Side Hustle Squad – Ep 317: Inside Dealer Training: Kress Voyager & iPilot!
Host: Mike Garvey
Date: March 17, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Mike Garvey shares an insider’s perspective on attending the Kress dealer training in Charlotte, North Carolina. He details his hands-on experience with the latest Kress Voyager artificial intelligence (AI) robotic mower and their revolutionary iPilot technology. Mike discusses what it means to become a Kress authorized dealer at the Jersey Shore and how robotics are shaping the future of the lawn care industry. This is an invaluable listen for lawn care professionals, side hustlers, and anyone curious about tech-driven landscaping business models.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Becoming a Kress Dealer & the Dealer Training Experience
- Journey to Dealer Status: Mike announces that his company is now an official Kress dealer, aiming to fill a void in the New Jersey market.
- Dealer Training Deep-Dive:
- The three-day event wasn’t just about product demos but a true deep dive into what it means to operate as a Kress dealer, covering backend systems, customer support, and business management.
- Attendees included not just Kress dealers but also long-time professionals selling brands like Exmark, Husqvarna, Stihl, and Segway, creating opportunities for valuable industry networking.
- Quote:
“It wasn't just demos, it was really a deep dive into being a dealer. Things we need to know, things that are coming down the line, to be trained on the new Voyager.” (01:57, Mike Garvey)
- Networking & Mentorship:
- Mike highlights meeting established dealers, including Mike Baum, who will serve as an informal mentor.
- Building relationships and exchanging ideas were as vital as the formal training itself.
- Quote:
“I said thank you for becoming my mentor and can’t wait to talk with him more and more.” (03:25, Mike Garvey)
2. Cutting-Edge Kress Technology: Voyager & iPilot
- Kress Voyager – The “Tesla” of Mowers:
- Equipped with cameras and sensors for autonomous operation.
- User-friendly mapping: “You can sit on it, pull up the control, map the area, and then let it go.”
- Designed for larger properties and efficiency: Potential to reduce multi-person mowing crews to a single operator.
- Quote:
“It’s very cool. It’s a Tesla pretty much, technology. Cameras, sensors, all this stuff.” (07:40, Mike Garvey)
- iPilot Technology:
- Next-gen robots (KR172, KR173, KR174, KR233) can self-map via onboard sensors—no mapping wheel necessary.
- A “total game changer” streamlining setup and making robotics more accessible.
- Quote:
“You just drop it on your front lawn and it maps itself. No mapping wheel required. That technology is a total game changer.” (08:24, Mike Garvey)
3. Business Model Evolution & Revenue Opportunities
- Recurring Revenue Streams:
- Mike outlines potential for new income by selling robots, offering setup services, and creating subscription/maintenance packages (e.g., seasonal storage, service calls).
- Flexibility for customers: DIY weed-whacking and edging, or choose full-service subscriptions.
- Growing interest from both residential and commercial clients, including municipalities, college campuses, and cemeteries.
- Quote:
“There’s recurring revenue. There’s also opportunity to help set it up for them, winter storage, and other maintenance things... If you’re adopting this stuff early, you could offer it to your customers.” (09:20, Mike Garvey)
- Future of Lawn Care:
- Emphasis on being an early adopter of tech.
- Not about eliminating crews, but evolving the services and tools offered.
- Envisions widespread adoption of robotic mowers across various customer types.
4. Dealer Perspective: Challenges & Takeaways
- Dealer System Complexity:
- Supporting multiple brands is challenging—each comes with its own apps and backend systems.
- Kress offers platforms differentiated for residential, fleet, and dealer management.
- Learning & Excitement:
- Mike returns from the event energized about the future, eager to pilot the new tech on multiple properties and confident in the value these tools bring.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On the Market Opportunity:
“We wanted to fill a void in the New Jersey market… robotics are the future. And there’s an opportunity for us to see it and to see these quiet little robots cut the lawn… It looks professional, it looks awesome, and it’s quiet.” (02:55, Mike Garvey)
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Networking Value:
“Yes, it was awesome to listen to the speakers… but then to get around other dealers who I’ve never really been around, to talk to them about what my plan is… they gave us some great advice and it was awesome to talk with these guys and break bread with them.” (04:20, Mike Garvey)
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Vision for the Future:
“I can’t wait to see what three years from now is going to look like with this stuff. Are we going to see tons of customers with robots? I think so.” (10:08, Mike Garvey)
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Time | Segment | |------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:51 | Mike returns from Vegas & Charlotte, announces Kress dealership | | 01:57 | Behind the scenes of dealer training—focus and structure | | 03:25 | Meeting mentors & networking with other dealers | | 04:20 | Value of live events and peer support | | 07:38 | Deep dive into the Kress Voyager mower experience | | 08:24 | iPilot technology explained | | 09:20 | Recurring revenue, new business models & customer opportunities | | 10:08 | Mike’s predictions for robotics in lawn care |
Final Takeaways
- Hands-on training and networking are crucial—Mike credits much of his inspiration to direct conversations and mentorship as well as formal sessions.
- Kress technology, especially Voyager and iPilot, represent significant advancements for professionals seeking efficiency and innovation.
- Becoming a tech-forward dealer opens avenues for recurring revenue, diversified service offerings, and leadership in local markets.
- Mike’s energy is contagious—listeners are encouraged to reach out if interested in adapting robotics for their own businesses.
Listen for an energizing peek into the near future of lawn care, where AI and automation are within reach for smart side hustlers and established pros alike.