Take a look at our August newsletter!
The Landscaper’s Guide to Modern Sales and Marketing Newsletter
AUGUST 2025
16 YEARS IN AND WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED The Long Road to ‘We Made It’
Join the Community of Leaders Not long ago, one of my longtime business coaches, Wayne Herring, someone who’s been with me through some of the toughest and most transformative seasons, said to me on a coaching call, “Jack, you’ve made it.” At first, I didn’t know how to respond. Had I? It wasn’t a fireworks moment. It was quiet, like realizing the summit you’ve been climbing toward is finally beneath your boots.
my team do the same is even more rewarding. Watching others grow into leaders, seeing their confidence rise, and knowing we’re helping businesses create jobs, build wealth, and support families, that’s the real impact. We’ve evolved from a one-man band into a lean, fully remote marketing agency that serves landscapers nationwide. We didn’t just pivot, we built a machine. One built on systems, talent, and relentless commitment to results. Just a few years into Ramblin Jackson, I realized I didn’t want to operate as a freelancer anymore. I read “The E-Myth Revisited,” and it flipped a switch. I bought out my business partner, leaned into what we do best, and built this thing with structure and purpose. That came with hard conversations and even harder decisions, but those were the bricks that built the machine. Today, we’ve built countless successful campaigns, hosted podcasts, and helped create real jobs in communities across the country. I’ve gone from managing clients to managing managers, and that, oddly enough, has been one of the most fulfilling parts. There’s no roadmap for the next 16 years, but I know this: We’re just getting warmed up. I’m writing a new book, “The Tree of Good Fortune: The Landscaper’s Guide to Direct Response Sales and Marketing,” and I’m doubling down on direct response marketing, print, video, AI … the works. We’re not chasing numbers anymore. We’re building an experience for our clients, team, and me. Sixteen years later, we’re sharper, more intentional, and more aligned with who we serve and how we serve them. That’s the real definition of “making it.” Not just checking boxes, but building something that matters.
But he was right.
I wanted to build a multimillion-dollar company. I wanted to write books that made a difference. I wanted to hone my niche and serve a specific industry with clarity and conviction. Today, over 90% of our revenue comes from the landscape industry. I’ve published multiple books, and I’m working on my next. We’ve built an agile, fully remote team. And most importantly, we’ve helped countless small businesses grow, hire, and thrive. When I launched Ramblin Jackson 16 years ago, it wasn’t with a grand blueprint. It was with grit, guts, and a deep belief that small businesses deserved better marketing, especially in the green industry. I wasn’t trying to build an empire. I just wanted to help people grow, one sale at a time. What I didn’t realize then was how far that mindset would take us. But grit’s a funny thing. If you hang onto it long enough, it turns into a business. In 2009, amid the recession, survival was my only goal. Bills needed to get paid, clients needed results, and I needed to prove that marketing wasn’t just noise; it was a powerful driver of real business growth. Over time, that simple drive turned into something much bigger: a mission. Today, Ramblin Jackson is more than a business. It’s a movement, a culture, and a team built around the core belief that great marketing changes lives.
So, yes, I’ve made it. But we’re far from done.
JACK JOSTES, CEO RAMBLIN JACKSON
Some things haven’t changed. I still get fired up when I help close a sale, launch a campaign, or land a big win for a client. But seeing
RamblinJackson.com • 1
Read It in Your Truck on a Rainy Day
RING THE BELL SPOTLIGHT Growing With Intention: How Turf Concepts Landscapes With Purpose
For over 20 years, Ryan Robinson has been building more than just beautiful landscapes — he’s been growing a company rooted in education, environmental stewardship, and meaningful client care. As the founder of Turf Concepts Landscaping in Brownstown Township, MI, Ryan combines science and sustainability to create exceptional outdoor spaces and an exceptional customer experience. Like many entrepreneurs, Ryan eventually found himself juggling growth, operations, and marketing, especially after assuming sole leadership. When it came time to evolve Turf Concepts’ digital presence and long-term strategy, he partnered with Ramblin Jackson for support that went beyond SEO and lead generation. What he got was clarity on the bigger picture. “The biggest value has been the stuff I didn’t expect,” Ryan shared. “The strategy, accountability, and insights have impacted more than just my marketing — they’ve helped me become a better business leader.” From honest feedback to book recommendations and step- by-step action plans, the partnership has helped Ryan stay focused on building a stronger, more scalable company.
That mindset shift is already paying off. With the help of Ramblin Jackson’s strategy and video content, Turf Concepts is expanding into new markets — including more industrial and commercial work — while embracing both outbound sales and inbound content, as well as a well-rounded marketing mix. Even more exciting? Ryan’s team is in the game, too. Whether they’re filming job site footage or posting viral (and hilarious) Instagram content, the crew is bringing their creativity to the brand and showing off the exact authenticity and care they bring to every property.
From growing his leadership skills to stepping confidently into the role of “face of the company,” Ryan’s story is a real example of what it looks like to scale with purpose. And for us, that’s a story worth Ringing the Bell about. Want to see more stories like this one? Scan the code to explore more client wins at RamblinJackson.com/clients .
Celebrating Erin, a True Rambler
At Ramblin Jackson, we believe in recognizing the people who make this place what it is. This month, we’re raising a well-deserved toast to Erin, our Senior Executive Business Assistant, as she celebrates her 5-year Rambler-versary! Erin started as Jack’s assistant and quickly rose to become a vital member of our leadership team. She’s not just reliable, she’s relentless. She’s read more business books than most CEOs, joined masterminds with other top-tier assistants, and fully embodies our “Grow or Die” core value. Erin never stops learning, and her growth over the past five years proves that excellence is built through curiosity, grit, and heart. She’s the kind of teammate who never asks for the spotlight, but deserves it. To celebrate, Erin receives our signature 5-Year Rambler Bonus: $1,250 in cash or up to $1,500 toward a well-earned vacation. Erin is using her vacation bonus to take her daughters to Las Vegas to see Beyoncé — a well-earned trip full of music and memories. She’s going to have a great time dancing in the desert. We hope she enjoys a trip she never would’ve planned on her own, comes back refreshed, and knows just how valued she is.
Here’s to Erin’s incredible journey and many more years of collaboration, leadership, and impact. We’re lucky to have you. Thank you, Erin!
2 • (303) 544-2125
Read It in Your Tru
ChatGPT for Landscape Sales Pros and Owners Nov. 5, 9:00–9:45 a.m. MT • Phoenix, AZ See Jack speak at NALP ELEVATE The Landscaper's Guide to Selling to the Affluent with Direct Response Marketing NALP ELEVATE Conference Nov. 2–5 • Phoenix, AZ Visit us at Booth #1531! Oct. 9, 9-10 a.m. MT • Virtual Event Livestream via Zoom from Lyons, CO Nov. 13, 10–11 a.m. MT • Virtual Workshop In partnership with the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Fireside Chat – Ask Jack Anything About Sales & Marketing Dec. 11, 10–11 a.m. MT • Free Virtual Q&A Landscape Leader of the Year Livestream UPCOMING EVENTS
Schedule a 15-minute Marketing Brainstorm with one of our Landscape Marketing Assistants. In just 15 minutes, they will: • Offer game-changing feedback on your marketing ideas. • Find gaps in your existing campaigns. • Discuss your best marketing strategy. • Share next steps for success! This is a quick, easy, no-pressure call — and we’ll even send you beef jerky or candied almonds for your time. Visit LandscapersGuide.com/brainstorm to schedule your Marketing Brainstorm today. Ready to Level Up Your Marketing and Get More Hell Yes Customers?
TAKE A BREAK
LandscapersGuide.com/events
RamblinJackson.com • 3
uck on a Rainy Day
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
PO Box 1429 • Lyons, CO 80540 (303) 544-2125 • ramblinjackson.com
1 This Is What 16 Years of Grit Looks Like 2 Client Spotlight: Ryan Robinson on Leadership, Marketing, and Building a Smarter Business 2 Cheers to Erin’s 5-Year Rambler-versary and Endless Excellence! 3 Upcoming Events 4 The Proven Sales Move That Turned a Slow Month Into $52K INSIDE
Be Human and Pick Up the Damn Phone
automation, the point is simple: get on the phone with someone ready to buy.
•
Warm leads: Past clients or contacts who might need more work, upgrades, or new services. Cold leads: Commercial clients or long‑lost prospects you haven’t talked to in a while.
That’s why we run Call Jams, company-wide blitzes where every team member is assigned a strategic call list. Whether it’s past clients, hot leads, or warm prospects, everyone shows up and starts dialing. We track call volume, connections, and appointments booked, and yes, we offer prizes and cash incentives to keep it fun and competitive. Don’t take our word for it. Theiss Landscape Works used this strategy and closed $52,000 in sales in February, a month that’s historically slow for landscaping. They ran a postcard and email campaign, and then crushed it by picking up the phone on the Monday after the promo ended. That single day generated more sales than any other. You don’t need a massive team to make this work. Start by organizing your database into three categories: Hot leads: Prospects who’ve received a proposal or estimate recently. Call them to close the deal.
•
We match the right person with the right list, based on relationship, expertise, and communication style. Someone who builds podcasts? Let them call podcast subscribers. Your account manager? Let them reconnect with longtime clients. It’s not just about the message, it’s about the message-to-market fit. So, here’s your next move: Pick up the damn phone and call one lead in your database. Today. And if you’re serious about building your own Call Jam, reach out to your Landscape Marketing Guide to map out your seasonal campaign. For our non-Ramblers, if your current marketing team isn't even talking about this, book a 15-minute brainstorm call at LandscapersGuide.com/brainstorm .
Phone Calls Are Still the Most Powerful Tool in Your Arsenal
Let’s get one thing straight. Most business owners and salespeople hate picking up the phone. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: If you want to close deals, grow your revenue, and get ROI from your marketing, you need to make calls. At Ramblin Jackson, one of our core values is loud and clear: Be Human and Pick up the Damn Phone. Because after all the Google Ads, postcards, social media, and email
•
4 • (303) 544-2125
Get a Free, Personal Video Review of Your Website! • RamblinJackson.com/
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator