ITTH E12 - From Side Hustle to 8-Figure Vision: The Entrepreneurial Path with Alex Hodge

In this episode of In The Treehouse, host Michael Conner sits down with Alex Hodge, founder of J-Hodge Enterprises. From starting out as a UPS driver to building a thriving excavation and site development company.

Alex shares his inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and scaling a business with a competitive mindset.

1. From Side Hustle to Full-Fledged Business

Alex started his career at UPS, earning a solid income as a young driver. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to invest in a dump truck without any prior experience in the field. 

Through sheer determination and a willingness to learn, he turned that single truck into a fleet, eventually launching his own excavation and site development company.

2. The Power of Ownership and Control

One of Alex’s biggest business shifts was moving from working as a dump truck operator to becoming a dirt broker and eventually a site development contractor. 

His goal was to control his own work, ensuring his trucks were always running rather than relying on external brokers. 

This mindset helped him expand his business into full-service excavation and land development.

3. Scaling a Business Comes with Growing Pains

As Alex grew his company to millions in annual revenue, he realized that scaling brings new challenges, particularly cash flow management. 

While many small business owners think higher revenue solves financial problems, he shared that cash flow struggles only increase with growth. 

Managing employees, securing contracts, and investing in equipment all demand careful financial planning.

4. Building a Strong Network for Success

Alex credits much of his success to relationships built through organizations like Rotary. Surrounding himself with experienced business leaders and mentors helped him navigate challenges, seize new opportunities, and continue expanding. 

He emphasized that in business, "It's not what you know, it's who you know."

5. Embracing Hard Work and a Competitive Mindset

From sleeping in his truck to working 24/7, Alex believes in outworking the competition. His philosophy is simple: "If you work harder than anybody else, you'll get there." 

However, he also acknowledges the importance of leveraging technology, hiring the right people, and continuously improving operations to stay ahead in a competitive industry.

Alex Hodge’s story is a testament to the power of taking risks, believing in yourself, and putting in the work to build something great. His journey from UPS driver to business owner generating millions in revenue shows that success isn’t handed out—it’s earned.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale your business, Alex’s story is a reminder that persistence, networking, and strategic decision-making can take you far.