Send us a text

Have you ever thought about starting your own nursery but weren’t sure where to begin? In this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez talks with Keith Crouse, a 23-year-old firefighter from the Keys who decided to take the leap and start a nursery in Homestead, FL.

Keith didn’t grow up with a nursery, he built one from the ground up on his days off. From buying the wrong materials, struggling with irrigation, and even laying down the wrong cloth in his greenhouse, Keith has learned through trial and error what it really takes to get started. His mentality? Fail faster, learn quicker, and keep moving forward.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
🌱 How Keith spotted a gap in the market and turned it into an opportunity.
🌱 Why failing early is part of the process when launching a nursery.
🌱 The importance of finding your niche and mastering it.
🌱 How to build trust and relationships that last longer than a paycheck.
🌱 The role of faith, family, and perseverance when things get tough.

Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own nursery or already growing and looking for encouragement, Keith’s story will show you that you don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to start.

Tune in, get inspired, and take that first step toward building your own nursery.

Howard and Son Farms

Call: (305) 878-1902
Email: howardnsonfarms@gmail.com
Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/howardnsonfarms


The Plant Movement Podcast

Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast


A's Ornamental Nursery

WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.asornamental.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery

The Nursery Growers

Call: 786-522-4942
Email: info@thenurserygrowers.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thenurserygrowers
web: www.thenurserygrowers.com

Plant Logistics Co.

(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098
Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics





Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez





Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

Support the show

Send us a text

The Plant Movement Podcast is back in a brand-new studio for a milestone Episode 80, featuring a powerful conversation with Richard Mancias, owner of Buzzkill Pest Control & Fertilization. With over 15 years of experience specializing in outdoor pest control for lawns and ornamentals, Richard shares his journey from starting out at a landscape company in the mid-2000s to building his own business based on honesty, service, and results.

Richard takes us back to the days when fig whitefly devastated South Florida landscapes, forcing homeowners and landscapers to find urgent solutions. He explains how the industry has evolved, the importance of rotating chemicals to prevent resistance, and why knowledge and timing are everything when treating pests like aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.

But this episode goes far beyond pest control. Richard opens up about:

• The importance of doing the little things right and treating every property with care.

• Building strong relationships between landscapers, pest control professionals, and irrigation specialists.

• Why owner-operators bring more passion and accountability than large corporations.

• His philosophy of service: “As long as I keep doing good work, everybody keeps eating.”

We also dive into the realities of running a business—pricing, investing in the right equipment, and the mental battle of overcoming self-doubt. Richard talks about his decision to give up drinking, the clarity it brought him, and how he’s reshaped his life and business with discipline, respect, and a focus on serving others.

For landscapers, business owners, and anyone chasing growth in 2025, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, raw honesty, and inspiration. Richard’s story is proof that success isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about accountability, relationships, and doing what’s right for the long run.

Tune in and get inspired by Episode 80 of The Plant Movement Podcast.

BuzzKill Insect Control and Fertilization

Call: (305) 484-8620

Email: buzzkillcf@gmail.com
Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/Buzzkill305


The Plant Movement Podcast

Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast


A's Ornamental Nursery

WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.asornamental.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery

The Nursery Growers

Call: 786-522-4942
Email: info@thenurserygrowers.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thenurserygrowers
web: www.thenurserygrowers.com

Plant Logistics Co.

(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098
Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics





Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez





Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

Support the show

Send us a text

On this heartfelt episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we sit down with Saul Belmontes, the owner of Belmontscapes, a local lawn maintenance and landscaping company in South Florida. Saul’s story is one of faith, sacrifice, and resilience, a journey that began in his father’s nursery and grew into a thriving landscaping business built with determination and heart.
Saul opens up about his second-generation Mexican American roots, growing up working alongside his family, and how life’s unexpected challenges including losing his plumbing job during Hurricane Irma pushed him to lean on prayer, hard work, and sacrifice to build his dream. Today, Belmontscapes proudly serves Miami-Dade and the Keys, maintaining over 60 residential and commercial clients.

This episode dives deep into:
- Saul’s powerful testimony of overcoming financial hardships and setbacks.
- The realities of immigration and labor challenges in the Green Industry.
- Why community, collaboration, and faith are more important now than ever.
- The future of landscaping, rising labor costs, and how professionals must adapt to thrive.

Saul’s journey is a reminder that success is never linear—behind the polished lawns and social media highlights lies a story of grit, persistence, and belief in God’s plan. His honesty about the struggles of hiring, labor shortages, and industry changes will resonate with every listener who’s been tested but refuses to give up.

Tune in to hear Saul’s story, the lessons he’s learned, and his message to landscapers: “Sacrifice now, so the harvest can come later.”

#ThePlantMovementPodcast #Belmontscapes #FaithAndBusiness #LandscapingLife #GreenIndustry #LawnCareCommunity #IndustryTrends #PlantMovement

Belmontscape Landscaping

Call: (786) 402-9473
Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/bemontscape_


The Plant Movement Podcast

Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast


A's Ornamental Nursery

WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.asornamental.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery

The Nursery Growers

Call: 786-522-4942
Email: info@thenurserygrowers.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thenurserygrowers
web: www.thenurserygrowers.com

Plant Logistics Co.

(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098
Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics





Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez





Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

Support the show

Send us a text

On this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we dive deep into the story behind one of the most trusted names in ag equipment, Chemical Containers, Inc. Meet Sid, the national sales rep with over 20 years of hands-on experience, who’s been part of the company since he was just 15. More than just a business, Chemical Containers is a faith-driven, family-operated company that’s been serving the industry for nearly 40 years.

We explore everything from the company’s humble beginnings to its cutting-edge custom sprayers, boom systems, injection pumps, automated tech, and even drone alternatives. Sid shares how the founder, his stepfather, works 50+ hours a week while studying to be a deacon, proof that purpose and passion fuel everything they build.

Topics Covered:

Sid’s journey from the fab shop to national sales

Why quality and longevity set their equipment apart

Innovations like rate controllers, touchscreen injection pumps, and automated tank mixing

Behind the scenes of building custom sprayer trucks, Pole Blasters, and boom systems

The real-life benefits of smart tech like GPS rate control and multi-tank isolation

How they’re tackling labor challenges and helping growers do more with less

Bold ideas like track systems for spraying, greenhouse automation carts, and copper-stimulated plant growth

Honest salesmanship: Why Sid sometimes tells people not to buy

This episode is packed with industry insight, engineering brilliance, and forward-thinking solutions. If you're a grower, landscaper, or nursery owner thinking about upgrading your spray systems or tackling labor and tech challenges, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Learn more or connect with Sid at ChemicalContainers.com or just call and ask for Mr. Sid!

Chemical Containers

Address: 413 ABC rd, Lake Wales, Florida
Email: sales@chemicalcontainers.com
Call: (800) 346-7867
Web: https://www.chemicalcontainers.com
Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/chemicalcontainers



The Plant Movement Podcast

Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast


A's Ornamental Nursery

WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.asornamental.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery

The Nursery Growers

Call: 786-522-4942
Email: info@thenurserygrowers.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thenurserygrowers
web: www.thenurserygrowers.com

Plant Logistics Co.

(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098
Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics





Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez





Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

Support the show

Send us a text

On this illuminating episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we shine a spotlight on Ariel Rodriguez, the founder of Elighting and Worldwide Distributors, a true industry pioneer in outdoor and landscape lighting.
From cold calls at 17 to designing custom lighting systems for luxury estates and commercial properties, Ariel shares his journey, insights, and battle-tested strategies for thriving in a rapidly evolving industry.
On this episode, we cover:
- Ariel’s early days in telemarketing and transition into LED lighting
- How landscape lighting became an art — and a business serving the top 3% of earners
- Key differences between commercial and residential lighting
- Why product quality, warranties, and manufacturer relationships matter
- Business lessons in credit, cash flow, and reinvesting for long-term success
- Behind-the-scenes insight into value engineering, custom installations, and working with designers, architects, and GCs
- The future of lighting — from RGBW customization to Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems
- How Elighting helps nurseries and facilities slash energy bills and optimize lighting for both function and aesthetics

Whether you're a landscaper, GC, nursery owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, Ariel drops gems on running a service-first business, building trust with clients, and scaling smart.
Plus: Learn how lighting can transform your installs, improve property value, and create luxury-level ambiance after dark.
Ready to light up your business? Ariel’s showroom is open, and he’s inviting anyone hungry to learn or partner to connect.

Tune in now and get inspired to grow — one beam at a time.

#ThePlantMovement #LandscapeLighting #BusinessGrowth #Elighting #GreenIndustry #LEDlighting #LightingDesign #OutdoorLiving #PodcastEpisode77

ELIGHTING

Show Room: 12130 sw 114th pl, Miami, Florida
Email: info@elighting.org
Call: (305) 969-8769
Web: https://www.elightingindustries.com
Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/elightingdesigns



The Plant Movement Podcast

Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast


A's Ornamental Nursery

WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.asornamental.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery

The Nursery Growers

Call: 786-522-4942
Email: info@thenurserygrowers.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thenurserygrowers
web: www.thenurserygrowers.com

Plant Logistics Co.

(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098
Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics





Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez





Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

Support the show

Send us a text

On this powerful and transparent episode, host Willie Rodriguez sits down with Alberti Ortiz, founder of Boca Landscape Designs, to explore how landscaping became more than just a business — it became a calling. From mowing lawns at age 13 for $4 an hour to becoming a creative visionary in landscape design, Alberti’s story is one of faith, surrender, and transformation.

Willie, who has been following Alberti’s journey on Instagram, dives deep into how Alberti overcame limiting beliefs, embraced mentorship, and transitioned from cutting 20 lawns a day to designing high-end, purpose-driven outdoor spaces. More than just building landscapes, Alberti is now helping people build from the inside out — emotionally, spiritually, and professionally.

You’ll hear how Alberti:

- Faced and overcame fear to launch his business in 2015

- Pivoted from lawn maintenance to luxury design

- Uses VIP 3D software to close 90% of his jobs

- Protects his creative work with contracts and boundaries

- Finds strength through faith, sobriety, and community

- Believes in divine connections and helping others grow

- Builds real relationships in an industry often driven by transaction

Alberti shares raw moments — from struggles with ego and trust to the turning point where prayer, mentorship, and serving others reshaped his life. His leadership style, rooted in humility and integrity, is reshaping how we define success in the green industry.

🌴 Plus: Willie gives a shoutout to PlantFinder.com and Betrock’s Essential Guide to Palms — a must-have resource! Come by the office, say hello, and you might leave with a book and a shirt!

Whether you’re a landscaper, designer, or entrepreneur, this episode reminds us: We walk by faith, not by sight. You’re not alone. There’s purpose in the pain, growth in surrender, and power in connection.

—

📲 Connect with Alberti Ortiz:
Email: sunview_landscapes@hotmail.com
Call: (954) 918-9991
Instagram: @boca_landscape_designs
Website: bocalandscapedesigns.com

🎧 The Plant Movement Podcast — Giving a voice to the Green Industry.
Listen. Learn. Grow.

The Plant Movement Podcast

Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast


A's Ornamental Nursery

WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.asornamental.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery

The Nursery Growers

Call: 786-522-4942
Email: info@thenurserygrowers.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thenurserygrowers
web: www.thenurserygrowers.com

Plant Logistics Co.

(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098
Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics





Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez





Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

Support the show

Send us a text

On this Episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez welcomes Efrain Santos, the 25-year-old founder of Keyscape Landscape and Design, whose journey from job site translator to high-end landscape contractor is nothing short of inspiring. Starting at just 16, Efrain was managing his uncle’s landscape job sites and learning pricing, sourcing, and client communication firsthand. After gaining turf experience with Hellas in Texas including work on SoFi Stadium—Efrain returned to Florida and flipped the switch from employee to entrepreneur at age 21, launching his own business armed with hustle, YouTube tutorials, and a podcast by Keith Kalfas. Now based in the Florida Keys and Miami, Efrain shares how he evolved from fixing a single irrigation head to leading large-scale, detail-driven projects that include lighting, irrigation, hardscaping, and pergolas. We dive into his growth strategies, from leveraging Instagram and
video ads to embracing tech like drones and ChatGPT for project visualization and education. Efrain also discusses why his Tesla is more than a car—it's a mobile office, branding tool, and efficiency booster.
Throughout this episode, Efrain gets real about the challenges of earning respect as a young boss, building a brand, and balancing craftsmanship with speed. He emphasizes customer experience, clear communication, and high-quality complementary services as the keys to success in the high-end landscaping market. This episode is packed with practical advice for young entrepreneurs, insights on marketing that works, and a glimpse into the future of tech in landscaping—from 3D-printed designs to drone
measurements.

🎙 Want to be featured on the podcast? DM us on Instagram @theplantmovementpodcast.
🌿 Nurseries, landscapers, and tech innovators welcome!

KEYSCAPE LANDSCAPE

Email: info@keyscape.com
Call: (786) 618-0369
Web: https://www.keyscapelandscape.com
Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/keyscapelandscape



The Plant Movement Podcast

Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast


A's Ornamental Nursery

WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.asornamental.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery

The Nursery Growers

Call: 786-522-4942
Email: info@thenurserygrowers.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thenurserygrowers
web: www.thenurserygrowers.com

Plant Logistics Co.

(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098
Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics





Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez





Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

Support the show

Send us a text

On this insightful episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we sit down with Mr. Bob, a pioneering entrepreneur who built his career selling workers' compensation insurance to the largest nurseries in Miami-Dade County. Discover how Bob identified a gap in the market and filled it with dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Bob shares his incredible journey from his early days working for a State Farm agent during his summers as a teenager to founding his own successful insurance company. He reveals how his passion for insurance began with his father’s friendship with a State Farm agent and how a pivotal decision to join the Air Force Reserve shaped his career path.

Tune in to learn how a chance meeting on the golf course introduced Bob to the nursery industry and set the stage for his workers' compensation success story. He reflects on key relationships, including working with industry leaders like Tony Costa, and how timing, opportunity, and networking propelled his business forward.

Now in his next chapter after selling his insurance company, Bob continues to share his wisdom, emphasizing the importance of service, integrity, and strategic growth. This episode also touches on the evolution of insurance in the Green Industry, lessons learned from decades of experience, and advice for entrepreneurs looking to build their niche.

Don't miss this episode filled with stories of growth, resilience, and community impact!

TRMG

Email: bob@trmg.net
Call: (305) 281-4151
Web: https://www.trmg.net
Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast

The Plant Movement Podcast

Email: eddie@theplantmovementnetwork.com & willie@theplantmovementnetwork.com
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.theplantmovement.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast


A's Ornamental Nursery

WE GROW | WE SOURCE | WE DELIVER
Call: (305) 216-5320
Web: https://www.asornamental.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/asornamentalnursery

The Nursery Growers

Call: 786-522-4942
Email: info@thenurserygrowers.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thenurserygrowers
web: www.thenurserygrowers.com

Plant Logistics Co.

(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098
Web: https://www.plantlogisticsco.com
Follow Us: IG: https://www.instagram.com/plantlogistics





Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez





Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast/youtube video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice. I can’t promise that the information shared on my posts is appropriate for you or anyone else. By listening to this podcast/youtube video, you agree to hold me harmless from any ramifications, financial or otherwise, that occur to you as a result of acting on information found in this podcast/youtube video.

Support the show