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On this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we sit down with Brian Suarez, fourth-generation metal artisan and owner of Toledo Iron Works, to explore how a family legacy forged in 1969 continues to shape luxury construction and design across South Florida and beyond.

Brian shares the fascinating story of how his great-grandfather and grandfather built a business that began with burglar bars and evolved into one of the region’s most respected names in custom ornamental metalwork. From hand-forged staircases and driveway gates to one-of-a-kind gazebos and trellises, Toledo Iron Works brings craftsmanship, technology, and artistry together to transform spaces into experiences.

Listeners will discover:

• The origins of Toledo Iron Works and how “old-school” techniques meet modern design.
• The behind-the-scenes process of fabricating and installing large-scale architectural metalwork.
• How technology like Company Cam and innovative materials such as wood-grain aluminum elevate their craft.
• The challenges and rewards of leading a multigenerational family business.
• How collaboration between industries — from metalwork to landscaping — creates unforgettable outdoor environments.

Brian also offers heartfelt insights for young entrepreneurs stepping into family businesses, emphasizing leadership, adaptability, and staying ahead of design trends.

From tradition to innovation, this episode captures the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose in shaping both metal and mindset.

Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez

Toledo Iron Works
Email: info@toledoironworks.com or Bryan@toledoironworks.com
IG: www.instagram.com/toledo_iron_works
web: https://toledoironworks.com/

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

The Nursery Growers
Call: 786-522-4942

Plant Logistics Co.
(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098

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.

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On this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez sits down with Bryan Lloyd and Erin Rogers, Territory Sales Managers with Greenworks Commercial, the all-electric leader transforming outdoor power equipment.

Bryan, who covers Central Florida and brings over 15 years of experience in the power equipment world, and Erin, who manages South Florida after years in the battery technology space, break down how Greenworks is changing the way landscapers think about performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

The conversation dives into:

- The benefits of switching to electric — from massive fuel savings to noise reduction in HOA communities.

- Battery innovation — including Greenworks’ customizable energy systems, on-site charging caddies, and the revolutionary “Energy Cube.”

- Smarter tech and safety — with motors that shut off on impact, ETO ports for charging tools on the go, and robotics that are reshaping how crews work.

- The real ROI — see how contractors are saving up to 85% on fuel and paying off their electric mowers in under two years.

- The future of the industry — from robotic mowing to smarter labor solutions, and how Greenworks is positioning itself for the next 20 years of innovation.

From autonomous mowers to battery-powered UTVs, Greenworks isn’t just making equipment — they’re building a full ecosystem for the next generation of lawn and landscape professionals.

Tune in to learn how you can power your business into the future with clean energy, smarter tools, and long-term savings.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.

📲 Follow @ThePlantMovementPodcast and @GreenworksCommercial to stay connected with the movement.

Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez

Greenworks Commercial
Email: marketing@greenworkstools.com
IG: www.instagram.com/greenworkscommercial
web: https://www.greenworkscommercial.com/

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

The Nursery Growers
Call: 786-522-4942

Plant Logistics Co.
(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098

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 inspiring episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, we sit down with Jacqueline Costa, founder of The Farmer’s Daughter, a luxury garden lifestyle brand redefining what it means to live beautifully, both indoors and out.

Jacqueline comes from one of the most respected legacies in the Green Industry, her grandfather was the founder of Costa Farms, one of the largest horticultural growers in the world. Following in those footsteps, she has carved her own unique path, blending her family’s deep horticultural roots with her own background in fashion and design to create something truly original.

After earning her degree in Fashion Merchandising from Florida State University, Jacqueline began her career as a buyer for Burdines (now Macy’s). She later joined her father, Mike Costa, at Mike Costa Foliage and Costa Farms, where she managed key accounts such as IKEA—driving millions in plant sales and honing her eye for product design and trend forecasting.

Her journey took her across the globe to China, where she lived for over a decade establishing Costa’s buying office, developing planter collections, and raising her two children. When COVID brought her family back to the U.S., Jacqueline channeled her creative passion into launching The Farmer’s Daughter — a brand that fuses fashion, horticulture, and lifestyle into a single elevated experience.

Today, The Farmer’s Daughter offers luxury planters, curated garden accessories, and tailored apparel designed for women who live and love the garden life.

In this episode, we explore:
- The Costa family legacy and how it shaped Jacqueline’s entrepreneurial vision.
- How The Farmer’s Daughter is elevating the Green Industry through design, storytelling, and sustainability.
- The lessons learned from living abroad and developing global products.
- The influence of her father’s “hustle and heart” philosophy — and how she’s passing it forward.
- The intersection of fashion, gardening, and modern lifestyle, and what’s next for her expanding brand.

Jacqueline’s story is one of heritage, creativity, and evolution — proving that the next generation of growers can innovate while honoring their roots. Whether you’re in horticulture, design, or entrepreneurship, this episode will leave you inspired to grow your own movement.

Listen now to Episode 85 of The Plant Movement Podcast, available on all platforms.

Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez

The Farmers Daughter

Shop: https://thefarmersdaughter1.faire.com
Contact: 786-295-4600
Email: jackiecc2@gmail.com
IG: www.instagram.com/thefarmersdaughtertfd
web: https://thefarmersdaughtertfd.com/ordering-and-delivery/

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

The Nursery Growers

Helping Nurseries Grow a Better Product
Call: 786-522-4942

Plant Logistics Co.
(Delivering Landscape Plant Material Throughout the State of Florida)
Call: (305) 912-3098

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

Support the show

Send us a text

On this episode of The Plant Movement Podcast, host Willie Rodriguez sits down with Ara Flink, founder of Propagation Diaries, to explore the fast-growing world of houseplants, creativity, and innovation in plant care. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Ara has built a thriving business around one key idea, houseplants deserve accessories that are as beautiful and functional as the plants themselves.

Originally from Costa Rica, Ara’s journey took an unexpected turn from medical school to plant entrepreneurship. After noticing a lack of stylish, high-quality supports for indoor plants, she began designing her own trellises—crafted from iridescent acrylic and locally manufactured in the U.S. Her creations quickly gained popularity, leading to the launch of PropagationDiaries.com, where she now sells trellises, plant care tools, and self-watering products that combine design with purpose.

In this inspiring conversation, Ara shares:
- How she transformed a creative idea into a successful product line supporting the houseplant community.
- Insights on scaling a small business, expanding into wholesale, and preparing for her debut at TPIE 2025.
- The challenges of eco-friendly packaging, manufacturing in the U.S., and managing operations with a small team.
- Why collaboration over competition could transform the plant industry.
- The future of the houseplant market and how live sales, influencers, and social media are reshaping it.

Ara’s story is a testament to passion, innovation, and persistence—showing how the plant community continues to evolve through creativity and connection.

📲 Explore her designs at PropagationDiaries.com
and follow her journey on Instagram @PropagationDiaries
.
🌱 Connect with Ara at TPIE 2025 or reach out to collaborate and grow together.

Propagation Diaries

Email: ara@propagationdiaries.com
Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/propagationdiaries


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 welcome Alex Barth of Troy’s Tropics Inc., based in Sarasota, Florida. Alex made the five-hour drive to join us in person and share his story of growth, adaptation, and resilience in the Green Industry.

Alex grew up surrounded by plants thanks to his father, a terrestrial biologist focused on wetlands and conservation. That early exposure shaped his passion for horticulture and led him from planting trees as a child to launching his own business, The Plant Whisperer, before eventually joining Troy’s Tropics in 2014. What started as a landscape division soon grew into a thriving wholesale nursery serving landscapers, garden centers, and beyond.

In our conversation, Alex opens up about:

• Selling to garden centers and strategies for creating additional revenue streams.
• The challenges of expanding from retail into wholesale while staying rooted in quality and service.
• Navigating hurricanes, market shifts, and the need to adapt quickly in Florida’s fast-growing landscape.
• Building strong relationships and why collaboration beats competition in the nursery world.
• How social media—especially Instagram—now drives more than half of Troy’s Tropics’ sales.
• The importance of educating and inspiring the next generation to keep the industry alive.

From growing bougainvilleas and native plants to running propagation houses and offering full-service landscaping, Alex shares the lessons he’s learned while helping Troy’s Tropics scale from 10 employees to nearly 90. His perspective is grounded in faith, hard work, and a belief that relationships are the backbone of the Green Industry.

This episode is packed with insights for growers, garden centers, landscapers, and anyone passionate about plants and business growth.

Connect with Alex and see what’s happening at the nursery on Instagram: @TroysTropics

Troy's Tropics

Web: troystropics.com

Follow IG: https://www.instagram.com/troystropicssarasota


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 return episode, we welcome back Alberti Ortiz of Boca Landscape Designs, who joins us fresh off the Landscape Leadership Summit 2025, his first-ever seminar that almost didn’t happen. With transparency, courage, and faith, Alberti shares how he overcame doubt, fear, and countless obstacles to create an event that impacted nearly 100 people in the Green Industry.

From late nights sending emails to bartering for a venue, Alberti’s story is a raw reminder that faith without action is nothing. He opens up about surrendering distractions, learning to hear God’s voice, and the transformation that comes from accountability, prayer, and obedience.

Listeners will hear about:

• How Alberti’s mentors pushed him to “just do it” despite fear.
• The unexpected support that made the event possible with speakers, plants, design, and funding all divinely provided.
• Why true leadership is about stewardship, testimony, and giving back, not sales.
• How faith acts like a muscle, growing stronger through testing.
• The importance of accountability in business, family, and spiritual life.

With scripture, personal testimony, and raw honesty, Alberti reminds us that behind every purpose, there are people, and that the light of God can shine even through business. His journey is a call to action for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to live with greater purpose.

The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer for strength, guidance, accountability, and for every listener to feel God’s presence in their own journey.

Follow Alberti on Instagram: @bocalandscapedesigns
Stay connected with us: The Plant Movement Podcast

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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