This show digs into the challenges of growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Whether you are just starting a lawn care and landscape business or have been in business for decades, whether you only have one service or several, our podcast has something for you.In this podcast, we will cover how you can:Maximize profitCreate leaders in your team so you can finally wear your CEO hat.Stop worrying about how you will pay your bills during the down season.Discover ...
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Hosted by the News Service of Florida's Senior Reporter, Dara Kam, A Deeper Dive with Dara is a weekly podcast that dissects Florida’s top political stories. Each episode captures exclusive updates from Florida legislators, insights from policy influencers and industry experts who shape the political discourse across the Sunshine State.
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Episode 140: Reporter Roundtable with Steve Bousquet
44:11
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44:11Legislative winners and losers, dueling tax cuts and the biggest story no one's talking about! Join frequent guest of the show Steve Bousquet, opinion editor at the South Florida Sun Sentinel, and Dara for a reporter roundtable where the pair break down those issues and more from the 2025 legislative session. Can House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami…
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115-Unlocking Success in the Green Industry: Mindset Strategies for Surviving the “100 Days of Hell”
42:21
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42:21This week, host Steve Bousquet dives deep into the pivotal role of mindset during the most challenging stretch in the green industry—the notorious “100 Days of Hell.” As business owners battle burnout, overwhelm, and constant change, Steve introduces practical tools like the Choice Map by Dr. Marilee Adams, which helps leaders and teams shift from …
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Episode 142: John "Pot Daddy" Morgan, Part 2
44:34
44:34
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44:34In Part 2 of Dara's dive with John Morgan, the pair get deep. John's launching a new political party aimed at Republicans and Democrats who feel like their choices are too extreme. Divas can learn more about that in Episode 1. This week, John and Dara discuss what "faith" means & explore the afterlife. John also shares insights into former Presiden…
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114-What Every Business Owner Needs to Know About Basis: How to Avoid Costly Tax Mistakes
47:11
47:11
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47:11In this episode, Christeen Era is joined by CPA and tax strategist Mary Pierce for an insightful deep dive into the concept of "basis"—a critical but often overlooked topic for business owners. Mary breaks down what basis really is, how it affects S corporation owners, and why understanding your basis can save you from unnecessary taxes and frustra…
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Episode 141: John "Pot Daddy" Morgan's New Team
37:56
37:56
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37:56Wanna be part of a new political team? For centrists who feel the GOP & the Democrats are too extreme, trial lawyer-entrepreneur-philanthropist John Morgan is recruiting! Prizes are involved... "Pot Daddy" joined Dara this week to dish about his "serious" consideration of a run for governor. In this two-part, wide-ranging episode, Dara and the OG d…
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113-Building Long-Term Relationships in Business with Chris Snyder
44:41
44:41
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44:41In this insightful episode, Steve Bousquet welcomes special guest Chris Snyder, an expert in customer relationship-building and marketing, to discuss the pivotal role of fostering long-term connections with clients. Chris shares valuable lessons from his experience at Walgreens and his consulting firm, emphasizing the need for businesses to move be…
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112-Proven Strategies to Unlock Your Business Growth
47:45
47:45
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47:45In this episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet dive into actionable strategies and insights to help you unlock your business's potential. They discuss the importance of leveraging data-driven decision-making, overcoming operational bottlenecks, and building a resilient mindset as a business owner. Christeen and Steve explore real-world examples,…
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Episode 139: Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman & Sen. Tina Polsky
45:33
45:33
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45:33Freshly minted Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman and Sen. Tina Polsky join Dara to delve into the multi-layered 2025 legislative session as lawmakers prepare to head home -- for now! Leader Berman, who takes over a caucus of 10 members, also shares insights about Democrats in the upper chamber and statewide, following her predecessor Jason Pizzo's…
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111-Cracks and Crevices: Fixing Business Gaps in Lawn Care & Landscaping | Strategies for 2025 Success
36:24
36:24
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36:24In this episode, Steve Bousquet navigates through the concept of "cracks and crevices" within a business, using his own experiences from his lawn care and landscaping company to provide actionable advice for growth and stability. Steve delves into critical operational areas like marketing, sales, deliverables, finances, and people, emphasizing the …
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Episode 138: Reporter Roundtable with Jeffrey Schweers
58:34
58:34
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58:34In the race to the end of this year's legislative session (or not), today's Reporter Roundtable features Jeffrey Schweers, capitol bureau reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. Jeff and Dara continue to dig into the House's probe of First Lady Casey DeSantis' signature welfare-assistance program, Hope Florida, and its affiliated charity, the Hope Flori…
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110-Sustainable Lawn Care Strategies: Expert Insights with John Huber | Green Industry Success
1:02:18
1:02:18
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1:02:18In this episode, Steve Bousquet is joined by long-time friend and industry pioneer, John Huber, to discuss four decades of navigating the ever-evolving green industry. From his work formulating environmentally sustainable products, like the innovative Hudson Valley Natural line, to emphasizing patience, persistence, and passion, John shares invalua…
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Episode 137: Reporter Roundtable with Alexandra Glorioso and Lawrence Mower
57:00
57:00
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57:00That's right, we're having another Reporter Roundtable -- this time with Capitol Press Corps dynamic duo Alexandra Glorioso (state government reporter, The Miami Herald) and Lawrence Mower (Tallahassee correspondent, Tampa Bay Times). The power couple (IRL, as well as in breaking news) join Dara in the Speakeasy to dive deep into their investigatio…
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109-Top Books for Personal Growth and Business Success | Must-Reads for Entrepreneurs
1:00:12
1:00:12
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1:00:12In this unique episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet step away from traditional business discussions and dive into the power of books and learning for personal and professional growth. They explore recent reads, including Mel Robbins' Let Them and Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, offering actionable insights on boundaries, assumptions, ef…
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Episode 136: Reporter Roundtable with Forrest Saunders and Jason Delgado
1:08:33
1:08:33
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1:08:33Back by popular demand, E.W. Scripps Capitol Reporter Forrest Saunders & Spectrum News Capitol Reporter Jason Delgado rejoin Dara in the Speakeasy as we head into the last half of the 2025 legislative session. The highly caffeinated trio dig into the verbal fisticuffs exchanged by House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Gov. Ron DeSantis, and disc…
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108-How to Build a Winning Team: The Ultimate Onboarding Guide for Success
1:05:43
1:05:43
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1:05:43-In this episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet delve into the often-overlooked yet pivotal process of on-boarding. They unpack why on-boarding truly sets the tone for employee retention, team cohesion, and business success. From pre-boarding strategies to first-day checklists and structured post-hire touch points, they emphasize the importance …
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Episode 135: Chancellor Ray Rodrigues, Part 2
41:40
41:40
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41:40State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues joins Dara in the Speakeasy for a lively, 2-part episode focusing on higher education. The pair delve into a panoply of changes affecting the state's public universities, such as doing away with DEI programs and services. The chancellor also gives Dara an update on federal funding cuts for research m…
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107-Mastering Hiring & Firing: Building the Team Your Business Deserves
1:01:51
1:01:51
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1:01:51In this episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet tackle one of the most critical challenges for any business owner – hiring the right team and knowing when to let go. They share actionable insights on how to attract top talent, conduct effective interviews, and implement working interviews to ensure a great fit for your company culture. Christeen …
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State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues joins Dara in the Speakeasy for the first of a lively, 2-part episode focusing on higher education. The pair delve into a panoply of changes affecting the state's public universities, such as doing away with DEI programs and services. The chancellor also gives Dara an update on federal funding cuts f…
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106-Lawn Care & Landscaping Success: Marketing, Hiring, and Pricing Tips for 2025
1:06:18
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1:06:18In this episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet provide actionable tips to ensure your business starts the 2025 season on the right foot. From effective marketing techniques like leveraging truck signage, QR codes, and social media, to utilizing platforms such as Google Business Profile to attract more clients, Christeen and Steve cover it all. T…
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Episode 133: State Sen. Blaise "GovGoneWild" Ingoglia
50:51
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50:51Sen. Blaise Ingoglia joins Dara for a freewheeling chat about politics, legislation and rumors that he might be the state's next chief financial officer. Sen. Ingoglia also talks about his legacy as a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. The Spring Hill Republican shares some insights about Gov. Ron DeSantis that might surprise divas…
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In this solo episode of the podcast, host Steve Bousquet dives into the themes of “Roar, Review, Rant, and Revere” while sharing insights from his 42 years of experience in the lawn care and landscaping business. Steve reflects on his company's preseason preparations, including setting ambitious goals, conducting extensive team training, and foster…
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Episode 132: Legislative Check-in with House Speaker Daniel Perez & Senate President Ben Albritton
49:33
49:33
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49:33Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, rejoin the show (for the first time since they've taken over as leaders in their respective chambers!) to give give Dara an update on the 2025 legislative session. Speaker Perez talks about the House's probe into reports that insurance industry leaders allegedly wi…
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104-Mastering Pricing Strategies: Boost Profit & Efficiency in Your Business!
1:08:17
1:08:17
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1:08:17In this episode, Steve and Christeen dive deep into the critical topic of pricing strategy and how it can significantly impact the profitability and sustainability of your business. They discuss the essential components every business owner must consider, including labor, equipment costs, material markup, and overhead. Christeen emphasizes the impo…
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Episode 131: Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power Gets Disruptive
1:06:35
1:06:35
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1:06:35Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power finally visits Dara in the Speakeasy to dish about DOGE, talk about the Sunshine State's political prominence and weigh in on the 2026 elections. Evan and Dara also discuss the impact President Donald Trump, aka the Disrupter in Chief, has had on GOP politics in Florida and the nation. The chairman gi…
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In this episode, Steve Bousquet is joined by long-time friend and peer, Bob Tunzi of Tunzi and Sons Landscaping, to discuss Bob’s over 30 years of experience in the landscaping industry. From starting his business in the early 1990s after a career change to completing $200,000+ outdoor living projects, Bob shares his journey of growth, challenges, …
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Episode 130: Reporter Roundtable with Forrest Saunders and Jason Delgado
1:06:39
1:06:39
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1:06:39They're baaaack! EW Scripps Capitol reporter Forrest Saunders and Spectrum News' Capitol reporter Jason Delgado -- two of Dara's fave Capitol cohorts -- join the Chief Diva in the Speakeasy to prep listeners for the upcoming multi-layered legislative session. The trio break down all things DOGE, dig into immigration and dissect the 2026 gubernatori…
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102 - When Your Pricing Strategy is Spot On, But Your Overhead Costs Are The Issue
56:38
56:38
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56:38In this episode, Steve Bousquet and Christeen Era take a deep dive into an often-overlooked aspect of business success—managing overhead costs. They break down the distinction between direct costs and overhead, explaining how expenses like rent, utilities, administrative salaries, and loan payments can impact your bottom line. With actionable insig…
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Episode 129: Sen. Jennifer Bradley Classes Up the Show
1:00:46
1:00:46
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1:00:46Senate Regulated Industries Chairwoman Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, joins Dara this week for a wide-ranging chat about issues facing Floridians. The senator dispels myths about recent efforts to strengthen condo safety laws and discusses a move to make structural-integrity reports more transparent. Sen. Bradley, who was instrumental in secur…
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101 - Mastering Business Success: How Benchmarking Strategies Boost Profitability and Growth
58:24
58:24
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58:24In this episode, Steve Bousquet and Christeen Era delve into the power of benchmarking as a tool to drive business success. They break down the concept of benchmarking, its significance, and how it can be utilized to measure performance against industry standards, identify gaps, and foster continuous improvement. From tracking key performance indic…
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Episode 128: Sen. Joe Gruters Delivers the Goods
48:51
48:51
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48:51Sen. Joe Gruters was a key player in the drama surrounding plans to help carry out one of President Donald Trump's top priorities -- boosting enforcement of illegal immigration. On this week's Deeper Dive, the Sarasota Republican chats with Dara about potential legislative fallout from the GOP family squabble over the immigration proposals. The sen…
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100 - 100 Business Lessons for Lawn Care & Landscaping Success | Hiring, Delegation, & Profit First Tips
1:01:39
1:01:39
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1:01:39In this milestone 100th episode, Steve Bousquet and Christeen Era reflect on the journey that brought them here, sharing their most valuable lessons and takeaways from years of entrepreneurship, coaching, and hosting 99 prior episodes. From the challenges of hiring and onboarding to the power of proper delegation, time management, and strategic pla…
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Episode 127: Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo
1:17:24
1:17:24
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1:17:24Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, R-Sunny Isles Beach, gives Dara his take on GOP legislation aimed at addressing illegal immigration ("It's crap!"), offers some alternate solutions, and weighs in on Republican leaders' showdown with the governor. The "candid and comprehensive" former prosecutor also offers a frank assessment of Florida Democrats…
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In this episode of the Green Profit Academy Pro's podcast, host Steve sits down with Rick Wallace, an accomplished entrepreneur running a thriving lawn care business. Rick shares his inspiring journey from starting at age 12 with a push mower to growing his lawn care company to over 8,000 clients, with locations in Georgia and Florida. Together, St…
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Episode 126: Reporter Roundtable with Kimberly Leonard & Ana Ceballos
1:03:23
1:03:23
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1:03:23In this week's Reporter Roundtable, POLITICO politics reporter Kimberly Leonard and The Miami Herald's Ana Ceballos join Dara to dissect the showdown between Gov. Ron DeSantis and GOP legislative leaders. Who will emerge the winner in a brutal messaging war over how best to implement President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration? How wi…
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98 - Top 5 Ways to Make More Money in 2025
55:31
55:31
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55:31In this episode, Steve and Christeen discuss the top five ways small business owners can increase profitability in 2025. They dive into actionable strategies, including how to effectively raise your prices, stop offering low-profit services, and improve your estimating processes. Christeen shares insights on the importance of understanding costs, s…
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Episode 125: Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson
1:09:43
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1:09:43Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson rejoins Dara this week for a wide-ranging, lively discussion Divas will not want to miss! The Ag Commissioner gives Dara an update on how recent historic snowfall in North Florida is affecting nurseries, cattle ranchers and other ag producers in the state. Commissioner Simpson…
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97 - Planning and Goal Setting for Business Success
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26:23In this episode, host Christeen Era delves into the critical importance of planning and goal setting for achieving business success in today's fast-paced environment. She unpacks the concept of strategic planning and its role in efficiently allocating resources and aligning efforts towards long-term sustainability and growth. Christeen emphasizes t…
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Episode 124: Finding Opportunities with House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell
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41:26
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41:26Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell chats with Dara this week about what keeps her motivated, as Republicans continue to make political gains in the Sunshine State. The Democratic leader also explains how the GOP's looming crackdown on immigration could affect Florida families and the state's economy. Tune into this episode of Deeper Di…
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96 - Interview with Jim Parker, The Lawn Boss: Maximizing the Sales Price of Your Business
1:20:14
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1:20:14In this episode, Christeen Era delves into the intricacies of maximizing the sales price of your business, a pivotal concern for any entrepreneur contemplating the sale of their company. Joined by Jim Parker, renowned as the "Lawn Boss" and a seasoned expert in the lawn care industry, they explore the nuances of preparing a business for market, fro…
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Episode 123: 'Educated We Stand' with Jennifer Jenkins
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51:10
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51:10Former Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins joins Dara this week to discuss what drove her to launch Educated We Stand, a group aimed at countering Moms for Liberty. Jennifer shares details about harassment and intimidation she endured as a school board member in ruby-red Brevard after defeating Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms f…
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95 - The Five Functions of Business
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1:03:05Join Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet in this engaging episode as they explore one of Steve's favorite business topics: the Five Functions of Business. As we step into 2025, they delve into how understanding these core functions—Marketing, Sales, Deliverables, Money, and People—can transform the clarity and ease of business operations across indust…
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Episode 122: Miscarriage of Justice with Seth Miller
1:23:38
1:23:38
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1:23:38Innocence Project of Florida Executive Director Seth Miller joins Dara this week to discuss wrongful convictions in Florida. Seth gives insights into what can be a decades-long exoneration process for people who've been convicted of crimes they did not commit. The pair delve into Seth's efforts to free Leo Schofield, the subject of Gilbert King's "…
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94 - Harnessing Potential: Building Dynamic Teams with Gallup Strengths
1:02:28
1:02:28
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1:02:28Join Steve Bousquet and Christeen Era as they explore the transformative power of Gallup Strengths in both personal and professional settings. As we approach the start of a new year, this episode offers valuable insights into how identifying and leveraging individual strengths can lead to enhanced leadership skills, improved team dynamics, and incr…
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Capitol reporter Forrest Saunders joins Dara in the Speakeasy to dig into the biggest Florida stories of the year. Hurricanes. Elections. Abortion. State parks. We say goodbye to 2024 with Mar-a-Lago as the center of the political universe & as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to Make America Great Again -- with the help of the Sunshine State!…
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93 - Retention Revolution: Crafting Cultures That Stick
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55:50In this engaging episode, Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet explore the "Retention Revolution" and discuss how to craft organizational cultures that truly stick. They delve into the critical importance of employee retention, sharing personal experiences and insights on creating a work environment that not only attracts but retains top talent. Christ…
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92 - How a Lawn Application Company Maximizes Profit in 5 Steps
1:04:31
1:04:31
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1:04:31Join Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet as they delve into the strategic steps that lawn application companies can take to maximize profitability. Drawing from their extensive experience in the green industry, they break down essential practices for optimizing daily routines, understanding seasonal cycles, and implementing efficient routing to stream…
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Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo gave up her gavel last month, but the Naples Republican has two more years to go before exiting the upper chamber. Sen. Passidomo, who's now chairwoman of the Rules Committee, shares insights with Dara about returning to the floor as one of 40 Somalian warlords after being president. The duo also discusses…
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91 - Cultivating Success in the Botanical & Horticulture Business World with Leslie Halleck
1:05:58
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1:05:58In this enlightening episode, we welcome Leslie F. Halleck, a distinguished Certified Professional Horticulturist with a notable 27-year career in the horticulture industry. Leslie's extensive experience ranges from botanical field research to public gardens, landscape design, and horticulture consulting, making her an invaluable resource for both …
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Episode 119: What the Heck Happened, with Nikki Fried
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51:20Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried visits Dara in the Speakeasy to conduct a postmortem on the 2024 elections. How did Donald Trump -- an affluent celebrity -- become the torchbearer of working-class voters? Nikki tells Dara that Dems missed the mark on messaging. The pair discuss weed, abortion, and much more, including The Scandal Ba…
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90 - Steps to Ensure Your Pricing, Markups, and Margins Are Profitable
57:54
57:54
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57:54In this insightful episode, join hosts Christeen Era and Steve Bousquet as they delve into the critical topic of pricing strategies to ensure profitability in your business. As they navigate through the nuances of pricing markups and margins, they share a five-step approach designed to help businesses identify, understand, and rectify common pricin…
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