Side Hustle Squad

Mike sits down with Eric Triplett to talk about one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: building a personal brand without becoming the bottleneck in their business. Eric is " The Pond Digger " and is the face of the business but  while still creating systems, empowering his team, and building a company that doesn't rely on him for every decision. If you're trying to grow your business, i...

Eric Triplett joins me to share how his entrepreneurial journey started in the aquarium business—and why he still maintains that original side hustle today. We also talk about building multiple businesses, knowing when it's time to go full-time, and why having a financial safety net can make taking the leap a whole lot easier.  🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙  Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @side...

In this episode of the Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Eric Triplett and I dive into one of the most important lessons in business: putting the right people in the right positions. A business only truly works when the owner builds the business around people: their strengths, their roles, and their ability to grow. Too many owners try to scale systems, services, or operations without first developing th...

Recorded live at Profit Accelerator Live, Eric Triplett and I dive into one of the biggest questions entrepreneurs face: How many businesses is too many? We have an honest conversation about the excitement of starting new ventures, the danger of shiny object syndrome, and how to know when it's time to double down on what you already have instead of chasing the next opportunity. If you're juggling...

This week, I'm sharing my experience attending a Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce networking event and why local business owners should seriously consider getting involved in their local chamber. From meeting potential customers and referral partners to getting a chance to speak in front of dozens of business leaders, these events can create opportunities that simply don't happen behind a de...

Launching a new business sounds exciting, and it is, but there are plenty of challenges nobody talks about. In this episode, Mike Garvey pulls back the curtain on the launch of ROPED (Robotic Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors) and shares the lessons he's learned from becoming a Kress distributor, building a mobile showroom, landing the first customers, creating partnerships, and navigating the...

Spring may be winding down, but the smartest lawn care companies are already planning for fall. In this episode of the Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I break down our complete aeration and overseeding marketing strategy at Coastal Fertilization. From email campaigns and customer follow-up systems to Facebook and Instagram ads, direct mail, SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, route-density marke...

In this laid-back, on-the-road episode of the Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I clipped on the microphones, hit the road for a robotic mower installation, and brought you along for the ride. I'm sharing updates on everything happening behind the scenes, including the progress at the shop, the continued growth of Coastal Fertilization of North Jersey, and the latest developments with ROPED as we bring r...

The spring rush is over, the phones aren't ringing quite as much, and many business owners start wondering what's next. But what if the slowdown isn't a problem? What if it's actually an opportunity? In this episode, Mike discusses why the weeks and months following the spring rush can be some of the most valuable of the entire year. From evaluating what went right (and wrong) during the busy seas...

At the Rehlko Guinness World Record event in Louisville, Kentucky, Paul Jamison turns the microphone around and interviews Mike Garvey about one of the biggest moves of his entrepreneurial journey—launching ROPED (Robotic Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors). In this conversation, Mike shares the vision behind bringing robotic mowing and battery-powered equipment to the green industry, why he bel...

In this solo episode of  The Side Hustle Squad Podcast , I share a behind-the-scenes update on everything happening across my businesses. I talk about the growth and progress of Coastal Fertilization & Weed Control, the exciting developments at ROPED (Robotic Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors), and the launch of Coastal Fertilization of North Jersey. I also discuss my upcoming trip to Texas to...

In this episode of  The Side Hustle Squad Podcast , I sit down with Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and the driving force behind Equip Exposition, to discuss everything happening at the industry's biggest event. We dive into what attendees can expect at Equip Expo 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky, October 20–23, including new features, expanded hands-on experienc...

In this episode of  The Side Hustle Squad Podcast , we sit down with Lamont Hairston from Hairston Property Management to talk about something every business owner eventually faces — health, recovery, and the importance of having a backup plan. Lamont opens up about dealing with hip pain for more than two years before ultimately undergoing a full hip replacement surgery. We discuss the physical an...

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'...

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-powere...

Spring rush is here, and for contractors, that means long days, packed schedules, stress, and growth opportunities all happening at once. In this episode, Mike sits down with Naylor Taliaferro to talk about how he's learned to handle the chaos of spring over the years. They dive into early mistakes, burnout, scheduling problems, hiring struggles, and the systems that helped Naylor evolve from over...

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 episo...

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 c...

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 w...

In this episode, Mike breaks down why attending live events is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. With upcoming stops at a RELHKO event attempting a Guinness World Records challenge—cutting an entire football field—and the Lawn and Landscape Technology Conference, he shares why getting around like-minded entrepreneurs is a game changer. From networking and partnerships to staying...

What happens when your equipment breaks down… and you're nowhere near the shop? In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the real strategies that keep you moving when things go wrong in the field. From running out of product to equipment failures mid-route, this is the stuff every operator deals with—but not everyone is prepared for. I dive into how to build backup systems, load your trucks the rig...

In this episode, I break down a real moment from the field where someone noticed our wrapped truck, scanned our QR code, and turned into a live conversation—and potential customer. We're diving into why branding isn't just about logos and colors… it's about  visibility, trust, and creating opportunities when you're not even trying to sell. If you're running an unmarked truck or treating branding l...

What does it really look like to start over… when you already know what you're doing? I share a real-time update on launching Coastal Fertilization of North Jersey and the lessons we're learning building a branch from the ground up—again. The difference this time? Experience, systems, and a blueprint already in place. From getting those first customers and dialing in pricing to seeing what's still...

Robotic mowing is here—but what does it actually look like in the real world? In this episode, I take you inside our first installs with Kress robotic mowers and what we're learning on the ground. From setup challenges and time investment to customer reactions and business opportunities, we're breaking it all down. This isn't about hype—it's about what's real right now, and where this industry is...

Taxes are due,  so let's talk about it. In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, we're diving into something every business owner needs to hear—getting your financial house in order. Whether you're buttoned up or scrambling at the last minute, this episode is your gut check. We cover: Why staying organized financially is non-negotiable What to do if you're NOT ready for tax season (hint:...