Hardscape Growth
The Hardscape Growth podcast is back with a brand new season, and this time we're focusing on the Hardscaper High Five. Hosted by Alex Cadieux from Techo-Bloc, this season will break down the five core values that every successful hardscaper needs to focus on. With a new framework and theme to help compartmentalize the information and make it easier to digest, listeners will learn from industry veterans who have been through the ups and downs, made mistakes, and achieved success.
Episodes
In this live-recorded episode of the Hardscape Growth Podcast, Alex from Techo-Bloc is joined by returning guest Tigran from Applewood Landscapes and designer Taylor Young to explore the real impact of design on growing a hardscape business. From eliminating costly on-site confusion to creating a “wow” factor that sells jobs, they break down how having a clear plan streamlines operations, improves margins, and builds trust with cli...
In this episode of Hardscape Growth, Nick and Kyle Baughman—half-brothers and co-leaders of EarthScapes in New Jersey—share their journey from starting with a push mower to building a thriving, culture-driven landscaping business rooted in strong values and intentional leadership.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Set core values—and actually use them.
- Revisit your vision when the team changes.
- Make training hands-on and engaging.
- Treat your cl...
In this episode of Hardscape Growth, Alex Farah—landscape contractor and certified nutrition coach—shares the six most important health and nutrition strategies every contractor should know.
From hydration and inflammation to caffeine, calories, and recovery, this conversation is packed with practical advice tailored specifically for the physically demanding work of hardscaping. Learn how to fuel your body properly, improve focus on...
In this episode, Alex talks to Justin Tal from Creative Design Maintenance who shares his approach to building a thriving hardscaping business by combining top-tier design with smart sales strategies. From qualifying leads efficiently to incorporating financing options that boost project value, Justin walks us through the key tactics that have helped him stand out in a competitive market.
Key Takeaways:
- Qualifying Leads with Pre...
In this live episode of the Hardscape Growth podcast, host Alex from Techo-Bloc chats with Cesar Vargas of C Vargas Construction about the strategy behind running a high-end, customer-centric hardscape business. From building a strong office team to maintaining a tight-knit crew, Cesar shares the key decisions that helped him grow without losing quality or connection.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why prioritizing office...
Most contractors want to grow, but scaling the right way is the real challenge. Rob Kurtz from Solid Rock Landscaping joins Alex from Techo-Bloc to break down how he built a strong team, tackled hiring challenges, and created record-breaking sales—all while staying true to his company values.
Why it matters:
Smart Growth – How word-of-mouth led to bigger projects and higher profits
Hiring Right – Finding skilled labor and building...
Most contractors agree job costing is important, but how many actually do it? Wes from Synked Up joins Alex from Techo-Bloc to break down how tracking past projects helps refine estimates, boost efficiency, and maximize profits.
Why it matters:
Better Estimates – No more underbidding. Learn from past jobs.
Higher Profits – Contractors who job cost properly earn 10% more.
Stronger Teams – Your crew has the best insights on efficienc...
Tigran Gertz, founder and CEO of Applewood Landscaping, shares his journey of scaling from small jobs to multi-million-dollar projects. He discusses how creating authentic content, building a strong team, and embracing mentorship accelerated his success.
He reveals how authentic content, smart delegation, and mentorship transformed his approach to business.
- Embrace the cringe: Your first videos are the stepping stones to success...
On this episode of Hardscaper Growth, Alex sits down with Micah Miller from Easton Outdoors to talk about a game-changing approach to sales and marketing in the hardscaping industry. Micah shares how he’s structured his business to attract the right clients—those who are ready to buy—by leveraging pricing transparency, automation, and content-driven marketing.
- Why most contractors don’t want to talk to clients (and how to make s...
Are you leaving money on the table? In this episode of Hardscape Growth, Alex teams up with Wes from Synked Up to identify the primary factors that can erode your business's profits. They discuss strategies to transform a narrow 3% margin into a healthier 15–20%.
Key topics covered in this episode include:
The Profit Triangle: Budgeting, job costing, and success habits. How skipping budgeting and job costing drains profits. S...In this episode of Hardscape Growth, Alex teams up with Wes from SynkedUp to uncover why speed and confidence are the ultimate tools for closing more sales in the hardscaping industry. They share actionable strategies and real-life stories to help contractors stop competing on price and start winning jobs with smarter processes.
Why fast quotes win jobs: Learn how 20–30% of homeowners choose the first quote they receive and how ...
In this episode of Hardscape Growth, Alex sits down with Simon from Weber MT to explore why soil compaction is the cornerstone of every successful hardscape project. They dive into the science behind compaction, the innovative tools Weber has developed to simplify the process, and actionable tips for contractors to ensure durable, long-lasting results.
Key topics covered in this episode include:
- The importance of compaction f...
In this conversation, Alex and Mark discuss Mark's journey in building his interior residential renovation business and the importance of communication in their work. Mark specializes in kitchen, bathroom, and basement renovations, and he emphasizes the need for proactive communication with clients and subcontractors. He plans to hire a senior project manager to handle communication and focus on sales and marketing. Mark also m...
In this week's episode of the Hardscape Growth Podcast, we have Charlie Kerrigan of V.I.L. Landscaping. He started when he was in grade 4!
Charlie shares his journey on being a young entrepreneur and the challenges he came to face and how he was able to overcome these challenges through mentorship and literally saying "no".
He talks about some important aspect in running a business such as knowing your numbers, buil...
Rachel and Matt who are part of the team, at Springhetti Luxury Outdoor Spaces were recently honoured with the Peak Performance Award for their achievement in generating the most revenue per man hour. They credit their success to leveraging their strengths and streamlining their procedures.
A key strategic move they made was to bring pool construction services in house resulting in a boost in revenue. Their focus has shifted towar...
Steve Wheatcroft, founder and former CEO of ULS, shares his journey of building a successful landscape maintenance business.
He discusses the six stages of leadership he experienced and the lessons he learned along the way.
- Overcoming self doubt and believing in yourself
- Wear a helmet, take a bullet
- Delegation builds the nation
- Blow sh*t up - John Wick part 1
- Kiss = "Keep It Simple, Stup*d"
- Keep learning an...
Click here to download the Get in the Game - 90 Day Quickstart E-Book!
Ryan Markewich shares his experience with open book management and how it builds a team of owners. He explains how he got into the business and the turning point when he discovered The Great Game of Business. Ryan discusses the concept of the company as the product and the importance of transparency and involvement in decision-making. He also talks about th...
In this week's episode, we have Sahra Linnemann from The Green Executive discusses the concept of profit first and how it can help contractors in the green industry manage their cash flow and increase profitability.
The profit first approach involves taking profit out of income first and then operating with what's remaining.
Sahra explains the mechanics of profit first, including setting up different accounts for profit, ...
Rob Green, owner of StoneCraft Designs shares his journey of growing his hardscaping business from a shovel to $5 million in revenue in just 12 months.! He started the business with a simple website and a $200 Facebook ad, landing his first job without even owning a shovel. Rob tells us the importance of commitment to quality and customer education, which led to referrals and more opportunities. Even when facing challenges and loss...
In this week's episode, we have Jonathan and Dan, co-founders of Creative by Nature. The conversation discusses various topics related to hardscape business growth and optimization. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, setting expectations, and involving clients in the design process. They also discuss the relevance of understanding access, setbacks, and drainage in projects. The conversation highlights the rol...
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