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Jerry Schill is the founder and CEO of Schill Grounds Management — a company he launched in 1993 with his brother after a chance summer job revealed a passion for landscaping. What began as a two-person side hustle has grown into a large-scale commercial grounds management company, now one of the fastest-growing platforms in the industry.In 2020, Jerry began a bold new chapter—scaling Schill Grounds Management through strategic acquisitions alongside organic growth. Under his leadership, the company has completed more than 16 acquisitions and now operates across six states and Ontario, Canada. With a growing family of nine brands and more than 1,400 team members, Schill Grounds Management is recognized as a national leader built on consistency, performance, and a people-first culture — and Jerry is still very much in building mode.Beyond the business, Jerry is an active contributor to several industry associations, including the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the Accredited Snow Contractors Association, and the Ohio Landscape Association. He also founded Holiday Feast — an annual charitable tradition that has served thousands of free meals to families in need throughout the Cleveland community.Throughout our awesome conversation, Jerry reflects on entrepreneurship, drive, discipline, humility, ambition, what it means to build something that lasts, and lots more.00:00 Introduction to Jerry Schill and His Journey00:59 The Impact of Family and Early Influences01:49 The Leap into Entrepreneurship03:54 The Evolution of Show Landscape07:21 Understanding the Landscaping Industry13:08 Leadership Evolution and Personal Growth19:04 The Importance of Peer Networks20:58 Scaling the Business and Maintaining Culture24:32 The Shift to Acquisitions for Growth27:47 Integrating Acquired Companies Successfully31:38 The Role of Technology in Landscaping34:47 Motivation and Future Vision for SGM38:09 Lessons Learned from the Journey39:55 Curiosity and Lifelong Learning41:13 The Holiday Feast Initiative44:08 Aiming for a Billion-Dollar Company45:46 Advice to Younger Self46:56 Hidden Gems in Cleveland-----LINKS:https://schilllandscaping.com/abouthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-schill-2b010b1a/Referenced Episode — Sanjay Singh: https://www.layoftheland.fm/218-sanjay-singh-macer-get-good-at-hard-things/-----SPONSOR:Roundstone InsuranceRoundstone Insurance is proud to sponsor Lay of The Land. Founder and CEO, Michael Schroeder, has committed full-year support for the podcast, recognizing its alignment with the company's passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership.Headquartered in Rocky River, Ohio, Roundstone was founded in 2005 with a vision to deliver better healthcare outcomes at a more affordable cost. To bring that vision to life, the company pioneered the group medical captive model — a self-funded health insurance solution that provides small and mid-sized businesses with greater control and significant savings.Over the past two decades, Roundstone has grown rapidly, creating nearly 200 jobs in Northeast Ohio. The company works closely with employers and benefits advisors to navigate the complexities of commercial health insurance and build custom plans that prioritize employee well-being over shareholder returns. By focusing on aligned incentives and better health outcomes, Roundstone is helping businesses save thousands in Per Employee Per Year healthcare costs.Roundstone Insurance — Built for entrepreneurs. Backed by innovation. Committed to Cleveland.-----Stay up to date by signing up for Lay of The Land's weekly newsletter — sign up here.Connect with Jeffrey Stern on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreypstern/Follow Lay of The Land on X @podlayofthelandhttps://www.jeffreys.page/
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says continue to water your trees and shrubs and remember to cut your lawn down to 2 inches for the winter.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says continue to water your trees and shrubs and remember to cut your lawn down to 2 inches for the winter.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says continue to water your trees and shrubs and remember to cut your lawn down to 2 inches for the winter.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Adam Linnemann is the founder and CEO of The Green Executive, a landscape industry peer group and consulting firm. With over 31 years of landscape industry experience, Adam has grown his nationally recognized landscape company, Linnemann Lawn Care & Landscaping, Inc. from the bottom up. Starting at the young age of just 14 years old, Adam has grown his lawn and landscape company from 1 to over 25 employees and is experienced in small landscape business acquisitions, strategic planning and marketing. His strengths include goal setting and accountability, organization of financial data and unique add-on business ideas that help generate additional company revenue. Adam is a Certified Profit First Professional Coach and LMN Certified Consultant. He is a retired Trailblazer with the National Association of Landscape Professionals and has sat on the Landscape Management Magazine Editorial Advisory Board. He has been featured in several trade magazines including Landscape Management, Turf, Lawn & Landscape Magazine and Green Industry Pros. Adam is a two time President of the Columbia, IL Rotary Club and is a regular columnist for the Waterloo, IL Republic Times. He is a retired Police Officer from the Valmeyer, IL Police Department and the Monroe County IL Sheriffs Office, at which he served his community for over 15 years. He is a member of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis Nursery & Landscape Association, Snow & Ice Management Association and participates in Project Evergreen and SnowCare for Troops. In his spare time, Adam enjoys vacationing in the Riviera Maya, Mexico with his wife, Sahra, and two boys, Nash and Wynn. He also enjoys going to St. Louis Cardinals games, riding ATV's, and is an avid cook using his Big Green Egg!
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says we are right about average on rain for the month. He’s not concerned about grass, but trees and shrubs still need […]
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says we are right about average on rain for the month. He’s not concerned about grass, but trees and shrubs still need […]
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings nursery and landscape professionals together to tackle new laws and plastic waste challenges.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says we are right about average on rain for the month. He’s not concerned about grass, but trees and shrubs still need […]
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins Jon Hansen to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Did we get enough rain last weekend?
Beth Ginter, executive Director of the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, describes her organization's successful program to enlist an often-resistant profession as advocates for environmental activism.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins Jon Hansen to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Did we get enough rain last weekend?
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins Jon Hansen to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Did we get enough rain last weekend?
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says that we will still see some good fall colors this year!
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says that we will still see some good fall colors this year!
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says that we will still see some good fall colors this year!
Rancho Mesa's Alyssa Burley and Greg Garcia, Account Executive with Rancho Mesa discuss Aspire's recent Ignite Conference for the landscape industry.Show Notes: Subscribe to Rancho Mesa's NewsletterHost: Alyssa BurleyGuest: Greg GarciaEditor: Megan LockhartMusic: "Home" by JHS Pedals, “News Room News” by Spence© Copyright 2025. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob encourages you to keep watering those lawns.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob encourages you to keep watering those lawns.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob encourages you to keep watering those lawns.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob reminds us to not put your sprinkler away! Bob also says now is the time to do that core aeration.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob reminds us to not put your sprinkler away! Bob also says now is the time to do that core aeration.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob reminds us to not put your sprinkler away! Bob also says now is the time to do that core aeration.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says with the cool, dry weather, it is now time to get your seeding done.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says with the cool, dry weather, it is now time to get your seeding done.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says with the cool, dry weather, it is now time to get your seeding done.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob is loving the cooler weather and how it’s perfect for seeding right now.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob is loving the cooler weather and how it’s perfect for seeding right now.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob is loving the cooler weather and how it’s perfect for seeding right now.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says our water levels are now above average for the month with all the rain and that late August is a good […]
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says our water levels are now above average for the month with all the rain and that late August is a good […]
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob talks about the amount of rain we’ve been getting, and how fungus is completely out of control because of the heat and […]