Landscape Insider with Ryan and Aaron

In this episode of the Landscape Insider podcast, President Kevin McGowen and Statewide Director of Development Kellie Schmidt share insights from their recent "On the Road" tour of Illinois' central and southern regions. The conversation highlights regional differences between member businesses, workforce development challenges, and the importance of building relationships within the industry. Discover how their experiences can inform strategies for growth and engagement across the statewide landscape industry. This conversation was recorded in the Vermeer Midwest Studio, the official studio of Landscape Illinois.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Kellie and Kevin's "On the Road" Regional Tour
• Kellie's Background and Path into the Industry
• The Purpose and Planning of the Regional Tour
• Differences in Workforce Development Across Regions
• Building Relationships with Members and Non-Members
• Use of Technology and Innovation in Southern Illinois
• Strategies for Regional Engagement and Networking
• Leadership, Mentorship, and Industry Growth
• Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry
• Future Strategies for Industry Collaboration

Jim Mack of Vistage joins hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych on the Landscape Insider podcast. Vistage is the world’s leading advisory and business coaching organization for CEOs, founders, and business owners. Jim shares insights on the power of peer groups, company culture, leadership, and adapting to technological changes like AI. Discover how these elements can transform your business and leadership approach.

Chapters:

• Jim Mack's career journey and transition to Vistage
• The role and impact of peer groups in leadership
• Structure and composition of Vistage groups in Chicago
• Common challenges across industries and confidentiality
• Types of peer groups and their focus areas
• Confidentiality and trust in peer groups
• Industry trends: acquisitions, succession, and exit strategies
• Leadership transition stories and culture preservation
• Creating and maintaining a strong company culture
• The impact of AI and technological innovation
• Hot topics: remote work, HR, and labor market
• Adapting to industry disruptions and resilience
• Handling uncomfortable conversations and conflict resolution
• Leadership fit and managing growth challenges
• Respectful handling of personnel changes
• The importance of taking time off and self-care
• Management style evolution and organizational trust
• Generational differences and leadership development

In this episode, we explore the vital work of AmericanHort in advocating for the horticulture industry, focusing on issues like labor, trade, and phytosanitary regulations. The Landscape Insider welcomes Matt Mika and Kamron Newberry who share insights into how industry professionals can get involved and influence policy at the federal level.

Chapters:

• Introduction to AmericanHort and Industry Focus
• Overview of AmericanHort's Mission and Objectives
• The Role of AmericanHort in Advocacy and Education
• Trade and Import Regulations Impacting the Industry
• A Day in the Life of Industry Advocates
• Legislative Process and Policy Challenges
• Labor Issues and Visa Programs (H2A and H2B)
• Regulatory Changes and Industry Impact
• Potential Storm Clouds and Future Risks
• How Industry Can Get Involved and Make a Difference

In this episode, Jim Cirrincione, President of Hinsdale Nurseries joins hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych on the Landscape Insider podcast. Jim shares his journey from landscaping to corporate America and back, highlighting lessons learned about leadership, business management, and industry insights. Discover how his diverse background shapes his approach to running Hinsdale Nurseries and his views on present and future industry challenges. He reminisces about industry mentors, the evolution of software and technology, and his own leadership journey to avoid micromanagement and ensure success. This is part of the "Meet the Board" series.

Chapters:

• Jim's journey from political science to landscaping
• Transition from corporate America to Hinsdale Nurseries
• Leadership lessons and management style evolution
• The role of mentors and industry relationships
• Technology, systems, and integration in business
• Financial management and fractional CFO insights
• Industry challenges and future outlook
• Leadership style and team management
• Travel stories and personal experiences
• Networking, industry involvement, and board participation

Adam Bellas of Bellas Landscaping joins the Landscape Insider podcast. In this episode, Adam discusses how he leverages community involvement, strong company culture, and industry diversification to grow his landscaping, brewing, and hospitality ventures while fostering meaningful relationships and industry advancement. This is part of the "Meet the Board" series.

Chapters:

• Adam's transition from lawn maintenance to leading multiple successful businesses
• The importance of culture and community involvement in sustainable growth
• Strategies for client acquisition and word-of-mouth marketing
• Insights on operational efficiency, technology, and equipment management
• The role of community service and giving back in brand building
• Differentiating regional challenges and opportunities in Illinois
• Balancing work-life harmony in a demanding industry
• Leadership perspective on mentorship, staff loyalty, and employee care
• Future vision for landscape Illinois and industry advocacy

Ashley Marrin, Landscape Illinois Past President and owner of Bret-Mar Landscape shares her journey in the landscape industry on the Landscape Insider podcast. Discover how her background, leadership style, and industry challenges shape her success. Ashley explains a unique leadership style inspired by horses, the role of family and succession planning in business, financial literacy and business management, and adapting to evolving technology and client demands. This is part of the "Meet the Board" series.

Chapters:

• Introduction and Ashley’s background in the industry
• Division of responsibilities between Ashley and her brother
• Transition of her parents out of the business
• Challenges in leadership transition and communication
• Implementing change and technology in the business
• Learning the financial side of the business
• Industry involvement and networking benefits
• Work-life balance and personal passions
• Leadership style inspired by horses and emotional intelligence
• Industry challenges and future outlook
• Advice for industry newcomers and legacy
• Reflections on industry evolution and personal growth

In this episode of the Landscape Insider podcast, Nikki Melin, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Midwest Groundcovers, shares her journey from urban forestry to leadership in the horticulture industry. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, balancing a love of plants and management, and industry collaboration. Discover her insights on leadership development, industry trends, and innovative technologies shaping the future of plant production. This is part of the "Meet the Board" series.

Chapters

• Career Journey at Midwest Groundcovers
• Leadership Development and Training
• Mentorship and Industry Connections
• Balancing Management and Passion for Plants
• Collaboration Between Sales and Production
• Navigating Trends in Horticulture
• Educational Opportunities and Networking
• Fostering Growth in Team Members
• Understanding Growers and Contractors
• The Importance of Native Plants
• Automation and Technology in Horticulture
• Industry Collaboration and Feedback
• The Future of Green Spaces
• Leadership Insights from Nikki Melin
• The Importance of Continuous Learning and Growth

In this episode, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych talk with Michael Massat of The Growing Place Garden Center. Michael shares his journey in the garden center industry, provides insights on consumer trends, and explains how his business adapted during COVID. We explore the importance of native plants, retail customer loyalty, knowing when to embrace trends, and provide some advice for newcomers in the horticulture industry.

Chapters:

• Michael's Journey into Horticulture
• The Hands-On Approach to Business
• Navigating Seasonal Staffing Challenges
• Understanding Clientele Changes
• Adapting to Trends in Gardening
• The Impact of COVID on Plant Awareness
• Adapting Business Strategies During the Pandemic
• The Importance of Networking in the Garden Center Industry
• Navigating Retail and Contractor Relationships
• Trends in Native Plants and Invasive Species
• Unique Perspectives from Retail Garden Center Owners
• Advice for Newcomers in the Horticulture Industry
• Personal Insights and Preferences in Gardening
• Adapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-19 on Garden Centers
• Trends in the Gardening Industry: The Fast-Paced Nature of Plant popularity
• Community Engagement: The Importance of Client Relationships in Gardening

In this episode, Landscape Insider hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych interview grower and Landscape Illinois Board member Becky Thomas of Spring Grove Nursery in Mazon, IL. She shares her journey from landscape architect to nursery grower, her involvement in industry programs, and insights on sustainable growth, industry collaboration, and adapting to market changes. She discusses key business strategies, plant marketing, nursery management, and what every landscape contractor needs to understand about growing plants. Finally, she discusses working with her husband and children and leaning on the strengths of the people closest to you. This is part of Landscape Illinois' "Meet the Board" series.

Chapters:

• Introduction to Becky's Journey
• Transition from Landscape Architecture to Nursery
• Early Challenges and Growth of the Nursery
• Mentorship and Support in the Industry
• Navigating Economic Challenges
• Importance of Networking and Associations
• The Eagle Program Experience
• Involving the Next Generation
• Building Connections in the Industry
• Balancing Strengths in a Family Business
• Strategic Growth vs. Operational Efficiency
• Adapting to Labor Changes
• Embracing Technology in Growing
• Understanding Growers' Needs
• The Importance of Plant Selection
• Collaboration in the Industry
• Personal Connections in Business

On this episode of the Landscape Insider podcast, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych allow Shane Griffith to share his journey from turf science to leading Weed Man franchises across the country. Discover how technology, industry trends, and leadership shape the future of lawn care and landscape management. This is part of Landscape Illinois's "Meet the Board" series.

Chapters

• Career Journey and Early Influences
• Transition to Business and Entrepreneurship
• Growth and Development in the Turf Industry
• Navigating Regulations and Environmental Concerns
• Technology in Lawn Care
• Customer Relationships and Industry Trends
• Future of the Green Industry
• Role on the Board and Industry Representation
• The Importance of Expert Knowledge in Business
• Technology's Role in Enhancing Service Efficiency