How He Built a 185+ Location Franchise Starting With Just a Lawn Mower | Mike Andes (MU Classic)
2/16/2026
0:00
51:29
#780 What started as two kids mowing lawns to pay for college has grown into a 185+ location franchise across the U.S., Canada, and Australia! In this episode hosted by Brien Gearin, Mike Andes, founder of Augusta Lawn Care, shares how a near-death accident under a dump truck became the turning point that forced him to systematize his business and step out of day-to-day operations. He breaks down the path from operator to leader, the three stages of scaling from $0 to $1 million, and why pay-for-performance, open-book management, and profit-sharing are game-changers for employee motivation and retention. Mike also reveals how content creation and personal branding helped him grow both his franchise and software companies — and why every small business owner should consider becoming “the mayor” of their local market online. Whether you’re mowing lawns or managing a team of technicians, this episode is full of practical wisdom and inspiration!
(Original Air Date - 6/16/25)
What we discuss with Mike:
+ From lawn kid to franchise CEO
+ Scaling from $0 to $1M
+ Pay-for-performance explained
+ Open-book management benefits
+ Systems vs. hustle mentality
+ Surviving a workplace accident
+ Hiring and training A-players
+ Using content to drive growth
+ Local brand vs. national fame
+ Why most franchises fail
Thank you, Mike!
Check out Augusta Lawn Care at AugustaLawnCareServices.com.
Follow Mike on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
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