In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re tackling one of the most chaotic (and costly) problems in many landscape and snow companies: inconsistent, unstructured pay. If your crew members are randomly asking for raises… if your hiring conversations feel like a poker game… or if payroll feels more like a monthly gamble than a strategy—this episode i…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re digging into one of the most misunderstood—but most impactful—tools in your estimating arsenal: production rates. Whether you're still eyeballing bids or operating off tiered pricing, understanding production rates can help you price more consistently, boost profitability, and simplify performance conversat…

Still sending quotes into the void and hoping for the best? It might be time to stop bidding and start building value. In this episode of The Beer Garden, we're doing a deep dive into how to improve your close rate for landscape maintenance contracts—without lowering prices, adding services, or spending more time on-site. Just smart strategy and be…

If your “CRM” is a stack of sticky notes, a chaotic spreadsheet, or just whatever’s rattling around in your brain, this episode is for you. In this Beer Garden listicle episode, we’re diving into the top 10 things you should look for when picking a CRM for your landscape or snow removal business. Whether you’re making your first leap into software …

It’s a new year, and you’re probably thinking about how to grow your business. But before you throw all your budget at Facebook ads or slap another sign on your truck, it’s time for a little strategy. In this episode of The Beer Garden, Jason introduces a concept he created called the Revenue Growth Pyramid—a smarter framework for growing your land…

The landscaping industry’s labor shortage isn’t getting any better, and let’s be honest—throwing a “Help Wanted” magnet on your truck isn’t going to cut it anymore. In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re digging into strategies for hiring in a competitive market—because let’s face it, you can’t scale your business without the right people. Wheth…

Welcome back to The Beer Garden! After a well-earned holiday break (and maybe one too many seasonal beers), we’re kicking off 2025 with our Annual State of the Industry episode. We’re diving into Lawn & Landscape Magazine’s industry report to see what’s sprouting, what’s wilting, and what’s straight-up getting overrun by weeds this year. What’s Ins…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re breaking down the process of building an effective sales plan for your landscaping or snow removal business. Whether you’re aiming for steady growth or gearing up for your best year yet, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you plan, track, and achieve your sales goals with confidence. What…

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore how to implement a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to streamline equipment maintenance and improve operational efficiency in your landscaping or snow removal business. What’s Inside: We’ll walk through a 5-step process to successfully implement a CMMS: Assign a Software Owner:…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re diving into a topic that can transform how you run your landscaping or snow removal business: the importance of standardizing your equipment. From deciding when to buy, rent, or lease to choosing the right tools and streamlining operations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you save ti…

In this short Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we dive into a powerful strategic planning tool for owners and operators of landscape/snow businesses: the organizational chart. We’ll walk through how you can leverage an org chart not only to understand your current structure, but also to project and plan for future growth. What You’ll Learn: Buil…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re diving into the art and science of scaling your landscaping business. Whether you’re aiming for your first $1M in revenue, breaking through the $3M mark, or pushing beyond, this episode offers practical insights and strategies to help you grow smartly and sustainably. What’s Inside:The Root of the Problem W…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we explore the steps to successfully transition the estimating and sales role from the owner to others in the organization. This critical process can free up your time to focus on strategic growth and team leadership while empowering your team to take on more responsibility. Here’s what we cover: Why Owners Strug…

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore why contractors should shift their focus from lowering prices to increasing the value they provide to their customers. Competing on price alone can be a race to the bottom, but by focusing on value, you can win the right clients, build a strong reputation, and grow your business sustainably. He…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we explore the critical role of a company vision in driving business success, particularly for landscapers and snow removal professionals. A clear and compelling vision isn’t just a lofty idea—it’s a practical tool that guides decision-making, inspires teams, and sets your business apart. Whether you’re just star…

In this Sidecar episode of The Beer Garden, we explore creative ways to capitalize on the holiday season to boost your landscape or snow removal business. The holidays aren’t just for retail—they’re a golden opportunity for service-based businesses too. We’ll cover: Segment 1: Leverage Holiday Sales •Take advantage of Black Friday and holiday deals…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we tackle one of the most significant shifts in a professional's career: moving from an in-field employee to a management role. This transition requires more than a change in title—it demands a transformation in mindset, skills, and priorities. Whether you’ve just been promoted or are preparing for this leap, thi…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we dive into the shift from residential to commercial and homeowners association (HOA) customers—a move that can elevate your business but requires a strategic approach. Whether you're thinking about expanding your client base or have already started the transition, this episode provides practical advice and insi…

In this special episode of The Beer Garden, we’re joined by our very first guest, Benji Carlson—a powerhouse in the world of contracting. Benji built a successful College Pro Painters franchise, where he gained recognition for managing the network’s most productive team. He then went on to help over 1,500 contractors across North America as the Ass…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we break down five powerful tactics that can help your landscaping or snow removal business capture the attention of potential customers and stand out from the competition. Whether you're looking to attract new clients or sharpen your sales approach, these strategies will give you the edge you need. Here's what w…

In this episode of The Beer Garden, we’re getting ready for the winter season by diving into the essential steps every landscaping and snow removal professional should be taking to ensure they’re fully prepped. As the cold months approach, it's critical to stay ahead of the game with a solid plan in place. We’ll cover: How to build and maintain a c…

In this episode, Jason shares his journey in the music industry during a time of massive disruption and draws parallels from that experience to the landscape industry. He shares how his experience in the music industry—touring, recording, and sharing the stage with bands like Imagine Dragons, Awolnation, and Motley Crue—has shaped his entrepreneuri…

Pricing your services can make or break your landscape or snow removal business. In this episode of The Beer Garden, we dive deep into the strategies and challenges of setting the right price. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this episode covers everything from knowing your numbers, to comparing cost based, compe…

Often times when you're stuck in the day to day grind, it can be hard to remember why we do what we do, and even harder to envision the payoff ahead. In this debut episode of The Beer Garden, hosts Brandon Comstock & Jason Hoke share stories from their journey in the landscape and snow industry and set the tone for episodes to come. New episodes ou…

The Beer Garden is the landscape industry podcast that lasts as long as it takes to enjoy your favorite beverage(s). Created by landscapers, for landscapers, we’re here to dig deep into the roots of our industry, sharing a brew and the best-kept secrets of the trade. Pull up a seat and join the conversation!…