The Root Development Podcast

Hosted by Kevin Salters

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Episodes

116

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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About the show

Discussions of turf nutrition including granular, liquid, organic as well as weeds and pest management. We dig deep into the Professional turf manager as well as the business side of running a turf management company.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 2, 2026Episode 11339 min

Rehlko-More Power, Less Fuel: How Rehlko Is Making Kohler Engines Better

Recorded LIVE from Equip Expo 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky! In this episode, I sit down with Francesa Marisini from Rehlko to talk about how Rehlko continues to improve the performance and efficiency of Kohler engines used throughout the green industry. We dive into how Rehlko is working to deliver better horsepower-to-torque performance, reduce fuel consumption, extend oil change intervals, and ultimately help equipment owners get more productivity out of their machines. For lawn care and landscape business owners, engine efficiency isn't just about what's under the hood—it can directly impact operating costs, downtime, production, and profitability. We also discuss the continued evolution of the Kohler engine platform and how Rehlko is focusing on building engines that work harder, operate more efficiently, and better meet the demands of today's commercial equipment. Recorded LIVE at Equip Expo 2026 in Louisville, KY. If you're in the lawn care, landscaping, or green industry and want to understand where commercial engine technology is headed, this is an episode you won't want to miss. @rehlko_engines www.engines.rehlko.com 4 www.lawncarelaunch rootdevelopmentllc.com

December 16, 2025Episode 1111 hr 8 min

EP#111 Jim Parker explains how to sell your business

What a great conversation I had with Jim Parker, known as 'The Lawn Boss'. Jim shares his 30 years of experience in selling lawn and landscape businesses. He emphasizes the importance of preparing a business for sale, including maintaining clean financial records and understanding buyer expectations. Jim discusses the evolving lawn care industry and the growing demand for professional services, urging business owners to plan their exit strategies well in advance to maximize their sale price. He also touches on the complexities of owner financing and retention clauses in business sales, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to sell their businesses. You can reach out to Jim for a free evaluation of your business by scheduling a call on his website www.thelawnboss.com Kevin Salters rootdevelopmentllc@gmail.com @rootdevelopmentllc You Tube The Root Development Jim Parker The Lawn Boss @jimthelawnboss www.thelawnboss.com

December 7, 2025Episode 11047 min

EP #110 Vince Doell, Keepin It Green Landscaping

In this episode Kevin Salters and Vince Dole discuss a range of topics from personal life updates, including family changes and experiences with wildfires, to professional insights on turf management, equipment upgrades, and business growth. They share challenges faced during the season, strategies for weed control, and the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on networking within the industry and future plans for both personal and professional growth. It is not easy having a law enforcement career, a second baby, a new house and growing his business to 271 accounts in just this past season. Vince talks about the struggles of balancing all of it and still staying motivated to keepin it green! Kevin Salters @rootdevelopmentllc rootdevelopmentllc@gmail.com YouTube The Root Development Vince Doell- Keep It Green Landscaping @keepinitgreenlandscaping

October 24, 202511 min

The equip Expo 2025

It has been some time since we have publiblished an episode and what a perfect place to get things started again. Sorry for the absence, but when you listen you will understand why.... turfnutritionmanagementpodcast@gmail.com @turf_nutrition_mangmt_podcast Kevin Salters @rootdevelopmentllc rootdevelopmentllc@gmail.com Sheila Chaplin, CFP® Reliable Tax & Business Services-screliabletax@gmail.com Lawn Care Launch www.lawncarelaunch.com @thelawncarelaunch The Landscaping Bookkeeper www.gulfcoastbk.com@thelandscapingbookkeeper Earthapro- Complete care for your small businessearthapro.com @earthapro From the LCR Summit, speaker Roy Heintz (Amazing)

April 1, 202549 min

EP# 108 Chris Gentry from My Service Area

This week's conversation, Chris Gentry discusses the development and implementation of My Service Area (MSA), a tool designed to optimize customer base management for service businesses. The discussion covers the importance of route density, effective service area navigation, and leveraging data for marketing and business growth. Chris emphasizes the value of referral systems and address-based pricing strategies, while also hinting at future integrations of AI to enhance the functionality of MSA. The conversation highlights the need for service businesses to adapt to data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and profitability.

March 18, 2025Episode 10757 min

EP#107 Price Fluctuations in Turf Products

In this episode of the Turf Nutrition and Management podcast, Kevin Salters and Douglas Gray discuss the seasonal changes affecting turf management, the challenges of customer renewals, and the impact of economic concerns on pricing strategies. They delve into product costs, market fluctuations, and the importance of application techniques. The conversation also touches on customer expectations, service quality, and predictions for the upcoming season's weather, emphasizing the need for professionals in the industry to adapt and maintain their pricing integrity. turfnutritionmanagementpodcast@gmail.com @turf_nutrition_mangmt_podcast Doug Gray @turfpoltscadgrayghost69@gmail.com Kevin Salters @rootdevelopmentllcFacebook Root Development LLCrootdevelopmentllc@gmail.com Creative Content By Jessica @creativecontentbyjessica creativecontentbyjessicaanne@gmail.com Sheila Chaplin, CFP® Reliable Tax & Business Services-screliabletax@gmail.com The Landscaping Bookkeeper www.gulfcoastbk.com@thelandscapingbookkeeper LMNT Hydration from science drinklmnt.com

February 25, 2025Episode 451 min

EP# 106 It's going to be an interesting spring

In this episode of the Turf Nutrition and Management Podcast, Kevin Salters and Douglas Gray discuss the transition into spring, focusing on lawn care strategies, market trends, and the challenges faced by the turf management industry. They explore the importance of spring seeding, the differences between cool and warm season grass management, and the economic concerns affecting the lawn care market. The conversation also touches on insurance issues, regulatory challenges, and best practices for product application, all while emphasizing the need for quality service in the industry. turfnutritionmanagementpodcast@gmail.com @turf_nutrition_mangmt_podcast Doug Gray @turfpoltscadgrayghost69@gmail.com Kevin Salters @rootdevelopmentllcFacebook Root Development LLCrootdevelopmentllc@gmail.com Creative Content By Jessica @creativecontentbyjessicacreativecontentbyjessicaanne@gmail.com Sheila Chaplin, CFP® Reliable Tax & Business Services-screliabletax@gmail.com The Landscaping Bookkeeper www.gulfcoastbk.com@thelandscapingbookkeeper LMNT Hydration from science drinklmnt.com

February 18, 2025Episode 329 min

EP# 105 Weathering the Storms

In this episode of the Turf Nutrition and Management Podcast, hosts Kevin Salters and Douglas Gray discuss various topics affecting the lawn care industry, the impact of recent weather patterns, and the ongoing renewal season for lawn care services. They delve into the economic implications of rising fertilizer costs, the effects of state budgets and taxation on homeowners, and the luxury status of lawn care services. The conversation also touches on the anticipation of spring and the upcoming events in the turf industry turfnutritionmanagementpodcast@gmail.com @turf_nutrition_mangmt_podcast Doug Gray @turfpoltscadgrayghost69@gmail.com Kevin Salters @rootdevelopmentllcFacebook Root Development LLCrootdevelopmentllc@gmail.com Creative Content By Jessica @creativecontentbyjessicacreativecontentbyjessicaanne@gmail.com Sheila Chaplin, CFP® Reliable Tax & Business Services-screliabletax@gmail.com The Landscaping Bookkeeper www.gulfcoastbk.com@thelandscapingbookkeeper LMNT Hydration from science drinklmnt.com

February 11, 2025Episode 31 hr 5 min

EP#104 Super Bowl Analysis and Industry Reflections

In this episode of the Turf Nutrition and Management podcast, Kevin Salters and Douglas Gray discuss their recent travels, including a trade show in San Diego, and share insights on the turf management industry. They delve into the dynamics between manufacturers and distributors, the impact of recent industry changes, and the importance of customer relationships. The conversation also touches on the Super Bowl, the significance of defense in football, and the challenges faced in snow management. They emphasize the need for value over price in business and the importance of risk management in snow removal operations. turfnutritionmanagementpodcast@gmail.com @turf_nutrition_mangmt_podcast Doug Gray @turfpoltscadgrayghost69@gmail.com Kevin Salters @rootdevelopmentllcFacebook Root Development LLCrootdevelopmentllc@gmail.com Creative Content By Jessica @creativecontentbyjessicacreativecontentbyjessicaanne@gmail.com Sheila Chaplin, CFP® Reliable Tax & Business Services-screliabletax@gmail.com The Landscaping Bookkeeper www.gulfcoastbk.com@thelandscapingbookkeeper LMNT Hydration from science drinklmnt.com

February 4, 2025Episode 10357 min

EP#103 A Throw back to Turf Trade's race days

Here is a throw back of an inperson recording when we all attended the Turf Trade Race Days at Millville Motor Sports Park with Chris Stoudt-Stout Lawn and Pest, Vince Doell-Keeping It Green Landscaping and Nick Schmitz-Green Turf Solutions. We all caught up after dinner to learn a bit more about each other and how they all started in the green Industry. turfnutritionmanagementpodcast@gmail.com @turf_nutrition_mangmt_podcast Doug Gray @turfpoltsca dgrayghost69@gmail.com Kevin Salters @rootdevelopmentllc Facebook Root Development LLC rootdevelopmentllc@gmail.com Creative Content By Jessica @creativecontentbyjessica creativecontentbyjessicaanne@gmail.com Sheila Chaplin, CFP® Reliable Tax & Business Services-screliabletax@gmail.com The Landscaping Bookkeeper www.gulfcoastbk.com @thelandscapingbookkeeper LMNT Hydration from science drinklmnt.com Chris Stoudt @stout_lawn_care Vince Doell @keepinggreenlandscaping Nick Schmitz @_greenturf