The Green Edge with CJ

Rainy Days & Revenue: Thriving in a Storm-Filled Lawn Season

In this mobile-recorded “road show” episode, CJ returns to The Green Edge with a candid check-in on the realities of running a lawn care business mid-season. From weekly mowing schedules and contract strategies to navigating storm cleanup jobs and looming burnout, CJ gives a raw and real update on the challenges—and opportunities—this season is bringing. He shares how rain has extended the mowing season, how to manage sand-based lawns, and the importance of taking strategic time off to avoid burnout. CJ also gives a shoutout to the LAL event hosted by Brian and Liz, encouraging listeners to take advantage of valuable educational content. If you're in the green industry and need real talk about staying sharp, staying sane, and staying profitable—this episode is for you. 🌧️ Rain Has Been a Blessing: Extended mowing season means consistent income. 📅 Contract Management Is Key: Use annual mow commitments to your advantage. ⚠️ Burnout Is Real: Plan intentional breaks to stay mentally and physically fresh. 💼 Diversify With Storm Work: Cleanup jobs add extra revenue during unpredictable weather. 🎟️ Support Industry Events: Don’t miss the LAL event and snow contracts from Brian and Liz. 📣 Want to Be on the Podcast? CJ is open to guests and sponsors—reach out!

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Navigating Spring Rush: Tips and Tricks for a Seamless Mowing Season

May 14, 202500:05:40Tap to summarize

Join CJ in the latest episode of The GreenEdge, as he delves into the bustling spring mowing season. With a schedule packed with 50 mowing accounts and various landscaping projects, CJ shares insights on managing different property sizes, from expansive four-acre estates to compact trailer park lots. Learn effective strategies for double cutting lawns, including tips on cutting heights that promote healthy grass growth throughout the summer. CJ also outlines his weekly mowing routes, highlighting the adaptability required to tackle the challenges posed by unpredictable weather in southeast Michigan. Whether you're a lawn care enthusiast or just looking to enhance your mowing skills, CJ's practical advice will keep you on track for a successful season.

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Springing Into Action: The 2025 Lawn Care Kickoff

Apr 12, 202500:03:20Tap to summarize

Welcome to The Green Edge with CJ! In this episode, we dive into the exciting kickoff of the 2025 mowing season. Despite some recent ups and downs, we're back and committed to bringing you regular episodes. As we ramp up, we're managing around 55 mowing accounts a week, progressing towards full capacity. Alongside mowing, we're tackling landscaping and mulch projects, aiming to secure 40-50% of our estimates. We're eager to hear from you: What type of content would enhance your mowing routines this season? Email your suggestions to thegreenedgewithcj@gmail.com. Let's make the 2025 mowing season a memorable one!

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Growth, Equipment, & Profitability in the Landscaping Industry with Cole Graham from North Country Landscaping

Mar 24, 202500:31:04Tap to summarize

In this episode of The Green Edge with C.J., we sit down with Cole Graham, owner of North Country Landscaping, based in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Cole shares his unique journey—starting out mowing lawns at age 10, working for a landscaping company through high school and college, and eventually buying the business while still a student-athlete playing college baseball. Faced with the challenge of managing a growing business, a college workload, and baseball, Cole made a bold decision—leaving college to take North Country Landscaping full-time. Since then, he’s grown the company by adding 140 clients in just one year and expanding services into hardscaping, snow removal, and landscape construction. C.J. and Cole discuss the importance of route density, the smartest way to invest in equipment, hiring employees, and the challenges of growing a business while staying profitable. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is full of real-world insights and actionable advice. Key Takeaways: ✅ Take smart risks – Buying an existing landscaping business was a leap of faith but ultimately paid off. ✅ Route density matters – Minimizing drive time between jobs is key to profitability. ✅ Growth must be balanced with profitability – Expanding too fast without knowing your numbers can hurt your bottom line. ✅ Surround yourself with the right people – Networking with successful entrepreneurs, even outside your industry, can accelerate growth. ✅ Test equipment before buying – Renting different machines for jobs helps you find the best fit before making big investments. ✅ Customer communication is key – Simply answering the phone and following through can set you apart from competitors. Notable Quotes: 💬 “I was on a plane to Florida for college baseball, writing out business goals instead of focusing on the game. That’s when I knew—I was more passionate about business than baseball.” – Cole Graham 💬 “A lot of clients tell me, ‘Wow, you actually answer your phone.’ That shouldn’t be a competitive advantage, but it is.” – Cole Graham 💬 “If you’re starting out, take on every job you can—but as you grow, trim the fat and keep the most profitable work.” – C.J.

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Balancing Business & Work: The Journey of Colten Delehanty

Mar 10, 202500:24:55Tap to summarize

In this episode of The Green Edge with C.J., we sit down with Colten Delehanty, owner of Cole’s Lawn & Landscaping LLC in Germantown, Ohio. Colten shares his journey from mowing lawns in high school to launching his own business and growing it while balancing a full-time job as a machinist. He discusses the challenges of scaling, managing employees, and deciding when to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. C.J. and Colten dive into the importance of route density, customer relationships, and expanding services beyond mowing to landscaping, hardscaping, and excavation. They also talk about equipment choices, business lessons, and strategies for sustainable growth. If you're looking to start or scale your own lawn care business, this episode is full of real-world insights and practical advice to help you succeed. Key Takeaways: ✅ Start small but think big – Growth should be steady, not rushed. Overextending can lead to inefficiencies. ✅ Route density matters – Grouping jobs close together increases efficiency and profitability. ✅ Diversifying services can increase revenue – Mowing is great, but adding landscaping, hardscaping, or excavation can set you apart. ✅ Balancing a job and a business is tough – Strategic time management is key when working full-time while growing a company. ✅ Investing in quality equipment is essential – The right tools make a big difference in efficiency. ✅ Customer trust is everything – Being a reliable, full-service provider helps retain long-term clients. Notable Quotes: 💬 “If you're thinking about starting a business, just give it a try. You might be surprised at what you can make out of it.” – Colten Delehanty 💬 “Don’t grow too fast. Take on what you can handle and do it well.” – C.J. 💬 “A lot of customers want a one-stop shop—they trust one company to handle all their landscaping needs.” – Colten Delehanty

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The Green Edge Debut: Business, Family, and Lawn Care Insights

Jan 21, 202500:04:27Tap to summarize

In the inaugural episode of The Green Edge with C.J., host C.J. introduces listeners to the mission and vision of his podcast. With over a decade of experience in the green industry, C.J. shares his journey of turning lawn care into both a passion and a thriving business. This episode explores the podcast’s focus on practical tips for business owners, insights into industry trends, and occasional guest appearances. From lawn care techniques to managing a self-funded business, C.J. provides a fresh perspective for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is the perfect introduction to growing, thriving, and cutting through the noise. Key Takeaways: Introduction to C.J.’s Experience: Over ten years in lawn care and snow removal in southeastern Michigan. Podcast Purpose: A blend of green industry insights, business advice, and personal stories. Self-Funded Venture: The podcast is supported by C.J. himself, with opportunities for advertising partnerships. Connect with C.J.: Listeners can engage via Instagram, Facebook, or email. Future Content: Guest interviews, industry trends, and tips for sharpening your edge in lawn care and beyond. Notable Quotes: "I find it a passion more than a career. Just cause I get to turn lawns from overgrown to masterpieces." "We don’t put all our eggs in the snow basket because snow equipment isn’t cheap, and winters have been unpredictable." "Together, we’ll grow greener and healthier lawns, one lawn at a time."

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