How do you scale a landscaping business without losing money, overhiring, or running out of work?

In this episode of the Hardscaper Growth Podcast, Alex sits down with Ken and Pat from Local Roots to break down how they scaled from working out of a car to building a multi-million dollar landscaping company — and the costly mistakes they made along the way.

If you’re a contractor trying to grow your business, this episode will show you what actually works (and what doesn’t).

• Why scaling too fast can break your business (and how to avoid it)
• How to make smart equipment and hiring decisions using simple math
• The difference between emotional vs data-driven decisions in business
• How to build a reliable pipeline using outbound marketing
• When to invest in systems, software, and structure
• What contractors in the first 3–5 years should focus on to grow properly

Most contractors don’t fail because of a lack of work — they fail because they grow without structure.

• Landscaping & hardscaping business owners
• Contractors in the 0–5 year growth phase
• Anyone trying to scale a service-based business
• Entrepreneurs looking to build a profitable, sustainable company

See how Ken and Pat are building and scaling their company:

https://localrootslandscaping.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/local-roots-landscaping/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localrootslandscaping/

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New episodes every month! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.

These are the exact conversations we’re bringing live to the Hardscaper Showcase 2026 Tour

Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper
Website → https://hardscaper.com/

This episode breaks down one of the most misunderstood growth levers in the landscape industry:

Building careers — not just filling jobs.

Alex sits down with Chris Mace (VP of Construction & Design) and Lisa Riess (HR Leader) from Gelderman Landscape Services to unpack how intentional people strategy drives profitability, retention, and long-term growth.

They dive into:

• Why consistent, guaranteed pay is a competitive advantage in a seasonal industry

• How clear career paths unlock loyalty, performance, and leadership from within

• The real cost of employee turnover — and why most contractors underestimate it

• How training, communication, and culture outperform “quick hires” every time

• What small and mid-sized contractors can realistically implement without a full HR department

If you want to grow a stronger company, execute better work, and stop losing your best people — this episode lays out the blueprint.

🎧 Listen now — because the next generation of great landscape companies will be built by leaders who take care of their people.

🔗 https://events.hardscaper.com/

Learn more about Gelderman Landscape Services:
🌐 https://geldeman.com/

😎 Enjoyed this episode?

Apple Podcasts | Spotify
New episodes every month! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.

Follow & Subscribe:

📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper
🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/

Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!

This episode breaks down the two biggest, simplest, most ignored habits that quietly steal profit from hardscape contractors every year:

1. Building and updating your budget + hourly rate

2. Tracking actual hours on every job.
   If you don’t update your numbers when your costs change — and you don’t verify how long projects really take — you’re guaranteeing profit fade. Fixing these two things solves most of the margin problems contractors face.

😎 Enjoyed this episode? Wes and his team will be joining us at all of our Showcase events in the 2026 tour. Don’t miss the chance to attend and meet them in person.

🔗 https://events.hardscaper.com/

Follow Wes: @Synkedup
📈 Learn more at: https://synkedup.com/
🎧 Listen now—because the next era of landscaping giants is being built today.

New episodes every month! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.

Follow & Subscribe:
📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper
🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/

Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!

Apple Podcasts Spotify