Green Side Up

Old Friends, New Beginnings - Jordan and Jason reunite on the podcast to share the story of how their friendship and landscape businesses began while in college at the University of Florida over 15 years ago. They discuss how they met through a mutual friend, bonded over their hard work ethic, and decided to live together in Alachua where they started Skyfrog Landscape and Independent Landscape from the ground up. Tune in to hear them reminisce about their early years living off coffee, working insane hours, and hustling to survive while building the foundations for their successful companies today.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

This episode of Green Side Up features a recap of the Florida Chapter International Society of Arboriculture tree climbing competition. Jordan Upcavage and Nick Myers are joined by competitor Colin Kelly. They discuss techniques, mistakes, and close calls from the competition. Colin also shares advice for new climbers and businesses. Tips include getting involved with your local ISA chapter, focusing on safety and professionalism, and how competitions can make you a better arborist. It's an entertaining and informative look inside the world of competitive tree climbing.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

Join Jason and Jordan at the Florida ISA Tree Climbing Competition as they provide play-by-play commentary of the Masters challenge event. Hear from Nick Meyers, chair of the competition, as he walks through the scoring and setup. Get an inside look at the techniques of climbers Taylor Pansetti and Colin Kelly as they navigate the challenging course. For landscape and tree care entrepreneurs, this episode offers valuable lessons in safety, problem-solving, and performing under pressure.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

This episode features Trey Rolquin as a guest. Trey shares about his career in commercial landscape maintenance and how he focuses on building relationships with clients. He discusses the challenges of staffing crews and dealing with rising costs. Trey also provides advice to Jordan and Jason about opportunities in the commercial landscape industry and how to find and maintain large commercial clients.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

Jason and Jordan discuss the fire that destroyed SkyFrog Landscape's shop in August 2021. Jason details the events leading up to the fire, including issues with improper pricing, high employee turnover, and a toxic second-in-command. He then walks through the night of the fire and the aftermath, including discovering it was arson. Jason shares lessons learned around insurance and reviews.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

This episode of Greenside Up Podcast features a discussion about using social media for landscaping businesses. Chris from BeaterMowersLife shares his experience growing an Instagram community and hosting a "Mowing Madness" lawn care competition. Jordan expresses his disinterest in social media but learns tips for getting started. The hosts also cover annual lawn care competitions, building clientele through authentic interactions, and getting involved in the green industry online community. Landscaping professionals and enthusiasts will enjoy this educational conversation about utilizing social platforms for their businesses.

https://www.instagram.com/beatermowerslife/

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

This episode covers strategies for increasing commercial tree and landscaping sales, with a focus on building relationships with property managers. The speakers discuss topics like networking groups, generating commercial leads, dealing with managers who ghost clients, and educating clients. Sales tactics like food deliveries and taking clients to lunch are also covered. Key takeaways include the value of long-term relationships, using education to benefit the business, and how gestures can build goodwill.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

This episode provides an overview of Jordan and Jason's recent jobs and organizational involvement. Jordan shares his experience trying field work, finding it insightful yet challenging to balance with reports. He secured large contracts for tree pruning, plant healthcare, and irrigation. Jason and Jordan discuss renewing involvement with their local ISA chapter. They cover proper crape myrtle pruning and past injuries. Options are considered for removing a neighbor's damaged magnolia tree. Action items involve finishing jobs, finding content to share, and planning future podcast discussions.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

This Green Side Up episode discusses company culture with Jordan Upcavage and Jason Lee. Jordan focuses on work ethic over slogans at Independent Tree Service, emphasizing slow hiring and understanding. He notes complete closures for August and Christmas vacations. Jason agrees on early culture-setting at Sky Frog Landscape, using exercises to define values and mission. He cites cooking for morale and challenges disconnecting on time off. Sky Frog cannot close for business seasonally due to maintenance obligations. Both owners address struggles of taking a true break and preserving culture as companies expand through standards on appearance and organization.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/

In this episode, the hosts discuss various challenges facing landscape businesses. They begin by describing an incident of check fraud where checks were stolen from outgoing mail and forged. This leads to a discussion about securing business mail and preventing similar thefts.

Next, the frequent problem of license plates going missing from equipment due to damage is covered. Solutions tried by the businesses like bolting plates to trailer doors are shared.

Flat tire issues are then addressed, along with products that can help such as tire sealants.

The conversation shifts to credit card processing fees and negotiating with their payment provider to pass these fees to customers.

Connect with the guys at:

[email protected] https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/ www.skyfroglandscape.com www.indepenttreeservice.com Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/