The Green Edge with CJ

In this mobile-recorded “road show” episode, CJ returns to The Green Edge with a candid check-in on the realities of running a lawn care business mid-season. From weekly mowing schedules and contract strategies to navigating storm cleanup jobs and looming burnout, CJ gives a raw and real update on the challenges—and opportunities—this season is bringing.

He shares how rain has extended the mowing season, how to manage sand-based lawns, and the importance of taking strategic time off to avoid burnout. CJ also gives a shoutout to the LAL event hosted by Brian and Liz, encouraging listeners to take advantage of valuable educational content.

If you're in the green industry and need real talk about staying sharp, staying sane, and staying profitable—this episode is for you.

🌧️ Rain Has Been a Blessing: Extended mowing season means consistent income.

📅 Contract Management Is Key: Use annual mow commitments to your advantage.

⚠️ Burnout Is Real: Plan intentional breaks to stay mentally and physically fresh.

💼 Diversify With Storm Work: Cleanup jobs add extra revenue during unpredictable weather.

🎟️ Support Industry Events: Don’t miss the LAL event and snow contracts from Brian and Liz.

📣 Want to Be on the Podcast? CJ is open to guests and sponsors—reach out!

Join CJ in the latest episode of The GreenEdge, as he delves into the bustling spring mowing season. With a schedule packed with 50 mowing accounts and various landscaping projects, CJ shares insights on managing different property sizes, from expansive four-acre estates to compact trailer park lots.

Learn effective strategies for double cutting lawns, including tips on cutting heights that promote healthy grass growth throughout the summer. CJ also outlines his weekly mowing routes, highlighting the adaptability required to tackle the challenges posed by unpredictable weather in southeast Michigan.

Whether you're a lawn care enthusiast or just looking to enhance your mowing skills, CJ's practical advice will keep you on track for a successful season.

Welcome to The Green Edge with CJ! In this episode, we dive into the exciting kickoff of the 2025 mowing season. Despite some recent ups and downs, we're back and committed to bringing you regular episodes. As we ramp up, we're managing around 55 mowing accounts a week, progressing towards full capacity. Alongside mowing, we're tackling landscaping and mulch projects, aiming to secure 40-50% of our estimates.

We're eager to hear from you: What type of content would enhance your mowing routines this season? Email your suggestions to [email protected]. Let's make the 2025 mowing season a memorable one!

In this episode of The Green Edge with C.J., we sit down with Cole Graham, owner of North Country Landscaping, based in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Cole shares his unique journey—starting out mowing lawns at age 10, working for a landscaping company through high school and college, and eventually buying the business while still a student-athlete playing college baseball.

Faced with the challenge of managing a growing business, a college workload, and baseball, Cole made a bold decision—leaving college to take North Country Landscaping full-time. Since then, he’s grown the company by adding 140 clients in just one year and expanding services into hardscaping, snow removal, and landscape construction.

C.J. and Cole discuss the importance of route density, the smartest way to invest in equipment, hiring employees, and the challenges of growing a business while staying profitable. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is full of real-world insights and actionable advice.

✅ Take smart risks – Buying an existing landscaping business was a leap of faith but ultimately paid off.

💬 “I was on a plane to Florida for college baseball, writing out business goals instead of focusing on the game. That’s when I knew—I was more passionate about business than baseball.” – Cole Graham

In this episode of The Green Edge with C.J., we sit down with Colten Delehanty, owner of Cole’s Lawn & Landscaping LLC in Germantown, Ohio. Colten shares his journey from mowing lawns in high school to launching his own business and growing it while balancing a full-time job as a machinist. He discusses the challenges of scaling, managing employees, and deciding when to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.

C.J. and Colten dive into the importance of route density, customer relationships, and expanding services beyond mowing to landscaping, hardscaping, and excavation. They also talk about equipment choices, business lessons, and strategies for sustainable growth.

If you're looking to start or scale your own lawn care business, this episode is full of real-world insights and practical advice to help you succeed.

✅ Start small but think big – Growth should be steady, not rushed. Overextending can lead to inefficiencies.

💬 “If you're thinking about starting a business, just give it a try. You might be surprised at what you can make out of it.” – Colten Delehanty

In the inaugural episode of The Green Edge with C.J., host C.J. introduces listeners to the mission and vision of his podcast. With over a decade of experience in the green industry, C.J. shares his journey of turning lawn care into both a passion and a thriving business. This episode explores the podcast’s focus on practical tips for business owners, insights into industry trends, and occasional guest appearances. From lawn care techniques to managing a self-funded business, C.J. provides a fresh perspective for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is the perfect introduction to growing, thriving, and cutting through the noise.

Welcome to The Green Edge with your host, CJ! 

Expect fresh perspectives, practical tips, and special guest appearances every month—bringing insights from both inside and outside the green industry. Whether you’re a lawn care pro, a business owner, or just looking to sharpen your edge, this podcast is for you.

Let’s grow, thrive, and cut through the noise—this is The Green Edge!