At 17, John Karpov was broke, alone, and cut off from his only source of financial support. Today, he's the founder of a $20M+ landscaping business , and he’s building with a trillion-dollar vision in mind.
In this episode of the Hardscaper Growth Podcast, host Alex Cadieux sits down with John to unpack how a rock-bottom moment turned into a relentless mindset shift, a door-to-door hustle, and the foundation for a fast-scaling company.
💬 What they cover:
From figuring it out on the fly to building systems, teams, and infrastructure for serious growth, this episode goes deep on what it really takes to go from survival to scale, and how to do it without burning out or bottlenecking your future.
Follow John: @actionhomeservices
📈 Learnmore at: https://actionhomeservices.ca
🎧 Listen now—because the next era of landscaping giants is being built today.
New episodes every month!
Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com
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📺 YouTube: @hardscaper
🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com
Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase?
Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more!
→Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free.
How do you grow a small family-run landscaping company into a $20M powerhouse—and still be just getting started?
In this episode of the Hardscape Growth Podcast, host Alex Cadieux sits down with Justin White, CEO of K&D Landscaping, to break down the strategic, personal, and mindset shifts behind his company’s explosive growth—and their next target: $1 billion in revenue by 2035.
Justin shares what it takes to scale:
💥 Betting big on leadership before you’re "ready"
💥 Building a culture that actually lives its values
💥 Leading through personal adversity and economic downturns
💥 Creating opportunity for every employee to build wealth
💥 Thinking long-term, but acting with purpose every 90 days
Whether you're building your first crew or thinking about multi-division expansion, this is the how-to blueprint for bold, intentional growth in the landscape industry.
Follow Justin: @justinwhiteceo
📈 Learn more about K&D Landscaping at kndlandscaping.com
Follow & Subscribe📸 Instagram: / hardscaper_ 📺 YouTube: / @hardscaper 🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/
🎥 Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase?Watch it on-demand for pro insights on outdoor kitchens, drainage, pools & more. Head to our On-Demand section to check it out!
If you're a landscape contractor, builder, or designer looking to attract better clients, this episode is a must-listen. Host Alex Cadieux sits down with Tony Felgueiras, Director of Media at Leanscaper, to explore how content marketing can help you grow your landscaping business—without big budgets or fancy cameras.
🔥 What you'll learn:
• How to define your ideal hardscaping client
• Why emotion-driven marketing converts better
• The secret to creating great content: document, don’t overthink
• How to turn testimonials into sales tools
• Simple systems to scale your content using just your phone
Whether you're struggling with social media marketing, building a hardscape brand, or just want to stand out in a competitive market, this episode gives you tactical strategies to grow your business.
🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday.
📩 Questions or topic ideas? DM @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.
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 clients.
Key Takeaways:
Why a clear design prevents costly mistakes and wasted labor
How the design process builds trust and emotional buy-in from clients
The business case for charging design fees—and how to position them
Tips for navigating budget conversations early and effectively
The competitive advantage of keeping design and build under one roof
Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting out, this episode proves that design isn't just a nice-to-have—it's the foundation for scaling your business.
New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.
Follow & Subscribe:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
:tv: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper
:globe_with_meridians: Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!
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:
The episode is a masterclass in how intentional leadership and clearly defined culture can transform a landscaping business into a respected and scalable brand.
New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.
Follow & Subscribe:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/:tv: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!
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 the job, reduce physical strain, and avoid burnout throughout the season.
If you want to feel better, perform better, and build a healthier routine that lasts, this episode is for you.
Key topics covered:
Tune in to learn how to treat your body like the asset it truly is.
New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.
Follow & Subscribe:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!
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:
Whether you're looking to enhance your design offerings or improve customer service, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.
Follow & Subscribe:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!
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:
New episodes every Tuesday! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.
Follow & Subscribe:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper
🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Missed last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!
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 a loyal team
Sustainable Success – Why pricing what you're worth is key to scaling
Success isn’t just about more leads—it’s about making smart business moves that set you up for the future. Learn how Rob is positioning his company for long-term success.
🎧 We drop new episodes every Tuesday! Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to stay updated. Have a topic or challenge you'd like us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email us at podcast@hardscaper.com.
Follow us on:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
:tv: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
:globe_with_meridians: Website: https://hardscaper.com/
🚀 Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it on demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens, and design! Watch now: https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-hardscaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/
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 efficiency.
Smarter Investments – Identify the right tools & training to improve productivity.
Top contractors analyze their projects—just like championship teams review game footage. Learn how job costing can take your business to the next level.
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_Subscribe, give us a star rating on Spotify and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts!
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Did you miss this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to [https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-harsdcaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/] to check it out for free!
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.
Listen to this week's pod to learn more about these transformative strategies. Figure out what stage you're in and discover how to level up your business!
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper
Follow us on:
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Did you miss last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!
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.
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM onInstagram @hardscaper
Subscribe, give us a star rating on Spotify and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts!
Follow us on:
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Did you miss last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to ourOn-Demand Section to check it out for free!
They dive into:If you’re tired of wasting time on bad leads and want to streamline your sales process while closing bigger deals, this episode is a must-listen!Listen on your favorite appApple PodcastsSpotify
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. Streamlining operations to reduce chaos. Small changes that deliver big financial gains. Investing smartly for long-term growth.Additionally, listeners are invited to book a free demo with Synked Up and to register for the upcoming Hardscaper Showcase event hosted by Wes. This episode provides actionable insights aimed at helping contractors safeguard and increase their profit margins, ensuring long-term business growth and success.
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_
Subscribe, give us a star rating on Spotify and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts!
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Did you miss last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to [https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-harsdcaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/] to check it out for free!
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 being the fastest to respond sets the standard for competitors. DJ Faust’s success story: How one contractor cut quote times by 90% and started winning projects—even with higher prices. Building trust through clear communication: Tips on presenting simple, detailed, and professional quotes that inspire confidence and reduce shopping around. Negotiating scope, not price: Master the art of guiding clients to adjust their vision without sacrificing your profit margins. Know your numbers: Confidence comes from understanding labor rates, overhead, and break-even points, so you never hesitate to hit "send" on that quote.
This episode is packed with insights to help contractors streamline their quoting process, improve customer trust, and close more deals without lowering their prices. Don’t miss it!
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_
Subscribe, give us a star rating on Spotify and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts!
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Did you miss last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to [https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-harsdcaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/] to check it out for free!
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:
This episode is packed with practical insights to help contractors avoid costly mistakes, improve project efficiency, and deliver rock-solid results that stand the test of time. Don’t miss it!
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_
Subscribe, give us a star rating on Spotify and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts!
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Did you miss last year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!
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 mentions the importance of high-quality finishes and tradespeople, as well as the challenges of managing materials and estimating quantities accurately. The conversation covers the importance of following a consistent process in all projects, the use of templates for contracts and costing, the need for regular reviews and updates of templates, the trend of creating usable space in both interior and outdoor renovations, and the balance between personal health and business success. The main takeaway is the importance of building a strong team and delegating tasks to achieve business growth.
Check out the Hardscaper's Blueprint to Scaling with Online Marketing course referenced in this episode here.
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified! Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_
Subscribe, give us a star rating on Spotify and leave us a comment on Apple Podcasts!
Follow us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pBaFd-bkJEjTTBbfvgv0w
Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Did you miss this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to [https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-harsdcaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/] to check it out for free!
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, building a brand, building off of that brand and always learning through mentorship or through his podcast The Hard Lessons.
Here are some key takeaways:
Did you miss this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Stream it today on-demand wherever you are to learn all about pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens and design! Head over to [https://hardscaper.com/courses/2024-harsdcaper-showcase-on-demand-streaming/] to check it out for free!
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!
Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_
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 towards undertaking larger scale projects particularly after pool installations often lead to landscaping opportunities.
Matt Hoss talks on enhancing efficiency in landscaping businesses. The importance of data analysis for making informed decisions, on efficiency was underscored during this conversation.
Matt also shared his enthusiasm for optimizing tool organization within trailers to maximize productivity. The conversation concluded with an exploration of evaluating workforce requirements and optimizing team sizes based on tasks.
The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!
Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_
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.
Listen to this week's pod to learn more about these stages of leadership. Try and figure out what stage you are in running your own business and see how you can move on to the next stage!
The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!
Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_
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 the implementation of mini games and the impact of open book management on employee engagement and development.
Takeaways
Links
The Hardscaper High Five was first introduced as part of Hardscaper Showcase earlier in 2023. If you couldn't make it out to one of those events, head over to [https://hardscaper.com/2023-virtual-showcase/] to check it out for free!
We launch new episodes every Tuesday, so be sure to sign up to our Facebook or Instagram page to be the first to get notified!
Have an idea for an episode, or a problem you’d like to see us explore? Hit us up at podcast@hardscaper.com or send us a DM on Instagram @hardscaper_