The Mulder Life Podcast

Andy shares updates on a major job he aims to finish before Thanksgiving, including landscape lighting, resolving irrigation well issues, testing the main line, and preparing for roughly 75,000 square feet of sod. He answers a question about improving business efficiency beyond tools by describing a push toward better plans, clearer project information, and a 30+ page "brain dump" questionnaire to capture critical job details so answers aren't only in his head. He recounts a team exercise where crews reviewed a design they hadn't seen and listed what they'd need to build it, then discusses training foremen on job sequencing and problem-solving. He also addresses cash management buckets, paying himself consistently via payroll and distributions, bank account structure, potential consulting, and recommended books on business finances.   👋 Connect with Andy 📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop 🧰 Business Resources Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST 📘 How to Price My Job 🛒 Amazon Store 💥 Partner Discounts 🧱 Pave Tool — Use MULDEROUTDOORS50 to get $50 off a purchase of $500 or more 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 🚧 SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software 👷 Brunt Workwear — Use MulderOutdoors10 to save $10 🍬 Albanese Candy — Official Candy of the Podcast 🛠️ Automatic Supply / Heritage Plus — Use MULDERLIFEPODCAST for 15% off (up to $1,500 — one per company) 🧱 Unilock 🎨 Dirty Graphix ⚙️ CMP Attachments 🚧 Engcon 🚜 A&D Equipment 📚 The Hardscape Academy 🪨 Amborn Stone — Call: 913-837-6729 💎 Latux Diamond Blades — Use code MULDER to save 20%

How do you keep your outdoor equipment organized, protected, and ready for the next job? In this episode of the Mulder Life Podcast, Andy shares his secrets to smarter equipment storage, protecting expensive paver lifting tools, and making the most of shipping containers. From pallet racking and E-track systems to protecting suction pads and improving shop space, Andy offers practical tips to help contractors protect their investments and work more efficiently.   👋 Connect with Andy 📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop 🧰 Business Resources Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST 📘 How to Price My Job 🛒 Amazon Store 💥 Partner Discounts 🧱 Pave Tool — Use MULDEROUTDOORS50 to get $50 off a purchase of $500 or more 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 🚧 SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software 👷 Brunt Workwear — Use MulderOutdoors10 to save $10 🍬 Albanese Candy — Official Candy of the Podcast 🛠️ Automatic Supply / Heritage Plus — Use MULDERLIFEPODCAST for 15% off (up to $1,500 — one per company) 🧱 Unilock 🎨 Dirty Graphix ⚙️ CMP Attachments 🚧 Engcon 🚜 A&D Equipment 📚 The Hardscape Academy 🪨 Amborn Stone — Call: 913-837-6729 💎 Latux Diamond Blades — Use code MULDER to save 20%

On this live episode of the Mulder Life Podcast, Andy shares that he is not attending Equip Expo/HNA due to a family situation after his father-in-law was diagnosed with a large brain tumor and underwent surgery, with pathology still unknown. He answers listener questions about future YouTube content, how he handled leaving his old boss to start his business. Andy clarifies he did not sell his Kubota, describes partnering with West Side John Deere and using Deere machines on jobsites, and explains the decision to buy a Vermeer ML150 while keeping the Ditch Witch 1750. He talks through possible future equipment upgrades like a larger excavator, recommends adding a mini loader or skid with a push box for plowing productivity, and offers perspective on succeeding without "luxury" projects, truck thoughts, and general guidance on hiring and keeping good employees.   👋 Connect with Andy 📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop 🧰 Business Resources Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST 📘 How to Price My Job 🛒 Amazon Store 💥 Partner Discounts 🧱 Pave Tool — Use MULDEROUTDOORS50 to get $50 off a purchase of $500 or more 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 🚧 SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software 👷 Brunt Workwear — Use MulderOutdoors10 to save $10 🍬 Albanese Candy — Official Candy of the Podcast 🛠️ Automatic Supply / Heritage Plus — Use MULDERLIFEPODCAST for 15% off (up to $1,500 — one per company) 🧱 Unilock 🎨 Dirty Graphix ⚙️ CMP Attachments 🚧 Engcon 🚜 A&D Equipment 📚 The Hardscape Academy 🪨 Amborn Stone — Call: 913-837-6729 💎 Latux Diamond Blades — Use code MULDER to save 20%

What does it really take to build a $3 million landscaping business? In this special episode of the Mulder Life Podcast, Andy Mulder joins Caleb Auman on the Kid Contractor Podcast to discuss the mindset behind sustainable growth. Andy shares valuable lessons on profitability, managing finances, delegating responsibilities, and making smarter business decisions. Discover why chasing revenue isn't always the answer, why your people matter more than your sales numbers, and how building a successful business is about more than just getting bigger.   👋 Connect with Andy 📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop 🧰 Business Resources Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST 📘 How to Price My Job 🛒 Amazon Store 💥 Partner Discounts 🧱 Pave Tool — Use MULDEROUTDOORS50 to get $50 off a purchase of $500 or more 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 🚧 SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software 👷 Brunt Workwear — Use MulderOutdoors10 to save $10 🍬 Albanese Candy — Official Candy of the Podcast 🛠️ Automatic Supply / Heritage Plus — Use MULDERLIFEPODCAST for 15% off (up to $1,500 — one per company) 🧱 Unilock 🎨 Dirty Graphix ⚙️ CMP Attachments 🚧 Engcon 🚜 A&D Equipment 📚 The Hardscape Academy 🪨 Amborn Stone — Call: 913-837-6729 💎 Latux Diamond Blades — Use code MULDER to save 20%

Andy answers a listener question about what gave him the confidence to start Mulder Outdoors and how much he saved before quitting his job. He recounts working 13 years at another landscaping company, gradually building side work, going through Dave Ramsey to get debt-free, saving a $20,000 cushion, and acquiring early equipment and vehicles without loans, including his first employee and first projects. He explains he didn't feel confident at first as much as driven by work ethic, family support, and skills, and says true confidence came over years of repetition and service. Andy also discusses running the business and personal life below their means, using multiple business bank accounts, planning for winter income, and valuing employee gratitude, and he closes by noting the five-year anniversary of his father's death.   👋 Connect with Andy 📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop 🧰 Business Resources Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST 📘 How to Price My Job 🛒 Amazon Store 💥 Partner Discounts 🧱 Pave Tool — Use MULDEROUTDOORS50 to get $50 off a purchase of $500 or more 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 🚧 SynkedUP - Landscape Business Management Software 👷 Brunt Workwear — Use MulderOutdoors10 to save $10 🍬 Albanese Candy — Official Candy of the Podcast 🛠️ Automatic Supply / Heritage Plus — Use MULDERLIFEPODCAST for 15% off (up to $1,500 — one per company) 🧱 Unilock 🎨 Dirty Graphix ⚙️ CMP Attachments 🚧 Engcon 🚜 A&D Equipment 📚 The Hardscape Academy 🪨 Amborn Stone — Call: 913-837-6729 💎 Latux Diamond Blades — Use code MULDER to save 20%