Interview Series: The Journey to Success with Lee Buffington of Thrive Outdoor

In this episode, our longtime friend Lee Buffington, Founder & CEO of Thrive Outdoor in Alabama, shares stories from his 29-year journey as a landscape pro. Starting his company at 19 years old, he shares the challenges that seemed big in the early years, how his team has overcome them, and what they're working on today.

Lee delves into the critical importance of mindset, emphasizing how attitude can elevate someone from a weed eater operator to a successful business leader. He discusses the evolution of his company over nearly three decades, examining current industry trends and the management of multiple locations. He highlights the use of data analysis through platforms like Aspire, which has streamlined operations and informed decision-making. Throughout the conversation, Lee underscores the significance of building strong relationships, both with clients and team members, and how ‘leading with love’ fosters a positive work environment. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring landscapers, including the importance of mentorship and the impact of hiring the best talent. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful discussion about perseverance, growth, and the power of community in business.

In This Episode:

• Intro of guest Lee Buffington, Alabama and family discussion
• From dreams of medical school to the landscaping industry
• Early challenges, being a young solopreneur, surviving winters
• 29 years in business, examining the business and industry today
• Physical locations of Thrive Outdoor in Alabama
• Mindset and attitude can take you all the way from weed eater operator to company head in the landscaping industry
• Realizing you are the bottleneck
• Collecting and analyzing data - Aspire
• Managing multiple locations and a changing industry, Grunder’s new branch
• Business success and relationships, leading with love
• Would you have done anything differently?
• Paying for the best people
• Learning from all levels of team members
• Advice for landscapers - mentors
• Sign up for GROW! 2025
• Share with someone in landscaping, subscribe, like, share, and send us your show ideas and comments!

The Grow Show podcast is sponsored by STIHL and brought to you by The Grow Group - a leading coaching and education firm for landscape professionals. Your host is Marty Grunder, president and CEO of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping Co., one of the most successful design-build operations of its kind in the Midwest. The Grow Show shares ideas, tips, tactics, and insights that will help you grow your landscaping business.

Resources:

Thrive Outdoor Inc. 

Virtual Sales Bootcamp 

Grunder Landscaping Fall 2024 Field Trips  

GROW! 2025 Feb 25-27, Columbus OH  

The Grow Group  

Grunder Landscaping  

Marty Grunder LinkedIn  

Stihl