At 17, John Karpov was broke, alone, and cut off from his only source of financial support. Today, he's the founder of a $20M+ landscaping business , and he’s building with a trillion-dollar vision in mind.

In this episode of the Hardscaper Growth Podcast, host Alex Cadieux sits down with John to unpack how a rock-bottom moment turned into a relentless mindset shift, a door-to-door hustle, and the foundation for a fast-scaling company.

💬 What they cover:

• How getting cut off at 17 sparked a growth-at-all-costs mindset
• The lessons John learned selling driveway sealing door-to-door
• Why “figuring it out as you go” can still work — if you stay ethical
• How to build a team before you burn out
• The difference between working hard and scaling smart
• Creating systems and SOPs that make your business scalable
• What to do when mistakes happen — and how to learn from them

From figuring it out on the fly to building systems, teams, and infrastructure for serious growth, this episode goes deep on what it really takes to go from survival to scale, and how to do it without burning out or bottlenecking your future.

Follow John: @actionhomeservices

📈 Learnmore at: https://actionhomeservices.ca

🎧 Listen now—because the next era of landscaping giants is being built today.

New episodes every month!

Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email [email protected]

Follow & Subscribe:

📸 Instagram: @hardscaper_

📺 YouTube: @hardscaper

🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com

Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase?

Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more!

→Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free.

How do you grow a small family-run landscaping company into a $20M powerhouse—and still be just getting started?

In this episode of the Hardscape Growth Podcast, host Alex Cadieux sits down with Justin White, CEO of K&D Landscaping, to break down the strategic, personal, and mindset shifts behind his company’s explosive growth—and their next target: $1 billion in revenue by 2035.

Justin shares what it takes to scale:
💥 Betting big on leadership before you’re "ready"
💥 Building a culture that actually lives its values
💥 Leading through personal adversity and economic downturns
💥 Creating opportunity for every employee to build wealth
💥 Thinking long-term, but acting with purpose every 90 days

Whether you're building your first crew or thinking about multi-division expansion, this is the how-to blueprint for bold, intentional growth in the landscape industry.

Follow Justin: @justinwhiteceo
📈 Learn more about K&D Landscaping at kndlandscaping.com

Follow & Subscribe📸 Instagram: / hardscaper_ 📺 YouTube: / @hardscaper 🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/

🎥 Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase?Watch it on-demand for pro insights on outdoor kitchens, drainage, pools & more. Head to our On-Demand section to check it out!

If you're a landscape contractor, builder, or designer looking to attract better clients, this episode is a must-listen. Host Alex Cadieux sits down with Tony Felgueiras, Director of Media at Leanscaper, to explore how content marketing can help you grow your landscaping business—without big budgets or fancy cameras.

🔥 What you'll learn:
• How to define your ideal hardscaping client
• Why emotion-driven marketing converts better
• The secret to creating great content: document, don’t overthink
• How to turn testimonials into sales tools
• Simple systems to scale your content using just your phone

Whether you're struggling with social media marketing, building a hardscape brand, or just want to stand out in a competitive market, this episode gives you tactical strategies to grow your business.

🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday.
📩 Questions or topic ideas? DM @hardscaper_ or email [email protected].

In this live-recorded episode of the Hardscape Growth Podcast, Alex from Techo-Bloc is joined by returning guest Tigran from Applewood Landscapes and designer Taylor Young to explore the real impact of design on growing a hardscape business. From eliminating costly on-site confusion to creating a “wow” factor that sells jobs, they break down how having a clear plan streamlines operations, improves margins, and builds trust with clients.

Key Takeaways:

• Why a clear design prevents costly mistakes and wasted labor

• How the design process builds trust and emotional buy-in from clients

• The business case for charging design fees—and how to position them

• Tips for navigating budget conversations early and effectively

• The competitive advantage of keeping design and build under one roof

Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting out, this episode proves that design isn't just a nice-to-have—it's the foundation for scaling your business.

New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email [email protected].

Follow & Subscribe:
📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
:tv: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper
:globe_with_meridians: Website: https://hardscaper.com/

Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!

In this episode of Hardscape Growth, Nick and Kyle Baughman—half-brothers and co-leaders of EarthScapes in New Jersey—share their journey from starting with a push mower to building a thriving, culture-driven landscaping business rooted in strong values and intentional leadership.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• ​Set core values—and actually use them.
• ​Revisit your vision when the team changes.
• ​Make training hands-on and engaging.
• ​Treat your client experience like a competitive edge.
• ​Use weekly 1:1s to create real accountability.

The episode is a masterclass in how intentional leadership and clearly defined culture can transform a landscaping business into a respected and scalable brand.

New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email [email protected].

Follow & Subscribe:📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/⁠:tv: YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper⁠⁠🌐 Website:⁠⁠ https://hardscaper.com/⁠⁠

Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our ⁠⁠On-Demand Section⁠⁠ to check it out for free!

In this episode of Hardscape Growth, Alex Farah—landscape contractor and certified nutrition coach—shares the six most important health and nutrition strategies every contractor should know.

From hydration and inflammation to caffeine, calories, and recovery, this conversation is packed with practical advice tailored specifically for the physically demanding work of hardscaping. Learn how to fuel your body properly, improve focus on the job, reduce physical strain, and avoid burnout throughout the season.

If you want to feel better, perform better, and build a healthier routine that lasts, this episode is for you.

Key topics covered:

• The importance of starting your day with hydration
• Common mistakes with caffeine and energy drinks
• Natural solutions to reduce joint pain and inflammation
• How to eat for energy, strength, and recovery
• The critical role of sleep in contractor performance

Tune in to learn how to treat your body like the asset it truly is.

New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email [email protected].

Follow & Subscribe:📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper⁠🌐 Website:⁠ https://hardscaper.com/⁠

Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our ⁠On-Demand Section⁠ to check it out for free!

In this episode, Alex talks to Justin Tal from Creative Design Maintenance who shares his approach to building a thriving hardscaping business by combining top-tier design with smart sales strategies. From qualifying leads efficiently to incorporating financing options that boost project value, Justin walks us through the key tactics that have helped him stand out in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways:

• Qualifying Leads with Precision: Charged consultations and price ranges help Justin filter out unqualified leads early.

• Leveraging Financing for Upselling: Financing enables clients to expand their projects, boosting overall project value by 10-20%.
• Customer Service as a Differentiator: Justin’s exceptional customer service, including daily updates, builds trust and keeps clients engaged.

• Whether you're looking to enhance your design offerings or improve customer service, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

  
  

  New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email [email protected].

  
  

  Follow & Subscribe:📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/⁠📺 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper⁠🌐 Website:⁠ https://hardscaper.com/⁠

  
  

  Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our ⁠On-Demand Section⁠ to check it out for free!

In this live episode of the Hardscape Growth podcast, host Alex from Techo-Bloc chats with Cesar Vargas of C Vargas Construction about the strategy behind running a high-end, customer-centric hardscape business. From building a strong office team to maintaining a tight-knit crew, Cesar shares the key decisions that helped him grow without losing quality or connection.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why prioritizing office support early creates a better customer experience
• How consistent communication sets you apart from competitors
• The power of CRM tools to streamline scheduling, estimating, and client updates
• How culture, monthly meetings, and goal-setting drive long-term team loyalty
• Why a positive attitude and willingness to learn opens doors to new opportunities

New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email [email protected].

Follow & Subscribe:
📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper
🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/

Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!

Most contractors want to grow, but scaling the right way is the real challenge. Rob Kurtz from Solid Rock Landscaping joins Alex from Techo-Bloc to break down how he built a strong team, tackled hiring challenges, and created record-breaking sales—all while staying true to his company values.

Why it matters:

Smart Growth – How word-of-mouth led to bigger projects and higher profits
Hiring Right – Finding skilled labor and building a loyal team
Sustainable Success – Why pricing what you're worth is key to scaling

Success isn’t just about more leads—it’s about making smart business moves that set you up for the future. Learn how Rob is positioning his company for long-term success.

🎧 We drop new episodes every Tuesday! Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to stay updated. Have a topic or challenge you'd like us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email us at [email protected].

Follow us on:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
:tv: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
:globe_with_meridians: Website: https://hardscaper.com/

🚀 Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it on demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens, and design! Watch now: https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-hardscaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/

Most contractors agree job costing is important, but how many actually do it? Wes from Synked Up joins Alex from Techo-Bloc to break down how tracking past projects helps refine estimates, boost efficiency, and maximize profits.

Why it matters:

Better Estimates – No more underbidding. Learn from past jobs.

Higher Profits – Contractors who job cost properly earn 10% more.

Stronger Teams – Your crew has the best insights on efficiency.

Smarter Investments – Identify the right tools & training to improve productivity.

Top contractors analyze their projects—just like championship teams review game footage. Learn how job costing can take your business to the next level.

We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_Subscribe, give us a star rating on Spotify and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts!

Follow us on:Instagram:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/⁠Youtube:

⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w⁠

Website: ⁠https://hardscaper.com/

Did you miss this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to [https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-harsdcaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/] to check it out for free!