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Author: Marty Grunder

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Marty Grunder

Marty Grunder is president and CEO of Grunder Landscaping Co. and The Grow Group, based in Dayton, Ohio.

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Grow with Grunder: Stay above the turbulence 

I know from my work at The Grow Group, coaching and consulting with landscaping companies around the country, that there has been a wide range of responses to the coronavirus. Some areas and businesses have scarcely been impacted at all, while others have had to cease operating altogether. At Grunder Landscaping Co., we did not […]

Grow with Grunder: Be the leader your team needs

With spring about to bloom, everyone in our industry is going to get incredibly busy. Most companies I know are continuing to grow — some quite rapidly — as the economy keeps humming along and demand for our services remains strong. These are good problems to have, of course, but they can also lead to […]

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The mistake many companies will make in 2020

Recently I read an article in the New York Times about the ambitious plans Sweetgreen, a chain of salad restaurants, has embarked on. Started in 2007 by a group of young college grads with a single storefront in D.C., the company was an early success; today it boasts 103 outlets and an astounding valuation of […]

Charlotte, N.C., skyline (Photo: Kruck20/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)

Grow with Grunder: The Loving way

My team at The Grow Group, the green industry consultancy I run, is busy now putting the finishing touches on our annual conference. Scheduled for Feb. 24-26 in Charlotte, N.C., Grow! 2020 will bring together landscape pros from around the country for three days of interactive programming focused on real-world solutions to the challenges owners […]

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The keys to success in 2020 and beyond

My team at The Grow Group, the green industry consultancy I run, is hard at work right now gearing up for our Grow! Annual Conference for landscape pros who are serious about moving their careers and their businesses forward. Scheduled for Feb. 24-26 in Charlotte, N.C., the 2020 conference will be my 25th year putting […]

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Make the most of winter

One of the questions I’ve been asked the most in my 35 years of running a landscaping company is “Marty, just what do you do in the winter?” Those outside our industry seem to think I head south for three months of sun and fun (ha!), while many inside our industry want to know how […]

Grow with Grunder: Give thanks to the people your business depends on

If you’re like me, you’re glad to see November roll around every year. For those of us not in the south, our busy season is at last winding down and we finally get to catch our breath. In Ohio, where I live, the weather is usually mild enough to still enjoy some time outdoors. And then there’s […]

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Are you getting better or sitting still?

It’s often said — and often said by me — that what gets measured gets improved. These words of wisdom came originally from the late great management guru Peter Drucker, and they continue to hold true, including and especially when it comes to efficiency. You can tell your team over and over again how important […]

Grow with Grunder: When you lose a key team member

There are few guarantees in business, but at least one thing is for certain: At one time or another you will lose a key team member — whether it’s to another company or industry, to retirement or another life change, or to firing — and how you prepare for this and respond to it can […]

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How to tell if your numbers add up

In his monthly column, Marty Grunder explains why it’s important for landscape professionals to understand the financial side of their business.

Grow with Grunder: Find time to continue learning

It’s time for students to return to school and according to Marty Grunder, they shouldn’t be the only ones who are back in “learning mode.” Grunder urges you to find a way to discover new things and continue to learn. Learn more about Vermeer here. Transcription below. “Good morning, good afternoon, good evening whatever the […]

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Grow with Grunder: Are your crews wasting valuable time and money in the morning?

Marty Grunder explains how a more efficient morning of clocking in and getting crews to the job site without any pit stops can save valuable time and money.

What landscape industry winners always get right

In this column, Marty Grunder describes a few factors that separate the successful landscape companies from the unsuccessful ones.

Grow with Grunder: Is it time to make a change?

Marty Grunder speaks directly to the owners and leaders of landscaping companies about how to create a company that is focused on changing, innovating and making continual improvements.

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Turning your year around

Not where you planned to be at this year’s halfway point? Marty Grunder shares three key areas to focus on in order to turn your year around.

Grow with Grunder: How do you train new hires for success?

Not everyone you hire will have experience. Marty Grunder discusses the three steps Grunder Landscaping Co. takes to train new hires for success.

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A winning mindset

With July just around the corner, many of us are nearing the end of our busiest season. I used to call these the 100 days of hell, given all the demands that are put on us and our companies from April through the Fourth of July. But then our Grow Group client and friend, Jeffrey […]

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4 sales mistakes you can’t afford to make

As we all know, sales are to a landscaping company what gas is to a truck — without them, and a steady supply for the months ahead, you aren’t going anywhere for long. But succeeding at sales takes real planning and focus. This month, take a good look at your current approach and ensure you’re […]

Grow with Grunder: Standing out in the market

Marty Grunder shares 3 ways you can help your business stand out in a sea of sameness. Learn more about Vermeer here.

Grow with Grunder: A quick tip for spring

Spring is officially here. As things start to pick up, Marty Grunder offers some advice: Don’t push off talking to prospects. Check out the video to learn more.

How to stay focused during the busiest times of the year

My team at Grunder Landscaping Co. (GLC) in southwest Ohio is thrilled that spring is finally here, after what felt like an especially long, cold winter. We’ve scaled up our crews, held our annual team kickoff and training and set our sights on clear efficiency and revenue goals. In other words, we’ve done all we […]

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Grow with Grunder: Are you getting the most out of your bank?

Far and away, one of the smartest steps I’ve taken in recent years to move my landscaping company forward has been developing a stronger relationship with my bank. When I was first starting out in business, I thought of the bank only as the place I had to go to ask for a line of […]

Grow with Grunder: Improving your morning rollout routine

What does your morning rollout look like? Marty Grunder shares the one thing you can do to make your morning rollout better. Learn more about Vermeer here.

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Grow with Grunder: Focus on your people first

I am just back from Grow! 2019, the annual conference I lead for ambitious landscape pros. This year, we were fortunate to have Eric Chester — a leading expert on driving performance in the workplace — deliver the keynote address. An endlessly entertaining speaker, Eric had us leaning in to listen, learn and laugh about […]

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