Crooked Stripes Podcast

Hosted by Brandon Brubacher, Kyle Breiner

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Episodes

116

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

The Crooked Stripes Podcast is where contractors talk shop. Hosted by Brandon Brubacher in Canada and Kyle Breiner in Ohio, the show features real conversations about lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, and what it takes to build a business in the green industry. From equipment and efficiency to marketing and the day-to-day grind, each episode shares honest insights from the field. New episodes weekly.

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60 recent

August 21, 2026Episode 11557 min

115: We Mowed All Day … Then Broke the Z3

In this episode, Brandon and Kyle discuss their recent experiences, landscaping projects, and plans for upcoming events like the Equip Expo. They share insights on landscape design, equipment maintenance, and community involvement, offering valuable tips for landscapers and enthusiasts. In this episode, Brandon and a guest discuss the latest equipment, industry trends, and upcoming events like Equip Expo, sharing insights on battery technology, equipment innovations, and networking opportunities in the green industry. Takeaways: Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting Event planning for the Equip Expo Community involvement and cleanup efforts Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

August 11, 2026Episode 11454 min

114: From Pushing a Mower to Building a Business at 16 | Clarke Williamson

In this episode, Clark Williamson shares his journey of starting a lawn care business at 16, managing 32 accounts, and planning for future growth while balancing school and work. We discuss equipment choices, pricing strategies, marketing, and tips for young entrepreneurs in the lawn care industry. Kyle is also back in the house! Takeaways: Clark Williamson's journey into lawn care at age 16 Equipment choices: mowers, blowers, and trucks Balancing trade school, school, and business growth Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

August 5, 2026Episode 1131 hr 20 min

113: 35 Years in Lawn Care: Here's What Average Anthony Has Learned

In this episode, Average Anthony shares his extensive experience in lawn care, focusing on systematizing operations, equipment longevity, and the art of mowing and trimming efficiently. Discover practical tips for managing large teams, choosing the right equipment, and achieving perfect lawn stripes. In this episode, Anthony shares his insights on running a successful landscaping business, equipment maintenance, and the importance of systems and specialization. He discusses the challenges of competition, scaling wisely, and the value of hands on management. Takeaways: Systematizing lawn care operations Equipment maintenance and longevity Lawn aesthetics and stripe techniques Business scaling and downsizing Importance of systems and specialization Customer relationships and word-of-mouth Whether you're a NASCAR fan, a lawn care guy, or just someone thinking about betting on yourself, there's something in this one for you. And a few laughs too. Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/ Follow Anthony! @averageanthony

July 19, 2026Episode 11235 min

112: The Mid-Season Grind Continues

It's a solo episode this week! Kyle's out in the field, so it's just me catching you up on everything that's been happening lately. From busy days on the mower and a big new commercial project to the latest Expo news, Elmira's water situation, and why marketing yourself matters more than ever—there's plenty to talk about. Thanks for tuning in! 🤝 Takeaways: Landing a big new commercial project and life on the mid-season grind The latest Expo updates and what to expect this year Thoughts on Elmira's ongoing water situation Why marketing yourself is one of the best investments you can make Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn 👨‍💻 Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

June 29, 2026Episode 1111 hr 19 min

111: Your body is the business ft. Cole Martin

In this episode, Brandon and Cole discuss the importance of staying healthy in the trades, including tips on nutrition, exercise, and injury prevention, as well as insights into trading jobs and the value of proper body care. In this episode, Brandon and Cole dive into the challenges faced by small businesses, infrastructure issues, and the importance of quick lead response in the landscaping industry. They also touch on local politics, taxes, and the upcoming landscape expo, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts Takeaways: Here are your takeaways for this episode: Your body is the business. What you put in is what you get out — protein, creatine, sleep, and a chiropractor aren't luxuries when your back and legs are how you pay the bills. Cole's dad was out there grinding all day without a word of complaint. They really don't make them like that anymore. The economy is patchy right now — protect yourself with diversification, locked-in contracts, and lean overhead Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

June 18, 2026Episode 1101 hr 0 min

110: Blame it on the Mouse .. Kyle's Back & So Is Everything Else

Episode 110 is in the books. Kyle's back and we cover a lot of ground, a truck written off by a mouse, men's mental health, the Waterloo Region water crisis, World Cup turf, and a lawn bylaw documentary that somehow won two awards. June is Men's Mental Health Month and we thought it was worth an honest conversation. Not preachy, just two guys in the trades talking about what actually helps when the season gets heavy working out, eating right, calling a buddy. If you're going through it, you're not alone. And on a cooler note.. the sod farm we source from is supplying grass for the World Cup. BMO Field ripped everything out for a $3 million install. Pretty cool to see our industry on that stage. Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: The mouse that wrote off the truck — and why even clutch-up energy has its limits Men's Mental Health Month — real talk on what actually helps when things get heavy The Waterloo Region water crisis and why showing up to the township meeting matters World Cup turf — how our industry ended up on the biggest stage in soccer Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn 👨‍💻 Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design — greenfrogwebdesign.com

May 31, 2026Episode 10950 min

109: Rowdy, RCR & Rocks Surf and Turf

This one's extra special.. Kyle is out in the field so it's just me and a guy I've been wanting to get on for a while. Rocky Reynolds, former sales manager at Senix, has officially made the leap and started his own lawn and pressure washing business out in Mooresville, North Carolina. Love to see it. We kick things off by dedicating this episode to Kyle Busch and the entire RCR family. A two-time NASCAR Cup champion gone way too soon at 41,this one hit different. I've got my Kyle Busch hat on that I grabbed at Watkins Glen last year, and we spend some time talking about what he meant to the sport and to us personally. Rocky actually played a role in bringing Senix into the RCR and NASCAR world, so we get into how that whole deal went down and what that experience was like behind the scenes. Then we shift gears and talk about Rocky's new venture..Rocks Surf and Turf. What it took to make the leap, how he's been landing customers, what he's running for equipment, and what year one actually looks like. Real talk from someone in the thick of it. If you've ever thought about going out on your own, this one's worth a listen. Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: Remembering Kyle Busch — two-time Cup champion, Rowdy Nation, and what he meant to NASCAR How the Senix x RCR NASCAR partnership came together behind the scenes Making the leap from corporate sales to running your own business Building a customer base from scratch — what's actually working Running a combo lawn and pressure washing operation in year one The reality of the grind when you're doing it all yourself Whether you're a NASCAR fan, a lawn care guy, or just someone thinking about betting on yourself — there's something in this one for you. And a few laughs too. Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

May 15, 2026Episode 10835 min

108: What's in the Water?

This one's a proper solo catch-up, no guests, no script, just Brandon getting into it. A busy spring, some wins, some headaches, and a local issue that deserves way more attention than it's getting. We get into the Canadian Tire promo collab (a goal from day one, now becoming real), picking up the sprayer, and what a wild start to the season has actually looked like on the ground. Plus a rant about customer service that'll hit close to home for anyone running a business .. and a deep dive into the Waterloo Region groundwater crisis that's quietly shutting down development across Elmira, Kitchener, Waterloo and beyond. If you're grinding through your own busy season right now, this one's for you. Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: Field blunders, a popped tire, and rising fuel costs, the real math of running a lawn care business Landing brand deals: how the Canadian Tire collab came together and what it means for Stripe Life New equipment: the sprayer is in the fleet Customer service is broken across every industry, here's the standard we hold ourselves to The Waterloo Region water crisis: what's happening, why it matters, and why it's not getting enough attention Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this one's got something for you — and a few laughs along the way. Other Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn 👨‍💻 Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design — https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

April 25, 2026Episode 10742 min

107: We’re in the Thick of It… Life & Lawn Care Update

This one’s just us getting back to basics..no big agenda, no overthinking it. Just a real catch-up on life, work, and everything that comes with a busy spring season. We talk about what the past few weeks have looked like, how things are ramping up, and the reality of trying to keep up when everything hits at once. From long days to juggling jobs, content, and life outside of work—it’s all part of the grind. If you’re in the middle of your own busy season, this one will feel pretty relatable. Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: Spring landscaping season and industry trends Pricing strategies and managing costs Route density and business growth tactics Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

April 18, 2026Episode 10629 min

106: Stop Wasting Leads - The Website & Marketing Fix You Need with Ezra McCarthy

This week, Brandon is joined by Ezra McCarthy from Green Frog Web Design for a marketing-focused conversation all about turning your online presence into real customers. Ezra breaks down what goes into building a high-converting website, what most service businesses are doing wrong online, and how small changes can make a big difference when it comes to getting leads. The guys also talk through the impact of a well-built site (including the one Ezra created for them), and why your website should be working just as hard as you are. They also dive into Google My Business, how to show up locally, and the role social media actually plays in growing your business. From first impressions to final conversions, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to level up their marketing. Takeaways: Why your website needs to focus on converting, not just looking good The biggest mistakes contractors make online How to use Google My Business to get more local leads The difference between social media and your website (and why you need both) Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your landscaping game, this one’s full of useful insights .. and a few laughs. Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/