Side Hustle Squad

Mike Garvey
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Welcome to the Side Hustle Squad Podcast with your host, Mike Garvey! My goal is to provide entrepreneurs with all the tools and resources they need to start and succeed in the lawn care industry on the side while working a full-time career. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, or thinking about taking the leap into starting a business, this podcast will help you build and grow. Guests from the green industry and beyond will be on the show to share their experiences and advice. I provide in-depth interviews with successful entrepreneurs, offering insight into what it takes to succeed in running a business. I will also discuss the various aspects of the lawn care industry, from equipment and industry trends to stories and experiences from my own lawn care business successes and failures. You will leave each episode feeling informed, empowered, and ready to hustle. No matter what stage of the journey you're in, the Side Hustle Squad is here to help you succeed. Tune in every week for the latest interviews, tips, tricks, and advice for growing your business.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 378. Side Hustle Strategies for Green Industry Entrepreneurs

    Industry professionals gathering at events like the Equip Expo and Pod House discuss the rapid evolution of green industry technology, particularly the rise of autonomous robotic mowers and advanced battery-powered equipment from global brands like Crest. Mike Garvey and Eric Triplett (The Pond Digger) explore how stepping away from daily operations fosters crucial business perspective, while highlighting the importance of strong leadership, employee culture, and structured daily communication. The conversation also emphasizes the value of strategic networking and cultivating relationships that drive long-term business growth rather than getting bogged down in routine tasks.   🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roped.us/  🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Discount automatically applies 📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More

  2. Oct 22

    Ep 377. Live from Pod Row: What to Expect at Equip Expo 2026!

    Larry is back on the show, and we're recording live from Pod Row at Equip Expo 2026! We're talking all things PodHouse: where to find us, what we've got planned, and what to expect from this year's experience. We'll also give you the rundown on Equip, share what we're looking forward to, and talk about everything happening at the show. If you're in Louisville, come find us at Pod Row in Room B103. We'll see you at Equip! 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roped.us/  🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Discount automatically applies 📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More

  3. Oct 15

    Ep 376. Building Five-Star Experiences

    Mike Garvey and Eric Triplett (The Pond Digger and host of The Deep End Podcast), discuss the challenges of securing online ratings and building a five-star service culture within contracting businesses. They examine how to address negative feedback constructively while motivating team members to prioritize customer satisfaction. The conversation highlights the importance of authentic customer engagement and follow-up strategies rather than relying on automated or impersonal messaging. Furthermore, they share practical methods for leveraging events and community interactions to organically increase reviews without violating platform guidelines.    🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roped.us/  🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Discount automatically applies 📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More

  4. Oct 8

    Ep 375. Every Season Brings a New Challenge!

    I'm sharing updates from Coastal Fertilization, our North Jersey expansion, and what's happening at ROPED as Equip Expo gets closer. Then I get into a lesson every business owner learns: each season brings a new challenge. When things are going well, enjoy the momentum, but stay grounded and keep looking ahead. When things go sideways, don't let one tough stretch convince you everything is falling apart. The next season is always coming.   🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roped.us/  🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Discount automatically applies 📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More

  5. Oct 1

    Ep 374. Robotic Mowing Is Growing Up: What Happens After the Demo?

    Robotic mowing is about more than watching a machine cut grass. Mike shares a ROPED update and talks about choosing the right property, bringing the crew into the process, planning for setup and service, and measuring whether robotics is actually helping the operation. The demo is just the beginning. The real work is making the technology fit the job.   🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roped.us/  🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Discount automatically applies 📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More

  6. Sep 29

    Ep 373. Is That New Equipment Worth It? Do the Math Before You Buy

    Before you buy that mower, truck, aerator, or new piece of battery equipment, make sure it can earn its place in your business. Mike breaks down how to identify the problem you're solving, calculate the full cost, estimate labor savings and added profit, and compare buying with renting or buying used. A practical solo episode to help you make your next equipment decision with confidence.   🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roped.us/  🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Discount automatically applies 📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More

  7. Sep 24

    Ep 372. You Don't Need More Leads, You Need Better Follow-Up!

    Most business owners think slow sales mean they need more advertising, more leads, and a bigger marketing budget. But the real opportunity may already be sitting in your inbox, CRM, open estimates, and customer list. In this episode, Mike explains why follow-up is one of the biggest missed opportunities in the home-service industry. He breaks down response time, follow-up sequences, reactivating past customers, turning one-time jobs into recurring revenue, and giving every opportunity a clear owner. Before you spend another dollar generating leads, make sure you aren't letting good ones slip through the cracks.   🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roped.us/  🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Discount automatically applies 📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More

  8. Sep 22

    Ep 371. The Fall Business Audit Part 2: Equipment, Marketing & Auditing Yourself

    In Part Two of the Fall Business Audit, Mike finishes breaking down the areas every business owner should evaluate before the year ends. Are your trucks and equipment making you money or quietly draining it? Do you know which marketing efforts are actually producing quality customers? And most importantly, are you leading the business forward, or have you become its biggest bottleneck? Mike covers equipment, marketing, leadership, delegation, and how to turn everything you uncover into a focused action plan. You'll learn how to select one financial priority, one operational priority, and one growth priority, then assign ownership, establish deadlines, and start building a stronger business before the new year.   🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/roped.us/  🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Discount automatically applies 📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More

See All (378)

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Side Hustle Squad Podcast with your host, Mike Garvey! My goal is to provide entrepreneurs with all the tools and resources they need to start and succeed in the lawn care industry on the side while working a full-time career. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, or thinking about taking the leap into starting a business, this podcast will help you build and grow. Guests from the green industry and beyond will be on the show to share their experiences and advice. I provide in-depth interviews with successful entrepreneurs, offering insight into what it takes to succeed in running a business. I will also discuss the various aspects of the lawn care industry, from equipment and industry trends to stories and experiences from my own lawn care business successes and failures. You will leave each episode feeling informed, empowered, and ready to hustle. No matter what stage of the journey you're in, the Side Hustle Squad is here to help you succeed. Tune in every week for the latest interviews, tips, tricks, and advice for growing your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Garvey
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    378
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Side Hustle Squad

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