The GROW! Show

By Marty GrunderBusiness Entrepreneurship Leisure Management Home & Garden

The GROW! Show episodes

January 29, 2025 Leadership: Orientation & Onboarding Strategies
Discover the key differences between orientation and onboarding in this concise podcast episode. Learn why both are crucial for successfully integrating new hires and boosting long-term engagement. We'll break down how orientation sets the stage and how onboarding drives deeper employee connection and productivity and learn how RJ Lawn and Landscape and Hidden Creek do this well! Tune in to ensure your new hire process is setting your team up for success!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show!
️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
In This Episode:

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
01:58 - Defining Orientation
02:54 - Setting the Tone With Orientation
06:19 - Defining Onboarding & Effective Strategies
08:04 - Increase Retention & Engagement
10:17 - Conclusion And Final Thoughts

Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month!
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:

Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl

Show Notes:
Orientation vs. Onboarding:
  - Orientation is a one-time event for new hires, where they get all the necessary information about the company.
  - Onboarding is a longer-term, structured process aimed at integrating new team members into the organization.

Purpose of Orientation:
  - Provides a crash course on how the company works.
  - Covers policies, procedures, paperwork, company history, and administrative tasks.
  - Sets the tone and culture of the company.
  - Helps new hires understand expectations and the working environment.

Setting the Tone:
  - Orientation can set the tone for punctuality, professionalism, and workplace culture.
  - Example contrasts of tone:
    - Bill Belichick's strict, no-nonsense orientation style with the New England Patriots.
    - Mike McDaniel’s relaxed, friendly approach with the Miami Dolphins.

Onboarding Details:
  - Involves role-specific training and development.
  - Includes continuous feedback and performance assessments.
  - Common practice of 30, 60, 90-day check-ins to ensure ongoing support and engagement.

Long-term Goals of Onboarding:
  - Ensures new team members are productive and engaged.
  - Focuses on both job performance and employee satisfaction.

Impact of Effective Onboarding:
  - Increases retention and job satisfaction.
  - Enhances overall company success by creating a strong, engaged workforce.
12 min
January 22, 2025 Leadership: How the 4 Pillars of Success Support Landscaping Companies
In this episode, Marty Grunder and Vince Torchia discuss the 4 Pillars of Success and what successful landscaping companies are doing in 2025 to ensure they have strength in their Platform, People, Process, and Profits.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show!
️ Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
In This Episode:

00:00 - Start
00:24 - Introduction and Welcome
01:59 - The Four PIllars of Success
02:45 - Deep Dive into Platform
07:39 - Focusing on People
10:02 - Thoughts on the Current Labor Market
15:34 - Optimizing Processes
19:26 - Driving Profits
23:12 - Grow Event 2025

Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month!
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:

Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
27 min
January 15, 2025 Leadership Essentials: Practical Tips for 2025
In Episode 91 of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping and the Grow Group provides valuable insights into effective leadership. Marty emphasizes the importance of leading by example, maintaining integrity, showing enthusiasm, and communicating effectively. He shares personal anecdotes and actionable steps to become a better leader in 2025, including being proactive, taking risks, and embracing challenges with a positive mindset. Additionally, Marty underscores the importance of setting a clear vision and purpose, and constantly working on self-improvement. The episode concludes with an invitation to the Grow 2025 event in Columbus, Ohio, focusing on leadership, sales, and finance.
Leave a Review for the Grow Show!
Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel!
In This Episode:
(00:00) - Introduction & Welcome
(02:28) - Leading By Example
(03:36) - Embracing Challenges
(06:17) - Bring the Juice!
(08:20) - Communicate Effectively
(13:08) - 4 Steps to Better Communication
(16:23) - Impact for the Better
(17:54) - Fix Problems With TNT
Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month!
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:

Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
22 min
January 08, 2025Leadership: Managing Up
How can you, as a team member who isn't in a leadership role, drive meaningful change within your organization in 2025?
In this episode of The Grow Show, Vince Torchia, Vice President of The Grow Group, discusses the often overlooked but crucial skill of managing up. While much focus is placed on how managers can lead their teams, Vince emphasizes the importance of team members effectively managing their relationship with their manager to ensure smoother operations and success within the company. Vince shares practical tips on anticipating challenges, communicating clearly, embracing ownership, and adapting to decisions for the greater good—skills that can make a big difference in both team dynamics and overall company performance.
In This Episode:
(00:00) Vince shares some ideas for team members in 2025, don’t overthink, ‘just do it!’
(02:16) Learn to anticipate challenges and opportunities - especially outside your ‘silo’
(03:00) Communicate
(04:00) Understand, accept, move on!
(05:00) Take ownership
(06:00) Recap and closing thoughts
Looking forward to GROW! 2025 next month!
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:

Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
9 min
January 01, 2025Sales: Networking and Business Development Basics
In this episode, Marty reveals how a simple $70 lunch turned into nearly $2M in business for Grunder Landscaping Co. in 2024!

Tune in to hear Marty share his networking strategies, from identifying the right clients to building meaningful relationships that lead to long-term success. Learn how to craft a targeted prospect list, leverage contact management tools like Aspire, and stand out in a crowded market. Discover the power of personal touches, like handwritten notes, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings, and hear how sports and shared interests can create lasting business connections. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your approach, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you grow your landscaping business through smart networking!

In This Episode:
(00:00) Spending holiday time with family
(03:16) The four key elements to attracting new sales - find more of your ideal clients
(05:00) Targeting and contacting your client list, do you have your list in Aspire or other software? What are you doing to stand out to potential clients?
(08:00) Reaching out to your prospects - key channels, contact etiquette
(14:00) A success story around a new networking source - sports are a great common ground
(19:00) Buying radio spots, closing thoughts
Looking forward to GROW! 2025
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:

Good News in Dayton

Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl https://www.stihlusa.com/
22 min
December 25, 2024Interview Series: Thinking Like Owners with Christianna Denelsbeck Rudder
How can mentorship serve as a pivotal influence in career advancement, particularly for women in traditionally male-dominated fields such as finance and landscaping?

In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by Landscape Workshop CFO Christianna Denelsbeck Rudder to talk about how they get their branch managers to think like owners, what's changed as the company has grown, the metrics they pay attention to, what it's like working with CEO J.T. Price, and the challenges and solutions she's found as the business faced challenges.
Christianna stresses that cultural integration is more than a buzzword—it's the backbone of successful mergers. With a dedicated PMI team, companies can align cultures and operations, ensuring smoother transitions. She also sheds light on why business owners might consider selling, highlighting that larger partnerships can alleviate labor challenges and administrative burdens, allowing businesses to thrive by focusing on core strengths. From mentorship to leadership, Christianna speaks candidly about the importance of direct feedback and open communication in career growth. Learn how she's been inspired by mentors with McKinsey backgrounds and how "honest, open, and transparent" conversations foster a performance-driven culture. You’ll hear some of the unique challenges women face in this industry, advocating for mentorship to break down barriers, whether it's navigating maternity leave or bridging gender gaps. Community involvement is key - Christianna recounts her engagement with initiatives like Rotaract, demonstrating the powerful impact of mentorship and community support.

Landscape Workshop is a full-service grounds management company that has been providing professional service and expert maintenance for outdoor commercial spaces since 1984. We bring out the best in each property we serve while delivering a first-class experience every time. With multiple locations throughout the Southeast, LW has the resources to consistently deliver superior landscaping services across our expansive footprint. Our regional clients have the unique benefit of hiring one landscape vendor for multiple locations.

In This Episode:
(00:00) ACE group memories from New Orleans, intro of guest Christianna Denelsbeck Rudder, CFO of Landscape Workshop
(05:44) The path to finance and accounting, learning from challenges
(12:07) Cultural integration in mergers and acquisitions, why business owners should consider selling for growth opportunities, role of CFO in small company operations
(24:00) JT Price - how is it to work for a demanding CEO? Tips and tricks on getting promoted, value of direct feedback and transparent communication
(32:55) Excelling in current roles as a pathway to promotions, mentorship in male-dominated industries, learning from younger/older colleagues and their perspectives, navigating unique situations with female mentorship
(37:00) Recognizing you’re not the only one who can do the job, letting go of perfectionism, strategies for staying organized with technology and outsourcing
(41:54) Christianna’s free time activities
(42:43) Community involvement - NALP, Rotaract, Elevate
Looking forward to GROW! 2025
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:

Photo Credits: LW
Landscape Workshop
Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
49 min
December 18, 2024Interview Series: Jordan Smith from VSI by Boss on Health and Snow
What are the challenges and opportunities facing the snow and ice control industry, and how are companies like VSI and Storm Equipment leading the way in setting new standards and educating contractors on best practices?

Marty Grunder is joined by Jordan Smith on this episode of The Grow Show powered by STIHL to discuss his journey in the landscaping and snow removal industry. They talk about the challenges Jordan has faced in his career and how he's overcome them, the changes the snow industry has faced, and what he believes is coming next for pros who offer snow and ice services.
In the evolving landscape of the snow industry, standardized practices are necessary. In their conversation, Marty and Jordan discuss how companies like VSI and Storm Equipment are pioneering efforts to educate contractors about proper pricing and asset recovery. You’ll hear about cutting-edge advancements in snow removal technology, from versatile Boss products to heavy equipment innovations that enhance productivity and employee morale. Find out how the value of a passionate team and treating snow as a critical service can transform challenges into opportunities.

Voigt Smith Innovation (VSI) was founded from a landscaping and snow removal company that began with a one-man crew and grew rapidly over the years. To differentiate from competitors, VSI started offering specialized services like hydroseeding and liquid de-icing, eventually designing and building their own equipment after being dissatisfied with the market options. After years of refinement, VSI realized their expertise could help other contractors, leading to the company's formation. With over 10 years of experience, VSI focuses on customer satisfaction, using high-quality components like Honda engines and Banjo pumps, and offering warranties for reliability and peace of mind.

In This Episode:
(00:00) Weight loss and eating habits
(02:15) Intro and background - Jordan Smith's journey from college landscaping to liquid de-icing under the VSI brand
(05:52) Jordan’s health over the years, progress losing weight - 400 lbs down to 230
(11:20) Setting standards in snow industry, consistency and dedication are key, snow and landscape industries need standardization and education
(17:00) Proper pricing and asset recovery, how VSI and Storm Equipment are pioneering efforts to elevate industry standards, with a focus on innovations like liquid de-icing
(21:41) Best practices and innovations in snow removal equipment, including Boss products and heavy equipment attachments, increase efficiency and employee morale
(28:19) The snow removal and construction industries have shifted to larger sites, advanced techniques, and private equity involvement
(39:39) Snow industry and management mindset shift, passionate team building, and strategic approach can turn deficits into profits
(43:00) Final thoughts
(44:26) Landscape Business Podcast Promotion
Looking forward to GROW! 2025
Subscribe and share the Grow Show to help more landscape pros discover it. Thank you for being part of our community.
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:

Jordan Smith LinkedIn

VSI by Boss
Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
46 min
December 11, 2024Interview Series: Wake Up Calls, Turning Points, and the Role of a Leader with Jeffrey Johns
How did a chance meeting at a GROW! boot camp 30 years ago set the stage for Jeffrey Johns' successful journey in the landscaping industry with his company Coastal Greenery?

Marty Grunder chats with Jeffrey about their similar paths and experiences, Jeffrey's journey as an entrepreneur, the tough times in business that served as wake-up calls, and what was important for him to learn to get to where he is today. The episode then pivots to Jeffrey's role today, what he does to help his team, and how he works with family successfully.

Discover how Jeffrey's passion for landscaping, nurtured by his family, evolved into a sustainable business. You’ll hear Jeffrey open up about the family dynamics that drive Coastal Greenery, highlighting the pivotal roles of his wife Misty, and twin sons, Jacob and Joshua. With a 60-65 hour workweek, Jeffrey and Misty complement each other's leadership styles, evolving their roles based on team feedback and expectations. The conversation is a rich narrative on leadership, legacy, and the timeless value of building strong familial and business connections within the landscaping industry.
Coastal Greenery specializes in commercial landscape maintenance, providing tailored solutions that enhance the beauty and sustainability of each property. Their experienced team offers a Total Care Program, which includes turf care, tree and shrub maintenance, water management, seasonal flower installations, plant healthcare, and mulch installations. The Coastal Greeneryteam is dedicated to creating landscapes that reflect a business’s values while ensuring long-term health and functionality. From routine care to customized enhancements, Coastal Greenery is committed to delivering exceptional service for every commercial property.

In This Episode:
Fall golf weather
Intro and background - Jeffrey Johns' journey in landscaping, family's importance, and teamwork in Coastal Greenery's success
Jeffrey’s start in the entrepreneurial space, mom’s van and family support, landscape architecture degree, working in Atlanta
Entrepreneurial spirit, Jeffrey’s love of landscaping first, business challenges, getting a financial education, creativity and financial balance
Getting out of the way, leading a family business with a demanding 60+ hour workweek, balancing roles and expectations, and evolving with team feedback, coaching
Family relationships at work with wife Misty, and twin sons Jacob and Joshua
Clarity in expectations, metrics, and transparency
Jeffrey’s role mentoring with Grunder peer groups, advice for younger people coming up in the industry and Jeffrey’s younger self, people and relationships must be front of mind
Looking forward to GROW! 2025
Share with someone in landscaping, subscribe, like, share, and send us your show ideas and comments!
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:
Coastal Greenery
Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
37 min
December 04, 2024Interview Series: Bob and David Grover on Working with Family and Growing a Commercial Landscaping Business
Bob and David Grover join Marty Grunder on The Grow Show this week to talk about working with family, the journey and growth of Pacific Landscape Management, and what goes into running their Portland, OR-based commercial landscaping business.

The episode delves into turning a shared passion for the outdoors into a thriving family business in landscaping. The Grovers candidly discuss the unique challenges of managing family dynamics in a business setting, their strategies for maintaining professionalism, and the necessity of clear boundaries and mutual respect. They also share insights on business growth, particularly their expansion from Portland to Seattle, and discuss effective communication strategies that prioritize transparency and collaboration. This episode provides valuable advice for those involved in family businesses and anyone seeking success in the green industry.
Pacific Landscape Management, founded in 2001, has grown into a leading landscape management company in the northwest with 4 branches in Oregon and Washington. In 2022, they expanded to the Puget Sound region, partnering with Earthworks Landscape Services and His Hands Lawncare. With a team of 500, they manage over 2,000 properties from Everett, WA to Corvallis, OR. Pacific offers full-service landscape management, specializing in sustainable practices such as water conservation, pesticide reduction, and waste recycling. They are committed to enhancing landscapes while minimizing environmental impact, earning national recognition for their efforts.

In This Episode:
Intro and background - Bob and David Grover, Bob Grover's early career in horticulture, creating a respectful culture at Pacific Landscape Management
David Grover's journey in the family business, educational path and leadership development, balancing family expectations and personal integrity
How the commercial business is segmented, business growth and labor challenges in expansion, applying "optimistically paranoid" for risk management, taking on an equity partner
Challenges, strategies, and advice for navigating family dynamics at work, professional boundaries in family business
Effective communication for business success, addressing generational differences in the workplace, what younger people are looking for
Looking forward to GROW! 2025
Share with someone in landscaping, subscribe, like, share, and send us your show ideas and comments!
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:
Book: Only the Paranoid Survive

Pacific Landscape Management
Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
58 min
November 27, 2024Interview Series: Managing Battery Power All Day Long LIVE from Equip Expo
In this special live episode from the STIHL booth at Equip Expo 2024, moderator Marty Grunder is joined by an expert panel including Brandon Haley, Vice President of Grounds at SSC Services for Education, Chase Stetson of "That Lawn Dude," and Mike Poluka, Senior Manager at STIHL USA.
The panel explores best practices for managing battery-powered tools, both on-site and at company headquarters. You’ll hear how to promote battery technology to customers, how and where to use mobile charging solutions, and how to track assets and equipment with connected tracking systems. Wondering about charging times and environmental challenges—like extreme heat and cold? These issues are also addressed. The benefits of battery power are many, including its lighter weight, enhanced safety features, and improved performance. The episode concludes with audience questions, tackling real-world challenges and practical solutions for keeping battery tools running smoothly throughout the day.

In This Episode:
The episode opens with Marty Grunder and panel experts discussing the transition from gas to battery-powered equipment
Intro of Moderator Marty Grunder
Intro of Brandon Haley, Vice President of Grounds for SSC Services for Education
Intro to Chase Stetson, “That Lawn Dude”
Promoting battery power to your customers
Intro of Mike Poluka, Sr. Manager, Strategic and Commercial Accounts @ STIHL USA
Best practices for managing batteries at HQ and on sites, the ProPower Hub Solution from Stihl
Benefits of mobile charging tech
Asset tracking - tags, ‘Stihl-connected’ tracking and data function embedded in batteries
Comparing gas to battery equipment at the Expo, lightweight, safety functions
Charging times for different tech, challenging situations, using battery power at the right levels
Environmental challenges with heat and cold
Audience questions
Last words and key takeaways
Looking forward to GROW! 2025
Share with someone in landscaping, subscribe, like, share, and send us your show ideas and comments!
The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.
Resources:
Stihl
Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
35 min

About The GROW! Show

From the publisher's feed

The GROW! Show is a show that highlights Marty Grunder's annual conference, GROW!. The GROW! show will showcase how anyone in the green industry can grow themselves, their team, and their business.