Ferris mowers, and the influence of NASCAR on their product development. The conversation also touches on partnerships with industry leaders and the future outlook for Ferris Mowers. In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guests discuss the innovative technology behind Ferris mowers, highlighting their unique suspension systems and performance capabilities. They delve into the future of electric mowers, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Expo, and the community culture that Ferris fosters. The discussion also touches on the extensive research and development that goes into creating their products, as well as the giveaways and interactive experiences planned for the Expo.
Takeways:
Ferris aims to connect authentically with end users.

The factory team is crucial for product development.

Ferris mowers feature unique suspension technology.

The Expo will feature exciting giveaways, including custom mowers.

Excitement about the future of Ferris mowers and their innovative designs.
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠\
Green Frog Website Design
https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 5min
September 17, 202436: Fueling the Grind: Energy Drinks and Soggy Buns Featuring Ethan "Gib" Horst
In this episode of the Crooked Stripes podcast, hosts Brandon and Martin welcome their guest Gib, who shares his experiences working in the lawn care industry, attending expos, and navigating the challenges of social media.
Gib's viral A&W incident that got him into the landscaping industry. They also touch on the balance between work and school, the intricacies of content creation, and the importance of engaging with their audience. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss their interactions with online critics, share insights from audience questions, and delve into the challenges of winter snow removal.
Takeaways:
Working with family can be both fun and challenging.

Social media management is time-consuming but rewarding.

Choosing the right brands for lawn care can enhance service quality.

The Ferris mower is favored for its speed and performance.
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Green Frog Website Design
https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 26min
September 10, 202435: The Louisville Lowdown with a Side of Stokers
Brandon and Martin discuss various topics including their fall work, a drinking tournament called the Stokers Invitational, and their upcoming trip to Louisville. They also talk about their landscaping business and the equipment they use.
The conversation is filled with humor and camaraderie. In this part of the conversation, Martin and Brandon discuss their plans for the upcoming trip to Louisville, including their itinerary and transportation.
They also announce their first podcast sponsor, Green Frog Web Design. They talk about their preferences for listening to music or podcasts while mowing, and Martin shares his unconventional method of cooking pasta. They answer questions from listeners about using personal or business credit cards and running charge accounts with suppliers. In this final part of the conversation, Martin and Brandon rank their lawn pet peeves and discuss why they became business owners and who their top mentors and supporters are.
Takeaways:
Preparing for fall work in landscaping

Using specific equipment for landscaping tasks Plan your trip itinerary and transportation in advance to ensure a smooth experience

Martin and Brandon became business owners because of their love for working with their hands and the flexibility of being their own boss

Having a strong website and Google profile can benefit your company greatly
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠

Green Frog Website Design

https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 3min
September 05, 202434: Forging Into Fall
In this episode, Brandon and Martin discuss their recent long weekends and adventures. They talk about barbecues, drinking games, and unexpected trips. They also mention their upcoming plans for the Stripe Life Expo and the giveaways they have planned. The conversation then shifts to fall fertilization and the importance of building a strong root system for the next year. They discuss different products and ratios for fall fertilization and the efficiency of using a stand-on spreader sprayer. In this part of the conversation,
Brandon and Martin discuss various topics related to lawn care and landscaping. They talk about using spreaders and the challenges of using certain types of equipment. They also discuss the benefits of fall lawn care, including fertilizing, liming, and aeration. They touch on the importance of cutting back perennials and grasses in the fall, as well as the potential for re-blooming daylilies. They also mention the possibility of offering winter planters as an additional service. The conversation ends with a discussion about the love-hate relationship with leaves and the start of the leaf season. In this part of the conversation, Brandon and Martin discuss their experiences with managing leaves during the fall season. They talk about the challenges of dealing with a large volume of leaves and the different methods they use to handle them.
They also discuss the possibility of offering leaf removal services to their clients and the potential benefits of partnering with other companies. The conversation then shifts to the topic of snow removal and the considerations involved in offering this service. They discuss the logistics of snow removal, including the cost of equipment and the challenges of finding reliable employees. They also briefly mention the idea of using snow stakes for marking driveways. In this final part of the conversation, Brandon and Martin discuss the cutthroat nature of the snow removal industry and share some funny stories about their experiences on the job. They also talk about their preferences for mowing, including whether they prefer to work alone or with a team, and their favorite time of year to mow. Martin shares his strategy for marketing additional services to customers.
Takeaways:
Using a stand-on spreader sprayer can greatly improve efficiency when applying fall fertilizers.

Fall fertilization is important for building a strong root system for the next year.

Cutting back perennials and grasses in the fall helps prepare the garden for the next season.

Creating a positive company culture and showing appreciation to your employees can help retain them

Customers value reliability and quality over cheap deals

Late September and early October are favourite times of year to mow

Marketing additional services to customers can lead to more business opportunities
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 18min
August 27, 202433: "The Landscaper Loop"- Concrete Quandaries and a Side of Beer
In this conversation, Martin and Brandon discuss their upcoming snow season and their plans to expand their business. They also talk about recent projects they've completed, including a patio job and the challenges they faced. They mention the use of lawn signs for advertising and the effectiveness of social media in attracting customers. The conversation also touches on the discovery of a concrete slab in the middle of a patio project and the potential solutions for dealing with it. They end the conversation by discussing a safety recall on Dewalt battery-operated push mowers.
Martin discuss’s the dangers of electric chainsaws and the need for safety precautions. They also talk about using AI technology for marketing and the challenges of finding space for their businesses. They answer questions about weed management and the benefits of taking an IPM course. They also mention the progress of Isaiah's tryouts for the Moncton team and the efficiency of the stand-on sprayer. The conversation ends with a discussion about the pricing structure of hourly versus job-based contracts. In this final part of the conversation, Brandon and Martin discuss their pricing strategies and how they bill their clients. They talk about the pros and cons of hourly rates versus per job rates, and the importance of setting minimums. They also share their thoughts on giving perks to their employees to keep them from leaving, such as company culture and small gestures of appreciation. The conversation ends with a fun discussion about different types of beer and a humorous question about who would win in a fight between Sticks and Bricks Landscaping and three eight-year-olds with hockey sticks.
Takeaways:
Lawn signs can be an effective way to attract customers, but their effectiveness may vary depending on the location and market.

Planning for the snow season and expanding the business requires careful consideration of resources and customer demand.

AI technology can be used for marketing and improving efficiency in business operations.

Creating a positive company culture and showing appreciation to your employees can help retain them
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠

Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 14min
August 20, 202432: Weather Woes, Trade Show Tales, and Tool Talk
In this episode, Brandon and Martin catch up on their recent landscaping projects and discuss the unpredictable weather in their respective areas. They also talk about upcoming plans, including attending the Equip Expo trade show. They reminisce about their experiences at previous trade shows and express excitement for the upcoming event.
Brandon and Martin discuss their plans for an upcoming event and their experiences from the previous year. They also talk about their sales strategies and the challenges of balancing sales and field work. They rank the body parts that are most likely to be hit by a trimmer, and Martin explains the use of Fiesta, a weed control product. They also discuss the value of landscape lighting in installations. In this part of the conversation, Brandon and Martin discuss landscape installations, landscape lighting, their favorite things to build, and a rapid-fire round of overrated or underrated hand tools.
In this final part of the conversation, Martin and Brandon discuss various tools and equipment used in their landscaping work. They talk about leaf blowers, cameras for filming content, wheelbarrows, and power tools like quick cut saws. They also touch on the importance of taking care of their bodies and making efficient choices. Martin mentions his plans for bush hogging and the upcoming trip to Kentucky.
Takeaways:
Landscaping projects can be challenging but rewarding when customers are satisfied

Attending trade shows provides opportunities to network and learn about new products and trends

Taking care of one's body and making efficient choices are essential for long-term success in the landscaping industry.
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 23min
August 13, 202431: Moon Mist on a Monday
In this episode, the guys discuss the current weather conditions and their lawn care businesses. They talk about the challenges of mowing lawns in extreme heat and the differences in weather between their locations. They also discuss the upcoming changes in their teams and how they plan to manage the workload. The conversation then shifts to their recent soil job and Martin's ability to estimate measurements without seeing the job in person.
They also talk about Austin Dillon's NASCAR win and the upcoming trip to Equip Expo. The conversation covers various topics including sports, landscaping tools, and a landscaping project. They discuss the return of sports, with a focus on lacrosse and breakdancing in the Olympics. They also talk about their preferred landscaping tools, such as the square shovel and half-moon edger. The conversation then shifts to a landscaping project they worked on, describing the amount of sod, topsoil, and plants they used.
Takeaways:
Extreme heat can make mowing lawns challenging and may require adjustments to the mowing schedule.

Attending industry events like Equip Expo can provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into the latest trends and technologies. Sports like lacrosse and breakdancing are gaining popularity and being included in major events like the Olympics.

Large landscaping projects require careful planning and coordination, with considerations for the amount of sod, topsoil, and plants needed.

Moon Mist ice cream is an East Coast classic, with flavours of banana, grape, and bubblegum.
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 4min
August 09, 202430: Shingles, Shrubs & Dirt Dilemmas
The fellas catch up after a few weeks not on together and discuss various topics, including Ken's pickleball tournament, buying new trucks, and dealing with shingles. They also touch on the challenges faced by solo landscapers and the importance of having backup plans. The conversation revolves around the topic of landscaping and lawn care, specifically focusing on the challenges and decisions related to maintaining a fleet of trucks and growing a business. The speakers discuss the high costs of equipment and repairs, the benefits of buying new trucks, and the importance of budgeting and financial planning. They also touch on the growth of their businesses, the use of technology and marketing strategies, and the importance of customer education. The conversation ends with a discussion about the benefits of lime application for soil health and weed control.
The conversation revolves around the topic of lawn care and landscaping. The main themes discussed include the importance of grass height, the impact of weather conditions on lawns, the benefits of using bagged soil and mulch, and the time and cost savings associated with using bags instead of bulk materials.
In this final part of the conversation, Brandon and Martin discuss the logistics of transporting and using bulk materials like mulch and soil. They calculate the volume and weight of materials that can fit in a dump truck and discuss the advantages of using bagged soil. They also talk about their experiences with broken bones and shingles, and share their preferences for draft beer versus bottled/canned beer. Martin expresses his dislike for campfires and the lingering smell they leave on clothes. The conversation ends with a discussion about upcoming episodes and the plans for the next week.
Takeaways:
Catching up with friends and colleagues is important for maintaining relationships.

Buying new trucks and vehicles is a significant investment for businesses and requires careful consideration.

Technology, such as Jobber, can be a valuable tool for managing customer communication, marketing campaigns, and tracking customer engagement.

Solo landscapers face unique challenges and should have backup plans in place for emergencies or unexpected situations. Managing a fleet of trucks and equipment can be expensive, and it's important to budget and plan for repairs and replacements.
Personal Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 32min
August 02, 202429: Building a Strong Community on Social - Featuring Kristine Sondergaard
In this conversation, Brandon, Martin, and Kristine discuss their strategies for building strong communities on social media. They emphasize the importance of consistency, engagement, and authenticity in growing a following. They also discuss the shift from using social media as a lead generation platform to focusing on community building.
Krristine shares tips on creating a content strategy, including the use of prompts and longer captions. They also touch on the use of hashtags and the importance of using relevant keywords. In this conversation, Kristine shares her insights on social media strategies and tips for landscaping businesses. She discusses the importance of niche targeting, using location tags, and leveraging Instagram and TikTok for community building and audience growth. Kristine also emphasizes the value of personal branding, storytelling, and engaging with brands for collaborations. She provides recommendations for tools like Later, Notion, and CapCut to streamline social media management.
Overall, the conversation offers practical advice for landscaping businesses looking to enhance their social media presence.
Takeaways
Consistency and engagement are key to building a strong community on social media.

Create and personal connection with followers help to establish a loyal following.

Personal branding is essential for establishing a connection with the audience, and sharing behind-the-scenes stories and lifestyle content can help build trust and loyalty.

Tools like Later, Notion, and CapCut can streamline social media management and content creation for landscaping businesses.

Kristine: Through my business, Versant Creative Studio, I offer social media management, content strategy, and brand photography! My goal is to help burnt-out business owners achieve sustainable growth on socials so they can enjoy life, offline.
Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/versantcreative/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@versantcreative (https://www.tiktok.com/@versantcreative)
Access my 50 FREE Content Hooks Guide here: https://versantcreative.myflodesk.com/
And last but not least, check out my website:
https://www.versantcreative.com/
https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Jobber FREE 14 Day Trial and Stripe Life Discount
https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM&ps_xid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gsxid=6LNgszEn0RHUmo&gspk=YnJhbmRvbmJydWJhY2hlcjY2NjM
...more
1h 8min

FAQs about Crooked Stripes Podcast:

How many episodes does Crooked Stripes Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.

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