Nextra Presents...!

Jan 22 2024 4
Nextra Presents...! Podcast artwork

An in-depth look into Canada’s landscape and snow removal industry. Hosted by Grant Harrison, a 30-year veteran who has taken his vast knowledge and experience and built a successful coaching business in Nextra Consulting. Featuring one-on-one interviews with business owners, industry giants, national suppliers, innovators and support organizations. Learn business management lessons and strategies from some of the most professional companies in Canada. 

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Episode 70 - Nextra Update/Powergroup Resources (W/guest Jake DeJong)

Jan 22 2024 30 mins  
There have been some recent changes at Nextra! In this episode, Grant and Marla share about those changes, and the circumstances that set the changes in motion. Then Grant speaks with Jake DeJong from PowerGroup Resources about their part in the changes and what the future holds for both PowerGroup and Nextra. Episode Links:Connect with Jake519-865-2487EmailPowerGroup ResourcesConn

Episode 69 - Dave Hockley (Hockley Landscape)

Oct 26 2023 35 mins  
On today's episode, our HR Director, Charolette Cascioli talks with Dave Hockley from Hockley’s Landscaping in Simcoe. Hockley’s brought in two temporary foreign workers this year and Dave shares what that experience has been like for him and for his company as well as the staffing struggles that led up to using the TFW program and what the benefits have been since. If you

Episode 68 - Wendy Ladd (Jim Pattison Lease)

Oct 12 2023 38 mins  
On today's episode, we welcome back Wendy Ladd from Jim Pattison Lease. Wendy talks about the services JPL provides as well as gives us an update on the current vehicle market. She provides information on timelines and availability of new vehicles and outfitting, and then touches on what’s happening with electric vehicles as well as discounts available to contractors. We hav

Episode 67 - Paul Vanderzon

Sep 21 2023 64 mins  
On today's episode, Grant speaks with Paul Vanderzon, a lifetime landscape/snow industry professional and mentor to many. Paul has spent his life working in and advocating for the snow removal industry and its associations. Grant and Paul discuss his experience, the changes he’s seen in the industry and the ones he feels still need to happen as well as the benefits of snow c

Episode 66 - Ryan Quigley & Mitch Bursey (Storm Solutions +)

Sep 07 2023 36 mins  
On today's episode, Grant talks with Ryan Quigley and Mitch Bursey from Storm Solutions made a transition to liquid brine in 2019 and they share how they made that transition, what was involved, and how they trained their staff. Storm Solutions Plus is their sales, service and parts business. They are the Canadian dealer for VSI by Boss and for MetalPless snow blades and they

Episode 65 - Brian Cotter (LGMP/Durham Artificial Grass)

Aug 24 2023 50 mins  
On Today's episode, Grant is joined by Brian Cotter. Brian is the president of Lloyd’s Grounds Management Professionals and Durham Artificial Grass. Brian and Grant talk about about his history in the landscape industry, his dual businesses, the growth of the artificial turf industry and about the company culture he and his leadership team have created. They also give some s

Episode 64 - The LO podcast w/ guest speaker Grant Harrison

Aug 10 2023 32 mins  
Today we’re sharing a podcast from Landscape Ontario where Grant was the guest. Grant discusses what he will be teaching at the Waterloo Chapter events this fall, as well as touching on some current issues facing the industry like sales and staffing. Grant doesn't often get to be on the other side of the microphone so we are excited to share this with you!Connect with GrantE

Episode 63 - Jim & Jenna Monk (Encore Presentation)

Jul 27 2023 60 mins  
With company culture as our theme this month, we thought we would bring back an interview Grant did a couple of years ago with Jim & Jenna Monk of Markham Property Services. Grant met Jim and Jenna a number of years ago and was impressed with their willingness to share their journey, their victories as well as their failures, and their wisdom in order to see the landscape indus

Episode 62 - Crucial Conversations

Jul 13 2023 31 mins  
On today's episode, we decided to stay close to home and invite Charolette Cascioli, Nextra's HR Director and Martin Horsman, one of our resident Business Coaches to talk to Grant about a "crucial" topic. No one likes difficult conversations. But they are necessary and they're important for the health of businesses, relationships and mental wellbeing. The b

Episode 61 - Paul McCallum (TORO)

Jun 24 2023 54 mins  
On today's episode, Grant talks with Paul McCallum from Toro. Paul talks about his history in the landscape industry, how Toro's survived the pandemic (and grown!), and how they are positioning themselves and their products to address the needs of landscapers and homeowners in the future. He also shares the most recent additions to the Toro line up and some new products T