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.