In this powerful and unfiltered episode, Willie Rodriguez sits down with Paul Capote owner of PGL better known as the "Miami Landscaper," for a real conversation about debt, discipline, faith, leadership, and the future of the green industry. Paul has been in the industry for 17 years, and he’s still growing, still learning, and still refining. From surviving the COVID boom, to navigating heavy debt, vendor credit, and high-interest loans — this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a landscaping company in today’s Florida market. What We Cover: The Hard Years & The Reset2023–2024 were tough. Cash flow pressure. Equipment debt. Vendor balances.2025 became the year of repair — clearing trucks, stepping away from vendor credit, tightening operations, and building a stronger foundation. Debt & Financial Accountability– Why high-interest loans should only be used strategically– The danger of promising too much– Why knowing your numbers protects your business– The truth about vendor debt in the industry. Locking in Product & Managing RiskWith Florida freezes, volatile pricing, and supply chain uncertainty, Paul breaks down what it actually means to guarantee pricing in today’s environment.To lock in product means tying up capital, space, manpower, and deposits — sometimes increasing costs 25–40%. But for contractors who understand long-term vision?That $100K tied up today could unlock $4–6 million in opportunity tomorrow. Trust, Documentation & ProfessionalismHandshakes aren’t enough anymore.Quotes must be documented.Verbal agreements create chaos. We talk about: – Why eye contact matters – Why documentation protects everyone – Why accountability scares people – How shadiness is hurting the industry Raising the Standard of Blue-Collar WorkPaul speaks passionately about elevating tradesmen:– Remove the word “laborer”– Use titles like Landscape Design Tech– Create pride in the craft– Implement SOPs and production bonuses– Build structure with AI systems like Lana Quality matters. Mulch glue matters. Details matter.“Put your name on it and make it perfect.” Faith, Growth & Breaking Generational CursesThis episode goes deeper than business. Paul opens up about: – Becoming a father – Bringing back his podcast “We the Tradesman” – Leading men’s groups – Prioritizing faith over fear – Losing a $100K client and not being shaken – Choosing peace over money “Money is just money. Opportunity to do God’s will is more powerful.” This is a conversation about becoming the kind of man — and business owner — who can handle what’s coming next. 🌱 The Bigger Picture We are the present and the future of this industry. The older generation is retiring. The decisions we make today will pioneer tomorrow. If you're a landscaper, grower, nursery owner, or tradesman trying to build something sustainable — this episode will challenge you to operate with clarity, discipline, and conviction. Hosted by Willie Rodriguez Produced by Eddie Gonzalez Follow Paul: @miamilandscaper Follow the show & watch clips on Instagram 🚀 Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an episode? Reach out. Every episode is about growth. Every conversation is about raising the standard. Welcome to Episode 89.

Come walk TPIE 2026 with us at The Plant Movement Podcast as we hit the show floor, connect with the community of the green industry, and interview some of the most innovative businesses shaping our future. #gardencenter #plantnursery #landscaper #tpie2026 #wholesaleplants

Come walk TPIE 2026 with us at The Plant Movement Podcast as we hit the show floor, connect with the community of the green industry, and interview some of the most innovative businesses shaping our future. We caught up with Billy Deal, one of the show organizers, who shared how TPIE brings together nurseries, landscapers, garden centers, pot sellers, and vendors from both interior and exterior plant worlds—all in one place. Here’s who we met along the way: 👓 Floratrack – Augmented reality glasses for greenhouse scouting. Hands-free IPM tracking, real-time pest counts from sticky cards, voice notes for issues, and integration with inventory systems. 📈 Sunrise Marketing – 32 years helping independent garden centers. Their loyalty app added 15,000 users in two months, 10,000 emails, and increased average tickets by $25. 🤖 Burro Technology – Autonomous electric tractor for towing, spraying, mowing, and equipment transport. Paired with the Weed.It precision sprayer that cuts chemical use by 75%. 🪴 Naked Root – Air root pruning containers designed to eliminate root rot and circling roots. A 6" pot performing like a 20" pot. 🌱 Propagation Diaries – Modern acrylic trellises, clear clips, colorful plant tags, and retail-ready products for plant stores and garden centers. 🌴 Redland Nursery & Jeff Damont – Export specialists, FNGLA leadership, and supporters of Botanical Auctions that fund scholarships and research through the seed bank. 🧘‍♀️ Jacqueline – The Farmer’s Daughter – Award-winning brand blending plants with wellness, home sanctuary design, and innovative retail displays like the Stem Studio and new retail rack systems. This is more than a trade show recap, it’s a look at where the industry is heading. Join us as we walk, talk, and learn from the people moving the green industry forward. Watch, learn, and be part of The Plant Movement. If you would like you and your business to be featured on The Plant Movement Podcast, please email eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com #greenindustrystrong #tpie2026 #letsgrow #Wholesaleplants #gardencenter #landscaper #landscaping #grower

The episode opens with gratitude — acknowledging A’s Ornamental Nursery, the team, and the clients who allow the podcast to exist as a platform for growth and learning. Willie also gives thanks to God for the opportunity to steward both the business and the responsibility that comes with having a voice in the industry. Industry Partners & Shoutouts The conversation highlights key partners helping move the industry forward:     •    Plant Logistics, offering real-time, Uber-style shipment tracking across Florida     •    The Nursery Growers, founded in 2023, placing experienced growers directly inside nurseries to improve accountability, confidence, and scalability     •    Plant Finder and Plant Ant, trusted tools for plant sourcing, advertising, and market visibility     •    Plantiful, with plans underway to implement full inventory management systems by 2026 Willie and Eddie also extend an open invitation to nursery owners, garden centers, landscapers, and industry professionals to step up and share their stories on the podcast in 2026 — because the industry needs more voices at the table. Hard Topics That Need to Be Talked About This episode tackles conversations many avoid:     •    Product pricing that hasn’t changed in decades     •    Immigration reform and its impact on labor     •    Wage increases and the real cost of doing business     •    Rising interest rates and slowing home sales     •    Why only a shrinking percentage of the market still prioritizes plant quality Willie shares perspective from his role on the FNGLA board, while Eddie brings a fresh lens as someone who didn’t grow up in the industry but understands its realities through lived experience. This and much more on our most transparent Episode yet!

On Episode 88 of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez and producer Eddie Gonzalez sit down for one of their most transparent and wide-ranging conversations yet. This episode isn’t about hype, it’s about reality. From rising costs and labor shortages to market saturation, real estate pressure, and the future of nursery ownership, Willie and Eddie openly discuss what’s happening right now in the Green Industry and what it will take to survive, adapt, and lead moving forward. The episode opens with gratitude — acknowledging A’s Ornamental Nursery, the team, and the clients who allow the podcast to exist as a platform for growth and learning. Willie also gives thanks to God for the opportunity to steward both the business and the responsibility that comes with having a voice in the industry. Industry Partners & Shoutouts The conversation highlights key partners helping move the industry forward: Plant Logistics, offering real-time, Uber-style shipment tracking across Florida. The Nursery Growers, founded in 2023, placing experienced growers directly inside nurseries to improve accountability, confidence, and scalability Plant Finder and Plant Ant, trusted tools for plant sourcing, advertising, and market visibility Plantiful, with plans underway to implement full inventory management systems by 2026 Willie and Eddie also extend an open invitation to nursery owners, garden centers, landscapers, and industry professionals to step up and share their stories on the podcast in 2026 — because the industry needs more voices at the table. Hard Topics That Need to Be Talked About This episode tackles conversations many avoid: Product pricing that hasn’t changed in decades Immigration reform and its impact on labor Wage increases and the real cost of doing business Rising interest rates and slowing home sales Why only a shrinking percentage of the market still prioritizes plant quality Willie shares perspective from his role on the FNGLA board, while Eddie brings a fresh lens as someone who didn’t grow up in the industry but understands its realities through lived experience. Economic Pressure & Market Reality Willie and Eddie break down: Why 2023–2024 slowed the industry How middle-class spending on landscapes has declined Why high-end landscapers remain booked months out The saturation problem — too much product, not enough movement The harsh reality facing small nurseries trying to survive rising rents and shrinking margins They also discuss real numbers: land prices, lease contracts, annual rent increases, and how owning property may be the only path to long-term stability for nurseries. Leadership, Boundaries & Business Discipline This episode reinforces powerful lessons learned in 2025: Stop bending over backwards for people who don’t respect your business Request deposits Protect cash flow Respect your time, your team, and your boundaries Not everything works — and that’s okay Willie shares hard-earned wisdom on sacrifice, discipline, and what it truly takes to build something solid: 3 years to start 5 years to become credible 10 years to become stable Sales Strategy, Risk & Transparency The hosts walk through: Slower summer months and the strategies used to survive them Discounting excess inventory responsibly Creative sales terms like 90-day pickup A major Clusia giveaway that cleared land, built goodwill, and sparked industry conversation They also discuss how social media has become a portfolio, not a crutch — emphasizing transparency, quality, and trust over vanity metrics. Looking Ahead The episode closes with forward-thinking plans: Inventory management systems A future online plant store Stronger accountability across operations A renewed commitment to community, honesty, and collaboration Willie and Eddie wrap up with gratitude, humility, and a reminder that challenges are often the very thing that prepares us for what’s next. If you’re a nursery owner, landscaper, garden center, supplier, or anyone trying to build something meaningful in the Green Industry, this episode is required listening.

On this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we sit down with Bryan Suarez, fourth-generation metal artisan and owner of Toledo Iron Works, to explore how a family legacy forged in 1969 continues to shape luxury construction and design across South Florida and beyond. Bryan shares the fascinating story of how his great-grandfather and grandfather built a business that began with burglar bars and evolved into one of the region’s most respected names in custom ornamental metalwork. From hand-forged staircases and driveway gates to one-of-a-kind gazebos and trellises, Toledo Iron Works brings craftsmanship, technology, and artistry together to transform spaces into experiences. Listeners will discover: -The origins of Toledo Iron Works and how “old-school” techniques meet modern design. - The behind-the-scenes process of fabricating and installing large-scale architectural metalwork. - How technology like Company Cam and innovative materials such as wood-grain aluminum elevate their craft. - The challenges and rewards of leading a multigenerational family business. - How collaboration between industries — from metalwork to landscaping — creates unforgettable outdoor environments. - Bryan also offers heartfelt insights for young entrepreneurs stepping into family businesses, emphasizing leadership, adaptability, and staying ahead of design trends. From tradition to innovation, this episode captures the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose in shaping both metal and mindset. Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez Toledo Iron Works Email: info@toledoironworks.com or Bryan@toledoironworks.com IG: www.instagram.com/toledo_iron_works web: https://toledoironworks.com/ The Plant Movement Podcast Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com Call: (305) 216-5320 Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast A's Ornamental Nursery WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER Call: (305) 216-5320 The Nursery Growers Call: 786-522-4942 Plant Logistics Co. (Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida) Call: (305) 912-3098 Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

On this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez sits down with Bryan Lloyd and Erin Rogers, Territory Sales Managers with Greenworks Commercial, the all-electric leader transforming outdoor power equipment. The conversation dives into: - The benefits of switching to electric — from massive fuel savings to noise reduction in HOA communities. - Battery innovation — including Greenworks’ customizable energy systems, on-site charging caddies, and the revolutionary “Energy Cube.” - Smarter tech and safety — with motors that shut off on impact, ETO ports for charging tools on the go, and robotics that are reshaping how crews work. - The real ROI — see how contractors are saving up to 85% on fuel and paying off their electric mowers in under two years. - The future of the industry — from robotic mowing to smarter labor solutions, and how Greenworks is positioning itself for the next 20 years of innovation. From autonomous mowers to battery-powered UTVs, Greenworks isn’t just making equipment — they’re building a full ecosystem for the next generation of lawn and landscape professionals. Tune in to learn how you can power your business into the future with clean energy, smarter tools, and long-term savings. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.

On this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez sits down with Bryan Lloyd and Erin Rogers, Territory Sales Managers with Greenworks Commercial, the all-electric leader transforming outdoor power equipment. Bryan, who covers Central Florida and brings over 15 years of experience in the power equipment world, and Erin, who manages South Florida after years in the battery technology space, break down how Greenworks is changing the way landscapers think about performance, efficiency, and sustainability. The conversation dives into: - The benefits of switching to electric — from massive fuel savings to noise reduction in HOA communities. - Battery innovation — including Greenworks’ customizable energy systems, on-site charging caddies, and the revolutionary “Energy Cube.” - Smarter tech and safety — with motors that shut off on impact, ETO ports for charging tools on the go, and robotics that are reshaping how crews work. - The real ROI — see how contractors are saving up to 85% on fuel and paying off their electric mowers in under two years. - The future of the industry — from robotic mowing to smarter labor solutions, and how Greenworks is positioning itself for the next 20 years of innovation. From autonomous mowers to battery-powered UTVs, Greenworks isn’t just making equipment — they’re building a full ecosystem for the next generation of lawn and landscape professionals. Tune in to learn how you can power your business into the future with clean energy, smarter tools, and long-term savings. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms. 📲 Follow @ThePlantMovementPodcast and @GreenworksCommercial to stay connected with the movement. Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez Greenworks Commercial Email: marketing@greenworkstools.com IG: www.instagram.com/greenworkscommercial web: https://www.greenworkscommercial.com/ The Plant Movement Podcast Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com Call: (305) 216-5320 Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast A's Ornamental Nursery WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER Call: (305) 216-5320 The Nursery Growers Call: 786-522-4942 Plant Logistics Co. (Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida) Call: (305) 912-3098 Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

On this inspiring episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we sit down with Jacqueline Costa, founder of The Farmer’s Daughter, a luxury garden lifestyle brand redefining what it means to live beautifully, both indoors and out. Jacqueline comes from one of the most respected legacies in the Green Industry, her grandfather was the founder of Costa Farms, one of the largest horticultural growers in the world. Following in those footsteps, she has carved her own unique path, blending her family’s deep horticultural roots with her own background in fashion and design to create something truly original. After earning her degree in Fashion Merchandising from Florida State University, Jacqueline began her career as a buyer for Burdines (now Macy’s). She later joined her father, Mike Costa, at Mike Costa Foliage and Costa Farms, where she managed key accounts such as IKEA—driving millions in plant sales and honing her eye for product design and trend forecasting. Her journey took her across the globe to China, where she lived for over a decade establishing Costa’s buying office, developing planter collections, and raising her two children. When COVID brought her family back to the U.S., Jacqueline channeled her creative passion into launching The Farmer’s Daughter — a brand that fuses fashion, horticulture, and lifestyle into a single elevated experience. Today, The Farmer’s Daughter offers luxury planters, curated garden accessories, and tailored apparel designed for women who live and love the garden life. In this episode, we explore: - The Costa family legacy and how it shaped Jacqueline’s entrepreneurial vision. - How The Farmer’s Daughter is elevating the Green Industry through design, storytelling, and sustainability. - The lessons learned from living abroad and developing global products. - The influence of her father’s “hustle and heart” philosophy — and how she’s passing it forward. - The intersection of fashion, gardening, and modern lifestyle, and what’s next for her expanding brand. Jacqueline’s story is one of heritage, creativity, and evolution — proving that the next generation of growers can innovate while honoring their roots. Whether you’re in horticulture, design, or entrepreneurship, this episode will leave you inspired to grow your own movement. Listen now to Episode 85 of The Plant Movement Podcast, available on all platforms. #ThePlantMovementPodcast #TheFarmersDaughter #CostaFarms #WomenInHorticulture #LuxuryGardening #GreenIndustry #PlantLifestyle #GardenFashion #HorticultureDesign #PlantEntrepreneurship #SustainableLiving #floridanursery The Farmers Daughter Shop: https://thefarmersdaughter1.faire.com Contact: 786-295-4600 Email: jackie@thefarmersdaughtertfd.com IG: www.instagram.com/thefarmersdaughtertfd web: https://thefarmersdaughtertfd.com/ordering-and-delivery/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Plant Movement Podcast Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com Call: (305) 216-5320 Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast A's Ornamental Nursery WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER Call: (305) 216-5320 Web: https://www.asornamental.com Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery Plant Logistics Co. (Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida) Call: (305) 912-3098 Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.