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On Episode 104 of The Plant Movement Podcast, We sit down with Tom Springer and Eric Olsen of RediRoot / Nursery Source for a conversation about root architecture, nursery economics, innovation, faith, and the realities of building a business in an ever-changing industry.

Tom’s journey began in 2006, supplying commercial tree nurseries with affordable containers. After learning about the long-term damage caused by circling roots in traditional plastic pots, he set out to develop a better solution. Today, RediRoot focuses on air-pruning technology and container systems designed to help growers develop stronger, healthier root systems.

Eric brings his own unique journey, from commercial cannabis cultivation to horticultural sales and helping growers find practical solutions to real production challenges. Together, Tom and Eric explain why what happens beneath the soil can determine the future of the plant above it.

We get into the problems with conventional containers, how air-pruning systems encourage dense, fibrous roots, and why growing methods matter when you're producing trees and shrubs at commercial scale. They also break down their innovative “Grow and Go” system, discuss the economics squeezing wholesale nurseries, and share how better growing practices may help reduce input costs while improving plant performance.

But this conversation goes beyond containers and production. Tom and Eric speak openly about navigating market changes, adapting when an industry shifts, leading with integrity, and bringing their faith into the workplace. Their story is a reminder that business is about more than products and profit, it's also about stewardship, relationships, and how we show up when things get difficult.

If you're a nursery grower, landscaper, horticulturist, or anyone looking for a better understanding of the science and business behind plant production, this episode is for you.

RediRoot

• Instagram: @rediroot
• Facebook: facebook.com/RediRoot
• Website: rediroot.com
• Tom Springer, Founder, NurserySource (home of RediRoot) - Instagram: @tomspringer Emerson “Tom” Springer | LinkedIn
• Eric Olsen, Marketing & Sales, RediRoot - Instagram: @eric.rediroot, Eric Olsen | LinkedIn

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On this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we sit down with Peter “PJ” Mikoda, owner of South Florida Tropicals, to discuss his journey from starting a landscaping company in New York and New Jersey to building a tropical plant supply business serving markets across the Northeast.

Peter shares how one opportunity selling palm trees changed the direction of his career, leading him to explore the plant supply chain, build relationships with growers, expand his operations, and eventually relocate to South Florida. His story highlights the importance of recognizing opportunities, understanding your numbers, and being willing to make difficult decisions to grow.

The conversation goes deeper into nursery production, land ownership, seasonal cash flow, shipping costs, labor challenges, customer relationships, and the risks of extending credit. Peter also explains why he shifted to a stricter upfront-payment policy after experiencing the financial and emotional burden of unpaid customer debt.

We discuss the realities of operating a large nursery, reinvesting in infrastructure, protecting your business, and building relationships within the horticultural industry. From growing Christmas Palms and Robellinis to supplying Northeast garden centers, Peter’s experience offers valuable lessons for growers, landscapers, and entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Peter’s journey into the horticulture industry
• Building South Florida Tropicals
• Palm tree sales and discovering market opportunities
• Nursery land, production, and expansion
• Shipping costs and logistics
• Seasonal cash flow and reinvestment
• Credit, debt, and protecting your business
• Labor challenges and industry changes
• Family, mentorship, and business relationships

Listen to Episode 103 of The Plant Movement Podcast and hear the real lessons behind building and operating a tropical plant business.

#ThePlantMovementPodcast #SouthFloridaTropicals

Connect with South Florida Tropicals:

Web: www.southfloridatropical.com

Email: info@southfloridatropicals.com

Call: 516-315-1609

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What happens when you combine agriculture, entrepreneurship, family, faith, and a commitment to doing things differently?

On Episode 102 of The Plant Movement Podcast, We sit down with Blake Pearson of Southern Cross Agriculture and owner of Ultimo Cigars for a conversation that goes far beyond farming.

At just 27 years old, Blake is building a life around agriculture while carrying forward lessons passed down through generations of his family farm. From growing hay and produce to raising livestock and cultivating tobacco for cigars, Blake believes in diversification, quality over quantity, and taking care of the land that takes care of us.

We talk about the future of agriculture, rising land costs, development, the generational gap in farming, supporting local producers, and what it really takes for the next generation to step up. Blake shares why he believes we need to protect our topsoil, preserve agricultural land, and build businesses that can actually withstand difficult seasons.

And throughout the conversation, one thing keeps coming back: faith.

Blake opens up about what happens behind closed doors, staying strong through difficult seasons, walking by faith, and remembering where your blessings come from when things aren't going your way.

This is a conversation about building something that lasts—not just for yourself, but for the people and generations that come after you.

Agriculture. Business. Faith. Family. Purpose.

If you're in the green industry, agriculture, or simply trying to build something meaningful, this one is worth listening to.

#ThePlantMovement #BlakePearson #SouthernCrossAgriculture #Ultimo

Southern Cross Agriculture Llc
116 Pearson Drive
Woodbury, GA 30293

Email: southerncrossagriculture ⁨@gmail.com⁩

Instagram: @southercrossagriculture

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