In this episode of the show, we sit down with Kuya Lito Mendoza, the founder, CEO, and lead technician of Green Department HVAC. From arriving in Winnipeg as an immigrant with only $2,000 in pocket money to managing a team of 15, his journey is a masterclass in resilience, work ethic, and the "blessing in disguise" that often comes with career pivots.

Kuya shares his transition from an electronics engineer in the Philippines to a technician in the freezing Canadian winters. We dive deep into:

- The reality of starting a business during a global pandemic (2019).

- Why "attitude" beats "skill" whenever hiring.

- The difference between "good debt" and "bad debt" in business growth.

- How to maintain quality and customer respect in a competitive industry.

- His unique "CALL ME" philosophy—staying accessible to customers even as the boss.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a newcomer to Canada, or just someone looking for a dose of grit and inspiration, this conversation is packed with "real talk" about the highs and lows of the grind.

Connect with Green Department HVAC:

Website: www.greendepthvac.ca

Phone: 204-219-8344 (24/7 Support)

Location: Serving Winnipeg and surrounding areas.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Meeting the owner of Green Department HVAC.

01:15 – The Immigrant Journey: Arriving in Winnipeg with $2,000 and no plan.

02:40 – The Call Center Trial: Why "technical guys" aren't meant for the headset.

04:10 – The "Blessing in Disguise": Transitioning from employee to helper to business owner.

05:55 – Funding vs. Bootstrapping: The stress of doing it all on your own.

07:30 – Starting in 2019: Launching a business right before the pandemic hit.

09:15 – The Family Business: When your eldest son becomes your first helper.

11:00 – The "No Debt" Mentality vs. Scaling: Learning to use "Good Debt" to grow.

13:20 – Extreme Work Ethic: Answering customer calls while your wife is in labour.

15:45 – Hiring for Attitude: Why skills can be taught but character cannot.

18:10 – The "Virus" in a Team: Why avoiding drama is the key to a healthy company.

20:30 – Apprenticeship Struggles: How Manitoba’s licensing system changed (and why you shouldn't quit).

23:15 – The Responsibility of a Leader: "If I don't provide work, they can't pay their bills."

25:50 – Knowing Your Value: Why being the "cheapest" option often costs the customer double.

28:30 – Handling Bad Reviews and Competition: Focus on your own capability, not others.

31:45 – Working with Spouses: Why Kuya and his wife don't work in the same office.

34:10 – Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Don't "lay low" once you start earning.

36:30 – "CALL ME": The story behind the famous license plate and final thoughts.

https://www.facebook.com/litogenermendoza

https://greendepthvac.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/greendepthvac/?hl=en

They say ideas are easy, but execution is the hardest part. In today’s episode, we sit down with Brother JB, a Filipino business owner in Winnipeg, Canada, who proved that there are no shortcuts to success.

Starting as a dishwasher at Brionis restaurant in 2014, JB navigated the challenges of being a newcomer—including the language barrier—working through construction and kitchen management. When the pandemic hit and the restaurant industry slowed down, he didn't make excuses. Instead, he found an opportunity in the Junk Removal and Moving Services industry.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/

https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579

website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd

📍JB’s socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jb_caguisano/

https://www.facebook.com/jb.caguisano

https://jbjunkandmoving.ca

https://jbjunkandmoving.ca

In this powerful episode of The Real Hustle Show, we break the excuses, crush the 9–5 mindset, and talk real business, real moves, and real money.

Our first-ever female guest, Lee Holgado, joins the show—Business Strategist and Licensed Financial Advisor, and Founder of Kargado Wealth Strategies Inc. Lee shares her raw journey from being broke, hustling multiple jobs, surviving the pandemic, to building a purpose-driven career helping individuals and entrepreneurs gain financial clarity, confidence, and long-term wealth.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/

https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579

website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd

📍Lee’s socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/champee29/

https://www.threads.com/@champee29?xmt=AQF0h6MEe2heVSwfJhtiCywTDiK1EmewhD1qkH0ld3GcUDA

https://www.facebook.com/leeHolgado

This episode of The Real Hustle Show features a raw and revealing conversation with real estate powerhouse Paul Kuegle. Hosted by Marlo Merilles, this session dives deep into the "10-year sacrifice" mindset and what it actually takes to build a multi-million dollar legacy from scratch.

Paul shares his journey from growing up in Oakbank to flipping nearly 200 homes alongside his wife and business partner, Amanda. This isn't just a story about success; it’s a masterclass in grit, house-hacking, and burning the boats.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/

https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579

website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd

📍Paul’s socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/paulkuegle/

https://www.instagram.com/kuegledevelopmentcorp/

This episode of the Real Hustle Show features a powerful transition from military discipline to entrepreneurial grit. Host Marlou Merilles sits down with Alvin, a retired Canadian Air Force member who spent 23 years in service before pivoting to real estate and business.

Alvin reveals how a "no-fail mission" mentality, forged in the military, became his greatest asset in the world of investing. He shares his honest journey—from delivering pizzas and living in a basement to rebuild his life, to leveraging his family home to acquire a multi-property portfolio. This conversation dives deep into the "life hacks" of the military, the psychological hurdle of borrowing other people’s money (OPM), and the mindset shift required to turn a 9-to-5 paycheck into generational wealth.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/

https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579

website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd

📍Alvin’s socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alvin_timpug/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/supplementworldgrantpark/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/aj4properties/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/AJ4Properties/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

This episode of The Real Hustle Show is a masterclass in the transition from creative "grind" to high-level business execution. Host Marlou Merilles sits down with Bryce Kaminsky, a powerhouse Canadian real estate investor, head coach at Black Card U, and specialist in off-market acquisitions with over 200 deals under his belt.

From the struggling music scene in Winnipeg to navigating "Murder Houses" and closing 9 deals in 9 weeks, Bryce breaks down the cold, hard truth: Talent is only 40% of the equation. The other 60% is the grind that most people aren't willing to do.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/

https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579

website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd

Bryce Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brycekaminsky/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brycekaminsky

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryce.kaminsky

Welcome back to The Real Hustle Show, where excuses get crushed and we only talk real business, real moves, and real money! In today's episode, we’re joined by a truly special guest who embodies the journey from The Grind to The Glory—Jon Simcoe, a sophisticated real estate investor with 20 years in the game, who literally drove all the way from BC (just kidding!) to be here.

Jon Simcoe, famous for transacting on a house with a bag of pierogies and landing on the cover of Canadian Real Estate magazine, dives deep into his entrepreneurial journey. He defines success as "doing what you want, when you want," and shares the blueprint for how he achieved it by becoming a "sophisticated" investor—not a one-trick pony—who loves the art of the deal and creating a win-win-win scenario for everyone involved.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/

https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579

website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd

📍Jon’s socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/caymanracer/

https://www.facebook.com/jon.simcoe

https://www.youtube.com/@jonsimcoe/videos

Join host Marlou Merilles as he dives deep into the unfiltered, often chaotic, world of entrepreneurship and real estate. This isn't about overnight success; it's about the grind, the growth, and the glory—including the costly mistakes, the emotional breaking points, and the hard-won lessons.

In this explosive "Taglish" episode, Marlou welcomes special guest Renz Javing, a Winnipeg-based real estate investor who built his brand, We Buy Houses Winnipeg, from the ground up.

🙏 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE if this episode gave you value — and tag someone who needs to hear this today.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/

https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579

website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd

📍Renz’s socials:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/renzfriesfrancis/

https://www.instagram.com/webuyhouseswinnipeg/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/renzzee

Welcome to The Real Hustle Show with Marlou Merilles, where excuses get crushed, the 9-to-5 mindset gets broken, and we only talk real business, real moves, and real money. This show is all about the grind, the grit, and the glory!

In today's special episode, Marlou sits down with 26-year-old entrepreneur and podcast host, Mehari, for an incredibly candid conversation about his journey from growing up in Winnipeg's North End to building a successful six-figure business and entering the cutthroat world of real estate.

🙏 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE if this episode gave you value — and tag someone who needs to hear this today.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerille...

Facebook: / marlou.merilles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarl...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJ...

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...

Hanny’s socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannymehari?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook:facebook.com/hannymehari

Tiktok:tiktok.com/@hannymehari

Spotify:open.spotify.com/show/2O6xVzwJ7svc1CDlSsiCx3

Linked in:linkedin.com/in/hanny-mehari-115b94196

Tired of the 9-to-5 grind and the same old broke mindset? Welcome to The Real Hustle Show with your host, Marlou Merilles, the podcast where excuses get crushed, the 9-to-5 mindset gets broken, and we only talk real business, real moves, and real money!

Join Marlou as he sits down with certified hustlers, entrepreneurs, and high-performers to unpack the discipline, knowledge, and purpose needed for true growth.

In this episode, Marlou welcomes special guest, Ajay, a successful real estate investor and fellow immigrant from India. Listen as Ajay breaks down his journey from an 18-year-old international student working minimum wage jobs at Tim Hortons and gas stores, to a multi-property real estate investor today.

🙏 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE if this episode gave you value — and tag someone who needs to hear this today.

📍 Follow Marlou:

Tiktok: / marloumerille. .

Facebook: / marlou.merilles

Instagram: / therealmarl. .

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJ...

Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...

Ajay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aj.sharmax?...