How to Build a Landscape Company People Want to Work For | Hiring, Retention & Culture
Tue Jan 27 2026
This episode breaks down one of the most misunderstood growth levers in the landscape industry:
Building careers — not just filling jobs.
Alex sits down with Chris Mace (VP of Construction & Design) and Lisa Riess (HR Leader) from Gelderman Landscape Services to unpack how intentional people strategy drives profitability, retention, and long-term growth.
They dive into:
Why consistent, guaranteed pay is a competitive advantage in a seasonal industry
How clear career paths unlock loyalty, performance, and leadership from within
The real cost of employee turnover — and why most contractors underestimate it
How training, communication, and culture outperform “quick hires” every time
What small and mid-sized contractors can realistically implement without a full HR department
If you want to grow a stronger company, execute better work, and stop losing your best people — this episode lays out the blueprint.
🎧 Listen now — because the next generation of great landscape companies will be built by leaders who take care of their people.
🔗 https://events.hardscaper.com/
Learn more about Gelderman Landscape Services:🌐 https://geldeman.com/
😎 Enjoyed this episode?
Apple Podcasts | SpotifyNew episodes every month! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com.
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📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/
Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!
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This episode breaks down one of the most misunderstood growth levers in the landscape industry: Building careers — not just filling jobs. Alex sits down with Chris Mace (VP of Construction & Design) and Lisa Riess (HR Leader) from Gelderman Landscape Services to unpack how intentional people strategy drives profitability, retention, and long-term growth. They dive into: Why consistent, guaranteed pay is a competitive advantage in a seasonal industry How clear career paths unlock loyalty, performance, and leadership from within The real cost of employee turnover — and why most contractors underestimate it How training, communication, and culture outperform “quick hires” every time What small and mid-sized contractors can realistically implement without a full HR department If you want to grow a stronger company, execute better work, and stop losing your best people — this episode lays out the blueprint. 🎧 Listen now — because the next generation of great landscape companies will be built by leaders who take care of their people. 🔗 https://events.hardscaper.com/ Learn more about Gelderman Landscape Services:🌐 https://geldeman.com/ 😎 Enjoyed this episode? Apple Podcasts | SpotifyNew episodes every month! Got a topic you want us to cover? DM us @hardscaper_ or email podcast@hardscaper.com. Follow & Subscribe: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardscaper_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hardscaper🌐 Website: https://hardscaper.com/ Missed this year’s Hardscaper Showcase? Watch on-demand for expert insights on pools, drainage, outdoor kitchens & more! → Head over to our On-Demand Section to check it out for free!