Side Hustle Squad

In this special crossover episode, Mike sits down with John Pajak from the Profits with Pajak Podcast to continue their in-depth conversation about business, life, and what makes the Equip Expo such a game-changer for entrepreneurs in the lawn and landscape industry. If you caught Part 1 on Profits with Pajak , you'll love this second half, packed with real talk about building a business that work...

As the 2025 season winds down, it's time to take a step back and look ahead to next year. Are your routes too spread out? Have your costs gone up but your prices haven't? In this episode, Mike talks about how to evaluate your business heading into 2026, from tightening routes and setting profitable pricing, to deciding which clients and services truly make sense for your goals. Learn how small, in...

In this episode, Mike shares his past experiences from the legendary Equip Expo in Louisville and what makes it a must-attend event for anyone in the lawn and landscape industry. From networking with top brands to testing the latest gear, you'll get insider tips to make the most out of your trip. Plus, hear where The Side Hustle Squad will be throughout the week and how you can connect with us at...

If you could only pick ONE way to advertise your lawn-care business for the next year:social media, yard signs, or word-of-mouth, which would deliver the best ROI? In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Mike breaks down the pros and cons of each strategy, shares real-world examples from his own business, and reveals which option he'd choose if he had to bet everything on a single market...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I sit down with my friend and fellow state trooper, Jay Slatas, founder of Magnify Performance. Jay shares how he turned his passion into a thriving side hustle while balancing the demands of the job. We dive into the early struggles, the mindset needed to stay consistent, and why true success never happens overnight. Whether you're just starting y...

What's the smartest way to spend a sudden $20,000 windfall in your lawn-care business? In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Mike shares exactly where he'd invest to get the best return, from equipment upgrades and marketing to team training and tech that saves time. You'll learn how to prioritize high-ROI spending, avoid common money traps, and create a growth plan that turns every do...

What would you do if you woke up on the busiest week of the spring rush… and your mower trailer was gone? In this episode, Mike breaks down exactly how to respond when disaster strikes,  from the first phone calls to keeping your crews working and your clients happy. You'll hear practical steps for dealing with insurance, renting or borrowing equipment, prioritizing jobs, and preventing future the...

In this episode, I'm back from my trip to Montana and catching you up on what's been going on. I also dive into an article making the rounds that compares residential services to commercial work, the pros, cons, and what it could mean for your business strategy. Whether you're focused on homeowners or big contracts, this conversation will get you thinking about where your business fits.  Commercia...

When you're balancing a full-time job, a side hustle, and family life, it can feel like there's never a moment to breathe. But here's the truth: taking time off isn't wasted time, it's an investment in your energy, focus, and relationships. In this episode, I share why a small vacation, a weekend getaway, or even just a single day off can make all the difference in your business and your home life...

In this episode of Side Hustle Squad, we're unpacking the insights from the much-anticipated 2025 Blue Collar Report As the landscape of blue-collar work continues to evolve, we dive deep into the trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the future of this essential workforce. Download the Jobber PDF 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodc...

Hiring your first employee can feel like the biggest leap in your lawn care business journey. In this episode, we break down how to know when it's the right time to bring someone on, what to expect when hiring experienced vs. inexperienced team members, and the real pros and cons of both. Whether you're ready to scale or just starting to think about it, this conversation will help you make a smart...

In this episode, I get back in the field and share what it's like running Jobber from a technician's perspective. From scheduling to staying organized on the go, I break down how the software works in real-time. Plus, I give an update on our first day of aeration and seeding—what's working, what challenges popped up, and how we're setting the tone for a successful aeration season. 🔗 Important Lin...

In this episode, Mike breaks down how to handle those dreaded negative Google reviews. From spotting irrelevant ones you can report, to crafting professional responses that build trust, you'll learn how to turn setbacks into opportunities. Plus, we'll dive into why getting consistent positive reviews is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have and simple ways to start asking your customer...

Ever feel like you get to the end of the day and wonder where all your time went? In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Mike breaks down why block scheduling is a game-changer for entrepreneurs and side hustlers who want to stay organized and actually move the needle in their business. You'll learn the difference between a simple to-do list and a fully blocked schedule, how to set up y...

Summer's over, routines are shifting, and just like the kids head back to class, it's the perfect moment for entrepreneurs to sharpen their pencils and check in on their business. In this episode, I break down what went well this summer, the lessons learned, and how to reset for the final stretch of the year. We'll talk about organizing your "backpack" (systems, tools, finances), checking your "gr...

In this episode, we dig into one of the most profitable and impactful services you can offer—aeration and overseeding. I break down why these services are game-changers for your customers' lawns, how to position them as premium upgrades, and the best timing to get results that keep clients coming back year after year. We'll also cover equipment tips, pricing strategies, and how to sell the value o...

After an energizing trip to the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference, I'm back behind the mic to catch you up on everything going on. In this episode, I share what's new at the shop, give a quick business update, and talk about the exciting live events coming up , including EQUIP Expo, Lawntrepreneur Academy Live, and more. Think of this as a behind-the-scenes check-in and a look at what's next...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I sit down with Adam from Greener to talk about the company's inspiring journey from its early beginnings to becoming an innovator in the world of robotic mowing. Adam shares how Greener got its start, and how technology is shaping the future of lawn care. We also dive into what robotic mowing means for business owners, homeowners, and the industry...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Michael sits down with DJ Johnson , President and CEO of Positec North America, to dive into the cutting-edge world of robotic outdoor equipment. DJ shares insights into Kress's latest lineup—including the game-changing Cut N Go autonomous mower—and breaks down how robotics and battery technology are reshaping the landscaping industry. 🔗 Important...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Mike chats with David from Leadflow, the service that keeps lawn care pros ahead of the competition. Leadflow scans local Facebook groups and instantly alerts you when someone is looking for lawn care services so you can be the first to respond and win the job. David breaks down how it works, why speed matters in lead conversion, and how business o...

Thinking about selling your lawn care business? In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I'm joined by Dennis Hering from The Advisory Investment Bank to walk through the process. Dennis explains how his firm acts as a trusted liaison between you and potential buyers, the steps involved in valuation, how to navigate negotiations, and what strategies can help you get the best price. Whethe...

In this special episode recorded live from the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference, I sit down with Brian from Permagreen — the team behind the industry's most trusted spreader-sprayer combo. We dive into how Permagreen continues to innovate in the green industry, what makes their machines a must-have for pros handling everything from tight residential routes to massive athletic fields, and why...

In this special episode recorded live at the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference, I sit down with Clark and Jeff from Fleetio , one of the top platforms for fleet management. We dive into how landscapers and service business owners can streamline maintenance, improve tracking, and boost overall efficiency with their vehicles and equipment. Whether you're managing a few trucks or an entire fleet...

In this episode, Larry and I hit the ground running at the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference in Las Vegas! Recorded just after we arrived, we share our raw first impressions, the buzz on the floor, and a look at the cutting-edge vendors and innovations shaping the future of the green industry. Whether you're in lawn care, landscaping, or just curious about where tech is taking the industry, t...

Recorded live from Pod Row at the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference in Las Vegas, I sit down with Nino DeGiglio, Head of Marketing at Rehlko , to talk all things media, branding, and how the green industry is evolving with technology. Nino shares insights into how Rehlko is helping podcasters and businesses create high-impact content, stand out at live events, and connect with audiences in an...