The first $50,000 is the hardest! Mike Rhine grows the TurfGuy from zero to $250,000.

Learn about Mike Rhine's journey building The TurfGuy from scratch in 2019. Six years in, Mike is positioned to grow to $400–500K in 2026. This is after starting with a nearly paid-off Camaro and no clients in 2019. The first $50K–60K was the hardest part. Once he figured out his process and marketing, the business accelerated to $250K.

This episode is for the landscaper just starting out. Mike talks about how he got going, what steps he took to increase his growth, and how he achieved over 40% revenue growth last year. He also gives direction on where to focus and what to avoid when you're starting out. Mike breaks down real overhead numbers, how he priced his way out of undercharging, why he had to let go of the field work, and how he thinks about business risk through the lens of poker.

TIMESTAMPS

00:01:44 – Mike Rhine intro and background

00:02:27 – Golf course roots and turf school

00:08:00 – Launching the business during COVID

00:11:33 – Danielle's role from day one

00:16:23 – Pricing and real overhead breakdown

00:24:39 – Early marketing: Nextdoor, newspaper, Facebook

00:38:28 – Choosing LMN over WorkWave

00:46:21 – Poker parallels to running a business

ABOUT THE GUEST

Mike Rhine is the owner of The TurfGuy in Kokomo, Indiana. He spent a decade as a golf course superintendent before starting his landscaping company at the beginning of COVID. In five years he grew the business to $250K in revenue and is targeting $400–500K in his sixth season.

Website: https://www.the-turfguy.com

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Price your jobs to cover real overhead, not just your labor rate.

Start with landscape maintenance tasks like bush trimming before buying heavy equipment.

Use low-cost marketing like Nextdoor and local newspapers when starting out.

Invest in scalable software early so it grows with the business.

Focus on process. The results follow when the process is solid.

Know when to walk away from a risky job or client.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com

https://nextdoor.com

https://golmn.com

Ron McCabe sits down with Todd Blossom, owner of Blossom in Portland, Oregon, to talk about how a values driven landscape company takes shape over time. Ron walks through Todd's early years in the field, what pulled him toward permaculture, and how caring for land, people, and city infrastructure came together in one business. Todd talks about right livelihood, what it means to build a company that matches his life, and how he keeps work grounded in observation instead of trends.

Ron also talks with Todd about the stormwater retrofit work he led with the City of Portland, his move into electric maintenance equipment, and how native plants and lawn conversions support birds, soil, and long term garden health. Todd shares how contracts with the city helped him ride out market swings, why his team now leans on clear systems and SOPs, and what it takes to grow at a steady pace without losing the heart of the company.

Chapters:

• 00:07 - Learning Through Mistakes in Permaculture
• 03:38 - The Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery in Landscaping
• 12:20 - Embracing Permaculture Philosophy
• 15:08 - The Role of Stormwater Management in Urban Planning
• 24:14 - Transitioning to Electric Equipment in Landscaping
• 29:01 - The Importance of Team Dynamics in Business Growth
• 38:17 - Navigating Business Growth: The Conductor's Role
• 44:09 - The Importance of Nature in Our Lives
• 46:07 - Building an Ecological Mindset

• Blossom (Blossom PDX)
• City of Portland
• Greenworks (equipment partner)
• Bird Alliance (Backyard Habitat Certification Program)

• Blossom PDX: https://www.blossompdx.com
• Landscape Business Growth Lab: https://landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com
• Overbearing Services: https://overbearingservices.com
• Bird Alliance Backyard Habitat Program: https://birdallianceoregon.org/backyard-habitat-certification-program

Todd Blossom owns and leads Blossom, a Portland based company that focuses on ecologically sound residential and commercial landscapes. His work blends permaculture thinking, stormwater management, native plants, and electric maintenance services. Todd brings decades in the green industry and a strong focus on right livelihood, team culture, and projects that support both people and local environments.

In this episode, I sat down with Will Bailey from Avid Landscape to talk about building a solid landscape business. Will shared his journey from working in his dad's mechanic shop to running operations at some of Seattle's top landscaping companies. We covered what it takes to grow without losing quality, the real experience of going through a business acquisition, and how to think about your exit when the time comes.

Will and I also spent time talking about his late father, Rod Bailey, who was a true pioneer in bringing financial discipline to the landscaping industry. Rod's influence shaped not just Will's career but the entire Pacific Northwest landscape community. We got into the details of project management, the role of technology in scaling a service business, and what it means to build something that lasts.

Chapters:

• 00:06 - The Impact of Retirement on Life
• 04:53 - The Legacy of a Landscape Business
• 08:34 - The Influence of a Legacy: Rod Bailey's Impact on the Landscaping Industry
• 14:50 - The Legacy of a Pioneer: Lessons from a Life in Business
• 19:32 - Navigating Business Partnerships and Changes
• 31:02 - Navigating Business Transitions: Insights on Selling and Succession Planning
• 33:44 - The Importance of Staying Engaged After Retirement

Takeaways:

• The line between retirement and active life is thinner than we think, with many folks still having much to offer post-retirement, as highlighted in the discussions.
• Investing in landscaping isn't just about aesthetics; it represents a growing business opportunity that can lead to significant financial returns and personal satisfaction.
• The importance of personal integrity and accountability in business is paramount, as learned from the experiences shared about Rod Bailey's legacy in the industry.
• Navigating business acquisitions can be complex, and understanding the motivations of buyers is crucial for a successful transition, as shared through personal experiences.
• Technology is revolutionizing the landscaping industry, streamlining operations and enhancing customer service, which is vital for future growth and efficiency.
• Considering different options for business transition, such as employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), can provide opportunities for legacy preservation and financial security for business owners.

Companies Mentioned

Avid Landscape

Evergreen Services Corporation

Trugreen Landcare

Signature Landscape Services

Monarch

University of Washington

Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP)

Aspire

Websites Mentioned

landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com

Guest Information

Will Bailey is the owner of Avid Landscape in Edmonds, Washington, with over 34 years of experience in the landscaping industry. He spent seven years at his father's company, Evergreen Services Corporation, followed by 15 years as a partner at Signature Landscape Services, and four years with Monarch after the acquisition. Will completed the Executive Development Program at the University of Washington and now runs Avid Landscape with his business partner.

Managing cash flow is a tricky beast, especially for landscaping businesses navigating seasonal fluctuations. In this episode, we dive deep into how growth can sometimes strangle your cash flow if you're not keeping a tight grip on your numbers. We chat with Joe and Carla from CycleCPA, who emphasize the importance of tracking fixed assets like mowers and trucks to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. They lay out key performance indicators that every landscaping business should monitor as they scale up, including return on fixed assets and fixed asset turnover. If you’re looking to grow without falling into the cash crunch trap, we break down strategies to keep your operations running smoothly and your finances in check.

Chapters:

• 00:13 - Understanding Cash Flow Challenges
• 08:41 - Understanding the Financial Metrics for Landscaping Businesses
• 11:13 - Starting a Landscaping Business: Financial Fundamentals
• 24:26 - Navigating Cash Flow Challenges in Growing Businesses
• 29:28 - Navigating Cash Flow Challenges in Landscape Businesses

We explore the challenges that seasonal companies face, highlighting how growth, while typically seen as a positive, can actually strain cash resources if not handled correctly. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) like return on fixed assets and fixed asset turnover, which can provide valuable insights into how effectively a company is utilizing its equipment and resources. They underline the necessity of tracking these numbers to avoid costly mistakes, especially in an industry where equipment can represent a significant investment. By discussing the various stages of business growth, they also provide practical advice on how landscaping businesses can position themselves for success, ensuring that they remain financially healthy even during off-peak seasons. Ultimately, the episode serves as a wake-up call for business owners to keep a close eye on their financials and to develop robust systems for managing cash flow, ensuring sustainable growth in the long run.

Takeaways:

• Cash flow management is crucial for seasonal businesses, as growth can complicate finances significantly.
• Utilizing machinery and equipment efficiently can directly affect profit margins in landscaping businesses.
• Tracking key performance indicators like gross margin helps landscape companies understand operational efficiency better.
• Staying consistent over time is key to long-term success in the landscaping industry, even amidst challenges.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Everbearing Services
• CycleCPA

Links referenced in this episode:

• cyclecpa.com
• landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com
• everbearingservices.com

I had an incredible conversation with Justin White, CEO of K&D Landscaping, and it reminded me why I love this industry so much. Justin took his parents' small family business and scaled it from $1.5 million to $20 million in revenue in just nine years. But what really struck me wasn't just the numbers; it was his vision to create generational wealth for his entire team through a potential IPO by 2035. That's the kind of thinking that's going to change the industry forever.

We dove deep into the realities of growing a landscape business in today's market, including why 2025 has been tougher than expected for so many of us. Justin opened up about the adversity he's faced, the importance of leadership mindset, and why he created The Disruptors community to help other contractors accelerate their growth. If you're ready to stop playing small and start building something that outlasts you, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can implement right away.

3:04 - Growing Up in a Family Landscape Business: The Real Story

8:23 - The Turning Point: From $1.5M to $20M in Nine Years

14:19 - Adversity & Leadership: When Your Business Doesn't Love You Back

19:42 - Why 2025 Has Been Challenging for Landscapers Nationwide

26:34 - The Billion-Dollar Vision: Creating Generational Wealth

32:31 - Inside The Disruptors: Building a Community of High Performers

43:08 - Who Thrives in The Disruptors & How to Get Involved

48:07 - Take Action: Set an Unreasonable Goal Before Year-End

Justin White & K&D Landscaping:

• Website: jwhitegroup.com
• LinkedIn & Instagram: @JustinWhiteKNDLandscaping

The Disruptors Community:

• Learn more at jwhitegroup.com

Landscape Business Growth Lab:

• Website: landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com

Everbearing Services:

• Website: everbearingservices.com

Landscape Companies:

• K&D Landscaping - Justin White's company, scaled from $1.5M to $20M in 9 years
• BrightView (formerly ValleyCrest & Brickman merger) - Publicly traded landscape company
• Jensen Landscape - Led by CEO John Vallee, inspiration for Justin's growth vision
• Kachina Landscape - Top landscape company mentioned in industry research

Technology & Software Partners of The Disruptors:

• Aspire - Landscape business management software
• Greenius - Training platform for landscape teams
• Team Engine - Employee engagement and communication tool
• Bob Yard - Landscape business software
• Capsidata - Data and analytics platform
• Cres Software - Landscape management solution

Industry Associations:

• NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals)
• CLCA (California Landscape Contractors Association)
• ALCA (Associated Landscape Contractors of America)
• WALPOLE - Regional landscape association

Other Peer Groups & Coaches Mentioned:

• Jonathan Goldhill - Justin's business coach who helped spark the transformation
• Jeffrey Scott - Runs landscape peer groups
• Marty Grunder - Industry coach and peer group leader
• Mick Farley - Industry coach
• Stanford - Peer group organization

On Growth & Scaling:

• Zero to $1M is brutal, but $1M to $2M requires completely changing how you operate
• Different revenue levels present different challenges—they don't get harder or easier, just different
• You need omnipresence in marketing as you grow larger, not just transactional tactics
• The industry average lead response time is 44 hours. Responding in under 5 minutes stops prospects from shopping around

On Adversity & Mindset:

• Your business won't always love you back, even when you give it everything
• Execution may be perfect, but results often depend on the leader's mindset and presence
• 2025 has been a correction year after unprecedented growth from COVID-era tailwinds
• Consistency and doubling down on fundamentals matter more than constantly changing strategies

On Vision & Legacy:

• Set goals that seem unreasonable. Justin went from $1.5M to targeting $1B by 2035
• Build a sellable company even if you never plan to sell
• Create opportunity for family members in the business, not expectation
• The green industry offers a path to create generational wealth for entire teams

On The Disruptors Community:

• Built for contractors who want to become 8-figure businesses ($10M+ revenue)
• Members get access to industry experts, group buying power, and peer support
• You get the most value by giving more advice than you take
• Self-starters who value technology and want to grow double digits thrive most

On Taking Action:

• Don't wait for January 1st. Set an unreasonable goal to accomplish before year-end
• Surround yourself with people who have already achieved where you want to go
• The more you give to communities and associations, the more you get back
• Think big before you're ready. You don't need to achieve success before thinking about it

Subscribe to Landscape Business Growth Lab for more conversations with industry leaders who are transforming the green industry.

Attracting the best talent starts with being the best place to work. In this episode, Chad Knight shares how he transformed a small backflow testing company into a thriving tech-forward irrigation business by focusing on clear organizational values. He emphasizes the importance of hiring people who align with those values and ensuring that they can focus on fantastic work instead of repetitive tasks that automation can handle. Chad's journey highlights the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a strong company culture, which he believes is essential for sustainable growth. If you want to elevate your landscaping business, understanding the value of your team and creating an environment where they can thrive is key.

The Landscape Growth Lab Podcast EP. 1:

Your Landscaping Business Needs to Be the Best Place to Work | Company Culture = Team Retention

0:00 - Values-Based Hiring Success

0:51 - Landscape Growth Lab Introduction

1:05 - Chad Knight's Background Story

2:55 - Organizational Values Framework

5:52 - Creating Scalable Systems

8:32 - Technology and Automation Impact

11:12 - Counterintuitive Hiring Decisions

14:32 - Premium Service Positioning

17:12 - Deep Green Technology Division

19:12 - Firewise Landscaping Approach

23:42 - Future of Irrigation Business

28:55 - Best Workplace Philosophy

Chad Knight's journey from COO of EarthCruiser to the owner of Deschutes Backflow is a testament to how values shape a business's success. He emphasizes the importance of hiring based on alignment with core values like courage, excellence, growth, and teamwork. By establishing these values, Chad creates a framework that empowers his team to make decisions autonomously, allowing for a scalable and efficient operation. The focus on building a company culture where employees feel valued not only attracts top talent but also drives the organization toward sustainable growth. Chad's insights into automation further highlight his strategy for maintaining quality service without overextending the workforce. He argues that by leveraging technology to handle repetitive tasks, businesses can free skilled workers to focus on providing exceptional service, thus creating a competitive edge in the irrigation industry.

Moreover, Chad discusses the evolving challenges of labor shortages in the landscaping sector and the need for businesses to adapt. He believes that companies must automate processes to thrive amidst increasing demands for efficiency. His commitment to training and developing a small, elite team stands out as a crucial element of his business philosophy. As the conversation unfolds, the idea of integrating deep green technology for water conservation emerges as a defining aspect of Chad's approach, marrying his commitment to environmental stewardship with practical business strategies. This episode ultimately underscores the message that aligning a company's operations with its core values is essential for fostering a resilient and thriving business in today's competitive landscape.

Links referenced in this episode:

• deschutesbackflow.com
• landscapebusinessgrowthlab.com
• everbearingservices.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Everbearing Services
• EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles
• Deschutes Backflow