Hardscape Growth

Ten years ago, hardscaping was a tough industry to get into. But now anyone who has a knowledge of the trade and a passion for the work can perform in the   industry.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Adam Santo, Owner of Lilley LLC, about coexisting with your competition, differentiating through personalized service, and doing what you love.  We also talked about:  What led him to start his business at 23  How design is a differentiator for his business  Tackling fear and knowing your worth  How to determine pricing    His favorite hardscaping tools Mentioned on the show:  Adam’s Instagram  Lilley LLC Website  Bartell Global  Techo-Bloc Sample Booklet Kit  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In a world where clients finance everything from their homes to their cars, even cell phones, payment options are no longer "nice to have;” they're expected.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Andrew Clark, Relationship Manager at EnerBank USA, about how successful contractors leverage financing programs to improve the efficiency and impact of their marketing and sales efforts.  We also talked about: The 6 steps to financing    How to use financing to prequalify customers  How easy it is to use Pave Now, Pay Later  How to build fees into your pricing structure  EnerBank USA is Techo-Bloc’s American lending partner for the Pave Now, Pay Later financing program. Learn more about how your company can take advantage of this fantastic program by visiting pavenowpaylater.com  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In a world where clients finance everything from their homes to their cars, even cell phones, payment options are no longer "nice to have;” they're expected.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Joey Brandone, Sales Manager Eastern Canada at Financeit, about how successful contractors leverage financing programs to improve the efficiency and impact of their marketing and sales efforts.  We also talked about:  The biggest misconception about financing.  How financing is an asset to your business.  The right time to talk financing with your client.  Why clients who have the means to pay upfront still choose financing.  Financeit is Techo-Bloc's Canadian lending partner for the Pave Now, Pay Later financing program. Learn more about how your company can take advantage of this fantastic program by visiting pavenowpaylater.com  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Lights add an extra element to hardscaping. They help create a beautiful, inviting, comfortable space. And they’re easier to install than you might think.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Rob Redden, VP at in-lite Design Corporation, about using landscape lighting in your hardscape business to increase revenue.  We also talked about:  What everyone gets wrong about lighting.  Why some hardscapers shy away from lighting.  How much a standard entry level light package costs.  The best way to go about installing lighting for the first time.  Resources Discussed:  Hardscaper Course https://hardscaper.com/courses/landscape-lighting/.  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Connect with Robb on LinkedIn. Learn more about landscape lighting through our online course

Outdoor living products and technology have evolved in the last few years. They now allow homeowners to make their outdoor living spaces smarter, cleaner, more efficient, and better for the environment. That new technology allows hardscapers to design fresh ideas to create spaces that customers love living in.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Matt Daly, Outdoor Living Design Consultant at Water & Earth Landscape Design, about how he found his niche in landscape design, and how he’s been able to partner with contractors to grow his design-only company.  We also talked about:  Why 3D Design early in the sales cycle is overrated.  Why you should tell clients what they DON’T want to hear. How Matt filters out bad leads.  How easy, important, and impactful blogging is for your marketing performance.  How to use technology like Zoom to increase productivity and expand your team intelligently.  Additional related resources:  Techo-Bloc Designer’s Toolbox with updated hatches and textures for 2D and 3D designs  Typeform.com is how Matt created his pre-qualification form for his website  Tune in to Hardscape Growth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or Instagram.

So much of professional success is dependent on personal growth.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Matt Hiner, Owner of Hiner Outdoor Living, about goal-setting, mindsets, empowerment, and leadership.  We also talked about:  How he grew his social presence and sales using Instagram  How he sets and enforces core values  How he doubled his business by shifting his mindset  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or Instagram.

It’s proven time and time again that one of the easiest ways to add value to your projects and your company is to include fire features. Plus, fire features are in high demand; they’re the number one outdoor living aspect that people search for online.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Art Kunkle, VP of Sales at Warming Trends, about fire features in the outdoor industry and how they can benefit your hardscaping business.  We also talked about:  How to show customers fire feature ROI.  How to install a fire feature and challenges to consider.  How to gauge the volume of fuel for a fire feature.  How to know what vents and ignition to use.  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Connect with Art on LinkedIn or email. Learn more at Techo Bloc’s educational site or in our support manual.

We’re being joined by Tony Zambito, Owner at Zamco Group, to drill down into how hardscape companies can add more value for customers and ultimately improve their bottom line.  In our discussion we:  Bust through myths about competitive pricing and differentiation  Encourage you to think beyond the product, to a package- or experience-oriented value proposition  Link years of field experience with sensible design approach  Highlight the value and importance of a strong professional network  Focus on the role that your physical office space can play in your customer experience strategy  Resources we mention include:  Zamco Group website  Zamco Group Instagram  Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.

People are your most valuable resource. When your people understand, believe, and support that, your company will only see greater success. Building an   environment that empowers and encourages your people to do their best work…that’s where the magic happens.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Jordan Daneker, Co-Owner of Evolve Design Build LLC, about the role company culture plays in your company’s success.  We also talked about:  How leadership requires honesty and vulnerability.  The importance of building a strong team.  Your brand and the role it plays in your productivity.  How to create a healthy working relationship with your team.  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with Jordan on Instagram or email.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.

In this industry, attracting and retaining staff can be competitive. One way to attract good people to your company and keep them is to make safety a top   priority.  In today’s episode, we’re tapping into 30+ years of industry experience as Mike Pennington, the founder of Paver King Enterprises, joins the podcast to talk about how focusing on safety shows your people you care and ultimately improves your business.  What we talked about:  How the industry has gotten safer over the years  Improving productivity and employee retention by focusing on safety  Making funding safety initiatives a priority Some resources we mentioned during the podcast: Follow Mike on Instagram   Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.