In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder is joined by Mark Tipton, Founder & CEO of Aspire and Whitney Griffin to talk about the early days of starting the company, how the software has evolved, and what lessons the team has learned along the way.

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00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

01:29 - Meet Mark Tipton: The Journey of Aspire

10:02 - Mark’s Personal Life and Family

11:13 - Introducing Whitney Griffin

12:13 - Whitney’s Career Path and Challenges

16:32 - Aspire’s Focus on Construction

21:50 - User Feedback and Development

25:05 - Aspire’s Vendor Management Feature

26:47 - Flexibility in Estimating and Purchasing within Aspire

26:57 - Final Thoughts

27:59 - Implementing Aspire: Challenges and Benefits

30:46 - Aspire’s Item Substitution Feature

32:09 - Final Reflections and Advice

34:07 - New Features and Future Roadmap for Aspire

40:33 - Best Practices for Using Aspire

45:60 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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  

The Grow Group   

Grunder Landscaping   

Marty Grunder LinkedIn  

Stihl  

In any busy time; it’s easy to fall into bad habits. On this week's episode of the GROW Show; Vince will give you 3 leadership mistakes to avoid this Spring. 

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00:00 - Introduction

01:11 - Leadership Influence on Company Culture

01:34 - Aligning Actions With Priorities

02:46 - Grow Leaders Within The Company

04:17 - Empower Leaders Through Experience

06:20 - The Role of Chief Reminding Officer

08:39 - Final Thoughts

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  

The Grow Group   

Grunder Landscaping   

Marty Grunder LinkedIn  

Stihl  

We're on the run right now, and as leaders (whether in title or just in attitude) we set the tone for our organization. By taking care of ourselves, we can be the best versions of ourselves for our coworkers, family, and friends. In this episode, recovering hot head Marty Grunder shares what he does to stay calm even when you-know-what hits the fan. 

Remember the Blue Skies Video

10 Minute Meditation by Headspace

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

01:23 - Grow 2026 - Dallas, Texas

02:02 - Managing Stress: An Overview

04:04 - Blue Skies Concept

06:21 - Embracing Stress & Planning Ahead

10:45 - Learning from Mistakes

13:59 - Notice, Pause, Allow: A Mindfulness Technique

19:16 - Take Care of Yourself: Diet, Exercise, and Sleep

22:58 - Blue Skies Mindfulness

25:42 - Conclusion and Call to Action

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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  

The Grow Group   

Grunder Landscaping   

Marty Grunder LinkedIn  

Stihl  

As you and your company work to drum up spring business, Emily Lindley uses this episode of The Grow Show to talk about what to watch for when setting up social media ads and how to get the most bang for your buck.

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00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

00:27 - Introduction to Spring Marketing Campaigns

00:54 - Benefits and Challenges of Running Ads on Social Media

02:07 - Common Mistakes in Ad Targeting

04:27 - Setting Up Effective Social Media Ads

09:39 - Be Intentional With Creating Your Audience

13:07 - Final Tips

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  

The Grow Group   

Grunder Landscaping   

Marty Grunder LinkedIn  

Stihl  

In this special 100th episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder, CEO of Grunder Landscaping Company and The Grow Group, welcomes his younger brother, Rich Grunder. Rich is employee #2 at Grunder Landscaping Co. Holding the title of "most fired and rehired employee" in the company's history. 

Together, they reminisce about their early days of starting the landscaping business, sharing stories about overcoming challenges, dealing with tough clients, and the experiences that shaped their work ethic. 

Rich, who now works in wealth management in Seattle, talks about his journey, including his time fighting forest fires in Alaska, and the lessons learned from their parents. They also discuss the value of gratitude, business insights for 2025, and the importance of allowing kids to grow and learn from their own experiences.

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00:00 - Introduction & Special Guest Announcement

01:47 - Introducing Rich Grunder

04:21 - Early Landscaping Memories

10:11 - Funny and Embarrassing Moments in the Early Years

16:21 - Marty’s Management Style Early On

20:01 - Lessons Learned from Early Business Challenges

22:53 - Reflecting on Family Dynamics

24:31 - The Influence of Parents

28:48 - Leadership Lessons From Mom

30:29 - Baseball and Business Insights for 2025

33:46 - Reflecting as Parents

36:42 - Closing Thoughts

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  

The Grow Group   

Grunder Landscaping   

Marty Grunder LinkedIn  

Stihl  

In this episode of The Grow Show powered by Stihl, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping Company and The Grow Group shares actionable sales tips to help you improve your sales strategies. Marty emphasizes the importance of daily routines in sales, focusing on three key actions: prospecting, nurturing relationships, and closing deals. He also highlights the significance of follow-up post-sale and appreciating your team members. Marty’s insights are designed to help you manage your time effectively and build lasting relationships with clients, ensuring repeat business and referrals. Subscribe to stay updated and boost your sales performance!

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00:00 - Welcome to the Grow Show

00:23 - Show Introduction

03:16 - Daily Sales Routine: Prospect, Nurture, Close

05:10 - Nurture Relationships

07:16 - Close the Deal!

09:44 - The Real Selling Starts After The Sale

11:38 - Show Appreciation for Your Team

15:15 - Conclusion and Upcoming Events

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  

The Grow Group   

Grunder Landscaping   

Marty Grunder LinkedIn  

Stihl  

In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder from Grunder Landscaping Company and the Grow Group discusses spring cleanups with Alan Whitt, a group leader at the company. They emphasize the importance of having a systematic approach to ensure efficiency and quality in cleanup tasks. Alan shares his role in supporting team members, the tasks involved in a spring cleanup, and the importance of training and consistent communication. The episode also highlights the use of technology like Microsoft Outlook's Q function and the Aspire system to improve efficiency and work-life balance. Marty and Alan discuss leadership styles, team dynamics, and goals for continued growth and improvement in 2025.

00:00 - Intro

00:23 - Introduction & Greeting from Marty

01:05 - Microsoft Outlook’s Q Function Increases Communication

02:16 - Introducing Alan Whitt & The Role of A Group Leader

05:18 - Spring Cleanup Systems

10:40 - Team Coordination, Language Barriers & Solutions

13:04 - Implementing Technology in Landscaping

16:17 - Specific Ways to Lead Your Team Members

17:49 - Reflecting on Past Successes & Building Relationships

21:49 - Maintaining High Standards From Top to Bottom in a Company

23:52 - Conclusion and Invitation

Show Notes: 

Structured System for Tasks Like Spring Cleanups: Implementing a system for tasks like spring cleanups helps ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality across different job sites. It allows teams to follow a standardized process, resulting in better outcomes and time management.

Role of a Group Leader: Group leaders are essential in preparing and planning tasks for team members. They assist in identifying potential issues ahead of time and streamline the work process, which is crucial for minimizing delays and ensuring projects are completed smoothly.

Continuous Training and Cross-Training: Regular training and cross-training enable team members to be versatile and capable of handling various tasks. This approach ensures that the team remains adaptable, especially when there are absences or unexpected changes in the workload.

Utilizing Technology: Leveraging tools like Microsoft Outlook's Q function and the Aspire system enhances project management and operational efficiency. It allows for better planning, communication, and tracking, ultimately leading to increased productivity and profitability.

Maintaining Professionalism: Professionalism in attire, behavior, and cleanliness of equipment and vehicles builds client trust and portrays a positive company image. This practice is critical for client satisfaction and helps in securing repeat business and referrals.

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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  

The Grow Group   

Grunder Landscaping   

Marty Grunder LinkedIn  

Stihl  

As our team is onsite for GROW! 2025 this week, Marty shares his tips for making the most of industry events by prioritizing the take-aways you'll implement, having a growth mindset, and getting your team onboard for changes. 

Action Steps:

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

01:38 - Recap of Grow 2025 Event

02:09 - Strategies to Prioritize Tasks

03:50 - Organize Your Thoughts Through Bracketology

09:30 - How to Implement Your Action Plan

14:08 - Stay Focused and Find Accountability

18:26 - Share Goals and Seek Help When Necessary

23:42 - Reward Success & Celebrate Achievements

26:55 - Final Thoughts

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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  

In this episode of The Grow Show powered by Stihl, host Marty Grunder speaks with Greg Cole from Cole Landscaping outside of Boston. The conversation emphasizes building a strong culture, setting clear goals, and the importance of giving back to both the community and the industry. 

00:00 - Welcome to the Grow Show

01:42 - Meet Greg Cole from Cole Landscaping

02:17 - Greg’s Journey into Landscaping

05:28 - Challenges and Mentorship As a Business Grows

10:34 - Greg’s Personal Growth and Transformation

14:59 - Time Management and Building Daily Habits

21:24 - Greg’s Open Book Philosophy

23:52 - Things to Learn From Smaller Companies

27:56 - Embracing Technology for Growth

29:23 - Greg’s Advice to Younger Self

31:42 - Strategies to Build a Positive Culture

35:12 - The Importance of Giving Back

39:09 - The Impact of Collaboration and Networking

40:36 - Final Thoughts

Show Notes:

Personal Development and Health Impact Business Success: Focusing on personal growth and health can transform your mindset and leadership abilities. It not only boosts your energy levels but also positively affects how you run your business.

Importance of Setting Clear Goals and Accountability: Writing down clear goals and tracking your daily activities ensures accountability and direction. Tools like Habit Tracker can help manage and achieve your targets efficiently.

Learning from and Sharing with Peers: Engaging with peer groups and sharing knowledge with both smaller and larger companies can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. This peer interaction fosters continuous improvement.

Leveraging Technology for Growth: Adopting technology solutions like Aspire software is crucial for operational efficiency and growth. Integrating tech can streamline processes and help scale your business.

Building and Maintaining a Positive Culture: Creating a positive work environment through activities like morning stretch sessions and regular recognition boosts employee satisfaction and performance. A strong culture is essential for long-term success.

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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  

In this episode of The Grow Show, Marty Grunder shares essential insights on conducting an effective seasonal kickoff meeting for landscaping businesses. Marty outlines five key strategies:

Marty emphasizes the importance of transparency, engagement, and clear communication. Sharing financial goals, company mission, core values, and creating a rallying cry to motivate the team. The episode provides a detailed walkthrough of Grunder Landscaping's 2024 kickoff meeting, highlighting how to make these gatherings both informative and inspiring.

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

00:51 - Dealing With Challenges: A Snowstorm Story

02:01 - Seasonal Kickoff  Meetings: Importance & Best Practices

03:26 - Planning & Executing a Successful Kickoff Meeting

05:13 - Engaging Your Team: Experiential Learning

07:39 - Sharing Information & Building Trust

10:50 - Debriefing and Continuous Improvement

11:26 - Kickoff Meeting Highlights & Examples

15:51 - Conclusion & Grow 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a Review for the Grow Show!

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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