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PODCAST · business

The Hard Lessons Podcast

by Charlie Kerrigan

Welcome to The Hard Lessons Podcast, where we unravel the threads of motivation, perspectives, and the future of our next generation.

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Episodes

  1. #43 - From $0 to$60K in One Month: The Secrets Behind Phil Gauthier's LED Lighting Business Success!

    Join us in this exciting episode of the Hard Lessons Podcast as host Charlie Kerrigan interviews Phil Gauthier, the mastermind behind Toronto Glow, a booming LED lighting business. Phil shares his incredible journey from struggling entrepreneur to achieving$60,000 in sales in just one month! In...

  2. #42 - From 20-Hour Snow Shifts to McDonald's Coffee Runs: Real Talk with a Landscape Crew 🌨️

    In this candid roundtable discussion, the VI Landscaping team opens up about their journey building a successful landscape operation. From managing snow removal operations to developing effective training systems, the crew shares both their struggles and triumphs. Key Discussion Points: Evolution...

  3. From Broke Kid to $40M Exit: The Raw Truth About What It Really Takes | Aaron Spivak

    Aaron Spivak, Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and founder of Hush Blankets, shares his journey from starting a party bus company at age 13 to selling his sleep company for $40M. He discusses the real cost of success, finding true purpose beyond money, and building what he calls "the blue zone of...

  4. #40 - My First Keynote - Prioritizing health to optimize output as a business owner

    Charlie Kerrigan, founder and president of VIL Landscaping, delivers a compelling keynote at Landscape Ontario, sharing his journey from a 10-year-old with a push mower to running a successful landscape business. His presentation focuses on five critical elements of business success: health...

  5. #39 Part 2 - I Disrupted An Entire Industry And Everyone F*cking Hated Me' | Matthew Morehouse

    In part two of our explosive conversation with Matthew Morehouse, we dive deep into the psychological warfare of business domination. Matt reveals how he turned industry hatred into market control, manipulated competitor dynamics, and built an empire through strategic chaos. This episode exposes...

  6. #39 Pt. 1 - How Matt Morehouse Built a 700-Client Business in One Year

    In this episode of Hard Lessons, host Charlie sits down with Matt Morehouse, who transformed his childhood passion for tractors into a thriving snow removal business in Eastern Canada. Matt shares his remarkable journey from being a top student headed to medical school to building (and nearly...

  7. #38 - Mowing Lawns to Managing $15M in Real Estate: A 33-Year-Old's Empire | Lukcas Iraola

    Lucas Iraola, founder of Home Keys Landscaping and Real Estate, shares how he's building a business empire in Washington DC. After selling his first landscaping company to pursue real estate, he came full circle by purchasing his father's landscaping business and implementing modern systems to...

  8. #37 PT.2 - Stop Taking Anxiety Pills Until You Hear This | Julian Brass

    Julian Brass, bestselling author and wellness expert, reveals how he transformed from a stressed-out tech CEO to helping successful men achieve total life transformation. He shares insights from his bestselling book "Own Your Anxiety" and explains why anxiety is actually a compass pointing us...

  9. #36 Part 2 - Nobody Would Take His Job Offers... Now He Runs a $5M Company | Dan Givon

    Dan Givon, founder of Shine Windows and The Deck People, breaks down how he built a $5M service business in Toronto by mastering the fundamentals. He shares his systematic approach to hiring, why he tells potential customers all the reasons NOT to work with his company, and how he tracks customer...

  10. #37 Pt.1 - Anxiety and Burnout to Helping 40+ CEOs Get Ripped | Julian Brass

    Julian Brass, former CEO of Notable Life and bestselling author, reveals how his own struggles with anxiety and fitness led him to create a revolutionary health program for successful men over 40. Learn how he helps high-performing executives and business owners transform their bodies without...

  11. #36 Part 1 - How He Built a $5M Window Company with ZERO Marketing | Dan Givon

    From a broken-down internet cafe in Columbia to building a $5M home services empire in Toronto, Dan Givon shares his journey of building Shine Windows and The Deck People. Unlike most modern entrepreneurs, Dan rejected the typical path of marketing automation and scaling quickly. Instead, he...

  12. #35 Part 2 - "Why Core Values Almost Killed My Construction Company" | Raw Talk with Caleb Auman

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Caleb Auman, founder of Almon Landscape, we dive deep into the nitty-gritty of building and maintaining company culture. Caleb shares hard-earned wisdom about employee management, including their bonus structure, handling insubordination, and why being "too…

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  13. #35 Part 1- Company Culture is WRONG! $1.3M Contractor Exposes The TRUTH 💰 | Caleb Auman

    Contractor and business owner Caleb Bowman joins Charlie to discuss the complex challenges of scaling a construction business. Drawing from 25 years of experience, Caleb shares insights on managing company culture, the pros and cons of long-term employees, and the importance of continuous...

  14. #34 Part 2-Resilience, Strategies & Entrepreneurial Advice | Amanda Dacosta

    Join Charlie, founder of an Oakville-based construction company, as he hosts the Hard Lessons Podcast. In this episode, Amanda Dacosta discusses transforming hard lessons into steps for success, emphasizing resilience as a strategic move rather than self-care. Explore deep dives into personal...

  15. #34-The Hidden Reason Successful People Self-Destruct | Amanda DaCosta 🎯

    Performance coach Amanda DaCosta joins Charlie to discuss the delicate balance between achievement and wellbeing. Drawing from her experience helping high-performing individuals, Amanda shares insights on recognizing emotional patterns, avoiding burnout, and making decisions without getting…

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  16. #33 - 4 Questions That Built a $20M Empire | Mark Bradley

    In this explosive episode of Hard Lessons, host Charlie sits down with Mark Bradley, who transformed his experience from the nuclear industry into a $20 million landscaping empire. Mark shares his remarkable journey and the systems that made it possible. Key Discussion Points: How Mark leveraged...

  17. #32 - Broke Tech Guy to $10M IT Empire: he Brutal Truth About Entrepreneurship| Joe Apps

    In this episode of Hard Lessons, host Charlie interviews Joe Apps, founder of Jobs Technology Support. Joe shares his journey from tech enthusiast to successful entrepreneur, offering valuable insights for aspiring business owners and established entrepreneurs alike. Key topics discussed: The...

  18. #31 Pt.2 - From $0 to $10M: Scaling a Landscaping Empire | Kevin Scott

    In this insightful episode of the Hard Lessons podcast, host Charlie Kerrigan interviews Kevin Scott, the successful founder of Muskoka Landscaping. Kevin shares his journey in the landscaping industry and offers valuable advice for navigating current market challenges. Key points discussed:...

  19. #31 - From $0 to $10M: Scaling a Landscaping Empire | Kevin Scott

    In this insightful episode of the Hard Lessons podcast, host Charlie Kerrigan interviews Kevin Scott, the successful founder of Muskoka Landscaping. Kevin shares his journey in the landscaping industry and offers valuable advice for navigating current market challenges. Key points discussed:...

  20. #30 - Unveiling Hidden Wealth Strategies for Business Owners | Syd Budhu

    In this eye-opening episode of the Hard Lessons podcast, host Charlie Kerrigan interviews Syd Budhu, a former TV engineer turned wealth management expert. Syd shares invaluable insights on financial strategies for business owners that are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.…

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  21. #029 - Justin Georgopoulos: Dropout to $1M in 16 Months - The SHOCKING Door-to-Door Sales Truth | Hard Lessons Podcast

    In this eye-opening episode of the Hard Lessons Podcast, host Charlie Kerrigan interviews Justin Georgopoulos, a young entrepreneur who transformed his life from a university dropout to building a million-dollar painting business in just 16 months. Key topics discussed: 1. Justin's journey from...

  22. #028 - Cameron Bawdin (Pest Control Magnate): From Door-to-Door Sales to $24M Empire

    In this episode of Hard Lessons, host Charlie Kerrigan interviews Cameron Baudin, the entrepreneur behind Green Mango Pest Control. Cameron shares his journey from door-to-door sales to building a $24 million pest control company and offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs at all stages. Key...

  23. #027 - Sean Casey (Golf Pro & Entrepreneur): From PGA Apprentice to Indoor Golf Innovation

    In this episode, Sean Casey, former Director of Golf Instruction at Glen Abbey Golf Club and current owner of an indoor golf facility, shares his inspiring journey: - Transition from PGA apprentice to golf instruction director - Leap into entrepreneurship with an indoor golf facility - Overcoming...

  24. #026 - Peter Mahabir (Ovia Founder): From Hearing Industry to Headphone Innovation - A Startup Journey

    Here's an RSS description for your podcast episode with Peter Mahabir: In this episode, we dive into the world of audio innovation with Peter Mahabir, founder of Ovia, a cutting-edge headphone company. Drawing from his extensive experience in the hearing industry, Peter takes us on a fascinating...

  25. #025 - Nick (Snow Removal Expert): Plowing through challenges, building a winter service empire

    In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Nick, the mastermind behind a thriving snow removal empire. Join us as we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship and business growth, exploring the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons learned along the way. Nick shares his journey of building a...

  26. #024 - Austin Pope (WhiskeyRoadHatCo): Importance of brand community, creativity and consistency

    In this episode, we are joined by Austin Pope, the innovative founder of WhiskeyRoadHatCo, to discuss the key elements that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Austin shares his experiences and insights on digital marketing, fostering creativity, and building a strong community around his...

  27. John Karpov Action Home Services - A Business Journey, Landscaping Empire

    Charlie & John John Karpov, Founder & Owner of Action Home Services, sit down and discuss John's journey coming to Canada as a young man, and growing a more than successful business.

  28. 022 - Seaf (Eternal Green Landscaping) - Business Growth: The Role of Mentorship, Marketing, and Strong Foundations

    #022 - Seaf (Eternal Green Landscaping): Business Growth - The Role of Mentorship, Marketing, and Strong Foundations In this episode, we are joined by Seaf, the visionary behind Eternal Green Landscaping, to discuss the pivotal elements that fuel business growth. Seaf shares his journey of...

  29. #021 - Michelle Cordeiro: Master of Networking and Making Connections

    #021 - Michelle Cordeiro: Master of Networking and Making Connections In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Cordeiro, the Director of Membership Development at the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, who is connecting our town one business owner at a time. Michelle is a true maestro in the art of...

  30. 020 - Rob Thibault (Snow Cleared) Entrepreneurial Journey: From Landscaping to Business Diversification

    Episode 020 - Rob Thibault (Snow Cleared) Join us for an inspiring episode with Rob Thibault, the visionary behind Snow Cleared, as he shares his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings in landscaping to building a diversified business empire. Rob takes us through the highs and lows of...

  31. #019 - Building Community & Business Success with Nathan Fox of Foxscapes

    In Episode 19, we sit down with Nathan Fox, the visionary behind Foxscapes, to explore how he built a thriving community and a successful business. Nathan shares his journey, insights on community building, and the strategies that propelled Foxscapes to new heights. Tune in to learn from his...

  32. #018 - Cam Russelle - Building a Productive Lifestyle: Nutrition, Sleep, and Brain Health

    In this insightful episode of the Hard Lessons Podcast, we sit down with wellness expert Cam Russelle to delve into the crucial components of a productive lifestyle. Cam shares his extensive knowledge on optimizing nutrition, enhancing sleep quality, and boosting brain health. From practical...

  33. #017 - Brian's Lawn Maintenance - From Little Caesars to Lawn Care: An Entrepreneurial Journey

    From Little Caesars to Lawn Care: An Entrepreneurial Journey Episode #017 - Brian's Lawn Maintenance Join us for an inspiring episode of "Brian's Lawn Maintenance," where we delve into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Brian Fullerton. From his humble beginnings working at Little Caesars…

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  34. #016 - Pt.2 - Stefano Narducci - 23 Year Old That Built A Residential Snow Removal Empire

    Join us for Part 2 of our enlightening conversation with Stefano Narducci, the dynamic 23-year-old entrepreneur who’s making waves in the business world. In this episode, Stefano dives deeper into his journey, sharing the secrets behind his success as the owner of Northern Snow and Northern...

  35. #016 - Stefano Narducci - 23 Year Old That Built A Residential Snow Removal Empire

    Stefano Narducci, a dynamic 23-year-old entrepreneur, is a force to be reckoned with in the business world. As the owner of Northern Snow and Northern Roofing, he has demonstrated his prowess in the construction industry, carving out a niche for himself with top-notch services and innovative...

  36. #015 - Benji Carlson - Over 1000 business assessments for contractors

    Benji brings his wealth of experience to the Hard Lessons Podcast, where he'll be sharing his insights and knowledge. With four years under his belt as a franchisee with College Pro Painters, Benji was celebrated for leading the most productive staff within the franchise network. Following this...

  37. #014 - Matt Hoss - $3 Million Landscaping Company With 10 Guys!?

    Join the Hard Lessons Podcast as Matt Hoss reveals his secrets to achieving $3 million in revenue with just 10 team members in his landscaping business. Learn firsthand from his expertise and strategies, gaining valuable insights into scaling a successful enterprise efficiently.

  38. #013 - Ryan Markewich - Can you begin a business from nothing?

    Introducing Ryan Markewich, the visionary owner of Creative Roots Landscaping. As a guest on the Hard Lessons Podcast, Ryan brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of entrepreneurship, offering invaluable lessons learned from the trenches of building and sustaining a successful...

  39. #012 - Baljeet Toki - From Taxation to Custom Tailoring!

    Join us on the latest episode of the Hard Lessons Podcast as we welcome a true trailblazer in the world of entrepreneurship, Baljeet Toki. His journey is nothing short of inspirational. Today, he stands as the driving force behind Montagio, a renowned custom tailoring company specializing in...

  40. #011 - Steve Wheatcroft - Urban Life Solutions Multimillion Dollar Company

    Former Urban Life Solutions CEO, Steve Wheatcroft, shares insights on the Hard Lessons Podcast, delving into his transformative journey and invaluable experiences. Tune in as he navigates through the highs and lows of leadership, offering profound wisdom and lessons learned along the way.

  41. #010 - Cody Banks - UPLP Group

    Tune in as Cody Banks, from UPLP Group, shares his expertise on pool and landscaping on the Hard Lessons Podcast. Gain valuable insights from his experiences in the industry. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional.

  42. #009 - Alex Cadieux - Marketing Director at Techo-Bloc

    Tune in to the Hard Lessons Podcast for an enlightening session with Alex Cadieux, Marketing Director at Techo-Bloc. Gain insider knowledge and industry secrets as he shares his extensive experience, offering valuable insights into the world of marketing

  43. #008 - Austyn Roth - Lucky Landscaping

    21-year-old Austyn Roth, CEO of a $5M/year landscaping business, shares invaluable insights on the Hard Lessons Podcast, offering expertise and experience in the industry, inspiring listeners with his entrepreneurial journey and success.

  44. #007 - Mark Kennedy - Fourty Five Scapes

    Join Mark Kennedy on Hard Lessons Podcast as he shares his entrepreneurial journey and valuable insights. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and lessons that shaped his path to success in this engaging episode.

  45. #006 - Calvin Dejong - 19 Year Old Entrepeneur

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Calvin Dejong, a remarkable 19-year-old entrepreneur making waves in the landscaping industry. Discover his innovative approach and insights that promise a bright future. Tune in to witness the journey of a young visionary shaping the landscape of...

  46. #005 - Moatassem Moatez - The Entrepeneurial Grind

    Moatassem Moatez, TEDX speaker, entrepeneur, and business coach throughout Dubai. Now owner of, My Courier a last mile delivery company with more than 130 employees. Join us and discover Moatassem's full in-depth journey of entrepeneurship.

  47. #004 - Kyle Banks - The Mental Toll of Entrepeneurship

    Kyle Banks, co-founder of UPLP Group, is a visionary in crafting opulent pools, exquisite landscapes, and timeless outdoor spaces. Renowned for contemporary charm, his expertise is showcased on the Hard Lessons Podcast with Charlie Kerrigan, offering insights into the artistry and innovation…

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  48. #003 - Jonathan Running - Self taught entrepeneur

    Jonathan Running, a self-taught entrepreneur, defied conventional paths by launching his own cabling business. With no formal education in the field, he immersed himself in learning, mastering the intricacies of cabling. His relentless dedication and passion led him to build a successful business...

  49. #002 - Kevin Scott - Building an empire

    Discover the secrets and stories behind Kevin Scott's incredible rise to building a landscaping empire. Unearth the wisdom, challenges, and triumphs that shaped his success. Tune in for a masterclass in entrepreneurship and his path to an empire.

  50. #001 - Ben Brown - Why Do We Continue To Lower Standards

    Welcome to The Hard Lessons Podcast, where we unravel the threads of motivation, perspectives, and the future of our next generation. Join us as we delve into the concept of the "four-year fantasy" and challenge the status quo of formal education. It's time to rethink motivation and low…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to The Hard Lessons Podcast, where we unravel the threads of motivation, perspectives, and the future of our next generation.

HOSTED BY

Charlie Kerrigan

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Hard Lessons Podcast have?

The Hard Lessons Podcast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Hard Lessons Podcast about?

Welcome to The Hard Lessons Podcast, where we unravel the threads of motivation, perspectives, and the future of our next generation.

How often does The Hard Lessons Podcast release new episodes?

The Hard Lessons Podcast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Hard Lessons Podcast?

You can listen to The Hard Lessons Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Hard Lessons Podcast?

The Hard Lessons Podcast is created and hosted by Charlie Kerrigan.
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