Side Hustle Squad

Hosted by Mike Garvey

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Episodes

360

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 20, 20267 min

Ep 362. Fill the Schedule with Aeration and Seeding!

Fall is coming, and now is the time to start filling the schedule. In this quick episode, I break down what we're doing to create urgency around aeration and overseeding, reconnect with existing customers, and keep new business flowing in. I talk about why your current customer list is one of your biggest marketing opportunities, why you need to promote a service more than once, and how simple things like texts, emails, social media, and neighborhood marketing can make a huge difference. Whether you're selling lawn treatments, aeration and seeding, or even trying to fill a live event, the lesson is the same: don't wait until you need the business to start asking for it. 🔗 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

August 18, 20268 min

Ep 361. Big Moves in New Jersey: Coastal Growth, ROPED & the Kress Live Event!

A lot is happening right now, so I wanted to jump on for a quick update. I talk about what's going on at Coastal Fertilization & Weed Control, the continued growth of Coastal of North Jersey, and what we're building with ROPED as we continue pushing battery-powered equipment and robotics into the commercial market. I also give a preview of our upcoming live Kress event here in New Jersey, bringing together landscapers and industry professionals to see the equipment, technology, and robotics firsthand. Multiple businesses, a lot of moving pieces, and some big opportunities ahead. Here's a quick look at where everything stands and what we're working toward next. 🔗 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

August 13, 202612 min

Ep 360. 3 Business Questions I Get Asked All the Time!

In this solo episode, I'm answering three of the business questions I get asked all the time: What's the best piece of business advice I've ever received? What would I do differently if I could go back and start over? And what do I believe about business today that I didn't believe 10 years ago? I get into building a business that doesn't completely depend on you, thinking bigger sooner, investing in the right people and opportunities, and why relationships and reputation become more valuable the longer you're in business. No guest and no complicated format, just a quick conversation about some of the biggest lessons I've learned from actually building businesses. 🔗 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

August 11, 202616 min

Ep 359. Beyond the Demo: Building the ROPED Live Experience!

In this episode, I sit down to talk about what we're building with ROPED and why our upcoming live event is about a lot more than just demonstrating equipment. We're bringing together landscapers, industry leaders, business owners, and the Kress leadership team to see firsthand where robotic mowing, battery-powered equipment, and the future of the green industry are headed. I talk about how the idea for the event came together, why we decided to host it in New Jersey, what people can expect when they show up, and why I believe getting contractors in front of this technology is so important. This is a behind-the-scenes look at building the event, building ROPED, and trying to help push our industry forward. 🔗 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

August 6, 202628 min

Ep 358. What's Coming to Louisville? Naylor Taliaferro Talks LCR Summit & Equip Expo!

Eric Triplett and I sit down with Naylor Taliaferro from PodHouse at the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference to talk about what he has cooking for Louisville. We get into some upcoming announcements around LCR Summit , what Naylor is planning during Equip Expo, and how he continues to build LCR into something bigger than just another industry event. Louisville is going to be a big week for the lawn and landscape industry, and Naylor gives us a preview of what's ahead. Recorded live from PodHouse at the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference. 🔗 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

August 4, 20261 hr 22 min

Ep 357. What Happened at PodHouse Scottsdale?Lawn & Landscape Tech Conference Debrief!

Mike Garvey and Eric Triplett sit down at PodHouse Scottsdale to recap the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference. We talk about what stood out at the show, some of our biggest takeaways, the technology and conversations that caught our attention, and of course, some of the funny moments that happened along the way. We also get into what we were doing in Scottsdale with PodHouse, the people we connected with, and why getting outside your normal circle and into rooms like this can change the way you look at your business. No script. Just two business owners sitting down after a busy few days to talk about what we saw, what we learned, and what we'll take home. 🔗 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

July 30, 202631 min

Ep 356. Building Together: Business, Marriage & Scaling Marshall Lawn Solutions!

Michelle Marshall joins the podcast to share what it's really like building a successful business alongside her husband, Eric at Marshall Lawn Solutions . We dive into the unique challenges and rewards of being business partners and life partners, how they're navigating rapid growth, building a new shop, hiring the right people, and creating systems that will support the company's future. It's an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, family, and what it takes to keep growing without losing sight of what matters most. Whether you're running a family business or looking to scale your company, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience. 🔗 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

July 28, 202623 min

Ep 355. Build It to Sell: What Private Equity Really Wants with Dennis Hering!

If you plan to exit your business one day, this episode is a must-listen. Mike sits down with Dennis Hering of Advisory Investment Bank , a firm that specializes in helping home service business owners successfully sell their companies. Acting as the bridge between business owners and private equity firms, Dennis shares what separates businesses that command premium valuations from those that struggle to attract buyers. In this conversation, we cover: What private equity firms are actually looking for when evaluating a business Why recurring revenue dramatically increases company value The importance of documented systems, processes, and automation How to reduce owner dependency and build a business that can thrive without you Common mistakes owners make before going to market How to start preparing for a successful exit years before you're ready to sell Whether you're planning to sell in two years or twenty, this episode will change the way you think about building your company. The goal isn't just to build a great business—it's to build one that's valuable, transferable, and ready for the next chapter. 🔗 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

July 23, 202637 min

Ep 354. Build It to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You!

Recorded live from Pod Row at the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference , sponsored by LCR Summit , Mike Garvey sits down with Eric Triplett to tackle a question every business owner eventually faces: What's your exit strategy? From building a company that's dependent on you to creating one that's actually valuable enough to sell, Mike and Eric discuss what it takes to build a business with the future in mind. Eric also shares how his perspective on ownership, leadership, and long-term planning has shifted over the past year—and why those changes are influencing the decisions he's making today. Whether you're planning to sell, pass your business on, or simply build something that gives you more freedom, this conversation will challenge the way you think about the end goal of entrepreneurship. 🔗 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

July 21, 202613 min

Ep 353. PodHouse Scottsdale Presented by Permagreen: Bringing the Podcast Studio to Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference!

PodHouse is headed to the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona! In this episode, I break down what makes this event such a valuable gathering for the green industry, why we're bringing the PodHouse experience on the road, and what attendees can expect. I also share why we're excited to have PermaGreen as our presenting sponsor and how their support is helping us capture the biggest conversations in landscaping, technology, and entrepreneurship. If you're coming to Scottsdale, be sure to stop by and say hello, we'll be recording all week! 🔗 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