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The Landscaper’s Guide to Modern Sales and Marketing Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2025
As we look to the horizon of 2025, I’m thrilled to share a major milestone in the evolution of Ramblin Jackson. After years of refining our mission to make sales enjoyable for landscape clients and their customers, we’re stepping into a new era with the formation of our new leadership team. I’m not just talking about a few promotions but unlocking the potential of the extraordinary people who’ve been driving our success. Our new leadership team is more than just a management group. They are visionaries who embody the values we hold dear — collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. Together, they’ll play a pivotal role in steering the company’s direction, setting goals, and refining our strategies to ensure we deliver exceptional results. Jessica Winkler, our new Chief Operating Officer, is the epitome of growth within Ramblin Jackson. Starting as a project manager eight years ago, Jessica has evolved into a leader who thrives on big- picture thinking and operational excellence. Her role goes beyond managing logistics; she’s shaping the future, facilitating collaboration across departments, and driving innovation. Whether it’s developing cutting-edge products or fine-tuning processes, Jessica is at the heart of ensuring Ramblin Jackson runs like a well-oiled machine. Robert Felton, now Director of Client Strategy, has long been the trusted guide for our clients. Known for his sharp insights and ability to build lasting relationships, Robert is taking on a dual focus. He’ll continue leading new business efforts while enhancing the client experience through strategic initiatives. Robert’s knack for understanding client needs and turning them into actionable strategies will ensure every client feels seen, heard, and supported. He’s also building a sense of community among our clients, turning business relationships into lasting partnerships. Meet the Leadership Team Shaping Ramblin Jackson’s Future CHARTING A BOLD NEW PATH
Jack, Erin, Robert, and Jessica celebrating at Brasserie Ten Ten
Erin Kaufold steps into her new role as Senior Executive Business Assistant with the same dedication and precision that has made her indispensable. Ask any Rambler, and they will gladly tell you she is the glue that keeps all of us together. Erin is the backbone of our operations, ensuring my priorities align with our strategic goals and streamlining communication across the company. Her ability to coordinate cross-departmental efforts while keeping an eye on the bigger picture allows Ramblin Jackson to move forward with purpose and efficiency. I’m sharing this with you not because these changes reflect internal growth but because they signal our commitment to better serving you and our clients and strengthening our company culture. Jessica, Robert, and Erin are stepping into leadership and stepping up for our clients, our team, and the future of Ramblin Jackson. This is a bold new chapter for us, one rooted in collaboration, clarity, and a shared vision for success. As I continue to serve as CEO, I couldn’t be prouder of our future. With this incredible team by my side, I know we’ll achieve new heights. Here’s to the next phase of Ramblin Jackson and to creating a better future for our clients, our company, and the industry we serve. Thank you for being part of this journey.
JACK JOSTES, CEO RAMBLIN JACKSON
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RING THE BELL SPOTLIGHT PLEASANT LANDSCAPES
At Ramblin Jackson, we’ve always celebrated our clients’ incredible achievements, and today, we’re thrilled to spotlight Kelly Slater, the newly appointed CEO of Pleasant Landscapes. Kelly’s journey with Pleasant Landscapes spans over 15 years, during which her vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth and unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service. As a finalist for the Landscape Leader of the Year, it’s no surprise Kelly has elevated the company and come so far. In her new role, Kelly is leading Pleasant Landscapes into an exciting new chapter marked by innovation and a deeply rooted commitment to its employees. One of the most transformative changes under her leadership is the company’s shift to employee ownership. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our people who helped build Pleasant Landscapes will have a stake in its future,” Kelly shared. Through
an employee stock option program, team members earn stock shares after five years of full-time employment. As a result, she’s building a sense of ownership and investment at every level. Beyond employee ownership, Kelly’s vision includes constructing multi-tiered leadership teams that empower emerging leaders and inspire initiative. “Our goal is to foster excitement and ownership at every level,” she explained. Her approach redefines leadership by focusing on inspiration rather than traditional management, ensuring all 56 employees see themselves as vital contributors to the company’s mission. Pleasant Landscapes, a Charleston institution since 1991, continues to set new industry standards. The company is expanding its design-build and maintenance services while integrating AI tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Kelly’s innovative efforts have earned her industry
recognition, including a finalist position for Landscape Leader of the Year!
As a local business, Pleasant Landscapes exemplifies community-focused values. The company’s ongoing support for Lowcountry Orphan Relief is a testament to its dedication to giving back, providing time, resources, and funds to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need. At Ramblin Jackson, we’ve been fortunate to support Pleasant Landscapes and witness their journey firsthand. Kelly’s leadership is inspiring, and we’re excited to continue partnering with Pleasant Landscapes as they grow and redefine what it means to be a leader in the landscaping industry. Congratulations, Kelly, on this well‑deserved milestone!
THE FUTURE OF PRODUCTIVITY IS HERE AI THAT HELPS YOU PLAN, CREATE, AND THRIVE
Turn philosophies into productivity. To get even more personalized suggestions, you can teach your AI assistant about the philosophies, beliefs, and books that drive and inspire you. Next time you pick up a book or think about a mantra that moves you, record your thoughts using the app. Your digital assistant will consider that information and provide specific insights when you ask for daily to-dos or check in on your progress.
Have you ever wished you had a personal assistant to help you stay on track and organize your life? Thanks to the latest in AI, you can have a sidekick in your pocket who knows all your long-term goals. Voice Notes AI is a handy app that allows you to record notes on anything from your stray thoughts, to-do lists, or ideas. It’s not just about giving you reminders — it’s a powerhouse for organizing your day, managing tasks, and even helping you brainstorm ideas.
Pencil in your perfect day. Voice Notes AI is an intelligent way to plan your day and the tasks you need to complete. It will ensure you’re always in alignment with your long-term goals. Record your priorities, what you want to accomplish, and details about your life. Then, start your morning by asking your AI assistant to provide a plan for the day and give tips on what would help you get closer to your goals. The app then pulls information from your recordings and cross-references it with your calendar to create customized daily lists.
Upgrade to You 2.0. Your AI assistant can teach you about yourself and help you develop better habits. Once you have added several recordings to the app, ask it for a personality analysis as a fun way to learn how you think. You can also ask it to help you create an effective wind-down routine at the end of the day to help you for the rest of the week. Try making a “worry box” where you record concerns and ask your assistant to give suggestions on overcoming them.
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UPCOMING EVENTS Belgard University 2025 Feb. 5–6, 2025 • Southern Pines, NC In-person event hosted by Belgard BBP Leadership & Sales Summit Feb. 18–20, 2025 • Savannah, GA In-person event exclusively available to BBP Members
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?
Landscape Leader Vision & Video Retreat March 5, 2025 • Lyons, CO Space is limited! Apply today at Ramblinjackson.com/retreat TNLA Webinar with Co-Host Jack Jostes March 6, 2025 • Virtual Registration is free! Landscape Leader Vision & Video Retreat May 14, 2025 • Lyons, CO Space is limited! Apply today at Ramblinjackson.com/retreat
TAKE A BREAK
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1 3 New Leaders Step Up to the Plate 2 Ring The Bell: Ramblin Jackson Spotlights Kelly Slater’s Leadership at Pleasant Landscapes 2 Your Personal Assistant — Anytime, Anywhere 3 Upcoming Events 4 Elevate Customer Service and Online Visibility With One Simple Tip INSIDE PO Box 1429 • Lyons, CO 80540 (303) 544-2125 • ramblinjackson.com
How to Turn Google Reviews Into Revenue-Boosting Tools We’re passionate about helping landscape companies grow their businesses through actionable marketing strategies. That’s why
Why Now Is the Perfect Time With the “100 Days of Hell” just around the corner, now is the time to implement this strategy. These busy months are when your customers are most likely to leave reviews. Turning this season into an opportunity for both recognition and revenue can make the hustle a little more tolerable for your team. Turn Reviews Into Revenue If your marketing budget is tied up in brand awareness campaigns that haven’t delivered results, consider reallocating those funds toward this employee incentive program. The returns on your investment in online visibility, customer trust, and team satisfaction will far outweigh the costs.
Reviews play a pivotal role in increasing your Google ranking, building trust with potential customers, and attracting top talent. A-players want to work at five-star companies, and your glowing reviews are the proof they’re looking for. Lessons From the Gold Standard We’ve perfected this approach with our Gold Standard program. To qualify for bonuses, our projects must meet key criteria — delivered on time, within budget, meeting our quality standards, and resulting in a happy client. This model has driven measurable results, with 100% of our projects in 2024 meeting the Gold Standard! You can implement a similar system tailored to your business. When you incentivize employees to deliver excellent customer experiences that lead to glowing reviews, you invest in your marketing while rewarding your team’s hard work. Remember: More reviews means increased ranking on Google.
we plan to spotlight a practical, results- driven tip every month to help you attract more clients, build a stronger brand, and optimize your operations. This month, we’re kicking off with a strategy that combines team recognition with enhanced online visibility. Curious about how rewarding your employees can drive five-star Google reviews and boost your bottom line? The Power of Employee Recognition in Reviews Here’s a game-changing idea: When your employees are mentioned by name in a Google review, reward them. Pay them $100 for every mention, and take it a step further by running a monthly contest where the employee with the most mentions earns a bonus prize. This can boost morale and encourage employees to go above and beyond in delivering top-notch service.
Want to learn more about how Google reviews can transform your business? Schedule a free 15-minute marketing
brainstorm with Ramblin Jackson. Let’s make 2025 the year your business ranks higher, wins more sales, and attracts top-tier talent.
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