Side Hustle Squad Podcast

Ep 315. Live from PodHouse Las Vegas: Builders, Creators, and Big Ideas at CONEXPO!

Host: Mike Garvey
Guest/Co-host: Larry Delisante
Date: March 10, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Mike Garvey and Larry Delisante record live from PodHouse Las Vegas while attending CONEXPO, one of the biggest construction and green industry trade shows in the world. The conversation blends humor, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical business insights from both their own entrepreneurial journeys and the broader trends they observe at the event. They discuss strategies for building teams, adapting to industry changes, leveraging technology, and the excitement of connecting with like-minded professionals. The episode is equal parts camaraderie, tactical advice, and unfiltered storytelling that anyone in the lawn care or service business can relate to.

Main Themes and Discussion Points

1. PodHouse Las Vegas: The Entrepreneur Crew & Event Vibes

Timestamp: 00:53–05:04

• Mike and Larry banter about the “Podcast Palace” setup, late arrivals, bunk bed antics, and the overall energy of sharing a house with fellow hustlers in Vegas.
• Security at the house is jokingly compared to a fortress or military compound, adding levity to the setting.
• Quote:
  • “We're locked down, bro. We're like in a fortress, like in like Afghanistan.” — Larry Delisante [02:16]
• Reflections on the late-night arrivals and early morning work routines, setting the stage for a hectic but exciting CONEXPO experience.

2. Behind-the-Scenes: Balancing Business & Events

Timestamp: 03:00–04:39

• Larry describes balancing business duties (team meetings, payroll, motivating staff) before heading to Las Vegas, highlighting the hustle required to keep operations running smoothly while traveling for professional events.
• Notable quote:
  • “I had a pot of coffee and a granola bar on the way to... I’m gonna get ready to go on stage. I don’t want to pass out.” — Larry Delisante [03:52]
• The importance of support from friends/spouses at the event, with Brittany (Caleb’s wife) and Marvin’s wife ensuring everyone gets to stage on time.

3. CONEXPO Impressions: Scale, Energy, and Opportunity

Timestamp: 05:41–07:03

• First impressions of CONEXPO—mammoth machines, massive crowds (140,000+ attendees), and world-class infrastructure constructed just for the event.
• Networking moments: meeting Aaron Witt, bonding over shared hobby (aquariums and koi ponds), and recognizing the sheer scale of industry represented.
• The event is compared to the Super Bowl for construction and green industries—once every three years.
• Quote:
  • “It’s staggering how big they are. I don’t even know how they get them there. The Con Expo is amazing... They put up buildings just for the event.” — Larry Delisante [06:29]

4. Adapting to Change: Resistance, Success Stories & Technology

Timestamp: 09:41–14:47

• Discussion of event logistics—how Vegas handles big shows, advantages of airport check-ins.
• Reflections on industry resistance to change, referencing both the move of “Equip” from Kentucky to Orlando and the broader hesitancy around adopting new technology.
• Larry shares a story of a 50-year business owner inspired at the panel to embrace websites and digital tools:
  • Quote:
    • “He said there was a moment in time... where his son was gonna help with the business and start a website. And he’s like, I don’t need a website. And then his son did it anyway, and suddenly their business exploded.” — Larry Delisante [11:57]
• The path from skepticism to enthusiasm for major events like Dirt World Summit — immediate ticket sales as proof of market hunger for knowledge.
• Embracing AI and content tools, e.g., ChatGPT for writing social media posts.
  • Quote:
    • “You don’t use Chat GDP for anything... now that writes all my Instagram posts. ... it just knows my verbiage ... spits it all in there.” — Larry Delisante [13:34]
• Lighthearted jokes about ChatGPT “outing” him for overly formal reviews of local restaurants.

5. Objectives at CONEXPO: Content, Connections, and Industry Trends

Timestamp: 17:55–18:56

• Plans to capture compelling content (photos, carousels, man-on-the-street interviews).
• Aim to connect with industry personalities (Stanley Genadek, PayJack, etc.).
• Anticipation about discovering new vendors and technology to bring back actionable ideas.
  • “I know I’m going to run into things I had no idea I needed. ... we want to document the whole thing.” — Larry Delisante [18:15]

6. Dealer Model Innovation: Mobile Demos & Selling Solutions

Timestamp: 19:05–23:54

• Mike outlines his plan to become New Jersey’s top Crest dealer using a mobile showroom model: a 24-foot trailer to bring equipment directly to potential customers (golf courses, universities, cemeteries, municipalities).
• Larry discusses regional restrictions (noise ordinances, gas equipment bans, high-end communities) and the growing edge for quiet, electric-powered equipment.
• Demo trailer strategy—leaving stocked trailers with big clients for two-week trials, creating urgency (“You’ve got two weeks, then the next company wants the demo!”).
  • Quote:
    • “That does create urgency... your two weeks is almost up. ... If I just want to make sure you got all the time you needed with it? ... let's buy.” — Larry Delisante [25:02]

7. Adapting Branding and Identity for Dealer Trailers

Timestamp: 26:11–27:01

• Discussion about logo placement and balancing manufacturer branding (Crest) with client’s own company branding—referencing how larger brands like John Deere select optimal logo placement.
• Quote:
  • “They’ve spent a lot of money to know that’s the perfect spot... If you’re setting up this trailer, it should have a really cool crest emblem, but it’s subordinate to where the real logo will end up being, which is their company.” — Larry Delisante [26:15]

8. Building a Team, Sales Strategies, & Commission-Based Scaling

Timestamp: 27:13–28:14

• Mike explains recruiting talented people who “see the vision” even when financial incentives are lean—offering commission-based deals for high-ticket sales early on.
  • “I can’t offer you literally anything right now... But they see the vision.” — Mike Garvey [27:56]
• Honest talk about forecasting sales in a space with so many different customer types (homeowner, golf course, government).
• Exploring objections and buy-in from traditional labor forces (will maintenance crews embrace or resist automation?).

9. The Value of Automation and Worker Safety

Timestamp: 28:53–30:52

• Debate on how autonomous mowers might change golf course and highway landscaping—freeing up workers from high-risk, labor-intensive tasks.
• Acknowledgment that automation can reduce workplace injuries and fatalities, referencing recent real-life incidents.
  • “I would way rather have that autonomous in the median... my friend died last year.” — Larry Delisante [30:09]

10. Continuous Learning, Scheduling, and Longevity in Business

Timestamp: 31:22–33:52

• Mike praises Larry’s discipline in team management, regular coaching, and sticking to routines even at national shows.
• Stories about keeping long-standing commitments (webinars, coaching) running 200 weeks in a row.
• Quote:
  • “We’ve missed three in 200, so we’re approaching four years. But Naylor and I are walking, and I got this little ping... in an hour and a half, you're going to be live… I had to call my buddy in Las Vegas... I need to put me in the garage with the Wi-Fi.” — Larry Delisante [32:31]

Notable Quotes

• “You don't use chat GDP for anything... now that writes all my Instagram posts.” — Larry Delisante [13:34]
• “We're locked down, bro. We're like in a fortress, like in like Afghanistan.” — Larry Delisante [02:16]
• “...if there's another thing about dirt, I'm going.” — CONEXPO attendee relayed by Larry [13:33]
• “I can’t offer you literally anything right now... But they see the vision.” — Mike Garvey [27:56]
• “I would way rather have that autonomous in the median... my friend died last year.” — Larry Delisante [30:09]

Memorable Moments

• The saga of the delayed tacos before going on stage, and the mad dash from the taco line to the panel, perfectly captures the chaos and camaraderie of big events. [03:52–04:34]
• The sheer scale of CONEXPO (“It’s staggering how big they are”) is awing, with massive equipment and infrastructural marvels assembled for just a few days. [06:29]
• The story of the 50-year owner learning from the younger generation and ultimately having his business transformed by adopting a website. [11:57]
• Larry’s embrace of AI (ChatGPT) for business and personal content creation, with the crowd teasing about “ChatGPT Larry.” [13:34–14:47]
• The running joke about the “compound” security and the in-house chef scandal, underscoring the fun, fast-paced, and community-driven vibe of PodHouse Vegas. [15:10–16:00]

Actionable Takeaways & Tips

• Leverage Technology: Don’t be afraid to try tools like ChatGPT for social media and content; it saves time and can help maintain consistent branding.
• Innovate in Service Delivery: Bringing demos to customers lowers friction and can address key objections in the sales process.
• Create Urgency: Limited demo stock can drive faster sales decisions.
• Adopt, Adapt, or Fall Behind: Embrace new technology and event opportunities, even if industry peers are resistant at first.
• Keep Learning: Continuous training, scheduling, and commitment even during events distinguish long-term winners in the business.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Las Vegas set-up & house banter: 00:53–02:29
• Larry’s “day in the life” before traveling: 03:00–03:52
• Late taco dash/going on stage: 03:52–04:34
• CONEXPO scale & energy: 05:41–07:03
• Adapting to industry change: 09:41–14:47
• Objectives at the show / capturing content: 17:55–18:56
• Dealer model & demo trailer strategies: 19:05–25:02
• Branding, logo placement, and trailer sales: 26:11–27:01
• Building and motivating a new team: 27:13–28:14
• Autonomous mowing, worker safety: 28:53–30:52
• The importance of routines and continuous training: 31:22–32:31

Summary prepared for listeners who want the best insights and stories from Side Hustle Squad Ep 315, without the ads or intro fluff.