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!

Tigran Gertz, founder and CEO of Applewood Landscaping, shares his journey of scaling from small jobs to multi-million-dollar projects. He discusses how creating authentic content, building a strong team, and embracing mentorship accelerated his success.

He reveals how authentic content, smart delegation, and mentorship transformed his approach to business.

• Embrace the cringe: Your first videos are the stepping stones to success.
• Hit record and post: Overcome self-doubt and keep creating.
• Delegate like a boss: Build a team that scales your vision.
• Turn setbacks into milestones: Let every mistake fuel your growth.
• Invest in mentorship: Learn from those who’ve paved the way.
• Scale through people: Your team is your most valuable asset.

Listen to this week's pod to learn more about these transformative strategies. Figure out what stage you're in and discover how to level up your business!

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

Follow us on:
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/⁠
Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w⁠
Website: ⁠https://hardscaper.com/

Did you miss last 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 our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!

On this episode of Hardscaper Growth, Alex sits down with Micah Miller from Easton Outdoors to talk about a game-changing approach to sales and marketing in the hardscaping industry. Micah shares how he’s structured his business to attract the right clients—those who are ready to buy—by leveraging pricing transparency, automation, and content-driven marketing.

• Why most contractors don’t want to talk to clients (and how to make sales easier).
• The 5-step process to get clients to pre-qualify themselves before they even call.
• How pricing transparency, calculators, and automated tools turn leads into paying customers.
• Why your website (not paid ads) is the most important investment for long-term success.
• How Google’s algorithm shift means reviews & local SEO matter more than ever.

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 onInstagram @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 last 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 ourOn-Demand Section to check it out for free!

They dive into:If you’re tired of wasting time on bad leads and want to streamline your sales process while closing bigger deals, this episode is a must-listen!Listen on your favorite appApple PodcastsSpotify 

Are you leaving money on the table? In this episode of Hardscape Growth, Alex teams up with Wes from Synked Up to identify the primary factors that can erode your business's profits. They discuss strategies to transform a narrow 3% margin into a healthier 15–20%.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

Additionally, listeners are invited to book a free demo with Synked Up and to register for the upcoming Hardscaper Showcase event hosted by Wes. This episode provides actionable insights aimed at helping contractors safeguard and increase their profit margins, ensuring long-term business growth and success.

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 last 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!