Side Hustle Squad

Mike Garvey

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. 2D AGO

    Ep 337. Catching Up with Cornell Mack: Spring Rush, Live Events & What's Next at Equip Expo

    Recorded live from Louisville, Kentucky, at REHLKO's Guinness World Record event, Mike sits down with Cornell Mack for a wide-ranging conversation on business, leadership, and building community through live events. Cornell shares insights from his recent meetup event, the lessons learned from bringing entrepreneurs together, and why face-to-face connections continue to be a game changer in today's digital world. The conversation also dives into the realities of the spring rush—how business is performing, the challenges that come with growth, and the systems that help keep everything moving forward. Plus, Cornell gives an update on upcoming projects, what he's focused on for the rest of the year, and what attendees can expect from him at this year's Equip Exposition. Whether you're in the middle of your busy season or looking for inspiration from someone who's building both a business and a community, this episode delivers practical insights and plenty of motivation. Topics include: Lessons from hosting live events and meetups The power of networking and community Managing the spring rush Business growth and leadership Upcoming projects and opportunities Looking ahead to Equip Expo 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast 🌱 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

    29 min
  2. MAY 21

    Ep 336. Spring Rush Catch-Up with Larry Delli Santi | ROPED, Coastal Fertilization & Amazing Creations Update!

    Larry Delli Santi is back on the mic! While out at the RELHKO Guinness World Record event in Louisville, Mike and Larry finally got a chance to sit down and catch up during the middle of the spring rush. In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, the guys talk all things ROPED, Coastal Fertilization & Weed Control, and Amazing Creations Landscaping — from robotic mowing and battery-powered equipment to landscaping operations, lawn care growth, and managing the chaos of spring season. They also dive into: How the spring rush has been going Lessons learned over the years in business The current state of landscaping and lawn care Growing multiple companies at once The future vision for ROPED and robotics Balancing partnerships, family, and entrepreneurship during busy season Just two business partners and co-hosts having a real conversation in the middle of the grind. If you're in lawn care, landscaping, or entrepreneurship, this episode will definitely hit home. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast 🌱 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

    40 min
  3. MAY 14

    Ep 334. Spring Rush: How We're Getting More Customers Right Now!

    Spring is here, and this is the season where businesses either gain momentum or get left behind. In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Mike talks about real-world strategies for getting more customers during the spring rush. From branding and wrapped trucks to Google reviews, upselling existing customers, face-to-face networking, and creating momentum in your local market, this episode is packed with practical ideas contractors can start using immediately. Mike also breaks down why the fastest-growing companies don't sit around waiting for leads — they actively hunt for opportunities every single day. Topics include: Getting more lawn care & fertilization customers Why branding matters Using Google reviews to grow Upselling your current client base Commercial property networking Spring marketing strategies Building momentum during peak season 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast 🌱 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 Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett Learn More

    15 min
  4. MAY 12

    Ep 333. Robotic Mowing Is Here… So Why Are People Still Fighting It? First Kress Install & Demo Breakdown!

    In this episode, Mike breaks down ROPED's very first real-world robotic mowing demo and installation — and the reactions were exactly what you'd expect. The customer was excited. The team saw the vision. But one person wasn't buying in at all… the gas mechanic. Why are so many people resistant to battery-powered equipment and robotic mowing? Is it fear of change? Fear of losing relevance? Or are contractors simply not adapting fast enough to where the industry is headed? Mike dives deep into: Why robotic mowing and battery equipment are disrupting the industry The mindset shift contractors NEED to make Why some mechanics and operators push back against new technology ROPED's first Kress install using the KR174 How surprisingly simple the setup and mapping process was What customers are really looking for in 2026 Why robotics aren't replacing landscapers — they're changing the role of landscapers This episode is a raw, honest look at the future of the green industry and what happens when innovation collides with tradition. If you're curious about robotic mowing, battery-powered equipment, or where the landscaping industry is heading next, this one's for you. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast 🌱 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 Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett Learn More

    17 min
  5. MAY 7

    Ep 332. Why Contractors Need to Get Serious About LinkedIn!

    For years, most blue-collar businesses focused heavily on Facebook and Instagram, but LinkedIn has quietly become one of the best platforms for networking, partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, recruiting, and building a professional brand. Mike shares his thoughts on: Why contractors stand out on LinkedIn The opportunities that can come from simply posting consistently Building relationships with manufacturers, brands, and business owners Using LinkedIn to document your journey and growth Why authentic business content performs better than overthinking every post From growing Coastal Fertilization and building ROPED to attending live events and networking with industry leaders, Mike explains how LinkedIn is becoming a major tool for business growth in 2026. If you're trying to grow your company, expand your network, and create more opportunities, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast 🌱 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 Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett Learn More

    9 min
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.

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