Trades Talk Podcast

Weekly Update #15: How AI Helped Me Reclaim 10 Hours a Week

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White shares real-world strategies for using AI and ChatGPT to boost productivity, streamline operations, and shift from manual work to smarter systems. What used to take four hours, Justin now does in thirty seconds, thanks to custom AI tools designed specifically for the green industry.
The episode opens with a story about helping a friend estimate a fence project using a custom GPT called Landscape Intelligence. The tool generated pricing, materials, permits, and layout suggestions instantly. This is just one example of how AI is transforming time-consuming tasks into fast, repeatable workflows.
In this episode, Justin shares:• How to build a Master Prompt that gives ChatGPT consistent, high quality answers• Why custom GPTs are changing the game for landscapers, marketers, and operations teams• How to use the Projects feature in ChatGPT to track documents, collaborate, and maintain context• Why AI has allowed him to go from a biweekly podcast to twice per week• What to expect at Lean Scaper Dallas and Aspire Ignite Anaheim
Justin also explains how AI is driving a major shift in labor, freeing up teams to focus on higher value work while machines and software take on the repetitive. He encourages listeners to start experimenting now, lean into new tools, and build systems that will drive the next generation of business growth.

From Service Titan to Aspire: Eli Zevin’s Playbook for Growth

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Eli Zevin, General Manager of Aspire Software, to explore the power of technology, implementation strategy, and what is coming next for the landscape industry.
Eli joined Service Titan in 2016 with no background in trades or software and spent nearly a decade helping contractors succeed before taking on his new role at Aspire. From startup culture to scaling enterprise systems, Eli shares what he learned about change management, software adoption, and the importance of delivering real value during implementation.
In this episode, Eli shares:• How early startup culture at Service Titan shaped his leadership style• Why great software implementations focus on outcomes, not checklists• How Aspire is helping contractors track labor variance and upsell opportunities• What role software plays in supporting mergers and acquisitions• Why the green industry is poised for massive professional growth and wealth creation
Eli also shares a preview of what to expect at the upcoming Ignite conference in Anaheim, where Aspire will dive deeper into its product roadmap and how it plans to support the evolving needs of the industry. If you are looking to scale your systems, improve processes, or understand the next evolution of business technology in landscaping, this conversation is a must listen.

Weekly Update #14: Lessons from My Father and the Fight to Keep Growing

On this weekly update on Trades Talk, host Justin White shares a personal reflection recorded on his father Kendel’s birthday. Kendel co-founded K & D Landscaping nearly 40 years ago, and his legacy still shapes the way the company operates today.
Over the last decade, K & D has grown from 1 million to 20 million in revenue. After a big jump from 15 to 20 million last year, this year is about holding steady and breaking even—but the focus has never been just financial. Justin highlights the incredible growth of team members like Shantel, Jamie, Blanca, Jake, Tony, Alejandro, and Juan, and what it means to build a company that truly develops people.
In this episode, Justin shares:• Why growth is about people, not just revenue• The leadership lessons passed down from his father• What happens when leaders delegate too much or take shortcuts• Why showing up, listening, and giving more is the only way through hard times
If you are in a season of reflection or navigating challenges at the top, this episode is an honest reminder that leadership is not about ease; it is about energy, effort, and showing up when it matters most.

Jeff Harkness on Capital, Control, and Creating Real Wealth

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White shares a powerful episode with Jeff Harkness, CEO of 3PG Advisors, focused on mergers, acquisitions, capital access, and the mindset shifts required to scale and create long term wealth in the green industry.
Jeff brings nearly three decades of experience in M&A, with deep expertise in landscaping, tree care, and turf care services. What started as a private training for the Disruptors community is now being shared publicly for the first time. Whether you are just beginning to explore capital options or already in growth mode, this conversation breaks down what is possible when you stop thinking like an operator and start thinking like an owner.
In this episode, Jeff shares:• Why private equity and mezzanine capital are flowing into the landscape industry• How to position your company for investment or acquisition• What banks, investors, and equity firms look for before writing a check• The benefits of multiple liquidity events and long term wealth creation• How to move from slow, one customer at a time growth to scalable value creation
Jeff also addresses common fears around giving up control, explains why ownership is often less important than upside, and outlines how landscape companies are using institutional capital to go from regional players to market leaders. If you want to understand how the game is really played at the next level, this episode is your entry point.

Weekly Update #13: Leadership, Planning, and Real Talk

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White shares Weekly Update 13, covering how contractors are preparing for 2026, what happens when leadership systems break down, and why mindset matters long before you reach eight figures.
With January 1 on the horizon, contractors are focused on budget planning, rate increases, and multi year enhancement programs. Some are holding pricing for loyal, high margin clients, while others are raising rates up to 10 percent for underperforming accounts. Justin explains how sharing operational improvements like route efficiency, crew training, and the adoption of electric equipment can build trust and justify pricing.
In this episode, Justin shares:• How to think with an eight figure mindset even at five or six• Why systems collapse when leadership turns over without a plan• What it takes to rebuild accountability and support frustrated teams• How a new Leadership Accelerator Sprint is training mid level leaders• What to expect from Aspire Ignite and Lean Scaper this September
Justin also gets real about challenges inside his own company and how leaders can create structure and support without burning people out. If you are growing fast and working to build a more stable operation, this episode is full of insight.

Turf Wars: Todd Zimmerman on the Rise of Robotics and the Fall of Gas

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Todd Zimmerman, Head of Sales and Product Development at Kress Outdoor Power Equipment, to talk about how one company is reshaping the future of landscaping through battery innovation, robotics, and a relentless focus on contractor feedback.
Todd brings nearly 30 years of experience in power tools, robotics, and commercial landscaping solutions. At Kress, he has led a product development journey that started more than a decade ago and has resulted in some of the most advanced battery and robotic equipment in the industry.
In this episode, Todd shares:• How Kress’s CyberPack batteries charge in under 12 minutes and last over 3,000 cycles• Why durability testing to gas equipment standards sets Kress apart from other cordless brands• How Kress is launching the first fully autonomous commercial robotic mower in the United States• What contractors are doing to cut costs, reduce labor, and increase efficiency with Kress equipment• Why early adopters will have a major edge as electric equipment becomes the new standard
Todd also explains how Kress involves crews in the change process, supports contractors with charging infrastructure, and helps owners track performance data to drive smarter decisions. Whether you are exploring battery powered tools or preparing for the rise of robotic mowing, this episode gives you a front row seat to the next generation of landscape innovation.

Weekly Update #12 - 6-Week Sprint, Greenius, M&A Webinar, AI Trends, Alex Hermozi New Book

Chapters
00:00 Weekly Update Kickoff05:59 Insights from the M&A Webinar11:32 AI and Future Trends
 
Use code "JustinWhite" with Greenius to get 10% off your membership! 
Summary
In this weekly update, Justin White discusses the launch of a six-week sprint aimed at achieving record revenue for K&D. He shares insights from a recent webinar with Jeff Harkness on business acquisitions and the importance of being selective in the buy-and-build strategy. The conversation also touches on preparing businesses for potential exits, highlights industry leaders, and emphasizes the growing role of AI in business operations. Justin concludes with a book recommendation that offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs.
Takeaways
K&D is entering a six-week sprint to boost revenue.Setting clear goals for September is crucial.Greenius is an effective tool for onboarding and training.Buy-and-build strategies should focus on quality and selectivity.Geography can impact business valuations significantly.Businesses should prepare to be exit-ready, even if they don't plan to sell.Building a valuable business involves focusing on key performance metrics.AI is becoming increasingly important in business operations.Networking and learning from industry leaders is essential.Reading valuable business literature can provide actionable insights.
Titles
Accelerating Growth: The Six Week SprintStrategic Insights from Industry Experts
Sound bites
"K&D is on fast forward.""Set a September goal right now.""AI is a big part of our future."
 

Serve First, Scale Smart: Lessons from Tom Heaviland’s Journey

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Tom Heaviland, a landscape industry veteran whose journey began in 1985 when he bought a small company in Carlsbad, California and turned it into one of the most respected operations in the region.
Tom started with just one truck, a few workers, and $11,000, billing around $14,000 a month. After weathering a major recession in the 1990s and learning hard lessons about risk and diversification, he grew the business by focusing on contract stability, recurring revenue, and strategic pricing. In 2019, Tom sold the company to Brightview, and went on to work with their M and A team identifying strong acquisition targets in underserved markets.
In this episode, Tom shares:• Why customer diversity and contract size were central to his growth strategy• How he prepared his company for sale and stood out to Brightview• What he looks for in a business when evaluating M and A opportunities• His current mission at Verde Property Services, targeting over $100 million in revenue• Why he leads with a servant leadership philosophy and puts team growth first
Tom also opens up about the challenges of performance management, the importance of financial literacy, and his goal to create $150 million in employee wealth by 2035. If you are in the trades and thinking about scale, exit strategy, or how to build a company with lasting impact, this episode is a masterclass.

Weekly Update #11 - Travel Updates, Upcoming Events, What is your focus?

In this weekly update, Justin White shares exciting developments in the landscape industry, upcoming events, personal reflections on travel and life lessons, and insights into the differences between residential and commercial services. He emphasizes the importance of financial planning, networking, and organizing business structures for success.
 
Takeaways
It's a fun time to be in the trades.
Get your financial mindset in alignment with your team.
Attending industry events can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Disconnecting from technology can lead to personal growth and reflection.
Planning ahead can help you achieve your personal goals and adventures.
Understanding the differences between residential and commercial services is crucial for business success.
Targeting the right customer profile can enhance marketing efforts.
Creating dedicated leaders for commercial and residential services can improve operations.
Organizing your company effectively is key to scaling and success.
Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in the business landscape.
titles
Navigating the Landscape Industry
Embracing Opportunities in the Trades
Sound Bites
"It's a fun time to be in the trades."
"It's a must attend event."
"If you can pick a lane, focus on one."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Exciting Updates
04:55Upcoming Events and Opportunities
10:01Personal Reflections on Travel and Adventure
14:55Insights on Business Structure and Strategy
15:23outro final final.mp3

From Job Trailers to Visionary Leadership: Paul Voresis of Delta Landscape

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Paul Voresis from Delta Landscape, a second-generation landscape professional based in Sacramento, California, who shares the story of how his family’s business evolved and how he’s rethinking what leadership looks like in the green industry.
Founded by Paul’s father in 1980 after immigrating from Greece, Delta Landscape has deep roots and a powerful legacy. Paul grew up in the business but initially swore he’d never follow in his father’s footsteps. After studying construction management and briefly working in the construction industry, he returned home and took over the company in 2012, following his father’s passing. That experience, paired with a personal health scare, forced him to look at the business, and his role in it, through a different lens.
In this episode, Paul shares:• Why he shifted Delta Landscape from installation to maintenance in 2021• How battery-powered equipment is exceeding expectations in real-world use• His thoughts on private equity, local expertise, and the future of the industry• Why work-life balance and life margin matter more than ever• The importance of vision, mission, and leading with purpose
Paul also reflects on the emotional weight of being the oldest son in a Greek family, the future of commercial landscape services, and why he believes the trades can, and should, attract top-tier talent. If you're in the green industry and thinking about where it’s going, what needs to change, and how to lead differently, this episode is a must-listen.