From Spreadsheets to Sprouts: Chia-Ming Ro on L.A.'s Foodscaping Frontier

Charging more is not the risky move, underpricing is. Connor Marelic of Switchgrass explains why so many foodscaping and ecological landscaping businesses stay busy, admired, and broke - and how to build bids that actually create a profitable, sustainable company. Matt talks with Connor about the hidden math behind pricing, why 95% close rates usually mean prices are too low, and how aiming for 20% to 25% net profit changes everything from hiring to equipment decisions. If you have ever wondered why a project that feels "successful" still leaves you short on cash, this conversation gets specific fast. Learn more about Switchgrass: www.switchgrass.ai/ 🍎 We just HAD to give this full episode to you for free. Join The Foodscaper Membership to get all the complete episodes. Members receive direct feedback on your work, live calls, Pro Talks recordings and access to our professional learning library. First month is free! JOIN HERE: thefoodscaper.com/membership The Foodscaper Members - sign up for your free 1:1 Profitability Session with Connor! 🍎 Learn More and Apply for The Foodscaper Cohort Follow The Foodscaper on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook Title music: Honeydew by ⁠No Bill Dill⁠ | Produced by Rachel Kaplan⁠

Charging more is not the risky move, underpricing is. Connor Marelic of Switchgrass explains why so many foodscaping and ecological landscaping businesses stay busy, admired, and broke - and how to build bids that actually create a profitable, sustainable company. Matt talks with Connor about the hidden math behind pricing, why 95% close rates usually mean prices are too low, and how aiming for 20% to 25% net profit changes everything from hiring to equipment decisions. If you have ever wondered why a project that feels "successful" still leaves you short on cash, this conversation gets specific fast.

Unlock the secret to scaling your edible landscaping business—without burning out. Katie Carey from Columbus Foodscapes reveals how she transitioned from solo operator to managing a thriving team, all while staying true to her core values and passion. If you're dreaming of growth but feeling overwhelmed, this episode will change the way you see team-building, client relationships, and sustainable success. Katie shares the pivotal moments that pushed her from struggle to stability—like hiring her first employees, creating scalable systems, and leveraging community connections. She dives into the nuts and bolts of working with subcontractors, the mindset shifts needed to hire confidently, and how to develop a thriving company culture that prioritizes connection and care. You'll discover how intentional hiring, SOPs, and community outreach can turn chaos into clarity, making your business not just sustainable, but wildly rewarding. We break down: how to recognize when it's time to hire, the key to finding aligned team members, and even creative strategies like ice cream days to boost morale. Katie reveals her SEO tricks, successful outreach tactics, and how to cultivate ongoing mentorship—proving that growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being. This episode is perfect for foodscapers, landscapers, and entrepreneurs craving authentic growth while maintaining quality of life. If you’re ready to level up with a team that elevates your skill, passion, and impact—this is your playbook. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through the next growth barrier, Katie’s insights will inspire you to think big, act wisely, and stay scrappy. Katie is the founder of Columbus Foodscapes, an edible landscaping company in Ohio, known for transforming yards into thriving food forests, community gardens, and educational spaces. 🍎 We just HAD to give this full episode to you for free. Join The Foodscaper Membership to get all the complete episodes. Members receive direct feedback on your work, live calls, Pro Talks recordings and access to our professional learning library. First month is free! JOIN HERE.

Unlock the future of community living through food—where edible landscapes become a powerhouse for connection, sustainability, and healthy neighborhoods. If you're passionate about transforming green spaces into vibrant food communities, this episode is your playbook. Tripp Eldridge, founder of Convivial Foodscapes, shares how he's leading a movement that blends agriculture, community, and design on a scale you can build right in your backyard—or in a new neighborhood. Discover how agrihoods are reshaping the way we think about urban living, making food an integral part of our everyday lives rather than an afterthought. You’ll discover practical ways to: design edible neighborhoods, build community through volunteer programs and workshops, and collaborate with landscape architects to bring foodscaping to life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, landscape professional, or community advocate, this episode reveals how to position yourself at the intersection of food, design, and community in ways that are scalable, sustainable, and deeply impactful. Join us for inspiring insights, actionable strategies, and real-world examples that will leave you energized to help build the future of food-centered communities. Tripp Eldridge is the founder of Convivial Foodscapes and a leading voice in edible landscapes and agrihood development. Learn more about Tripp and Convivial Foodscapes: www.convivialfoodscapes.com 🍎 We just HAD to give this full episode to you for free. Join The Foodscaper Membership to get all the complete episodes. Members receive direct feedback on your work, live calls, Pro Talks recordings and access to our professional learning library. First month is free! JOIN HERE: thefoodscaper.com/membership 🍎NEW: Get 1:1 Coaching with Matt

Un miniepisodio del Foodscaper en español! Con Scott Gallant de ⁠Porvenir Design, y tu anfitrión, Matt Lebon.