Advertise on podcast: Crooked Stripes Podcast

Returning guest Average Anthony joins hosts Brandon Brubacher and Kyle Breiner to reflect on building a lawn-care business from a push mower into a 220-account operation, then choosing to scale back. He shares candid lessons about hiring, seasonal work, keeping a business simple, and finding satisfaction in hands-on work, before the group swaps notes on Walker mowers and a forthcoming mulching-deck test. Brandon Brubacher, AverageAnthony, and Kyle Breiner continue their conversation about commercial lawn-care equipment, sharing hands-on opinions on mulching decks, baggers, mower design, and hybrid power. They also trade stories about their early days in the business and weigh the long-term tradeoffs of battery-powered tools, including battery-system compatibility and product longevity. Takeaways: Average Anthony started mowing at 15 with a push mower to earn money for video games, later adding restaurant cleaning jobs to build income.He says working alongside his crew and holding himself to the same standards helped earn credibility and keep the team accountable.Seasonality made year-round staffing difficult: snow-removal trucks could sit idle, so the business added interior contracting and other skilled work.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

We're BACK from Equip Expo 2026! 🔥 Kyle and Brandon are sitting down to recap one heck of a week in Louisville. From checking out the latest equipment and getting behind the controls in the demo yard, to catching up with industry friends, meeting new people, and making the most of everything Equip had to offer. We talk Ferris, Senix, Walker, Grabo, some of our favourite machines from the show, the Tuesday night Senix dinner, and plenty of moments that happened along the way. There was a lot to take in, a lot of content to make, and definitely a few laughs along the way. We get into what stood out, what surprised us, and what we'd actually love to bring home and put to work. If you couldn't make it to Equip this year, consider this your front-row seat to the action! Thanks for tuning in 🤝 Takeaways: Our overall experience at Equip Expo 2026 Favourite machines, equipment demos and new products Catching up with brands and industry friends Senix dinner and the fun outside the show floor Behind-the-scenes content, conversations and memorable moments Our biggest takeaways and highlights from the week Whether you've been attending Equip for years or you're thinking about making the trip for the first time, there's something in this one for you! Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn

At Equip Expo 2026 LIVE, this episode is sponsored by Senix, big thank you for letting us do the Crooked Stripes live at equip. Hosts Brandon Brubacher and Kyle Briner talk with four guests: Scott Faulkner of Red Rock Maintenance, landscaper Dan Archibald, Matthew McGoldrick and 14-year-old operator Chance, last year's giveaway truck winner. They swap practical stories about focusing a service business, battery equipment, networking, scaling with trusted partners, and getting started young in lawn care. Recorded at Equip Expo, this episode moves between conversations with lawn-care operators about running a mowing business, equipment, and the value of industry networking. Kyle, known as The Lawn Dude, discusses balancing 35 mowing accounts with a pharmaceutical job and how he started creating content; McGoldrick shares his community-first approach, business ambitions, and personal perspective on making time for family and kindness. Takeaways: The episode celebrates in-person connections made through social media and previews the busy expo giveaway and demo-yard plans. The Lawn Dude, based in Evansville, Indiana, says he began in 2018 with a push mower and a truck, and now maintains 35 accounts while working full-time in pharmaceutical manufacturing.McGoldrick encourages contractors to give time back locally, citing his work with Douglas youth baseball and softball and a fundraiser called Swing for the Fences.Archibald's business mows about 50 yards weekly and offers landscape installs, patios, planting, and stamped concrete, with trusted contractors trading labor and referrals on larger jobs.Faulkner's fleet includes three Walker mowers, Toro gas and battery mowers, Stihl and Husqvarna trimmers, and several high-powered blowers; his crew often prefers the battery mower. Scott is located in Coboconk Ontario.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

Brandon Brubacher and Breiner Lawn kick off the countdown to Equip Expo 2026 in Louisville, covering travel plans, booth setup, giveaway details, and the equipment they most want to check out on the show floor. It’s a practical pre-show episode for anyone attending, with plenty of field talk mixed in on fall cleanup, leaf management, and the realities of running a lawn care business heading into the busy season. In this episode: Takeaways: Brandon and Breiner compare travel plans for Equip Expo, including flying, driving, and getting in a day earlyThe guys break down their leaf workflow, from backpack blowers to mulching leaves with the Cub Cadet and vacuuming them up with the WalkerThey rate a pre-expo “crooked crack” and joke about doing more of those at the boothOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

This episode of Crooked Stripes features Brandon Brubacher, Kyle Breiner, and guest Matt from Working With Matt talking shop on lawn care, hardscaping, equipment, and the realities of scaling a service and landscape business. Matt shares how he went from mowing neighbors’ lawns to running a 45 employee operation with multiple crews, plus the hard lessons he learned about debt, delegation, and staying profitable. They also get into social media, brand sponsorships, battery powered tools, and why Equip is such a big deal for the industry. Takeaways: Business growth from small to large scaleImportance of proper legal and financial setupSocial media's role in marketing and brandingOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 📋 Get a FREE 14-Day Trial of Jobber + Partner Discount:getjobber.com

Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), joins us for a big one. This episode is a pretty cool full-circle moment for us. The Crooked Stripes Podcast started because of our love for this industry and Equip Exposition, and now we get to sit down with one of the people behind the organization that makes it all happen. We talk with Kris about his journey into the outdoor power equipment industry, what OPEI actually does, and everything that goes on behind the scenes to support manufacturers, dealers, contractors and the industry as a whole. Of course, we had to dive deep into Equip Exposition. We talk about how the show has grown, what has changed over the years, what makes Equip different, and where the show is headed next. We also get into the upcoming move to Orlando in 2029, what that could mean for the show, and the outdoor demo area that everyone has been asking about. We also get into some bigger industry conversations around technology, battery equipment, robotics, the relationship between manufacturers and contractors, and where Kris sees the outdoor power equipment industry heading. Thanks for listening to Episode 118! Takeaways: Kris Kiser’s journey into the outdoor power equipment industry What OPEI actually does How Equip Exposition has grown The future of Equip and the move to Orlando in 2029 Outdoor demo areas and the future of the show Technology, battery equipment and robotics The relationship between manufacturers and contractors Where the outdoor power equipment industry is heading Other Links: 👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn

Kyle is finally back after a busy week in Canada and Montana, so naturally we had to hear all about it. With September officially here, the season is starting to shift into the final stretch. We talk about the September grind, what we’ve been working on, and why this is such a big time of year for lawns with top dressing, overseeding, aeration and all the fall work starting to pile up. From there, we get into some bigger industry conversations around where landscaping is heading, the difference between revenue and actually making money, technology and software, bigger companies vs. smaller owner-operators, and some of the changes we’re seeing across the industry. And of course, Expo is coming up FAST, so we talk about what we’re looking forward to, equipment, manufacturers, and what we’re hoping to see. A lot of industry talk, a lot of stories, and a whole lot of shooting the shit in this one. Thanks for listening to Episode 117! Takeaways: Kyle’s trip through Canada & MontanaEconomic impact on landscaping businesses The September grindLandscaping industry trendsOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn

In this episode, Brandon discusses the challenges and adaptations in the landscaping industry, including leaner business models, the impact of economic shifts, and upcoming industry events like the expo and golf tournament. Takeaways: Industry shifts towards smaller crewsEconomic impact on landscaping businessesImportance of maintenance and small jobsOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

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 troubleshootingEvent planning for the Equip ExpoCommunity involvement and cleanup effortsOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

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 16Equipment choices: mowers, blowers, and trucksBalancing trade school, school, and business growthOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

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 operationsEquipment maintenance and longevityLawn aesthetics and stripe techniques Business scaling and downsizingImportance of systems and specializationCustomer relationships and word-of-mouthWhether 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

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 Designhttps://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

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 overheadOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada 🅾️ Breiner Lawn @breinerlawn 👨‍💻Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design https://greenfrogwebdesign.com/

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 limitsMen's Mental Health Month — real talk on what actually helps when things get heavyThe Waterloo Region water crisis and why showing up to the township meeting mattersWorld Cup turf — how our industry ended up on the biggest stage in soccerOther Links:👨‍🌾 Stripe Life Canada: @stripelifecanada🅾️ Breiner Lawn: @breinerlawn👨‍💻 Episode Sponsor: Green Frog Web Design — greenfrogwebdesign.com

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 NASCARHow the Senix x RCR NASCAR partnership came together behind the scenesMaking the leap from corporate sales to running your own businessBuilding a customer base from scratch — what's actually workingRunning a combo lawn and pressure washing operation in year oneThe reality of the grind when you're doing it all yourselfWhether 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/