In this episode of Ground Up Growth, we sit down with Cameron Hartley, owner of Hartley Equipment Company in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, to unpack his journey from cutting grass as a teenager to building a thriving, multi-division equipment business.

Cameron shares how he started working at just 14 years old, built a landscaping company with over 100 accounts and 16 employees, and ultimately made the bold decision to leave college and bet on himself. We dive into the realities of entrepreneurship—from managing teams and burnout to spotting opportunity and pivoting into the outdoor power equipment industry.

You’ll hear how Cameron transitioned from landscaping to launching Hartley Equipment, built strategic relationships, and scaled his business into a one-stop shop for contractors across Central Mississippi. He also shares lessons on work ethic, risk-taking, leadership, and what it really takes to grow a business from the ground up.

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or someone looking for real-world insight into building something from nothing, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and inspiration.