In this episode of the Equiscape Insider; Grass to Gratitude podcast, host David Whittaker welcomes David Martin and Heath Hampton from AKA Tree Service. They discuss theimportance of building relationships in the landscaping industry, the significance of tree health and safety, and the various certifications that enhance their expertise. The conversation also covers the growth of AKA Tree Service, fleet management, safety training, and the transition from the West Coast to Atlanta. They emphasize proactive tree management strategies, plant health care, and navigating permitting regulations, concluding with insights ontheir commitment to efficiency and safety in their operations.

Takeaways:

• Building connections is crucial in the landscaping industry.

• Tree health management can be a lucrative add-on service.

• Safety training is a top priority in tree services.

• Proactive tree management can prevent costly damages.

• Certified arborists provide valuable expertise in tree care.

• Understanding local regulations is essential for tree services.

• Effective fleet management enhances operational efficiency.

• Plant health care is vital for maintaining tree vitality.

• Navigating the permitting process can be simplified with experience.

• Relationships with clients and property managers drive business success.

Keywords:

tree service, landscaping, arborist, tree health, safety training, Atlanta, AKA Tree Service, plant health care, tree management, industry growth

Sound Bites:

"It's really about building connections."

"Safety training is intense and documented."

"The number one best way is not to wait."

"Trees grow slow and they usually die slow."

"Root protection zone is a big deal."

"We strive for efficiency and safety."

"It's all about relationships."

Chapters:

00:00

Introduction to AKA Tree Service

01:32

Building Relationships in the Landscape Industry

03:51

The Importance of Tree Health and Safety

07:40

Certifications and Expertise in Arboriculture

09:55

Growth and Expansion of AKA Tree Service

12:45

Fleet Management and Safety Training

16:31

Transitioning from the West Coast to Atlanta

19:45

Proactive Tree Management Strategies

22:51

Plant Health Care and Common Tree Diseases

25:43

Navigating Permitting and Regulations

30:04

Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Summary:

In this episode of the Equiscape Insider; Grass to Gratitude podcast, Kurt Bland shares his journey in the landscaping industry, discussing the evolution of Bland Landscaping, the challenges of transitioning leadership in a family-ownedcompany, and the importance of community involvement and mentorship. He reflects on the growth of his company over the years, recent acquisitions, and his aspirations for the future, emphasizing the significance of people in achieving success.

Takeaways-

• Kurt Bland has been involved in landscaping since childhood, witnessing its evolution.

• The landscaping industry has matured significantly over the past few decades.

• Transitioning leadership in a family business can be challenging but necessary.

• Kurt faced significant challenges during the recession but persevered.

• Community involvement is crucial for business success and employee morale.

• Mentorship plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

• Kurt emphasizes the importance of listening to employees and customers.

• The future of the landscaping industry will see more consolidation and growth.

• Kurt's company aims to grow significantly in the coming years.

• Success in business is about building relationships and caring for people.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Kurt Bland and Bland Landscaping Company

02:17

The Evolution of the Landscaping Industry

06:57

Career Days and Workforce Development

11:00

Transitioning Leadership in Family Business

21:12

Lessons from a Family Business Journey

26:28

The Forest of Business: Canopy and Understory

29:06

Consolidation in the Landscape Industry

31:00

Mentorship and Paying It Forward

34:32

The Importance of Community and Culture

39:16

Legacy and Growth: A Vision for the Future

52:32

Giving Back: Community Engagement and Philanthropy

57:37

Building Community Through Food

58:47

Acquisition Strategy and Company Culture

01:02:15

Identifying Potential Acquisitions

01:05:05

The Importance of Relationships in Business

01:08:37

Navigating Challenges and Growth

01:12:44

The Human Element in Business

01:22:36

Focusing on People Over Technology

01:25:25

ClosingThoughts on Community and Kindness

01:31:38

Closer

Summary

In this episode of the Equiscape Insider; Grass to Gratitude podcast, host David Whittaker interviews Jeff Dunn, Co-President of Northwest Exterminating. They discuss Jeff's journey from the Ritz-Carlton to leading a successful pest control company, emphasizing the importance of customer service, leadership, and community involvement. Jeff shares insights on service standards, team empowerment, and the impact of the Good Deed Team on company culture. The conversation also covers marketing strategies, the significance of acquisitions for growth, and reflections on coaching youth sports as a means of personal and professional development.

In this episode of Equiscape Insider; Grass to Gratitude Podcast, Matt Matthews from High Stakes Creativediscusses the evolution of his branding and marketing company, the importance of networking, and the role of impactful marketing materials like business cards and vehicle wraps in business growth. He shares insights on building astrong team, navigating the sign industry, and the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for consistency and connection in business.

EquiScape Insider; Grass to Gratitude Podcast: Season 1 Trailer

After 30 years in the Green Industry, I have decided to combine the operational and financial experience gained with my passion for Christian ministry.

I am thrilled to announce the rollout of our new podcast series: Hope you like the description… EQUISCAPE INSIDER- GRASS TO GRATITUDE, where Expert Landscape Insight expands your knowledge base, Finance meets foliage,and praise for God’s Grace floods the airways in an unforgettable collision of Education, Entertainment, and Inspiration. Hosted by renowned Straight-Shooter,David Whittaker, a 30-year Green Industry Expert and Seasoned Fractional Chief Financial Officer, this show is your go-to resource for Profit Solutions in the Green Industry with Precision, Grit, and Purpose. Click the Subscribebutton and become an EQUISCAPE INSIDER Today!

I am so excited for the expert line-up for this upcoming season and the relationships that have already ignited from this venture.

Want to be part of the story?Message this account or email me at dwhittaker@equiscape.co or through the website at www.equiscape.co Let us get your company’s finances dialed in, your knowledge base expanded, and your spirit fully filled. I pray your harvest is plentiful and the path is clear along your journey…You Create; We will Navigate!

EquiScape Business Advisors, LLC. EquiScape was born from the idea of helping business operators gain a better financialunderstanding of their passion and achieve exceptional results, building profit and value. While many Consulting Groups offer a wide range of services with sizable staff and fee schedules targeting larger firms, EquiScape offers GreenIndustry expertise with flexible fee scheduling to accommodate all size operations, focusing exclusively on the financial performance of their company. Relationships span coast to coast, from local startups to multi-million-dollaroperations abroad.Message this account or email me at dwhittaker@equiscape.co or through the website at www.equiscape.co if you would like to learn more about the Podcast or EquiScape services.