The Plant Movement Podcast

Welcome to The Plant Movement Podcast, the ultimate podcast for entrepreneurs, enthusiasts, and professionals in the ever growing Green Industry. The Plant Movement was founded by Willie Rodriguez and Eddie Gonzalez. This podcast brings you engaging conversations, expert insights, and actionable strategies to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in your business. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, landscaper, garden center or simply passionate about the green industry, this podcast is your go-to resource for inspiration, knowledge, and success stories. LET'S GROW! Directed and Produced by Eddie EVDNT Gonzalez.

Contributors

Host

Willie Rodriguez

Willie Rodriguez is the owner of A's Ornamental Nursery and the co-founder and host of The Plant Movement Podcast. A's Ornamental Nursery was established in 2010, Located in South Florida, specializing in Growing, Brokering, and Delivering a wide variety of Ornamental plants and Trees.

As the host of The Plant Movement Podcast, his engaging discussions and expert advice make the podcast a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

His commitment to the green industry extends beyond his nursery. He is the owner of Plant Logistics Co., a specialized delivery service ensuring the efficient transportation of plants throughout Florida. Additionally, he leads The Nursery Growers, a dedicated team focused on maintaining plant health and ensuring nurseries comply with industry standards.

A man of faith and an active member of the (FNGLA), Willie continues to make significant contributions to the green industry.

Producer

Eddie Gonzalez

Eddie Gonzalez is the owner of EVDNT, a media and marketing company. With over a decade of experience in photography, videography, and website creation.

Joining A's Ornamental Nursery in 2021 as the Media and Marketing Director; Eddie helped revolutionize the Nurseries online presence and visual branding, transforming its digital footprint, enhancing customer engagement, and expanding its reach in the market.

As Co-Founder of The Plant Movement, he Directs and Produces all of the shows podcasts and visual content for their media platforms. His role extends beyond production, as he occasionally co-hosts episodes, bringing a unique perspective to the discussions. Despite his limited experience in the plant world, Eddie's creativity and close friendship with Willie Rodriguez, a prominent figure in the plant industry, make him a valuable asset to the community.

Guests

Guest

Alberti Ortiz

Alberti Ortiz, founder of Boca Landscape Designs, to explore how landscaping became more than just a business — it became a calling. From mowing lawns at age 13 for $4 an hour to becoming a creative visionary in landscape design.

http://www.bocalandscapedesigns.com

Guest

Ariel Rodriguez

Ariel Rodriguez, the founder of Elighting and Worldwide Distributors, a true industry pioneer in outdoor and landscape lighting.
From cold calls at 17 to designing custom lighting systems for luxury estates and commercial properties.

http://www.elightingindustries.com

Guest

Bob Schwabe

Mr. Bob, a pioneering entrepreneur who built his career selling workers' compensation insurance to the largest nurseries in Miami-Dade County.

Guest appearance on:

TRMG | Building a Legacy with Insurance in the Green Industry - An Interview with Mr. Bob

Guest

Carlos Rodriguez

Guest appearance on:

TRMG | Building a Legacy with Insurance in the Green Industry - An Interview with Mr. Bob

Guest

Efrain Santos

Efrain Santos, the 25-year-old founder of Keyscape Landscape and Design, whose journey from job site translator to high-end landscape contractor is nothing short of inspiring. Starting at just 16, Efrain was managing his uncle’s landscape job sites and learning pricing, sourcing, and client communication firsthand. After gaining turf experience with Hellas in Texas including work on SoFi Stadium—Efrain returned to Florida and flipped the switch from employee to entrepreneur at age 21, launching his own business armed with hustle, YouTube tutorials, and a podcast by Keith Kalfas. Now based in the Florida Keys and Miami, Efrain shares how he evolved from fixing a single irrigation head to leading large-scale, detail-driven projects that include lighting, irrigation, hardscaping, and pergolas.

https://keyscapelandscape.com/

Guest

Keith Crouse

Keith Crouse, a 23-year-old firefighter from the Keys who decided to take the leap and start a nursery in Homestead, FL.

https://www.instagram.com/theplantmovementpodcast

Guest

Martha Vega

Dra. Martha Vega, serves as President of National Community Services (NCS) and the Fundación Martha Vega Based in Miami, Florida, is a human rights advocate and has actively supported immigrant communities across the United States and Latin America, including her native Ecuador.

https://ncshelp.org/

Guest

Richard Mancias

Owner of Buzzkill Pest Control & Fertilization. With over 15 years of experience specializing in outdoor pest control for lawns and ornamentals.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Buzzkill-Insect-Control-and-Fertilization-61565964340717

Guest

Saul Belmontes

Saul Belmontes, the owner of Belmontscapes, a local lawn maintenance and landscaping company in South Florida. Saul’s story is one of faith, sacrifice, and resilience, a journey that began in his father’s nursery and grew into a thriving landscaping business built with determination and heart.
Saul opens up about his second-generation Mexican American roots, growing up working alongside his family, and how life’s unexpected challenges including losing his plumbing job during Hurricane Irma pushed him to lean on prayer, hard work, and sacrifice to build his dream. Today, Belmontscapes proudly serves Miami-Dade and the Keys, maintaining over 60 residential and commercial clients.

Guest

Sid

Sid, the national sales rep with over 20 years of hands-on experience, who’s been part of the company since he was just 15. Chemical Containers is a faith-driven, family-operated company that’s been serving the industry for nearly 40 years.

https://www.chemicalcontainers.com/