Inner Circle
← Back to Listen
Content

Ep 93. Seasonal Hustle: Surviving Slowdowns, Sagas, and Surprises

⏱️ 1:02:43 🎀 Jordan Upcavage, Jason Lee
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 93. Seasonal Hustle: Surviving Slowdowns, Sagas, and Surprises
0:00
0:00

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:00
    Welcome & Early Morning Setup
    The hosts, Jason Lee and Jordan Uppkavage, introduce the podcast and discuss their unconventional early morning recording setup.
  • 4:26
    Seasonal Slowdown Management
    Jordan explains how his company handles the seasonal slowdown by focusing on internal shop organization and efficiency improvements.
  • 12:17
    Revenue & Cost During Downtime
    Jason and Jordan discuss the financial implications of seasonal slowdowns, including consistent overhead costs despite reduced revenue from active work.
  • 17:39
    Work Backlog & October Trends
    Jason observes a faster rate of work production than sales, a common October trend, and speculates on its causes.
  • 30:20
    Marketing Strategy & Consult Fees
    Jason details his marketing strategy experiment with Google Ads and SEO, and his company's policy on charging for new client consultations.
  • 45:54
    Staffing & Project Management
    The hosts discuss staffing adjustments during slower periods, with Jason sharing how large projects like an RV resort and a complex tree bracing job fill his October schedule.
  • 54:06
    Emergency Work & Unforeseen Issues
    Jason recounts a challenging, high-value tree bracing project for a USAA building and deals with an unexpected phone call regarding a power outage cancellation.
  • 1:22:13
    Landscape Radio & Equip Expo
    Jordan provides updates on the 'Landscape Radio' event planning, including unique competitions and the upcoming Equip Expo conference.

Speakers

J
Jordan Upcavage
Host
J
Jason Lee
Host

Key Takeaways

✦

Utilize seasonal slowdowns for internal improvements, like organizing your shop and streamlining processes, even if it doesn't directly generate revenue, as it boosts efficiency and team morale.

✦

Be strategic with marketing spend; consider adjusting your Google Ads budget based on current work volume to optimize lead generation during slower periods.

✦

Implement a consult fee for new clients to filter serious inquiries and value your time, crediting it back if they hire your services.

✦

Develop a plan for staffing during off-peak seasons, such as temporarily halting new hires and letting natural attrition reduce headcount, rather than resorting to layoffs.

✦

Actively seek out large, long-duration projects during slower months to fill schedules and maintain crew productivity, even if they are less technically demanding.

✦

Stay adaptable and be prepared to handle unexpected challenges like last-minute project cancellations or complex emergency work, as they can significantly impact your schedule.

✦

Network and attend industry events like Equip Expo to stay updated on trends, connect with peers, and find opportunities for business growth and learning.

Want the full experience?

Join the Inner Circle for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Inner Circle β†’

Inner Circle Membership Portal © 2026 Power100. All rights reserved.

power100.io