Side Hustle Squad

We've hit 250 episodes of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, and it's all thanks to you, the listeners! In this special episode, I reflect on the journey so far and express my gratitude for the support, feedback, and hustle you've all brought to the table. I also share where we're headed next: Las Vegas for the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference. Hear what we're excited about, why this event matte...

In this episode, I'm taking you back four years to a major shift in our lawn care business, when we finally hired administrative help. I'll break down what led to that decision, the warning signs I ignored, and how trying to wear every hat in the business was holding us back. Whether you're still answering every phone call yourself or managing invoices at midnight, this episode is for you. I'll sh...

In this special episode, I share my recent appearance on the LCR Media Podcast , hosted by the one and only LCR himself, Naylor Taliaferro. We dive deep into the realities of running a lawn care business, the grind of side hustling, and what it really takes to grow in this industry. Important Links: https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/ B...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I dive into a crucial mindset shift for every small business owner: always be recruiting. Whether you're fully staffed or running lean, having a pipeline of potential hires can save you when someone suddenly quits, gets injured, or you're ready to grow. I share recent experiences in my own business that reminded me how important it is to stay proac...

In this episode, I'm diving deep into one of the most powerful ways to grow your lawn care busines, locking in commercial accounts. I touched on this before, but today we're going beyond just walking into businesses and talking to the general manager. I'll break down multiple strategies to help you win commercial clients, including networking with property managers, using LinkedIn to find decision...

We're officially at halftime! So, how's your business really doing? In this episode, I break down how to do a mid-year health check for your business. I cover everything from reviewing your goals and financials, to checking in on your team, your own burnout level, and what's coming in the second half of the year. Whether you're on track or off the rails, this episode will help you pause, reflect,...

In this episode, I give a raw and real update on what's going on behind the scenes at the shop—including dealing with a surprise inspection from the NJDEP after a complaint was filed. I break down how we're navigating that process and staying compliant while keeping the business moving forward. I also share a powerful new strategy I've been using to land more commercial accounts—good old-fashioned...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I sit down with Samantha Heald, VP of Corporate Sales at PostcardMania . We dive into the power of direct mail and how small businesses can use it to drive serious results. Samantha breaks down the wide range of marketing solutions PostcardMania offers — from targeted mailing campaigns to digital integrations — and shares expert tips on using Every...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I sit down with the one and only John Pajak from the Profits with Pajak podcast. We dive into one of the most important—and most overlooked—aspects of running a successful business: knowing your numbers. John breaks down why understanding your financials is the key to scaling your side hustle, boosting profit, and making smart decisions. We also ta...

In this episode, Mike sits down with Adam Fullerton of Branded Bull to dive into the company's bold move to go all-in on website design specifically for lawn care and landscaping businesses. We talk about why going niche was the right decision, how SEO is still king, and what most business owners are getting wrong when it comes to their online presence. Adam also breaks down the full suite of serv...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Mike sits down with Matt Dickey of Plum Creek Lawncare out of Sparta, Illinois. Matt's story is a true testament to grit, hustle, and knowing when to pivot. He shares how he spent over a decade juggling a firewood business while operating heavy equipment in a coal mine—all while quietly building a lawn maintenance side hustle. After making the leap...

The spring rush is finally in the rearview—and now it's time to check in with you. In this post-Father's Day episode, I'm talking directly to the business owners, who've been pushing hard all spring. Let's be real: burnout creeps in fast if you don't pause to reset. I'm sharing practical ways to step back, recharge your batteries, and protect your energy.  From unplugging for a day to revisiting y...

In this special episode, I sit down with my wife for a candid check-in on all things Coastal Fertilization and Weed Control. We chat about how the business looks from her perspective, how the kids are handling the busy season, and what marketing strategies have been catching her eye lately. It's an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the lawn care hustle through the lens of family life, teamwork, an...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, we're zooming way out. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, mowing lawns, sending invoices, answering calls. But what happens when you stop and ask, "Where is this all going?" Today, we're talking about the power of long-term thinking and how to plan for not just tomorrow, but 10 years from now. Whether long-range planning comes naturally...

Are you serious about growing your lawn care or landscaping business? Then EQUIP Expo needs to be on your calendar. In this episode, I break down why this is the must-attend event for anyone in the green industry. From hands-on demos of the latest equipment to insider education, networking with industry leaders, and discovering new service ideas—you'll walk away with tools, connections, and motiva...

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, we're flipping the script on growth. You don't need more clients, you need to serve your current ones better. We dive into smart, proven strategies to increase revenue by offering additional services to the clients who already know, like, and trust.  https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/ B...

In this episode, we dive into the Jobber Grant — a no-strings-attached funding opportunity for small home service businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this grant could be a game-changer. I break down what the Jobber Grant is, who it's for, how to apply, and why more entrepreneurs should be taking advantage of it. Don't miss this chance to...

In this special episode, I'm excited to share my very first appearance on The Green Industry Podcast with Paul Jamison — the conversation that helped spark this whole podcasting journey. Paul and I dive into how I got started in the green industry, balancing a full-time job with a growing side hustle, and the mindset it takes to build something from the ground up. https://www.instagram.com/sidehus...

If everything in your business has to go through you, growth will always hit a ceiling. In this episode, I dig into why bottlenecks happen, how to recognize if you're the one causing them, and what steps you can take to fix it,  without sacrificing quality or control. From building systems to trusting your team, this episode is all about getting out of your own way so your business can truly scale...

You've built your business from the ground up — but now you're buried in work, wearing every hat, and wondering if it's finally time to bring someone on board. In this episode, Mike breaks down the key signs that it's time to hire help, what tasks you should consider offloading first, and how to overcome the fear of letting go. Let's talk about taking that next step toward growth without burning o...

In this deeply personal episode, Mike shares the story of his dog Cole, a loyal companion who stood by him through every chapter of life, from starting his family to raising kids. Cole wasn't just a pet; he was family. Mike talks about the pain of losing him, the lessons he left behind, and how we begin to move forward after such a loss. If you've ever loved and lost a dog, this one's for you. htt...

Running a lawn care business isn't just about mowing lawns and managing crews—it's about managing life at home, too. In this episode, Mike dives into the often-unspoken role of a supportive spouse and how their encouragement, patience, and behind-the-scenes work make everything possible. Mike shares  practical ways lawn care business owners can return that support, especially when their spouse is...

In this episode, Mike dives into one of the biggest milestones in growing your lawn or landscape business—hiring your first employee. Whether you're overwhelmed with work or looking to scale, this move can make or break your momentum. I share practical tips, common pitfalls, and real-world insights from a recent mastermind session with other green industry pros. Learn how to hire smart, train righ...

Larry shares the story of when his truck caught fires  and how he managed to put it out before things got worse. We break down exactly what happened, what he did right, and what every landscaper or contractor needs to know in case they're ever in the same situation. From having the right fire extinguisher on board to steps you should take immediately after pulling over, this episode is packed with...

In this episode, Mike is joined once again by Larry Delli Santi as we dive into how his lawn care company is doing now that they're into week three of the cutting season. We talk about the early-season momentum, the unexpected challenges, and the valuable lessons learned so far. Larry shares both wins and losses he's experienced already this year, offering insights that every side entrepreneur can...