If you've been following me for a while or have visited my company in Dayton, you probably already know that I'm a nut for a good system. Grunder Landscaping Co. has long been known for doing high-quality work consistently and the best way to ensure that happens is by having established standard operating procedures and training your team to them. 

Documenting SOPs is something I see a lot of landscaping companies struggle with - it can be hard to accurately capture all the steps needed, while leaving enough wiggle room in the plan for team members to make their own decisions when they encounter something unusual. 

One way that I think companies should be using AI is to help with this. There are many AI tools that can help you to document work that's already being done, and can help to keep things organized and accessible for your team. 

At GROW! 2026 on February 10-12, 2026 in Dallas, TX, ACE Peer Group facilitator and executive coach Kevin Keim will tackle building and creating evergreen SOPs using AI tools during his breakout session, How to Build and Update Standard Operating Procedures: Tools and Tips to Keeping your SOPs Evergreen. I got to preview this session from him, and my top takeaway was this:

Start Out Simple and Cheap. 

There are tools that are relatively inexpensive and can make a big impact for your team getting SOPs documented and in place, and we should start with those. The free version of Chat GPT may be all you need to start and provides a lot of help without adding significant cost to your overhead. Tools like Tango.ai and Loom can help you quickly capture screenshots or video walkthroughs and repurpose them into training pieces. 

In his session, Kevin will detail more of how he helps landscaping and pest control companies use AI effectively. I learned a lot from him, and I'm excited for our attendees to see this session when we're all together in Dallas! If you aren't already listening, keep your eye on The Grow Show podcast this week, too - Kevin will join me to preview his session in the episode released this coming Wednesday.

Time is running out to get your ticket to join us - our hotel block expires tomorrow and we can't guarantee space available at our host hotel after that. Register today and book your hotel room to ensure you can join us! 

I know it may sound cocky, but attending will change your business for the better. Will I see you there? I'll talk to you next week!

Marty Grunder
Founder & CEO
The Grow Group & Grunder Landscaping Co.