V.I.P. Shop Tour Takeaways Part 3 (Revolutionizing Lawn Care) Ep. 10
Release Date: 09/18/2025
Charged Up with Tim Allard
Tim speaks with Ana Arntson, the co-founder of the . 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...
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Tim Allard and Tim Zimmerman from 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...
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Today Tim sits down with Adam Goldwasser, co-founder of , 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...
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Tim 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...
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Tim interviews Rick Watkins, owner of , 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...
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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...
info_outlineHere 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 professionals. (Part 3 of 3).
Connect with Tim:
Email: Tim@ChargedUpPodcast.com