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:

February 13, 202405: Sleepless In Sydney - Featuring Martin Hodder
In this episode, Martin Hodder shares his experience dealing with a massive snowstorm in his hometown of Sydney Nova Scotia.
Martin discusses the challenges and dangers of the storm, including high winds and drifting snow. Snow banks over 12 feet tall in some areas. Martin highlights the issues with the island running out of diesel fuel and the impact on water supply. He also mentions the problems caused by people driving in the storm and the overwhelming amount of snow that needs to be cleared. This conversation discusses the intense snowstorm and the challenges faced during snow removal.
The performance of the equipment, particularly snow blowers, is highlighted. The difficulties of navigating unknown driveways and the consequences of misjudging them are discussed. The dangers of snow removal and the resilience of the crew are emphasized. The process of clearing snow piles and collaborating with another contractor is explained. The importance of social media in sharing updates and information is mentioned.
In this episode, Martin and Brandon discuss their experiences during a recent snowstorm. They talk about managing customer expectations, communicating with customers, and appreciating good customers. They also discuss the importance of prioritizing regular customers and dealing with add-ons. The conversation then shifts to the Super Bowl and the perception of time during busy periods. Martin shares his plans for a trip south and the benefits of silence while working.

Takeaways
Massive snowstorms can cause significant challenges and dangers, including high winds and drifting snow.

Using an inverted blower can be effective in clearing large amounts of snow, but large snow banks and drifts can still pose obstacles.

Snow removal businesses may need to adapt their strategies and consider hauling snow to manage the accumulation

Social media can be a useful tool for sharing updates and information.

The cost of snow removal can be high.

Being prepared for equipment breakdowns is essential for smooth operations.

#prayforhodder
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
1h 8min
February 06, 202404: Lawn Striping in Hampton - Featuring Jack Haraden w Haraden Landscaping
In this episode, Brandon and Martin interview Jack Haraden, owner of Haraden Landscaping in Hampton New Hampshire. Jack shares his journey into the landscaping industry, including his education in horticulture and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and work ethic in building a successful business.
He also highlights his main services, such as mowing, mulching, and pruning. Jack shares his experiences with leaf removal and the equipment he uses, including a leaf plow and dump trucks with dump inserts.
The topics discussed include equipment and tools, specifically mowers and trailers. The conversation also touches on the use of business software for organization and scheduling. The importance of prepayment and billing is highlighted, as well as future plans and goals for the business.
The hosts and guest discuss various topics related to the landscaping industry. They talk about vehicle expenses and the challenges of justifying the cost of new trucks. They also share their personal preferences for truck brands. The conversation then shifts to staying busy during the off-season and taking on random jobs to supplement income.
The guest provides advice for new landscapers, emphasizing the importance of hard work, reliability, and honesty. They also discuss building a community and using social media for marketing. The conversation concludes with a discussion on creating content and sharing work on social media platforms.
Takeaways:
Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, especially in tight-knit communities.

Having clear future plans and goals can guide business growth and decision-making. Vehicle expenses can be a significant challenge for landscapers.

During the off-season, landscapers often take on random jobs to stay busy and supplement their income.

Starting small and gradually growing the business is a common approach among successful landscapers.

Creating and sharing content on social media platforms can help showcase the quality of work and attract potential customers.
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow Jack's Instagram page for his sweet Walker and Scag stripes in Hampton!

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 5min
February 06, 202403: That Tree Guy Who Loves His Coffee - Featuring Phil Léger w Paysages Vision Landscapes
In this episode, the guys interview fellow Canadian Phil Léger, a landscape professional with extensive experience in the green industry. Phil shares his journey from starting a lawn mowing business as a teenager to transitioning into tree work and hedge trimming. He discusses the challenges of hiring and delegating tasks, as well as the importance of finding the right employees. Phil also highlights the benefits of using battery-powered equipment and the focus on residential clients.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on the replanting of hedges and the importance of proper hedge structure. They cover various topics related to equipment, efficiency, and marketing in the landscaping industry. The speakers discuss the benefits of leasing equipment and the importance of planning equipment purchases. They also emphasize the role of equipment in attracting employees and increasing efficiency. The conversation touches on plant healthcare and tree spraying as well as the importance of marketing and advertising for business growth. In this part of the conversation,
Phil Leger discusses the importance of unique content and proactive SEO in online marketing. He also emphasizes the value of advertising and marketing, highlighting the need for continuous advertising even during slow periods. Phil shares his experience with choosing the right CRM software and using technology for efficiency in his business.
He also talks about the benefits of implementing systems and processes and the importance of hiring an office person. Phil discusses his plans for the future of his business and YouTube channel, and offers advice for those starting out in the industry. In this conversation, Phil Leger discusses the importance of mutual respect and trust in business relationships.
Finally, Phil emphasizes the value of authenticity in content creation and how it can resonate with audiences. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of trust, relationships, purpose, and authenticity in the business and social media world.
Takeaways
Choose the right CRM software to organize and manage customer relationships.

Building relationships with contractors can lead to more work opportunities and mutual benefits.

Continuously advertise even during slow periods to maintain visibility and attract new customers.

Plan for the future of your business by systemizing operations and developing new services.

Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow Phil's YouTube and Instagram page for his tree trimming and other videos
https://www.youtube.com/@phil.vision
https://www.instagram.com/phil.vision/?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/⁠
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 34min
January 23, 202402: Throw Some Dirt On It - Featuring Tom O'Brien w Oxford Lawn
The guys talk with Tom O'Brien of Oxford Lawn in Florida he discusses his lawn care business and the services they offer. He started the business 16 years ago, transitioning from auto repair to lawn care.
The company focuses on serving a large retirement community called The Villages. They offer lawn mowing, irrigation repairs, and lawn rehab work. Tom shares insights on their lawn cutting schedule, the use of Walker mowers, and the benefits of the Mulch Mate trailer and EcoLawn top dresser. He also discusses the challenges of finding labor in the industry and the growth of The Villages community.
This conversation explores the details and techniques involved in top dressing and composting for lawn care. The hosts discuss the importance of attention to detail in top dressing and how it can affect the overall appearance of a lawn. They also delve into the efficiency of spreading compost and the time it takes to complete the process.
The impact of top dressing on grass growth and the benefits of using a walk-behind aerator are also discussed. The conversation touches on the availability of compost supply and the process of compost production.
The hosts also share marketing strategies and the importance of building a customer base. Lastly, they explore the use of compost tea and soil enhancers in lawn care and the role of soil building in achieving a healthy lawn. In this conversation, Tom discusses his plans and goals for the coming year, including the challenges of managing a busy schedule and the need for reliable equipment.
He also shares his aspirations to expand the business into new areas, such as light duty land clearing and FEMA work. Tom emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and growing the business in steps, rather than trying to grow too quickly.
He also highlights the benefits of building a network through social media and the value of sharing knowledge and helping others in the industry.
Takeaways
Attention to detail is crucial in top dressing to ensure a thorough and even application.
Using a walk-behind aerator allows for better control and precision in aerating the soil.
Having a reliable and local compost supply is essential for successful top dressing.
Expanding into new areas, such as light duty land clearing and FEMA work, can provide additional opportunities for growth.
Learning from mistakes and growing the business in steps is crucial for long-term success.
Like and subscribe the podcast for more, and THANK YOU for listening! Cheers.
Follow Tom's YouTube and Instagram page for his lawn rehab process
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv1yktp3AquyMO-TguX8Dug
https://www.instagram.com/oxford_lawn/
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 28min
January 18, 202401: The Beginning of the End
The fellas make the trip down to the big city and attend the Equip Expo in Louisville, Kentucky.
They explore the city, attend networking events, and visit various booths at the trade show.
The experience is a little overwhelming but exciting as they meet industry influencers and discover new products and technologies.
The conversation continues with Brandon and Martin discussing their experiences at the expo, meet fellow landscapers, and have dinner and drinks with them.
They also try out different equipment at the demo day and witness exciting giveaways. The day ends with late-night fun and bull riding. They reflect on their experiences and plan for future trips.
In this conversation, Brandon and Martin recap their recent trip and discuss their plans for starting the podcast. They share their vision for the podcast and how they want to provide value to the community.
They also talk about sharing their personal experiences and expanding the podcast to include interviews with other industry professionals.
Finally, they discuss their next steps and express their excitement for the future of the podcast.
Takeaways
Networking and building relationships with fellow landscapers is valuable

Attending demo days allows for hands-on experience with equipment

Giveaways and contests at expos are exciting and rewarding

Taking time to reflect on experiences and plan for future trips is also important
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
1h 2min

FAQs about Crooked Stripes Podcast:

How many episodes does Crooked Stripes Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.

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