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

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FAQs about Crooked Stripes Podcast:

How many episodes does Crooked Stripes Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.

Crooked Stripes Podcast episodes:

April 16, 202414: The Ventrac Vision - Featuring Larson White w Larson's Lawn and Landscape
In this episode, Brandon and Martin interview Larson White, owner of Larson's Lawn and Landscape in Eden North Carolina. Larson shares his journey of starting his own lawn care business at a young age and the challenges he faced. He also discusses his side hustle of selling pine needles and the benefits of word-of-mouth marketing. The conversation touches on hiring strategies, the importance of company culture, and the need for efficient equipment. Larson emphasizes the value of strong dealer support and the benefits of sticking with a trusted brand. The conversation covers various topics related to lawn care and landscaping.
They also touch on the importance of networking and building relationships in the industry. The hosts then play a game of overrated or underrated, discussing topics such as Ventrac tractors and real maple syrup. The conversation ends with a discussion on the benefits of a cab-over flatbed truck for lawn mowing.
Takeaways
Starting a lawn care business at a young age requires hard work and dedication.

Building a strong team and taking care of employees is essential for business growth.

A cab-over truck is an efficient and versatile option for mowing and landscaping, allowing for easy transportation of equipment and tools.

Facebook and Facebook groups for marketing your business work well and are cost efficient
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
...more
1h 7min
April 14, 202413: Saturday Special, Your Questions Answered! - Featuring Brandon & Martin
Brandon and Martin discuss various topics related to their weekend activities, the performance of their lawn care equipment, and their plans for future episodes. They also answer questions from their Instagram followers about various topics. They also mention their plans to meet up with their followers and discuss the importance of walking backwards when flip trimming vs forwards.
The conversation highlights the significance of communication and honesty with customers, as well as the satisfaction of doing quality work
Takeaways:
Brandon and Martin share their preferences for trimmer line, with Brandon using Steel CF3 Pro 2.4mm cord and Martin using Echo Crossfire 105.

Google My Business is a valuable tool for local businesses to improve their online presence.

Doing quality work and paying attention to details can lead to customer satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth.

Consistency and honesty in business practices are key to standing out from competitors.
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
https://go.getjobber.com/stripelifecanada
...more
1h 7min
April 02, 202412: Power Tools and Maple Syrup - Featuring Brandon & Martin
Martin and Brandon discuss Martin's experience of traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina for a Kress Commercial Event. He talks about the meet and greet with other industry professionals and the dinner and networking events. Martin discusses the educational sessions and Q&A with Kress representatives, as well as the impressive battery system and tool demonstrations. The trip was a great opportunity to learn about Kress commercial-grade tools and their innovative battery technology.
The conversation discusses the advantages of battery-powered equipment, including adjustable speed settings and the ability to use a backpack battery. The performance of the trimmer is highlighted, with its ability to cut through tough materials and its variable throttle options. The autonomous mower is introduced, with a focus on its use of RTK technology and real-time kinematics.
Martin shares his airport troubles and the challenges he faced while traveling. Kress's 10-day trial program and the importance of taking feedback from users. The advantages of open and enclosed trailers are explored, as well as the preference for wearing shorts or pants while working.
The episode concludes with a discussion about the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival and personal preferences for maple syrup.
Takeaways:
Battery-powered equipment offers adjustable speed settings and the convenience of a backpack battery.

Autonomous mowers offer cost and labor savings, making them suitable for golf courses, sports fields, and residential use. Battery-powered equipment offers upselling opportunities and long-term cost savings.

Battery-powered equipment can provide a competitive edge in the industry.

Personal preferences vary when it comes to wearing shorts or pants while working.

"Dale, no power tools!"
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow the Kress Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/kress_northamerica/
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
...more
1h 22min
March 26, 2024 11: Roots of Resilience: Celebrating 30 Years of Kerr & Kerr Landscaping - Featuring Jason Kerr
In this episode, the hosts interview Jason Kerr, who runs a landscaping business called Kerr & Kerr Landscaping, who are celebrating their 30th year. They discuss the history of the business, the services offered, and the service area. Jason shares insights into the challenges and rewards of running a family business. They also talk about the equipment and tools used for maintenance and snow removal. Jason mentions the use of liquid brine for snow removal and the evolution of equipment and technology in the industry.
Jason Kerr discusses employee turnover and retention, the importance of company culture and employee satisfaction, the increasing number of women in the landscaping industry, his favourite type of work and career progression, early experiences in landscaping, future plans and company growth, advice for new and experienced landscapers, the importance of attention to detail in landscaping.
For our new segment of the podcast, Overrated or Underrated or (This or That) we discuss, Walker Mowers, Metal Pless Blades, Lawn Maintenance, and White Monster Energy Drinks.
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow Kerr & Kerr's Instagram page for their top quality property maintenance and landscape content.
https://www.instagram.com/kerrandkerrlandscaping/?hl=en
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
...more
1h 10min
March 19, 202410: Don't Forget The Camera - Featuring Jason Ambro w Ambro's Landscaping
In this episode, Brandon and Martin interview Jason Ambro a successful lawn care business owner and YouTube content creator.
They discuss Jason's journey in the industry, his transition to condo maintenance, and the evolution of social media in the lawn care industry. Jason shares his experiences with recording videos and involving his employees in the process. He also explains the advantages of focusing on condo maintenance and how he deals with different seasons and weather conditions in Washington.
Jason and Brandon discuss the benefits and features of Walker mowers. They talk about the different models of Walker mowers that Jason owns and how they compare to zero-turn mowers. They also discuss the advantages of mulching decks and the challenges of bagging grass and disposing of it. They share tips for managing clumps and using a leaf loader for fall cleanup.
Jason also shares his experience with his Isuzu truck and how he loads the debris loader on the side. They conclude by discussing the towing capacity of the Isuzu truck. In this conversation, Jason discusses loading mowers onto trailers, his favourite mowers, future plans for Ambrose Landscaping, video editing and social media, his wife's YouTube channel, advice for young creators and lawn care business owners, Equip Expo and networking, collaboration with Ferris, and where to find him on social media.
Takeaways:
Transitioning from residential to condo maintenance can offer more efficiency and profitability.

Creating YouTube content can help promote a business and connect with a wider audience. Understanding the unique climate and weather patterns in your area can help optimize business operations. Walker mowers offer unique benefits such as excellent maneuverability and the ability to mulch or collect grass.

Bagging grass can be a challenge, but finding local disposal options can make it easier.
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow Jason's Instagram & YouTube page's for his top quality property maintenance content.
https://www.instagram.com/ambroslandscapinginc/
https://www.youtube.com/@AmbrosLandscapingInc
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
...more
1h 10min
March 13, 202409: The Dream Team - Featuring Kyle & Mallory w Breiner Lawn & Landscape
In this episode, the hosts catch up with Kyle and Mallory Breiner, owners of Briner Lawn and Landscape. (Mallory 54:15-123:31) They discuss the services offered by the company, including landscape design, maintenance, and hardscaping. Kyle shares the challenges of dealing with weather and scheduling in the lawn care industry. They also talk about the differences between residential and commercial clients, pricing strategies, and the importance of building relationships with customers. They provide insights into managing a team and optimizing crew efficiency.
Kyle and Martin and Brandon discuss their equipment preferences, including their use of battery-powered tools and their preferred trailer options. They also talk about the benefits of using a skid steer and the advantages of dump trucks and trailers. The conversation touches on the challenges of managing social media accounts and dealing with negative comments. They also discuss the importance of finding a balance between social media and running a business.
Takeaways
Building relationships with residential clients is important for long-term customer retention.
Offering monthly maintenance services for flower beds can provide additional value to customers.
Social media can be a valuable tool for promoting a business, but it requires time and effort to manage effectively.
Dump trucks and trailers provide increased capacity and efficiency for hauling materials and debris.

Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow Kyle's Instagram & TikTok page's for his top quality property maintenance content.
https://www.instagram.com/breinerlawn/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@breinerlawn

Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
...more
1h 24min
March 06, 202408: We're Talking Equipment - Featuring Brandon & Martin
In this episode, Brandon and Martin discuss the mowers and equipment they use in their landscaping businesses. They share their preferences for different types of mowers.
They also discuss the importance of having a variety of machines for different types of properties. In addition, they talk about the hand tools they use, such as weed eaters and blowers.
In this part of the conversation, Brandon and Martin discuss the advantages of stand-on mowers, provide an overview of lawn care equipment, emphasize the importance of differentiating from competitors, and highlight the role of dealer support.
They also discuss the use of landscaping equipment to improve efficiency, the use of cameras and drones for filming, and the editing of videos using various apps. They cover various equipment used for video editing, including cameras, GoPros, and drones. The challenges of managing footage from GoPros and drones are discussed. The basics of equipment and cameras are explained.
Takeaways:
Having a variety of mowers is important for different types of properties

Regular maintenance and care of equipment can extend its lifespan

Dealer support is crucial for equipment maintenance and repairs.

GoPro cameras and drones are popular tools for filming in the landscaping industry.
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Interested in Jobber?
Free 14 day trial with the this partner link below:
⁠https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=bWFydGluaG9kZGVyODQ5OA&ps_xid=zqVwRuNqVVW39U&gsxid=zqVwRuNqVVW39U&gspk=bWFydGluaG9kZGVyODQ5OA
...more
57min
February 27, 202407: Thriving In The Five One Nine - Featuring Tyler Kent w 519 Property Maintenance
In this episode, Brandon, Martin, and Tyler discuss Tyler's journey into the property maintenance industry and the growth of his company, 519 Property Maintenance.
They also talk about the challenges and benefits of residential and commercial/industrial lawn care and snow removal. Tyler shares his experience with Kubota equipment and the potential future expansion of his business. The conversation covers equipment setup and preferences, advantages of loaders vs tractors, back dragging techniques, benefits of adjustable wings, tire selection for equipment, work schedule and hours, marketing strategies, and the power of social media, specifically TikTok live videos.
In this part of the conversation, Tyler discusses the importance of building a personal connection with customers and interacting with them through social media. He also shares his experience using Jobber and Snow Yeti for business management, specifically for snow removal operations. Tyler emphasizes the need for detailed snow records to protect against liability. He also talks about the importance of GPS tracking and security measures to prevent theft.
Tyler shares his future plans and goals for his business, highlighting the importance of being unique and utilizing social media. He concludes by offering advice for young entrepreneurs and discussing the benefits of snow stakes. In this conversation, Tyler discusses the benefits of using stakes in snow removal and property maintenance. He talks about expanding his business and stocking up on stakes for the next year.
Tyler highlights the cost savings and reduced property damage achieved by using stakes. He also explains how colour coordination and reflective stakes improve efficiency and safety. The conversation concludes with a discussion on managing social media and the challenges of running a business.
Takeaways
Starting a side hustle can lead to a successful career change.

Focusing on commercial and industrial clients can be more profitable than residential work.

Kubota equipment offers reliability and ease of use for property maintenance tasks.

Adjustable wings on plows provide greater precision and versatility in snow removal.

Social media platforms like TikTok can be powerful marketing tools for engaging with a wide audience and showcasing services.

Consider the timing and target audience when running ads and marketing campaigns. Using stakes in snow removal and property maintenance can provide numerous benefits, including cost savings and reduced property damage.

Social media, particularly Instagram, can be a valuable tool for interacting with customers and showcasing behind-the-scenes footage.

Running a business involves balancing the demands of day-to-day operations with the need to maintain an active online presence.
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow Tyler's Instagram & TikTok page's for his top quality property maintenance content.
https://www.instagram.com/519propertymaintenance/
https://www.tiktok.com/@519propertymaintenance
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠
⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠
Interested in Jobber?
Free 14 day trial with the this partner link below:
⁠https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=bWFydGluaG9kZGVyODQ5OA&ps_xid=zqVwRuNqVVW39U&gsxid=zqVwRuNqVVW39U&gspk=bWFydGluaG9kZGVyODQ5OA
...more
1h 17min
February 22, 2024After Hours 01: Put It On Ferris Red - Featuring Brandon Brubacher
On our first Bonus Crooked Stripes After Hours show Martin and Brandon chat on the Ferris factory tour and explore the manufacturing process, assembly line, and testing procedures.
Brandon and the Stripe Life Team learn about Ferris's suspension patent and the history of the company. They also discuss the engines used in Ferris mowers and share their overall impressions of the factory tour. In this part of the conversation, Brandon and Martin discuss the visit to the Ferris factory, where they learned about the company's focus on customer feedback and the fine details of their products. They also share the experience at the casino and their admiration for the growth and adaptability of Ferris as a business.
Overall, the visit to the factory provides insights into the history, innovation, and manufacturing process of Ferris.
They also discuss the efficiency of using a large blower for leaf removal and calculate the time saved. The conversation then shifts to their visit to the old school and bomb shelter at the plant. They share their experience at Chick-fil-A and their trip back home.
They also plan a future meetup and podcast episode. The episode concludes with an announcement of upcoming giveaways and appreciation for Ken and the Stripe Life community.
Takeaways:
Ferris is a major player in the lawn mower industry, producing hundreds of mowers every day.

The suspension system in Ferris mowers is a patented design that provides a smooth and comfortable ride.

The history and growth of Ferris demonstrate the importance of perseverance and finding ways to make things work.

Electric mowers are still in the early stages of development and have limitations in terms of battery life and price.

Put It On Ferris Red!
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠⁠
⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠⁠
Follow Ken's Facebook page here ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/194718114505267⁠
Interested in Jobber?
Free 14 day trial with the this partner link below:
⁠⁠https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=bWFydGluaG9kZGVyODQ5OA&ps_xid=zqVwRuNqVVW39U&gsxid=zqVwRuNqVVW39U&gspk=bWFydGluaG9kZGVyODQ5OA
...more
1h 17min
February 20, 202406: Living The Stripe Life - Featuring Ken Morris w The Stripe Life
The fellas chat with Ken Morris, the founder and owner of The Stripe Life, Ken discusses his journey of creating a Facebook group to help lawn care professionals and enthusiasts.
He emphasizes the value of the Facebook group and the authenticity of its members. Ken also shares his thoughts on content creation, influencer culture, and working with sponsors.
He highlights the importance of choosing sponsors that align with his values and maintaining professionalism in the industry. Ken talks about upcoming projects and collaborations, as well as his plans for future expos and giveaways.
He also discusses his partnership with Ferris and compares different mowers. Lastly, Ken emphasizes the importance of turf quality in achieving beautiful stripes on lawns.
Takeaways
Creating a supportive community can be valuable for professionals in any industry.

Authenticity and genuine engagement are key to building a successful online community.

Choosing sponsors that align with your values and maintaining professionalism is important in content creation.

Building relationships and collaborating with other professionals can lead to exciting opportunities.

Turf quality plays a significant role in achieving beautiful stripes on lawns.
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow Ken's Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/groups/194718114505267
Follow us on Instagram @thecrookedstripes
⁠https://www.instagram.com/thecrookedstripes/⁠⁠
Follow our personal business Instagram pages:
⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stripelifecanada/⁠⁠
⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hodderlandscaping/⁠⁠
Interested in Jobber?
Free 14 day trial with the this partner link below:
⁠⁠https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?pscd=go.getjobber.com&ps_partner_key=bWFydGluaG9kZGVyODQ5OA&ps_xid=zqVwRuNqVVW39U&gsxid=zqVwRuNqVVW39U&gspk=bWFydGluaG9kZGVyODQ5OA
...more
1h 3min

FAQs about Crooked Stripes Podcast:

How many episodes does Crooked Stripes Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.

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