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.

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• 🌱 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

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• 📆 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

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• 📆 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

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.

• 🎙 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 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 customers today.

• 🎙 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

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 your day so the most important work gets done, and why structure creates freedom. Plus, Mike shares practical tips you can start using right away to take back control of your time and keep overwhelm from running 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