Landscape Insider with Ryan and Aaron

Hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych interview 2025 Landscape Illinois Person of the Year, Steve Worth of Kankakee Nursery. The industry veteran shares his journey in the nursery business, discusses long-term planning, company culture, and the future of horticulture from the perspective of a business that spans four generations. Learn from his experiences and gain valuable tips on growth, succession, and industry trends.

Chapters:

• Introduction and Guest Background
• Early Career and Family Business Roots
• Industry Changes and Market Trends
• Long-Term Planning and Forecasting
• Nursery Production Methods: Balled and Burlapped vs Containers
• Industry Challenges: Labor and Automation
• Company Culture and Leadership Philosophy
• Retirement Planning and Succession Strategies
• Future Industry Trends and Opportunities
• Advice for New Entrants and Industry Outlook

In this insightful interview, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych interview Dr. Melinda Knuth, Associate Professor of Horticulture at North Carolina State University. Dr. Knuth shares her expertise on horticulture, the psychology of plants, and how industry professionals can leverage research to connect better with consumers. Topics include the impact of Disney's customer service, the role of AI, and strategies to promote plant benefits.
Chapters

In this episode of Landscape Insider, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych talk to Scott McAdam of McAdam Landscaping and Andy Migacz of A.M. Woodland Outdoor Design. These industry icons share insights on leadership, management, and career development in the landscape industry. They discuss relevant topics such as mentorship, team building, business skills, and adapting to generational changes. Key discussion points include the evolution from hands-on management to coaching, developing business acumen & financial literacy, and strategies for team motivation.

Chapters:

• Hiring Insights and Desired Traits
• Management Styles and Leadership Evolution
• Challenges in Coaching and Ownership
• Performance Reviews and Employee Growth
• Trust and Autonomy in the Workplace
• Continuous Learning and Personal Growth
• The Power of Continuous Learning
• Mentorship and Its Impact
• The Importance of Business Skills
• Generational Differences in the Workplace
• Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
• Navigating Expectations Across Generations
• Lightning Round: Quickfire Questions
• The Importance of Vision in Leadership
• Empowering Young Professionals for Growth

On this episode of Landscape Insider, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych interview Meghan Kohlmann and Cem DiCristo of the Young Professionals Committee. Meghan (Midwest Groundcovers) and Cem (Lurvey's) offer valuable insights into career development, industry involvement, and leadership in the landscape and horticulture industry. They share their personal journeys and provide career advancement advice for young professionals. Additionally, they discuss the importance of networking, work-life balance, and continuous learning.

Chapters:

• Friendship Origins: A Journey Begins
• Career Paths: From College to Industry
• Expectations vs. Reality: Career Reflections
• Navigating Challenges: Work-Life Balance and Growth
• Finding Your Passion: Tips for New Professionals
• Growth Plans: The Importance of Direction
• Burnout and Introspection: Understanding Career Paths
• Learning from Mistakes: A Path to Growth
• Seeking New Challenges: What to Look For
• Manager-Employee Dynamics: The Push and Pull
• Building Trust: The Key to Employee Growth
• Investing in Employees: A Culture of Care
• Communication and Feedback: The Heart of Growth
• Motivation and Team Dynamics
• The Importance of Teamwork and Support
• Transitioning from Employee to Manager
• The Impact of Positivity in Leadership
• Work Ethic and Initiative
• Work-Life Balance and Recharge
• Networking and Professional Growth

In this insightful interview, industry economist Dr. Charlie Hall joins hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych. Charlie shares his journey from horticulture to economics, discusses the impact of economic trends on the green industry, and explores innovative research on the health benefits of plants. Discover how industry leaders can leverage economic insights and scientific research to enhance growth and societal value.

Chapters

• Introduction and Background of Dr. Charlie Hall
• Career Path and Economic Insights in the Green Industry
• Economic Trends Post-Great Recession
• Current Economic Challenges and Inflationary Pressures
• Regional Economic Analysis and Forecasting
• Economic Forecasting and Data Collection
• Impact of Government Shutdowns on Economic Data
• Automation and Labor Efficiency in the Green Industry
• Trends in Labor Costs and Employment
• Immigration Policies and Labor Market Dynamics
• Regional Economic Variations and Their Effects
• Advancing Health through Agriculture
• Collaboration in Health and Green Spaces Research
• The Psychological Benefits of Green Spaces
• The Importance of Communicating Value in the Green Industry
• Engagement of the Green Industry in Research
• Cutting-Edge Research in Green Spaces
• The Societal Impact of Green Spaces
• Personal Health Journey and the Role of Nature
• Favorite Gardens and Parks

In this engaging conversation, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych interview Carrie Hancock, Chairperson of the Landscape Illinois Women's Network. Carrie shares her journey in the landscape industry, her approach to project management, team training, and the evolving role of women in the field. Along the way, she provides insights on seasonal color design, embracing technology, and fostering industry growth.
Chapters:

• Carrie's Journey in the Landscape Industry
• Award-Winning Projects and Seasonal Color Management
• Team Training and Setting Expectations
• Women in the Landscape Industry
• Future Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry
• Advice for Newcomers and Mentorship

In this engaging conversation, Aaron Zych and Ryan Heitman interview 2026 Landscape Illinois Person of the Year - Dean MacMorris. Dean shares his journey through the landscape industry, discussing the four phases of life, the importance of mentorship, and the role of networking in achieving success. He reflects on his early influences, the significance of education, and the impact of company culture on business growth. Dean emphasizes the value of building relationships and the lessons learned from both successes and failures, ultimately highlighting the importance of passion and intentionality in one's career.

Chapters:

Introduction to the Landscape Insider and Dean MacMorris

Mentorship and Influences in the Survival Phase

Transitioning from Survival to Stability and Success

Networking and Building Relationships in the Industry

Recommended Readings for Aspiring Professionals

Intentional Networking Strategies

Finding Passion in Work

Learning from Failures

In this episode of Landscape Insider, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych speak to Kim Hartmann and Kevin McGowen, the immediate past- and current- president of Landscape Illinois. They discuss their personal journeys in the landscape industry, the importance of education and mentorship, and the challenges faced by newcomers. The conversation highlights the need for technology adoption, the significance of networking, and the future challenges the industry must address, including labor shortages and cultural shifts. The episode concludes with a lightning round of quick insights from both guests, providing a light-hearted yet informative discussion.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Trends
00:06 Guest Insights
00:40 Education & Technology
10:10 Community & Success
35:45 Inclusivity & Leadership
37:24 Future & Challenges
49:50 Automation & Networking

In this episode of Landscape Insider, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych unlock the secret to building a powerhouse team that drives your landscaping business forward. While most contractors focus on project execution and sales, they overlook the critical investments in people that truly create sustainable growth. If you're tired of high turnover, inconsistent quality, and stagnant morale, this episode reveals the proven strategies to develop your team’s leadership, technical skills, and culture during the off-season—before the busy months hit.

In this episode of Landscape Insider, hosts Ryan Heitman and Aaron Zych delve into the importance of winter planning in the landscaping industry. They discuss key topics such as technology and equipment, workforce training, sales and marketing, and more. The conversation highlights the significance of early preparation, safety, and financial reviews to ensure a successful season.