How to Hardscape
By Michael Pletz
A podcast dedicated to helping hardscapers start and grow their business. If you are a hardscaper, landscaper, or a contractor of any sort, this podcast is going to help you professionally. Landscaping companies and contractors alike will benefit from discussions with leading experts in the industry talking installation, tools, products, marketing, business, and so much more to help you grow your business.
Whether you are a lawn care specialist, a contractor looking to add new services to grow your bottom line, or already active in the industry, there are topics covered that will help you.
Whether you are a lawn care specialist, a contractor looking to add new services to grow your bottom line, or already active in the industry, there are topics covered that will help you.
Managing Your Landscaping Business with LMN Software
How to Hardscape • By Michael Pletz • Dec 16, 2019
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Profit First for Contractors with Author Shawn Van Dyke
Today we have Profit First for Contractors author Shawn Van Dyke on the show to talk about this cash management system, how it helps contractors, and answers your questions that were submitted.
1:01:06
January 25, 2021
#IAmaHardscaper: Craig of Sheller Outdoor Living
Today we have Craig of Sheller Outdoor Living on the show for another episode in the #IAmaHardscaper Series.
1:00:12
January 18, 2021
Renting Versus Owning Equipment
In today's episode, we talk about the advantages and disadvantages of both renting and owning a piece of equipment as well as how to do a cost analysis on owning equipment and incorporate those costs into a budget to make that money back with every quote you send out.
28:19
January 11, 2021
Budgeting for 2021
In today's episode, we walk through how to create your budget and what the advantages are of doing so. This includes factoring in the billable hours per season, overhead expenses, labor costs, cost of goods sold, and profit margins and how to budget these for your season to set goals and invest properly to ensure a successful 2021.
41:51
January 4, 2021
#IAmaHardscaper Round Table with Matt Hiner, Dan Wasson, and Mike Arnold
On today's episode we talk with Matt Hiner of Hiner Outdoor Living, Dan Wasson of Wasson Nursery, and Mike Arnold of Creekside Outdoor Living for a round table talk about their hardscape businesses.
2:05:16
December 28, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Liz and Kenny of Vaughanscapes
Today we have Liz and Kenny of Vaughanscapes on the show for another episode in the #IAmaHardscaper Series.
1:15:30
December 21, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Nick of Earth Scapes Landscaping
Today we have Nick of Earth Scapes Landscape and Outdoor Living on the show for another episode in the #IAmaHardscaper Series.
34:35
December 14, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Jordan of DPR Landscapes
Today we have Jordan of DPR Landscapes on the show for another episode in the #IAmaHardscaper Series.
1:13:09
December 7, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Matt of Hiner Outdoor Living and The Yardist
Today we have Matt Hiner of Hiner Outdoor Living and The Yardist on the show for another episode in the #IAmaHardscaper Series.
1:04:28
November 30, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Dan of Wasson Nursery
Today we have Dan of Wasson Nursery on the show for another episode in the #IAmaHardscaper Series.
51:17
November 23, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Danny of Niche Gardens
Today we have Danny of Niche Gardens SC on the show for another episode in the #IAmaHardscaper Series.
1:10:03
November 16, 2020
Growing a Landscaping Business with Mark Bradley of LMN
Today we have Mark Bradley of LMN back on the show to talk about how he grew his landscaping business to over $50 million. We talk about growth, marketing, employees, and systems among many other wide ranging topics.
41:17
November 9, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Adam of Lilley Hardscaping
Today we are joined by Adam of Lilley Hardscaping for another episode in our #IAmaHardscaper Series.
41:40
November 2, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Evan of Pride Hardscape
Today on another episode in the #IAmaHardscaper Series, we are joined by Evan of Pride Hardscape.
1:01:32
October 26, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Nick of Earthworks Landscaping
Today we are joined by Nick of Earthworks Landscaping for another episode of our #IAmaHardscaper series.
1:00:33
October 19, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Mike of Paver King
Today we are joined by Mike of Paver King for another episode of our #IAmaHardscaper series, answering your questions!
1:33:16
October 12, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Greg and Errol of Valley Outdoor Design
Today we are joined by Greg and Errol of Valley Outdoor Design for another episode of our #IAmaHardscaper series.
1:27:22
October 5, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Josh of Sutton Outdoor
On today's episode, we feature Josh of Sutton Outdoor for another episode of our #IAmaHardscaper series.
1:07:49
September 28, 2020
Leadership as a Business Owner with Mark Nesbitt
Today we are joined by Mark Nesbitt, founder of Nesbitt Training where he works to build better leaders through coaching, training, and speaking. Today he talks with us about what it means to be a leader in your business and how you can work to build up the employees in your business.
32:19
September 21, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper Round Table with Premier Outdoor Living and RC Outdoor
On today's episode we talk with Richard of RC Outdoor and Sean of Premier Outdoor Living for a round table talk about their hardscape businesses.
2:06:03
September 14, 2020
Selling and Installing Ponds with Greg Wittstock "The Pond Guy"
Today we are joined by Greg Wittstock aka the Pond Guy. He is the owner and CEO of Aquascape, manufacturers of ponds and other outdoor water features. We talk today about why you should be including water features into the services that you offer your customers and how you can sell your customers on these features.
27:20
September 7, 2020
Radiant Heating for Hardscapes with Proline Radiant Heat Solutions
On today's episode, we are joined by Larry Steveson of Proline Radiant Heat Solutions to talk about installation and sales of radiant heat snow melting products for hardscapes.
42:07
August 31, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper Round Table with Auman Landscape, J Squared Outdoor, and Mulder Maintenance
On today's episode we talk with Caleb Auman of Auman Landscape, Jeremy Swihart of J Squared Outdoor and Andy Mulder of Mulder Maintenance and Services for a round table talk about their hardscape businesses.
1:34:43
August 24, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper Interview Takeaways and Round Up
On today's episode I talk about various topics that have stood out on past #IAmaHardscaper interviews and what the future holds for these series of interviews.
28:28
August 17, 2020
Excavation and Subsoil Preparation Practices with Paver Pete
Today on the podcast we are joined by Paver Pete to talk best excavation practices to keep your job site running efficiently and what you should be doing to prepare your subsoil for base preparation.
27:13
August 10, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Dylan of D and R Hardscapes
On today's episode, we feature Dylan of D and R Hardscapes for another episode of our #IAmaHardscaper series.
1:15:52
August 3, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: John of Signature Landscape
On today's episode, we have John of Signature Landscape on the show for another episode in the series of #IAmaHardscaper.
46:41
July 27, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Jordan and Kyle of Evolve Design Build
On today's episode of the #IAmaHardscaper series, we interview Jordan and Kyle of Evolve Design Build.
1:07:18
July 20, 2020
Weigh Safe on Trailer Safety
Today we are joined by Chris Procopio who is the Director of Sales for Weigh Safe, a product that is designed to help you measure tongue weight. We talk about this product and many factors that affect trailer safety.
29:53
July 13, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Mike Arnold of Creekside Outdoor Living
Today I am joined by Mike of Creekside Outdoor Living for another episode of #IAmaHardscaper where I sit down and interview a hardscape business owner.
43:34
July 6, 2020
Retaining Wall Construction with Risi Stone and Unilock
Today we are joined by Tyler Matys, President of Risi Stone, and Ray Rodenburgh of Unilock. We take this episode to discuss retaining walls and a lot of information in regards to constructing one, what needs to be considered, and lots of valuable resources available to you from Risi Stone and Unilock.
44:18
June 29, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Tony Zambito of Groupe Zamco
On today's episode, we are joined by Tony of Groupe Zamco for another episode of #IAmaHardscaper where we sit down and interview a hardscape business owner.
52:18
June 22, 2020
Talking Sales with Gary Ross of Allies in Leadership
Today I am joined by Gary Ross of Allies in Leadership to talk about sales.
38:23
June 15, 2020
Operating a Lean and Efficient Business with Frank Bourque
Today we are joined by Frank Bourque to talk about 5 steps to operating a more lean and efficient business.
32:10
June 8, 2020
Compaction with Bartell Global
On today's episode, we are joined by Brian Fortner of Bartell Global to talk about everything you need to know about compaction.
35:24
June 1, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Chad Quenneville of Natural Design Landscapes
Today we are joined by Chad Quenneville of Natural Design Landscapes for this episode of I Am a Hardscaper.
38:21
May 26, 2020
Tensar TriAx Geogrid / Unilock DriveGrid
On today's episode, we are joined by Paul Hewgill of Tensar and Ray Rodenburgh of Unilock to talk about TriAx Geogrid / Unilock DriveGrid, the application and installation of the product, and why you should be including this in every job.
27:15
May 18, 2020
Soil Identification with Matt Hostrander
On today's episode, we are joined by soil scientist Matt Hostrander to talk about soil identification in preparation for and while excavating.
50:06
May 11, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Gairad DeCastro of Premier Landscape
On today's episode of #IAmaHardscaper I am joined by Gairad DeCastro of Premier Landscape.
36:37
May 4, 2020
Mental Health with Jason Anderson of Trillium Landscape
On today's episode of the health week on the podcast, we feature Jason Anderson of Trillium Landscape to talk about his story and the importance of taking care of your mental health as an entrepreneur.
36:02
May 1, 2020
Skin Care for Landscapers with Dr. Allison Arthur
On today's episode during health week, we are joined by Dr. Allison Arthur. She talks about taking care of your skin in the sun, how you can protect yourself, and some consequences of not protecting your skin.
18:09
May 1, 2020
Protecting Your Hearing with Dr. Marshall Chasin
On today's episode, we dive into the first of our three health topics this week with Dr. Marshall Chasin. He is a doctor of audiology and talks with us our protecting our hearing on a job site.
30:32
April 27, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Andy Mulder of Mulder Maintenance & Services
On today's episode of #IAmaHardscaper, we are joined by Andy Mulder of Mulder Maintenance & Services.
34:28
April 20, 2020
Preparing and Operating in a Recession with Jody Grunden of Summit CPA
On today's episode, we are joined by Jody Grunden of Summit CPA, a virtual CFO service, to talk about how you should prepare your business for a recession and operating your business during a market downturn.
35:54
April 13, 2020
Selling and Installing Outdoor Living Spaces with Alex from Techo-Bloc
Today we are joined on the show by Alex Cadieux of Techo-Bloc. He talks with us about selling and installing outdoor living spaces for your clients, why you should be focusing on expanding the features you can offer your clients, and how Techo-Bloc has materials and resources to help make you more efficient and make more money.
39:24
April 6, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Jeremy of J Squared Outdoor
On today's episode we are joined by Jeremy Swihart of J Squared Outdoor.
24:01
March 30, 2020
Pedestal Systems with Stone Deck Innovations
On today's episode we are joined by Greg Borger of Stone Deck Innovations to talk about the use of pedestal systems in the installation of rooftop patios and more.
21:31
March 27, 2020
Alternatives to Traditional Decks: Paverdeck and TileDeck with Stone Deck Innovations
On today's episode we are joined by Greg Borger of Stone Deck Innovations. He talks with us about two more products available as alternatives to traditional decks including Paver Deck and Tile Deck.
33:09
March 25, 2020
Alternatives to Traditional Decks: SilcaGrate with Stone Deck Innovations
On today's episode, we are joined by Greg Borger of Stone Deck Innovations to talk about a series of alternatives to traditional decks that you can offer your customers. On this specific episode, we talk about the SilcaGrate system.
34:17
March 23, 2020
EASYClick Base with Geoff Whitcher of Azpects
On today's episode, we are joined by Geoff Whitcher of Azpects to talk about the installation of EASYClick Base and how this product has been tested.
23:51
March 18, 2020
EASYJoint with Geoff Whitcher of Azpects
On today's episode, we are joined by Geoff Whitcher of Azpects to talk about EASYJoint. This is an alternative product to polymeric sand that is air cured and installed with water.
25:14
March 16, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Caleb of Auman Landscape
On today's episode, we are joined by Caleb Auman of Auman Landscape for another #IAmaHardscaper feature.
56:03
March 9, 2020
Remarketing with Facebook and Google Ads Introduced
On today's episode, we talk about why you should be installing the Facebook Pixel and Google Tag to remarket to your audience.
17:29
March 7, 2020
Setting Up a Search Engine Optimized Website
On today's episode, I talk about what it takes to set up a search engine optimized website to ensure you are going to rank at the top of specific keyword results on search engines.
31:32
March 5, 2020
Dialing in Your Online Marketing with Hardscape Marketer
On today's episode, we are joined by Tim Fahndrich of Hardscape Marketer, Whirlocal.io, and the Digital Contractor Show on Turfs Up Radio to talk about dialing in your online marketing.
30:00
March 4, 2020
The Customer Journey with Premium Mix Marketing
On today's episode, we are joined by Matt Pletz of Premium Mix Marketing to talk about the customer journey from drawing their attention to creating a sense of loyalty with your customers.
35:49
March 3, 2020
Acquiring the Right Customers with Mark Morrison
On today's episode, we talk with Mark Morrison about acquiring the right customers for your business, identifying the "A" clients, and making sure that you are attracting those clients to your business.
37:24
March 2, 2020
Knowing Your Numbers: Intro to Budgeting, Estimating, and Job Costing
On today's episode, we talk about budgeting, estimating, and job costing in your business and implementing a system to allow you to become more efficient with your estimating process while ensuring that you make the money your business needs to thrive.
30:12
February 27, 2020
Selling and Installing Landscape Lighting with Kichler Lighting
Today we are joined by Jeff Dross of Kichler, and he is here to talk about landscape lighting. From selling to installing, we cover it all.
42:53
February 25, 2020
Talking Shop with Paul Jamison Host of the Green Industry Podcast
Today we are joined by Paul Jamison, he is a landscape business owner from Atlanta and the host of the Green Industry Podcast. He talks about his story and how he got into the green industry.
49:14
February 19, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Sean of Premier Outdoor Living
Today we are joined by Sean Collinsgru of Premier Outdoor Living for our #IAmaHardscaper series.
32:22
February 17, 2020
Growth and Profitability with Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek
On today's episode, we talk with Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek. If you do not know of him, get on YouTube, search his name, and enjoy his videos. He is here today to talk with us about growth and profitability.
22:29
February 12, 2020
The First Consultation with Your Customer with Marty Grunder
On today's episode of the How to Hardscape Podcast, we are joined by Marty Grunder of Grunder Landscaping and the Grow Group where he helps landscaping professionals with their businesses. He is here to talk with us about what you should now going into the first consultation with your customer.
20:44
February 10, 2020
Prequalifying Leads with Marty Grunder
On today's episode of the How to Hardscape Podcast, we are joined by Marty Grunder of Grunder Landscaping and the Grow Group where he helps landscaping professionals with their businesses. He is here to talk with us about what you should be doing to prequalify your leads.
25:02
February 3, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Richard of RC Outdoor
On today's episode of the #IAmaHardscaper, we are joined by Richard of RC Outdoor.
46:28
January 27, 2020
LO Congress Landscape Show and Summit Takeaways
On today's episode, we take the chance to talk about the two different products that stood out to us as hardscapers at the Landscape Ontario Congress show and the takeaways from the Landscape and Hardscape Business Success Summit.
33:03
January 20, 2020
Dust Collection and OSHA Compliance with Dust Killer Tools
On today's episode, we are joined by Jeremy Martin of Willow Gates Landscaping and Dust Killer Tools to talk about dust collection and OSHA Compliance in your business.
27:11
January 14, 2020
#IAmaHardscaper: Matt of Hardscape Ottawa
On today's episode of the #IAmaHardscaper, we are joined by Matt of Hardscape Ottawa. Go check out their work at https://www.hardscapeottawa.com/
37:33
January 6, 2020
Addressing Inefficiencies as a Leader and Investing in Tools with Frank Bourque
On today's episode, we are joined by landscape business coach and consultant Frank Bourque who talks with us about how business owners can address their inefficiencies and invest in tools that are going to help their on-site efficiency in 2020.
38:42
December 30, 2019
Vacuum Lifting Equipment with M-QUIP
On today's episode, we are joined by Justin and Jacob Reid of M-QUIP. They talk with us about a variety of subjects regarding using vacuum lifting equipment, what products they have available for hardscapers, and why you should be using vacuum lifting equipment on your job sites.
33:26
December 24, 2019
Managing Your Landscaping Business with LMN Software
On today's episode, we are joined by Mark Bradley of LMN and we talk about how LMN software will help you manage your landscaping business and help you keep track of your financials and so much more.
22:36
December 16, 2019
How Unilock's UniLyft, U-Level, and Uvision Can Help Efficiency and Address the Labor Shortage
On today's episode, Ray Rodenburgh of Unilock talks about how the UniLyft, U-Level, and Uvision can help address the labor shortage and help your efficiency from the planning and design process to the installation.
32:09
December 10, 2019
Cleaning and Sealing Interlock with Techniseal
On today's episode, we are joined by Aaron Phifer of Techniseal to talk about cleaning and sealing interlock, the different products that they have available, how to use them, and selling these services to your customers.
35:17
December 2, 2019
Selling and Installing Warming Trends Outdoor Fire Features
On today's episode, we talk with Brian Small of Warming Trends about how you can sell and install Warming Trends fire features into your client's outdoor living spaces.
39:39
November 25, 2019
Polymeric Sand Installation
On today's bonus episode we talk about installing polymeric sand and the things you should consider when you are installing polymeric sand from different manufacturers.
12:50
November 25, 2019
Perma Edge: Edge Restraint for Open Graded Bases
Looking for the right edge restraint to replace your plastic edging for open graded bases? Perma Edge offers a product that is flexible and more permeable than using a concrete product. We talk with co-founder Chris Yancey regarding this product and why you should be using it in your next install.
23:18
November 18, 2019
How to Install an Open Graded Base
In this episode we talk about open graded bases, improving your efficiency and sales, and how you install these bases.
20:13
November 12, 2019
Installing and Selling Alliance Gator Base for Increased Efficiency
On today's episode, we are joined by Jeff Cunningham of Alliance. He talks in depth with us about Gator Base, how to install, sell, and improve your site efficiency with this product.
49:10
November 4, 2019
Paver Pete Talks Different Base Preparation Methods
We talk with Paver Pete about different base preparation methods for different scenarios and being versatile in your installation. We also talk about creating an outdoor living space for your customer and selling them on the idea of what they can use their outdoor living space for.
18:47
October 28, 2019
Things Landscapers Wish They Knew Before Starting Their Business
We surveyed landscapers to ask them what they wish they knew before starting their business. There were a lot of common themes from the responses and we chose nine points to discuss on today's episode.
15:48
October 21, 2019
How to Start Your Business with No Money
In this episode, we talk about how to start your business with no money by drawing on our past experiences with starting our business and how we did it. From beginning my career working for a hardscape supplier learning as much as I could to starting to do jobs on the side to take what I had learned and to put it into practice to eventually starting my business, I talk about all these steps and where it has taken my business over time and how you can do the same with yours if you are just starting out.
19:25
October 14, 2019
About the How to Hardscape Podcast
In this episode, we give you a rundown on what you can expect from the podcast. We will be talking about tools, products, materials, new installation methods, interviews with industry leaders, and featured hardscapers.
05:53
October 14, 2019