The Green Talk - Podcast

What does it take to build a successful career in the turfgrass industry? 🌱In this episode of The Green Talk Podcast, we sit down with Nicolás Garibay, Director of Agronomy at Suntree Country Club, to explore the journey, challenges, and lessons that shape a successful career in professional turf management.From understanding the science behind healthy turf to leading teams, making difficult decisions, and maintaining high standards, Nicolás shares his perspective on what it takes to grow as an agronomy professional and a leader.We explore the importance of hands-on experience, continuous education, adaptability, and the people who help us succeed along the way.

What will the next generation of the landscaping industry look like?In Episode #33 of The Green Talk Podcast, I sit down with Alison Nieves to talk about the future of landscaping through the perspective of a new generation of industry professionals.Alison shares her experience working in operations at Nieves Landscaping LLC, the lessons she has learned along the way, and what it takes to help move a landscaping company forward in an industry that continues to evolve.We discuss leadership, operations, company culture, technology, workforce challenges, professional growth, and the opportunities available to young people who are willing to build a career in the green industry.We also explore an important question: How do we preserve the experience and work ethic that built our industry while giving the next generation the opportunity to challenge old ways of thinking and create something better?

In this episode of The Green Talk Podcast, Mizraim Cardenas sits down with Allan Gunter of G&G Landscape Solutions for an honest conversation about leadership, professional growth, and the person behind the job title.Allan shares lessons from his journey through the green industry, the experiences that shaped his leadership, and what it truly means to build a career founded on character, relationships, and purpose. Because titles may describe what we do, but they never tell the whole story of who we are.

What does it take to build a meaningful career in the green industry?In Episode #31 of The Green Talk Podcast, I sit down with Kayla Lujan from GRiT – Green Industry Talent to talk about the journey from sales to purpose, leadership, and making a lasting impact in one of the fastest-growing industries in America.Whether you're just starting your career, leading a team, hiring great people, or looking for your next opportunity, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest perspectives on what it really takes to succeed.

🎙️ Episode #30 | Shantel Perez | K&D Landscaping | En EspañolCommunication is one of the most important tools in leadership. In the landscaping industry, many of the people doing the work every day are Spanish speakers. When we communicate in someone's primary language, we build trust, improve understanding, and create stronger teams.In this special Spanish language episode of The Green Talk Podcast, I sit down with Shantel Perez from K&D Landscaping to talk about the importance of communicating with frontline employees in the language they know best. We discuss leadership, company culture, career growth, and why investing in people starts with making sure they feel heard and understood.

🎙️ Episode #29 of The Green Talk Podcast is live!Mapping the Future with Utkarsh Sharma from SiteRecon.We dive into AI, technology, and the innovations transforming the landscape industry. But beyond the tech, we explore the person behind the vision and why people will always matter most.🚀 The future is being mapped today, don't miss this conversation.Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway!#TheGreenTalkPodcast #SiteRecon #MappingTheFuture #AI #Technology #Innovation #LandscapeIndustry

The Science of Tree Care: Raising the Standardwith Alex ShyTrees tell the story of time strength, resilience, and quiet endurance. But behind every healthy canopy is science, discipline, and the hands of professionals committed to doing it right.In Episode 28 of The Green Talk Podcast, I sit down with Alex Shy to dive deep into the science of tree care and what it truly takes to raise the standard in our industry.

In this episode of The Green Talk, I sit down with Shantel Perez from K&D Landscaping for a meaningful conversation about the human side of landscaping and what it truly means to build a company that is built for people.Shantel shares her perspective on supporting teams, creating opportunities for growth, and why leadership rooted in care and accountability makes all the difference. This conversation goes beyond operations and business it’s about culture, purpose, and the responsibility we carry as leaders in this industry.If you care about building strong teams, supporting the next generation in landscaping, and creating workplaces where people can thrive, this episode will resonate with you.

Episode 26 of The Green Talk Podcast features Abbie Downer of Downer Brothers Landscaping in a conversation about legacy, growth, and carving your own path within a family business.In “Roots and Renewal,” Abbie shares what it means to honor the foundation laid before you while bringing fresh vision to the table. We talk about leadership in a generational company, earning your place through grit and humility, and the balance between tradition and innovation in today’s green industry.It’s a story about deep roots, steady hands, and the courage to grow forward.

🎙️ Episode 25 of The Green Talk Podcast  "Rebuilding from the Roots".I sat down with Todd Colter, founder of MitoGrow, to talk about something we don’t always see… but that drives everything we grow: plant energy.We’ve always known healthy roots mean healthy plants. What Todd breaks down is why at the cellular level. We talk mitochondria, stress tolerance, recovery, and how supporting a plant’s internal energy systems can influence:• Stronger root development• Better performance under heat and environmental stress• Improved resilience in demanding landscape conditions• A smarter, biology-first approach to plant healthThis isn’t about replacing the fundamentals. It’s about building on them using modern plant science to support the same principles this industry has relied on for generations: strong roots, balanced growth, and long-term health.If you work in turf, ornamentals, or plant health care, this episode will stretch the way you think about what’s happening beneath the surface.