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, intentional changes this off-season can set you up for a smoother, more profitable year ahead.

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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 the show!

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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 marketing channel. 

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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 your side hustle or looking for motivation to keep pushing forward, Jay’s story will inspire you to stay the course and keep building.

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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 dollar into long-term profit. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, this episode will help you make the most of every investment.

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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 theft. Whether you’re new to lawn care or running a growing team, these tips will help you protect your business and stay calm under pressure.

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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. 

Commercial vs. Residential Services by Carla Iniguez

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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. If you’ve been running nonstop, this is your reminder that rest is not a weakness, it’s the fuel that keeps the hustle alive.

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets

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 smarter first hire and set your business up for long-term success.

• 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

• 🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

• 💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

• 📋 Get Jobber – 20% Off for 6 Months Sign Up Here

• 🏗 EQUIP Exposition — Save 50% Register Now Use promo code: SIDEHUSTLE at checkout

• 👟 Save 10% on KUJO Yardwear Shop Now Automatically applies discount

• 🎤 Lawntrepreneur Academy Live – Nov. 8, 2026 | Novi, MI Details & Tickets

• 📬 PostcardMania Learn More 

• 📆 LCR Summit – Oct. 20–21 | Louisville, KY Get Tickets