Fullerton Unfiltered

Everyone wants to grow their business, but very few can show the evidence that growth is coming. In this episode, we break down the difference between leading and lagging indicators, why revenue is the result, not the cause, and the key metrics in your people, sales, operations, and financials that predict future success. If you can't show the indicators, don't expect the outcome.

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't your work ethic, but what you haven't been exposed to yet? After another stop on the Break Records Tour, I'm sharing why I'm so thankful someone invited me into this industry years ago, and why one room, one conversation, or one event can completely change your future, just like it did mine.

Tickets for Lawntrepreneur Academy LIVE 2026 are officially on sale! In this episode, Liz and I break down everything you need to know about this year's event, why we believe it's going to be our best one yet, and how one day in the right room can completely change the trajectory of your business. We cover the incredible speaker lineup, networking opportunities, Sunday Masterclasses, and what you can expect when you join 300+ contractors in Novi, Michigan this November. If you're serious about growing your business, leading your team better, and surrounding yourself with people who are building something bigger, this is the event you don't want to miss. In this episode: Why Lawntrepreneur Academy LIVE continues to grow every year Meet the 2026 speaker lineup What you'll learn from industry-leading business owners Friday night networking and Saturday's full-day conference Sunday Masterclass options with Sam Gembel or Pat Murray & Ken Demeer Who should attend and why bringing your team is worth it How to grab your tickets before they sell out Event Details Event: Lawntrepreneur Academy LIVE 2026 Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 Location: Vibe Credit Union Showplace (formerly Suburban Collection Showplace), Novi, Michigan Attendance: 300+ lawn and landscape business owners Includes: Friday night networking, Saturday conference, outdoor demos, catered lunch, afternoon snack, and actionable business training Sunday Masterclasses: Optional sessions with Sam Gembel or Pat Murray & Ken Demeer (sold separately) Featured Speakers: Mark Bradley, Mike Arnold, Pat Murray, Ken Demeer, Steve Wheatcroft, Jerry Schill, Joshua Brecht, plus Brian & Liz Fullerton as hosts. 

In this episode, I sit down with Chris from PostcardMania to discuss why so many business owners hesitate to invest in marketing, how to overcome that mindset, and what it takes to build a predictable pipeline of quality leads. We also dive into why education is at the heart of PostcardMania's mission, why direct mail continues to deliver incredible results, and practical marketing strategies you can use to grow your business with confidence.

Most business owners know where they are today, but few have clearly defined where they're going. Jennifer Moscow joins the podcast to discuss the power of creating a Vivid Vision and how a compelling picture of the future can align your team, attract the right people, and accelerate growth. This conversation will challenge you to think bigger and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

In part 2, Brian and Liz look back on their final Together in the Trades conference in Arizona and share the moments that stayed with them most. From speaking about marriage to meaningful conversations with fellow attendees, they reflect on the lessons they are carrying forward, what this event has meant to their family, and how to build a marriage strong enough to support big dreams, business, family, and whatever comes next. Thanks for joining us on the journey. We're glad you're here.

In this episode, Brian and Liz recap their final Together in the Trades conference in Arizona. We share some of our biggest takeaways from speaking on marriage, the conversations that impacted us most, lessons we learned from fellow attendees, and why this event has meant so much to our family over the years. We also reflect on building a marriage that can carry the weight of your dreams, balancing business and family, and what's next for us. Thanks for coming along for the journey—we're glad you're here.

If you're looking to grow your hardscape division, this episode is packed with practical advice. Frank Bourque joins the show to discuss sales, estimating, production systems, and the mindset required to build a profitable hardscaping business. Whether you're installing your first patio or managing multiple crews, Frank shares actionable insights to help you level up your operation.

Rick Miranda, President of Aquidneck Landworks, joins the show to share the story behind building one of New England's most respected landscape companies. We dive into leadership, creating a premium customer experience, building a winning team, and the lessons learned from growing a business that stands out in a competitive market. If you're looking to elevate your company, improve your systems, and build a business you're proud of, this episode is packed with practical insights you won't want to miss.

Big LAL 2026 Announcement! (Part 2 of 2). People thought I was going to talk about the S&P 500, real estate, or Bitcoin. But after nearly twenty years in business, I've become convinced the investment that beats almost everything else is investing in yourself. Your skills. Your health. Your relationships. Your character. Your faith. Your business. Because those are the things that increase your capacity to create value—and ultimately, your capacity to invest in everything else.

People thought I was going to talk about the S&P 500, real estate, or Bitcoin. But after nearly twenty years in business, I've become convinced the investment that beats almost everything else is investing in yourself. Your skills. Your health. Your relationships. Your character. Your faith. Your business. Because those are the things that increase your capacity to create value—and ultimately, your capacity to invest in everything else. (Part 1 of 2).

The Break Records Tour rolls on with our next stop at CLS Landscape Supply! Janelle Leary joins me to share the story behind building CLS, the lessons learned through years of entrepreneurship, and what it takes to serve contractors at the highest level. We dive into leadership, company culture, industry trends, and why strong relationships are one of the biggest competitive advantages in business. LAL 2026 tickets go on sale 7/15 at 6pm ET.

Today, Liz and I sit down with my brother Adam and his wife, Sarah, for one of our most honest conversations yet. We share the parts of entrepreneurship that rarely make it onto social media, including the setbacks, risks, doubts, victories, failures, family discussions, financial pressure, and defining moments that shaped each of our journeys. Whether you are building a lawn care business, growing a marketing agency, launching your first company, or simply pursuing a dream, we hope these stories remind you that every entrepreneur has chapters the rest of the world never sees. Part 2 of 2. LAL 2026 tickets go on sale 7/15 at 6pm ET.

Today, Liz and I are joined by my brother Adam and his wife, Sarah, for one of our most honest conversations yet. We share the stories that rarely make it onto social media. The setbacks, risks, doubts, wins, failures, family conversations, financial pressure, and moments that shaped each of our entrepreneurial journeys. Whether you're building a lawn care business, growing a marketing agency, launching your first company, or simply chasing a dream, we hope these stories remind you that every entrepreneur has chapters nobody else sees. (Part 1 of 2) LAL 2026 tickets go on sale 7/15 at 6pm ET.

What separates companies that thrive from those that struggle during times of change? According to workplace culture expert Eric Termuende, it comes down to resilience, engagement, and leadership. In this episode, Eric shares practical strategies for creating a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and connected to the mission. If you're looking to build a stronger team and a healthier company culture, this conversation is full of insights you can implement right away.

Social media makes it easy to compare your business to everyone else's highlight reel. New trucks. Bigger shops. Record revenue. Growing teams. But what you don't see is the balance sheet behind the post. Debt, cash flow, profit, payroll, stress, and the sacrifices it took to get there. In this episode, we're talking about why the numbers that matter most are usually the ones nobody shares, and how to stay focused on building the business and life you actually want.

Most people don't fail because they lack ability. They fail because they lack urgency. In today's episode, Brian dives into one of the defining characteristics of high achievers and successful entrepreneurs: the ability to compress time and take action faster than everyone else. Discover why urgency isn't about panic or chaos, but about making decisions, taking imperfect action, and refusing to let years slip by while your goals sit on the shelf. If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to hire, grow, launch, invest, or pursue a bigger vision, this episode will challenge you to ask a different question: "What would need to happen for this to become reality much sooner than I think?"

Are credit card fees just the cost of doing business, or are they quietly eating away at your profits? In this episode, Brian shares why he changed his mind about absorbing processing fees, the real financial impact on growing companies, and how business owners can make smarter decisions to protect their margins without sacrificing customer service. This is a practical discussion every contractor and small business owner needs to hear.

Jason Cromley has built Hidden Creek Landscaping into one of the most respected landscape companies in the country. In this conversation, we discuss leadership, company culture, creating premium client experiences, and what it takes to build a landscape brand that stands out in a crowded market. Jason also shares lessons learned from scaling a high-performing team and pursuing excellence at every level.

At The People Intensive, I sat down with several lawn and landscaping business owners from across the country to get a quick season update, hear what's new in their companies, and uncover their biggest lessons on hiring, leadership, culture, and team development. In this special compilation episode, you'll hear from key leaders in a series of short interviews packed with real-world insights on building stronger teams, retaining great employees, and leading people more effectively. Whether you're managing a crew of two or a team of twenty, there's a takeaway in this episode that can help you grow.

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't your marketing, your pricing, or your equipment? In this episode of Fullerton Unfiltered, Brian shares the four decisions that shape every successful landscaping company: the type of business you want, the type of work you want to be known for, the type of customer you want to serve, and the service area you want to dominate. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth without direction can leave you with a business you never intended to build.

In this episode, I sit down with the team from Coast Pay to discuss their nationwide tour, the mission behind their company, and what they've learned from visiting business owners across America. We talk entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, company culture, and the common challenges contractors face regardless of market size. Sign up for Coast Pay: coastpay.com/brian

In this replay, we break down the importance of knowing your numbers and how LMN helps lawn and landscaping companies estimate, budget, and price work for profit. If you're looking to improve margins, gain financial clarity, and make smarter business decisions, this training is packed with actionable insights to help you grow a healthier, more profitable company.    Connect with Troy: troy.woodham@granum.com https://granum.chilipiper.com/shared/troy-woodham/lmn-self-sourced-60-minutes  

What would you choose: $1 million cash or 100 million followers? A business that pays you forever or one you can sell for millions? Growth or profit? Brand or reputation? In this episode, Brian and Adam put each other in the hot seat with a series of "Would You Rather?" questions covering business, marketing, leadership, wealth building, entrepreneurship, family, and legacy. The answers aren't always obvious, and the conversations behind the decisions reveal how successful entrepreneurs think. Whether you're building a business, growing your brand, or trying to create long-term wealth, this episode will challenge your assumptions and get you thinking differently about success. Grab a notebook and play along as you decide which side you'd pick.

Welcome back to Fullerton Unfiltered! In this episode, we're sharing the audio version of one of our latest YouTube videos from the Brian's Lawn Maintenance channel. Whether you're driving between jobs, mowing lawns, or working in the shop, this episode is packed with practical business insights, lessons learned, and real-world experiences from the green industry. Thank you for supporting the channel and helping us reach over 250,000 subscribers. We appreciate each and every one of you. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who's looking to grow their lawn and landscape business.

Today's podcast features a live webinar where Brian Fullerton and experts from LMN demonstrate business management software for landscaping and snow removal professionals. The discussion centers on the LMN platform, specifically highlighting its budgeting, estimating, and CRM tools as essential for companies looking to transition from guesswork to data-driven profitability. Representatives Troy Woodham and Stephen Bennett explain the software's features, including a new crew app for field tracking and integrated e-learning through Greenius. Fullerton shares his personal experience adopting the technology and invites you to participate in a live weinar on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

In this episode, we're talking about one of the most important questions in marriage: How do you make your spouse feel like your best friend again? Between work, kids, responsibilities, and the busyness of life, it's easy to drift into being roommates instead of partners. We'll share some of the best relationship advice we've heard lately, simple habits that create deeper connection, and practical ways to rekindle friendship, fun, and intentionality in your marriage. If you want a stronger relationship and a closer connection with your spouse, this episode is for you.

I love hearing testimonies. Whether it's a young entrepreneur landing their first customer, someone learning a new skill, or a business owner finally breaking through, every success story starts the same way: with a decision to begin. In this episode, we're talking about why you're not too young, too inexperienced, or too early to start learning business, leadership, software, sales, and life-changing skills that can shape your future. Your testimony is being written right now. The question is: what story will you tell?

Fresh off the Granum Break Records Tour in Arlington, VA, I'm sharing a few of my biggest takeaways from an incredible event. The energy was electric, the conversations were powerful, and the future of the green industry has never looked brighter.

Rain days can either destroy your momentum… or become one of the biggest opportunities to grow your lawn care business. In this episode, we break down what smart lawn and landscape companies actually do during rainouts including crew management, equipment maintenance, sales follow-ups, marketing, training, customer communication, and operational planning. If spring weather has your routes backed up and your schedule chaotic, this episode will help you stay productive, profitable, and ahead of the competition.

What happens after the contract gets signed? In this episode, Brian breaks down why the real success of a landscaping company happens during the handoff from sales to operations. From maintenance accounts to hardscape installs, we unpack the communication systems, expectations, and processes that help crews succeed in the field and customers stay happy. If your company struggles with chaos, callbacks, missed details, or frustrated teams, this episode will show you why clarity is the missing link between selling jobs and delivering excellence.

Fuel prices are up, margins are tight, and contractors everywhere are feeling the squeeze. In this episode, we break down the real impact fuel costs have on lawn care, landscaping, and snow businesses—and whether you should absorb those increases or pass them along to customers. We're talking fuel surcharges, protecting profitability, route density, and the simple math most contractors overlook that can quietly cost them thousands each season. If you want to protect your bottom line without hurting customer relationships, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Fullerton Unfiltered, Brian and Adam break down how branding directly impacts the type of customers your business attracts. From websites and social media to trucks, uniforms, and messaging, they unpack why some companies attract premium clients while others constantly battle price shoppers. This conversation dives into positioning, trust, perceived value, and how to build a brand that attracts the right ICP and helps your business stand out in a crowded market.

If you're married to a contractor, lawn guy, landscaper, or snow removal operator… you've definitely heard THESE before! From "This call will only be 5 minutes" to "We just need this one more piece of equipment," Brian breaks down the funniest and most relatable things contractor husbands say on a daily basis. A lighthearted episode for the green industry families who live the mow life, snow life, and everything in between. 

In this episode, Brian sits down with Noe Loarca of Avanza Landscaping to talk business growth, leadership, scaling a landscaping company, and the mindset it takes to level up in the green industry. Noe shares his journey, lessons learned along the way, and what's helped Avanza Landscaping continue building momentum. Plus, Brian shares details about the upcoming Break Records Tour coming this summer, where lawn and landscape entrepreneurs from across the country will come together for inspiration, strategy, and real business growth.

In this episode of Fullerton Unfiltered, Brian gets real about the silent pressure entrepreneurs carry to constantly achieve more, grow faster, and "arrive" sooner. From business growth and finances to health, family, confidence, and peace of mind, this episode unpacks why so many successful people still feel behind, even when they've come a long way. If you've ever struggled with comparison, moving goalposts, frustration with your timeline, or feeling like success should feel different by now, this conversation will hit home.

In this special Instagram Live replay, we're sharing some exciting updates about Together in the Trades and celebrating the amazing moms, wives, and women behind the green industry. From supporting lawn care families to building stronger relationships through business and life, this conversation is all about community, encouragement, and purpose. We're also announcing a special Mother's Day promotion you won't want to miss! Whether you're a lawn care wife, business owner, or part of a trades family, this livestream is packed with inspiration, laughs, behind-the-scenes updates, and heartfelt appreciation for the women who help keep it all running.

Liz and I go head-to-head in a fun, no-holds-barred roast… but underneath the jokes, we unpack something real. What it actually looks like to work together as a couple, how we navigate different roles in business and at home, and why our differences are the secret to making it all work. It's honest, a little savage, and packed with lessons you can apply to your own life and business.

If you're doing the work but still feel broke, this episode is going to hit home. We're breaking down the 5 simple systems that will completely change your cash flow, from getting cards on file and billing weekly to using a CRM and creating a real follow-up rhythm. No fluff, just practical steps you can implement this week to stop chasing payments, tighten up your numbers, and finally keep more cash in your business.

Ever feel like you're losing commercial jobs… not because of your work, but because of how you communicate? In this episode, we break down how to speak the language of property managers, HOAs, and corporate decision-makers so you can stand out, build trust, and close bigger deals. Learn how to position yourself as a professional vendor, not just another contractor, and start winning the work your business deserves.

This is a big one. We officially launched three crews for the first time ever, and I'm breaking down what that really looks like behind the scenes. From lining up enough work and managing new expenses, to handling delays, sick days, and the investment into trucks and equipment, this episode is all about real growth in real time. If you're pushing to level up your business, this will give you a clear picture of what it takes and how to make the jump with confidence.

You built the business. You became the leader. You're the one people count on. But what does it actually cost to always be "on"? In this episode, we unpack the hidden weight of constant pressure, the mental load that never shuts off, and how success can quietly start to own you if you're not careful. This is a real, honest look at ambition, identity, and learning how to be present in the life you worked so hard to build.  

A shift is happening in the green industry right now, and you're either leaning into it or getting passed by it. In this episode, we break down the two paths every landscaper faces today. One road focuses on technology, systems, and scaling smarter with tools that multiply your output and profits. The other? Staying stuck in the "old hat" way of doing business—manual, reactive, and harder every year. We're discussing real-world decisions: software vs. spreadsheets, machines vs. manpower, branding vs. blending in, and how the modern operator thinks differently about growth. This isn't about right or wrong—it's about awareness. Because the gap between these two paths is widening fast.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why we made the switch to Superior Ground Cover for our mulch installs and how it completely changed the way we approach large jobs. From knocking out 150 yards in a single day to reducing labor strain on the crew, this wasn't just about speed… it was about building a smarter, more scalable system. We'll talk through the real reasons behind the decision and what actually moved the needle for our business.

When you're in the business every day, it's easy to think everything is running smoothly. But what actually happens when you step away? In this episode, I break down what fails first when the owner is gone and what that reveals about your systems, leadership, and team. Because what breaks first isn't random… it's the truth about what you've really built.

Every entrepreneur reaches a point where the hardest battle is no longer external. It is the private fight against discouragement, comparison, and the fear that everyone else sees something you do not. Brian and Liz Fullerton offer an honest look at the emotional cost of chasing a vision and the mindset required to keep moving through it. Their presentation is both personal and practical, especially for business owners facing criticism, second-guessing, or the quiet pressure to give up. Rather than letting negative thoughts run unchecked, they encourage entrepreneurs to interrupt those patterns with intentional language and spoken affirmation. The message is clear: what you repeatedly say matters, especially when your confidence is under pressure. Brian and Liz also open up about a difficult chapter when their future together and the dream they were building felt close to collapse. That story gives real weight to their broader point that endurance is not abstract. It is often built through ordinary decisions to keep believing, keep supporting each other, and keep going when the outcome is still uncertain. Covered in this episode: • How spoken affirmations can help break cycles of destructive internal dialogue • Why some self-criticism deserves reflection while other criticism deserves dismissal • How comparison distorts reality and drains confidence • Why opinions from spectators should not outweigh the perspective of people doing the work • The value of placing visual reminders of your goals where you will see them every day • What it means to hold onto a long-term vision during low-motivation seasons • Why partnership and timing matter when business and marriage are both under stress • How the "Man in the Arena" philosophy reframes failure, risk, and public judgment • Why adversity often becomes part of the growth story, not the end of it • What support tools like SOP bundles and marketing templates can offer scaling landscaping companies

Most lawn care businesses don't have a lead problem or a work problem… they have a hiring problem. In today's episode, I'm breaking down the real reasons so many guys are afraid to bring on their first employee and how that fear is quietly capping their business at $100K–$300K. From payroll anxiety to control issues to not having systems in place, we're getting honest about what's actually holding you back. If you're tired of doing everything yourself and ready to grow, this is the mindset shift and reality check you need to finally make the leap. (Part 2 of 2)

Most lawn care businesses don't have a lead problem or a work problem… they have a hiring problem. In today's episode, I'm breaking down the real reasons so many guys are afraid to bring on their first employee and how that fear is quietly capping their business at $100K–$300K. From payroll anxiety to control issues to not having systems in place, we're getting honest about what's actually holding you back. If you're tired of doing everything yourself and ready to grow, this is the mindset shift and reality check you need to finally make the leap. (Part 1 of 2)

In this episode, we break down the small but powerful estimating nuances that separate average quotes from ones that actually get signed. From how you present pricing to the subtle details that build trust and confidence, you'll learn practical ways to turn more of your bids into closed deals without racing to the bottom on price.

If you're building a lawn care or landscaping business, hiring the right way isn't optional—it's critical. In this episode, we break down the real differences between 1099 contractors and W-2 employees, where most guys get it wrong, and how misclassification can cost you big in taxes, fines, and liability. This is a must-listen if you're trying to grow your team the right way and protect your business long-term.

If you feel stuck doing everything in your business, this episode is your wake-up call. We're breaking down how virtual assistants and overseas talent can help you buy back your time, reduce overwhelm, and scale faster without burning out. The world is changing, and smart business owners are leveraging VAs to handle the busy work so they can focus on what actually grows the business. NinjaVA (Use code Brian100 to save $100) https://www.NinjaVA.com/