In this weekly update, Justin White shares insights from his recent experience at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) conference, discussing the vibrant energy and opportunities within the landscape industry. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to enhance business efficiency and competitiveness. White also addresses the current state of mergers and acquisitions in the industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for growth. He concludes with a motivational message about believing in one's potential and the exciting future for trades professionals.

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This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Andrew Martin, founder of Urban Landcare, to explore how personal grit, strategic pivots, and people-first leadership built one of San Diego’s most exciting landscape companies.

From growing up on construction sites in Northern Kentucky to becoming a disruptive force in Southern California, Andrew’s journey is a masterclass in betting on yourself and evolving with the industry.

In this episode, Andrew shares:

• How he launched Urban Landscapes in 2018 with two employees and 15 properties

• Why he quickly shifted from residential to commercial and leaned into irrigation as a profit center

• What he’s doing to stay ahead of California turf regulations and tech trends

• Why he took the time to learn Spanish and how it transformed his connection with the team

• His approach to competing with national firms by focusing on personal relationships and service consistency

Whether you’re building your book from scratch or scaling into the millions, Andrew’s story offers a grounded, real-world look at what it takes to grow smart, lead well, and stay true to your values.

Tune in to hear how one founder is dominating his local market while planning for what’s next.

This week on Trades Talk, Justin White breaks down the three questions every trade leader should be asking to assess culture, clarity, and hiring momentum.

Inside the episode: • How a simple 1–10 scale can reveal culture gaps • What separates A players from C players, and why it matters • Five keys to building a growth-focused culture that attracts top talent • Why problems are actually your greatest asset

Justin also shares updates from the Disruptors community, real coaching wins from members like Dylan Whitlow, and how custom GPTs like Landscape Intelligence are changing the game for contractors.

If you want to build a culture that fuels growth, and learn how top operators think about team, tools, and mindset, this one’s for you.

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Seb Lopez of Awake Abroad Media to talk about all things storytelling, content strategy, and personal branding. Seb brings a global perspective to his work, shaped by years of traveling, media production, and working with elite performers; from Olympic athletes to top real estate professionals.

In this episode, Seb shares:

• Why shifting from social media consumption to creation is a game-changer

• How to build a brand around your values , not just your business

• The three core content types every company should be producing

• Why your personal brand attracts the right clients and talent

• The secret to creating content that actually drives results

Whether you’re a CEO, marketer, or just getting started in content, this episode breaks down a practical and sustainable approach to media that connects and converts ; without burnout or fluff.

If you’re ready to stand out, tell your story, and scale trust, this one’s for you.

This week on Trades Talk, Justin White shares key takeaways from an action-packed week on the road, including the Equip Expo in Louisville and the Disruptors Social hosted alongside Aspire, Crest, and Leanscaper.

Justin recaps lessons from Jesse Cole’s “Five E’s”: Eliminate Friction, Entertain Always, Experiment Constantly, Engage Deeply, and Empower Action.....and how they apply to building remarkable client experiences in the trades.

You’ll also hear about the debut of the Kress Voyager, the first fully autonomous mower capable of cutting labor costs by up to 80 percent, and how K&D Landscaping has reduced costs, improved retention, and boosted revenue through electric equipment adoption and better labor hour management.

Justin closes with a challenge to every contractor: the next ten years are the Super Bowl of the trades. Those who act fast, innovate boldly, and execute relentlessly will lead the field.

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Jon Gohl, a longtime team member at Aspire Software, to explore the power of reflection, mindfulness, and personal transformation in both life and leadership. Jon shares his journey from walking with a cane to preparing for a walk across the Grand Canyon, and how that physical recovery mirrors his approach to leading people, setting goals, and growing intentionally.

In this episode, Jon opens up about:

• Overcoming physical challenges and creating accountability by sharing bold goals

• Using breathwork and mindfulness to stay present and grounded

• How vulnerability builds connection and unlocks team potential

• The value of listening deeply to your people, especially in field-based roles

• His leadership philosophy: "Live on the skinny branches; where growth happens"

Whether you're scaling a business, leading a team, or looking inward, Jon brings a human-first approach to growth that blends personal development with professional purpose.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance technology with human connection, or how to lead with humility in a fast-moving world, this episode will hit home.

This week on Trades Talk, Justin White shares insights from a Lunch and Learn in Denver hosted by Aspire Software and Designscapes Colorado, which focused on speed as a competitive edge in the green industry.

Phil from Designscapes detailed how his team scaled to $50 million in revenue with 350 employees by doubling down on the basics, making decisions faster, and always doing what’s right.

Justin also introduces the Speed Flywheel: Decide. Execute. Debrief. Learn.... a simple cycle helping contractors build momentum and scale faster.

You’ll also hear:

• Why speed to lead is a contractor’s most powerful (and affordable) differentiator

• How companies are aiming for $1 million in revenue per employee

• The mindset shift from contractor to tech-enabled business

Plus, get a preview of EQUIP Expo in Louisville and why the Disruptors Social at Zeppa’s Greenhouse is the place to be.

This episode is for anyone looking to grow faster, work smarter, and get ahead in a changing market.

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Derek Clenan, founder of Your Haven Landscape Designs, to break down how one idea , a simple design service, turned into a full-scale design machine supporting contractors across the country.

After going bankrupt at 24, Derek rebuilt from the ground up. Now, just over a year into launching Your Haven, he’s built a 44-person team, delivered over 1,000 designs, and created a recurring revenue model that’s changing how contractors sell work, reduce change orders, and deliver better projects.

In this episode, Derek shares: • The mindset shift that helped him bounce back and rebuild • How the Backyard Blueprint and Pro Memberships are fueling rapid growth • Why contractors need better design support to scale their business • The culture and execution strategies driving his team’s success

If you’re looking to sell more work, improve efficiency, and build something lasting, this episode delivers real, tactical insight from someone who’s doing it in real time.