The Landscaping Podcast

If you own a landscaping or hardscaping business, THIS episode will make you money, or save you from losing it.Shay and Zac reveal the three estimating mistakes that drain profit, kill job timelines, and stress out both crews and business owners. Whether you’re brand-new or seasoned, tightening up your estimating is the fastest way to increase margin and reduce chaos.You’ll learn:The Time Trap: Underestimating labor and job lengthThe Material Blind Spot: Hidden costs pros overlookThe Training Gap: Why unprepared crews destroy profitPlus:How to build a repeatable estimating processWhat seasoned pros include that rookies missWhy clean estimates improve crew morale and client trustA must-listen for any contractor who wants predictable revenue and smoother operations.Send this episode to the estimator or foreman on your team.

Most people think changing careers at 35 is terrifying, but Zac did it anyway, and it changed everything.This solo episode dives deep into Zac’s personal journey from a “safe job” into a physically demanding, meaningful life in landscaping. If you’ve ever felt stuck, bored, or trapped in the wrong job, this episode is going to hit hard.Inside the episode:The moment Zac realized he needed to walk awayWhy comfort can quietly destroy your lifeThe emotional and physical reality of switching careersWhy landscaping is more than mowing grassHow taking risks opens doors that staying safe never willThis episode will make you rethink what’s possible at any age.Know someone who’s miserable in their career? Send this to them now.

Most homeowners think landscaping stops when the weather cools down, but that’s precisely when the most costly damage happens.In this episode, Shay and Zac break down the essential fall and winter landscaping steps every homeowner should be doing to protect their lawn, plants, and outdoor investments. Skip this stuff, and you’re guaranteed to pay for it in spring repairs.Here’s what we cover:The perfect fall fertilization strategyHow to prevent winter die-off and plant stressProper mowing heights for late-season cutsThe right way to handle aeration and leaf controlHow to avoid water traps and frost damageWhy skipping fall maintenance destroys turf healthWhether you’re a DIY homeowner or hiring a pro, this episode gives you the blueprint for a strong spring comeback.Forward this to a neighbor who always asks, “What should I be doing this time of year?”

Landscaping is a fast-moving industry… but most crews lose hours every week by skipping a straightforward step: The pre-job plan.In this episode, Shay and Zac break down how “five minutes of strategy” before a job begins can eliminate wasted time, prevent mistakes, and dramatically reduce crew fatigue.We dive into:Why do most crews lose time at the start of each jobHow to create a clear pre-job checklistThe fastest way to avoid tool swapping, backtracking, and confusionHow better planning reduces burnout and boosts qualityWhy leaders must model preparation for their teamsIf you’re a foreman, business owner, or crew lead, this episode will immediately change how your team works.Send this episode to your crew group chat before your next job.

It’s Halloween, and Shay and Zac are pulling back the curtain on their top 3 mistakes and biggest lessons from years in the landscaping and hardscaping world.From close calls to client curveballs, and from unexpected jobsite nightmares to surprising wins, this episode blends humor, storytelling, and hard-earned insights that every contractor will relate to.Inside the episode:The “tricks” that experienced pros use every dayOn-the-job surprises that nearly derailed projectsWhy precision matters more than speed in hardscapingHow crews recover from unexpected problemsWhat truly separates amateurs from professionalsIt’s equal parts entertaining and educational, the perfect mix for a holiday special.Share this with a landscaper who loves a good war story.

Most landscaping companies only hire “experienced landscapers”, and that’s why most companies stay average.In this episode, Shay explains why Landscaping Unlimited intentionally recruits people from retail, trades, military, athletics, and service industries, and why they often outperform applicants with years of landscaping background.You’ll learn:The character traits that matter more than experienceWhy good workers from other industries transition so wellWhat seasoned landscapers often struggle to unlearnHow to spot strong hires FAST during interviewsWhy a willingness to learn beats years of bad habitsIf you manage a crew or run a business, this is a must-listen.Send this to someone thinking about applying to a landscaping company.

In this episode of The Landscaping Unlimited Podcast, Shay Brickhouse and Zac Small return from EQUIP EXPO 2025 with fresh insights and tangible + intangible takeaways that will push your business and mindset to the next level.Shay dives into the leadership and business lessons that stood out most, from company culture to the importance of vision-driven direction...Zac focuses on the storytelling and networking side of the trip, highlighting how connection and authenticity can open doors for growth far beyond the job site.Whether you were there in Louisville or watching from afar, this recap breaks down what matters most, which is how to turn inspiration into action, relationships into opportunity, and ideas into impact.Tune in to hear:What EQUIP 2025 revealed about the green industryWhy storytelling and social media matter for landscapersHow leadership lessons translate from the stage to the crewThe behind-the-scenes moments that made this trip unforgettableThis is more than a recap; it’s the roadmap for what’s next at Landscaping Unlimited.

Landscaping isn’t a fallback job; it’s a legitimate career path that builds discipline, confidence, financial freedom, and lifelong skills.In this episode, Shay shares the journey from mowing lawns as a teen to becoming a licensed contractor, irrigation specialist, pesticide applicator, and business owner.What we dive into:Why landscaping should be viewed as a skilled tradeThe certifications that elevate your earning potentialThe mindset shift young workers need to hearThe real career ladder inside the green industryHow professionalism sets you apart immediatelyIf you’re a young worker, a parent, or someone considering the trades, this episode will open your eyes to what landscaping really offers.Share with a teen or young adult choosing a career path.

Before heading to the Equip Expo, Shay and Zac break down why attending industry events is one of the smartest investments landscapers can make, not for the machines, but for the mindset.Inside:Why exposure to the industry’s future fuels growthHow expanding your network expands your opportunitiesWhat attending expos does for personal and professional developmentHow to make the most of big industry eventsWhy staying stagnant is the biggest threat to your businessThis is the perfect “pre-game” episode before any landscaper attends their first expo.Send this episode to someone traveling to Equip next year.

Anyone can be a “boss.”Very few become leaders.In this episode, Shay and Zac break down the difference and why leadership determines whether a landscaping company survives or truly thrives.You’ll learn:Why “boss mode” kills moraleThe traits that make crews WANT to follow youHow leaders grow companies through influence, not fearThe mindset shift every business owner must makeThe practical skills that turn managers into real leadersIf you’re trying to build a stronger team culture, start here.Share with a new crew lead or future foreman.

Shay and Zac sit down with Jason Kirkman of Haw Branch Church of Christ to discuss something rare: The intersection of faith, business, and leadership in today’s world.This episode goes far beyond Sunday morning; it explores how Christian values shape company culture, decision-making, client relationships, and daily discipline.Inside the conversation:Faith as a foundation for work ethic and integrityHow values influence leadership and business operationsWhy faith-driven businesses attract loyal employeesThe importance of character in client relationshipsHow spiritual grounding supports long-term successThis episode delivers honesty, depth, and real-world relevance.Share with someone who blends faith and business.

In this first episode of The Unlimited Podcast, Shay Brickhouse (Owner) and Zac Small (Media & Operations) of Landscaping Unlimited Inc., share an intro to what you can expect from the new podcast, as well as their views on why this was an inevitable step in the direction Landscaping Unlimited was heading.From a small local service in 1989 to a leading landscape and hardscape business in Eastern North Carolina, Landscaping Unlimited has begun the journey towards operating in the world of digital landscape.This episode sets the tone for everything to come:The mindset needed to lead a successful companyHow we've built a culture of excellence from the ground upThe importance of showing up ready to work every single dayWhy “The Possibilities Are Unlimited” isn’t just a slogan, but a way of lifeWhat it takes to balance faith & family, while running a small businessYou’ll hear about real people, real projects, and real lessons from the field, while being introduced to those who've impacted us during our journey.

Welcome to The Landscaping Podcast with Shay Brickhouse and Zac Small of Landscaping Unlimited Inc.In this show, we explore more than lawns and hardscapes; we dig into the realities of running a landscaping business, balancing family life, strengthening faith, and navigating today’s digital landscape.In this trailer episode, you’ll hear what to expect when you subscribe:Insights on balancing work, family, and faithHonest conversations about entrepreneurship and leadershipExpert guests sharing landscaping, hardscaping, and small business tipsBehind-the-scenes stories from one of North Carolina’s growing landscaping companiesWhether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, or entrepreneur looking for motivation and insight, The Landscaping Podcast is your place to grow in business and life.Subscribe today and join the conversation.