Hustle-Free Entrepreneur

Jese Gary

Welcome to The Hustle-Free Entrepreneur, the go-to podcast for event industry professionals and service-based business owners ready to ditch the hustle mindset and build sustainable, efficient businesses. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the unsexy side of entrepreneurship—think systems, processes, and back-office strategies that move the needle. Through expert interviews, actionable tips, and candid conversations, you’ll learn how to master running your business to focus on growth, profits, and living life on your terms. Whether you’re an event planner, venue owner, caterer, or solopreneur in any service-based field, this podcast is your ultimate resource for business success.Subscribe now to uncover strategies to help you scale smarter, not harder.

  1. DEC 18

    Profitable Event Pricing vs. The Trap Most Planners Fall Into

    Many event planners enter the industry fueled by passion and creativity—but without formal business training, pricing often becomes the biggest obstacle to profitability. In this conversation, host Jese Lewing Gary sits down with Care Allen, CEO of The Care Monique Design Studio and The All-En Event Space, to unpack the real reasons event pros underprice their services and how to fix it. Care shares her personal journey of learning pricing the hard way, including the mindset shifts that helped her confidently implement service fees and design fees. Together, Jese and Care discuss how understanding your numbers, communicating value to clients, and doing market research can completely change how you show up in your business. This episode also dives into client retention, inventory management, and how planning ahead helps you scale without burning out or losing your creative spark. If you’ve ever felt nervous about raising prices or unsure how to talk money with clients, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence. ✨ What You’ll Learn: - Common pricing mistakes event planners make - How to build a profitable event pricing strategy - When and how to add service and design fees - Why understanding client budgets matters - How to stop playing small and build a sustainable event business 🎁 Free Download: TIME Framework – learn how to price, manage your time, and grow with intention 👉 [Download the TIME free resource] 💼 Want help auditing your systems or pricing? Learn more about GEA Systems Studio services, including CRM audits, HoneyBook setup, and automations designed for event pros ready to scale. 📌 Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Honeybook  🔗 Asana 🔗 Convertkit 🔗 Quickbooks 🔗 Want a free business system audit? Let’s identify the gaps and opportunities in your event business → https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/systemaudit 🔗 Work with GEA Systems Studio to build your systems + automations → https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/HBcreation 🔗 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast → https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235 Stay Connected & Get More Event Business Tips! 📲 Follow me on Instagram for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/ 🌐 Visit my website: www.greeneyedambition.com 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

    1h 4m
  2. NOV 30

    Stop Hustling: The Framework for a 6-Figure Event Business Without Burnout

    Struggling to scale your event business without burning out? In this episode, you’ll learn the framework 6-figure event pros use to grow with systems, not stress. In this powerful conversation, Jese Gary breaks down one of the biggest lies in the event industry — that nonstop hustle equals success. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Being “booked and busy” can actually mask deeper issues such as low profitability, poor processes, and chronic burnout. In this episode, we unpack why so many planners, creatives, caterers, venues, and rental pros stay stuck in chaos even when they’re fully booked. You’ll learn why understanding your numbers matters more than how many clients you serve, how to recognize burnout before it drains your passion, and the exact structural shifts needed to build a sustainable event business. Jese walks through practical steps to streamline operations, implement automations, and delegate effectively so you can grow without becoming the bottleneck. If you want to build a scalable, profitable, and calm business, this framework is your starting point. ✨ What You’ll Learn • Why full calendars do NOT guarantee profit • How to identify hidden burnout in your event business • What systems every event pro needs to scale • How automation improves client experience (not replaces it) • The role delegation plays in creating real sustainability • How to think like a CEO, not a service provider 📌 Ready to grow your event business without the hustle? 👉 Schedule your free Business Assessment: https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/systemaudit This free assessment helps you understand where your systems are breaking down — and what to fix first to scale without burning out. 🔗 Work With GEA Systems Studio: • Business Systems Audit • HoneyBook Setup + Automation • Done-For-You Systems Buildout Click here: https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/HBcreation #EventBusiness #EventProTips #EventPlannerLife #HustleFreeEntrepreneur #EventBusinessSystems #ScaleYourBusiness #entrepreneurlife 📌 Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Honeybook - http://share.honeybook.com/greeneyedambition 🔗 Asana - https://asana.grsm.io/dswe2jqa67ij 🔗 Convertkit - https://partners.convertkit.com/wlu5gufp2imm 🔗 Quickbooks - https://quickbooks.grsm.io/l651g75pw11g 🔗 Want a free business system audit? Let’s identify the gaps and opportunities in your event business → https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/systemaudit 🔗 Work with GEA Systems Studio to build your systems + automations → https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/HBcreation 🔗 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast → https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235 Stay Connected & Get More Event Business Tips! 📲 Follow me on Instagram for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/ 🌐 Visit my website: www.greeneyedambition.com   🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

    33 min
  3. NOV 18

    The Hospitality Industry Is Broken—Here’s the Mindset Shift That Will Fix It

    Is the hospitality industry overdue for a mindset overhaul? In this episode, we break down why resilience, adaptability, and personal growth are becoming non-negotiable for true leadership in hospitality. In this powerful conversation, Jese Lewing Gary sits down with Chef Franck Desplechin to talk about the mindset shifts that today’s hospitality leaders must embrace to thrive. From understanding cultural differences in leadership to navigating generational changes in the workforce, this episode gives you a realistic look at what’s holding the hospitality industry back—and what’s possible when leaders prioritize people over pressure. We also dig into why many restaurants struggle with burnout, turnover, and culture issues—and how transparency, emotional intelligence, and long-term thinking can transform the way teams work. If you’re passionate about hospitality, leadership, and building a workplace where people actually want to stay, this episode is packed with clarity and inspiration. ✨ What You’ll Learn Why mindset is the foundation for hospitality successHow travel and exposure shape better leadersThe truth about generational differences at workWhy workplace culture is the real competitive advantageHow transparency builds trust and loyaltyThe dangers of burnout for teams and business ownersHow to hire, develop, and retain the right peopleLong-term strategies for sustainable leadership 🔗 Connect With Chef Franck Desplechin Learn more about Franck’s work, coaching, and leadership philosophy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franck-desplechin/en/ https://www.cheffranck.com/book-checkout/p/relentless-growth Work With Jese (GEA Systems Studio) Need your business systems audited so you can run your operations with confidence and clarity? 👉 Book a Business Systems Audit: https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/hbaudit Join the Conversation Comment below: What’s one mindset shift the hospitality industry needs right now? #HospitalityIndustry #LeadershipDevelopment #FoodForThought #RestaurantOwners #HospitalityMindset #TeamCulture #HustleFreeEntrepreneur 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

    1h 6m
  4. NOV 13

    Event Industry Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2026 (and Beyond)

    Struggling to keep up with the rapid changes in the event industry? In this episode, we’re breaking down the key event industry trends for 2026 and beyond—and what you need to do now to stay relevant, profitable, and ahead of your competition. ✨ What You’ll Learn: As the event industry evolves faster than ever, adaptability is the new advantage. Jese Lewing Gary unpacks the data, shifts, and innovations shaping how event professionals plan, market, and manage experiences in the years ahead. From tech integration and automation to consumer expectations and sustainability, this episode helps you future-proof your business with strategies that work. 💡 Takeaways: Emerging tech trends changing how events are managedWhy data-driven decisions will define success in 2026The future of hybrid and experiential event formatsHow sustainability and personalization are shaping client expectationsSimple ways to integrate automation into your event workflow Ready to Build a Business That Runs Without You? Join the Build The Backend That Sells 3-Day Challenge → https://www.greeneyedambition.com/build-the-backend Learn how to create systems, automations, and processes that turn your event business into a smooth-running, revenue-generating machine. #EventIndustry #EventBusiness #EventProTips #HustleFreeEntrepreneur #EventTrends2026 #EventPlanning #EntrepreneurLife Resources & Links Mentioned: 📌 Schedule A Strategy Session -https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/strategy 📌 Learn about my Honeybook services -https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/HBcreation Join the Hustle-Free Movement! 🎯 Follow me on Instagram for daily biz tips: @gea_systems_studio 📩 Subscribe to my email list for exclusive strategies: https://chipper-creator-3415.kit.com/hustle-free-entrepreneur-newsletter Listen & Subscribe to Hustle Free Entrepreneur: Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hustle-free-entrepreneur/id1800483696 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@hustlefreepodcast Loved this episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram @gea_systems_studio! 📢 Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of the Event Industry 10:09 AI's Impact on Event Planning 15:10 The Rise of Hybrid Events 15:25 Data-Driven Event Design 20:30 Sustainability in Events 24:13 Personalization Through Technology  🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

    29 min
  5. SEP 17

    How to Scale Your Event Planning Business Without Burning Out

    Want to know how to scale your event planning business without burning out? In this episode of the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast, I share the exact systems and strategies you need to stop hustling and start scaling. Running an event business can feel overwhelming when you’re stuck doing everything manually — from chasing clients to managing endless admin. But here’s the truth: hustle won’t get you to the next level. Systems will. In this episode, I break down the essential business systems every event professional needs to streamline operations, free up time, and create a business that scales without draining your energy. We’ll cover delegation, automation, process standardization, and building a cohesive system stack that supports both you and your clients. By the end, you’ll understand how to replace chaos with clarity and why the right systems are the key to sustainable growth in your event planning business. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Hustle doesn’t scale — systems do. ✔️Delegation frees you to focus on high-value tasks. ✔️Automation reduces errors and saves hours. ✔️Standardized processes create consistency and trust. ✔️The right system stack helps you scale with ease. 📌 Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Honeybook  🔗 Asana  🔗 Convertkit  🔗 Quickbooks 🔗 Want a free business system audit? Let’s identify the gaps and opportunities in your event business → Learn more 🔗 Work with GEA Systems Studio to build your systems + automations → Learn More 🔗 🎧 Listen to more episodes of the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast → https://www.buzzsprout.com/2449235 🚀 Stay Connected & Get More Event Business Tips! 📲 Follow me on Instagram for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/ 🌐 Visit my website: www.greeneyedambition.com ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Hustle Free Entrepreneurship 08:37 Embracing Automation for Efficiency 16:08 Standardizing Processes for Success 22:18 Creating a System Stack for Growth 🔔 Subscribe for more insightful content and hit the bell icon to stay updated on all things business behind the scenes! Support my channel by using my affiliate links! If you go on to sign up for a paid plan, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much! Hashtags: #EventBusiness #ScaleYourBusiness #EventPlanning #BusinessSystems #HustleFree 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

    28 min
  6. SEP 9

    How to Build a Successful Event Management Business

    Thinking about starting or growing your event management business? In this episode, we dive deep into the skills, strategies, and niches that can help you succeed in the dynamic world of event management. The event industry is so much more than weddings. In this conversation, Jese Gary and Tiffany Green explore the multifaceted world of event planning, covering everything from certifications and mentorship to defining your niche and adapting to industry changes. You’ll learn why event management is a form of project management, how certifications can increase your earning potential, and why networking with peers and mentors is essential for growth. Tiffany also shares valuable insights on creativity, strategy, and recognizing red flags in collaborations. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your event business, this episode will help you understand the mechanics of event management, uncover new opportunities beyond weddings, and align your business with your personal values for greater satisfaction. Key Takeaways: Event planning spans niches beyond weddingsCertifications can increase opportunities & revenueEvent management is project management at its coreMentorship and networking accelerate successAligning business with personal values leads to sustainability Want a free business system audit? Identify the gaps and opportunities in your event business → Click Here  Work with GEA Systems Studio for HoneyBook setup & automation → Click Here  Watch the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast on YouTube → Click Here  Tools for event pros: HoneyBook and ConvertKit  🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

    50 min
  7. SEP 2

    Why Women in Business Excel: Leadership Lessons from Dallas Lombardi

    Being a leader is more than managing tasks — it’s about empowering people, creating culture, and leading with compassion.  In this episode of the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast, Jessie sits down with Dallas Lombardi, a powerhouse in the hospitality industry, to discuss what it truly takes to be a leader in today’s business world. From the unique challenges women in leadership face to the strategies that help entrepreneurs avoid burnout, this conversation is packed with insights every business owner needs. Dallas shares her real-world experience on: ✅ How to be a leader without sacrificing your values ✅ Why female leadership is transforming the business landscape ✅ The role of vulnerability in authentic leadership ✅ Time management and boundaries to prevent burnout ✅ How compassionate leadership drives team success & innovation If you’re an entrepreneur, woman in business, or aspiring leader, this episode will show you how to lead with confidence while creating a positive and profitable culture. Learn More About Dallas: With a prestigious portfolio and coveted clientele, Dallas is a fierce and reputable industry leader well known for event planning, leadership and hospitality consulting, directing some of the most prominent and influential hospitality teams for luxurious boutique hotels and high-profile event venues in downtown Toronto and Hamilton. For over 20 years, Dallas has been producing first-class events, including weddings, corporate dinners & galas, team-building events, charitable events, sporting events, political state dinners, holiday parties, trade shows, and celebrity, TIFF & media events. Dallas has a passion for entertaining, hospitality, and service. Today, she lives in Hamilton, Ontario, and she is the founder of Dallas and Co. Event Agency, a full-service planning and production company specializing in luxury events and weddings. She is also the Co-founder of A Chance to Dance, an all-inclusive, barrier-free dance party for people with physical and mental disabilities. Social Links: @dallas.lombardi @dallasandcoevents @achancetodancecanada https://www.instagram.com/dallas.lombardi/?hl=en https://dallasandco.ca/ 💡 Subscribe for more: weekly strategies on entrepreneurship, women in business, and hustle-free leadership. If you’re ready to redefine leadership and build a business that thrives without burning you out, this episode is a must-watch. Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Learn more my Honeybook services: https://businessconsultantcompany24914.hbportal.co/public/HBcreation 🔗 Success metrics blog: https://www.greeneyedambition.com/blog/success-metrics-beyond-revenue-3-kpis-every-business-should-track 🚀 Stay Connected & Get More Event Business Tips! 📲 Follow me on Instagram for daily tips: https://www.instagram.com/greeneyedambition/ 🌐 Visit my website: www.greeneyedambition.com Support my channel by using my affiliate links! If you go on to sign up for a paid plan, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much! 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

    51 min
  8. AUG 26

    Stop Chasing Revenue: 5 KPIs Every Entrepreneur Must Track for Real Business Growth

    Revenue doesn’t tell the full story of your business. In this episode of the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast, Jese reveals the 5 essential KPIs for business growth that every entrepreneur should track. These key performance indicators go beyond vanity metrics to show you how healthy your business really is. If you’ve been stuck in hustle culture, constantly chasing revenue without clarity or control, this episode will help you shift your mindset. Jese breaks down:  ✅ How to track KPIs without overwhelm  ✅ Why client retention beats constant lead chasing  ✅ The KPI that protects your profit (and your sanity)  ✅ How to measure time spent on revenue-generating tasks  ✅ A simple business strategy for sustainable small business growth Whether you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, or scaling entrepreneur, you’ll learn how to measure success beyond revenue and finally take control of your business. Resources Mentioned: Clockify Understanding Your Business Numbers Quickbooks Learn about my Honeybook services Join the Hustle-Free Movement! 🚀 Get my free TIME to increase your bookings in your event business 🎯 Follow me on Instagram for daily biz tips: @greeneyedambition 📩 Subscribe to my email list for exclusive strategies Listen & Subscribe to Hustle Free Entrepreneur: 🎧 YouTube Podcast  Loved this episode? Leave a review and tag me on Instagram @greeneyedambition! 📢  💡 Subscribe for more: weekly tips on entrepreneurship, business strategy, and building a hustle-free business.  🎙 Thanks for tuning in to the Hustle Free Entrepreneur Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe so you never miss an update ✅ Leave a review—it helps us reach more entrepreneurs like you! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs it 🚀 Ready to streamline your business and ditch the hustle? Grab my free resources at https://stan.store/greeneyedambition. 📲 Let’s Connect! 📌 Instagram: @greeneyedambition 📌 Website: greeneyedambition.com Until next time, keep building smarter—not harder!

    21 min

About

Welcome to The Hustle-Free Entrepreneur, the go-to podcast for event industry professionals and service-based business owners ready to ditch the hustle mindset and build sustainable, efficient businesses. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the unsexy side of entrepreneurship—think systems, processes, and back-office strategies that move the needle. Through expert interviews, actionable tips, and candid conversations, you’ll learn how to master running your business to focus on growth, profits, and living life on your terms. Whether you’re an event planner, venue owner, caterer, or solopreneur in any service-based field, this podcast is your ultimate resource for business success.Subscribe now to uncover strategies to help you scale smarter, not harder.