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Ep 133. Side Hustles, Lawn Care, and Kress Robots

⏱️ 55:44 🎀 Jason Lee, Jordan Upcavage, Mike Garvey
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 133. Side Hustles, Lawn Care, and Kress Robots
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Welcome and Introductions
    Jason Lee welcomes Mike Garvey to the podcast, explaining Jordan's absence and the impromptu recording at a Kruss equipment event.
  • 1:50
    Mike's Background
    Mike Garvey introduces himself as a New Jersey state trooper and details how he started his lawn care company, Coastal Fertilization and Weed Control, in 2017 as a side hustle.
  • 4:17
    Business Growth & Services
    Mike explains how his business grew from 10 to over 800 customers, offering specialized services like a seven-step fertilization program, weed control, mosquito and tick control, and aeration/overseeding.
  • 8:10
    The Side Hustle Mindset
    Jason and Mike discuss the philosophy of side hustles and the importance of setting up a business for future retirement while still working a full-time job.
  • 17:38
    Kruss Equipment Discussion
    The hosts transition to discuss their experience at the Kruss equipment event, highlighting the innovation and benefits of robotic lawn care technology.
  • 23:11
    Robotic Lawn Mowers
    Mike shares insights into the current state and future potential of robotic lawn mowers, especially for commercial use and addressing labor shortages.
  • 29:47
    Future of Robotics
    The conversation explores the integration of AI and more advanced robotics into the landscaping industry, emphasizing efficiency and client value.

Speakers

J
Jason Lee
Host
J
Jordan Upcavage
Host
M
Mike Garvey
New Jersey State Trooper / Co-founder of Coastal Fertilization and Weed Control

Key Takeaways

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Consider starting a specialized service as a side hustle to build a future retirement income stream, leveraging existing skills and market gaps.

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Form strategic partnerships with established businesses (like Mike partnering with a landscaper) to gain immediate access to customer bases and industry expertise.

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Offer comprehensive service packages (e.g., fertilization, weed control, pest control) to simplify operations for clients and increase customer retention.

✦

Adapt to customer demand by adding new services, even if initially unplanned, as this can open up new revenue streams (e.g., mosquito control).

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Embrace emerging technologies like robotic lawn mowers to address labor shortages, improve efficiency, and potentially offer new service models to clients.

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Focus on providing solutions to current industry challenges, such as labor scarcity, through innovative approaches like robotics and automated systems.

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Continuously learn and network with other industry professionals to identify trends, gain insights, and find new growth opportunities for your business.

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