Green Side Up
Green Side Up
Jason Lee & Jordan Upcavage
Welcome to "Green Side Up: Tackling Entrepreneurial Weeds in Landscaping and Tree Care." Join hosts Jason Lee & Jordan Upcavage, a battle-tested landscaper, and a tree whisperer, as they peel back the layers of small business ownership in the green industry. Get ready for raw stories from the trenches, navigating unpredictable weather, managing demanding clients, and conquering the challenges that define entrepreneurial journeys. Whether you're knee-deep in the dirt or just planting your seeds, this podcast is your companion in the uphill climb of entrepreneurial success. Embrace the messy reality, find solace in shared struggles, and glean insights to thrive in the wild terrain of landscaping and tree care business. It's not always a walk in the park, but with "Green Side Up," you'll learn to thrive amid the chaos of entrepreneurship. Let's tackle those weeds together!
Ep 20. Worker's Comp, It's Not That Scary!
This episode of the Green Side Up podcast discusses workers' compensation insurance in depth with guest Kian Ostovar from Work Comp Specialists. Kian provides an overview of how work comp rates are calculated in Florida and explains options like employee leasing programs. Listeners learn about classification codes, experience modifiers, dividends, and more. The conversation also addresses a costly claim faced by one of the hosts and how it may impact future insurance rates. Overall, the podcast offers a wealth of information on navigating work comp compliance and costs for tree and landscape businesses. Connect with Kian: [email protected] www.workcompspecialists.com Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/  
May 16, 2024
57 min
Ep 19. From Carpenter to "Pond Digger": A Veteran Pond Pro and True Fish Freak!
Eric "The Pond Digger" Triplet shares his journey of growing a passion-driven pond business over 35+ years. Starting from aquarium maintenance, Eric evolved his one-man operation into a diversified business installing water features and manufacturing products. He discusses rapid early growth installing over 100 ponds annually, then diversifying services in 2008. Eric also details private labeling products and using content to reach clients. Listeners will enjoy personal anecdotes about battling wildfires with his family-involved business and learn from Eric's experiences navigating industry changes.    www.theponddigger.com https://www.twtcontractorcoaching.com/ IG- @theponddigger YT- @theponddigger   Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/    
May 9, 2024
47 min
Ep 18. All Things Equipment
This episode of the Green Side Up podcast features Jordan and Jason discussing all things equipment used in their landscape and tree businesses. They talk about the two-cycle equipment they use like chainsaws, blowers, and trimmers. They also discuss the brands and models of lawnmowers in their fleet. Jordan and Jason share details about the lifts, compact utility loaders and trucks they rely on. They provide insights on why they chose certain brands over others and how it has benefited their businesses. Catalytic converter theft is also discussed along with tips to help secure work vehicles. Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
May 2, 2024
58 min
Ep 17. Vacations and Getting Fired
This episode of the Greenside Up Podcast explores balancing work and life as an entrepreneur. Jordan shares how he gave responsibility to employees while taking his family on vacation. He also discusses managing a forestry project remotely. The episode then dives into the highs and lows of business ownership. Jordan details receiving an award but unexpectedly losing a major contract. Practical strategies are provided for smoothing the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, including cross-training staff and diversifying revenue streams. Insights are shared for navigating challenges with grace and keeping a long-term mindset. Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
Apr 25, 2024
1 hr 1 min
Ep 16. Elevate Sales to New Heights, Without the Overhead.
This episode features Cody Stickle of RevHike as he discusses the company's sales process for green industry businesses. Cody explains how RevHike handles lawn care, landscaping, and tree service leads over the phone, focusing on understanding customers to provide customized solutions. Jason and Jordan are impressed by RevHike's ability to eliminate overhead costs associated with sales staff through their commission-based model. They see potential in hiring RevHike seasonally or long-term to boost sales. Cody also shares tips for scaling a business through social media. Overall, Jason and Jordan find value in RevHike's outsourced sales approach based on Cody's presentation. ( https://revhike.com/ ) Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
Apr 18, 2024
40 min
Ep 15. Poaching, Pathways, and City Hall
On this episode of the Green Sideup Podcast, Jordan and Jason discuss recent challenges and successes in their businesses. Jordan talks about dealing with a difficult city code enforcement situation over a customer's tree. He also had equipment issues on a job that caused delays. Jason worked on installing an intricate labyrinth paver kit and discussed how his biggest competitor directly poached employees from one of his job sites. Jordan sets the business up to operate while they are on vacation. Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
Apr 11, 2024
47 min
Ep 14. Good Friends, Cold Beer, Hard Work
Old Friends, New Beginnings - Jordan and Jason reunite on the podcast to share the story of how their friendship and landscape businesses began while in college at the University of Florida over 15 years ago. They discuss how they met through a mutual friend, bonded over their hard work ethic, and decided to live together in Alachua where they started Skyfrog Landscape and Independent Landscape from the ground up. Tune in to hear them reminisce about their early years living off coffee, working insane hours, and hustling to survive while building the foundations for their successful companies today. Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
Apr 4, 2024
46 min
Ep 13. TCC Master's Challenge with Colin Kelly
This episode of Green Side Up features a recap of the Florida Chapter International Society of Arboriculture tree climbing competition. Jordan Upcavage and Nick Myers are joined by competitor Colin Kelly. They discuss techniques, mistakes, and close calls from the competition. Colin also shares advice for new climbers and businesses. Tips include getting involved with your local ISA chapter, focusing on safety and professionalism, and how competitions can make you a better arborist. It's an entertaining and informative look inside the world of competitive tree climbing. Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
Mar 28, 2024
1 hr 2 min
Ep 12. Florida ISA Tree Climbing Competition: Master's Challenge
Join Jason and Jordan at the Florida ISA Tree Climbing Competition as they provide play-by-play commentary of the Masters challenge event. Hear from Nick Meyers, chair of the competition, as he walks through the scoring and setup. Get an inside look at the techniques of climbers Taylor Pansetti and Colin Kelly as they navigate the challenging course. For landscape and tree care entrepreneurs, this episode offers valuable lessons in safety, problem-solving, and performing under pressure. Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
Mar 21, 2024
1 hr 1 min
Ep 11. Commercial Landscape Guru: Trey Rolquin
This episode features Trey Rolquin as a guest. Trey shares about his career in commercial landscape maintenance and how he focuses on building relationships with clients. He discusses the challenges of staffing crews and dealing with rising costs. Trey also provides advice to Jordan and Jason about opportunities in the commercial landscape industry and how to find and maintain large commercial clients.   Connect with the guys at: [email protected]   https://www.instagram.com/greensideuppodcast/   https://www.instagram.com/skyfroglandscape/   www.skyfroglandscape.com   www.indepenttreeservice.com   Podcast Produced by Mr. Producer - https://www.instagram.com/mrproducerusa/
Mar 14, 2024
59 min
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