The Hard Truth About Leadership in Landscaping with Tommy Cole

Reach Out Via Text!In this episode, Jeremiah dives into a real-time breakdown of a large commercial landscaping project his company is currently executing, sharing lessons learned under pressure. He unpacks how the commercial construction world actually works—from understanding the role of a general contractor to navigating bidding, scope writing, and relationship-building that can win jobs even without being the lowest bid. Jeremiah also gets honest about the financial realities, including cash flow challenges, net payment terms, and the importance of having reserves or credit in place. Throughout the episode, he highlights critical operational insights like handling change orders, managing deadlines, and avoiding costly mistakes on-site. If you’re looking to break into commercial work or scale your landscaping business, this episode delivers practical, hard-earned advice you can apply immediately. Cultivated Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cultivated/id1871971706Support the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!In this episode of the Growing Green Podcast, Jeremiah sits down with Pat Murray of Local Roots to unpack a powerful and raw conversation around leadership, burnout, and building a sustainable business. Pat shares the behind-the-scenes reality of scaling a $10M landscaping company, including the intentional shift toward recurring maintenance revenue and the operational complexity that comes with growth. The conversation takes a deeper turn as Pat opens up about hitting a breaking point, navigating burnout, and ultimately stepping away for a sabbatical to recover and reset. Together, they discuss the importance of defined roles, asking for help, and building a business that doesn’t rely solely on you. They close with practical strategies for setting boundaries, avoiding chronic stress, and leading effectively through the demands of a growing company. Support the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!Derek Clelan went from filing bankruptcy at 24 to building one of the fastest-growing landscape design firms in the country — and he did it in just three years. In this conversation recorded live at LeanScapers in Cape Coral, Jeremiah sits down with Derek to unpack the origin story of Your Haven Design, how they completed 1,500 designs for over 400 contractors across the US, UK, and Canada in a single year, and why design isn't just a deliverable — it's a sales tool, an estimating tool, and a feedback loop all in one. They dig into Your Haven's membership model, how AI is creeping into the design workflow (without replacing the humans doing the actual work), and the bold plan to build a full Design Academy that trains and employs the next generation of landscape designers. If you're a contractor on the fence about adding design to your process, this one will settle it.Support the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!What happens when a college kid with zero landscaping experience, a co-signed truck, and 30 days to make his first payment decides to bet on himself? You get one of the most honest, hard-won stories in the green industry.In this episode, recorded live at the Landscaper Revenue Intensive in Cape Coral, Florida, host Jeremiah Jennings sits down with Jeremy Talboy of North Georgia Landscape Management for a raw, no-highlights-reel conversation about what it actually takes to build a landscaping company from scratch.Jeremy T. opens up about scaling from $1M to $5M in under two years — only to accumulate staggering debt, lose operational control, and nearly watch it all fall apart. He shares how he hit the brakes, installed real systems, plugged the holes, and clawed his way back to sustainable growth approaching $8.5M.In this episode:Why starting during a recession was actually a hidden advantageThe moment a co-signed truck made entrepreneurship feel realHow rapid growth without systems nearly destroyed the businessBuilding commercial maintenance from zero — and losing money to win market shareThe power of communication with lenders, clients, and your team when things go sidewaysWhy documenting the lows matters just as much as celebrating the winsWhether you're just starting out or you're stuck in the messy middle, this one will remind you: you're not alone and the path forward is always through, never around.Signup for our free Ops Event on April 10- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980729312694?aff=oddtdtcreatorSupport the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!In this episode of the Growing Green Podcast, Jeremiah Jennings sits down with Amy Schultz, founder of Leadseen Inc., to talk about what actually works in marketing for landscaping and irrigation companies. Amy shares how her background in commercial banking led her to build a marketing agency focused specifically on the green industry and explains how financial thinking should guide marketing decisions. The conversation dives into practical strategies contractors can use today, including why many landscapers overspend on Google ads while overlooking powerful channels like Facebook, Meta, and LinkedIn. Amy also breaks down how AI and automation are transforming marketing—from chat widgets capturing leads to data-driven competitor analysis and retargeting strategies. If you're a landscape business owner looking to generate better leads and spend your marketing dollars more effectively, this episode delivers actionable insights you can implement immediately.Support the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!In this episode of the Growing Green Podcast, Jeremiah sits down with Mike Lysecki, CEO of LeanScaper, to explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the future of business—especially in the landscape industry. They discuss the evolution of AI agents, how they can automate workflows, and why landscape companies may soon be able to build custom software simply by describing how they want their business to run. Mike also explains the concept of throughput, a powerful metric that helps contractors focus their labor on the most profitable work. The conversation dives into both the opportunities and risks of AI, including how it could reshape the global economy and change the way entrepreneurs operate. Throughout the episode, Jeremiah and Mike emphasize a key takeaway: AI is ultimately just a tool—but those who learn to use it early will have a major advantageSupport the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!In this solo episode, Jeremiah shares several lessons he’s currently working through while preparing Growing Green Landscapes for the busy spring season. He discusses the importance of adopting a “we versus me” mentality in leadership and communication, explaining how shifting language can shape company culture and team dynamics. Jeremiah also walks through a new system he’s testing using Loom videos to present landscape proposals, helping customers clearly understand pricing, scope of work, and design decisions without requiring multiple in-person meetings. Along the way, he talks about finding ways to differentiate your company beyond the work itself, improving communication with clients, and tightening operational efficiency. The episode closes with reflections on dropping unprofitable customers, tightening routes, and setting the business up for strong growth heading into the spring rush.Support the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!In this episode, Jeremiah records while out on a walk during the early days of spring rush and shares what’s happening in real time inside his landscaping business. He talks about the importance of building strong hiring systems, tracking man-hours to better manage project timelines, and using tools like LMN and LeanScaper to stay organized during busy seasons. Jeremiah also dives deep into leadership—why building people matters more than just building projects, and how creating the right team culture can transform a business. He shares personal reflections on why he continues to build his company instead of taking easier opportunities elsewhere, emphasizing impact, faith, and long-term purpose. If you're heading into spring busy season, this episode will challenge you to dial in your systems, leadership, and “why” behind the work you do.                                                                                                                                                                                              Operations Event-   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roadmap-to-operations-systems-structure-scale-tickets-1980729312694?aff=oddtdtcreatorSupport the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!As spring kicks off and call volume starts ramping up, Jeremiah breaks down exactly how he’s structuring call intake, time management, and estimate workflows inside Growing Green Landscapes. He shares the simple systems he’s using — from LMN Crew and Google Calendar to Calendly — to eliminate chaos, reduce stress, and protect the company’s reputation as it scales. The conversation moves into real-world lessons about AI receptionists, sales-to-operations handoffs, and why documentation during estimates matters more than ever. Jeremiah also opens up about pruning unprofitable clients, dialing in ICP, and positioning the business for smarter growth in 2025. If you're heading into spring feeling overwhelmed already, this one will ground you and give you a practical framework.OPS Event-https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980729312694?aff=oddtdtcreatorSupport the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/

Reach Out Via Text!In this solo Wednesday episode, Jeremiah pulls back the curtain on a major shift happening inside Growing Green Landscapes’ maintenance division. After running deep analytics on man-hours, drive time, and revenue per hour, he shares why some long-time customers are being dropped — and how dialing in the right ICP (ideal client profile) is critical to scaling profitably. Jeremiah also breaks down the dangers of hidden drive time, why $63 revenue per hour isn’t scalable, and how they’re restructuring maintenance with mandatory enhancements and tighter pricing discipline. Plus, he announces the free April 10th Operations Event and shares an honest update on culture, hiring, and hitting their $1.3M revenue goal in 2026. If you're serious about tightening your operations this spring, this episode is a must-listenSign up for Ops Event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980729312694?aff=oddtdtcreatorLet’s build smarter this year. Support the show10% off LMN Software- https://lmncompany.partnerlinks.io/growinggreenpodcastSignup for our Newsletter- https://mailchi.mp/942ae158aff5/newsletter-signupBook A Consult Call-https://stan.store/GrowingGreenPodcastLawntrepreneur Academy-https://www.lawntrepreneuracademy.com/The Landscaping Bookkeeper-https://thelandscapingbookkeeper.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/growinggreenlandscapes/[email protected] Green Website- https://www.growinggreenlandscapes.com/