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 full-time into entrepreneurship, Matt realized that the debt from the firewood business was holding his lawn company back. His bold decision to sell off that side of the business and go all-in on lawn care paid off—and now he’s leading a thriving 2 man crew that’s becoming a staple in their small town of 5,000. 

Connect with Matt: https://www.instagram.com/plum_creek_lawncare_/

Important Links:

https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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 your “why,” this episode is your reminder to recharge and reset. 

https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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, and staying grounded.

https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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 to you or not, this episode gives you simple strategies to build a clear vision, reverse-engineer your success, and make decisions today that set up your future self to win.

https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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 motivation to take your business to the next level. Whether you’re side hustling or scaling full time, this episode will show you why Louisville is the place to be this fall.

https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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 learn about free money that could help grow your business — and how to go after it with confidence.

 Apply or learn more about the Jobber Grant: 

https://www.getjobber.com/grants/?utm_source=PS_Ambassador&utm_medium=mikegarvey5641&utm_campaign=jobber-grants-2025-bp-organic

https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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. 

https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle

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 out.

https://www.instagram.com/sidehustlesquadpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/coastalfertilization/

Branded Bull Website Design: https://www.brandedbull.com/

https://go.getjobber.com/sidehustlesquad (Get 20% off for 6 months)

EQUIP Exposition (Save 50% with code: SIDEHUSTLE)

Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference

Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear:

https://www.kujo.com/?utm_source=sidehustlesquadpodcast&promotion=10sidehustle