Automating the Landscape: Joe Langton on Robotic Mowers (Part 1) Ep. 02
Release Date: 05/23/2025
Charged Up with Tim Allard
Tim speaks with DJ Johnson from Commercial. The discussion centers on Kress's three pillars of business: battery-powered handheld equipment, advanced robotic "cut and stay" equipment for large turf areas like golf courses, and the fully autonomous zero-turn mower, the Voyager. Johnson details how the Voyager, with its low purchase and maintenance costs compared to fully burdened labor, can create an 80%+ delta in savings, redefining the profitability of mowing for landscaping companies. Both men express excitement over the technology's ability to address labor shortages and elevate the...
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Tim interviews Charles Nelson of . The discussion focuses heavily on the ongoing electrification and automation revolution in the lawn care industry, including the practical application of equipment like Kress autonomous mowers and the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for business tasks. Nelson also discusses his company’s structure, which emphasizes strong accountability through checklists and core values, and shares his experiences and future plans for business growth, particularly after attending industry events like the Equip Expo and LCR Summit. Connect with Charles: Connect with Tim: ...
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Tim provides a detailed recap of his experiences at the Equip Expo, including various networking events like the two-day , casual dinners, and the Win in Life Meetup hosted by . He discusses attending major events such as the keynote speech by Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas and highlights new technologies, particularly the debut of the Crest fully autonomous zero-turn mower, which he believes is a game-changer for business scaling. Throughout the episode, Allard emphasizes the importance of networking and collaboration within the industry, contrasting the openness found at the expo with...
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Tim talks about the challenges of running multiple businesses in the current economic climate, particularly concerning pricing strategies and customer relations. He focuses on the difficulties of raising rates in service industries like landscaping due to increased operational costs and the resulting customer attrition, noting that many homeowners associations lack the necessary budget increases. Allard also shares a separate but related frustration from his apparel business, where a faulty product forced costly remakes, leading to a complex situation with a customer demanding a refund on a...
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Tim discusses his plans and excitement for the upcoming in Louisville, Kentucky. He details a packed schedule that begins with the , followed by various networking events, welcome receptions, and the keynote address featuring Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas. Throughout the week, he plans to attend industry shows like The Morning Show and Energize, check out new innovations in battery-powered and robotic equipment from companies like Kress and Vermeer, and spend time on Pod Row for interviews and content creation. Tim strongly encourages listeners to attend the expo, emphasizing the value...
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Here in the conclusion of the V.I.P. Shop Tour, the discussion focuses on the benefits of transitioning from gas-powered to battery-powered and robotic landscaping equipment, such as reduced maintenance, fumes, and noise, along with improved employee morale and efficiency. The group highlights the cost-effectiveness of autonomous mowers as an alternative to traditional labor and share personal experiences with various electric tools. The podcast concludes with information about the upcoming LCR Summit, an event designed to foster networking and knowledge sharing among landscaping...
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Tim and his guests explore the electrification and automation of the lawn care industry, discussing advancements like robotic mowers and battery technology. This particular episode, part two of a three-part series, features a shop tour of Stepping Stone Landscaping in Richmond, Virginia, with Tim and his "inner circle" of friends. The group discusses business strategies, employee culture, and the transition into turf care, with one participant sharing his background in restaurant management and robotics and his vision for creating a highly efficient, team-oriented lawn care company. They also...
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Tim discusses the electrification and automation of lawn care with fellow landscaping professionals John and Kaiden Grant, Allen LaMere, and Naylor Taliaferro. The group reflects on a recent VIP tour of Stepping Stone Landscaping in Richmond, Virginia, highlighting the importance of organization, accountability, and strong core values in business operations. They share personal insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, including balancing growth with personal life and adapting business strategies over time. The discussion emphasizes the value of community and peer...
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Today, Tim shares about the importance of recharging for entrepreneurs, comparing it to the charging needs of electric equipment. He stresses setting boundaries to prioritize personal and family time, arguing that constant connectivity leads to burnout and a loss of purpose. He encourages listeners to disconnect from work, reflect on their goals, and avoid letting business demands overshadow the reasons they started their ventures, such as family well-being. Connect with Tim: Email:
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Today Tim is focusing on his company's transition to fully electric landscaping equipment in 2022. He highlights the benefits of electric machinery, such as quiet operation, reduced maintenance, and environmental advantages, while also addressing challenges like initial cost and battery run times in earlier models. Allard emphasizes the rapid technological advancements in electric and robotic mowers, advocating for early adoption and strong branding within the industry. He concludes by encouraging networking, direct demonstrations, and attending expos like Equip Expo to explore the future of...
info_outlineThis week Tim Allard is joined by Joe Langton from The Automating Success Podcast. The episode focuses on the increasing adoption of electrification and automation in the landscaping industry, particularly with robotic mowers. Langton, with extensive experience in the professional landscape space and founder of Automated Outdoor Solutions, discusses the benefits of automation for businesses, such as reducing labor costs and overcoming challenges like rain days, while Allard shares his own company's journey towards an electric and automated future. The discussion also touches upon the challenges of transitioning to automation, including initial team resistance and the current state of dealership models and manufacturer support in the rapidly evolving market. Langton emphasizes the importance of educating customers on the value of automated services and structuring contracts that protect businesses making significant capital investments. Part 1 of 2.
Connect with Joe:
TikTok Automated Outdoor
LinkedIn Joe Langton
Connect with Tim:
Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com