The spring rush is over, the phones aren't ringing quite as much, and many business owners start wondering what's next. But what if the slowdown isn't a problem? What if it's actually an opportunity?

In this episode, Mike discusses why the weeks and months following the spring rush can be some of the most valuable of the entire year. From evaluating what went right (and wrong) during the busy season to planning fall marketing campaigns, building systems, strengthening relationships, and investing in personal growth, this is the season where great companies separate themselves from average ones.

Mike shares lessons from Coastal Fertilization and ROPED, including how he's using this time to expand into new markets, build partnerships, prepare for fall aeration and overseeding campaigns, and create opportunities that may not pay off for months—or even years. If you've been feeling uneasy because things have slowed down, this episode will help you shift your mindset, embrace the season you're in, and use the summer months to set yourself up for a stronger fall and an even bigger year ahead.

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

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At the Rehlko Guinness World Record event in Louisville, Kentucky, Paul Jamison turns the microphone around and interviews Mike Garvey about one of the biggest moves of his entrepreneurial journey—launching ROPED (Robotic Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors).

In this conversation, Mike shares the vision behind bringing robotic mowing and battery-powered equipment to the green industry, why he believes automation is the future of landscape maintenance, and what it takes to introduce new technology to contractors, municipalities, schools, and property managers.

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🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

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

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In this solo episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I share a behind-the-scenes update on everything happening across my businesses. I talk about the growth and progress of Coastal Fertilization & Weed Control, the exciting developments at ROPED (Robotic Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors), and the launch of Coastal Fertilization of North Jersey.

I also discuss my upcoming trip to Texas to celebrate the grand opening of Marshall Lawn Solutions' new facility, where I'll be connecting with great industry leaders, including John Pajak.

With the spring rush beginning to wind down, I reflect on what worked, what we've learned, and how we're shifting our focus toward the next major opportunity: fall aeration and overseeding season. I break down some of the marketing strategies we're planning to use, including Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), customer retention tactics, and how we're preparing now to finish the year strong.

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 Coastal Fertilization on Instagram @coastalfertilization

💻 Branded Bull Website Design Visit BrandedBull.com

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In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, I sit down with Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and the driving force behind Equip Exposition, to discuss everything happening at the industry's biggest event.

We dive into what attendees can expect at Equip Expo 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky, October 20–23, including new features, expanded hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, and how the show continues to break attendance records and evolve each year. We also discuss the future of Equip and the major announcement that the show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, bringing Equip to Orlando, Florida for the first time.

Whether you're a contractor, dealer, manufacturer, or entrepreneur in the green industry, this episode provides an inside look at where the industry is headed, why Equip continues to grow, and how you can maximize your experience at this year's 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

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In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, we sit down with Lamont Hairston from Hairston Property Management to talk about something every business owner eventually faces — health, recovery, and the importance of having a backup plan.

Lamont opens up about dealing with hip pain for more than two years before ultimately undergoing a full hip replacement surgery. We discuss the physical and mental toll it took on him, what recovery has looked like, and how it forced him to think differently about his business operations.

This episode is a reminder that as entrepreneurs, we often push through pain and put ourselves last while focusing on customers, employees, and growth. But what happens when your body tells you to slow down?

We also dive into:

• Why every business owner needs contingency plans in place
• Delegating work and building relationships with trusted companies
• Creating systems so your business can survive without you
• The importance of yearly physicals, blood work, and preventative healthcare
• Thinking long-term instead of just surviving the daily grind
• Lessons learned from being forced to step away from the field

A powerful conversation about health, leadership, and building a business that supports your life — not one that completely depends on you.

🎙 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 Discount automatically applies

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Recorded live from Louisville, Kentucky, at REHLKO's Guinness World Record event, Mike sits down with Cornell Mack for a wide-ranging conversation on business, leadership, and building community through live events.

Cornell shares insights from his recent meetup event, the lessons learned from bringing entrepreneurs together, and why face-to-face connections continue to be a game changer in today's digital world. The conversation also dives into the realities of the spring rush—how business is performing, the challenges that come with growth, and the systems that help keep everything moving forward.

Plus, Cornell gives an update on upcoming projects, what he's focused on for the rest of the year, and what attendees can expect from him at this year's Equip Exposition.

Whether you're in the middle of your busy season or looking for inspiration from someone who's building both a business and a community, this episode delivers practical insights and plenty of motivation.

Topics include:

• Lessons from hosting live events and meetups
• The power of networking and community
• Managing the spring rush
• Business growth and leadership
• Upcoming projects and opportunities
• Looking ahead to Equip Expo

🎙 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 Discount automatically applies

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Larry Delli Santi is back on the mic! While out at the RELHKO Guinness World Record event in Louisville, Mike and Larry finally got a chance to sit down and catch up during the middle of the spring rush.

In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, the guys talk all things ROPED, Coastal Fertilization & Weed Control, and Amazing Creations Landscaping — from robotic mowing and battery-powered equipment to landscaping operations, lawn care growth, and managing the chaos of spring season.

They also dive into:

• How the spring rush has been going
• Lessons learned over the years in business
• The current state of landscaping and lawn care
• Growing multiple companies at once
• The future vision for ROPED and robotics
• Balancing partnerships, family, and entrepreneurship during busy season

Just two business partners and co-hosts having a real conversation in the middle of the grind. If you're in lawn care, landscaping, or entrepreneurship, this episode will definitely hit home.

🎙 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 Discount automatically applies

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Spring rush is here, and for contractors, that means long days, packed schedules, stress, and growth opportunities all happening at once. In this episode, Mike sits down with Naylor Taliaferro to talk about how he's learned to handle the chaos of spring over the years. They dive into early mistakes, burnout, scheduling problems, hiring struggles, and the systems that helped Naylor evolve from overwhelmed operator to intentional business owner.

The conversation also shifts into the importance of networking, live events, and Naylor's upcoming Profit Accelerator event in Richmond, Virginia — designed to help contractors grow faster and smarter by getting around the right people.

🎙 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

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Spring is here, and this is the season where businesses either gain momentum or get left behind. In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Mike talks about real-world strategies for getting more customers during the spring rush.

From branding and wrapped trucks to Google reviews, upselling existing customers, face-to-face networking, and creating momentum in your local market, this episode is packed with practical ideas contractors can start using immediately.

Mike also breaks down why the fastest-growing companies don't sit around waiting for leads — they actively hunt for opportunities every single day.

Topics include:

• Getting more lawn care & fertilization customers
• Why branding matters
• Using Google reviews to grow
• Upselling your current client base
• Commercial property networking
• Spring marketing strategies
• Building momentum during peak season

🎙 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 Discount automatically applies

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In this episode, Mike breaks down ROPED's very first real-world robotic mowing demo and installation — and the reactions were exactly what you'd expect.

The customer was excited. The team saw the vision. But one person wasn't buying in at all… the gas mechanic.

Why are so many people resistant to battery-powered equipment and robotic mowing? Is it fear of change? Fear of losing relevance? Or are contractors simply not adapting fast enough to where the industry is headed?

Mike dives deep into:

• Why robotic mowing and battery equipment are disrupting the industry
• The mindset shift contractors NEED to make
• Why some mechanics and operators push back against new technology
• ROPED's first Kress install using the KR174
• How surprisingly simple the setup and mapping process was
• What customers are really looking for in 2026
• Why robotics aren't replacing landscapers — they're changing the role of landscapers

This episode is a raw, honest look at the future of the green industry and what happens when innovation collides with tradition. If you're curious about robotic mowing, battery-powered equipment, or where the landscaping industry is heading next, this one's for you.

🎙 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 Discount automatically applies

📅 LiveSwitch Book a Demo

📬 PostcardMania Learn More

💵 Relay – Powerful Business Banking for Small Business Owners Learn More

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett Learn More