There have been some recent changes at Nextra! In this episode, Grant and Marla share about those changes, and the circumstances that set the changes in motion. Then Grant speaks with Jake DeJong from PowerGroup Resources about their part in the changes and what the future holds for both PowerGroup and Nextra. 

Episode Links:

Connect with Jake

519-865-2487

Email

PowerGroup Resources

Connect with Grant

Email

519.868.6398

LinkedIn

Twitter 

Nextra Consulting

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

On today's episode, our HR Director, Charolette Cascioli talks with Dave Hockley from Hockley’s Landscaping in Simcoe. Hockley’s brought in two temporary foreign workers this year and Dave shares what that experience has been like for him and for his company as well as the staffing struggles that led up to using the TFW program and what the benefits have been since. If you are at all curious of how the TFW program could help you're business and what to hear directly from another contractor, you have come to the right place. 

Episode Notes:

Connect with Dave 

519-909-0117

Email 

Hockley's Landscaping

Episode Sponsor – Bidwell Financial

Bidwell Financial website 

James Fullerton phone: 416.906.3398

James Fullerton email

Connect with Grant

Email

519.868.6398

LinkedIn

Twitter 

Nextra Consulting

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

On today's episode, we welcome  back Wendy Ladd from Jim Pattison Lease. Wendy talks about the services JPL provides as well as gives us an update on the current vehicle market. She provides information on timelines and availability of new vehicles and outfitting, and then touches on what’s happening with electric vehicles as well as discounts available to contractors. We have Wendy on each year to give us all updates from the vehicle side of things and we love having her every time, enjoy!

** Apologies for the slight audio dips throughout this episode, sometimes when we record virtually, zoom does not like to cooperate but we feel it did not take away from the content of Wendy & Grants  great conversation**

Episode links:

Connect with Wendy 

416.417.5233

Wendy.ladd@jplease.com

Jim Pattison Lease

Website

Connect with Grant

Email

519.868.6398

LinkedIn                                      

Twitter 

Nextra Consulting

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

On today's episode, Grant speaks with Paul Vanderzon, a lifetime landscape/snow industry professional and mentor to many. Paul has spent his life working in and advocating for the snow removal industry and its associations. Grant and Paul discuss his experience, the changes he’s seen in the industry and the ones he feels still need to happen as well as the benefits of snow contractors being part of associations like SIMA. This interview was a treat to record as Paul is full of experience, industry knowledge, and passion and we know you'll love listening to it.

Episode Links

Metal Pless

SIMA

En pleine têmpete TV show (season 1, episode 1)

Project Snow Fighter episodes

Connect with Paul

Email

LinkedIn

Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease

Wendy Ladd

416.417.5233

Wendy.ladd@jplease.com

Connect with Grant

Email

519.868.6398

LinkedIn                                      

Twitter 

Nextra Consulting

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

On today's episode, Grant talks with Ryan Quigley and Mitch Bursey from Storm Solutions made a transition to liquid brine in 2019 and they share how they made that transition, what was involved, and how they trained their staff. Storm Solutions Plus is their sales, service and parts business. They are the Canadian dealer for VSI by Boss and for MetalPless snow blades and they were excited to share their story!

Episode Links:

Connect with Ryan

Email

LinkedIn

Facebook

Connect with Mitch 

Email

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Storm Solutions Plus 

Website

Facebook

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

705-775-7587

Other Links

VSI by Boss 

MetalPless

Innovative Surface Solutions

Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease

Wendy Ladd

416.417.5233

Wendy.ladd@jplease.com

Connect with Grant

Email

519.868.6398

LinkedIn                                      

Twitter 

Nextra Consulting

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

On Today's episode, Grant is joined by Brian Cotter. Brian is the president of Lloyd’s Grounds Management Professionals and Durham Artificial Grass. Brian and Grant talk about about his history in the landscape industry, his dual businesses, the growth of the artificial turf industry and about the company culture he and his leadership team have created. They also give some sage wisdom on investing in your company and your people by hiring consultants and being part of peer groups.

Unfortunately, there were some spots where Brian cuts out a bit due to connection, but it does not take away from the message being presented.  Brian & Grant cover a lot of ground in this episode and we know you’ll appreciate all he has to share. 

Episode Links:

Connect with Brian

Email

905-263-2225

Lloyd’s Grounds Management Professionals

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Durham Artificial Grass

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Other Links

Jeffrey Scott 

Jacki Hart

Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease

Wendy Ladd

416.417.5233

Wendy.ladd@jplease.com

Connect with Grant

Email

519.868.6398

LinkedIn                                      

Twitter 

Nextra Consulting

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Today we’re sharing a podcast from Landscape Ontario where Grant was the guest. Grant discusses what he will be teaching at the Waterloo Chapter events this fall, as well as touching on some current issues facing the industry like sales and staffing. Grant doesn't often get to be on the other side of the microphone so we are excited to share this with you!

Connect with Grant

Email

519.868.6398

LinkedIn                                      

Twitter 

Nextra Consulting

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Landscape Ontario

Unlock Your Business Potential Education Series

Certified Landscape Horticulture Manager (CLHM) Program

Grant’s Bookshelf

Leaving a Legacy: Navigating Family Businesses Succession by David C. Bentall

With company culture as our theme this month, we thought we would bring back an interview Grant did a couple of years ago with Jim & Jenna Monk of Markham Property Services. Grant met Jim and Jenna a number of years ago and was impressed with their willingness to share their journey, their victories as well as their failures, and their wisdom in order to see the landscape industry become full of destination companies focusing on company culture. We loved this conversation then, and we love it even more now.

Episode Links

Markham Property Services

Facebook

Instagram

Website

647.493.2909

Connect with Jim

Email

Connect with Jenna

Email

Jim & Jenna’s Bookshelf

The Who Book by Geoff Smart and Randy Street 

The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack

The Five-Minute Journal 

Other Links

ISO 9001 Snow Certification

SIMA

Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease

Wendy Ladd

416.417.5233

Wendy.ladd@jplease.com

Connect with Grant

Email

519.868.6398

LinkedIn

Twitter 

Nextra Consulting

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn