I’m dropping some real talk that hits home for every lawn care owner grinding to break through on The Lawn Hustle with Hugh Wilson. We covered everything from the employee mindset trap that’s keeping you small to how AI like Alli plugs your lead leaks so you never miss another opportunity again.
If you’re tired of lowball quotes, missed calls, and staying stuck at the same revenue year after year, this episode is your wake-up call.
From Push Mower to Power Moves
I started senior year of high school with a Walmart push mower and weed eater—knocking doors, sweeping sidewalks with a broom, hitting $4K/month while classmates went to factories. Scaled multiple service businesses to millions, lost it all at 27, rebuilt stronger. The biggest sales mistake? Taking employee thinking into entrepreneurship: focusing on cost instead of value, playing small because you don’t truly believe in yourself.
“You have to believe in yourself, especially when nobody else does… Most businesses don’t fail. The entrepreneur just gives up.”
Detach from worst-case. Your “why” (family freedom, legacy) should be reread daily. Surround yourself with entrepreneurs, not doubters. Show up positive—you’re already 90% ahead.
The Real War: Fighting for Attention (And Winning)
The real #1 problem isn’t leads—it’s attention. “You need more people to know who you are and what you sell.” Big chains dominate search; locals optimize social/partnerships. You’re invisible without attention.
Free hacks: Social “cold calling”—5–10 min/day engaging local pages. Partnerships: Realtors love discounted landscaping as closing gifts—hook homeowners 6 months, convert full clients.
Branded leads beat generic. Speed-to-lead wins: Follow up in 5 minutes for 400x better closes. “People buy from the last salesperson they talk to.”
Plug the Leaks: Speed + AI = Your Secret Weapon
Most lose 95% of website visitors + missed calls. AI like Alli answers 24/7, IDs anonymous traffic (name/phone/email/address), follows up instantly. Operations beat marketing—plug leaks first.
Raise prices fearlessly: “Double your prices… lose half your customers? Same money, half the work.” If not losing 1/4 jobs to “too expensive,” raise now. Sell value/results. Offer seasonal prepay discounts.
Objections? “Compared to what?” Probe, shut up. Assumptive: “Monday or Thursday better?” Role-play daily (ChatGPT voice mode). Raise standards—pro dress, VIP service. “Old high = new low.”
The Hunter Mindset: You’re Either Hunting or Hunted
You’re either the hunter or the hunted. Hustle’s worth it—for a reason, for a season, then it’ll all be worth it.
Listen to the full episode on The Lawn Hustle now.
Grab The Hunter Head Game to stop playing and start hunting.
Never miss leads again—try Alli for free.
Stop playing small. Activate hunter mode. Let’s win.
