The Mulder Life Podcast

Hosted by Andy Mulder

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

183

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

A live show featuring questions all about landscaping, equipment, business, and life. Join our live show weekly on Instagram @MulderOutdoors. Monday nights at 8:30 pm Central time to ask your questions or tune in here for the replay. Thanks for joining us

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60 recent

September 9, 20261 hr 12 min

Ep 185. How the "Little Things" Win High-End Hardscape Projects (With Zero Excuses)

Andy discusses the importance of pricing confidence and client experience in the landscaping industry. Mulder argues that contractors often underprice their work because they undervalue their skills or fear losing jobs. He emphasizes that sustaining a premium brand requires meticulous attention to detail, such as maintaining clean job sites and ensuring proactive communication. By focusing on these high-level standards and deeply understanding his business numbers, Mulder has transitioned from a backyard operation to a high-end contractor sought out by elite clients. 👋 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%

September 2, 202650 min

Ep 184. Overcoming Contract Challenges And Price Objections.

Andy discusses how fall project scheduling depends on weather and why he won't guarantee timelines in November or December, sometimes staging work like footings and finishing later if conditions allow. Answering a listener, he explains handling "lower bid" price objections by ensuring scope comparisons, emphasizing brand, service, and quality, and refusing to negotiate price unless the scope changes to avoid setting a negotiable precedent. He also shares a lesson from losing a project after doing design work without a signed design contract and reflects on hindsight, patience, and faith. Enjoy! 👋 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%

August 26, 202645 min

Ep 183. Two Crews, Three Jobs, One Owner — Something Had to Break

Andy hit the wall this season: two crews running, three jobs in the air, and one guy selling, designing, project managing, and ordering materials for all of it. The choice was simple — go back to one crew or get real help. This week he walks through hiring his first designer/field specialist, the most thorough onboarding day he's ever done, and the weight already lifting off his shoulders before the work has even started. Also in this episode: a tornado that lifted a grill clean out of a grill island (and somehow left the granite alone), the Kenworth still stuck at the paint shop over a mis-cut rear window, the "Little Ripper" shop car that cost a fraction of a work truck, and an honest conversation about boats, cottages, and why he won't buy either until he could light that money on fire without it changing his world. Sponsors: Engcon, PaveTool Innovators (code MULDEROUTDOORS50), SynkedUp (code MULDER for $100 off the Contractor Summit, Sept 10–11), and Ozinga. 👋 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%

August 19, 202653 min

Ep 182. Managing Difficult Clients and Natural Stone Variances in Landscaping Projects Explained

Andy discusses how to manage difficult clients by focusing on clear communication and expectation-setting, using natural stone color variation as the main example. He explains that natural stone has a "color range," can vary from the sample, and may be difficult to match across different orders or timeframes, so those realities should be stated in estimates to prevent disputes. Andy shares why he stopped doing detailed line-item pricing after a client questioned exact material quantities and refunds, and he emphasizes confidently framing fixed-price work. He also recounts a storm-driven tree cleanup job where a neighbor's concerns highlighted the need to clarify access, potential turf damage, and what is or isn't included in the price. 👋 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%

August 12, 202650 min

Ep 181. How to Revamp Your Landscaping Business with Cutting-Edge Equipment

Andy shares his plans to turn a used 2017 Kenworth T270 into a SwapLoader hook lift truck, including several flatbeds, dumpsters, and a mobile tool-storage container. He also talks about buying a Honda Civic shop car, testing a John Deere 444 loader, and improving efficiency with new equipment and on-site concrete crushing. 👋 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%

August 5, 202644 min

Ep 180. Kicking Fast Food Habits for a Healthier Life

Andy shares how cutting fast food, soda, and emotional eating helped him drop from about 238 to 203 pounds, improve his energy, and reduce back pain. He hopes to lose 40 pounds by his 40th birthday in December. He also answers questions about fasting, cold plunges, and hunting, recaps a father-son off-roading trip, and shares that his team is booked for the 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%

July 29, 20261 hr 7 min

Ep 179. Transform Your Spoil Pile into High Value Base Material

This episode of the Mulder Life Podcast features an interview with Donna and Anthony of A&D Equipment following a successful open house event. The conversation highlights the value of hands-on equipment demos, specifically focusing on the efficiency and revenue potential of screening and crushing buckets. Anthony explains how recycling waste material on-site can significantly reduce disposal fees and transportation costs for contractors. They also discuss the importance of technical education, detailing how they use technology like QR codes to provide ongoing customer support. 👋 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%

July 22, 202647 min

Ep 178. Guide to the Mulder Outdoors Demo Day and Equipment Showcase

Andy previews the upcoming Mulder Outdoors Engcon Demo Day and open house, featuring equipment demos, vendors, giveaways, and free food. He shares preparations for the event, including expanding the parking area, staging machines and attachments, and setting up demonstrations for the PaveTool Multi 6, screening buckets, tilt rotators, and an MB crushing bucket. Andy also reflects on how social media helped build the relationships behind the event, offers advice for growing businesses to prioritize profit and management over gross revenue, and wraps up with a discussion about wheelbarrows and powered alternatives. 🚨 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%

July 15, 202648 min

Ep 177. Slow Down Your Work in Pursuit of Safety!

Andy reflects on the preventable death of a local landscaper in a jobsite accident and urges contractors to slow down, maintain equipment, and make crew safety the priority. He also encourages business owners to prepare for the unexpected with life insurance, wills, passwords, records, and a clear business continuity plan. 🚨 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%

July 8, 202649 min

Ep 176. Living the American Dream Through Landscape Success

Andy shares how steady growth, hard work, and smart business decisions are helping him live the American dream through landscape success. He covers updates on the new shop, managing two busy crews, an upcoming open house and equipment demo day, advice on buying used equipment, a change in landscape edging, and future opportunities for the business. 🚨 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%