The Real Hustle Show

From Call Center Agent to CEO with Marlou Merilles and Lito Mendoza |Episode 11

In this episode of the show, we sit down with Kuya Lito Mendoza, the founder, CEO, and lead technician of Green Department HVAC. From arriving in Winnipeg as an immigrant with only $2,000 in pocket money to managing a team of 15, his journey is a masterclass in resilience, work ethic, and the "blessing in disguise" that often comes with career pivots. Kuya shares his transition from an electronics engineer in the Philippines to a technician in the freezing Canadian winters. We dive deep into: - The reality of starting a business during a global pandemic (2019). - Why "attitude" beats "skill" whenever hiring. - The difference between "good debt" and "bad debt" in business growth. - How to maintain quality and customer respect in a competitive industry. - His unique "CALL ME" philosophy—staying accessible to customers even as the boss. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a newcomer to Canada, or just someone looking for a dose of grit and inspiration, this conversation is packed with "real talk" about the highs and lows of the grind. Connect with Green Department HVAC: Website: www.greendepthvac.ca Phone: 204-219-8344 (24/7 Support) Location: Serving Winnipeg and surrounding areas. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Meeting the owner of Green Department HVAC. 01:15 – The Immigrant Journey: Arriving in Winnipeg with $2,000 and no plan. 02:40 – The Call Center Trial: Why "technical guys" aren't meant for the headset. 04:10 – The "Blessing in Disguise": Transitioning from employee to helper to business owner. 05:55 – Funding vs. Bootstrapping: The stress of doing it all on your own. 07:30 – Starting in 2019: Launching a business right before the pandemic hit. 09:15 – The Family Business: When your eldest son becomes your first helper. 11:00 – The "No Debt" Mentality vs. Scaling: Learning to use "Good Debt" to grow. 13:20 – Extreme Work Ethic: Answering customer calls while your wife is in labour. 15:45 – Hiring for Attitude: Why skills can be taught but character cannot. 18:10 – The "Virus" in a Team: Why avoiding drama is the key to a healthy company. 20:30 – Apprenticeship Struggles: How Manitoba’s licensing system changed (and why you shouldn't quit). 23:15 – The Responsibility of a Leader: "If I don't provide work, they can't pay their bills." 25:50 – Knowing Your Value: Why being the "cheapest" option often costs the customer double. 28:30 – Handling Bad Reviews and Competition: Focus on your own capability, not others. 31:45 – Working with Spouses: Why Kuya and his wife don't work in the same office. 34:10 – Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Don't "lay low" once you start earning. 36:30 – "CALL ME": The story behind the famous license plate and final thoughts. https://www.facebook.com/litogenermendoza https://greendepthvac.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/greendepthvac/?hl=en

From Dishwasher to CEO with Marlou Merilles and JB Caguisano |Ep. 10

They say ideas are easy, but execution is the hardest part. In today’s episode, we sit down with Brother JB, a Filipino business owner in Winnipeg, Canada, who proved that there are no shortcuts to success. Starting as a dishwasher at Brionis restaurant in 2014, JB navigated the challenges of being a newcomer—including the language barrier—working through construction and kitchen management. When the pandemic hit and the restaurant industry slowed down, he didn't make excuses. Instead, he found an opportunity in the Junk Removal and Moving Services industry. 📍 Follow Marlou: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/ https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46 Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579 website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd 📍JB’s socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jb_caguisano/ https://www.facebook.com/jb.caguisano https://jbjunkandmoving.ca https://jbjunkandmoving.ca

From Broke to Business Strategist with Marlou Merilles and Lee Holgado |Ep. 009

In this powerful episode of The Real Hustle Show, we break the excuses, crush the 9–5 mindset, and talk real business, real moves, and real money. Our first-ever female guest, Lee Holgado, joins the show—Business Strategist and Licensed Financial Advisor, and Founder of Kargado Wealth Strategies Inc. Lee shares her raw journey from being broke, hustling multiple jobs, surviving the pandemic, to building a purpose-driven career helping individuals and entrepreneurs gain financial clarity, confidence, and long-term wealth. 📍 Follow Marlou: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/ https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46 Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579 website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd 📍Lee’s socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champee29/ https://www.threads.com/@champee29?xmt=AQF0h6MEe2heVSwfJhtiCywTDiK1EmewhD1qkH0ld3GcUDA https://www.facebook.com/leeHolgado

From Iris Deli Driver to Millions in Real Estate with Marlou Merilles and Paul Kuegle |Ep. 008

This episode of The Real Hustle Show features a raw and revealing conversation with real estate powerhouse Paul Kuegle. Hosted by Marlo Merilles, this session dives deep into the "10-year sacrifice" mindset and what it actually takes to build a multi-million dollar legacy from scratch. Paul shares his journey from growing up in Oakbank to flipping nearly 200 homes alongside his wife and business partner, Amanda. This isn't just a story about success; it’s a masterclass in grit, house-hacking, and burning the boats. 📍 Follow Marlou: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/ https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46 Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579 website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd 📍Paul’s socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulkuegle/ https://www.instagram.com/kuegledevelopmentcorp/

Music to Real Estate Investing with Marlou Merilles and Bryce Kaminsky |Ep.006

This episode of The Real Hustle Show is a masterclass in the transition from creative "grind" to high-level business execution. Host Marlou Merilles sits down with Bryce Kaminsky, a powerhouse Canadian real estate investor, head coach at Black Card U, and specialist in off-market acquisitions with over 200 deals under his belt. From the struggling music scene in Winnipeg to navigating "Murder Houses" and closing 9 deals in 9 weeks, Bryce breaks down the cold, hard truth: Talent is only 40% of the equation. The other 60% is the grind that most people aren't willing to do. 📍 Follow Marlou: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marloumerilles?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marlou.merilles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmarloumerilles?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://www.instagram.com/marlou.merilles/ https://www.instagram.com/lou_buys_houses?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ukmCPJt1ehxLtt0KA1kjf?si=b2833b340ca64f46 Podbeam: https://merillesmar.podbean.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-real-hustle-show/id1852826579 website: https://loubuyshouses.ca/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBd3ROblpmS1lyZ25wSUxqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuHRZgtHUkR1TMwUVqtU33tWvrZnjJeKxF7RhqcRtXdBmwGIXs4IDoi-eDkK_aem_nU99y8Bxy26fOJHZpckXZA&eid=9dbaf38f-51d2-4fc2-846b-3524dd3041bd Bryce Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brycekaminsky/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brycekaminsky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryce.kaminsky