This is a podcast dedicated to all of you people who love Family Guy, love lines from Albino Black Sheep flash movies, anybody who LOVES comedy! And, most of all, for everybody who HATES Dr. Phil!!!
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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)
30:16
30:16
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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 Jake 519-8…
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Episode 69 - Dave Hockley (Hockley Landscape)
35:55
35:55
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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 benefit…
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Episode 68 - Wendy Ladd (Jim Pattison Lease)
38:32
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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 avail…
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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 wel…
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Episode 66 - Ryan Quigley & Mitch Bursey (Storm Solutions +)
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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 Met…
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Episode 65 - Brian Cotter (LGMP/Durham Artificial Grass)
50:22
50:22
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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 cre…
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Episode 64 - The LO podcast w/ guest speaker Grant Harrison
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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 w…
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Episode 63 - Jim & Jenna Monk (Encore Presentation)
1:00:49
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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 or…
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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 wellbei…
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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…
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Choosing a business management software can be overwhelming. We’re hoping to make that easier for you. In the first of a series of episodes focused on business management software for landscapers, Grant talks to Mark Bradley from Landscape Management Network (LMN). Mark and Grant discuss the origin of LMN and the solutions and efficiencies it offer…
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On this episode, Grant talks with Martin Tirado, the CEO of SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association). They dive in and talk all about the snow industry - how Martin got involved, what SIMA is all about, the services and training they offer, as well as the future of the industry. Episode Links: SIMA Website CSP and ASM Training Programs SIMA Sympo…
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Episode 58 - Andrew Wall (Sandler Training)
1:09:26
1:09:26
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Over the last couple of years, most landscapers haven’t had to work at sales. In fact, most have had trouble keeping up with the demand for work. The result is that we’ve been more like order-takers rather than salespeople. But as the economy starts to slow down a bit, it is important that we revert to being salespeople to ensure the continued grow…
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Episode 57 - James Fullerton (Bidwell Financial)
44:15
44:15
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On today's episode, Jordan sits down with James Fullerton of Bidwell Financial. James talks about how he got involved in the financing side of the industry and what types of vehicles and equipment his clients reach out to him for. James and Jordan dive into the short and long term effects of the pandemic on commercial vehicle & equipment purchasing…
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On today's episode, Jordan speaks with Raqib Omer from Viaesys Inc. Raqib shares the unlikely story of how he got involved with the snow and ice industry, how he started Viaesys and what's next for the innovative technology company. Raqib also discusses some of the biggest issues facing snow and ice removal contractors, the importance of training y…
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Episode 55 - Joanna Phillips (Esop Builders)
1:12:44
1:12:44
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On today's episode, Jordan speaks with Joanna Philipps from ESOP Builders. Joanna shares her knowledge about ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan), its goals and options, and the risks and benefits to both owners and employees. You will gain a strong understanding of an ESOP and if and how it would work for your company. Episode Links: ESOP Builders We…
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Episode 54 - Liana Desmarais (Plantscape Windsor)
55:05
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Nextra Presents…! welcomes Lianna Desmarais from Plantscape Windsor. Liana talks about her introduction to the landscape industry, the resources she found so valuable in navigating her first few years, and how she’s grown the company. She also talks about gender bias and what it’s like to be a female landscape business owner in an industry that is …
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Episode 53 - Chris Penny (Lucrative Landscapes)
1:15:19
1:15:19
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On this episode, Grant speaks with Chris Penny of Lucrative Landscape about his humble beginnings in the landscape world and how he realized his talent for marketing and growth focused on small businesses. Chris talks about the Lucrative Landscape model, how it can benefit small business owners and the ideal contractor that he can really help. Epis…
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Episode 52 - Rob Murray (Intrigue Media)
1:14:09
1:14:09
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On this episode Jordan talks with Rob Murray of Intrigue Media about being more competitive by using your website and social media more effectively to position yourself for success. Rob is full of great information, and he delivers it in a way that is understandable for those of us who aren’t part of that world. Episode Links: Intrigue Media 226-21…
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Episode 51 - Scott Sim (Moon Glow Lightscapes)
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On our first episode of the year we wanted to talk about a part of the industry we have not touched on before... enter landscape lighting. Today Jordan talks with Scott Sim from Moon Glow Lightscapes about how he became involved in the lighting industry, the challenges he faces and the logistics and rhythm of the industry. He says, “irrigation is s…
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Episode 50 - Lindsey Drake Nightingale (Yorkshire Garden Services)
51:29
51:29
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In this episode, Grant speaks with Lindsay Drake Nightingale. Lindsay owns Yorkshire Garden Services, who specializes in high end residential landscape maintenance and installations in Toronto and York Region. Today, Lindsay shares her experience and knowledge about business ownership, business growth, staffing, culture and networking. Episode link…
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Episode 49 - Trevor Lively (Blue Jay Irrigation)
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Trevor Lively is the second-generation business owner of Blue Jay Irrigation, whose head office is in London. In this episode, he talks to Grant about the transition in leadership from his father to him, the things he’s learned, as well as the way he’s expanded the business. Episode Links: Episode Sponsor: Jim Pattison Lease Wendy Ladd 416.417.5233…
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On this episode, Grant talks with Jordan Smith from VSI about his history in the industry, the origin and development of VSI liquid brine sprayers, its recent purchase by Boss Snowplows, and the future of liquid de-icing in the snow industry. Episode Links: Smith Lawn and Landscape Website Instagram VSI Website Instagram Connect with Jordan LinkedI…
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Episode 47 - Ed Hansen (Hansen Lawn & Garden)
1:15:23
1:15:23
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In this episode, Grant talks to Ed Hansen from Hansen Lawn and Garden about a wide range of topics, from how Ed got into landscaping, to growing his business, to his chairing the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging committee at Landscape Ontario. This episode just feels like a couple of friends chatting about life and work. And I know you’ll want to…
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Episode 46 - Grant Harrison (Acquisitions and being an attractive company)
40:48
40:48
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It’s a great time to own a landscape business! Purchasing of landscape companies is on the rise as many larger companies and private equity firms recognize the value in well-run landscape operations. In this episode, Grant provides some information about how to make your company more appealing to potential buyers. Episode Links: Connect with Grant …
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Episode 45 - Sam Bauman (Employee Stock Option Plan)
1:02:38
1:02:38
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Grant talks to Sam Bauman from Earthscape about the ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan) program they’ve implemented and how it works. They also talk about the Traction program, which is also in place at Earthscape . It’s clear that Sam, like Grant, is a big fan of Traction! Earthscape (519) 669-2972 Website Instagram Facebook Connect with Sam sam@ear…
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Alex Cadieux from Techo-Bloc talks about the current state of the hardscape industry as well as the opportunities he sees in the next couple of years. He shares some excellent (and free!) resources that Techo-Bloc has recently developed. Episode Links: Techo-Bloc Links Techo-Bloc website Hardscaper.com Hardscape Growth podcast Contractor Showcase C…
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Episode 43 - Jesse Savage (Landscape Design)
39:11
39:11
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Today Grant talks with Jesse Savage, owner of Savage Gardens and freelance landscape designer. They discuss landscape design and how Jesse’s services can assist landscapers who do not have a designer on staff. They also discuss Nextra’s new peer group for landscape designers that will be led by Jesse. If landscape design is part of your business – …
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Episode 42 - Sally Harvey (Landscape Ontario)
54:25
54:25
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Today our own HR director, Charolette Casioli, is taking over the role of host as she interviews Sally Harvey, Landscape Ontario’s Director of Education and Labour Development. They discuss the biggest challenge facing contractors this year – the labour shortage. They talk about attracting, recruiting and retaining great staff. Sally shares resourc…
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Episode 41 - George Urvari (Oriole Landscaping)
1:15:07
1:15:07
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Today’s guest is George Urvari from Oriole Landscaping. George has a unique way of looking at equipment purchasing and the investment that equipment can be. And considering the current labor shortage, equipment might be a great alternative to staffing – if you get the right equipment. Episode Links: Connect with George 416.696.5110 x 231 george@ori…
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Episode 40 - Grant Harrison (Looking Forward)
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36:48
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Season 3 is here! This year, we’ll again be bringing you interviews with industry experts, innovators, suppliers, and business leaders. The singular goal of this podcast is to provide you with information and resources that will help you improve your business and encourage you along the way. We’re starting the year off by interviewing Grant to have…
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Joining us on the Podcast today is Nick Bohner. Nick is the president of NixSnow, a snow-removal company based in Stratford, Ontario focused solely on residential snow removal. Nick talks about his business model, developing his brand, expansion plans, and the future of the snow industry. *Disclaimer* While we have done our best to edit out and sof…
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Frank Bourque is back! Frank is a fountain of knowledge regarding all things related to design/build business. In this episode, he gives us an update from the GIE show in Louisville, including introducing us to some new products and equipment and talks about the stages of business and how to scale your business effectively and profitably. Frank Bou…
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Episode 37 - Brad Caton (Encore Presentation)
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54:26
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With winter coming, what a perfect time to revisit one of our favorite episodes with an encore presentation of Brad Caton: On this episode, Grant speaks with Brad Caton, the Founder of Invictus Professional Snowfighters, a leading snow and ice management company in the Pacific Northwest that is solely dedicated to snow and ice management. Brad shar…
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Episode 36 - Grant Harrison (State of the industry)
37:01
37:01
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Today on Nextra Presents..! Grant gives a “state of the industry” update including owner health, staffing, materials, equipment, and a temporary foreign workers pilot project, along with some encouragement and tips for getting through the rest of the season. Episode Links: Connect with Grant Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Email…
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Episode 35 - Jordan Robertson (Technology)
1:10:27
1:10:27
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Nextra’s Chief Technology Officer, Jordan Robertson, joins Grant on the podcast today to talk about technology in our industry, why owners are hesitant to accept new technology, and the biggest hurdles they face when trying to implement new technology. Jordan will introduce you to three technology suppliers: Easy Locates, Ready Chek and Viaesys. Th…
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We’re talking to our very own HR Director, Charolette Cascioli about employees. She’ll share how expanding staff training opportunities, using automated solutions, and thinking creatively about wage and benefit options will help you secure great employees, as well as programs available to help you. Episode Links: Connect with Charolette Email Linke…
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Episode 33 - Jason Taylor (Encore Presentation)
39:59
39:59
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One of the most common issues facing business owners is staffing – finding the right people and making sure they’re in the right role. Today Grant talks to Jason Taylor of Predictive Success. Predictive Success empowers leaders with the data and skills to maximize the investment in their people. If you have staff, you – and they - will benefit from…
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Episode 32 - Mark Jackson (The Insurance Market)
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50:56
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Today we’re talking about insurance. If you’re a contractor, you’re probably already tensing up at the mention of insurance. Insurance premiums over the last number of years have skyrocketed and the way that claims are handled and managed by insurance companies is frustrating – even maddening at times. Enter The Insurance Market and its Self-Insure…
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Jacki Hart is back! As someone with her finger on the pulse of the industry, Jacki Hart’s insights, impressions, and perspective are worth listening to. This episode is no different. This is a sort of “state of the industry” address, where she speaks about the labor challenges and how we as industry leaders and business owners may need to change ou…
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Episode 30 - Peer Group Panel (Liquid De-Icing)
1:03:39
1:03:39
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Today we welcome Chris, Jarred, Ryan, Joe and Gerald to the podcast. They are all contractors who have implemented liquid brine into their snow operations and share their experiences and insights about the product and process. Episode links: Connect with the Guests Chris Thacker – Mr. Mow It All Email Website Jarred McKinley – Landscape Effects Ema…
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On today’s episode, Grant talks with Chris Thacker, owner of Mr. Mow It All in downtown Toronto. Chris started mowing lawns at the age of 12 and has since grown that business into one that is a leader in residential and commercial urban property gardening, lawn mowing and snow removal. If you need some encouragement and inspiration, you’ll love tod…
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Today Grant talks with Joel Beatson, the Executive Director of Landscape Alberta and Landscape Saskatchewan. Joel shares his industry experience and talks about what’s happening in their associations, as well as the landscape industry in the west in general. Episode Links: Connect with Joel Email LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Landscape Albert…
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The book we have recommended the most in the last year is, by far, Profit Works. It’s all about creating effective incentive programs. Grant describes it as the best book on incentive plans he’s ever read. We’ve given away many copies and even hosted an online book study on it. Today, one of the authors – Alex Freytag – is on the podcast talking ab…
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“Landscape Ontario is a community for mutual benefit and mutual improvement. Who doesn’t want to be in that kind of community?” - Tony DiGiovanni On today’s episode, Grant speaks with Landscape Ontario Executive Director, Tony DiGiovanni. Tony is an industry giant if ever there was one. Even better is the fact that he is a humble man who simply see…
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Today Grant is talking with Ben Zlotnick, the founder of Eden App, a program he created to connect consumers who are looking for landscaping or snow removal services with contractors who can provide that service. It’s been built by contractors for contractors and it’s brilliant and revolutionary for both homeowners and contractors. We love talking …
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Need some inspiration? Listen to this episode. This is one of the most interesting and revolutionary episodes we’ve recorded. Constantine Grechko is leading the industry in the practice of giving back to his team and his community. In fact, his company is called Give Back Contracting. You will be encouraged, challenged and amazed at his perspective…
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Episode 23 - Landscape Ontario (Scott Barber & Grant Harrison)
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Grant’s LO podcast – Prevent Business Owner Burnout Today we’re sharing an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast from last month, in which Grant had the opportunity to talk about owner health. The purpose of this podcast is to encourage you to get and stay healthy in all aspects of your life – physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally.…
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Today we welcome Ryan Johnson of Mountview Landscaping and talk to him about the evolution of Mountview, continuing education, teaching your staff about business finances, staff retention, company culture and exit strategies. There’s a whole lot here today and you won’t want to miss it. Episode Links: Connect with Ryan/Mountview Email LinkedIn Moun…
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We are huge fans of Greenius and it’s probably our most recommended program. Greenius is a software platform that delivers general training and role-specific training. It also provides all regulatory training required by the government of Ontario. With Greenius, you can track, report and record all staff training, ensuring that your staff are confi…
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