The Mulder Life Podcast

For a Father's Day special, Andy shares a personal list of 60 lessons his late father taught him—ranging from practical skills with tools, trucks, boating, and work ethic to marriage, parenting, leadership, faith, and family dinner—explaining his hope that sharing it encourages better fathers and preserves family memories. 🚨 Engcon Demo Day & Shop Open House 🚨 Saturday, July 25 RSVP here: https://mulderoutdoors.com/open-house-rsvp/ 👋 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%

In this episode, Andy interviews Anthony LaFata, the co-owner of A&D Equipment and a veteran of the excavation industry. The discussion highlights how specialized attachments, such as screening and crushing buckets, can revolutionize landscaping and construction by increasing profitability and streamlining material management. LaFata shares his personal history as a second-generation excavator, illustrating the evolution of technology from manual tools to autonomous machinery and life-saving military applications. The guys emphasizes the importance of building community relationships and educating crews to ensure new equipment is utilized effectively on the job site. 🚨 Engcon Demo Day & Shop Open House 🚨 Saturday, July 25 RSVP here: https://mulderoutdoors.com/open-house-rsvp/ 👋 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 unveils details for a free Engcon Demo Day/Open House on July 25 in Crown Point, Indiana, including RSVP-only event T-shirts, equipment demos, family activities, food, and attending vendors. He shares how busy the season is, why he's prioritizing time and spending less effort on social media, and describes his daily routine, reliance on to-do lists, and staying focused on design and estimating rather than running equipment. Andy answers listener questions about charging for landscape designs, estimating the tons and loads of millings and other materials used on his property, sourcing free millings through local road projects, crew hours and Saturday work, and comments on the precision and complexity behind a current high-end hardscape project. 🚨 Engcon Demo Day & Shop Open House 🚨 Saturday, July 25 RSVP here: https://mulderoutdoors.com/open-house-rsvp/ 👋 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 shares lessons from a month of operating two install crews plus a maintenance crew during the busiest spring of the company's 12 seasons. He explains that adding a second crew means he can't work hands-on in the field, spends far more time driving and managing projects, must stay two steps ahead with materials and communication, and needs the right people in the right roles to maintain quality. He answers audience questions about hiring experienced crew members with clean driving records, IQ saw blades, Deere vs. Kubota equipment and dealer support, running the business out of shipping containers for 10 years, and why he switched from Takeuchi to Kubota during COVID. He also discusses feeling overwhelmed by the volume of estimates and designs, and explains that if he started over he would still grow the company debt-free for long-term stability and family security. 👋 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%

Spring is moving fast, and so is the business. Andy shares what it looks like to lead through a packed season while balancing jobsite demands, team development, hiring decisions, client follow-up, and the ongoing build-out of the new shop. This solo conversation centers on the realities of running a growing landscaping company without losing sight of quality. Andy breaks down how he thinks about company culture, why careful growth matters more than fast growth, and what he is learning as the business reaches its busiest spring yet. Covered in this episode: • How Andy approaches company culture by leading from the front • Why small details shape customer experience more than big promises • What made a recent Saturday workday a strong example of team buy-in • How free lunches, gear, boots, and trust help with retention • A full update on the new shop, including cabinets, ceilings, HVAC, plumbing, appliances, and site work • How core team members were hired through referrals, networking, and Instagram • Why Andy has never had much success hiring through Indeed • What he looks for as he considers adding another team member • How he thinks through starting a second crew without hurting quality • His approach to following up on estimates without sounding pushy • Why he wants to grow at the speed of cash instead of forcing expansion • Early thoughts on future equipment and trailer investments There is also a practical look at the decision-making behind expansion. Andy talks through the tension of having strong leads, active design work, and more demand coming in while still wanting to protect craftsmanship, team morale, and long-term stability. It is a clear snapshot of what disciplined growth looks like in the middle of a busy season. 👋 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 returns after missing two weeks due to illness and a family vacation to Utah. He shares how spring is ramping up at his landscaping business with strong leads, major projects (including a 400-ton natural stone pond job), and considers hiring while emphasizing trust in his crew. Andy gives a detailed shop build update (painted offices, upcoming epoxy floors, utilities and interior metal progress) and answers listener questions about whether he'd still build versus buy a shop, stressing the value of correct zoning for outdoor material storage. He explains why he transitioned from used to new trucks only when he could pay cash and stay debt-free, warns against buying for status, advises bidding jobs individually rather than per square/face foot, and notes personal health goals after losing 20 pounds. 👋 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 provides a comprehensive update on his landscaping business and the ongoing development of his new company shop. He details technical construction choices, such as the benefits of using open-cell spray foam and his decision to install epoxy flooring in the office spaces. Despite facing recent weather delays and logistical hurdles with utility companies, he remains optimistic about the regional economic growth and a strong pipeline of work. The episode also explores equipment preferences, where Andy evaluates the performance of various machinery and explains his strategy of growing at the speed of cash. Finally, he reflects on the importance of client relationships, sharing personal stories about navigating difficult customer interactions while striving to maintain a high-end brand reputation. 👋 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%

This episode features an in-depth conversation between Andy and veteran landscaper Erik Helm, owner of Grounds Master. Helm recounts his professional journey starting from childhood lawn mowing to managing a large-scale excavation and hardscaping fleet in Montana. The discussion highlights the devastating impact of the 2008 economic crash, which forced Helm to downsize his staff and equipment, leading him to adopt Dave Ramsey's financial principles. Both guys emphasize the importance of mentorship, the value of quality craftsmanship, and the unique community and brotherhood fostered through social media networking. Ultimately, the source provides a perspective on balancing business growth with family life while maintaining high standards in challenging terrain. 👋 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 kicks off the new season with special guest Weston Zimmerman from SynkedUP. They discuss the importance of resilience, effective business practices, and the role of technology, including Artificial Intelligence, in the landscaping industry. Andy shares his experiences with snow removal contracts, managing cash flow, and the value of having a strong support system. They also explore the challenges and rewards of business ownership, offering insights into maintaining motivation and achieving long-term success. 👋 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 MULDEROUTDOORS to save 10% 🔪 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 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 effective project management. Throughout the episode, he answers listener questions regarding equipment upgrades, time-tracking strategies, and the transition from manual labor to business leadership. The show concludes with a look toward the future, illustrating how strategic planning and mentorship can turn a small startup into a multi-generational enterprise. 👋 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 MULDEROUTDOORS to save 10% 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 👷 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%

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 management. This podcast serves as a guide for contractors looking to elevate their business standards through consistency and order. 👋 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 MULDEROUTDOORS to save 10% 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 👷 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%

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: @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 MULDEROUTDOORS to save 10% 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 👷 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 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 appreciation, and reflects on the principle of giving more. 👋 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 MULDEROUTDOORS to save 10% 🔪 Blades Direct — Use MULDER20 to save $20 📏 Perma Paver Edging 👷 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%