The GROW! Show

By Marty GrunderBusiness Entrepreneurship Leisure Management Home & Garden

The GROW! Show episodes

September 11, 2024Team: The Power of Clarity in Your Vision
In this episode, Marty Grunder emphasizes the crucial role of having a clear vision for the future, particularly for 2025, to unite and inspire your team behind a common goal. Marty shares insights on defining your vision and why it should be developed now. The episode covers topics such as the importance of having a personal “superbowl” vision, drawing parallels between sports and business, and the significance of a well-defined vision for long-term success. Grunder also reflects on his early days, the value of visualizing success, and how a cohesive vision benefits the entire team.

Grunder Landscaping Vision and Mission

Our Vision: To be recognized as leaders and as a growing company that provides opportunities for our team.

Our Mission: Create opportunities for our team to grow and succeed by enhancing the beauty and value of every client’s property while exceeding their expectations every step of the way.

In This Episode:
Have you seen the Pete Rose documentary?
Your vision is your personal “superbowl”
Intensity and recovery - sports and business
What is your vision for success? What does it look like in 1 year, 5 years?
Marty’s daughter, soccer, and life preparation
Visualizing a path for Grunder Landscaping in the early days
When the team wins, everybody wins
A vision takes time to get right
Sign up for 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: The Power of Full Engagement https://www.amazon.com/Power-Full-Engagement-Managing-Performance/dp/0743226755
Landscape Management Magazine https://www.landscapemanagement.net/category/current-issue/

Interview Series: Sustaining a Company Culture with Joe Calloway https://the-grow-show.castos.com/episodes/interview-series-sustaining-a-company-culture-with-joe-calloway-1
Virtual Sales Bootcamp https://www.growgroupinc.com/virtual-sales-bootcamp

Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips https://www.growgroupinc.com/glc-fall-field-trips

Ten Step Sales Document https://martygrunder-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/lindsey_growgroupinc_com/Eb-0p5KMrE5ElDHCgk_0AEcBdYMC2jTsX8KSddCbS_S9EA?e=bMxmx9

NALP Field Trip Sept 17-18, 2024 Chicago https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/fieldtrip?utm_source=tgg&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=field_trip_2024

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH https://www.growgroupinc.com/grow-2025

The Grow Group https://www.growgroupinc.com/
Grunder Landscaping https://grunderlandscaping.com/
Marty Grunder LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/martygrunder/
Stihl https://www.stihlusa.com/
21 min
September 04, 2024Sales: Tips for Closing More Sales
In this episode, Marty Grunder goes through the tips and tricks he uses to get a sale over the finish line. He'll share ways that salespeople can politely ask for business and move the sale to "won" without having commission breath.

You’ll hear Marty unveil how to handle leads with precision and speed, and learn the essential steps to turn inquiries into sales. Marty dives into common pitfalls and excuses, highlighting the top qualities that make a successful salesperson—honesty, detail, and reliability. Tune in to master the art of being "professionally pushy" and transform your sales approach into a winning formula. Don't miss these game-changing insights!

In This Episode:
Returning from a family vacation
Sales are hard for everyone right now
Handle incoming leads and inquiries quickly & correctly
Seven step selling process steps, “speed kills” saying
Excuses for not setting your process up correctly
Top qualities - be honest, be detailed, do what you said you would do, etc.
Stay “professionally pushy”
Sign up for 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:
Virtual Sales Bootcamp
Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips

Ten Step Sales Document https://martygrunder-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/lindsey_growgroupinc_com/Eb-0p5KMrE5ElDHCgk_0AEcBdYMC2jTsX8KSddCbS_S9EA?e=bMxmx9

NALP Field Trip Sept 17-18, 2024 Chicago

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
20 min
August 28, 2024Marketing: Ways to Communicate with Clients and Set Relationships Up for Success
In this episode of The Grow Show, Emily Lindley, Content & Events Manager at The Grow Group and Marketing Manager at Grunder Landscaping Co., details three ways GLC communicates with clients to strengthen relationships and set up clients to have beautiful, well-cared-for properties.

In This Episode:
Preparing teams and clients for success
Three simple communication strategies
Care instructions for clients - tips on watering, fertilizing, pruning
Automated after-service notes for maintenance clients
General reminders - watering tips for dry periods, box moth protocols
Communications combine marketing, sales, and production
Sign up for 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:

Emily Lindley LinkedIn
NALP Field Trip Sept 17-18, 2024 Chicago

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
16 min
August 21, 2024Interview Series: Sustaining a Company Culture with Joe Calloway
In this episode of The Grow Show, acclaimed author and business consultant Joe Calloway joins Marty Grunder to talk about how companies can differentiate themselves. With 40 years of experience working with entrepreneurs and leaders, Calloway highlights the importance of immediate response to customers, prospects, and partners, strategic hiring, and the power of culture as a differentiator. Your company has a culture no matter if you're paying attention to it or not, and Joe shares his insights on the crucial role of intentional culture in businesses, navigating the changing landscape of customer expectations and technologies, and managing economic uncertainties.
Discussion Points:
Guest intro: Author Joe Calloway
Insights on the role of intentional culture in businesses
Adapting amidst changing customer expectations and technologies
Case study: Evolution of delivery mechanisms in the restaurant industry
Responding immediately to customers, prospects, and partners
Staying consistent, adapting to new marketplace demands
Navigating current economic uncertainties and hiring challenges
Creating opportunities during challenging times
Strategies for successful hiring and employee retention
Creating a culture with intention
Minimizing mistakes and avoiding distractions
Navigating the economy and addressing hiring challenges
“No” is one of the greatest words in business
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:

Joe Calloway LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joecallowaycoach/
Book: Becoming a Category of One https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Category-One-Extraordinary-Comparison/dp/0470496355
NALP Field Trip Sept 17-18, 2024 Chicago https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/fieldtrip?utm_source=tgg&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=field_trip_2024

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH https://www.growgroupinc.com/grow-2025

The Grow Group https://www.growgroupinc.com/
Grunder Landscaping https://grunderlandscaping.com/
Marty Grunder LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/martygrunder/

Stihl https://www.stihlusa.com/
43 min
August 14, 2024Sales: Brent's Favorite Ways to Find Commercial Landscape Prospects
Marty is joined by Brent Grolnic, Grunder Landscaping's lead salesperson, (aka LandKeeping Consultant), to delve into the world of landscaping sales and service. Brent shares his journey from hands-on landscaping to a successful sales career, offering invaluable insights into securing lucrative contracts and repeat business. Listeners will discover practical tips for hitting sales goals, cultivating high-end clientele, and fostering a culture of positive feedback. Brent's firsthand experience in the field provides a unique perspective on identifying customer needs and delivering tailored solutions.

In This Episode:
Incredible hydrangeas in Connecticut
Brent’s background and career path from hands-on to sales
Tips and strategies for achieving $3 Million in sales
Navigating work with a detail-oriented high-end client
Sharing great feedback in morning meetings
Noticing customer needs and reaching out with solutions
Brent’s time in the field informs his land keeping work
Opportunities and looking forward
Sign up for 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:
Brent Grolnic LinkedIn
NALP Field Trip Sept 17-18, 2024 Chicago

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn

Stihl
18 min
August 07, 2024Operations: Whatever it Takes
The Grunder Landscaping team has a powerful mantra they repeat when faced with a challenge: "whatever it takes," which is a guiding principle for everyone on the team. This philosophy embodies a commitment to problem-solving, going above and beyond, and achieving excellence. In this episode, Marty discusses the importance of drive and mindset for success, how leaders should model desired behaviors, and some strategies for managing team attitudes during challenging tasks like snow season. You’ll hear about the value of recognizing positive actions and delve into how mindset, rather than formal education, plays a crucial role in career advancement.
In This Episode:
Drive and mindset – the most important qualities
Leaders need to be great at the things you want your team to do
Snow, and managing the attitudes around tough work
Catch your team doing things right
Vince’s puppy story (again)
Three kinds of organizations
Mindset and drive are what got Marty to where he is now… not college
Sign up for GROW! 2025
Send us your feedback, add your comments, like, share, and send us your show ideas
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:
Eby Trucks
Patrick Lencioni Books
NALP Field Trip Sept 17-18, 2024 Chicago

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
13 min
July 31, 2024Interview Series: How Technology Makes Our Work Easier with Gage Roberts
In this episode, Marty talks with Gage Roberts of Aspire Software about the impact technology has had on Grunder Landscaping Co., what smart landscaping companies are doing to make their daily tasks easier, and what the future holds with AI and other technology advancements coming.

Discover how the right tech tools can ease team tensions and drive growth, and how community support and intentional business decisions play a crucial role. You’ll get a sneak peek at the Ignite Conference in August 2024, set to inspire with its forward-thinking approach. Learn the value of “Stay Interviews” to improve company culture and the impact of aligning with core values. Plus, get actionable tips for sales professionals and explore how ServiceTitan can transform your operations. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable insights to elevate your landscaping business.
In This Episode:
Sales - Mike Weinberg’s “New Sales Simplified”
Aspire’s Sr. Director of Strategic Accounts Gage Roberts intro and background
Growth in tech and landscaping
AI and its developing role in the industry
Getting the right tech and tools to your teams, relieving tensions
Efficiency and profitability - community is key
The Ignite Conference, August 2024 in Orlando
Ask your employees “What could make your life better?”
“Stay Interviews” vs. Exit Interviews
Company culture that appeals for different reasons
Intentional business decisions matter, core values, the employee experience
Living “in the middle” on the business “wave” or rollercoaster
Tips for sales people, knowing your metrics
Working with ServiceTitan
Sign up for GROW! 2025
Send us your feedback, add your comments, like, share, and send us your show ideas
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:
Email Gage

Gage Roberts LinkedIn

Aspire
Ignite Conference 2024 Aug 26-28, Orlando FL
Book: New Sales Simplified
ServiceTitan
NALP Field Trip Sept 17-18, 2024 Chicago

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
35 min
July 24, 2024Interview Series: How Sebert's Environmental Focus is Just Good Business
At Sebert Landscape, “Yellow is the new Green.” As a leader in the commercial landscape industry, Chicago-based Sebert keeps sustainability at the forefront. “The new green” means seeing environmental stewardship as a way to achieve business success – both for the company and its customers.
In this episode, Marty Grunder is joined by Sebert Landscape founder and CEO Jeff Sebert to talk about the origins of the company, their commitment to sustainability, and what's important to the team at Sebert as they take care of clients.
In This Episode:
Griddle cooking - got any recipes to share with Marty?
Background and history of Sebert
Sustainability and clients
LEED-certified (green) building features
Utilizing abandoned logs from the bottom of Lake Superior
What does great customer service mean?
Customer surveys and opinions
Sebert’s yellow branding, core values, and sales impact
What makes a great sales person?
Selling enhancements
Dressing well on the job
Fall field trip to Sebert in September
Sign up for GROW! 2025
Send us your feedback, add your comments, like, share, and send us your show ideas
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:

Jeff Sebert LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-sebert-b48a1751/

Sebert Landscaping https://sebert.com/

NALP Field Trip Sept 17-18, 2024 Chicago https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/fieldtrip?utm_source=tgg&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=field_trip_2024

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH https://www.growgroupinc.com/grow-2025

The Grow Group https://www.growgroupinc.com/

Grunder Landscaping https://grunderlandscaping.com/

Marty Grunder LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/martygrunder/

Stihl https://www.stihlusa.com/
35 min
July 17, 2024Interview Series: Investing in Your People with Seth Pflum of Grunder Landscaping
Seth Pflum, President of Grunder Landscaping Co., and has been instrumental in leading the team's growth alongside Marty in his 12+ years with the company. A huge part of that growth has come from investing in, and believing in, the leaders on their team. In this episode, Marty and Seth will discuss how the company culture has shifted at Grunder, what they're doing to constantly look for new opportunities for their team members, and how this renewed focus on the team has impacted all of them.
In This Episode:
Spinning vinyl on a new record player
Seth’s journey over the last few years
Shifting the company culture, eschewing negativity
Be a solution
Monthly GROW meetings, what is shared with the teams
Finding leadership material
Using StrengthsFinder for team improvement
Allowing your team members to learn and grow on their own, coaching and teaching
Focus on sales
Non-linear growth- how Grunder sees it
Sign up for GROW! 2025
Send us your feedback, add your comments, like, share, and send us your show ideas
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:
Seth Pflum LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-pflum-01b460b4/
StrengthsFinder Test

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

Grunder Fall Field Trips
The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
36 min
July 10, 2024Bonus Program Basics
At GROW! 2025, Vince Torchia will lead a workshop session where attendees can start to build out a Bonus Program plan. In this episode, Vince gives the cliff notes version of what you should consider if you're thinking about implementing a Bonus Program for your team!
In This Episode:
Vince is out with one of the many ACE groups this week
Two types of bonus programs - what’s the difference?
Aligning team behaviors with goals for a bonus program
Clarity in communications around the goals
Using scoreboards or scorecards to track goals
How each job relates to the goal
Keep calculations simple
How and when will you share progress with your team?
Sign up for GROW! 2025
Send us your feedback, add your comments, like, share, and send us your show ideas
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:
GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH

Grunder Fall Field Trips
The Grow Group
Grunder Landscaping
Marty Grunder LinkedIn
Stihl
14 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.