Nextra Presents...!

There have been some recent changes at Nextra! In this episode, Grant and Marla share about those changes, and the circumstances that set the changes in motion. Then Grant speaks with Jake DeJong from PowerGroup Resources about their part in the changes and what the future holds for both PowerGroup and Nextra. Episode Links: Connect with Jake 519-865-2487 Email PowerGroup Resources Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On today's episode, our HR Director, Charolette Cascioli talks with Dave Hockley from Hockley’s Landscaping in Simcoe. Hockley’s brought in two temporary foreign workers this year and Dave shares what that experience has been like for him and for his company as well as the staffing struggles that led up to using the TFW program and what the benefits have been since. If you are at all curious of how the TFW program could help you're business and what to hear directly from another contractor, you have come to the right place. Episode Notes: Connect with Dave 519-909-0117 Email Hockley's Landscaping Episode Sponsor – Bidwell Financial Bidwell Financial website James Fullerton phone: 416.906.3398 James Fullerton email Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On today's episode, we welcome back Wendy Ladd from Jim Pattison Lease. Wendy talks about the services JPL provides as well as gives us an update on the current vehicle market. She provides information on timelines and availability of new vehicles and outfitting, and then touches on what’s happening with electric vehicles as well as discounts available to contractors. We have Wendy on each year to give us all updates from the vehicle side of things and we love having her every time, enjoy! ** Apologies for the slight audio dips throughout this episode, sometimes when we record virtually, zoom does not like to cooperate but we feel it did not take away from the content of Wendy & Grants great conversation** Episode links: Connect with Wendy 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Jim Pattison Lease Website Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On today's episode, Grant speaks with Paul Vanderzon, a lifetime landscape/snow industry professional and mentor to many. Paul has spent his life working in and advocating for the snow removal industry and its associations. Grant and Paul discuss his experience, the changes he’s seen in the industry and the ones he feels still need to happen as well as the benefits of snow contractors being part of associations like SIMA. This interview was a treat to record as Paul is full of experience, industry knowledge, and passion and we know you'll love listening to it. Episode Links Metal Pless SIMA En pleine têmpete TV show (season 1, episode 1) Project Snow Fighter episodes Connect with Paul Email LinkedIn Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On today's episode, Grant talks with Ryan Quigley and Mitch Bursey from Storm Solutions made a transition to liquid brine in 2019 and they share how they made that transition, what was involved, and how they trained their staff. Storm Solutions Plus is their sales, service and parts business. They are the Canadian dealer for VSI by Boss and for MetalPless snow blades and they were excited to share their story! Episode Links: Connect with Ryan Email LinkedIn Facebook Connect with Mitch Email LinkedIn Facebook Storm Solutions Plus Website Facebook YouTube Instagram LinkedIn 705-775-7587 Other Links VSI by Boss MetalPless Innovative Surface Solutions Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On Today's episode, Grant is joined by Brian Cotter. Brian is the president of Lloyd’s Grounds Management Professionals and Durham Artificial Grass. Brian and Grant talk about about his history in the landscape industry, his dual businesses, the growth of the artificial turf industry and about the company culture he and his leadership team have created. They also give some sage wisdom on investing in your company and your people by hiring consultants and being part of peer groups. Unfortunately, there were some spots where Brian cuts out a bit due to connection, but it does not take away from the message being presented. Brian & Grant cover a lot of ground in this episode and we know you’ll appreciate all he has to share. Episode Links: Connect with Brian Email 905-263-2225 Lloyd’s Grounds Management Professionals Website Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Durham Artificial Grass Website Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Other Links Jeffrey Scott Jacki Hart Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Today we’re sharing a podcast from Landscape Ontario where Grant was the guest. Grant discusses what he will be teaching at the Waterloo Chapter events this fall, as well as touching on some current issues facing the industry like sales and staffing. Grant doesn't often get to be on the other side of the microphone so we are excited to share this with you! Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Landscape Ontario Unlock Your Business Potential Education Series Certified Landscape Horticulture Manager (CLHM) Program Grant’s Bookshelf Leaving a Legacy: Navigating Family Businesses Succession by David C. Bentall

With company culture as our theme this month, we thought we would bring back an interview Grant did a couple of years ago with Jim & Jenna Monk of Markham Property Services. Grant met Jim and Jenna a number of years ago and was impressed with their willingness to share their journey, their victories as well as their failures, and their wisdom in order to see the landscape industry become full of destination companies focusing on company culture. We loved this conversation then, and we love it even more now. Episode Links Markham Property Services Facebook Instagram Website 647.493.2909 Connect with Jim Email Connect with Jenna Email Jim & Jenna’s Bookshelf The Who Book by Geoff Smart and Randy Street The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack The Five-Minute Journal Other Links ISO 9001 Snow Certification SIMA Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On today's episode, we decided to stay close to home and invite Charolette Cascioli, Nextra's HR Director and Martin Horsman, one of our resident Business Coaches to talk to Grant about a "crucial" topic. No one likes difficult conversations. But they are necessary and they're important for the health of businesses, relationships and mental wellbeing. The book Crucial Conversations is designed to give you the tools to handle these conversations with confidence, care, and clarity, making it safe to talk about almost anything and be persuasive, not abrasive. Today, Grant talks to Charolette and Martin about the book, these tools, and the education Nextra has developed to teach these lessons in a practical way. Episode links: Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and Emily Gregory Crucial Conversations VERY SHORT SURVEY Connect with Charolette Cascioli Email Connect with Martin Horsman Email Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On today's episode, Grant talks with Paul McCallum from Toro. Paul talks about his history in the landscape industry, how Toro's survived the pandemic (and grown!), and how they are positioning themselves and their products to address the needs of landscapers and homeowners in the future. He also shares the most recent additions to the Toro line up and some new products Toro is offering, including the improvements to today’s electric equipment. Episode Links: Toro Website Twitter YouTube Facebook Connect with Paul LinkedIn Email Phone: (905) 870-5045 Paul’s Bookshelf Audible Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Choosing a business management software can be overwhelming. We’re hoping to make that easier for you. In the first of a series of episodes focused on business management software for landscapers, Grant talks to Mark Bradley from Landscape Management Network (LMN). Mark and Grant discuss the origin of LMN and the solutions and efficiencies it offers to landscapers. Episode links: LMN Website Phone: 888-347-9864 Email LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Mark LinkedIn Email Mark’s Links The Flow Research Collective The Art of the Impossible by Steven Kotler Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On this episode, Grant talks with Martin Tirado, the CEO of SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association). They dive in and talk all about the snow industry - how Martin got involved, what SIMA is all about, the services and training they offer, as well as the future of the industry. Episode Links: SIMA Website CSP and ASM Training Programs SIMA Symposium Connect with Martin LinkedIn Facebook Martin’s Links Freakonomics Radio podcast Freakonomics book Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Episode Sponsor – Bidwell Financial Bidwell Financial website James Fullerton phone: 416.906.3398 James Fullerton email

Over the last couple of years, most landscapers haven’t had to work at sales. In fact, most have had trouble keeping up with the demand for work. The result is that we’ve been more like order-takers rather than salespeople. But as the economy starts to slow down a bit, it is important that we revert to being salespeople to ensure the continued growth of our business. Andrew Wall has been in sales for his entire professional life in sales, and he shares how to be effective salespeople. Episode Links: Connect with Andrew 905-691-4553 Email Website LinkedIn Sandler Sales Training LinkedIn Website Andrew’s Bookshelf The Road to Excellence by David Mattson Selling to the Modern Buyer by David Mattson Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy Think Again by Adam Grant Podcasts Re: Thinking with Adam Grant Work Life with Adam Grant Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233 Wendy.ladd@jplease.com

On today's episode, Jordan sits down with James Fullerton of Bidwell Financial. James talks about how he got involved in the financing side of the industry and what types of vehicles and equipment his clients reach out to him for. James and Jordan dive into the short and long term effects of the pandemic on commercial vehicle & equipment purchasing, the current state of the used market and if the future might hold a light at the end of the financing tunnel for contractors. Looking for an inside perspective on vehicle shortages and buying in 2023? James has you covered! Episode Links: Bidwell Financial Website 1-855-624-3935 Connect with James Email Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On today's episode, Jordan speaks with Raqib Omer from Viaesys Inc. Raqib shares the unlikely story of how he got involved with the snow and ice industry, how he started Viaesys and what's next for the innovative technology company. Raqib also discusses some of the biggest issues facing snow and ice removal contractors, the importance of training your staff, and some thoughts on the current and future states of salting/liquid de-icing. If you have anything to do with the snowy side of the landscaping industry, you will want to hear what Raqib has to say! Episode Links: Viaesys Website 1-844-VIAESYS Connect with Raqib Email Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On today's episode, Jordan speaks with Joanna Philipps from ESOP Builders. Joanna shares her knowledge about ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan), its goals and options, and the risks and benefits to both owners and employees. You will gain a strong understanding of an ESOP and if and how it would work for your company. Episode Links: ESOP Builders Website 1-416-645-0512 or 1-877-995-3767 Email Connect with Joanna Email 647.881.8532 Joanna’s Bookshelf The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto Connect with Jordan Email 647-297-9354 Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Nextra Presents…! welcomes Lianna Desmarais from Plantscape Windsor. Liana talks about her introduction to the landscape industry, the resources she found so valuable in navigating her first few years, and how she’s grown the company. She also talks about gender bias and what it’s like to be a female landscape business owner in an industry that is male dominated. Episode Links: Plantscape Windsor (519) 972-5440 Website Facebook Instagram Connect with Liana Email Liana’s Bookshelf Peer to Peer Network Good to Great by Jim Collins Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On this episode, Grant speaks with Chris Penny of Lucrative Landscape about his humble beginnings in the landscape world and how he realized his talent for marketing and growth focused on small businesses. Chris talks about the Lucrative Landscape model, how it can benefit small business owners and the ideal contractor that he can really help. Episode Links: Lucrative Landscaping Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Connect with Chris Email Chris’s Bookshelf Lucrative Landscaping by Chris Penny How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On this episode Jordan talks with Rob Murray of Intrigue Media about being more competitive by using your website and social media more effectively to position yourself for success. Rob is full of great information, and he delivers it in a way that is understandable for those of us who aren’t part of that world. Episode Links: Intrigue Media 226-210-4276 Website Facebook Instagram Connect with Rob Email Linked In Twitter YouTube Rob’s Bookshelf Scaling Up by Verne Harnish Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross From Impossible to Inevitable by Aaron Ross The Third Industrial Revolution by Jeremy Rifkin Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio Connect with Jordan Email 647-297-9354 Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

On our first episode of the year we wanted to talk about a part of the industry we have not touched on before... enter landscape lighting. Today Jordan talks with Scott Sim from Moon Glow Lightscapes about how he became involved in the lighting industry, the challenges he faces and the logistics and rhythm of the industry. He says, “irrigation is science, landscape lighting is art”. In the episode, you’ll hear how much he loves his art! Episode Links: Moonglow Lights Website Facebook Instagram Connect with Scott Email 519-532-0660 Scott’s Bookshelf Nextra Presents…! podcast Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller The Pumpkin Plan by Michael Michalowicz Traction by Gino Wickman Connect with Jordan Email 647-297-9354 Connect with Grant Email 519.868.6398 LinkedIn Twitter Nextra Consulting Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Lighting Peer Group