Jonathan Torres shares his journey from incarceration to becoming a landscape architect and his work with Project Kinship to support at-risk youth. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and providing resources for youth to break the cycle of incarceration.

Takeaways

• Mentorship
• Breaking the Cycle

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Stephanie Carlson from Naturspire, discussing her journey from journalism to the landscaping industry, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the importance of biophilic design. Stephanie shares her passion for creating living walls and green spaces, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future of her business. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration, trust, and the benefits of incorporating nature into indoor and environments in unique ways.

https://www.naturspire.com/

Takeaways

• Stephanie transitioned from journalism to landscaping after raising her children.
• She discovered biophilic design and its benefits for indoor environments.
• COVID-19 increased demand for indoor plants and greenery.
• NatureSpar focuses on creating living walls and green roofs.
• Collaboration with architects and designers is key to her business.
• Stephanie emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the industry.
• She aims to educate clients on the value of greenery in spaces.
• The business has grown through reinvestment and expanding services.
• Stephanie's passion for nature drives her creativity and projects.
• She believes in the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature.

Sound Bites

• "I love doing rooftops."
• "It just brings happiness."
• "Nature is like the best Xanax."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

02:48Transition to NatureSpire and Biophilic Design

05:35Impact of COVID-19 on Business

08:39Expanding Services and Collaborations

11:10Creative Projects and Challenges

14:01Growth and Business Development

17:33Building Relationships and Trust

21:30Future Vision and Industry Insights

In this episode, Mark Bradley takes us through his transformative journey of turning passion into progress. From scaling his landscaping business to pioneering software solutions, Mark shares insights on lean principles, leadership growth, and innovative strategies shaping the future of the industry.

In this episode, Niwar shares his inspiring journey from Kurdistan to building a multi-million dollar landscaping business. He discusses the challenges and growth in the early years, the importance of strategic leadership transitions, and the role of maintenance revenue in long-term success.

Niwar also offers valuable advice for business owners navigating adversity and reflects on the impact of family and heritage on his entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Marie Ambusk, who shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a passionate advocate for tree health and gardening. Marie discusses the challenges of tree care, the importance of understanding root health, and the innovative solutions she is developing, including ground penetrating radar technology to analyze tree roots. The conversation highlights the value of trees in our environment and the need for collaboration within the industry to improve tree care practices.

To pre-order the tool - sign up here:

https://www.treesroi.com/services-4

Takeaways

Marie transitioned from a corporate career to gardening after encountering tree health issues in her neighborhood.

She became a master gardener and started a project to help urban trees thrive.

Understanding tree roots is crucial for their health and longevity.

Many people are intimidated by tree care and fear damaging them.

Innovative tools are needed to assess tree root health before planting.

Ground penetrating radar technology is being developed to analyze tree roots.

The quality of tree roots significantly impacts their survival and growth.

Collaboration among industry professionals is essential for improving tree care.

The value of trees increases with their age, making proper care vital.

Education and awareness are key to preventing tree health issues.

Sound bites

"The roots always win. They always win."

"It's all about the value proposition."

"It's a hard solution to crack."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marie Ambusk

02:35 The Journey Begins: From Corporate to Gardening

05:26 Understanding Tree Health and Root Issues

08:13 The Importance of Quality Roots

11:02 Challenges in Tree Care and Maintenance

13:52 Innovative Solutions for Tree Root Problems

16:36 Developing Ground Penetrating Radar Technology

19:13 The Science Behind Tree Root Analysis

21:58 The Value of Trees and Their Impact

24:41 The Future of Tree Care and Industry Collaboration

27:33 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

30:13 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Keywords

tree care, root health, gardening, innovation, environmental sustainability, tree maintenance, ground penetrating radar, urban gardening, horticulture, tree planting

This morning we had Kris Kiser on the SYNKD on air show and here's a summary of the topics we covered. Will you be there next week? SYNKD team will be there so please reach out to us if you see us!!

https://www.synkd.io/synkd-news/equip-expo-wins-will-you-be-there-next-week

Equip Exposition Named “Greatest Trade Show of 2024,” Celebrated for Industry Impact and Community Stewardship

Equip Exposition—the nation’s largest gathering for landscapers, contractors, dealers, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers—has been named “The Greatest Trade Show of 2024” by Trade Show Executive at the Gold 100 Awards and Summit. The event also received the “Against All Odds Award” and was ranked the third largest trade show in the United States.

Despite facing a major cyberattack on its registration vendor days before opening, the Equip and OPEI teams pivoted seamlessly to deliver a record-breaking, sold-out show with 28,500 attendees, demonstrating resilience and operational excellence.

A Hub for Networking, Education, and Innovation

Peer-to-peer networking continues to be at the heart of Equip, giving industry professionals vital access to suppliers, partners, and new opportunities. As one industry leader put it:

“You can’t not be known each year.”

The show features:

• Hands-on Outdoor Demo Yard with 30 acres of equipment trials
• Expanded UTV Test Track
• Robust education and training sessions
• High-energy industry events, including concerts and receptions

Outdoor Stewardship and Community Engagement

Beyond business, Equip champions outdoor stewardship and community impact, highlighted through its partnership with the TurfMutt Foundation.

Key initiatives include:

• Reaching 70 million children with outdoor education programs
• Using a dog superhero character to promote conservation and responsible land use
• Hosting dog adoption events at the expo, turning industry gatherings into opportunities for giving back
• Encouraging community involvement in outdoor activities and connecting stewardship with real-life action

As shared in the podcast:

“There’s a real dog behind that.”

This storytelling approach humanizes the mission and deepens engagement.

Education That Inspires the Next Generation

Equip and TurfMutt understand that shaping the future of the industry begins with education. Their programs teach kids to value green spaces, care for the environment, and even consider careers in the outdoors.

“We reach 70 million kids.”

This long-term educational vision aligns perfectly with Equip’s role as the industry’s innovation leader.

Why Equip Exposition Stands Apart

Equip isn’t just a trade show—it’s a movement.

Its success comes from combining:

✅ Unmatched networking

✅ Forward-thinking education

✅ Hands-on industry events

✅ Deep commitment to outdoor stewardship

✅ Heartwarming dog adoption initiatives through the TurfMutt Foundation

By blending business growth with community purpose, Equip has set a new standard—making it clear why it earned the title “The Greatest Show of 2024.”

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

The expo continues to expand programming and experiences, with new initiatives already in motion for 2025. As the industry evolves, Equip remains the place to connect, learn, innovate, and give back.

Equip Exposition isn’t just the biggest. It’s the most impactful.

In this episode, we delve into EarthaPro’s mission to empower small landscaping businesses with intuitive software solutions. Founders Courtney Krstich and Peter Quan share their journey of identifying market needs, launching their platform, and the initial feedback received. We discuss their commitment to local development, community support, and future plans for collaboration and innovation in the landscaping industry.

In this conversation, Brent Markus from Instant Hedge discusses the innovative production process of their hedges, focusing on the unique aspects of their boxwood varieties and the alternatives they offer. He shares insights into the shipping and distribution of their products, the benefits for landscapers, and his background in landscape architecture. The discussion highlights the growing demand for finished hedges in landscaping and the ease of use that Instant Hedge provides for both professionals and homeowners.

Takeaways

Instant Hedge uses computer-controlled tractors for precision planting.

Boxwood is the most popular hedge variety sold by Instant Hedge.

The company offers a variety of hedge sizes and types, including alternatives to boxwood.

Shipping is available across the U.S., with a focus on New England.

Brent's background in landscape architecture informs the business model of Instant Hedge.

The production process includes root pruning to ensure healthy hedges.

Instant Hedge products can be installed quickly, providing instant gratification for clients.

The company has a strong focus on customer service and first-time buyers.

Brent emphasizes the importance of listening to industry practitioners.

The demand for finished hedges is growing in the landscaping market.

Sound bites

"Boxwood is our number one seller."

"We have so many other varieties."

"We ship all over the U.S."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Instant Hedge and Brent Markus

02:55 The Unique Process of Growing Hedges

05:26 Boxwood: The Most Popular Hedge

08:13 Exploring Hedge Varieties and Alternatives

11:14 Production and Shipping of Hedges

14:18 Sustainability and Biodegradable Packaging

17:25 Collaborations and Practical Applications

18:24 Innovative Landscaping Solutions

21:16 The Growing Demand for Instant Hedge

22:48 Sales Strategies and Distribution Channels

26:18 First-Time Orders and Customer Engagement

28:24 Brent's Journey in Horticulture

31:11 The Technology Behind Instant Hedge

34:21 Cost-Effectiveness of Instant Hedge

37:15 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects