Mike Andes: How to Turn a Side Hustle into a Million-Dollar Business

Building a successful business often starts with a simple idea, but turning that idea into a million-dollar venture requires resilience, strategy, and a commitment to learning from mistakes.

Mike Andes, the founder of Augusta Lawn Care, knows this journey firsthand. From starting college at 13 to dropping out of medical school and launching a lawn care business, Mike's story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to grow their side hustle into a thriving enterprise.

A Journey Fueled by Resilience and Hard Choices

Mike Andes’ entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. By 11, he was mowing lawns to help pay for his education. At just 13, he entered college and eventually pursued medical school. But after years of hard work, he realized that the path he was on didn’t align with his vision. “I didn’t want to do the same four or five procedures for the rest of my life,” he shared.

Faced with the prospect of mounting debt and a career that no longer inspired him, Mike made the bold decision to leave medical school. His only fallback? The skill he had nurtured as a teenager: mowing grass. This decision led to the creation of Augusta Lawn Care, which would grow to over 170 locations.

The Turning Point: Systems and Sustainability

In the early years, Mike's business demanded relentless hours and left him exhausted. Everything changed after a near-death experience at a job site. “I had gotten my hoodie caught in the PTO of a dump truck,” he recounted. This incident was a wake-up call, showing him how vulnerable his business was without systems in place.

“I realized I didn’t have procedures,” Mike explained. “Without me, the business would fall apart.” Determined to prevent future crises, he began developing robust operating procedures—from scripts for customer interactions to detailed project management workflows.

A Game-Changing Compensation Model

One of the most impactful changes Mike implemented was the “pay-for-performance” model. Unlike traditional hourly wages, this system compensated employees based on the revenue they generated. “The harder they work, the more money they make,” Mike explained. This approach not only motivated his team but also increased productivity and profitability.

Within a year of implementing pay-for-performance, Augusta Lawn Care's profits surged from zero to $280,000 annually, and Mike found himself working just one or two hours a week in the field.

Franchising with a Purpose: Balancing Freedom and Structure

Franchising became a natural next step as Mike sought to scale his business while maintaining high standards. However, he acknowledges that franchising isn’t for everyone. “Franchises constrain your freedom in the short term, but they increase your likelihood of success,” he noted.

Using an analogy, Mike compared franchising to transporting a dog across the ocean in a kennel: “Constraining freedom for a period ensures a safe journey.” Augusta Lawn Care’s unique model offers franchisees a flat monthly fee instead of a percentage-based royalty. Additionally, franchisees can exit without penalties, ensuring that the company remains accountable for delivering value.

Raising the Bar in the Landscaping Industry

Mike’s mission extends beyond financial success. He aims to elevate the professionalism of the lawn care and landscaping industry. “Too often, landscapers are perceived as unreliable,” he said, highlighting issues like poor branding and a lack of customer communication.

To combat this, Augusta Lawn Care emphasizes polished branding, professional customer interactions, and technology-driven solutions. “We want to change the perception from guys in broken-down trucks to trusted professionals,” Mike emphasized.

The Role of Technology in Future Growth

Mike believes that embracing technology is essential for long-term success in home service industries. “In the next five to ten years, the distinguishing factor will be whether a business uses software to make decisions,” he predicted.

From AI-powered routing and scheduling to virtual assistants answering calls 24/7, technology can streamline operations and create a competitive edge. Businesses that fail to adopt these innovations risk falling behind.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

Mike’s journey from a struggling side hustle to a multi-million-dollar franchise offers valuable lessons:

1. Systems Build Sustainability: Implementing standard operating procedures can free you from day-to-day tasks and create a scalable business.

2. Motivate with Purpose: A pay-for-performance model can boost productivity and create a win-win for both employees and the business.

3. Consider the Franchising Path: Franchising offers proven systems and community support but comes with trade-offs in autonomy.

4. Embrace Technology: Investing in software solutions can set your business apart and improve efficiency.

5. Focus on Industry Impact: Success isn’t just about profit; it’s about improving the standards of your industry.

   
   

Join the Conversation

If you’re inspired by Mike’s story and want to learn more, check out his free online courses at landscapebusinesscourse.com. Whether you're launching a business or seeking strategies to grow, Mike’s insights offer practical steps to help you achieve your goals.

Mike Andes’ journey reminds us that success often starts with a single step and a willingness to embrace change. By focusing on systems, empowering your team, and adopting innovative solutions, you can transform your side hustle into a sustainable, thriving business.