• Second-generation landscape business owner, Paul Voresis, and how he and his company have grown
    Jan 24 2026

    "Failure is not an option here."

    In this conversation, Paul Voresis shares his journey with Delta Landscape Inc., a family business founded by his father. He discusses the challenges of growing up in the landscaping industry, transitioning to construction management, and ultimately taking over the family business after his father's passing. Paul reflects on the lessons learned, the impact of the housing crisis, and the current challenges in the landscaping market. He expresses a desire to pass the business on to the next generation while maintaining a focus on quality and service.

    Takeaways

    Paul's father migrated from Greece and started Delta Landscape Inc.

    Growing up in the family business taught Paul valuable life skills.

    Paul transitioned to construction management before taking over the family business.

    The housing crisis impacted the construction industry significantly.

    Paul's determination to succeed helped him navigate challenges after his father's passing.

    The company experienced growth after the economy began to recover.

    Paul shifted the company's focus from construction to maintenance services.

    The current market presents challenges for quality and service in landscaping.

    Paul reflects on the importance of preserving the company's reputation.

    He hopes to pass the business on to his children in the future.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Legacy of Delta Landscape Inc.

    03:59 Growing Up in the Landscape Business

    06:59 The Journey to College and Beyond

    09:41 Transitioning to Construction Management

    11:22 Navigating the Housing Crisis

    17:22 Taking Over the Family Business

    19:36 Life After Loss and Business Challenges

    21:56 Facing Challenges Head-On

    23:24 Evolution of Delta Landscape

    25:04 Navigating Industry Changes

    26:49 Shifting Focus to Maintenance

    28:25 The Emotional Toll of Change

    29:29 Considering a Return to Construction

    31:16 Quality vs. Cost in Today's Market

    33:02 Understanding Market Dynamics

    35:26 Positioning for Future Opportunities

    36:46 Legacy and Future Generations

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    44 Min.
  • Zech Strauser reinvents his industry mission with Urture
    Jan 19 2026

    The conversation covers the evolution of the landscape industry, the challenges of business growth, the intersection of urban nature and workwear, and the importance of business skills in the trades industry. Zech Strauser shares insights on his journey and the key factors that have shaped his approach to business and entrepreneurship. The conversation covers the challenges and dynamics of sales channels in the apparel industry, the impact of social media on sales and marketing, and the role of social selling in retail. It also delves into the challenges of product delivery and customization in the apparel industry.

    Takeaways

    • Landscape industry evolution
    • Challenges of business growth
    • The intersection of urban nature and workwear
    • The importance of business skills in the trades industry Sales channels in the apparel industry
    • Challenges with product delivery and customization

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Landscape Industry Beginnings
    • 10:01 The Importance of Business Skills in the Trades Industry
    • 29:52 Sales Channels in Apparel Industry
    • 40:26 Impact of Social Media on Sales and Marketing
    • 48:24 The Role of Social Selling in Retail
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    53 Min.
  • Starting a New Life - as a Landscape Architect
    Jan 2 2026

    Jonathan Torres shares his journey from incarceration to becoming a landscape architect and his work with Project Kinship to support at-risk youth. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and providing resources for youth to break the cycle of incarceration.

    Takeaways

    • Mentorship
    • Breaking the Cycle

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    20 Min.
  • Biophilic Design + Build + Maintain with Naturspire - Hear Stephanie's 8 year journey
    Dec 9 2025

    In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Stephanie Carlson from Naturspire, discussing her journey from journalism to the landscaping industry, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the importance of biophilic design. Stephanie shares her passion for creating living walls and green spaces, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future of her business. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration, trust, and the benefits of incorporating nature into indoor and environments in unique ways.

    Takeaways

    • Stephanie transitioned from journalism to landscaping after raising her children.
    • She discovered biophilic design and its benefits for indoor environments.
    • COVID-19 increased demand for indoor plants and greenery.
    • NatureSpar focuses on creating living walls and green roofs.
    • Collaboration with architects and designers is key to her business.
    • Stephanie emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the industry.
    • She aims to educate clients on the value of greenery in spaces.
    • The business has grown through reinvestment and expanding services.
    • Stephanie's passion for nature drives her creativity and projects.
    • She believes in the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature.

    Sound Bites

    • "I love doing rooftops."
    • "It just brings happiness."
    • "Nature is like the best Xanax."

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction and Background

    02:48Transition to NatureSpire and Biophilic Design

    05:35Impact of COVID-19 on Business

    08:39Expanding Services and Collaborations

    11:10Creative Projects and Challenges

    14:01Growth and Business Development

    17:33Building Relationships and Trust

    21:30Future Vision and Industry Insights

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    33 Min.
  • We meet Duane Draughon with VizX Design Studio - an Outdoor Living Designer in Chicago designing high end properties to help clients experience the Outdoors!
    Jul 11 2025

    In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Duane Draughon, an outdoor living designer, who shares his unconventional journey into the industry. Duane discusses the evolution of outdoor living spaces, emphasizing the importance of design and functionality. He highlights the challenges faced by the industry, including the lack of recognition for outdoor living in real estate and the need for better education for both contractors and homeowners. The conversation also touches on the value of outdoor living spaces and the future direction of the industry.

    takeaways

    • Duane's journey into outdoor living was unplanned and filled with unexpected turns.
    • Outdoor living design encompasses more than just paver patios; it includes kitchens, dining, and lounge areas.
    • The average cost for a well-designed outdoor living space starts around $75,000.
    • Designing outdoor spaces should consider furniture layout and functionality.
    • Many outdoor living designs fail to integrate with the home’s architecture and style.
    • The outdoor living industry lacks recognition in real estate listings and appraisals.
    • Education for both contractors and homeowners is crucial for the growth of the outdoor living industry.
    • Duane emphasizes the importance of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.
    • The industry faces challenges from manufacturers who dictate design trends.
    • Duane expresses a passion for designing outdoor spaces despite frustrations with the industry.

    Sound Bites

    • "I had no plans to be an outdoor living designer."
    • "Outdoor living is not paver patios."
    • "We don't have our own industry."
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    41 Min.
  • Bridging the Solutions Between the Buildings and Landscape for Water Reuse and Efficiency with Paul Mann
    Sep 9 2025

    In this conversation, Paul Mann discusses the critical importance of water management in landscape architecture, especially in the face of climate change and water scarcity. He shares insights on innovative solutions for water reuse, the role of landscape architects in promoting sustainability, and the financial implications of implementing water-efficient systems. The discussion emphasizes the need for collaboration between water consultants and landscape architects to create effective designs that ensure water security for future generations.


    Check out Paul's websites:

    https://waterchampions.com/

    https://www.renovaacademy.com/


    Paul@WaterChampions.com

    833-3WATERS (833-392-8377)



    Takeaways

    • Water scarcity is a growing concern affecting many regions.
    • Innovative water reuse solutions can significantly reduce potable water use.
    • Landscape architecture must adapt to incorporate water sustainability practices.
    • Misconceptions about water needs can lead to inefficient landscape designs.
    • Collaboration between water consultants and landscape architects is essential.
    • Financial considerations are crucial for implementing water-efficient systems.
    • Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of water management solutions.
    • The future of landscape design will increasingly focus on water smart practices.
    • Educating clients about water conservation is vital for long-term sustainability.
    • Community engagement can enhance water management efforts and promote awareness.


    Sound Bites

    • "We reduced our water by 63%."
    • "We need to capture and reuse water wisely."
    • "Water mismanagement is real."

    Chapters

    00:00

    The Urgency of Water Management

    02:46

    Innovative Solutions for Water Reuse

    05:31

    The Role of Landscape Architecture

    07:59

    Understanding Water Needs in Landscapes

    10:44

    Smart Irrigation Technologies

    13:30

    Designing for Water Capture

    16:12

    Collaboration Between Consultants and Architects

    18:47

    Financial Justifications for Water Solutions

    21:31

    Case Studies and Real-World Applications

    24:21

    The Future of Water Smart Landscapes


    Check out Paul's websites:

    https://waterchampions.com/

    https://www.renovaacademy.com/


    Paul Mann, CEO

    Water Champions

    Pioneering A Water Smart Future

    Paul@WaterChampions.com

    833-3WATERS (833-392-8377)

    Explore Our Design & Engineering Consulting at www.WaterChampions.com

    View Our Online Courses at RenovaAcademy.com

    Enjoy Our Podcasts & Videos on YouTube

    Connect With Me On LinkedIn

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    43 Min.
  • Rooting for Trees: A Journey of Innovation with Marie Ambusk & the INSIGHT tool - helping you grow better trees
    Sep 16 2025

    In this episode, Angelique Robb interviews Marie Ambusk, who shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a passionate advocate for tree health and gardening. Marie discusses the challenges of tree care, the importance of understanding root health, and the innovative solutions she is developing, including ground penetrating radar technology to analyze tree roots. The conversation highlights the value of trees in our environment and the need for collaboration within the industry to improve tree care practices.

    To pre-order the tool - sign up here:

    https://www.treesroi.com/services-4


    Takeaways

    Marie transitioned from a corporate career to gardening after encountering tree health issues in her neighborhood.

    She became a master gardener and started a project to help urban trees thrive.

    Understanding tree roots is crucial for their health and longevity.

    Many people are intimidated by tree care and fear damaging them.

    Innovative tools are needed to assess tree root health before planting.

    Ground penetrating radar technology is being developed to analyze tree roots.

    The quality of tree roots significantly impacts their survival and growth.

    Collaboration among industry professionals is essential for improving tree care.

    The value of trees increases with their age, making proper care vital.

    Education and awareness are key to preventing tree health issues.




    Sound bites

    "The roots always win. They always win."

    "It's all about the value proposition."

    "It's a hard solution to crack."



    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Marie Ambusk

    02:35 The Journey Begins: From Corporate to Gardening

    05:26 Understanding Tree Health and Root Issues

    08:13 The Importance of Quality Roots

    11:02 Challenges in Tree Care and Maintenance

    13:52 Innovative Solutions for Tree Root Problems

    16:36 Developing Ground Penetrating Radar Technology

    19:13 The Science Behind Tree Root Analysis

    21:58 The Value of Trees and Their Impact

    24:41 The Future of Tree Care and Industry Collaboration

    27:33 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

    30:13 Conclusion and Future Aspirations


    Keywords


    tree care, root health, gardening, innovation, environmental sustainability, tree maintenance, ground penetrating radar, urban gardening, horticulture, tree planting

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    43 Min.
  • The origin of the A.N.T. tool - and how it makes leaf cleanups much more efficient! Join the inventor and Entrepreneur, Aaron Farrer and the team from the Side Hustle Squad, Mike Garvey & Larry Delli Santi, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and Podcasters
    Aug 9 2025

    In this episode of SYNKD On Air, host Angelique Robb engages with guests Aaron Farrer, Mike Garvey, and Larry Delli Santi to discuss innovative tools in landscaping, particularly the Ant tool designed for easier tarp handling. The conversation explores the importance of efficiency in landscaping, the origin of the Ant tool, and how investing in better equipment can enhance business operations. The guests share insights on building a positive work culture, the significance of community and networking in the industry, and the upcoming events that foster collaboration and learning among professionals.

    takeaways

    • The Ant tool revolutionizes tarp handling in landscaping.
    • Efficiency is key to successful landscaping operations.
    • Investing in better tools pays off in the long run.
    • Community events like Sync Live foster valuable connections.
    • A positive work culture attracts and retains employees.
    • Networking leads to shared knowledge and growth.
    • The origin of the Ant tool stems from a need for efficiency.
    • Proper equipment maintenance is crucial for business success.
    • Listening to employees' needs improves workplace morale.
    • Innovative tools can prevent physical strain in landscaping jobs.
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    27 Min.