Roots of Success

How does financial clarity impact your business value? In this episode of the Roots of Success, join host Jennifer Murray as she talks about financial health check-ups, banking relationships and team transparency with Jonathan Peterson of Summit Landscape in Hondo, TX. Hear from Jonathan how he improved decision-making, lender relationships, and has grown a more resilient company prepared for future opportunities. From managing liquidity to positioning your business for growth, the two share real-world tactics to prevent costly blind spots. THE BIG IDEA: Financial Clarity Drives Strategic Growth KEY MOMENTS: [01:44] Jonathan's Company Overview [03:58] Importance of Financial Health Assessments [06:21] Navigating Cash Flow Challenges [09:07] Building Strong Lender Relationships [15:34] Importance of Financial Clarity [20:01] Understanding Company Value [26:58] Team Engagement in Financial Clarity QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What is the importance of understanding your company's financial health? How can financial health assessments reveal hidden cash flow issues? What strategies can improve lender relationships for business growth? How does knowing your company's value impact strategic decision-making? What role does team engagement play in financial stability? How can businesses navigate cash flow challenges effectively? Why is liquidity crucial for maintaining strong banking relationships? What are the benefits of regular financial health checkups? How can understanding financial metrics lead to better business outcomes? What are the key steps to align a team around financial clarity?

Ever wondered how the partnership between McFarlin Stanford and The Grow Group got its start? On this roundtable episode of Roots of Success, Jason New, Chris Psencik and Jim Cali of McFarlin Stanford sit down with Marty Grunder and Vince Torchia of The Grow Group to recall how ACE Peer Groups began and how it has grown through over 10 years of collaboration. You'll hear the candid, behind-the-scenes tales of how a simple idea—born out of entrepreneurial struggle and a desire for community—blossomed into a nationwide network changing the lives and businesses of its members. Get the inside track on new ACE initiatives, the role of technology and team engagement, and what makes the partnership between these two companies so powerful. If you're looking for the blueprint on building a supportive, high-achieving community, this episode is for you. THE BIG IDEA: Stronger Together KEY MOMENTS: [04:56] "Building World-Class Peer Meetings" [06:17] "Parenting and Limited Disclosure" [11:05] "Impromptu Presentation Success Story" [14:16] "Building Connected Peer Networks" [16:45] ACE Peer Learning & Growth [21:37] Rapid Industry Change and Growth [23:45] "Teaching Intentions and Growth" [27:21] "Outsourcing for Better Focus" [28:36] "Maximizing Business Leverage Points" [33:54] "Reflecting on Growth and Gratitude" [35:57] "Stronger Together in Collaboration" QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How did the idea for the ACE peer group program originate, and what gap was it intended to fill within the landscape industry? What are some specific challenges business owners face when it comes to finding accountability and honest feedback in their professional lives? What key features differentiate the ACE peer group program from other industry mastermind groups or networking events? How has the evolution of technology (like apps and webinars) improved the experience and value provided to peer group members? In what ways does the annual GROW event contribute to the professional development and culture of participating companies? How does offering specialized services, such as bookkeeping and recruiting, help landscape businesses focus more on their core strengths? What role does a strong sense of community play in driving long-term engagement and success in peer groups? What are some real-world examples of transformational outcomes seen among companies that consistently participate in these peer groups and educational events?

In this episode of Roots of Success, host, Barrett Chow, welcomes Tom Tessmer, founder of QLVR (Clever), for a frank conversation on the power of employee engagement surveys and the real impact of culture in the workplace. Tom draws on 20 years of Human Resources experience to break down how data-driven insights can transform teams, improve employee satisfaction, and drive better business outcomes. Discover why gathering honest feedback matters, when to pursue engagement surveys, the difference between culture and engagement—and what to watch out for so your efforts don't backfire. Whether you're a landscaping business owner or an HR leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you create a more connected, successful, and resilient team. THE BIG IDEA: Culture is shaped by action, not intention KEY MOMENTS: [06:07] Challenger vs. Peacekeeper Perspectives [10:03] Defining Quality in the Workplace [12:44] "Bridging HR and Business Skills" [16:10] "Employee Engagement Survey Benefits" [18:04] Team Dynamics and Values [22:42] Culture Choices and Brilliant Jerks [24:07] Balancing Performance and Culture [28:27] Dynamic Culture and Engagement Management [31:16] Employee Engagement and Trust Insights [34:19] "Data Analysis for Deeper Insights" QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What is the main purpose of conducting an employee engagement survey? How to define the difference between company culture and employee engagement? Why is it important for engagement surveys to be anonymous? What risks are involved in conducting an engagement survey, and how can companies avoid them? How can employee engagement surveys help business owners prioritize actions and reduce stress? What role does compatibility and diversity of perspectives play in a successful organization? Why is it crucial for organizations to act on the feedback received from engagement surveys? What are some common pitfalls when implementing engagement surveys for the first time? Why is monitoring culture and engagement seen as an ongoing process rather than a one-time activity?

Ever thought about selling your landscape business—but figured it was years down the road? What if the perfect opportunity landed in your lap, sooner than expected? In this episode of Roots of Success, host Jason New of McFarland Stanford sits down with Andrew Gabries, who built not one, but two thriving companies—Andrew's Lawn and Landscaping and Go Green Lawn and Pest Control—and exited both earlier than planned. From hustling alongside his mom in high school to managing 100+ employees and planning strategic sales, Andrew shares hard-won lessons about hiring, culture, scaling, and what it takes to make a company truly sellable. Whether you're contemplating your exit or just want to grow a world-class team, Andrew's journey is packed with actionable insight for landscape business leaders. KEY MOMENTS: [03:13] Andrew's Lawn Landscaping Beginnings [08:07] Andrew's Landscaping: Residential to Commercial Shift [12:50] GoGreen's Focus and Growth Strategy [13:56] CEO's Dual Role Simplified [19:28] Celebration-Focused Workplace Culture [20:42] Unexpected Business Sale Decision [24:42] Involving Team Pre-Intent Discussions [28:40] "Seamless Transition at Go Green" [33:09] Aspire Transforms Business Management THE BIG IDEA: Build great teams; growth and success follow naturally. QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How do you start and grow a successful landscaping business? What are the best strategies for scaling a landscaping or lawn care company? How do you prepare a landscaping business for sale or acquisition? What are effective ways to build a strong team and positive company culture in the green industry? What is the role of software and technology in managing a landscaping company efficiently? How do you transition from residential to commercial landscaping contracts? What are tips for balancing business ownership with family life? What's involved in the due diligence process when selling a small business? How do landscaping companies successfully retain long-term employees? What are the key factors in choosing the right partner for selling your business?

Absolutely crushing it in landscape sales—only to discover your teams don't know how your company actually makes money? Wondering why your backlog is shrinking or your people aren't moving your business forward the way you hoped? In this raw, high-energy roundtable episode of Roots of Success, our panel of seasoned coaches and industry leaders get real about what's working NOW for landscape executives. From reviving old-school sales strategies to turning every employee into an advocate for your bottom line, you'll get practical stories and tested tactics for growing a resilient, profitable business. Expect war stories, laughs, bold ideas, and inspiration to help you build a smarter, more profitable landscape business, plus actionable pearls you can implement now. THE BIG IDEA: Prioritize communication, people, and financial transparency always. KEY MOMENTS: [06:33] Reviving Proactive Sales Strategies [10:23] Expanding Business With Existing Clients [12:24] Optimize Existing Leads for Growth [14:50] Improving Profit Margins Incrementally [18:33] Hidden Costs of Equipment Loss [23:02] Consistency in Leadership Education [26:58] Clarity Builds Trust and Progress [27:36] "Business Growth Through Role Reevaluation" [30:50] Organizational Misalignment Challenges [35:17] "Family vs. Work Boundaries" [40:01] "Unexpected Hospital Conference Bonding" QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How can landscaping businesses deal with shrinking backlogs and find more work? What are the best sales strategies for landscaping companies in a slow market? How do I educate my landscaping team about company profits and financials? What is open book management and how can it help my small business? How can I create effective career paths and growth opportunities for my landscaping employees? What are best practices for succession planning in family-owned landscaping businesses? How do you communicate company financials to your landscaping crew? What are some ways to boost employee retention in the landscape industry? How can landscaping companies transition from project work to recurring maintenance contracts? What are the key steps to building a successful landscaping business team?

Think running a landscape company with your spouse is a recipe for disaster? Think again. Kerry and Jill Cline are living proof that partnership—at work and at home—can become your biggest business superpower. This candid conversation peels back the curtain on how they built C&S Lawn Service & Landscaping: from passing out flyers as a teenager to scaling up with peer support, adopting game-changing software, and building a culture of accountability and trust. Find out what it takes to get out of your own way, empower your team, and finally move from chaos to control, no matter how long you've been "too busy" to change. THE BIG IDEA: Growth comes from learning and taking action. KEY MOMENTS: [04:09] Building a Business Beyond Friends [08:00] Family Business Decision [11:16] Streamlining Hiring and Organization [14:59] Trust and Financial Clarity [16:58] Hiring Smarter Mentors for Growth [20:34] Inaction Despite Learning [24:32] "Software Adoption Success Story" [28:59] Team-Centric Financial Transparency [30:20] "Aligning Personal and Professional Goals" [34:13] Empowering Teams through Management [37:30] "Elevate Through Mentorship" QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What are the benefits of joining a business peer group? How can husband and wife successfully run a business together? When should I hire a fractional CFO for my small business? How do I transition from working in my business to working on my business? What is open book management, and should I use it in my company? How do I build a strong company culture in the landscape industry? What's the best way to implement systems and processes in a small business? What are some challenges of hiring friends and family in your business?

What if the most rewarding part of growing a landscape business isn't the lush gardens or high-end installs, but something much deeper? On this episode of Roots of Success, Tommy Cole chats with Adam Dukes, founder of GrandScapes, who pulls back the curtain on his journey from a two-person startup in 2008 to a highly respected Charleston landscape company. Adam reveals what it really takes to build a winning leadership team, how to turn installation clients into lifelong maintenance customers, and why team success is the true driver of growth. Packed with candid stories and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for owners and leaders ready to level up their business (and their people). THE BIG IDEA: Prioritize your people; success naturally follows. KEY MOMENTS: [04:32] Charleston's Diverse Landscapes [07:23] Building a Strong Management Team [12:02] Building Future Business Success [13:24] Rethinking Plans Amid Distractions [17:14] Key Metrics & Employee Engagement [19:06] Empathy Drives Honest Feedback [22:47] Weekly Recap for Installation Success [25:56] Cultivating a High-Quality Culture [31:24] "Focus on Growing Maintenance Division" [34:56] Empowering Team Growth [37:36] Team Growth and Future Planning QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How do I grow a landscaping business from scratch? What are the biggest challenges when starting a landscape company? How can small business owners build an effective leadership team? What is the best way to transition from working in your business to working on your business? How do I promote employees from within my company? How can landscape companies improve communication with clients? How can I train and develop my landscaping team for long-term success? Why is maintenance important for landscape businesses, and how can you grow this segment? What are the benefits of joining business peer groups for company owners?

Ever considered that your company's morning routine could make or break your entire day? Join us on the Roots of Success podcast as host Tommy Cole dives deep with Vince Torchia, the VP of the Grow Group, to explore the undeniable power of systems and processes. Learn how to turn your morning rollouts from chaos into a well-oiled machine, and discover actionable strategies to carry that efficiency throughout your entire operation. Tune in and take the first step towards a more organized and productive landscape business with unlimited potential. THE BIG IDEA: Progress Over Perfection KEY MOMENTS: [05:06] Morning routine sets the day's tone. [09:51] Ownership is crucial for successful project completion. [12:49] Collaboration reveals strengths and weaknesses, strengthening team. [14:04] Awareness enables questioning and process improvement. [17:57] Overthinking creates unnecessary problems and inaction. [20:03] Progress over perfection leads to success. [23:06] Join us for the All Systems Go Webinar QUESTIONS WE ANSWER How do systems and processes improve business efficiency? How can businesses effectively implement performance metrics? How can businesses effectively implement performance metrics? How can visual management tools boost productivity in businesses? What are essential steps to developing robust business processes? What are essential steps to developing robust business processes? FOR SHOW NOTES & MORE, GO TO: https://mcfarlinstanford.com/podcast/ep-037-progress-over-perfection-with-vince-torchia/