Landscape Hero

If They’re Not a Fit, Don’t Commit.

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:50:28 +0000

The State of the Green Industry

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:25 +0000

“The Landscape Hero: The State of the Green Industry”

Runtime: ≈56 minutes | Host: King Darren | Network: Turf’s Up Radio — Your Industry, Your Station

“The Landscape Hero” delivers a sharp, data-driven look into the present and future of the green industry. In this episode, “The State of the Green Industry,” host Darren Gruner breaks down the trends, technologies, and tactics shaping 2025 for landscape professionals, contractors, and business owners.

Across six segments, Darren analyzes the heartbeat of an industry that’s evolved from mowing lawns to managing complex outdoor environments. He examines how residential and commercial demand remains resilient despite labor shortages and rising costs—and how strategic planning now separates growth-minded operators from those standing still.

Listeners gain insight into how automation, AI route optimization, and battery-powered equipment are transforming operations for safer, quieter, more efficient job sites. He covers real numbers—profit margins, job costing, fleet telematics, and cash-flow tactics—helping owners run lean and scale with confidence.

The show moves beyond equipment into people and performance. Darren spotlights retention systems, incentive pay structures, and leadership habits that build loyalty in a high-turnover labor market. He highlights daily huddles, safety culture, and measurable accountability as the hallmarks of modern landscape management.

As the conversation turns to sustainability and outdoor living, he underscores the financial upside of environmental responsibility. From xeriscaping and native plants to recycled materials and smart irrigation, eco-minded design is now both a moral and business imperative.

Each segment is framed by Turf’s Up Radio’s trademark realism—straight talk for real pros. The final segment ties it together with mindset: the “Landscape Hero” attitude that treats the trade like a profession built on purpose, performance, and pride.

This episode isn’t about trends—it’s a roadmap for leadership. Whether you’re a solo operator, a multi-crew owner, or an aspiring entrepreneur, “The State of the Green Industry” gives you actionable insights to sharpen your edge and elevate your business.

Don’t Farm Out Your First Impression

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:30:15 +0000

In this episode of The Landscape Hero, Darren breaks down why your first impression can’t be outsourced. When the phone rings, it’s not just a call—it’s your first sales opportunity. Darren explains why business owners should be the ones answering, not an answering service, and why delegating that role too early can cost you clients. Learn why your voice, knowledge, and passion for your company are your best sales tools—and why the last thing you should give up is the call that starts it all.

Politics without the poison

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:06:05 +0000

The Landscape Hero episode with “Politics Without the Poison” examined how political polarization affects community and business in the green industry. The discussion focused on depersonalizing political disagreement, encouraging respectful dialogue, and finding shared ground to solve local issues. The guest emphasized practical strategies to reduce hostility in everyday conversations and maintain productive relationships across differing views. The show tied this back to landscaping professionals who work with diverse clients and teams, highlighting how a calmer approach improves collaboration and business outcomes.

Now here is something you did not know!

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 16:09:58 +0000

Do you know your customers credit score?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:10:25 +0000

STOP ADVERTISING! Until you hear this.

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:05:11 +0000

Why you should know the value of your clients home.

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:08:44 +0000

How would you do headed in to the lions den?

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:00:25 +0000

What is the best sound your client wants to hear?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:00:22 +0000

A simple trick for you to put cash in your pocket today.

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:47:28 +0000

Are you using AI the correct way?

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:51:54 +0000

You would be surprised how many successful people are just like you!

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:55:28 +0000

How Toro Company Foundation gives back on Veterans Day.

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:04:53 +0000

Homeowners need more companies like this.

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:19:55 +0000

Congratulations America. We made the right choice!

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:23:33 +0000

A better way to build proposals for your clients.

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:01:19 +0000

Are you familiar with the Sam Vimes "Boots" theory?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:57:38 +0000

Is your client ready to retire? You better know!

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:50:10 +0000

Need help designing backyards? Belgard has you covered.

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:57:49 +0000

How to see through our customers

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:59:51 +0000

Customerinsightnow.com

Debriefing the Expo 2024

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:57:26 +0000

How imitating other companies can lead to success.

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 15:36:10 +0000

Why the Irrigation Association LIVE show is crucial to your success.

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:36:28 +0000

with Nathan Bowen

How new heroes are popping up all over the country

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:01:41 +0000

A look into how Dauer Manufacturing is changing the way we buy LV lighting.

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:58:27 +0000

Craig Klomparens, president/co-owner

DauerManufacturing.com

Do you speak the same language as your clients!

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:55:38 +0000

Are H2B Workers right for you?

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:55:45 +0000

How can you get your customers to pay you more without "doing" more.

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:57:33 +0000

How can we avoid the stress we feel when we go on vacation?

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:54:12 +0000

The true meaning of working on your business.

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 08:00:17 +0000

I think we're really starting to get why we do this!

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:33:33 +0000

Here's how to triple your earnings with something you do everyday.

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:03:48 +0000

You're more valuable to homeowners than you could ever imagine!

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 17:17:43 +0000

Benefits of the Design AND Build business model

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:50:51 +0000

Tips to structure payments for large projects

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:00:07 +0000

EQUIP EXPO 2024

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:13:46 +0000

3 top things you need to do BIG projects.

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:05:37 +0000

How I save BIG MONEY by sticking with my business model!

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:32:25 +0000

6 tips to deal with inflation, coaching vs advisor and more..

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 12:01:42 +0000

What it your business worth?

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 08:00:14 +0000

How much cash do I need to start a landscape business?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 22:48:09 +0000

I fired a client and kind of feel bad about it.

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:45:01 +0000

Custom Software made by YOU.

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:02:25 +0000

Tools to success: Founder & CEO Brant Wichman

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 12:07:31 +0000

Keys to a successful small business Part 1

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:41:47 +0000

GET 5 STAR REVIEWS

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:05:44 +0000

The quickest way to prove that you are a true hero.

Fri, 31 May 2024 01:50:07 +0000

Are you rewarding your clients with discounts?

Wed, 15 May 2024 12:03:13 +0000

Where the heck are you getting your information?.

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:11:13 +0000

Are you stealing from your own company?

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:04:47 +0000

What to expect when expecting. Landscaper version.

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:58:57 +0000

How do you define working integrity?

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:49:49 +0000

How good organizational skills lead to confidence and shows your true value.

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 22:32:48 +0000

Why you should be incorporating Porcelain Pavers in your next project

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:04:34 +0000

Join Darren Gruner as he discusses the benefits of Porcelain Pavers with Phil Graves from Daltile.

Bridging the gap between homeowners and contractors.

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:00:21 +0000

What really goes in to pricing your project?

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:02:28 +0000

Getting back to basics: Can you do everything your clients wants?

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:02:35 +0000

Getting back to Basics: Prepping for the design.

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:04:40 +0000

Getting back to basics: How to handle client house calls?

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:05:26 +0000

How are your proving your true value to your clients?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:03:14 +0000

Are you being held accountable for what your predecessors did?

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:03:13 +0000

Driving passion and Corey Fangemi with GPS Fleet Consulting

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:04:13 +0000

Delegation and discounts

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 12:02:14 +0000

Friday freaky face off! Steve Cohen vs. Luke Truetken.

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:01:58 +0000

When is it time to refocus what you are doing in business.

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:04:51 +0000

Maestroshield, where have you been my whole career!

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 12:03:28 +0000

Are you overpromising and underdelivering?

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 12:01:53 +0000

The Landscape Show 2023. Was it what we expected?

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:57:20 +0000

Headed to The Landscape Show 23 for you. Let's do this!

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 11:37:16 +0000

Good habits, what clients want from you and more..

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 12:00:47 +0000

Homeowners, Stop telling contractors this!

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 12:02:26 +0000

Freaky Funky Face Off Friday - Ep.1

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 12:06:54 +0000

Some quick tips on overhead.

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:04:08 +0000

Ten great ways to save your small business money.

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:02:58 +0000

The difference between a GC and a Company working w/no employees.

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:21:23 +0000

My conversation with an Angies list representative. How did I do?

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:09:28 +0000

What to do with your crew during downtime and how to pay for it.

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 12:02:43 +0000

How to get the best value out of a partnership.

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 12:11:56 +0000

Conquering your fear of working with subs.

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:02:47 +0000

Why you should be recording your calls with your clients.

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:03:07 +0000

Why I decided to fire all of my employees and go it alone!

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:02:50 +0000

The real difference between a bid and a proposal.

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:02:53 +0000

Do you love what you do?

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:02:13 +0000

The real difference between honesty and integrity.

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 12:01:08 +0000

Signs you are doing business right. Or are you?

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:02:09 +0000

Warranties. Should we offer them or not?

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:03:30 +0000

Is the Devil really in the details?

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 12:04:36 +0000

Have you truly identified your role in your business?

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:02:49 +0000

How to prevent water from ruining your projects.

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:13:26 +0000

This is the most important part of doing business.

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 12:03:39 +0000

Why you should understand your financial class.

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:02:03 +0000

How to handle clients who back out from a contract. The answer may shock you!

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 12:09:48 +0000

The real reason why clients ask us for references.

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:02:43 +0000

How to prove to your clients they've hired the right person for the job.

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:03:37 +0000

The best way to make money mowing lawns.

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 12:03:54 +0000

I'm getting other estimates." What are you really telling me?

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:03:05 +0000

What will it take to let your guard down so you can build more meaningful relationships?

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 12:13:30 +0000

Confidence is King but experience builds the Kingdom

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:18:55 +0000

Why you are missing out if you are not installing Synthetic Turf

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:07:41 +0000

July 4th - Free to be the best Landscaper we can be!

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:02:59 +0000

Let's start building outdoor kitchens. It's actually easier than you think.

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:02:36 +0000

What is the Landscape Hero Show about?

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:02:33 +0000

Hey Green Industry Pros, Our Clients Need Help Understanding What It Is They Are Asking For When They Call Us. Many May Think They Know What They Want, But Most Simply Don’t. It's Our Job To Listen To What They Want And Offer The Right Solutions. It's Our Job To Be Their Landscape Hero,

Tune In To The Landscape Hero Right Here On Turf’s Up Radio Every Monday Thru Friday 7 To 8 Am. We’ll Go Step By Step Giving You The Confidence You’ll Need To Bring The Landscape Hero Out Of Each And Every One Of You. We’ll Cover Common Requests By Clients And Offer Real Answers To Make Your Clients Thankful That They Call You.

That’s The Landscape Hero Show Live On Turf’s Up Radio Every Monday Thru Friday 7 To 8 Am Eastern. Or If Can’t Make It Be Sure To Download The Show On Your Favorite Podcast Platform Or Simply Visit Turf’s Up Radio.Com

That’s The Landscape Hero On Turf’s Up Radio. Because Every Homeowner Truly Needs A Landscape Hero.

Pavers: Why you should offer lifetime warranties w/ Mark Fuss

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:03:30 +0000

Pavers: What professionals seem to forget sometimes.

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:06:45 +0000

Irrigation made simple - Part 3 with Jeff Hesser

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 12:06:59 +0000

Irrigation made simple - Part 2 with Jeff Hesser

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:05:09 +0000

Irrigation made simple - Part I with Jeff Hesser

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:07:59 +0000

Lighting made stupid simple - Part 3 with Jeff Hesser

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:03:34 +0000

Lighting made stupid simple - Part 2 with Jeff Hesser

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 12:06:35 +0000

Lighting made stupid simple -Part 1 with Jeff Hesser

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:06:20 +0000

How can landscape biz partnerships work.

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:05:42 +0000

Bookkeeping made super simple! w/ bonus drainage talk.

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:05:25 +0000

Is owning property the right investment choice?

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:10:36 +0000

How building strong relationships will make you money!

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:03:33 +0000

This is the best way to keep up on new industry products.

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:04:04 +0000

How much should you pay for referrals?

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:05:42 +0000

Why that first sales call didn't go as planned.

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 12:04:10 +0000

Best payment schedule practices on large projects.

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:05:41 +0000

What you should be doing with deposits on projects.

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:04:26 +0000

How to sniff out cheap customers.

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:05:21 +0000

Since when did we become Public Servants? You have to hear this story.

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 12:09:39 +0000

Here's another way you can ensure you are always available for your clients.

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:05:12 +0000

Is cash really KING?

Fri, 26 May 2023 12:02:57 +0000

How do you calculate your true value?

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:04:22 +0000

Hump day madness - Sucked into yet another business. Just couldn't say no!

Wed, 24 May 2023 21:15:31 +0000

Introducing the man behind who inspired the start of Turf's Up Radio.

Tue, 23 May 2023 12:04:21 +0000

Are you able to put a dollar figure on relationships?

Mon, 22 May 2023 12:13:20 +0000

How pricing jobs properly will gain you respect.

Fri, 19 May 2023 12:04:24 +0000

How stupid would you feel if your client knew more about your business than you?

Thu, 18 May 2023 12:05:54 +0000

This is how we do business where I am from.

Wed, 17 May 2023 12:08:28 +0000

Know your consumer law or lose everything!

Tue, 16 May 2023 12:07:20 +0000

Why selling cheap products can ruin your reputation.

Mon, 15 May 2023 12:28:16 +0000

Why you should include your clients when planning your day?

Fri, 12 May 2023 12:15:43 +0000

We screwed up and trusted you man!

Wed, 10 May 2023 17:03:22 +0000

How you can handle client problems more successfuly

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 17:02:53 +0000

Top 5 ways to make a sale w/ Mark Fuss

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:17:28 +0000

Are you doing a job or getting it done? One of these answers will make you much more money!

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:05:56 +0000

The start of something amazing!

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 18:16:30 +0000