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

Jonathan Torres shares his journey from incarceration to becoming a landscape architect and his work with Project Kinship to support at-risk youth. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and providing resources for youth to break the cycle of incarceration.

Takeaways

• Mentorship
• Breaking the Cycle

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Stephanie Carlson from Naturspire, discussing her journey from journalism to the landscaping industry, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the importance of biophilic design. Stephanie shares her passion for creating living walls and green spaces, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future of her business. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration, trust, and the benefits of incorporating nature into indoor and environments in unique ways.

https://www.naturspire.com/

Takeaways

• Stephanie transitioned from journalism to landscaping after raising her children.
• She discovered biophilic design and its benefits for indoor environments.
• COVID-19 increased demand for indoor plants and greenery.
• NatureSpar focuses on creating living walls and green roofs.
• Collaboration with architects and designers is key to her business.
• Stephanie emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the industry.
• She aims to educate clients on the value of greenery in spaces.
• The business has grown through reinvestment and expanding services.
• Stephanie's passion for nature drives her creativity and projects.
• She believes in the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature.

Sound Bites

• "I love doing rooftops."
• "It just brings happiness."
• "Nature is like the best Xanax."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:48Transition to NatureSpire and Biophilic Design

05:35Impact of COVID-19 on Business

08:39Expanding Services and Collaborations

11:10Creative Projects and Challenges

14:01Growth and Business Development

17:33Building Relationships and Trust

21:30Future Vision and Industry Insights

In this conversation, Basil Camu, an arborist and founder of Leaf and Limb, discusses his transformative journey in the arboriculture industry, emphasizing the importance of tree preservation over removal. He shares pivotal moments that led to a significant shift in his business model, the challenges faced during this transition, and the innovative services that emerged as a result. Basil advocates for collaboration within the industry, the need for education about tree care, and the importance of finding joy in meaningful work. He also provides valuable advice for business owners looking to pivot their practices towards sustainability and environmentalism.

Takeaways

• Basil Camu transformed his arboriculture business to focus on tree preservation.
• The decision to stop removing healthy trees was driven by ethical considerations.
• The shift resulted in a loss of $2 million in annual revenue but led to a stronger business model.
• Structural pruning became a key service that differentiates Leaf and Limb from competitors.
• Collaboration with other tree services increased referrals and business opportunities.
• Education is crucial for changing public perception about tree care.
• Basil emphasizes the importance of finding joy in meaningful work.
• The company became the first B Corp certified in the arboriculture industry.
• Basil encourages other businesses to focus on sustainability and environmentalism.
• A strong marketing strategy centered on education can build trust and community engagement.

Chapters

00:00

Transforming Arboriculture: A New Ethos

03:01

Pivotal Moments in Business Transformation

05:35

Navigating Challenges: Client Convincing and Business Ethics

08:31

Building a New Business Model: Focus on Preservation

11:04

Innovative Services: Structural Pruning and Beyond

14:04

Collaboration Over Competition: A New Industry Approach

16:44

The Future of Arboriculture: A Call for Change

19:32

Education as a Marketing Tool: Engaging the Community

22:23

Advice for Business Owners: Transitioning with Purpose

25:01

Finding Joy in Meaningful Work: A Personal Journey

The conversation explores the critical issue of drinkable water scarcity and the advancements in water treatment technology that can convert non-drinkable water sources into safe drinking water. Cydian Kauffman discusses the alarming statistics regarding the availability of drinkable water and highlights the innovative technologies that can help address this global challenge.

https://purewaternorthwest.com/

Cydian Kauffman

CEO, Pure Water Northwest

https://purewaternorthwest.com/ 

[email protected]

360-908-8947

206-281-4100

Takeaways

• Only about 0.03 percent of the water in the world is drinkable.
• Drinkable water is becoming increasingly scarce.
• Water treatment technology can make non-drinkable water safe to drink.
• We can convert swamp water into drinking water.
• We can also convert sewer water into drinking water.
• The technology for water treatment is advancing rapidly.
• There is still a significant amount of clean water available.
• Water treatment can help alleviate water scarcity issues.
• Innovative solutions are crucial for sustainable water management.
• The conversation highlights the importance of environmental sustainability.

#conservewater #irrigation #smartwater #tapwater #microplastics

This morning we had Kris Kiser on the SYNKD on air show and here's a summary of the topics we covered. Will you be there next week? SYNKD team will be there so please reach out to us if you see us!!

https://www.synkd.io/synkd-news/equip-expo-wins-will-you-be-there-next-week

Equip Exposition Named “Greatest Trade Show of 2024,” Celebrated for Industry Impact and Community Stewardship

Equip Exposition—the nation’s largest gathering for landscapers, contractors, dealers, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers—has been named “The Greatest Trade Show of 2024” by Trade Show Executive at the Gold 100 Awards and Summit. The event also received the “Against All Odds Award” and was ranked the third largest trade show in the United States.

Despite facing a major cyberattack on its registration vendor days before opening, the Equip and OPEI teams pivoted seamlessly to deliver a record-breaking, sold-out show with 28,500 attendees, demonstrating resilience and operational excellence.

A Hub for Networking, Education, and Innovation

Peer-to-peer networking continues to be at the heart of Equip, giving industry professionals vital access to suppliers, partners, and new opportunities. As one industry leader put it:

“You can’t not be known each year.”

The show features:

• Hands-on Outdoor Demo Yard with 30 acres of equipment trials
• Expanded UTV Test Track
• Robust education and training sessions
• High-energy industry events, including concerts and receptions

Outdoor Stewardship and Community Engagement

Beyond business, Equip champions outdoor stewardship and community impact, highlighted through its partnership with the TurfMutt Foundation.

Key initiatives include:

• Reaching 70 million children with outdoor education programs
• Using a dog superhero character to promote conservation and responsible land use
• Hosting dog adoption events at the expo, turning industry gatherings into opportunities for giving back
• Encouraging community involvement in outdoor activities and connecting stewardship with real-life action

As shared in the podcast:

“There’s a real dog behind that.”

This storytelling approach humanizes the mission and deepens engagement.

Education That Inspires the Next Generation

Equip and TurfMutt understand that shaping the future of the industry begins with education. Their programs teach kids to value green spaces, care for the environment, and even consider careers in the outdoors.

“We reach 70 million kids.”

This long-term educational vision aligns perfectly with Equip’s role as the industry’s innovation leader.

Why Equip Exposition Stands Apart

Equip isn’t just a trade show—it’s a movement.

Its success comes from combining:

✅ Unmatched networking

✅ Forward-thinking education

✅ Hands-on industry events

✅ Deep commitment to outdoor stewardship

✅ Heartwarming dog adoption initiatives through the TurfMutt Foundation

By blending business growth with community purpose, Equip has set a new standard—making it clear why it earned the title “The Greatest Show of 2024.”

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

The expo continues to expand programming and experiences, with new initiatives already in motion for 2025. As the industry evolves, Equip remains the place to connect, learn, innovate, and give back.

Equip Exposition isn’t just the biggest. It’s the most impactful.

In this episode, Peter Wimberg shares his journey in the landscaping industry, emphasizing the importance of native plants and naturalistic landscapes. He discusses the transformation of urban spaces from traditional lawns to vibrant gardens, the challenges of changing public mindsets, and the evolving demand for pollinator gardens. Peter highlights the balance between traditional landscaping practices and innovative approaches, advocating for a future where landscapes coexist harmoniously with nature.

https://wimberglandscaping.com/

Takeaways

• Peter started his landscaping journey at a young age, pushing a lawnmower at 10.
• The shift towards native plants began about five years ago, driven by environmental concerns.
• Peter's personal garden has been chemical-free for over 15 years, focusing on native plants.
• Changing public perception about landscaping is a significant challenge.
• The maintenance of naturalistic gardens requires more knowledge and skill than traditional landscapes.
• Demand for pollinator gardens is growing, with many homeowners embracing the change.
• Peter's company has seen a substantial increase in sales for native gardens.
• Education and community engagement are crucial for promoting sustainable landscaping.
• The future of landscaping may involve more native and pollinator-friendly designs.
• Peter envisions a world where urban landscapes are more integrated with nature.

Sound Bites

• "I've never really had an office job."
• "I haven't had a lawn in probably 15 years."
• "You need the matrix plant to fill in."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Peter Wimberg and His Journey

02:23

Embracing Native Plants and Naturalistic Landscapes

06:06

Transforming Urban Spaces: The Shift from Lawns to Gardens

11:44

Changing Mindsets: The Challenge of Non-Traditional Landscapes

18:59

The Evolution of Plant Life and Garden Management

24:21

The Business of Landscaping: Balancing Traditional and Innovative Approaches

30:34

Growing Demand for Pollinator Gardens and Native Landscapes

37:21

The Future of Landscaping: Coexisting with Nature

43:56

Conclusion and Future Aspirations

keywords

landscaping, native plants, pollinator gardens, sustainable gardening, urban gardening, landscape design, environmental conservation, naturalistic landscapes, gardening education, business growth

In this episode, Mark Woolbright discusses the evolution and benefits of plantable retaining walls, emphasizing their environmental advantages over traditional concrete walls. He shares insights on the challenges of installation, the shift to using plastic blocks for portability, and the importance of plant selection for successful landscaping. Mark also highlights the need for education and collaboration among contractors and designers to ensure the effective implementation of these innovative systems. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of plantable retaining walls and the potential for creating unique, sustainable landscapes.

https://www.verdtech.com/retaining-wall/

USE CODE 'SYNKD25' TO SAVE 10% on your order

Takeaways

Mark's passion for plantable retaining walls began during his travels in Europe.

Plantable walls offer environmental benefits like urban cooling and runoff filtration.

The shift from concrete to plastic blocks enhances portability and reduces weight.

Education is essential for contractors to understand the installation of plantable walls.

Plant selection is critical for the success of plantable retaining walls.

Mark's company is focusing on building a network of installers across the country.

The aesthetic appeal of plantable walls is a significant draw for homeowners.

Collaboration between engineers, architects, and landscapers is vital for project success.

The market for plantable retaining walls is growing, with increasing consumer interest.

Mark is optimistic about the future of plantable retaining walls and their acceptance in the industry.

Sound bites

"Our blocks are much more portable."

"Education is key for installation."

"It's about creating a unique aesthetic."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Plantable Retaining Walls

02:50 The Evolution of Retaining Wall Technology

05:24 The Benefits of Plantable Retaining Walls

08:27 Challenges in Installation and Education

11:11 The Shift to Plastic Blocks

13:45 Partnerships and Market Focus

16:38 Plant Selection and Environmental Considerations

19:20 Future of Plantable Retaining Walls

22:19 The Importance of Collaboration in Design

25:08 Personal Experiences and Case Studies

27:51 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Keywords

plantable retaining walls, environmental design, landscaping, sustainable construction, green architecture, urban cooling, runoff water filtration, landscape contractors, plant selection, retaining wall technology

In this conversation, Brent Markus from Instant Hedge discusses the innovative production process of their hedges, focusing on the unique aspects of their boxwood varieties and the alternatives they offer. He shares insights into the shipping and distribution of their products, the benefits for landscapers, and his background in landscape architecture. The discussion highlights the growing demand for finished hedges in landscaping and the ease of use that Instant Hedge provides for both professionals and homeowners.

Takeaways

Instant Hedge uses computer-controlled tractors for precision planting.

Boxwood is the most popular hedge variety sold by Instant Hedge.

The company offers a variety of hedge sizes and types, including alternatives to boxwood.

Shipping is available across the U.S., with a focus on New England.

Brent's background in landscape architecture informs the business model of Instant Hedge.

The production process includes root pruning to ensure healthy hedges.

Instant Hedge products can be installed quickly, providing instant gratification for clients.

The company has a strong focus on customer service and first-time buyers.

Brent emphasizes the importance of listening to industry practitioners.

The demand for finished hedges is growing in the landscaping market.

Sound bites

"Boxwood is our number one seller."

"We have so many other varieties."

"We ship all over the U.S."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Instant Hedge and Brent Markus

02:55 The Unique Process of Growing Hedges

05:26 Boxwood: The Most Popular Hedge

08:13 Exploring Hedge Varieties and Alternatives

11:14 Production and Shipping of Hedges

14:18 Sustainability and Biodegradable Packaging

17:25 Collaborations and Practical Applications

18:24 Innovative Landscaping Solutions

21:16 The Growing Demand for Instant Hedge

22:48 Sales Strategies and Distribution Channels

26:18 First-Time Orders and Customer Engagement

28:24 Brent's Journey in Horticulture

31:11 The Technology Behind Instant Hedge

34:21 Cost-Effectiveness of Instant Hedge

37:15 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Marie Ambusk, who shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a passionate advocate for tree health and gardening. Marie discusses the challenges of tree care, the importance of understanding root health, and the innovative solutions she is developing, including ground penetrating radar technology to analyze tree roots. The conversation highlights the value of trees in our environment and the need for collaboration within the industry to improve tree care practices.

To pre-order the tool - sign up here:

https://www.treesroi.com/services-4

Takeaways

Marie transitioned from a corporate career to gardening after encountering tree health issues in her neighborhood.

She became a master gardener and started a project to help urban trees thrive.

Understanding tree roots is crucial for their health and longevity.

Many people are intimidated by tree care and fear damaging them.

Innovative tools are needed to assess tree root health before planting.

Ground penetrating radar technology is being developed to analyze tree roots.

The quality of tree roots significantly impacts their survival and growth.

Collaboration among industry professionals is essential for improving tree care.

The value of trees increases with their age, making proper care vital.

Education and awareness are key to preventing tree health issues. 

Sound bites

"The roots always win. They always win."

"It's all about the value proposition."

"It's a hard solution to crack."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marie Ambusk

02:35 The Journey Begins: From Corporate to Gardening

05:26 Understanding Tree Health and Root Issues

08:13 The Importance of Quality Roots

11:02 Challenges in Tree Care and Maintenance

13:52 Innovative Solutions for Tree Root Problems

16:36 Developing Ground Penetrating Radar Technology

19:13 The Science Behind Tree Root Analysis

21:58 The Value of Trees and Their Impact

24:41 The Future of Tree Care and Industry Collaboration

27:33 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

30:13 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Keywords

tree care, root health, gardening, innovation, environmental sustainability, tree maintenance, ground penetrating radar, urban gardening, horticulture, tree planting

Keywords

Jackson Pottery, cast stone, landscape architecture, sustainability, handmade pottery, trade website, customer feedback, design innovation, quality products, gardening

Summary

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Forrest Jackson of Jackson Pottery, discussing the company's rich history, evolution into cast stone planters, unique selling points, production methods, sustainability initiatives, and the importance of celebrating landscape architecture. The conversation highlights the commitment to quality and customer feedback, as well as the launch of a new trade website to better serve landscapers and architects.

https://jacksonpotterypro.com/

Takeaways

Jackson Pottery has evolved from handmade pottery to cast stone planters.

The company focuses on unique, high-quality pieces that stand out.

Customer feedback is crucial for product development and innovation.

Their cast stone production is small batch, ensuring quality and durability.

Sustainability efforts include recycling materials and creating long-lasting products.

Post-pandemic, the focus is shifting back to design and trade relationships.

The new trade website allows for easier ordering and inventory management.

Celebrating landscape architecture is important for the industry.

Durability and quality are key selling points for their products.

Jackson Pottery aims to be a resource for landscapers and architects.

Sound bites

"There's a lot of things that you can get into."

"We enjoy celebrating what they've done."

"We want to be a resource for them."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jackson Pottery

00:57 The Evolution of Jackson Pottery

03:00 Transition to Cast Stone Planters

05:09 Unique Selling Points and Customer Feedback

08:30 Understanding Cast Stone Production

11:37 The Importance of Durability

14:54 Sustainability Initiatives at Jackson Pottery

19:06 Post-Pandemic Focus on Design and Trade

21:19 New Trade Website and Customer Engagement

23:56 Celebrating Landscape Architecture