The Mulder Life Podcast

Ep 166. Shop Progress, Hiring Moves, and Smarter Growth


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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

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The Mulder Life PodcastBy Andy Mulder

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