SYNKD on Air - Innovation + Sustainability for Outdoor Living Professionals.

On a coastal property designed for entertaining - on Rehoboth Bay, every detail—from sightlines to sound—was considered from the start. This episode explores how thoughtful integration of lighting and audio creates seamless, high-end environments that clients never want to leave.

What truly sets this project apart isn’t just the design—it’s the partnership behind it.

Jerry Dougherty of Country Lawn Care and Maintenance and Kevin Minton of Coastal Source aren’t operating in a typical contractor–vendor relationship. What they’ve built is a collaborative extension of each other’s businesses, where product, design, and execution are aligned from day one.

From the earliest stages of the project, Kevin was involved not just as a supplier, but as a strategic partner—advising on layout, fixture selection, and how lighting would support the overall experience of the space. That level of involvement allowed Jerry to design with confidence, knowing the systems specified would perform exactly as intended, both aesthetically and operationally.

For Jerry, that confidence translates directly into how he sells. He’s not presenting lighting as an optional upgrade—he’s delivering a fully integrated solution backed by a partner he trusts. And that trust is critical. As he explains, by the time this client reached their fourth home, the conversation shifted from “what should we use?” to “Jerry, we trust you—just tell us what’s right.”

On the Coastal Source side, the approach is equally intentional. Rather than scaling through volume, Kevin emphasizes selective partnerships—working with contractors who prioritize quality, education, and long-term client relationships. That means training, ongoing support, and shared accountability for the final result.

The impact of that partnership goes far beyond lighting. It reduces risk, minimizes callbacks, and elevates the contractor’s reputation—ultimately opening doors to additional scopes of work and deeper client relationships. In this case, it even led to Jerry being trusted to oversee elements outside his core offering.

This is the real takeaway:
When product and contractor operate as one unified system, the result isn’t just a better project—it’s a better business.

Designing With Nature: How Collaboration and Ecology Shape Community at Natura Gardens

In this episode of SYNKD On Air, host Angelique Robb sits down with Jenifer Bar-Nur, co-founder of Landscape Design Workshop, to unpack the award-winning Natura Gardens project in South Florida.

Instead of treating wetlands as a constraint, Jenifer’s team used them as the foundation—designing a 30-acre community around a thriving 10-acre ecosystem. The result is a space where residents don’t just live near nature—they experience it every day.

From amenity placement to native planting strategies and culturally inspired design elements, this conversation dives into how collaboration across disciplines can elevate both environmental performance and human experience.

You’ll hear:

• How to design with ecosystems instead of around them
• Why early collaboration between designers, builders, and consultants is critical
• The role of outdoor spaces in fostering real community connection
• Practical strategies for creating environments that are both sustainable and livable

This episode is a must-listen for landscape architects, designers, contractors, and anyone shaping the future of outdoor living.

Because the best projects don’t just look good—they connect people, place, and purpose.

Get in touch with Jenifer:

Jenifer Bar-Nur

Director of Marketing and Business Development

LANDSCAPE DESIGN WORKSHOP

Planning & Landscape Architecture

One Park Place

621 NW 53rd Street, Suite 125

Boca Raton, Florida 33487

O:     954.772.0724

C:     561.212.5448

In this episode of SYNKD On Air, we sit down with Tim McAuliffe, an award-winning outdoor living designer whose work continues to raise the bar across the industry.

Fresh off an impressive showing at the NALP Elevate event in November 2025—where his projects earned multiple national awards—Tim shares what it truly takes to deliver outdoor spaces that go beyond aesthetics to create lasting experiences. His designs seamlessly blend luxury, functionality, and natural beauty, reflecting both a refined artistic vision and a deep understanding of how people live outdoors.

With a client-centric approach at the core of his process, Tim walks us through how collaboration, local insight, and attention to detail transform ideas into immersive environments. From pools and landscapes to fully integrated outdoor living spaces, his work demonstrates what’s possible when design, build, and lifestyle are fully in sync.

This conversation goes beyond the awards to explore the mindset behind them—what it means to lead in today’s landscape industry, how to elevate your craft, and why thoughtful design is more important than ever.

For designers, contractors, and maintenance professionals alike, this episode is a look at what happens when expertise meets intention—and how that combination is shaping the future of outdoor living.

https://www.theoutdoorlivingdesigner.com/

There’s no page two anymore.

If your brand isn’t trusted… it’s invisible.

In this conversation with Stephanie Baiocchi, we unpack how AI is reshaping the way people search, evaluate, and ultimately choose who to work with—and why trust is no longer a “nice to have,” but the foundation of every buying decision.

From cost transparency to self-service tools, the way we market and sell is shifting fast.

The question is: are you evolving with it?

If you’re thinking about how to build a brand people actually choose—this is worth a listen.

Reach out to Stephanie via Impact Plus:

https://www.impactplus.com/

Subscribe to our industry publication here:

https://www.synkd.io/synkd-membership-options

Check out our next SYNKD Live event here:

https://www.synkd.io/live-event

Revolutionizing Landscaping with AI 🌿

This week, I sat down with Luis Benavides, the founder of Neighborbrite — a powerful AI-driven platform transforming the landscaping design process.

Luis shares how his background in AI product management led him to build a better SaaS tool for:
• Inspiration & mood boards
• Smarter plant knowledge (integrated with local nurseries)
• Seamless design-to-quote workflows
• Clearer cost communication between landscapers and clients

With over 600,000 registered users, Neighborbrite is proving that AI isn’t just hype — it’s a real business solution for contractors.

As Luis says:
“It changes the conversation.”

From home improvement inspiration to contractor tools that improve user experience and close deals faster — this episode dives into how technology is reshaping landscaping.

If you're in AI, landscaping, home services, or building business solutions with real-world impact — this one’s for you.

Use code SYNKD to save 10% on your subscription!

#AI #Landscaping #NeighborBrite #DesignProcess #Technology #HomeImprovement #PlantKnowledge #ContractorTools #BusinessSolutions #UserExperience

In this episode of SYNKD On Air, host Angelique Robb speaks with Gabe Bustos from Hector's Home Service Marketing about the challenges and strategies of marketing for home service businesses. Gabe shares his journey as an entrepreneur, detailing his past failures due to ineffective marketing and how that led him to focus on helping small local contractors succeed. He emphasizes the importance of commitment and consistency in marketing efforts, explaining that many businesses fail to see results because they switch strategies too frequently without giving them enough time to mature.

Gabe outlines practical steps for home service businesses to enhance their marketing, starting with optimizing their Google Business Profile and gathering customer reviews. He discusses the significance of local service ads and the need for a well-optimized website. Throughout the conversation, Gabe highlights the importance of understanding customer acquisition costs and the predictability of lead generation, which are crucial for scaling a business. The episode concludes with Gabe offering insights on budgeting for marketing and the importance of finding trustworthy marketing partners.

Takeaways

"There's a missing piece here and I need to learn that myself."

"The power of commitment and consistency is crucial in marketing."

"You need to charge more or target a different clientele based on your customer acquisition costs."

"Google reviews are super important for both people looking for services and for algorithms."

"You can set up local service ads without hiring an expert, making it a low-risk option."

Sound Bites

"There's a missing piece here and I need to learn that myself."

"It does take a level of commitment and consistency."

"It's not just "Can I get leads?" It's "Can I get leads with some kind of predictability?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gabe Bustos and Hector's Home Service Marketing

01:07 Gabe's Entrepreneurial Journey and Marketing Struggles

03:10 Understanding the Importance of Focus in Marketing

05:35 How Long to Commit to a Marketing Strategy

07:20 The Cost of Customer Acquisition and Predictability

10:46 Actionable Marketing Tips for Home Service Businesses

12:36 Setting Up a Google Business Profile

16:05 The Importance of Customer Reviews

24:19 Exploring Google Ads and Local Service Ads

26:06 Introduction to Local Service Ads

27:21 Understanding the Benefits and Risks

30:39 Steps to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

33:13 The Importance of a Locally Optimized Website

36:11 Budgeting for SEO Services

37:59 Navigating Local SEO Challenges

41:54 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of SYNKD On Air, host Angelique Robb speaks with Jason Lee, owner of Sky Frog Landscapes, Trash Panda Express, and co-host of the Greener Side Up podcast. They discuss Jason's entrepreneurial journey, his involvement with the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), and the upcoming Landscape Rodeo event aimed at engaging the next generation in the green industry. The conversation highlights the importance of hands-on experience in landscaping education and the need for more visibility in the industry.

SIGN UP HERE:

https://thelandscaperodeo.com/

takeaways

• Jason Lee is the owner of Sky Frog Landscapes and Trash Panda Express.
• The Landscape Rodeo aims to engage the next generation in the green industry.
• FNGLA is working to provide more hands-on networking events for landscape contractors.
• The Landscape Rodeo will feature various competitions, including zero-turn barrel racing.
• Jason emphasizes the importance of teaching practical skills in landscaping education.
• The event is designed to be fun and engaging for all participants.
• There will be cash prizes and trophies for competition winners.
• The Landscape Rodeo is open to participants from across the country.
• Jason is passionate about raising awareness for careers in the green industry.
• The event will also support local FFA chapters and community service projects.

Sound Bites

• "It's a lot of fun!"
• "It's not just out cutting grass."
• "We're looking forward to game day!"

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Jason Lee and His Ventures

01:27Involvement in FNGLA and Landscape Events

04:30The Birth of the Landscape Rodeo

07:46Engaging the Next Generation in the Green Industry

09:41Learning from Experience: The Landscape Rodeo's Goals

19:23Details of the Upcoming Landscape Rodeo Event

In this conversation, Scott Horoszewski from Landscapes by Acme shares his journey in the landscaping industry, detailing his transition from employee to business owner. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction, continuous learning, and adapting to changes in the industry. Scott also highlights the significance of design in landscaping and the need for proper training and management as a business grows.

https://www.landscapesbyacme.com/

takeaways

• Scott started in landscaping after high school, initially working for his uncle's company.
• He quickly advanced from crew hand to manager within a year.
• Scott learned the importance of adaptability in the landscaping business.
• He emphasizes the value of customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth marketing.
• Scott's art background enhances his landscaping design skills.
• He transitioned from lawn care to offering a wider range of services over time.
• Rapid growth taught Scott the importance of understanding business numbers.
• Training employees properly is crucial for maintaining quality service.
• Scott believes in continuous learning to advance in the industry.
• He aims to keep his business manageable while still considering growth.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Scott Horoszewski and His Journey

00:59Starting in the Landscaping Industry

03:06Transitioning to Business Ownership

06:55Learning and Growing in the Industry

10:31Expanding Services and Skills

14:10The Importance of Design in Landscaping

16:37Lessons Learned from Rapid Growth

21:17Current Business Structure and Future Plans

"Failure is not an option here."

In this conversation, Paul Voresis shares his journey with Delta Landscape Inc., a family business founded by his father. He discusses the challenges of growing up in the landscaping industry, transitioning to construction management, and ultimately taking over the family business after his father's passing. Paul reflects on the lessons learned, the impact of the housing crisis, and the current challenges in the landscaping market. He expresses a desire to pass the business on to the next generation while maintaining a focus on quality and service.

Takeaways

Paul's father migrated from Greece and started Delta Landscape Inc.

Growing up in the family business taught Paul valuable life skills.

Paul transitioned to construction management before taking over the family business.

The housing crisis impacted the construction industry significantly.

Paul's determination to succeed helped him navigate challenges after his father's passing.

The company experienced growth after the economy began to recover.

Paul shifted the company's focus from construction to maintenance services.

The current market presents challenges for quality and service in landscaping.

Paul reflects on the importance of preserving the company's reputation.

He hopes to pass the business on to his children in the future.

Chapters

00:00 The Legacy of Delta Landscape Inc.

03:59 Growing Up in the Landscape Business

06:59 The Journey to College and Beyond

09:41 Transitioning to Construction Management

11:22 Navigating the Housing Crisis

17:22 Taking Over the Family Business

19:36 Life After Loss and Business Challenges

21:56 Facing Challenges Head-On

23:24 Evolution of Delta Landscape

25:04 Navigating Industry Changes

26:49 Shifting Focus to Maintenance

28:25 The Emotional Toll of Change

29:29 Considering a Return to Construction

31:16 Quality vs. Cost in Today's Market

33:02 Understanding Market Dynamics

35:26 Positioning for Future Opportunities

36:46 Legacy and Future Generations

The conversation covers the evolution of the landscape industry, the challenges of business growth, the intersection of urban nature and workwear, and the importance of business skills in the trades industry. Zech Strauser shares insights on his journey and the key factors that have shaped his approach to business and entrepreneurship. The conversation covers the challenges and dynamics of sales channels in the apparel industry, the impact of social media on sales and marketing, and the role of social selling in retail. It also delves into the challenges of product delivery and customization in the apparel industry.

Takeaways

• Landscape industry evolution
• Challenges of business growth
• The intersection of urban nature and workwear
• The importance of business skills in the trades industry Sales channels in the apparel industry
• Challenges with product delivery and customization

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Landscape Industry Beginnings
• 10:01 The Importance of Business Skills in the Trades Industry
• 29:52 Sales Channels in Apparel Industry
• 40:26 Impact of Social Media on Sales and Marketing
• 48:24 The Role of Social Selling in Retail