Join Steve Bousquet as he visits Eastlake, Ohio, for his first on-site episode of the Green Profit Academy Pro Podcast with lawn care legend Don Zerby of EcoLawn. Don shares his incredible 48-year journey in the industry, starting from humble beginnings mowing lawns with a 10-speed bike, to leading a team of 18 and serving nearly 3,000 customers. The conversation dives into the power of mentorship, robust systems like Profit First, and the importance of building a team culture where expectations and growth are clear. Don and Steve reflect on the role of continuous learning, coaching, and evolving leadership to keep a business thriving—plus, how giving back and developing community leaders has become an integral part of their legacy.

Throughout the episode, listeners get practical insights into business growth, resilience, and the tools that made a difference—like Profit First, Pumpkin Plan, and Clockwork. Steve highlights the importance of accountability partners and embracing change, while Don emphasizes the fun and fulfillment that comes from developing people and stepping into your best self. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and heartfelt stories that inspire you to lead your business—and your life—with purpose.

Don Zerby, the founder and president of Ecolawn in Eastlake, Ohio, brings over 45 years of hands-on experience to the lawn care industry. His journey began at the age of 13 when he started his first landscaping business, showcasing an early passion for horticulture and customer service. In 1993, he established Ecolawn with a vision to provide personalized, environmentally conscious lawn care solutions.

Under Don's leadership, Ecolawn has become recognized for its hybrid lawn care programs, which combine organic materials—such as corn gluten, orange peel, and yucca extract—with targeted treatments. This approach not only enhances soil health but also reduces the need for chemical interventions, promoting sustainable and lush lawns. 

Don emphasizes customer education, believing that informed clients are key to achieving long-term lawn health. His team is trained to provide insights on best practices, ensuring that homeowners are active participants in the care of their lawns.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Don is dedicated to cultivating a company culture built on integrity and excellence. He carefully selects team members who align with Ecolawn's values, ensuring consistent and high-quality service.

For those seeking expert advice on sustainable lawn care and business leadership, Don Zerby's insights offer valuable perspectives drawn from decades of dedicated service.

 Connect with Don: www.ecolawn.net 

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The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

This week, host Steve Bousquet dives deep into the pivotal role of mindset during the most challenging stretch in the green industry—the notorious “100 Days of Hell.” As business owners battle burnout, overwhelm, and constant change, Steve introduces practical tools like the Choice Map by Dr. Marilee Adams, which helps leaders and teams shift from a victim mentality to a proactive, learner mindset. He discusses the importance of self-awareness, recognizing when you’re operating from a “Judger” versus “Learner” perspective, and how simple switching questions can get you back on track. Steve also shares insights on leveraging your Clifton Strengths domains to operate in your unique zone of energy and effectiveness, and challenges listeners to reconsider the old stories they tell themselves, focusing instead on those that fuel growth and positivity.

Throughout the episode, Steve unpacks common pitfalls such as the need to always be right, dominating conversations, or diminishing others’ experiences, and explains the hidden costs these behaviors bring to relationships, company culture, and personal fulfillment. He encourages business owners to celebrate their strengths, stay curious, and practice conscious leadership by listening, acknowledging, and supporting those around them. Whether you’re leading a team through a tough season or seeking more joy in your daily work, this episode offers actionable advice and a friendly reminder that mindset mastery can transform not just your business, but your entire outlook on life. For more resources on mindset and business growth, visit Green Profit Academy or reach out with your questions.

Need more personalized support?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experts to explore solutions tailored to your unique business goals. Whether you're fine-tuning operations or planning for growth, we're here to help!

growgpa.com/freeconsult

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The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

In this episode, Christeen Era is joined by CPA and tax strategist Mary Pierce for an insightful deep dive into the concept of "basis"—a critical but often overlooked topic for business owners. Mary breaks down what basis really is, how it affects S corporation owners, and why understanding your basis can save you from unnecessary taxes and frustration. Drawing from her extensive experience in tax planning, Mary shares practical examples, explains common pitfalls (like using your business as an ATM or mishandling distributions), and demystifies how basis does and doesn’t show up on your financial statements.

Listeners will discover actionable steps to protect their profits, avoid double taxation, and utilize smart strategies for building a stronger financial foundation. Whether you’re new to the concept or need a refresher, this conversation offers clarity, real-world scenarios, and the encouragement to engage proactively with your tax professional. Awareness and good financial habits can turn your business into a true wealth builder.

Mary Pierce is a Tax Planning Consultant with Core Growth Strategies. An experienced CPA, Mary has worked in the accounting profession for over 30 years advising clients in construction, real estate, and service businesses. She has advanced expertise in working with businesses in the construction industry. Her expertise in systems, procedures, information technology and human resources, in addition to core accounting and tax skills, give her a unique perspective to help her clients.

 Mary graduated Magna Cum Laude from The University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Science degree. She is a member of the Gold Coast Builders Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mary is married and has two children. In her spare time, Mary enjoys flying with her husband, gardening, and traveling. 

https://www.pierce.cpa/

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The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

In this insightful episode, Steve Bousquet welcomes special guest Chris Snyder, an expert in customer relationship-building and marketing, to discuss the pivotal role of fostering long-term connections with clients. Chris shares valuable lessons from his experience at Walgreens and his consulting firm, emphasizing the need for businesses to move beyond transactional interactions and focus on creating a relational ecosystem. The duo highlights actionable strategies such as joining community organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, sponsoring local events, and maintaining consistent, meaningful engagement with clients through personalized gestures, seasonal gifts, and even handwritten notes. These efforts not only enhance client retention but also foster goodwill and trust within the community.

Steve and Chris dive into the measurable impact of these relationship-building efforts, with Steve sharing real examples of how client check-ins drastically improved retention rates and overall revenue. They discuss the importance of understanding your customer's unique needs—ranging from their "love language" to their lifestyle preferences—and leveraging local partnerships to create a more personalized and impactful client experience. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to deepen customer relationships and grow their business sustainably from the inside out. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation!

Chris Snyder, the founder of 360 Media + Marketing, is a speaker, author, seasoned community builder, media strategist, and marketing professional with over 15 years of experience.

Having worked with both small startups and large corporations, Chris has a proven track record of driving brand engagement and audience growth through innovative marketing techniques. His ability to create engaging relationships where brands and communities thrive is what sets him apart in the industry.

With experience across Fortune 100 companies like Walgreens, tech giants like Shopify, and niche legacy brands like Zyris, Chris brings a strategic and hands-on approach to helping businesses establish their brand presence and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

You can contact Chris here: [email protected]

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The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

In this episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet dive into actionable strategies and insights to help you unlock your business's potential. They discuss the importance of leveraging data-driven decision-making, overcoming operational bottlenecks, and building a resilient mindset as a business owner. Christeen and Steve explore real-world examples, share their personal experiences, and provide practical tips to empower entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable growth in competitive markets.

Whether you're refining your processes, scaling operations, or navigating challenges, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and expert advice to propel your business journey forward. Tune in now to gain valuable tools and strategies that can make a lasting impact on your path to success!

Need more personalized support?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experts to explore solutions tailored to your unique business goals. Whether you're fine-tuning operations or planning for growth, we're here to help!

growgpa.com/freeconsult

Request a topic from the Pros – what would you like to hear about, or what challenge do you currently have? growgpa.com/PodcastAsk

The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

In this episode, Steve Bousquet navigates through the concept of "cracks and crevices" within a business, using his own experiences from his lawn care and landscaping company to provide actionable advice for growth and stability. Steve delves into critical operational areas like marketing, sales, deliverables, finances, and people, emphasizing the importance of preparation and proactive planning. From fine-tuning marketing strategies to maximizing gross profit margins, and managing cash flow challenges, Steve offers a comprehensive breakdown to help entrepreneurs stay on track during challenging times like the spring season.  

Steve also addresses the vital role of team building, explaining hiring challenges, onboarding processes, and leveraging tools like CliftonStrengths to foster better communication and alignment within teams. Whether you're facing hiring struggles, cash flow pinches, or simply looking for ways to optimize your business systems, this episode is packed with practical insights. Tune in to learn how to identify the cracks in your business, prevent them from growing into crevices, and build a more resilient foundation for success.

Noticing cracks or crevices in your business?
Our Business Triage Program is designed to help you quickly pinpoint what’s not working. With the guidance of our experienced coaches, you’ll make fast, effective repairs and get your business back on track—stronger than ever.

→ Schedule your free triage consultation call today!

growgpa.com/freeconsult

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The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

In this episode, Steve Bousquet is joined by long-time friend and industry pioneer, John Huber, to discuss four decades of navigating the ever-evolving green industry. From his work formulating environmentally sustainable products, like the innovative Hudson Valley Natural line, to emphasizing patience, persistence, and passion, John shares invaluable lessons on creating a balanced approach to work, health, and life while fostering greener landscapes. The conversation dives deep into the science of sustainable turf management, the importance of customer education, and how evolving industry practices and technology offer opportunities for growth while combating common challenges like over-nitrification and soil erosion. 

John and Steve also discuss the critical role of mindset and health for business owners and how staying aligned with core values leads to long-term success. With insights into cutting-edge solutions like water-soluble organic products and sustainable fertilizers, this episode is packed with actionable advice for landscape professionals eager to differentiate themselves and make a positive environmental impact. Tune in for an engaging blend of personal stories, professional wisdom, and practical solutions for thriving in the green industry.

John Huber is a results-oriented plant health and fertilizer expert with over 40 years of Green Industry experience owning and operating Enviroscapes, a professional turf and landscape management company based in Hampton Virginia.
In 2018 he joined Central Turf & Irrigation Supply as the Sustainable Products Manager for Hudson Valley Natural, a product line of enhanced efficiency fertilizers using recycled, organic fertilizer materials combined with conventional fertilizer materials. 

Connect with John: https://www.centraltis.com/

Request a topic from the Pros – what would you like to hear about, or what challenge do you currently have? growgpa.com/PodcastAsk

The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

In this unique episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet step away from traditional business discussions and dive into the power of books and learning for personal and professional growth. They explore recent reads, including Mel Robbins' Let Them and Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, offering actionable insights on boundaries, assumptions, effective communication, and building healthier relationships in life and business. Christeen reflects on how Robbins’ perspective on enabling others transformed her understanding of empowering both her team and personal relationships. Steve shares how The Four Agreements reinforced his approach to clarity in communication, avoiding assumptions, and consistently striving to give your best, even on challenging days.

The hosts also discuss the importance of balancing learning with implementation, cautioning against overwhelming your team with "flavor of the month" ideas. Whether you're seeking mindset inspiration, practical strategies, or simply looking for your next great read, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for their tips on how the right books can not only improve your leadership skills but also elevate your business growth through actionable implementation and mindset shifts. Don’t forget—if you have a favorite book you'd like to share, reach out to be a guest on the show!

We’d love to hear what’s inspired you and feature your story in an upcoming episode. 

Get in touch: [email protected] or fill out our topic request form: growgpa.com/PodcastAsk

Request a topic from the Pros – what would you like to hear about, or what challenge do you currently have? growgpa.com/PodcastAsk

The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

-In this episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet delve into the often-overlooked yet pivotal process of on-boarding. They unpack why on-boarding truly sets the tone for employee retention, team cohesion, and business success. From pre-boarding strategies to first-day checklists and structured post-hire touch points, they emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming, inclusive, and intentional on-boarding experience. By fostering an environment where new hires feel valued and engaged, you can significantly enhance morale, reduce turnover, and align individual goals with the company's vision. With tips like integrating feedback loops, scheduling consistent check-ins, and implementing small but meaningful gestures like welcome gifts, listeners are provided with actionable strategies to fine-tune their process.

Additionally, Christeen and Steve highlight the role of ongoing on-boarding through strategies like annual "re-boarding," employee recognition, and investing in long-term development programs. They challenge listeners to assess their current practices and identify three actionable changes to boost their on-boarding success. Whether your team is large or small, the hosts emphasize that consistency, curiosity, and collaboration are key to creating a culture where every employee feels supported and inspired to succeed. Tune in to learn how refined on-boarding processes can drive not just employee retention but overall business growth.

Need help streamlining your on-boarding process?

Let’s chat—schedule a complimentary consultation: growgpa.com/FreeConsult

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The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.

In this episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet tackle one of the most critical challenges for any business owner – hiring the right team and knowing when to let go. They share actionable insights on how to attract top talent, conduct effective interviews, and implement working interviews to ensure a great fit for your company culture. Christeen and Steve explain the importance of offering competitive pay and benefits to hire "grown-ups" who bring responsibility, integrity, and productivity to the table. They also emphasize having a well-structured hiring process, from identifying the right skills and values to background checks and reference calls, all while highlighting the importance of slow, intentional hiring.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the tough topic of firing, with advice on why addressing performance and behavior issues early is crucial for protecting your brand and company culture. They discuss how avoiding conflict and tolerating bad behavior can damage morale and lead to turnover among your best employees. With tips on creating clear expectations, scheduling 30-60-90 day reviews, and fostering accountability, Christeen and Steve explain how to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your business. Whether you’re looking to refine your hiring strategy or need guidance on handling tough conversations, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build a strong, cohesive team.

Need to connect with someone to discuss your specific hiring and team challenges?

Set up a complimentary consultation with us: growgpa.com/FreeConsult

Request a topic from the Pros – what would you like to hear about, or what challenge do you currently have? growgpa.com/PodcastAsk

The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.