116-From Grassroots to Greatness: Don Zerby’s 48-Year Journey in Lawn Care & Leadership
Mon Jun 02 2025
Join Steve Bousquet as he visits Eastlake, Ohio, for his first on-site episode of the Green Profit Academy Pro Podcast with lawn care legend Don Zerby of EcoLawn. Don shares his incredible 48-year journey in the industry, starting from humble beginnings mowing lawns with a 10-speed bike, to leading a team of 18 and serving nearly 3,000 customers. The conversation dives into the power of mentorship, robust systems like Profit First, and the importance of building a team culture where expectations and growth are clear. Don and Steve reflect on the role of continuous learning, coaching, and evolving leadership to keep a business thriving—plus, how giving back and developing community leaders has become an integral part of their legacy.
Throughout the episode, listeners get practical insights into business growth, resilience, and the tools that made a difference—like Profit First, Pumpkin Plan, and Clockwork. Steve highlights the importance of accountability partners and embracing change, while Don emphasizes the fun and fulfillment that comes from developing people and stepping into your best self. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and heartfelt stories that inspire you to lead your business—and your life—with purpose.
Don Zerby, the founder and president of Ecolawn in Eastlake, Ohio, brings over 45 years of hands-on experience to the lawn care industry. His journey began at the age of 13 when he started his first landscaping business, showcasing an early passion for horticulture and customer service. In 1993, he established Ecolawn with a vision to provide personalized, environmentally conscious lawn care solutions.
Under Don's leadership, Ecolawn has become recognized for its hybrid lawn care programs, which combine organic materials—such as corn gluten, orange peel, and yucca extract—with targeted treatments. This approach not only enhances soil health but also reduces the need for chemical interventions, promoting sustainable and lush lawns.
Don emphasizes customer education, believing that informed clients are key to achieving long-term lawn health. His team is trained to provide insights on best practices, ensuring that homeowners are active participants in the care of their lawns.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Don is dedicated to cultivating a company culture built on integrity and excellence. He carefully selects team members who align with Ecolawn's values, ensuring consistent and high-quality service.
For those seeking expert advice on sustainable lawn care and business leadership, Don Zerby's insights offer valuable perspectives drawn from decades of dedicated service.
Connect with Don: www.ecolawn.net
Request a topic from the Pros – what would you like to hear about, or what challenge do you currently have? growgpa.com/PodcastAsk
The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.
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Join Steve Bousquet as he visits Eastlake, Ohio, for his first on-site episode of the Green Profit Academy Pro Podcast with lawn care legend Don Zerby of EcoLawn. Don shares his incredible 48-year journey in the industry, starting from humble beginnings mowing lawns with a 10-speed bike, to leading a team of 18 and serving nearly 3,000 customers. The conversation dives into the power of mentorship, robust systems like Profit First, and the importance of building a team culture where expectations and growth are clear. Don and Steve reflect on the role of continuous learning, coaching, and evolving leadership to keep a business thriving—plus, how giving back and developing community leaders has become an integral part of their legacy. Throughout the episode, listeners get practical insights into business growth, resilience, and the tools that made a difference—like Profit First, Pumpkin Plan, and Clockwork. Steve highlights the importance of accountability partners and embracing change, while Don emphasizes the fun and fulfillment that comes from developing people and stepping into your best self. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and heartfelt stories that inspire you to lead your business—and your life—with purpose. Don Zerby, the founder and president of Ecolawn in Eastlake, Ohio, brings over 45 years of hands-on experience to the lawn care industry. His journey began at the age of 13 when he started his first landscaping business, showcasing an early passion for horticulture and customer service. In 1993, he established Ecolawn with a vision to provide personalized, environmentally conscious lawn care solutions. Under Don's leadership, Ecolawn has become recognized for its hybrid lawn care programs, which combine organic materials—such as corn gluten, orange peel, and yucca extract—with targeted treatments. This approach not only enhances soil health but also reduces the need for chemical interventions, promoting sustainable and lush lawns. Don emphasizes customer education, believing that informed clients are key to achieving long-term lawn health. His team is trained to provide insights on best practices, ensuring that homeowners are active participants in the care of their lawns. Beyond his professional endeavors, Don is dedicated to cultivating a company culture built on integrity and excellence. He carefully selects team members who align with Ecolawn's values, ensuring consistent and high-quality service. For those seeking expert advice on sustainable lawn care and business leadership, Don Zerby's insights offer valuable perspectives drawn from decades of dedicated service. Connect with Don: www.ecolawn.net Request a topic from the Pros – what would you like to hear about, or what challenge do you currently have? growgpa.com/PodcastAsk The Green Profit Academy Pros Podcast digs into the challenges in growing a Lawn Care and Landscape business while maximizing your profit. Christeen Era, and Steve Bousquet. are green industry experts in profit, growth, and leadership.