Podcast
Side Hustle Squad
Hosted by Mike Garvey · EN
Welcome to the Side Hustle Squad Podcast with your host, Mike Garvey! My goal is to provide entrepreneurs with all the tools and resources they need to start and succeed in the lawn care industry on the side while working a full-time career. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, or thinking about taking the leap into starting a business, this podcast will help you build and grow. Guests from the green industry and beyond will be on the show to share their experiences and advice. I provide in-depth interviews with successful entrepreneurs, offering insight into what it takes to succeed in running a business.
I will also discuss the various aspects of the lawn care industry, from equipment and industry trends to stories and experiences from my own lawn care business successes and failures. You will leave each episode feeling informed, empowered, and ready to hustle. No matter what stage of the journey you're in, the Side Hustle Squad is here to help you succeed. Tune in every week for the latest interviews, tips, tricks, and advice for growing your business.
73episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 354. Build It to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You!
5d ago00:37:46Summary readyRecorded live from Pod Row at the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference, sponsored by LCR Summit, Mike Garvey sits down with Eric Triplett to tackle a question every business owner eventually faces: What's your exit strategy? From building a company that's dependent on you to creating one that's actually valuable enough to sell, Mike and Eric discuss what it takes to build a business with the future in mind. Eric also shares how his perspective on ownership, leadership, and long-term planning has shifted over the past year—and why those changes are influencing the decisions he's making today. Whether you're planning to sell, pass your business on, or simply build something that gives you more freedom, this conversation will challenge the way you think about the end goal of entrepreneurship. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More
SummaryEp 353. PodHouse Scottsdale Presented by Permagreen: Bringing the Podcast Studio to Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference!
1w ago00:13:27Summary readyPodHouse is headed to the Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona! In this episode, I break down what makes this event such a valuable gathering for the green industry, why we're bringing the PodHouse experience on the road, and what attendees can expect. I also share why we're excited to have PermaGreen as our presenting sponsor and how their support is helping us capture the biggest conversations in landscaping, technology, and entrepreneurship. If you're coming to Scottsdale, be sure to stop by and say hello, we'll be recording all week! 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More PermaGreen – Triumph Ride-On Spreader Sprayer Learn More
SummaryEp 352. AI Isn't Replacing You. It's Replacing the Person Who Doesn't Use It!
2w ago00:14:06Summary readyAI is changing business faster than almost any technology we've seen—but it's not here to replace entrepreneurs. It's here to make them better. In this episode, I break down how I'm using AI across my businesses to save time, improve marketing, create content, streamline operations, and make better decisions. We also talk about where AI falls short, why human relationships still matter, and how small business owners can start using AI today without feeling overwhelmed. If you've been curious about AI but aren't sure where to start, this episode will give you practical ideas you can implement right away to stay ahead of the competition. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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 💵 Lawntrapreneur Academy Live (Nov 7-8, 2026) – Learn what's actually working from top-performing lawn care pros. Learn More
SummaryEp 351. Updates, New Opportunities & What's Next!
2w ago00:06:54Summary readyIn this quick update episode, I'm sharing what's been happening behind the scenes—from everything that came out of Profit Accelerator Live to the exciting growth we're seeing across our businesses. I also talk about some upcoming live events, new opportunities on the horizon, and what's next for The Side Hustle Squad. If you've been following the journey, this is a great episode to get caught up and hear where we're headed next. Thanks for being part of the ride! 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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
SummaryEp 350. Build the Brand Without Becoming the Bottleneck!
3w ago00:31:11Summary readyMike sits down with Eric Triplett to talk about one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: building a personal brand without becoming the bottleneck in their business. Eric is "The Pond Digger" and is the face of the business but while still creating systems, empowering his team, and building a company that doesn't rely on him for every decision. If you're trying to grow your business, increase your visibility, and avoid creating a job that can't run without you, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply today. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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
SummaryEp 349. Fish Tanks and Ponds: Eric Triplett on Full Time vs Side Hustle!
3w ago00:26:54Summary readyEric Triplett joins me to share how his entrepreneurial journey started in the aquarium business—and why he still maintains that original side hustle today. We also talk about building multiple businesses, knowing when it's time to go full-time, and why having a financial safety net can make taking the leap a whole lot easier. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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
SummaryEp 348. You Don't Scale Businesses, You Scale People!
4w ago00:32:50Summary readyIn this episode of the Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Eric Triplett and I dive into one of the most important lessons in business: putting the right people in the right positions. A business only truly works when the owner builds the business around people: their strengths, their roles, and their ability to grow. Too many owners try to scale systems, services, or operations without first developing the people who make it all happen. We talk about why successful businesses are built by understanding your team, placing people where they can win, and creating a structure that allows both the people and the business to grow. Because at the end of the day, you don't scale businesses — you scale people! 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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
SummaryEp 347. How Many Businesses Is Too Many? A Real Conversation About Side Hustles, Focus & Growth!
4w ago00:31:03Summary readyRecorded live at Profit Accelerator Live, Eric Triplett and I dive into one of the biggest questions entrepreneurs face: How many businesses is too many? We have an honest conversation about the excitement of starting new ventures, the danger of shiny object syndrome, and how to know when it's time to double down on what you already have instead of chasing the next opportunity. If you're juggling multiple businesses, thinking about launching a side hustle, or trying to build an empire without losing focus, this episode is for you. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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
SummaryEp 346. Why Every Local Business Owner Should Join Their Chamber of Commerce
Jun 2500:13:41Summary readyThis week, I'm sharing my experience attending a Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce networking event and why local business owners should seriously consider getting involved in their local chamber. From meeting potential customers and referral partners to getting a chance to speak in front of dozens of business leaders, these events can create opportunities that simply don't happen behind a desk. I'll break down the value of networking, building community relationships, increasing visibility, and how chamber membership can help grow your business over the long term. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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
SummaryEp 345. Lessons Learned Launching ROPED: What Nobody Tells You About Starting a Business!
Jun 2300:15:42Summary readyLaunching a new business sounds exciting, and it is, but there are plenty of challenges nobody talks about. In this episode, Mike Garvey pulls back the curtain on the launch of ROPED (Robotic Outdoor Power Equipment Distributors) and shares the lessons he's learned from becoming a Kress distributor, building a mobile showroom, landing the first customers, creating partnerships, and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Whether you're starting a new company, adding a new division, or considering a major pivot in your business, this episode is packed with real-world insights from the front lines of building something from the ground up. 🔗 Important Links & Resources 🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram @sidehustlesquadpodcast ROPED on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/roped.us/ 🌱 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
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