Spring rush is here, and for contractors, that means long days, packed schedules, stress, and growth opportunities all happening at once. In this episode, Mike sits down with Naylor Taliaferro to talk about how he's learned to handle the chaos of spring over the years. They dive into early mistakes, burnout, scheduling problems, hiring struggles, and the systems that helped Naylor evolve from overwhelmed operator to intentional business owner.

The conversation also shifts into the importance of networking, live events, and Naylor's upcoming Profit Accelerator event in Richmond, Virginia — designed to help contractors grow faster and smarter by getting around the right people.

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram
@sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 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

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett
Learn More

Spring is here, and this is the season where businesses either gain momentum or get left behind. In this episode of The Side Hustle Squad Podcast, Mike talks about real-world strategies for getting more customers during the spring rush.

From branding and wrapped trucks to Google reviews, upselling existing customers, face-to-face networking, and creating momentum in your local market, this episode is packed with practical ideas contractors can start using immediately.

Mike also breaks down why the fastest-growing companies don't sit around waiting for leads — they actively hunt for opportunities every single day.

Topics include:

• Getting more lawn care & fertilization customers
• Why branding matters
• Using Google reviews to grow
• Upselling your current client base
• Commercial property networking
• Spring marketing strategies
• Building momentum during peak season

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram
@sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 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

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett
Learn More

In this episode, Mike breaks down ROPED's very first real-world robotic mowing demo and installation — and the reactions were exactly what you'd expect.

The customer was excited. The team saw the vision. But one person wasn't buying in at all… the gas mechanic.

Why are so many people resistant to battery-powered equipment and robotic mowing? Is it fear of change? Fear of losing relevance? Or are contractors simply not adapting fast enough to where the industry is headed?

Mike dives deep into:

• Why robotic mowing and battery equipment are disrupting the industry
• The mindset shift contractors NEED to make
• Why some mechanics and operators push back against new technology
• ROPED's first Kress install using the KR174
• How surprisingly simple the setup and mapping process was
• What customers are really looking for in 2026
• Why robotics aren't replacing landscapers — they're changing the role of landscapers

This episode is a raw, honest look at the future of the green industry and what happens when innovation collides with tradition. If you're curious about robotic mowing, battery-powered equipment, or where the landscaping industry is heading next, this one's for you.

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram
@sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 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

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett
Learn More

For years, most blue-collar businesses focused heavily on Facebook and Instagram, but LinkedIn has quietly become one of the best platforms for networking, partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, recruiting, and building a professional brand.

Mike shares his thoughts on:

• Why contractors stand out on LinkedIn
• The opportunities that can come from simply posting consistently
• Building relationships with manufacturers, brands, and business owners
• Using LinkedIn to document your journey and growth
• Why authentic business content performs better than overthinking every post

From growing Coastal Fertilization and building ROPED to attending live events and networking with industry leaders, Mike explains how LinkedIn is becoming a major tool for business growth in 2026. If you're trying to grow your company, expand your network, and create more opportunities, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram
@sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 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

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett
Learn More

In this episode, Mike breaks down why attending live events is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. With upcoming stops at a RELHKO event attempting a Guinness World Records challenge—cutting an entire football field—and the Lawn and Landscape Technology Conference, he shares why getting around like-minded entrepreneurs is a game changer. From networking and partnerships to staying ahead of industry trends, Mike explains how some of the biggest opportunities don't happen online—they happen in person. If you're serious about leveling up, it starts by putting yourself in the right rooms!

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram
@sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 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

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett
Learn More

What happens when your equipment breaks down… and you're nowhere near the shop?

In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the real strategies that keep you moving when things go wrong in the field. From running out of product to equipment failures mid-route, this is the stuff every operator deals with—but not everyone is prepared for.

I dive into how to build backup systems, load your trucks the right way, plan your routes smarter, and create a "mobile shop" so you're not wasting time going back and forth. We're also talking about leveraging your network, having contingency plans in place, and why the best in this game don't react to problems—they plan for them.

Because the truth is… it's not about avoiding breakdowns. It's about how fast you recover. If you want to protect your time, your revenue, and your sanity during the busy season—this episode is for you.

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram
@sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 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

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett
Learn More

In this episode, I break down a real moment from the field where someone noticed our wrapped truck, scanned our QR code, and turned into a live conversation—and potential customer.

We're diving into why branding isn't just about logos and colors… it's about visibility, trust, and creating opportunities when you're not even trying to sell.

If you're running an unmarked truck or treating branding like an afterthought, this episode might cost you some uncomfortable realizations.

We'll cover:

• Why your vehicle is your most underrated marketing tool
• How strong branding builds instant trust
• The ROI of wraps vs. cheap marketing
• Simple ways to turn everyday stops into lead generators

If you want more leads without spending more on ads… start with what you're already driving.

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram
@sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 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

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett
Learn More

What does it really look like to start over… when you already know what you're doing? I share a real-time update on launching Coastal Fertilization of North Jersey and the lessons we're learning building a branch from the ground up—again. The difference this time? Experience, systems, and a blueprint already in place. From getting those first customers and dialing in pricing to seeing what's still challenging (even when you've done it before), this episode is all about starting smarter—not harder. If you've ever thought about expanding, launching a second location, or rebuilding with the knowledge you have now, this one hits different.

🎙 Side Hustle Squad on Instagram
@sidehustlesquadpodcast

🌱 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

Free Contractor Sales Training with Eric Triplett
Learn More