Side Hustle Squad

In this episode, Mike talks with Paul Lacinski, a 30-year Veteran Firefighter and owner of Bitchin' Lawns from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Paul discusses his experiences with trauma and struggles with mental health and how he has overcome them!  Paul discusses that "It's OK not to be OK!" and when to seek professional help. Mike and Paul also discuss Paul's lawn care company.  Paul shares his many experi...

In this episode, Mike talks with Shawn Langton, founder, and CEO of KUJO Yardwear.  Shawn talks how about how KUJO started as a side hustle and has flourished into a thriving business in the lawn care industry and beyond.  Shawn had a passion for developing a shoe that was lightweight and waterproof, so as not to have to wear a heavy work boot. Shawn discusses ups and downs, time management and so...

In this episode, Mike and Larry talk about analyzing leads that are coming in.  It's important to see where leads are coming from to see what marketing strategies are working.  They also talk about that analyzing the close rate of the leads that are converted to customers. @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadpodcast

On today's episode of the Side Hide Hustle Squad podcast, Mike and Larry discuss keeping your foot on the gas to keep getting customers the late Spring. Mike and Larry talk about the importance of keeping up on your "Google My Business" account, getting fresh 5-Star reviews, and maintaining your company's website. @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadpodcast

On today's episode, Mike and Larry discuss recent equipment failures and the importance of having backup equipment or a backup plan when failures happen. Larry discusses how he has learned to fix various machines over his career.  Mike and Larry discuss the possibility of a Side Hustle Squad YouTube Channel in the future! @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadpodcast

In this episode, Mike and Larry talk about managing customers' issues and complaints. Larry discusses issues he's dealt with in the past and with current customers.  Mike and Larry also share some funny stories and customer interactions over the years.  They also discuss responding to customer complaints and doing a thorough investigation. @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadpodcast

On today's episode of the podcast, Mike and Larry discuss various ways of estimating and quoting different services in the green industry.  They talk about the importance of Jobber, staying organized, answering the phone, and responding to leads quickly. @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadpodcast

In this episode, Mike talks with his partner Larry about finding, retaining, and managing employees.  Many business owners need help finding the right time to make their first hire.  This episode will help!  Larry and Mike share their experiences with finding new employees and keeping them.   @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadpodcast

In this episode, Mike talks about his trips to Louisville, Kentucky to attend EQUIP.  EQUIP is the biggest annual event dedicated to landscapers, hardscapers, manufacturers, dealers, and businesses. Register Early to Save! Looking forward to seeing everyone in October 2023. @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadpodcast

In this episode, Mike shares a recent customer interaction where the customer is unhappy with weed control services.  Mike reflects on maybe he wasn't clear in the description of the services that were going to be provided in the quote.  Mike also discusses when to part ways with a customer when it is just not a good fit. @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadpodcast  

Today, Mike talks with Eric Hughes, owner of The EH Group.  Eric is a full-time art teacher with a large lawn care company.  Eric talks about managing his career, his side hustle, and his large family! Eric shares his knowledge on starting a business, growing a business, managing his time, and staying organized.  Brian Fullerton recently toured Eric's Shop in Delaware, Ohio.  Link below. Take a vi...

On this episode, Mike and Larry talk with Steve Serbo, owner of Lakeshore Landscaping in Brick Township, NJ. Steve shares his advice and insight into being a Full Time Corrections Officer and business owner. Steve and Larry talk about how they started Fine Cuts in 1998, prior to owning their own businesses. Steve shares his challenges, his experiences, and where he sees the business going in the f...

In this episode, Mike talks about an article he came across from his distributor, Central turf and Irrigation Supply, which discusses tips on capturing those 5-Star Google reviews from customers.  Google reviews are critical to having a successful online presence!  This episode discusses how to ask for reviews, get reviews, and acknowledge when you received a review. @coastalfertilization @sidehus...

In this episode, Mike talks with Lamont Hairston, a big supporter of the Side Hustle Squad Podcast. Mike and Lamont have attended live events throughout the country together over the past year.  Lamont shares his experiences, advice, and the fact that he's going FULL-TIME! Lamont shares how he has handled his multiple jobs and spending time with his family.  @coastalfertilization @sidehustlesquadp...

In this episode, Mike talks about Brian Fullerton's new book Zero to 100K. Mike has gained some valuable lessons and knowledge from Brain's book. The book contains best practices, funny stories, and valuable lessons on starting a lawn care business. It's a must-read for anyone considering starting a lawn care business or already in business. Zero to $100K!: The Complete Guide on How to Start a Suc...

In this episode, Mike sits down in the Side Hustle Squad Studio with Mike Anderson, a law enforcement officer and real estate investor with 25+ rental properties. Mike discusses how he started his first business, a photo booth rental company, then sold it to start his real estate career.  Mike shares so much great advice on getting started in real estate, where he sees his future, and balancing hi...

In this episode, Mike talks with Adam Guker, a 16-year law enforcement detective. Adam talks about his thriving lawn care, landscaping, and snow removal business and how it has evolved over the last 20+ years.  Adam's family has been in the lawn care Industry since when his father started his small engine repair and lawn equipment dealership in Toms River, NJ in 1961. Adam provides advice, experie...

In this episode, Mike sits down with his fellow trooper and academy classmate, Dan Francisco, who has recently retired from law enforcement to become a longshoreman, the career he had prior to being in law enforcement. Mike and Dan discuss making difficult career choices in life and how to adjust to these changes. Dan gives his experiences on having side jobs and multiple jobs at once and how to j...

In this episode, Mike talks about his experience since hiring PostcardMania, after hearing them speak at Brian Fullerton's  Lawntrepreneur Academy Live Event.  Mike discusses how he feels he now has a marketing team, each person with their own specific job, that will help Coastal Fertilization gain new customers on routes that they already service. Visit  postcardmania.com for sample designs, prod...

In this episode, Mike sits down with his business partner, Larry Delli Santi, and discuss how Coastal Fertilization was formed.  Mike and Larry share some stories, advice, and some funny stories they have experienced in the last few years together.  Mike and Larry talk about the future of the business, as well as some valuable partnerships they made. Part 1 is found in episode #3. @coastalfertiliz...

In this episode, Mike talks about an article written by Dr. Brian Kinnaird Ph. D., a certified trauma support specialist called  Life After Law Enforcement,  which was published in  Psychology Today . Mike talks about the different struggles police officers and civilians may go through when retiring.  Mike discusses some suggestions that Dr. Kinnaird writes about to help with post-separation anxie...

In this episode, Mike discusses how we need to continue raising the bar in the green industry regarding pricing.  Do not bend to customers that do not value your experience,  expertise, time, and investment in your business.  Mike shares two recent experiences with a potential customer and a former customer.  Just remember, there will always be new potential high-quality customers. @coastalfertili...

In this episode, Mike sits down with Larry Delli Santi, owner of Amazing Creations Landscaping and Lawn Care in Toms River, NJ. Larry discusses how he started, lessons learned, ups and down, and advice to people in the lawn care community or looking to start.  We end the episode just before Mike and Larry start Coastal Fertilization Together in 2017.  The story of Coastal Fertilization from Larry'...

In this episode, Mike discusses the benefits of Jobber and how it has enhanced customer communication,  helped with gaining leads and quoting jobs, scheduling, and invoicing.  Mike talks about how he was invoicing, using an old, antiquated system, and how Jobber has streamlined that process. Thinking about buying Jobber to improve your business? Listen to this episode to gain first-hand knowledge,...

Welcome to the first episode of the Side Hustle Squad Podcast with Mike Garvey! Mike takes a moment to introduce himself and share what you can expect from the podcast. Mike talks about his lawn care business, Coastal Fertilization while having a full-time career in law enforcement. Tune in to listen to in-depth interviews, stories, and advice if you are thinking about starting a side hustle, just...