What does it take to bring a brand-new building product to market and actually make it stick? In this episode, veteran market developer Taron Young shares insights from 20+ years in the construction and building materials industry. From code compliance to product education, distribution channels to holding spec, Taron breaks down what it really takes to go from unknown to industry standard.

This one’s for builders, specifiers, product manufacturers—and anyone trying to launch something new in an old-school industry.

Timecodes:

00:00 – Intro to Rooted in Innovation and guest Taron Young
01:45 – Taron’s background and current role in building materials
03:00 – Why most product launches fail: market research mistakes
06:15 – Finding early adopters and incentivizing them the right way
08:45 – The role of distribution and channel development
10:00 – Tariffs, pricing strategy, and maintaining integrity
16:25 – Understanding and influencing specifiers and builders
21:45 – Holding the spec: how to protect your product from being swapped
25:05 – What true market development looks like (vs. sales)
27:00 – Why you need trust and long-term relationships in this business
30:00 – How technology has changed sales—but not relationships
34:45 – Advice for launching new products: don’t skip the research
38:30 – Final thoughts: check your ego, listen, and partner well

Resources:

Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com
Connect with Jim Mancini on LinkedIn
Connect with Taron Young on LinkedIn
Connect with Dionisio Roman III on LinkedIn

In this episode of Rooted in Innovation, we sit down with Steve Parker, a seasoned civil engineer with decades of experience in property development and infrastructure. Steve takes us through the unseen yet essential role civil engineers play in making our homes and communities function smoothly. From navigating permits and stormwater regulations to understanding surveying, land development, and cost factors, Steve provides valuable insights into how homeowners, contractors, and municipalities work together to create sustainable and functional spaces. Whether you're planning a home addition, a new pool, or large-scale land development, this conversation will shed light on the often-overlooked world of civil engineering.

Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro to Rooted in Innovation
00:27 - Welcome & Guest Introduction: Steve Parker
01:25 - What is Civil Engineering & Why It Matters
02:24 - How Civil Engineers Support Homeowners & Contractors
04:30 - Permits: The Necessary Evil of Construction
06:10 - The Growing Costs of Stormwater Management
08:24 - Understanding Impervious Coverage & Drainage Issues
12:57 - Why Regulations Are Getting Stricter
14:25 - Sponsor Break: Tree Staple – The Smarter Way to Plant Trees
15:19 - The Importance of Property Surveys in Development
17:34 - Topographical Surveys: What They Are & Why They Matter
20:40 - Advancements in Mapping & Civil Engineering Technology
22:24 - Merging Generations in Engineering & New Innovations
24:36 - Finding the Next Generation of Civil Engineers
26:26 - The Complexity of Mineral Rights & Land Ownership
29:26 - The Challenges of Multi-Generational Businesses
30:35 - What Steve Finds Most Rewarding in His Work
34:38 - Project Timelines: Why Homeowners Should Plan Ahead
35:02 - Steve’s Advice for Homeowners Considering a Project
37:54 - Engineering Differences Across States
39:45 - Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
41:24 - Closing Remarks & Where to Find Parker Engineering

Resources:
Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com
Connect with Jim Mancini on LinkedIn

In this episode of Rooted in Innovation, hosted by Dionisio Roman and Mike Nusser, and sponsored by Tree Staple, we dive into the growing challenge of invasive species with environmental expert Liane DeRosa. Liane discusses the impact invasive plants and animals have on ecosystems, from habitat destruction to biodiversity loss. She shares practical strategies for combating invasive species, the importance of planting native species, and inspiring success stories of ecosystem restoration. Whether you’re a property owner, gardener, or environmental enthusiast, this episode equips you with actionable insights to protect and restore our natural world.

Timecodes:
0:00 – Introduction to Rooted in Innovation
0:28 – Meet Leanne DeRosa: Advocate for biodiversity and environmental protection
1:01 – Defining invasive species and their threats
2:31 – Impact of invasive species on habitats and biodiversity
3:32 – Monocultures, habitat loss, and new diseases caused by invasives
5:26 – Regional examples: Florida vs. Northeast invasive species
8:31 – Challenges with Brazilian pepper trees, knotweed, and bamboo
12:01 – Historical context: How invasive species arrived in the U.S.
15:01 – Tips for identifying and planting native species
17:01 – Success stories: Ecosystem restoration after invasive removal
20:31 – Herbicide use: Pros, cons, and alternatives
24:31 – Practical advice for homeowners: Sustainable landscaping
27:01 – Companion planting and indigenous knowledge in conservation
35:01 – Closing thoughts: How you can protect biodiversity
36:42 – Outro: Subscribe and stay rooted in innovation

Resources:
Have an upcoming landscaping project? Contact Tree Staple for a quote treestaple.com
Connect with Jim Mancini on LinkedIn
Connect with Liane DeRosa on LinkedIn