Épisodes

  • S2. Ep 79. Greg Schaafsma, Grand River Natural Stone
    Aug 26 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Greg Schaafsma shares his journey from nursery work to becoming a key figure at Grand River Natural Stone. With over 14 years of experience, he discusses his passion for outdoor work, the importance of mentorship, and his recent venture into distilling beverages. Greg also highlights his diverse roles at Grand River, his involvement with Landscape Ontario, and his personal gardening interests, including hostas and Japanese maples. The discussion touches on the future of Grand River, the significance of technology in fleet management, and the challenges faced in the landscaping industry.


    #Landscaping

    #Horticulture

    #Distilling

    #GrandRiverNaturalStone

    #LandscapeOntario

    #CareerJourney

    #MentorshipMatters

    #OutdoorWork

    #FleetManagement

    #GardeningLife

    #GreenIndustry

    #GardenDesign

    #PlantLife

    #NatureWork

    #StoneWork

    #LandscapeDesign

    #OutdoorCareers

    #CareerGrowth

    #WorkOutdoors

    #SustainableLandscaping

    #LandscaperLife

    #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork

    #HandsOnWork

    #NatureLovers

    #FieldWork

    #GardenGoals

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    56 min
  • S2. Ep 78. Alex Bright, NGA and Soil Food Web School
    Aug 11 2025

    In this in-person conversation in Heather's studio, Alex Bright shares her journey from IT to horticulture She discusses the importance of soil health, the impact of nature on mental well-being, and the value of mentorship. She emphasizes the need for balance in life and work, the challenges faced in landscaping, and the joy of gardening as a form of meditation. Alex also highlights her favourite tools, books, and resources that inspire her in her horticultural journey.

    Seasons 1 & 2 are proudly sponsored by EXT.tech!

    EXT helps you grow and revolutionize your landscaping business.

    They are improving the way you manage projects and streamline your landscaping, snow removal and construction operations.


    For additional savings when purchasing the software - use code HOPS10 at checkout or just tell them Heather sent ya!


    #soilfoodwebschool#Horticulture#SoilHealth#Mentorship#MentalHealth#Gardening#Landscaping#ITTransition#PersonalGrowth#NatureLovers#LifeLessons#GardeningLife

    #NatureTherapy

    #FromITtoNature

    #GreenThumb

    #GrowWithNature

    #MindfulGardening

    Voir plus Voir moins
    38 min
  • S2. Ep 77. Heather O'Shea, Greener Thumb
    Jul 25 2025

    In this conversation, Heather O'Shea shares her journey into horticulture and the establishment of her business, Greener Thumb. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the emotional connections people have with plants, and the challenges of pricing services in the horticultural industry. The conversation also touches on mental health, climate anxiety, and the significance of being a steward of the land. Heather emphasizes the need for accountability in business and encourages listeners to start their own ventures, while also advocating for biodiversity and responsible gardening practices.


    Seasons 1 & 2 are proudly sponsored by EXT.tech!

    EXT helps you grow and revolutionize your landscaping business.

    They are improving the way you manage projects and streamline your landscaping, snow removal and construction operations.

    For additional savings when purchasing the software - use code HOPS10 at checkout or just tell them Heather sent ya!

    #Horticulture#Gardening#Business#LandscapeDesign#MentalHealth#ClimateAnxiety#Stewardship#Entrepreneurship#Mentorship#Biodiversity

    Voir plus Voir moins
    49 min
  • S2. Ep76. Peter Guinane, Oriole Landscaping
    Jun 26 2025

    *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*
    Listen to this episode to get your 50% Discount code for Peter and George's (@joinktc) upcoming event on Aug 20th at Coivic Contracting @coivic in Milton, Ontario!
    See you there!
    In this episode of Hops and Hedges, host Heather Jerrard interviews Peter Guinane, CEO of Oriole Landscaping @oriolelandscaping . They discuss Peter's journey in the landscaping industry, the importance of networking and mentorship, and the upcoming event at @coivic Contracting.
    Peter shares insights on creating a successful business model, employee loyalty, and the joy of working in landscaping. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning from others and adapting to challenges in the industry.
    Seasons 1 & 2 are proudly sponsored by EXT.tech!
    @ext.tech_inc helps you grow and revolutionize your landscaping business.
    They are improving the way you manage projects and streamline your landscaping, snow removal and construction operations. For additional savings when purchasing the software - use code HOPS10 at checkout or just tell them Heather sent ya!
    Visit this link to purchase your tickets for the event at Coivic Contracting on Aug 20th before they're sold out! www.eventbrite.ca/e/1272634015599/?discount=HOPS50
    #Landscaping
    #BusinessGrowth
    #MentorshipMatters
    #NetworkingOpportunities
    #EmployeeLoyalty
    #TurnkeyBusiness
    #LandscapingEvents
    #OrioleLandscaping
    #PeterGuinane
    #IndustryInsights
    #GreenIndustry
    #LandscapeLeadership
    #GrowYourBusiness
    #LandscapeNetworking
    #MentorMindset
    #ktc #coivic #hopsandhedges #podcastshow

    Voir plus Voir moins
    55 min
  • S2. Ep 75. Jonni Deetjen, Forest City Native Gardens
    Jun 20 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Jonni Deetjen, owner of Forest City Native Gardens in London Ontario, discusses the significance of native plants in urban gardening, the importance of community trust, and the role of education in gardening choices. The dialogue also touches on personal stories, mental health, and the healing power of nature, as well as Jonni's experiences as a trans individual in the horticulture field. The conversation emphasizes authenticity in business and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all.

    Seasons 1 & 2 are proudly sponsored by EXT.tech!

    EXT helps you grow and revolutionize your landscaping business.

    They are improving the way you manage projects and streamline your landscaping, snow removal and construction operations. For additional savings when purchasing the software - use code HOPS10 at checkout or just tell them Heather sent ya!

    #NativeGardening#CommunityTrust#UrbanSpaces#Cultivars#Pollinators#Mentorship#MentalHealth#TransExperiences#Authenticity#Horticulture

    Voir plus Voir moins
    55 min
  • S2. Ep 74. Jay McKinnon, Jay McKinnon Company
    Jun 10 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Jay McKinnon shares insights from his 20 years in the landscaping business, discussing the evolution of his company, the importance of professional standards, and the value of apprenticeships in the industry. He highlights the significance of teamwork and employee development, as well as the upcoming garden tour event aimed at showcasing their work and supporting a charitable cause. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth, sharing insights from their own experiences in the landscaping industry. They discuss the journey from passion to profession, the challenges of navigating high-end projects, and the significance of understanding one's worth in pricing. The conversation also emphasizes the value of growing a business slowly and the lessons learned from influential business books.


    GARDEN TOUR TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jay-mckinnon-company-garden-tour-tickets-1291760954789


    Seasons 1 & 2 are proudly sponsored by EXT.tech!

    EXT helps you grow and revolutionize your landscaping business.

    They are improving the way you manage projects and streamline your landscaping, snow removal and construction operations. For additional savings when purchasing the software - use code HOPS10 at checkout or just tell them Heather sent ya!


    #Landscaping

    • #BusinessGrowth

    • #GardenDesign

    • #Apprenticeships

    • #CommunityEvents

    • #ProfessionalDevelopment

    • #LandscapingIndustry

    • #GardenTour

    • #EmployeeRetention

    • #LandscapingServices

    • #MentorshipMatters

    • #CreativeLandscaping

    • #SmallBusinessGrowth

    • #LandscapeCreativity

    • #PricingStrategy

    • #ClientRelationships

    • #ProjectManagement

    • #EntrepreneurshipJourney

    • #IndustryInsights

    • #PersonalDevelopment

    Voir plus Voir moins
    50 min
  • S2. Ep73. Cydian Kaufman, Pure Water Northwest
    Jun 8 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Cydian Kaufman, co-owner of Pure Water Northwest, shares insights into the world of water treatment, the importance of water quality, and the often-overlooked contaminants that can affect health. He discusses the science behind water filtration, the necessity of testing water, and his personal journey into the field. The conversation also delves into human behavior, the Pygmalion effect, and how our perspectives can influence health outcomes. Cydian emphasizes the importance of being informed about water quality and encourages listeners to test their water rather than guess.

    Seasons 1 & 2 are proudly sponsored by EXT.tech!

    EXT helps you grow and revolutionize your landscaping business.

    They are improving the way you manage projects and streamline your landscaping, snow removal and construction operations. For additional savings when purchasing the software - use code HOPS10 at checkout or just tell them Heather sent ya!

    #WaterTreatment
    #WaterQuality
    #Contaminants
    #WaterTesting
    #PublicHealth
    #PygmalionEffect
    #HumanBehavior
    #PureWaterNorthwest
    #CydianKaufman
    #Seattle

    Voir plus Voir moins
    40 min
  • S2.Ep72. Gerad Vanden Bussche, Vanden Bussche Irrigation
    May 28 2025

    In this conversation, Gerad Vanden Bussche from Vanden Bussche Irrigation discusses the legacy of his family business, which has been operating for over 70 years. He shares insights into their core markets, including landscape, golf, and agriculture, and emphasizes the importance of customer relationships built over generations. The discussion also covers the innovative Learning Center, sustainability in irrigation practices, and the integration of technology and e-commerce in the industry. Gerad highlights the significance of mentorship and leadership lessons learned from his father, as well as personal growth through recommended books.


    Seasons 1 & 2 are proudly sponsored by EXT.tech!

    EXT helps you grow and revolutionize your landscaping business.

    They are improving the way you manage projects and streamline your landscaping, snow removal and construction operations.

    For additional savings when purchasing the software - use code HOPS10 at checkout or just tell them Heather sent ya!


    #Irrigation
    #FamilyBusiness
    #Sustainability
    #Technology
    #Ecommerce
    #Mentorship
    #Leadership
    #Agriculture
    #Landscape
    #WaterManagement

    Voir plus Voir moins
    49 min