Podcast
Charged Up with Tim Allard
Hosted by Tim Allard · EN
Where the cutting edge meets cutting grass.
Charged Up explores the electrification and automation revolution transforming the lawn care industry from the ground up. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a green tech enthusiast, or a landscaping professional, this podcast keeps you powered with insights into the latest in robotic mowers, battery breakthroughs, and smart technology reshaping your backyard—and beyond.
Hosted by Tim Allard, a lawn care expert with over 15 years in the industry, Charged Up is your go-to source for staying informed and inspired in the age of electric.
Plug in. Power up. And get Charged Up.
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The ROI of Switching from Gas to Battery Ep. 25
Apr 1600:40:07Summary readyTim continues his interview with Gerry Barnaby from EGO, focusing on the financial and practical advantages of transitioning to electric landscaping equipment. The conversation highlights how businesses can achieve a cost "wash" within a year by eliminating fuel expenses and reducing maintenance downtime. Barnaby discusses specific innovations in commercial tools, such as carbon fiber shafts and IPX5 weather resistance, which allow for durability in harsh conditions. The episode also explores the modular battery system, enabling users to swap power sources between riding mowers and handheld lifestyle products like blowers or fans. Furthermore, they touche on the future of robotics and specialized "keep cool" cell technology designed to extend battery life. (Part 2 of 2) Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
SummaryBeyond the Big Box Store: Ego's Leap into True Commercial Grade Tools Ep. 24
Apr 900:38:40Summary readyTim talks with Gerry Barnaby from EGO, a leading manufacturer of battery-powered outdoor power equipment. The discussion highlights the company's evolution from residential tools to a robust Generation 2 commercial line designed to compete directly with gas engines. Barnaby introduces the PGX charging system, a modular technology capable of charging dozens of batteries overnight on a standard circuit, alongside smart apps for fleet management and cost analysis. The conversation emphasizes that switching to electric offers significant fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and a competitive edge through quiet, emission-free operation. (Part 1 of 2). Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
SummarySomeone Get The Phone! Why Every Missed Call is a Lost Lead Ep.23
Mar 500:27:28Summary readyOn today's episode, Tim emphasizes that customer expectations are often set by the high standards of a solo owner, making it difficult to maintain quality when transitioning to a larger team. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the "lost opportunity" of unanswered phone calls, urging business owners to implement reliable communication systems like mobile forwarding or automated responses. Allard also shares personal updates regarding his business transitions, including a move toward residential services and the launch of a new deck construction division. He concludes by encouraging fellow entrepreneurs to find a balance between the "grind" of growth and the necessity of rest and family time before the peak season begins. Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
SummaryThe Technician Model: Managing Autonomous Fleets, Not Mowers Ep. 22
Feb 1200:37:50Summary readyTim continues his conversation with Luke Hansen, the founder of Company Cam. The episode explores the intersection of landscaping and technology, specifically focusing on the shift toward electric equipment and robotic mowers. Hansen details his business strategy of moving away from traditional maintenance toward a high-touch, subscription-based model that utilizes specialized autonomous tools. They also discuss the importance of brand differentiation and the origins of Company Cam as a solution for managing visual project data. The dialogue emphasizes how innovative software and automation are currently reshaping the professional landscaping and construction industries. Part 2 of 2. Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
SummaryThe End of Social Media Busy Work: Generating Viral Videos from the Job Site Ep. 21
Feb 600:29:21Summary readyToday Tim chats with Luke Hansen, the CEO and founder of Company Cam. The discussion highlights the benefits of using specialized software to simplify photo documentation and project organization for industries like landscaping and construction. Hansen explains how his platform eliminates the need for complex filing systems by automatically organizing photos by location and integrating with other business tools. The conversation also explores the future of AI in the trades, envisioning a system where software handles marketing, estimating, and reporting in the background. Ultimately, the episode emphasize the importance of forward-thinking technology and ease of use in helping field workers succeed without unnecessary administrative burdens. Part 1 of 2. Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
SummaryFinding Your Deep 'Why': Moving Beyond Bills and Success to Your Core Purpose Ep. 20
Jan 2900:30:21Summary readyTim speaks with Ana Arntson, the co-founder of the Pond Professionals Alliance. Recorded during the Equip Expo, the conversation highlights the profound impact of professional networking and the importance of building a supportive industry community. The pair discusses how authentic interactions and mentorship can re-energize business owners who often struggle with work-life balance and the isolation of local competition. By sharing personal anecdotes about vulnerability and accountability, they illustrate that these connections foster both professional growth and individual well-being. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that finding a "tribe" within one's trade provides the necessary inspiration to overcome the exhaustion of entrepreneurship. Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
SummaryThe Once-in-a-Lifetime Innovation Shaking Up Mowing with Tim Zimmerman Ep. 19
Jan 1600:32:01Summary readyTim Allard and Tim Zimmerman from KRESS explore the technological evolution of the landscaping industry, specifically focusing on autonomous mowing and battery-powered tools. Zimmerman highlights the Voyager and Mega 600 robotic mowers, which utilize advanced RTK, 3D vision, and self-mapping features to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency. The discussion emphasizes how four-wheel drive capabilities allow these robots to navigate complex terrains that previously required manual operation. Furthermore, they detail a shift toward high-performance cordless handheld tools that offer rapid charging and significant long-term fuel savings. By integrating data-tracking apps and durable brushless motors, the industry aims to transition traditional laborers into highly skilled technicians. Overall, the episode illustrates a future where electrification and automation transform lawn care into a more profitable and professional enterprise. Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
Summary80% Faster: Reclaiming Your Labor Through Robotics Ep. 18
Jan 800:25:02Summary readyToday Tim sits down with Adam Goldwasser, co-founder of Greener, discussing the evolution of robotic lawn care and its impact on the landscaping industry. Having managed large fleets of autonomous mowers, Goldwer explains how his company developed a specialized software platform to improve machine uptime and operational efficiency. This technology allows business owners to monitor diverse mower brands through a single interface while drastically reducing the labor hours required for traditional maintenance. The conversation highlights how electrification and automation can double a company's capacity by transforming workers from manual laborers into skilled technology technicians. Ultimately, the episode illustrates how service-based robotics and smart management tools are modernizing outdoor maintenance for both commercial landscapers and homeowners. Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
SummaryWin in Life: Beyond the Grass w/ Cornell Mack Ep. 17
Dec 2300:34:36Tap to summarizeTim chats with entrepreneur and podcaster Cornell Mack, who discusses his transition from a demanding career in social services to a successful landscaping business owner. Mack shares his "Win in Life" philosophy, emphasizing that true success involves aligning personal happiness, family presence, and professional growth. He details the origins of his annual industry meetup, which uses activities like bowling and sports to break down social barriers and foster a supportive community for lawn care professionals. The conversation highlights Mack's journey through early financial struggles and physical injuries to illustrate how vulnerability and resilience are essential for entrepreneurial success. Ultimately, the episode serves as an inspirational guide for listeners seeking to find purpose and financial independence within the green industry. Mack Landscaping on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mack_landscaping412/?hl=en Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
Transcribe →From Setback to Setup: Recovering After the Business Crashed with Rick Watkins Ep. 16
Dec 400:33:43Tap to summarizeTim interviews Rick Watkins, owner of Big Buckeye Lawn Care, about the significant professional and personal setbacks he has recently faced. Watkins explains that his landscape construction business failed due to a dissolved partnership and mounting financial losses from unpaid client accounts, forcing him to liquidate his assets and close the company. This professional upheaval inadvertently provided the necessary time for Watkins to address physical ailments resulting from years of hard labor, necessitating extensive surgery on his shoulder and elbow. Both Allard and Watkins share stories of past business failures, stressing the importance of viewing these incidents as setups for future success rather than outright failure. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the profound support and genuine connection they have found within the green industry community through professional networking events. Watkins concludes by actively seeking new opportunities in sales, product representation, or even a return to medicine within the Northeast Ohio region. Connect with Tim: Facebook Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com
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