In this no-fluff episode of the Cultureproof Podcast, Sam Gembel drops a leadership truth bomb: It’s not the economy. It’s not the employees. It’s you!

If you're stuck in cycles of frustration, venting on social media, blaming the market or your team - it's time for a gut check. Sam dives deep into the most common traps leaders fall into: The blame game, the lowballer excuse, and the “nobody wants to work” narrative.

You’ll learn how to shift from victim to victor, rebuild a mindset rooted in ownership, and create a company culture that top talent wants to be part of.

The episode wraps with a bold call to action - one that will challenge you to look in the mirror and ask: Where am I shifting blame when I should be taking ownership?

Because the truth is simple: You can blame or you can build - but you can’t do both.

Get those notepads ready!

Welcome to this power-packed episode of the Cultureproof Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Tommy Mello, the dynamic owner of A1 Garage Door, a true leader in the home service industry. Tommy brings boundless energy and invaluable insights to the table as we dive into how he scaled his business from the ground up, beginning all the way back with his entrepreneurial roots in landscaping.

Get ready to be inspired as Tommy shares his journey, from early lessons of startup, to scaling A1 Garage Door into a $200+Million dollar operation! We talk about everything from the importance of setting up your year for success, to the role health and fitness play in peak leadership performance, and how investing in people has been key to his company’s success.

You'll hear Tommy’s thoughts on building a winning team, elevating sales performance, and implementing systems that not only sustain but scale a business. He also reveals the leadership principles that have guided him through challenges and triumphs alike.

In this episode, you’ll takeaway…

1. Why leadership is about influence and vision.
2. How to structure your year for success.
3. The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.
4. And so much more…

Plus, stick around for a lightning round of fun and rapid-fire questions with Tommy at the end.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone just starting your journey, Tommy’s wisdom will leave you fired up and ready to make this your best year yet.

Don’t miss out - listen now and join us for an inspiring conversation with one of the home service industry’s TOP leaders!

What does it take to build a high-performance team in the landscape industry? In this episode, I sit down with Marty Grunder, founder of Grunder Landscaping and The Grow Group, to break down the mindset, leadership strategies, and systems that drive success in the green industry. Marty shares his journey from pushmowing as a young entrepreneur to leading a multimillion-dollar landscape business and coaching top industry leaders. We hit on the lessons that shaped his approach to scaling a business, developing leaders, and creating a culture of accountability. ***Spoiler alert*** I got goosebumps when Marty shares the best life & leadership advice he’s ever received! This episode is packed with tactical leadership wisdom for landscape business owners looking to level up themselves, their teams, be a better leader for their family and build a company that runs without them having to do it all themselves! LET'S GO! 

On EP2 Sam dives into the origins of the term "Cultureproof" and explains how it applies to creating a resilient, thriving company culture. You'll learn valuable insights and actionable strategies to safeguard your organization from internal and external threats, ensuring a strong, unified culture that can withstand challenges. Whether you're leading a small team or a large organization, these takeaways will help you start building a culture that supports long-term success. Tune in to discover how you can "Cultureproof" your business today!

EP1 revolves around the differences between leading and managing a business. While it might seem like they're both the same, they're actually VASTLY different! Check out how!

In this game-changing episode, we’re joined by the incredible Jerry Schill, founder of Schill Grounds Maintenance - one of the Top 25 largest landscape companies in the U.S. With over 32 Years in the industry, Jerry has built a full-service maintenance and snow company that operates in 30 locations across 7 states (and even Ontario, Canada), employs over 1,600 team members, and generates $100+ million in annual revenue!

We dive deep into the mindset and strategies behind getting lean, breaking free from complacency, and fueling strategic growth in your business. Jerry shares powerful insights on thinking differently as a leader, taking decisive action, and the steps you can take today to level up.

Whether you're feeling stuck or striving to refine your operations, grab your notepad because this episode is packed with actionable wisdom to help you achieve your next breakthrough.

On Ep4 of the Cultureproof Podcast, Sam dives into his personal faith journey and shares how God has consistently shown up in the business world, guiding us through both triumphs and challenges. He explores how you can integrate your faith into your organization in a way that honors God while respecting the diverse perspectives of your employees and clients. With practical takeaways, you'll learn how to model the teachings of Jesus in your leadership and daily operations, creating a workplace culture that reflects your values without alienating others. Tune in for insights on becoming a faith-driven leader who positively influences both your business and those you serve!

On Ep3, Sam dives into the power of stepping outside of your comfort zone with two incredible industry leaders: Kory Ballard from Ballard Products and LeRoy Mains from Brilliant Borders. Both Kory and LeRoy share their personal journeys of growth, transformation, and the mindset shifts that have propelled them to new levels of success. We explore how embracing discomfort leads to breakthroughs, how to overcome the fear of failure, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or someone striving for personal development, this episode offers valuable insights on how to push through self-imposed limits and take bold steps towards your next big breakthrough. Listen in for powerful stories, actionable advice, and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to grow beyond the familiar!