The Landscaping Podcast

In Episode 24, Landon sits down to ask Zac a few questions...

He asks what people actually want answered, about the green industry, what separates average crews from elite ones, and what it really looks like to work at Landscaping Unlimited.

We discuss expectations, culture, work ethic, growth, and the mindset required to build a career in an industry that rewards those who show up, learn quickly, and take pride in results.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to thrive in landscaping, or you’re thinking about joining a crew and want the...

Duration: 00:19:58

In this episode of The Landscaping Podcast, Shay and Zac break down the three most common and most silent mistakes that are quietly destroying properties across Eastern North Carolina, long before homeowners ever see the damage.

We cover:

1️⃣ Ignoring Water Control

Overwash, fungus, erosion, flooding…

It all comes back to poor drainage. If water isn’t controlled, nothing else on your property matters.

2️⃣ Choosing the Wrong Plants

Bad plant selection can wreck a landscape.

From roots crushing pipes and drains to overcrowding and premature die-off, we explain w...

Duration: 00:22:03

In this episode of The Landscaping Podcast, Shay and Zac look back on Bath’s 40th Anniversary Christmas Parade and what it meant to roll through town as Landscaping Unlimited;

Float, Buddy the Elf, trains, were all great, but the real impact wasn’t the lights or the cameras; it was the letters.

As they read what kids were asking for this Christmas, one theme stood out: They don’t just want presents; they want parents who are present.

Shay and Zac break down what that means for dads who run businesses, how to bala...

Duration: 00:21:45

Most homeowners think landscaping is an expense.

The truth?

When it’s done right, with planning, precision, and premium craftsmanship, landscaping becomes one of the smartest long-term investments you can make.

Not just for your property and bank account, but also for your peace of mind...

In today’s solo episode, Zac breaks down why premium landscaping actually saves you money, prevents major headaches, and protects your home’s long-term value.

He also shares how you can ensure the company you are working with is going to provide the value...

Duration: 00:14:03

This week on The Landscaping Podcast, Zac goes solo to break down what the Christmas season really means for families, communities, and business owners.

With Bath celebrating its 40th Anniversary Christmas Parade, Landscaping Unlimited is stepping up, not just to decorate a float, but to show what it looks like when a company fully commits to the people it serves.

In this episode, Zac dives into the deeper meaning behind traditions, why consistency matters more than ever, and how the values we celebrate during the holidays are the same values that build strong teams, strong...

Duration: 00:26:30

In Episode 19, Shay runs solo and breaks down one of the most underrated decisions in the landscaping and hardscaping world: box trucks vs enclosed trailers vs. open trailers.

Whether you’re a new landscaper building your first setup or a veteran expanding your fleet, Shay lays out the real-world pros, cons, hidden costs, and daily workflow differences that can make or break your efficiency.

He covers:

🚚 Box Trucks security, organization, fuel cost, branding, and the “mobile shop” advantage🚛 Enclosed Trailers weather protection, branding space, loading/unloading realities🛻 Open Trailers affordability, accessibility, and the speed factor💰 What ac...

Duration: 00:07:53

In this solo episode, Shay breaks down one of the biggest challenges, and biggest advantages, a landscaping and hardscaping company can have: hiring the right people for the right roles.

Instead of filling spots just to fill them, Shay explains why role-specific talent, skillsets, and mindset matter more than ever. He covers:

Why hiring fast creates long-term problemsThe difference between “help” and real skilled team membersHow clear roles create efficiency, quality, and fewer mistakesWhat happens when expectations aren’t matched with abilityWhy the right person in the right seat can elevate the entire crewHow Landscaping Unlimited is rai...

Duration: 00:22:19

In this Thanksgiving special, Zac sits down solo to talk directly with the landscaping community; owners, crew members, supporters, and every person who’s been part of the Landscaping Unlimited journey this year.

This episode is all about appreciation, perspective, and the reality that even on the hardest days, pressure can be turned into opportunity if you choose to look at it that way.

Zac breaks down what gratitude actually looks like inside a blue-collar business, why tough seasons are often the ones that make you better, and how to carry that mindset into the en...

Duration: 00:11:51

Stress is baked into the landscaping industry.

We have weather delays, tight timelines, overloaded schedules, equipment failures, payroll, and customers all hitting you at once.

In this episode of the Landscaping Unlimited Podcast, Shay and Zac break down how they handle stress in real time, from job-site chaos to office headaches, without burning out or turning bitter.

Their experience (stress) is the same, but their way of handling it is entirely different: Shay internalizes it and uses it as fuel, while Zac turns to Stoicism and disconnects his internal from the chaos of...

Duration: 00:29:28

In this episode, Shay and Zac take on one of the most controversial debates in modern landscaping: Is electric equipment finally ready to replace gas?

We break down why Landscaping Unlimited is putting an entire commercial lawn crew on 100% electric handhelds in 2026, not for clout, not for marketing, but to get actual field data no one else is sharing.

You’ll hear the real pros, the real failures, and the questions every landscaper and property manager SHOULD be asking before switching to electric.

You’ll learn:

Why quiet equipment matters more than peop...

Duration: 00:20:55

Shay and Zac sit down with Landscaping Unlimited’s newest team member, Landon, a 16-year-old homeschool student balancing school, baseball, and a fast-growing passion for the trades.

This is the episode every parent, teen, and young adult should hear. Landon breaks down what drew him to landscaping and hardscaping rather than the typical “safe job” route. His perspective is raw, honest, and exactly what the workforce needs more of.

Inside this episode:

Why Gen-Z workers are turning toward trades, not awayHow baseball, discipline, and family shaped Landon’s driveThe importance of letting kids work with the...

Duration: 00:08:36

Every landscaping project has two sides: the contractor’s obligations and the homeowner’s responsibilities, yet nobody ever talks openly about them.

In this episode, Shay and Zac break down EXACTLY what clients should expect from a professional landscaping company…and what responsibilities homeowners must own if they want the project to succeed.

This episode will save homeowners money, save landscapers headaches, and save everyone a ton of frustration.

We cover:

What communication from a pro should look likeHow timelines, materials, and change orders should be handledThe homeowner's responsibilities.Why proper maintenance protec...

Duration: 00:44:46

If you own a landscaping or hardscaping business, THIS episode will make you money, or save you from losing it.

Shay and Zac reveal the three estimating mistakes that drain profit, kill job timelines, and stress out both crews and business owners. Whether you’re brand-new or seasoned, tightening up your estimating is the fastest way to increase margin and reduce chaos.

You’ll learn:

The Time Trap: Underestimating labor and job lengthThe Material Blind Spot: Hidden costs pros overlookThe Training Gap: Why unprepared crews destroy profit

Plus:

How to build a re...

Duration: 00:32:33

Most people think changing careers at 35 is terrifying, but Zac did it anyway, and it changed everything.

This solo episode dives deep into Zac’s personal journey from a “safe job” into a physically demanding, meaningful life in landscaping. If you’ve ever felt stuck, bored, or trapped in the wrong job, this episode is going to hit hard.

Inside the episode:

The moment Zac realized he needed to walk awayWhy comfort can quietly destroy your lifeThe emotional and physical reality of switching careersWhy landscaping is more than mowing grassHow taking risks opens doors that sta...

Duration: 00:19:10

Most homeowners think landscaping stops when the weather cools down, but that’s precisely when the most costly damage happens.

In this episode, Shay and Zac break down the essential fall and winter landscaping steps every homeowner should be doing to protect their lawn, plants, and outdoor investments. Skip this stuff, and you’re guaranteed to pay for it in spring repairs.

Here’s what we cover:

The perfect fall fertilization strategyHow to prevent winter die-off and plant stressProper mowing heights for late-season cutsThe right way to handle aeration and leaf controlHow to avoid water...

Duration: 00:25:39

Landscaping is a fast-moving industry… but most crews lose hours every week by skipping a straightforward step: The pre-job plan.

In this episode, Shay and Zac break down how “five minutes of strategy” before a job begins can eliminate wasted time, prevent mistakes, and dramatically reduce crew fatigue.

We dive into:

Why do most crews lose time at the start of each jobHow to create a clear pre-job checklistThe fastest way to avoid tool swapping, backtracking, and confusionHow better planning reduces burnout and boosts qualityWhy leaders must model preparation for their teams

If you...

Duration: 00:16:56

It’s Halloween, and Shay and Zac are pulling back the curtain on their top 3 mistakes and biggest lessons from years in the landscaping and hardscaping world.

From close calls to client curveballs, and from unexpected jobsite nightmares to surprising wins, this episode blends humor, storytelling, and hard-earned insights that every contractor will relate to.

Inside the episode:

The “tricks” that experienced pros use every dayOn-the-job surprises that nearly derailed projectsWhy precision matters more than speed in hardscapingHow crews recover from unexpected problemsWhat truly separates amateurs from professionals

It’s equal parts entertai...

Duration: 00:20:14

Most landscaping companies only hire “experienced landscapers”, and that’s why most companies stay average.

In this episode, Shay explains why Landscaping Unlimited intentionally recruits people from retail, trades, military, athletics, and service industries, and why they often outperform applicants with years of landscaping background.

You’ll learn:

The character traits that matter more than experienceWhy good workers from other industries transition so wellWhat seasoned landscapers often struggle to unlearnHow to spot strong hires FAST during interviewsWhy a willingness to learn beats years of bad habits

If you manage a crew or run a bu...

Duration: 00:29:10

In this episode of The Landscaping Unlimited Podcast, Shay Brickhouse and Zac Small return from EQUIP EXPO 2025 with fresh insights and tangible + intangible takeaways that will push your business and mindset to the next level.

Shay dives into the leadership and business lessons that stood out most, from company culture to the importance of vision-driven direction...

Zac focuses on the storytelling and networking side of the trip, highlighting how connection and authenticity can open doors for growth far beyond the job site.

Whether you were there in Louisville or watching from afar, this...

Duration: 00:58:40

Landscaping isn’t a fallback job; it’s a legitimate career path that builds discipline, confidence, financial freedom, and lifelong skills.

In this episode, Shay shares the journey from mowing lawns as a teen to becoming a licensed contractor, irrigation specialist, pesticide applicator, and business owner.

What we dive into:

Why landscaping should be viewed as a skilled tradeThe certifications that elevate your earning potentialThe mindset shift young workers need to hearThe real career ladder inside the green industryHow professionalism sets you apart immediately

If you’re a young worker, a parent, or som...

Duration: 00:38:27

Before heading to the Equip Expo, Shay and Zac break down why attending industry events is one of the smartest investments landscapers can make, not for the machines, but for the mindset.

Inside:

Why exposure to the industry’s future fuels growthHow expanding your network expands your opportunitiesWhat attending expos does for personal and professional developmentHow to make the most of big industry eventsWhy staying stagnant is the biggest threat to your business

This is the perfect “pre-game” episode before any landscaper attends their first expo.

Send this episode to someone traveling to Equ...

Duration: 00:12:06

Anyone can be a “boss.”

Very few become leaders.

In this episode, Shay and Zac break down the difference and why leadership determines whether a landscaping company survives or truly thrives.

You’ll learn:

Why “boss mode” kills moraleThe traits that make crews WANT to follow youHow leaders grow companies through influence, not fearThe mindset shift every business owner must makeThe practical skills that turn managers into real leaders

If you’re trying to build a stronger team culture, start here.

Share with a new crew lead or future forem

Duration: 00:16:00

Shay and Zac sit down with Jason Kirkman of Haw Branch Church of Christ to discuss something rare: The intersection of faith, business, and leadership in today’s world.

This episode goes far beyond Sunday morning; it explores how Christian values shape company culture, decision-making, client relationships, and daily discipline.

Inside the conversation:

Faith as a foundation for work ethic and integrityHow values influence leadership and business operationsWhy faith-driven businesses attract loyal employeesThe importance of character in client relationshipsHow spiritual grounding supports long-term success

This episode delivers honesty, depth, and real-world relevance.

...

Duration: 00:53:34

In this first episode of The Unlimited Podcast, Shay Brickhouse (Owner) and Zac Small (Media & Operations) of Landscaping Unlimited Inc., share an intro to what you can expect from the new podcast, as well as their views on why this was an inevitable step in the direction Landscaping Unlimited was heading.

From a small local service in 1989 to a leading landscape and hardscape business in Eastern North Carolina, Landscaping Unlimited has begun the journey towards operating in the world of digital landscape.

This episode sets the tone for everything to come:

The mindset needed...

Duration: 00:11:12

Welcome to The Landscaping Podcast with Shay Brickhouse and Zac Small of Landscaping Unlimited Inc.

In this show, we explore more than lawns and hardscapes; we dig into the realities of running a landscaping business, balancing family life, strengthening faith, and navigating today’s digital landscape.

In this trailer episode, you’ll hear what to expect when you subscribe:

Insights on balancing work, family, and faithHonest conversations about entrepreneurship and leadershipExpert guests sharing landscaping, hardscaping, and small business tipsBehind-the-scenes stories from one of North Carolina’s growing landscaping companies

Whether you’re a homeow...

Duration: 00:03:43