In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern interviews John Brouder, owner of Brouder & Sons Landscaping and Irrigation. John talks about starting his business during college and evolving it from lawn maintenance to specializing in hardscapes, irrigation, and low-voltage lighting due to the low profitability and high competition in lawn mowing. He mentions working through New England’s seasons, including performing snow plowing in winter. Despite having a small team, John emphasizes quality work and customer satisfaction, which have contributed to his success, noting the challenge of balancing expansion with maintaining personal happiness and service quality. He also discusses the potential for his sons to take over the business, highlighting his elder son David’s significant contribution during a period when John’s health was compromised.

In this podcast episode of Titan Talks, host Jonathan Stern interviews Marco Tardio, the owner of Tardio Home Improvements, a construction and remodeling company in Savannah, Georgia. Marco shares his journey of starting his own business in 2018, initially focusing on flooring but gradually expanding to include painting, showers, and full home renovations. He discusses the importance of hiring specialized employees and creating a well-organized team. Marco also emphasizes the significance of his online presence, including a website and strong social media presence, which has helped him attract clients. He recommends Topline Pro, a platform that handles website design, marketing, and reviews. Marco’s goal is to be the best in Savannah and hopes to have multiple warehouses and stores in the next five years. His proudest moment so far has been reaching a point where he can relax and let his team handle the work.

In this episode of Titan Talks, Jonathan Stern chats with Brian Emde, owner of Ozark Deck Company. Brian speaks about how he transitioned from a career in the army to setting up his own deck construction business. Initially working for an unlicensed builder, he decided to start his own company. Brian shares the challenges he faced during his first few projects, particularly under-pricing jobs and having thin margins. As his business grew, he learned the importance of not micromanaging employees, focusing more on growing the company by marketing, sales, and handling administrative work. His greatest pride comes from witnessing his team deliver high-quality work in his absence.