Send us a text What happens when winter professionals gather in the summer heat? Magic, connections, and serious business growth. The Snow & Ice Management Association's annual symposium is just days away, and in this engaging conversation, Martin Tirado shares why "Getting Groovy in Grand Rapids" is the can't-miss industry event of the year. Beyond the impressive equipment displays and educational sessions, the symposium creates a unique ecosystem where professionals of all experience l...

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Send us a text 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 la...

Send us a text Ever wonder why the people who design our outdoor spaces, build our patios, and maintain our landscapes rarely talk to each other? Angelique Robb did, and she decided to do something about it. The founder of Synkd magazine joins Jay Rotonnelli to share her fascinating journey from petroleum engineering on oil rigs to revolutionizing how outdoor living professionals connect across specialized disciplines. Her unique background gave her perspective on an industry problem hiding ...

Send us a text The relationship between landscapers and plant suppliers forms the backbone of successful outdoor projects—yet few understand the complex forecasting, growing processes, and industry knowledge required to bring the right plants to the right place at the right time. Donnie Piccarello from Pearson Nurseries brings decades of horticultural wisdom to this enlightening conversation about what's happening in the nursery business today. With candid insights about post-pandemic plant ...

Send us a text Mara Robinson's journey from entomology student to accomplished landscape designer reveals how finding your true calling can transform not just your career, but your entire approach to life. In this fascinating conversation, Mara shares how a chance encounter with architectural models in college led her to discover landscape architecture – a perfect blend of art, science, horticulture, and human psychology that immediately captivated her imagination. What truly sets Mara apart...

Send us a text Brian Horn, editor-in-chief of Lawn and Landscape magazine, explores how the landscaping industry is evolving through private equity investment, technological advancements, and professional development opportunities. • Labor remains the top challenge, with companies focused on creating clear career ladders for advancement • Private equity investment continues to transform the industry with consistent mergers and acquisitions • Technology adoption accelerating with battery-powe...

Send us a text Jeremy Kirkham shares his 20+ year journey in the snow and ice management industry, from starting with a small landscape company to his current role at Clinntar Commercial Services where he's pioneering liquid applications and leadership development. • Started in the industry over 20 years ago, buying his first plow truck without telling his pregnant wife • Joined Clintar Commercial Services after being recruited to run a 34-acre campus contract • Prioritizes hands-on leadersh...

Send us a text Discover the evolving world of lawn care through the eyes of an industry expert who's navigating environmental regulations while delivering results that keep properties lush and healthy. Chris Galluzzo, Director of Account Management at Mainly Grass, pulls back the curtain on what truly makes lawns thrive – and it's not what most people think. The conversation challenges common misconceptions about lawn care, revealing why the health of your soil matters more than what you're ...

Send us a text David Gallagher takes us on a compelling journey through his 30-year career in snow and ice management, from his humble beginnings with a shovel at age 13 to becoming a pivotal figure in shaping national industry standards. With candid storytelling and deep expertise, he reveals the three archetypes of snow professionals and how this categorization affects business approaches and personal satisfaction within the field. The heart of our conversation explores the critical work h...

Send us a text What happens when someone with 42 years in the landscape industry decides to tackle America's skilled trade shortage head-on? Russ Marsan joins us to share his remarkable journey from grinding stumps on the North Shore of Massachusetts to becoming a leading advocate for trade education in Vermont. Russ takes us through his winding career path – from struggling student to successful business owner – revealing how each seemingly unrelated job actually built the foundation for hi...

Send us a text In this episode of Blizzard and Bloom, Jay Rotonnelli and Dean Outhouse discuss the complexities of snow management, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of weather, the importance of industry involvement, and effective client communication. Dean shares insights on the New Hampshire Green Snow Pro certification, the necessity of thorough documentation, and the ongoing preparation for the next season. The conversation also highlights the value of humor in the workplace to allevi...

Send us a text Immigration attorney Megan Kirchner pulls back the curtain on one of the most valuable yet misunderstood tools available to landscaping, snow removal, and seasonal service businesses facing labor shortages. The H-2B visa program offers a legal pathway to temporary foreign workers, but navigating this complex system requires specialized knowledge and careful planning. Kirchner dismantles the persistent myth that H-2B workers represent "cheap labor," explaining that employers mu...

Send us a text Our conversation with Darci Knowles and Julie Machado highlights the evolving landscape of marketing and the importance of building strong strategic partnerships. We discuss how partnerships can help businesses not only navigate challenges but thrive through intentional marketing strategies. • The journey of Darcy Creative from inception to present • The significance of consistency in branding and messaging • Importance of strategic marketing in revenue generation&...

Send us a text Join us for an enriching conversation with Mike Skeats, a Senior Landscape Sales Professional at Piscataqua Landscaping, as we explore the ins and outs of building relationships in the landscaping industry. This episode dives deep into the significance of transforming transactional sales tactics into meaningful, long-term relationships with clients. Mike shares his personal journey in the landscape sector, shedding light on how genuine understanding and listening have become es...

Send us a text In this conversation, Kevin Battistoni from Hunter Industries shares his journey in the irrigation industry, emphasizing the importance of technology, customer experience, and education. He discusses how the industry has evolved, the need for contractors to embrace new technologies, and the significance of providing exceptional customer service. Kevin also highlights the value of peer learning and collaboration among industry professionals to enhance overall performance and pro...

Send us a text Join us for an engaging conversation with Martin Tirado, CEO of SIMA, as we explore the fascinating world of snow and ice management. This episode goes beyond the usual logistical challenges to reveal the creativity and community spirit that fuel the industry. Martin highlights how innovative thinking and teamwork are crucial for overcoming challenges, especially given the recent unprecedented weather patterns. Discover the similarities between snow management and broader busi...

Send us a text Dive into the debut episode of "Blizzard and Bloom," hosted by Jay Rotonnelli, where we explore resilience and growth in the ever-challenging landscape of entrepreneurship. From blizzards to blooms, this podcast navigates the realities of the business world, emphasizing the importance of sharing authentic stories that reveal both the highs and lows of professional journeys. Jay draws on his 36 years of experience in the snow removal and landscaping industries to ground discussi...