The Landscaper's Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing

What keeps a landscape company strong after six decades, and what has to change to keep growing?

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes visits Grand Rapids to talk with Jeremy Miller, owner of Miller Landscape, as the company approaches 60 years in business. Jeremy shares how a family-first culture, EOS, and clear roles helped the team move past a revenue plateau and build a scalable company where people can grow without burning out.

You’ll discover:

• How “Do What We Say We Will Do” shows up in hiring, operations, and customer experience
• Why EOS, role clarity, and a smaller leadership team reduced conflict and improved accountability
• The scorecard metrics Miller Landscape watches weekly, including Google Reviews, and why reviews now drive buying decisions
• How a 10-year VTO to $20M, plus a focus on time, guides decisions and protects family life

Whether you are running a $2M shop or building past $10M, you will hear practical ways to scale profitably while keeping your team and family front and center.

Show Notes:

Watch the full episode + see the transcript: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/ 

Tell us where to send your beef jerky: https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox

Check out Miller Landscape: https://www.millerlandscape.com/

See upcoming live and virtual events: https://landscapersguide.com/events

Hiring, leading, and keeping your team focused is one of the toughest parts of growing a landscaping company. Add in the unique challenges of ADHD and neurodivergence, and it can feel overwhelming. 

But what if those differences could actually be a strength in your company?

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes interviews LeanScaper Chief Customer Experience Officer Kristen Kiely. Kristen has nearly a decade of industry experience with LMN, The Grounds Guys, and now LeanScaper, and her husband runs a $5M design-build and snow company in Toronto. 

She shares how neurodivergence, structure, and operational systems can actually fuel growth for landscaping companies.

You’ll discover:

• Why ADHD and neurodivergence can be a superpower in the landscape industry
• How tools like calendaring, nutrition, and routines improve focus and leadership
• Why efficient operations and financial discipline drive profitability and scalability

Whether you’re managing a $2M company or pushing past $10M, this episode will help you think differently about your team and your growth.

Show Notes:

Watch the full episode + see the transcript: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/ 

Get your free beef jerky sample: https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox 

See upcoming live and virtual events: https://landscapersguide.com/events

Connect with Kristen:

 Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristencxo

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenkielycfe/

 LeanScaper: https://leanscaper.com

Hiring a Marketing Coordinator might sound like a luxury — but for growing landscape companies, it could be the smartest move you make (besides ordering cheese curds in Wisconsin).

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Ramblin Jackson’s Marketing Coordinator, Hayden Storms, who started as an apprentice and now leads podcast editing, video production, and marketing automation.

You’ll discover:

• How to actually use your iPhone to shoot sharp, on-site video content
• Leadership takeaways from Scouts and DECA that build real team culture
• Why keeping your current clients happy often pays more than chasing new ones

Whether you’re ready to hire your first marketing role or just tired of doing it all yourself, this episode’s got lessons you can apply right away.

Show Notes:

Watch the full episode + see the transcript: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/ 

Get your free beef jerky here: https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox 

See upcoming live and virtual events: https://landscapersguide.com/events

Connect with us:

Jack Jostes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackjostes/ 

Hayden Storms on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/haydenstorms 

The demands on snow and ice contractors are higher than ever. Large accounts want faster response times, accurate documentation, and proof of service. Driving site to site is slow, costly, and leaves room for disputes.

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes talks with Christopher Lareau, founder of Vue Robotics, about how AI-powered weather cameras are changing the way contractors manage portfolios and deliver service.

You’ll learn:

• How AI cameras give contractors real-time visibility across hundreds of sites
• Why trail cams and traditional monitoring cannot compete with AI weather data
• How service verification reduces risk and helps win larger accounts

If you want to prepare your company for the future of snow and ice management, listen now.

Show Notes:

Watch the full episode + see the transcript: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/ 

Get your free beef jerky sample: https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox 

Vue Robotics: https://vuerobotics.io/ 

Connect with Christopher Lareau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlareau/ 

See upcoming live and virtual events: https://landscapersguide.com/events 

AI search is moving fast! And it’s already changing how homeowners discover local landscape companies.

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes reveals the three massive shifts happening right now in summer 2025 that every landscaper needs to know to stay visible in this competitive market.

Listen to the full episode, where we dive into:

• How Bing plays a surprising role in ChatGPT search results
• Why first-party reviews can give you an edge in AI rankings
• How short-form videos from TikTok, Instagram, and more are now showing up in Google search

If you want your snow and landscape business to show up in AI search, attract more qualified leads, and stay ahead of the curve, this episode will give you the blueprint you need for an amazing fall harvest.

Show Notes:

Watch the full episode + see the transcript at: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/ 

Tell us where to send your beef jerky: https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox

Book your 15-minute marketing brainstorm: https://landscapersguide.com/brainstorm 

See upcoming live + virtual events: https://landscapersguide.com/events 

What does fearless leadership look like in the landscaping industry?

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Peggy Berns shares how she built a thriving landscaping business through strong leadership, a focus on her team, and the courage to make bold decisions.

You’ll hear Peggy’s journey, including:

• How she overcame early challenges in business
• The leadership principles that helped her build a strong, loyal team
• Her advice for landscapers who want to grow their company without losing control

Whether you’re running one truck or a growing fleet, this conversation will give you actionable insights to lead with confidence and build a thriving landscaping business.

Show Notes:

Watch the full episode + see the transcript at: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/

Tell us where to send your beef jerky: https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox

Connect with Peggy Berns

- Phone: 586-350-5993 

- Website: bernslandscape.com 

See upcoming live + virtual events: landscapersguide.com/events 

From mowing lawns with a Jeep Liberty and one truck to running a million-dollar landscaping company in just four years, Jacob Peffer’s journey is one you’ll want to hear.

At only 24, Jacob has grown GreenerConcepts into a thriving business, proving that with the right mindset, mentorship, and strategy, massive growth is possible in a short amount of time.

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes talks with Jacob live from the 2025 SIMA Symposium about:

• How he grew GreenerConcepts from 1 truck to $1M in four years
• The role mentorship and coachability played in his success
• Why hiring an operations manager is the key to his next stage of growth
• What he’s learned about retention, leadership, and building team culture

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to scale a landscaping business fast, this episode delivers real-world insights from someone building it right now.

Show Notes:

Watch the full episode + read the transcript: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/ 

Get free marketing resources + beef jerky: https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox

GreenerConcepts: https://www.greenerconceptslcs.com/ 

Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-peffer-052202197/ 

Join us at an upcoming event: https://landscapersguide.com/events 

Isolation. Burnout. And feeling invisible in a male-dominated industry.

These are just a few of the challenges women face in the snow and landscape world — whether they’re operators, spouses, or business owners themselves.

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, host Jack Jostes interviews Val Lesak, co-founder of Influential Encounters, live from the Ramblin Jackson booth at the SIMA Symposium. Val shares how she’s helping build a nationwide community that supports women in snow, landscape, and construction.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why “snow wives” often feel alone — and how you can help
• How Influential Encounters is creating real connection and support
• The top communication and boundary-setting challenges women face
• Why community is essential for retention, leadership, and long-term success in the trades

👉 This episode isn’t just for women. If someone you know works in or supports this industry, send them this episode. It might be the conversation they’ve been missing.

Show Notes:

Watch the full episode + read the transcript: https://landscapersguide.com/podcast
Get free marketing resources + beef jerky: https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox 

Learn more about Influential Encounters: https://www.influentialencounters.com
Connect with Val Lesak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/val-lesak/ 

Follow Influential Encounters:
Instagram: @influential_encounters
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/influential-encounters/ 

You’re closing deals, working hard, and watching the money come in…

But your bank account still isn’t growing. What gives?

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes interviews Jeff Heller, a Profit First Professional, landscape industry consultant at The Green Executive, and SIMA 2025 Board Member, about why so many snow and landscape companies struggle with cash flow — and how to fix it.

Here’s ONE thing Jeff wants landscapers to know: If your profit is “whatever’s left over,” you’re doing it backwards.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your income statement is lying to you
• The 5 core Profit First accounts (and how to set them up)
• Real strategies to start paying yourself consistently

🎧 Ready to stop wondering where your money is going?

Watch or listen now — and start running your business with clarity.

Show Notes:

📺 Watch + Read the Full Episode:

https://landscapersguide.com/podcast/ 

🎁 Get Free Tools + Beef Jerky:

https://landscapersguide.com/toolbox 

📬 Connect with Jeff Heller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-heller-csp-pfp-5446217/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://thegreenexecutive.com/profit-first/ 

📌 Learn More About SIMA:

SIMA 2025 Board of Directors: https://www.sima.org/board 

Artificial turf is booming—but too many landscapers are cutting corners and losing money.

In this episode of The Landscaper’s Guide, Jack Jostes sits down with Steve Rice, the founder of Lawn Kings and Titan Turf Supply. From Hollywood movie sets to thousands of installs across the U.S., Steve shares what it really takes to do turf right.

Here’s one thing Steve wants every landscaper to know:

The base prep is everything. Skip it, and you’ll lose trust—and repeat business.

You’ll hear:

• Why cheap installs are hurting your brand
• The key installation details that most people miss
• How Steve scaled two turf companies with top-tier service

🎧 Want to build a reputation (and business) that lasts?

Watch or listen now—this one’s full of real-world insight.

Show Notes:

🌐 Lawn Kings: lawnkingsinc.com 

📧 Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] 

🌱 Titan Turf Supply: titanturfsupply.com 

📧 Contact: [email protected] 

📺 Watch + Read the Full Episode: landscapersguide.com/podcast 

🎁 Get Free Tools + Beef Jerky: landscapersguide.com/toolbox 

📅 Catch Jack at Upcoming Events: landscapersguide.com/events