Blizzard & Bloom: Insights from the Ice and the Green Scene
Welcome to Blizzard and Bloom, the podcast where the green meets the white! Hosted by Jay Rotonnelli, a seasoned expert with over 36 years in the landscape and snow removal industries, this show dives deep into the business, operations, and stories behind both blooming landscapes and blizzard battles.
Whether you’re a property manager, business owner, snow fighter, or landscape professional, you’ll find valuable insights, industry trends, and real-world advice. Expect candid conversations with industry leaders, tips for growing your business, and even a few wild stories from the field.
It’s informative, it’s fun, and it’s designed to help you thrive—whether the ground is covered in grass or snow.
New episodes every other week. Subscribe now to stay ahead in the green and snow game!
Episodes
19 episodes
Getting Groovy in Grand Rapids: The Annual Snow & Ice Symposium
What happens when winter professionals gather in the summer heat? Magic, connections, and serious business growth.The Snow & Ice Management Association's annual symposium is just days away, and in this engaging conversation, Martin ...
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18:37
Building Better Landscape Businesses Through Strategic Supplier Relationships
Greg Thistle, Regional Vice President at SiteOne, brings 25 years of green industry wisdom to this episode, sharing how a curious 21-year-old evolved into a landscape industry leader. His journey reveals the surprising career trajectories avail...
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37:36
Beyond the Green: Uniting an Industry of Specialists
Ever wonder why the people who design our outdoor spaces, build our patios, and maintain our landscapes rarely talk to each other? Angelique Robb did, and she decided to do something about it.The founder of Synkd magazine joins Jay Roto...
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44:52
Beyond the Garden: Navigating Trust, Trends, and Timing in Landscape Supply
The relationship between landscapers and plant suppliers forms the backbone of successful outdoor projects—yet few understand the complex forecasting, growing processes, and industry knowledge required to bring the right plants to the right pla...
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28:07
From Vision to Reality: A Designer's Journey Through Landscape Creation
Mara Robinson's journey from entomology student to accomplished landscape designer reveals how finding your true calling can transform not just your career, but your entire approach to life. In this fascinating conversation, Mara shares how a c...
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Season 1
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36:25
The Future of Landscaping is Tech-Driven, Professional, and Full of Opportunity
Brian Horn, editor-in-chief of Lawn and Landscape magazine, explores how the landscaping industry is evolving through private equity investment, technological advancements, and professional development opportunities.• Labor remains the ...
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Season 1
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29:51
Leadership Through Liquid Innovation: Jeremy Kirkham's Journey at Clintar
Jeremy Kirkham shares his 20+ year journey in the snow and ice management industry, from starting with a small landscape company to his current role at Clinntar Commercial Services where he's pioneering liquid applications and leadership develo...
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Season 1
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37:56
Grass Roots Revolution
Discover the evolving world of lawn care through the eyes of an industry expert who's navigating environmental regulations while delivering results that keep properties lush and healthy. Chris Galluzzo, Director of Account Management at Mainly ...
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36:53
Risk, Responsibility, and Research in Snow Management
David Gallagher takes us on a compelling journey through his 30-year career in snow and ice management, from his humble beginnings with a shovel at age 13 to becoming a pivotal figure in shaping national industry standards. With candid storytel...
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37:07
Why the trades need parents' buy-in to thrive again
What happens when someone with 42 years in the landscape industry decides to tackle America's skilled trade shortage head-on? Russ Marsan joins us to share his remarkable journey from grinding stumps on the North Shore of Massachusetts to becom...
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Season 1
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32:36
Communication with Snow Management is Critical
In this episode of Blizzard and Bloom, Jay Rotonnelli and Dean Outhouse discuss the complexities of snow management, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of weather, the importance of industry involvement, and effective client communication. De...
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Season 1
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23:12
The H-2B Visa Program: Breaking Through Labor Challenges
Immigration attorney Megan Kirchner pulls back the curtain on one of the most valuable yet misunderstood tools available to landscaping, snow removal, and seasonal service businesses facing labor shortages. The H-2B visa program offers a legal ...
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29:56
Why Your Brand Needs a Strong Strategic Partner
Our conversation with Darci Knowles and Julie Machado highlights the evolving landscape of marketing and the importance of building strong strategic partnerships. We discuss how partnerships can help businesses not only navigate challenges but ...
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32:14
Growth, Relationships, and Sales Strategies in Landscaping
Join us for an enriching conversation with Mike Skeats, a Senior Landscape Sales Professional at Piscataqua Landscaping, as we explore the ins and outs of building relationships in the landscaping industry. This episode dives deep into the sign...
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Season 1
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28:38
Blizzard and Bloom W/ Kevin Battistoni
In this conversation, Kevin Battistoni from Hunter Industries shares his journey in the irrigation industry, emphasizing the importance of technology, customer experience, and education. He discusses how the industry has evolved, the need for c...
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Season 1
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49:49
How Creative Thinking Can Revolutionize Snow Management
Join us for an engaging conversation with Martin Tirado, CEO of SIMA, as we explore the fascinating world of snow and ice management. This episode goes beyond the usual logistical challenges to reveal the creativity and community spirit that fu...
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Season 1
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27:31
Weathering the Storms of Business
Dive into the debut episode of "Blizzard and Bloom," hosted by Jay Rotonnelli, where we explore resilience and growth in the ever-challenging landscape of entrepreneurship. From blizzards to blooms, this podcast navigates the realities of the b...
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Season 1
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12:32