SYNKD On Air

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews John Fowler from Millboard, discussing the evolution of Millboard's products and their unique offerings in the decking and cladding market. John shares insights on the company's growth strategy, market position, and notable projects, highlighting the innovative features of Millboard's materials, including their anti-slip properties and aesthetic appeal. The conversation also touches on future trends in outdoor living and customer engagement strategies.

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Mike Kunard from Hidden Step Marketing, discussing his journey in the outdoor living industry, innovative products like the Deck Divider and IG Railing, and the future of technology and sustainability in construction. Mike shares insights on entrepreneurship, community support, and the importance of making products that are both effective and easy to use.

In this SYNKD Live 2025 recording from Atlanta, GA, Franco D’Ascanio, President & CEO of D’Asign Source and Coastal Source, presents a compelling vision for transforming outdoor living in niche markets. He reflects on building a high-end brand in the Florida Keys and shares how quality, client relationships, and technology integration—especially lighting and audio—became the foundation of their success. Franco explores the challenges of operating in a small, weather-intense environment and how that shaped their commitment to durability and premium design. He also underscores the importance of trust and relationship-driven marketing in outdoor living. Finally, Franco offers forward-thinking insights into how this space will evolve, touching on sustainability and tech innovation.

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Erin Eregbu-Lomas, a cultural visionary and land steward, discussing her journey in landscape horticulture, the importance of sustainability, and the need for community empowerment in the green industry. They explore how to bridge the gap between the industry and the public, the role of native plants in sustainability, and Erin's initiatives to combat food insecurity in Nigeria. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of nature and human practices, advocating for a more holistic approach to horticulture and environmental stewardship.

In this conversation, Cruz Lon shares his journey in the hardscaping industry, discussing how he accidentally entered the field and the evolution of the industry over the years. He emphasizes the importance of networking, education, and understanding client needs to succeed in business. Cruz also talks about launching Hardscape University to share his knowledge and experiences with others, highlighting the significance of investing in oneself and building a community. He reflects on work-life balance and his aspirations for the future, aiming to continue making a positive impact in the industry.

In this episode of Sync'd On Air, host Angelique Robb interviews Claire Chambers, founder of Meadowlab, who shares her journey from a 20-year career in e-commerce to creating biodiverse landscapes. Claire discusses the challenges of meadow installation, the importance of site preparation, and the innovative Wildflower Turf product that aims to revolutionize landscaping in the US. The conversation highlights the need for education in meadow care and the future expansion plans for Meadowlab's offerings. In this conversation, Claire Chambers discusses the intricacies of planning and executing wildflower projects, emphasizing the importance of understanding soil conditions, innovative seed mixes, and the challenges of adoption among homeowners and professionals. She highlights the need for education on meadow maintenance and the evolving landscape design preferences in the U.S., drawing comparisons with practices in the UK. The conversation concludes with a focus on the future of Meadowlab and its commitment to community engagement and training for landscape professionals.

In this conversation, Jerry Schill shares his journey in the landscaping industry, detailing the evolution of Schill Grounds Management over 32 years. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for continuous innovation and technology adoption. Jerry emphasizes building a strong company culture and the significance of succession planning for future leadership. In this conversation, Gerald J Schill discusses the challenges of maintaining a consistent culture across multiple locations, the importance of customer service principles like the 'sundown rule', proactive talent acquisition strategies, and offers valuable advice for emerging business owners. He emphasizes the significance of investing in people and building a business with a mindset geared towards long-term success.

In this episode, Kona Gray shares his journey from growing up in Liberia to becoming a prominent figure in landscape architecture. He discusses the influences of his childhood, education, and the importance of cultural perspectives in design. Kona emphasizes the need for an environmental revolution, drawing lessons from countries like Japan and Singapore, where landscape architecture is deeply respected and integrated into daily life. In this conversation, Kona Gray discusses the profound impact of nature on well-being, shares insights from significant landscape architecture projects, and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in design. He highlights the cultural significance of projects like the Juneteenth Museum and advocates for diversity and sustainability in the field of landscape architecture. Kona's passion for creating spaces that foster connection and healing is evident throughout the discussion.

In this conversation, Derek Clelan shares his journey from starting a landscaping business to founding Your Haven, a design and planning company. He discusses the importance of focus, discipline, and mindset in achieving business success. Derek emphasizes the need for contractors to provide value through professional design services and the significance of understanding client needs to create successful landscaping projects. In this conversation, Derek discusses the importance of understanding client needs in landscape design, emphasizing the need for effective communication and the value equation. He shares insights from a real-life project, illustrating how to transform client visions into reality while navigating budget constraints. The discussion also touches on targeting the right clientele and the significance of collaboration within the industry to inspire and elevate design standards.

In this conversation, Michael Ding from Bobyard discusses the evolution of their AI-driven software designed for landscaping businesses. He shares insights on how Bobyard streamlines the estimating process, the importance of customer feedback in product development, and addresses common misconceptions about AI in the industry. Michael emphasizes the need for a customer-centric approach and the potential for Bobyard to transform workflows in landscaping and beyond.