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The Rootzone Podcast is hosted by Chris Stoudt, owner of Stout Lawn and Pest, and it’s about the real side of running a service business.
Chris talks with owners, decision-makers, and skilled operators across the service industry—from lawn care and pest control to restaurants and trades—about what actually happens behind the scenes. The wins, the losses, the long days, the bad calls, the people decisions, and the pressure that comes with building something from the ground up.
There are no highlight reels here. Just honest conversations about leadership, marketing, hiring, mistakes, and learning how to build a team that doesn’t fall apart when things get hard.
If you work in the service industry and you’re in the trenches trying to grow a business that lasts, this podcast is for you.
Episodes

Dec 17, 2024

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 4, 2024
45 min
This was an incredible episode! I’ve had the privilege of knowing Rob for many years, and I’ve always been inspired by how he turned his vision into reality. From starting as a small-time landscaper and facing near failure, Rob’s journey to owning three thriving businesses—all while living in a different state—is nothing short of remarkable.
For more about Rob, you can find him across social media, and his contact information is listed below.
This is a genuine conversation with a real small business owner. Listen, learn, and enjoy!
@lifestylelandscaper

Sep 19, 2024
Sep 19, 2024
1 hr 23 sec
Seth truly has his finger on the pulse of the green industry, and I was thrilled to sit down with him for an insightful conversation. We explored his journey, from how he started in publishing to what eventually drew him to the green industry. Along the way, we discussed some of the remarkable people he’s met and the incredible places his career has taken him. Toward the end, we reflected on where we first met—at the Landscape Magazine Growth Summit—and why I firmly believe it’s one of the best events in the business. Seth also shared some great insights on how 'luck' can shift the trajectory of both your business and personal life. Thanks again, Seth!
https://www.golfdom.com/
https://www.landscapemanagement.net/
https://www.landscapemanagement.net/sponsoredcontent/lm-growth-summit/

Sep 12, 2024
Sep 12, 2024
1 hr 23 min
Jim and I had a captivating discussion about sales, spanning from his military beginnings to his leadership in sales teams and his current venture as a Real Estate agent. Jim's extensive expertise was evident as we caught up, and his valuable sales tips left a lasting impression. I look forward to applying some of the insights we shared and hope they prove beneficial to everyone!
facebook.com/jimcrawfordrealestate
Providing a tick and mosquito control service? Tick and Skeeter Deleter is an all natural repellent with an aroma even the neighbors will enjoy! Use discount code "ROOTZONE" for 5% off any purchase at YardComfort.com

Sep 3, 2024
Sep 3, 2024
1 hr 7 min
Christian is always such a delight to chat with! His excitement and enthusiasm for his small business, @biobomb, are absolutely infectious. In our conversation, we dive into his latest venture, Bio-Bombs, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We also explore his journey from launching his first small business in the early 2000s, the valuable lessons he learned along the way, and how he seamlessly transitioned that knowledge into creating Bio-Bombs, an innovative odor removal company. A huge thank you to Christian for sharing his insights and energy with me!
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A company selling odor removal products that actually work. BIO-BOMBS
Providing a tick and mosquito control service? Tick and Skeeter Deleter is an all natural repellent with an aroma even the neighbors will enjoy! Use discount code "ROOTZONE" for 5% off any purchase at YardComfort.com

Aug 20, 2024
Aug 20, 2024
1 hr 4 min
I met Mike about eight years ago at the #RealGreen conference. Since then, we've stayed in touch and always have great conversations. In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics, from Mike's early start in golf to how that path led him to where he is now with 4evergreen, a leader in #lawncare in the Providence, RI, area. We get a little nerdy in this episode, talking turf and how Mike runs his lawn care program, but we also revisit the "C" word—culture—and how Mike defines it at 4evergreen. He has a great take on this.
https://4evergreenri.com/
Providing a tick and mosquito control service? Tick and Skeeter Deleter is an all natural repellent with an aroma even the neighbors will enjoy! Use discount code "ROOTZONE" for 5% off any purchase at YardComfort.com

Aug 6, 2024
Aug 6, 2024
46 min
When I sat down with Chris, I knew we were going to get some great information, but this podcast was so much more. Chris and I really got into the nuts and bolts of owning and operating a small business.
Chris, a recognized NALP Trailblazer and co-founder of Teed & Brown, Inc., shares his journey from the early decisions that led him to start Teed & Brown in 1995, to the pivotal branding change in 2004. We talk about what drove him to the lawn care side of the industry and how he has navigated the challenges and opportunities along the way. We also explore what Chris is doing now and what he has in store for Teed & Brown in the next few years.
https://teedandbrown.com/
Providing a tick and mosquito control service? Tick and Skeeter Deleter is an all natural repellent with an aroma even the neighbors will enjoy! Use discount code "ROOTZONE" for 5% off any purchase at YardComfort.com

Jul 23, 2024
Jul 23, 2024
50 min
What a fantastic and enjoyable conversation I had with Luke O'Brien! From his beginnings as an aspiring and talented musician to his role as an emotional support teacher in Philadelphia, Luke's journey is truly remarkable. Now, he leads his own creative content company, @lukeobriencreative, where his creativity shines.
But that's not all—Luke, along with our good friend Chris Lerch, has embarked on a new venture by launching their own canned cocktail company, #NotPizza. This conversation was delightfully diverse, covering a wide range of topics in the most engaging way. Luke's inspiring personality, dedication as a family man, and genuine kindness were evident throughout our chat.
It was a truly fun and uplifting episode. Be sure to check below for all of Luke's contact information.
https://www.instagram.com/lukeobriencreative/
https://www.facebook.com/lukeobriencreative/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukeobriencreative/
https://www.instagram.com/drinknotpizza/
Providing a tick and mosquito control service? Tick and Skeeter Deleter is an all natural repellent with an aroma even the neighbors will enjoy! Use discount code "ROOTZONE" for 5% off any purchase at YardComfort.com
