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Greg Thistle, Regional Vice President at SiteOne, brings 25 years of green industry wisdom to this episode, sharing how a curious 21-year-old evolved into a landscape industry leader. His journey reveals the surprising career trajectories available in landscaping—from entry-level positions to executive leadership—challenging the perception that trades offer limited growth compared to college-track careers.
The conversation delves into what truly drives success in the modern landscape business: meaningful relationships. Greg unpacks SiteOne's "customer first" philosophy, explaining how being friendly, respectful, and solution-oriented transforms business interactions from transactional to relational. "When our customers win, we win," Greg emphasizes, highlighting how this partnership approach has become even more crucial in today's budget-conscious market where customers need tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all proposals.
Technology emerges as a critical catalyst for industry evolution. From stone magnets and tree movers that save backs to business management software that elevates professionalism, Greg illustrates how embracing the right tools helps overcome traditional barriers. For an industry where many entrepreneurs lack formal business education, technology now makes sound business decisions possible "without spending 40 hours in a chair." Greg also shares fascinating glimpses into emerging trends, including the shift toward maintenance-friendly landscapes featuring natives and automation, and SiteOne's community outreach efforts that create pathways for future generations. His advice to newcomers? "Be curious about what's out there"—because finding the right position makes this industry "so much fun and rewarding."
Tune in to discover how mentorship, customer experience excellence, and strategic technology adoption are transforming the landscape industry into a field ripe with opportunity. Whether you're a seasoned pro or considering a green industry career, Greg's insights will change how you view the business of creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.