In this episode of TradesTalk, Justin sits down with Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and EquipExpo, the industry’s largest trade show for landscape professionals.

Kris shares how EquipExpo, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, has grown into a must-attend event, offering hands-on equipment demos, networking with top manufacturers, and valuable learning opportunities. The conversation dives into key industry trends, including the rise of battery-powered and robotic equipment, and how OPEI is driving innovation.

Beyond the expo, Kris also discusses the Turf Mutt Foundation, an initiative that educates kids about environmental stewardship using a fun, cartoon dog mascot.

If you're in the landscaping industry, you won’t want to miss Kris’s insights on how EquipExpo continues to evolve, bringing the industry together in new and exciting ways.

In this episode of TradeTalk, host Justin White interviews Derek Derdivanis, a seasoned entrepreneur and Vistage coach, who shares his insights on the seven key principles for building a successful business. Derek emphasizes the importance of accountability, a strong company culture, understanding team dynamics, strategic planning, and the value of having an executive assistant. He also highlights the significance of lifelong learning and being part of a peer advisory group to enhance leadership skills. The conversation is rich with practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it a valuable resource for current and aspiring business leaders.

In this episode of TradesTalk, Justin White is joined by industry veterans Bryan Mours and Sean Eddy to discuss the role of technology and innovation in driving efficiency and productivity in the trades industry. Bryan, with over 45 years of experience in landscaping and HVAC, shares his journey from helping build Aspire software to advising companies like Top Green. Sean brings his sales expertise and passion for bridging sales and production to empower field teams and improve operations.

Together, they dive into the critical need for technology-driven solutions in landscaping and other trades, offering insights on how Top Green is creating efficiencies and supporting business growth. Whether you're in the trades industry or looking to improve operations, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and forward-thinking strategies.

Disruptors Link: https://www.skool.com/disruptors/about

In this episode, Justin White underscores how a clear vision and consistent communication keep teams aligned and motivated—especially important as businesses brace for the challenges of 2025. He points out that many companies, particularly in the landscaping sector, struggle with profitability due to inadequate pricing structures that fail to account for true costs. By focusing on pricing for profit and boosting labor efficiency, organizations can streamline expenses, improve margins, and create a healthier bottom line.

White also highlights access to capital as a catalyst for growth, enabling a “buy and build” approach that quickly expands market reach. Establishing a sellable business—one with transferable systems and processes—allows for more operational freedom and future flexibility. Finally, he stresses the importance of massive action to stay competitive and avoid missed opportunities in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Interested in Joining the Disruptors?! Link Here: Join Here

Co-host Maggie Wymore and Justin White have on special guest John Pajak, host of the Profits with Paycheck podcast, discuss John’s journey in the lawn care industry and the challenges he faced starting his own business.

John shares invaluable lessons on understanding business financials, setting profitable pricing, and managing overhead to build a successful contracting business. The conversation touches on strategies for managing growth, contract renewals, and creating a strong brand through marketing and branding. With years of experience turning his own business around, John now helps others succeed through coaching and mentorship.

Packed with actionable advice on financial management, branding, and sustainable growth, this episode is a must-listen for contractors ready to elevate their business.

Profits with Pajak Podcast

In this episode of TradesTalk, Justin and Maggie sit down with James, founder of Yard Dawgs Lawn Care, to explore how he turned his Calgary-based lawn care company into a thriving business. James shares how niching down to fertilizer, weed control, and soil enhancements helped accelerate growth, and why their customer-first approach, with guaranteed 48-hour response times, is a game-changer.

The conversation dives into Yard Dawgs’ plans to expand into three new cities—Edmonton, Red Deer, and Saskatoon—while maintaining a lean, high-margin operating model. James also highlights the importance of hiring the right people to protect their culture and using HubSpot as a CRM to scale efficiently. Packed with insights on focus, culture, and leveraging technology, this episode offers invaluable lessons for businesses aiming to grow strategically. YouTube

In this episode of TradesTalk, Justin and Maggie are joined by Chase Gallagher, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who turned a lawn-mowing gig into a 7-Figure landscape construction business in the Philadelphia suburbs. Chase shares his journey from mowing lawns at 13 to transitioning into project-based landscaping, highlighting the importance of understanding pricing, overhead, and profitability.

Chase also runs CMG University, an online coaching program where he teaches lead generation, marketing, and networking strategies to grow landscaping businesses.

Beyond landscaping, Chase dives into his real estate ventures, sharing how he purchased his first property at 20 through owner financing and uses tax-saving strategies like cost segregation.

The conversation explores Chase’s daily routine as a young CEO, his focus on time management, and the critical aspect of having the right mindset. The group even touches on private aviation and how jet ownership creates unique networking opportunities.

This episode offers valuable insights into Chase’s rapid entrepreneurial success and the strategies that helped him grow his landscaping and real estate businesses at such a young age.

To Connect with Chase, follow him here:

https://www.instagram.com/chase_gallagher_/

https://www.tiktok.com/@chase_gallagher1

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-gallagher-309036177/

In this episode of TradesTalk, Justin and Maggie sit down with John Vlay, a seasoned leader in the landscape industry, to explore his impressive career and his vision for the future. Starting as an assistant estimator at Jensen Landscape in 1983, John worked his way up to CEO, where he helped transition the company to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). He shares the benefits and challenges of ESOPs and why Jensen ultimately sold to Monarch Landscape in 2015.

John’s post-Jensen career is just as inspiring. He discusses his work promoting battery-powered and robotic equipment with Garden Land and his latest venture with Cold Bore Capital, where he’s building a platform to acquire and grow landscape companies using cutting-edge technology like AI, robotics, and battery power. Throughout the episode, John emphasizes the importance of partnerships, innovation, and staying connected in the industry.