The Hardscape Growth podcast is back with a brand new season, and this time we're focusing on the Hardscaper High Five.

Hosted by Alex Cadieux from Techo-Bloc, this season will break down the five core values that every successful hardscaper needs to focus on. With a new framework and theme to help compartmentalize the information and make it easier to digest, listeners will learn from industry veterans who have been through the ups and downs, made mistakes, and achieved success.

The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to 2023 Hardscaper Showcase On-Demand to check it out for free!

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_

Finding the right candidates is always difficult. And if they’re family it can be even harder. But, it doesn’t mean it can’t work. The important thing for any manager or owner to consider as they try to step back, get the right people in the right spots, and begin to focus on the growth of the company is developing the right team. That’s why what Tony Zambito, Owner at Groupe Zamco, has to say is more important than ever. For Tony, he’s worked with families who have and haven’t always been the best fit. He’s also worked with brand new help that he didn’t think would be around more than a day, but years later are some of his most trusted. His advice? Never judge a book by its cover. On this episode of Hardscape Growth, growing your team thoughtfully and successfully. 

Join us as we discuss: 

Check out the full episode for Tony’s perspective on how to build the best team possible for the future of your company. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

And the costs, they are a-changin’. How in the world are you supposed to give reliable bids to customers when the costs of materials are always changing? Do the math and be a good friend. That’s the advice Kevin Moore, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Carroll Landscaping and CLI Home Services Inc., gives. Being competitive doesn’t mean underselling the value of your products or services. It means finding creative ways to be transparent and honest without compromising the livelihood of your business. 

Join us as we discuss: 

To hear more of Kevin and Alex talking about running a successful business, check out their earlier conversation Project Management: Staying Ahead of Material   Shortages. Check out the Techo-Bloc Estimation Tool. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

What do your customers say about you when you’re not around? What do your employees say? Building and maintaining your company brand is more than   chance. It’s about creating an honest, caring, and direct line of communication and expectations. Your customers should know what to expect like what they’re going to pay. And the people who work for you should know that you’ve got their back. In landscaping, an aging employee needs to know there is a career path forward as much as a young person on day one needs to feel treated like more than just a spare shovel. Anyway, that’s what Adrian Bartels, President of Cedar Springs Landscape Group, says. That all comes down to training. Training a customer’s expectations and training your team to keep the grandiose portrait in your vantage. 

Join us as we discuss: 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Having good core values means company growth. A lot of times companies may think it is nice, helpful, or convenient to have a good company culture. That’s good and all, but do you trust your core values to help actually build the business? Brad Stephenson, Co-Owner, and Phil Neri, Designer, at New Castle Lawn & Landscape both began in entry-level positions and have worked their way up to their current roles. Their story isn’t all sunshine and roses, however. In 2018, with the H2B restrictions in place, they lost 25 employees and had to scramble to get things back on track. That year, they lost $350,000. 

Join us as we discuss: 

Check out the full episode for a firsthand look at a company that grew from $400K to $10M. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

A contract is signed, but then the cost of the job supplies, materials, or even fuel has gone up 5, 10, even 15%! Then what happens? A contractor begs the   supplier for a better rate, or they can surprise the customer with a higher price tag and lowered trust. What if there was a better way: write contracts that accommodate a changing economy. 

Join us as we discuss: 

Check out this episode with Russ Springer, Owner & President at Legends Landscape Supply, to understand price in creases and supply demands, plus tips and tricks for contractors to be better prepared and more proactive when submitting quotes and getting materials from dealers. 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

It’s easy to do things the way you’ve always done them. But that’s not always a recipe for growth. Especially when you’re not taking into account the newest,   most effective (and most comfortable!) equipment. And let’s not forget about using state of the art software like Trimble Earthworks, designed to make sure the job only gets done as many times as is necessary: once. Listen in as Jeremy Swihart, Owner at J Squared Outdoor Living and Lighting shares his best tips for not only cutting labor costs, but growing his business at the same time. 

Join us as we discuss: 

Check out the full episode for Jeremy’s first-hand experience using these pieces of equipment and software to learn about how they’ve transformed his business. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

On this episode of Hardscape Growth, we’re honored to welcome Jake Baxter, the owner of Lawn Vets Outdoors, and a U.S. Navy veteran and former Reservist.   Jake has poured his blood, sweat, and tears into his highly-regarded and successful company, so there’s no way he’s letting thieves get their dirty hands on his expensive tools and equipment. 

He’ll share his military-grade expertise on how you can protect your property and job site, including: 

Check out the full episode for Jake’s harrowing true story of how these tactical measures just proved how valuable they really are. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Zach Kitzmiller is the founder of Kitzmiller Design Solutions, based in Ohio. The firm supports design/build professionals across the United States and Canada   and is a great outsource option for all outdoor living designs. His goal? To help design/build professionals win with design. 

In this episode, Zach outlines his 3-step process to design: 

We also explore the techniques he uses to differentiate his company, how to educate the homeowner and how to focus on bringing value through every step of the project. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.