This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Andrew Martin, founder of Urban Landcare, to explore how personal grit, strategic pivots, and people-first leadership built one of San Diego’s most exciting landscape companies.

From growing up on construction sites in Northern Kentucky to becoming a disruptive force in Southern California, Andrew’s journey is a masterclass in betting on yourself and evolving with the industry.

In this episode, Andrew shares:

• How he launched Urban Landscapes in 2018 with two employees and 15 properties

• Why he quickly shifted from residential to commercial and leaned into irrigation as a profit center

• What he’s doing to stay ahead of California turf regulations and tech trends

• Why he took the time to learn Spanish and how it transformed his connection with the team

• His approach to competing with national firms by focusing on personal relationships and service consistency

Whether you’re building your book from scratch or scaling into the millions, Andrew’s story offers a grounded, real-world look at what it takes to grow smart, lead well, and stay true to your values.

Tune in to hear how one founder is dominating his local market while planning for what’s next.

This week on Trades Talk, Justin White breaks down the three questions every trade leader should be asking to assess culture, clarity, and hiring momentum.

Inside the episode: • How a simple 1–10 scale can reveal culture gaps • What separates A players from C players, and why it matters • Five keys to building a growth-focused culture that attracts top talent • Why problems are actually your greatest asset

Justin also shares updates from the Disruptors community, real coaching wins from members like Dylan Whitlow, and how custom GPTs like Landscape Intelligence are changing the game for contractors.

If you want to build a culture that fuels growth, and learn how top operators think about team, tools, and mindset, this one’s for you.

This week on Trades Talk, host Justin White sits down with Seb Lopez of Awake Abroad Media to talk about all things storytelling, content strategy, and personal branding. Seb brings a global perspective to his work, shaped by years of traveling, media production, and working with elite performers; from Olympic athletes to top real estate professionals.

In this episode, Seb shares:

• Why shifting from social media consumption to creation is a game-changer

• How to build a brand around your values , not just your business

• The three core content types every company should be producing

• Why your personal brand attracts the right clients and talent

• The secret to creating content that actually drives results

Whether you’re a CEO, marketer, or just getting started in content, this episode breaks down a practical and sustainable approach to media that connects and converts ; without burnout or fluff.

If you’re ready to stand out, tell your story, and scale trust, this one’s for you.