Ep 157. Legacy Folders and Barn Fires: Preparing Your Business for the Unthinkable
The Mulder Life Podcast
Andy discusses various aspects of managing hisbusiness, ranging from equipment preferences to long-term planning. He emphasizes the importance of documenting shop inventory through photos to assist family and insurance companies in case of emergencies. Mulder also shares his frustrations with hiring challenges, specifically detailing a recent instance of being "ghosted" by a potential employee. Technical advice is provided on permeable base systems for hardscaping and the benefits of specific tools like Milwaukee’s storage options and concrete saws. Finally, he explains his strategic...
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Ep 156. Mastering the Open Graded Base: Why We Never Have Patio Failures
The Mulder Life Podcast
Andy offers expert guidance on the importance of technical innovation, sharing how adopting open graded base systems and durable concrete edge restraints significantly improved his project longevity and reduced warranty claims. Beyond field work, the discussion emphasizes financial discipline, advising contractors to scale slowly, prioritize job costing through specialized software, and avoid unnecessary debt. Mulder also touches on the professional image of a company, noting that while high-quality equipment wraps can serve as branding tools, success is truly built on reliable service and...
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Ep 155. The Hard Truth About Hard Days (And How to Win Anyway)
The Mulder Life Podcast
Join us for this special “Best Of” episode where Andy delivers his comprehensive recap of the SynkedUp Summit, sharing key insights and actionable takeaways from this pivotal industry event. Plus, we dive into the tough reality of entrepreneurship as we discuss proven strategies for navigating those inevitable hard days that test every business owner’s resolve. Essential listening for entrepreneurs who want both industry insights and the mental tools to push through adversity. 👋 Connect with Andy 📸 Instagram: 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: 🧰 Business Resources Save 10%...
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Ep 154. Mastering the Organized Job Site
The Mulder Life Podcast
This "Best Of" episode explores the essential strategies for maintaining a professional and organized jobsite in the landscaping industry. Andy highlights how effective communication with crews and clean work areas directly impact client impressions and overall profitability. The discussion covers practical tips such as using specialized equipment like street sweepers and tool trailers to minimize mess and redundant labor. Andy also addresses business logistics, including the nuances of plant warranties, the benefits of open-graded bases, and the transition from manual labor to project...
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Ep 153. Where’s My Money? How I Manage Cash Flow.
The Mulder Life Podcast
Where does every dollar actually go? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my business finances to answer one of my most frequently asked questions: How do I manage cash flow without going crazy? I break down the exact system I use to keep our finances healthy, including why I split our money across five specific bank accounts to ensure we never run dry. Plus, we switch gears from ‘saving’ to ‘scaling’—I’m revealing my current advertising playbook, including the exact platforms and creative strategies I’m using right now to drive traffic. 👋...
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Ep 152. The FINAL Episode ...for 2025! Tons of Giveaways!!!
The Mulder Life Podcast
In this special live episode Andy recaps the past year, reviewing significant projects, equipment upgrades, and achievements through the lens of his Instagram feed. The episode includes numerous giveaways from the podcast's generous sponsors. Highlights cover diverse landscaping and excavation projects, the exciting development of Andy's property, and insights into the business's growth and operational improvements. 👋 Connect with Andy 📸 Instagram: 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: 🧰 Business Resources Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST ...
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Ep 151. Reflecting and Planning for 2026
The Mulder Life Podcast
Andy shares his reflections on the past year and details for next Monday's Christmas giveaway IG Livestream. He also discusses the consideration between needing versus wanting when it comes to year-end purchases for tax purposes, emphasizing the importance of smart financial decisions. The conversation also dives into equipment choices, touching on loaders, track machines, telehandlers, and how these decisions impact the business. The engaging Q&A session rounds out another informative episode. 👋 Connect with Andy 📸 Instagram: 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: 🧰 Business...
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Ep 150. You'll Never Regret Giving MORE!
The Mulder Life Podcast
Andy delves into the setbacks and frustrations faced during the construction of his new building, including a humorous take on the open cell spray foam insulation debate. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the importance of generosity, especially in the context of giving Christmas bonuses to employees. Drawing from personal experiences and industry standards, he underscores the significance of expressing gratitude through bonuses and thoughtful gifts, even if the amounts vary year-to-year. The episode highlights the challenges and joys of running a business, the value of employee...
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Ep 149. Managing Big Projects in Tough Weather
The Mulder Life Podcast
This episode discusses the challenges faced due to heavy snow in the area, detailing the Andy's snow removal operations, equipment used, and the unexpected busy schedule. Interactive Q&A covers topics such as comparing snow equipment like the Kubota wheel loader and skid steer, handling project delays due to weather, and managing customer expectations and payment terms. Mulder also shares insights on potential washer and dryer purchases for the shop, discussing considerations with listeners. He invites everyone to the upcoming in Windsor, Connecticut, showcasing various industry...
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Ep 148. Concrete Edging Fail: Why We're Thinking About Switching to Hybrid
The Mulder Life Podcast
In this episode of the Mulder Life Podcast, Andy dives into hardscaping challenges, winter operations, and major updates on his new shop build. He discusses the ongoing problems he’s experienced with traditional concrete edging—specifically summer grass dieback and edging pull-away—and explains why he’s considering transitioning to hybrid edging. The conversation also covers the recent concrete pour, upcoming spray-foam insulation, heating plans, and the push to finish fall cleanups before winter weather settles in. Andy reflects on big-picture business decisions, including whether to...
info_outlineAndy discusses ongoing business operations, including building a new facility and managing site work logistics such as earth moving and material acquisition. He also shares practical advice on customer relationship management, emphasizing setting realistic expectations regarding project timelines and the importance of thorough cleanup to ensure client satisfaction. Additionally, the episode covers topics ranging from working in extreme heat to effective job scheduling and employee motivation, all while answering live listener questions.
Connect with Andy: https://www.instagram.com/mulderoutdoors/
Shop Mulder Outdoors: https://mulderoutdoors.com/shop/
Resources to grow your business (Use MULDERLIFEPODCAST to Save 10%)
https://pavetool.com/ (Use MULDEROUTDOORS to save 10%)
https://bladesdirect.net/ (Use MULDER20 to Save $20)
https://www.permapaveredging.com/
https://bruntworkwear.com/ (Code: MulderOutdoors10 Save $10)
https://www.albanesecandy.com/ (Official Candy of the Podcast)
https://thehardscapeacademy.com
https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729
Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)