Roots of Success

Forty hours. Fifty. Sixty. Somewhere along the way, "busy" became something to brag about. But what if the busyness isn't a sign of hard work or it's a sign of the wrong habits? In this episode of Roots of Success, host Kevin Keim sits down with Dauphin Ewart, a McFarlin Stanford PACE facilitator and second-generation owner of BugMaster, an 80-person pest control company in Texas, to break down the five most common mistakes that keep driven people perpetually overwhelmed. These aren't theories. They're lessons Dauphin learned the hard way running his own company for over 20 years, and every one of them will sound familiar. THE BIG IDEA: Busyness Is a Choice and So Is the Way Out KEY MOMENTS: [02:30] Running an 80-Person, Four-Market Pest Control Company — and Why This Topic Is Personal [07:30] How Making the Box Smaller Forces You to Put the Right Things In It [09:00] Dauphin's Defining Moment: When He Decided to Start Managing His Time Intentionally [14:30] How Motion (Not Progress) Creates Chaos and Distraction for Your Team [16:30] Why AI Has Made the Motion vs. Progress Problem Worse [18:00] Dauphin's Daily Practice: Three Outcomes Before You Open Your Email [21:00] Delegating the Outcome vs. Delegating the Steps — and Why It Changes Everything [23:00] "The Other Way Probably Works Just as Well" — Protecting Brand Without Bottlenecking [26:00] Mistake 4 — Being the Bottleneck and Calling It Leadership [33:00] Mistake 5 — Mistaking Urgency for Importance [34:30] How Inbox Reactions and Chance Urgency Derail Your Real Priorities[37:00] Are You Driving Strategy — or Driving Trucks to the Mechanic? [39:00] Kevin's Favorite Quote: "No One's Ever Cornered the Market on Bus" QUESTIONS WE ANSWER Why do high-achieving people struggle most with being "too busy"? What's the difference between having no time and having no rules about your time? How do I know if I'm confusing motion with real progress in my business? What does real delegation actually look like — and how is it different from offloading tasks? How do I protect my brand's standards while still giving employees true ownership? How do I know if I'm the bottleneck in my own organization — especially if I don't feel like I am? What behaviors accidentally tell your team they need your approval on everything? What's the difference between urgent and important, and why does it matter? How do I start my day in a way that protects against urgency-driven distraction? What's the one mistake to pick first if you're just getting started?

Most business owners think they're great communicators until things fall apart. In this roundtable episode of Roots of Success, host Chris Psencik is joined by McFarlin Stanford coaches Kevin Keim and Tracy Wallingford to tackle one of the most common and costly problems in growing landscaping companies: communication breakdowns. From choosing the right tools and building meeting cadences, to mastering one-on-ones and leveraging CliftonStrengths, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you lead more intentionally, retain your best people, and serve your clients better. THE BIG IDEA: What You Say Isn't Always What They Hear KEY MOMENTS: [02:00] The #1 Communication Problem in Growing Companies [05:00] Why Choosing the Right Communication Channel Matters [08:00] Technology, Remote Work & Communication Evolution [12:00] What Communication Systems Actually Work for Field Teams [15:00] The Sales-to-Production Handoff and How to Nail It [16:00] One-on-Ones: Strategy, Structure & Why They're Non-Negotiable [20:00] Reactive vs. Proactive: Tactical vs. Strategic Conversations [24:00] How the Customer Experience Suffers When Communication Breaks Down [28:00] The Telephone Game with Clients — and How to Fix It [30:00] How Do You Know If You Have a Communication Problem? [33:00] Global Employee Engagement Is at a 5-Year Low — What That Means for You [36:00] Introduction to CliftonStrengths & the Philosophy Behind It [40:00] Case Study: Coastal Greenery's Strengths Journey QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What is the #1 communication mistake business owners make? How do I choose the right communication channel for my team? What tools and systems should growing landscaping companies use for internal communication? How should I run a one-on-one with my employees—and why does it matter? What's the difference between a tactical hallway conversation and a strategic one-on-one? How does poor communication hurt the customer experience? How do I know if my company has a communication problem? What is CliftonStrengths and how does it apply to leadership and communication? What does a real-world strengths implementation look like for a landscaping company? How do I empower my team to bring solutions instead of just problems?

How do you landscape a luxury island resort in the blazing heat of the UAE? On this episode of Roots of Success, Simon Smith, Director of Horticulture and Landscape for Wynn Resort, reveals the relentless pace and monumental scale of his latest project: an integrated resort requiring 500,000 plants, 7,000 trees, and an elite team of 9,000 employees. Host, Chris Psencik, digs into the inside story of Simon's journey across continents, the innovative strategies behind sourcing plants worldwide, and the transformative power of intentional team building and training. A must-listen for anyone who loves stories of growth, leadership, and landscaping on a breathtaking scale. THE BIG IDEA: All big things start with small innovations. KEY MOMENTS: [03:50] Horticulture Career Journey [09:21] "Transforming Work in Ras Al Khaimah" [11:06] "Reflecting on Career Journey" [13:43] "Teamwork Drives World-Class Success" [17:24] Massive Plant Nursery Operations [22:36] Plant Quarantine and Recovery Process [26:28] Building and Managing Successful Teams [27:49] Preparing for Luxury Hotel Launch [32:50] "Sustainable Workshop Design Process" [35:58] "Building 'Win Way' from Scratch" [38:10] Starting Fresh for Excellence QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are some challenges faced when managing landscape projects across vastly different climates and cultures? How can a team of landscapers effectively adapt Western business practices to projects in the Middle East? What strategies might be used for sourcing and transporting thousands of plants and trees from various countries for a large-scale resort project? How does the use of innovative equipment and data management systems impact large landscaping installations? What are the complexities involved in setting up irrigation systems in a region with limited natural water resources? What role does specialized training and certification play in maintaining high horticultural standards for an international workforce? How can landscape management approaches foster a strong and collaborative team culture on multi-year, high-budget projects? In what ways does integrating sustainability, such as battery-powered equipment and efficient water usage, shape modern landscaping on luxury resorts? How do you ensure smooth collaboration and communication among teams composed of various nationalities and languages? What is the importance of creating a dedicated off-site nursery and training center when preparing for a resort opening of unprecedented scale?

In this episode of Roots of Success, Chris Psencik sits down with Jeff Margulies, owner of Good Earth Landscape in Colorado's breathtaking Roaring Fork Valley. Jeff shares his journey from a finance career in Boston to building one of the region's powerhouse landscape companies — despite daunting challenges like high costs, seasonal constraints, and retaining top talent in a resort market. Discover how Jeff's business philosophy combines performance with a deep love for the environment and learn about the creative culture-building strategies that have shaped Good Earth into a thriving team. Whether you're searching for inspiration, growth tactics, or a unique business story, this episode offers practical wisdom and a glimpse of life where work and nature meet. THE BIG IDEA: Culture conquers challenges KEY MOMENTS: [04:55 Interview Journey and New Beginnings [07:14] "Building Good Earth's Revival" [12:14] Landscaping: Unique Challenges & Dynamics [15:17] "Landscaping's Love-Hate Reality" [19:17] "Balancing Lifestyle and Housing Costs" [22:13] Building Connections, Valuing Field Staff [24:44] Gratitude, Work, Cookouts, Mountain Biking [30:07] Creating Opportunity, Changing Lives [32:14] Navigating Opportunities and Focus QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How do you start and grow a successful landscaping business? How can someone transition from a background in finance to becoming a leader in the landscaping industry? What made the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen, Colorado, appealing to teams when relocating? What were some of the major challenges faced when taking over another person's company? What unique challenges does the Roaring Fork Valley market present when it comes to hiring and retaining employees? How does can a leader approach building a strong company culture? What are some examples of their team-building activities? In what ways does the seasonal nature and high cost of living in Aspen impact the company's operations and staffing?

What if your company's biggest differentiator wasn't your service, but your people? In this episode of Roots of Success, host Barrett Chow sits down with Nubia Gutierrez, CEO and founder of HR in Bloom, to unpack why investing in your HR strategy is the ultimate game-changer for landscape businesses. Learn how Nubia transformed HR from a "paper-pushing" afterthought into a core driver for recruiting, retention, and a thriving team culture, plus field-tested tips for scaling your HR department as you grow. THE BIG IDEA: Effective and intentional HR grows teams and drives business success. KEY MOMENTS: [05:47] Reimagining the HR Role [06:35] Learning Landscape Industry Challenges [09:52] Effective Support Systems in Leadership [16:08] Empowering Change Through Feedback [19:47] Community Engagement Boosts Recruitment [23:46] Strategic HR Planning [25:52] Internal Promotion Motivates Employees [29:14] Pursuing Professional Certification Goals [32:45] HR's Strategic Role and Benefits QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are the biggest HR challenges in the landscaping industry? How can small businesses improve their HR practices? How do you build a positive company culture in field service businesses? Why is it important for HR to have a seat at the leadership table? How can businesses reduce employee turnover in manual labor industries? What are the benefits of promoting from within versus hiring externally? How do HR professionals manage multiple roles in small companies? What are the best recruitment and retention strategies for landscaping companies? How can companies develop effective career paths for employees? What is the value of HR certifications and continuous training for small business HR teams?

What if "just sod" was the secret to dominating a niche landscape market? In this episode, Tommy Cole sits down with Tom and Dana Groh of Minnesota Sodding Company (MSC) to uncover how they turned a teenage side-hustle into one of the most respected specialty contractors in the Midwest. From firing up equipment on commercial job sites to building pro-level athletic fields—even tackling the legendary Minnesota Twins' Target Field—the Grohs share how a relentless focus on relationships, a data-driven approach to pricing, and a true team mentality have powered their growth. If you're looking for real talk on running a people-first business, out-coaching the competition, and navigating the unique challenges of working with your spouse, this is an episode you can't miss. THE BIG IDEA: Protect relationships; build success through strong teams. KEY MOMENTS: [06:06] Career Growth Through Early Experience [07:31] Preferred Day: Fieldwork Team Spirit [10:54] Local Challenges, Distant Successes [13:21] "Breaking Into Target Field Construction" [18:55] "Challenge Accepted: Hotel Duck Photo" [22:30] Discovering Element: Streamlining Operations [26:04] Adjusting Markets for Profitability [29:53] "Focus on Work, Not Profit" [31:48] Impactful Bonus Programs Boost Performance [36:50] Building Team Relationships [37:24] Longtime Team as Family [43:03] Navigating Marriage and Business Together QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are the keys to building strong client and vendor relationships in the landscaping industry? How can you find your niche in the landscaping or lawn care business? What is the importance of revenue per hour as a KPI in landscaping businesses? How do commercial and residential landscaping projects differ? What are effective bonus and profit sharing programs for field crews in service businesses? How can technology and software transform operations and efficiency in landscaping companies? What are some challenges and solutions for bidding on projects outside your local area? What steps should you take to grow a landscaping company from a small startup to handling major commercial contracts? How can you create a culture of teamwork and low turnover in a small or medium-sized service business?

Think marketing is just about flashy ads and social media posts? Think again. In this special two-year anniversary episode of Roots of Success, host Tommy Cole sits down with marketing mastermind John Dalton to celebrate the two year anniversary of the show and expose the real secrets behind building a thriving landscape brand. From their own stories of podcast mishaps and hard-won lessons, to John's 7 C's marketing framework, this episode is packed with priceless advice owners and execs can put to work right away. Whether you're wrestling with a scattered marketing plan or simply looking to refine your company's image, you'll hear actionable strategies for clarifying your message, reaching your ideal clients, and fueling long-term growth. THE BIG IDEA: Marketing starts with clarity and knowing customers. KEY MOMENTS: [08:22] Celebrating Success with Prosecco [10:36] Understanding Marketing's Complexity [14:30] Landscaping Marketing Framework Initiative [19:35] Business Cohesion and Evaluation Framework [22:18] Brand Consistency Through Visuals [24:08] Clarifying Business Vision Challenges [29:25] Enhancing Communication and Strategy Planning [33:12] Social Media: Time vs. Necessity [36:03] Team Focus Boosts Landscape Marketing [38:37] Social Media's Role in Business Relationships [42:49] Prioritize Expertise and Marketing QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are the essential steps for creating a marketing plan for a landscaping business? How can landscaping companies identify their ideal customer profile? What are common marketing mistakes small businesses make? How do you build a strong brand identity in the landscaping industry? What is a fractional CMO and how can they help small businesses? What is the role of social media in recruiting employees for landscaping companies? What are the best marketing strategies for service-based businesses? How do marketing and sales work together in growing a business?