Today's show offers a comprehensive update on Andy's business operations and the construction of his new shop. He discusses the rapid progress of the shop build, including the completed shell and ongoing electrical and plumbing work, while also soliciting audience input on purchasing a stackable washer and dryer for the facility. Additionally, the podcast details the company's recent acquisition of a significant three-year snow plowing contract, which necessitates the immediate purchase of new equipment, such as a SnowWolf Quattro plow and a salt spreader, and involves hiring additional personnel. Andy also shares reflections on the design decisions for the new shop and the challenges of managing a growing business during a busy season.

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A major focus of the episode is the rapid construction of Andy's new 60-foot by 150-foot shop and office space, detailing its turnkey nature, dimensions, and various features like floor drains and security plans. He also touches upon industry events he missed, the benefits of running a business debt-free, and answers listener questions on topics ranging from building materials to equipment and light sensors.

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• 📘 How to Price My Job

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• 🧱 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

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• 📚 The Hardscape Academy

• 🪨 Amborn Stone — Call: 913-837-6729

• 💎 Latux Diamond Blades — Use code MULDER to save 20%

This popular episode features a conversation between Andy and Tom Gardocki, also known as "The Dirt Ninja," of New Era Excavation. The discussion covers topics central to the landscaping and excavation industries, specifically focusing on the massive benefits of technology and efficiency in business, such as the use of Encong tilt rotators and Trimble GPS systems. They share personal experiences about the impact of social media on gaining business leads, the complexities of running a business with a partner, and the importance of establishing strong vendor relationships through timely payments. The conversation also touches on work-life balance in the demanding construction industry and different approaches to retirement planning beyond relying solely on the business itself.

📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop

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• 📘 How to Price My Job

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• 🧱 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

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• 📚 The Hardscape Academy

• 🪨 Amborn Stone — Call: 913-837-6729

• 💎 Latux Diamond Blades — Use code MULDER to save 20%

In this episode, Andy explores Mulder Outdoors ongoing "big project," a truly "Magazine Ready" build that exemplifies complexity, craftsmanship, and meticulous precision. From navigating a challenging backyard layout to installing high-end hardscapes like the Sienna edge wall, drainage, and utilities, every step demands careful planning and execution. The crew's attention to detail is evident as they spend hours ensuring one critical wall is placed within half an inch of accuracy—its alignment determining the success of the entire project. Featuring custom natural materials such as Eden Outcropping limestone and a 12-inch natural stone coping set in mortar, the design blends clean, modern lines with organic beauty. It's a labor-intensive, high-cost build that reflects his company's reputation for excellence—work so crisp and refined it's destined for the pages of a magazine.

📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop

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• 📘 How to Price My Job

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• 🧱 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 answers audience questions, offering extensive advice on how to handle employees who break company tools and equipment, contrasting his lenient approach with a listener's experience of being charged for damages. He also provides updates on his company's ongoing property development and construction projects.

📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop

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• 📘 How to Price My Job

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• 🧱 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

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• 📚 The Hardscape Academy

• 🪨 Amborn Stone — Call: 913-837-6729

• 💎 Latux Diamond Blades — Use code MULDER to save 20%

Payment Structures that Make Sense... Master your cash flow by taking control of payment schedules. This episode breaks down essential billing strategies, emphasizing that no one payment structure fits all jobs.

Learn to structure progress payments based on work completed (or materials delivered), not rigid milestones, to prevent cash flow traps. The strategic goal is to ensure only the final 10% is pending upon project completion.

We also cover critical protections, such as including a "winter clause" in contracts, allowing you to bill for work completed to date if weather causes a shutdown. Finally, maintain financial integrity: vendors are not your bank. As the owner, you must set the terms that are right for your company.

📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop

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• 📘 How to Price My Job

• 🛒 Amazon Store

• 🧱 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 episode revolves around business and personal finance, with Andy sharing his philosophy on running his landscaping company and his personal life completely debt-free, explaining how this financial discipline impacts his business management and his relationship with his employees. Finally, he answers a few listener questions, including a detailed account of a challenging hydraulic oil stain incident on a job site and some quick thoughts on landscaping equipment.

📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop

Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST

• 📘 How to Price My Job

• 🛒 Amazon Store

• 🧱 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%

Today Andy is discussing various aspects of his company, from equipment upgrades like trading in excavators for newer models to the ongoing construction of a new facility to house operations. He emphasizes a philosophy of slow and financially responsible business growth, cautioning against the "10x" rapid expansion mentality prevalent online, which he believes often leads to financial instability and compromised quality. He also shares his personal insights on decision-making, including consulting his wife on large purchases and the importance of thorough employee training to maintain high service standards.

SynkedUP Contractor Summit — September 11–12, 2025 Use code MULDER to save $250 on registration! 🔗 Learn more at SynkedUP.com

📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop

Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST

• 📘 How to Price My Job

• 🛒 Amazon Store

• 🧱 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 discusses equipment and technology, particularly the benefits and complexities of using a Trimble GPS rover for site layout and measurement, emphasizing its efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, the episode touches upon strategic business decisions like equipment investment and prioritizing learning new skills.

SynkedUP Contractor Summit — September 11–12, 2025 Use code MULDER to save $250 on registration! 🔗 Learn more at SynkedUP.com

📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop

Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST

• 📘 How to Price My Job

• 🛒 Amazon Store

• 🧱 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 shares some exciting shop developments like a new solar-powered gate installation and free asphalt millings acquisition, plus he answers your most pressing industry questions. This episode tackles budget-friendly hardscaping equipment recommendations, strategies for maintenance companies transitioning into hardscaping, the specialization versus diversification debate, and the critical importance of backup equipment for business efficiency.

Discover Andy's refreshingly practical 11-year approach to economic uncertainty—focusing on business fundamentals like answering the phone and delivering quality work rather than getting caught up in daily headlines. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or just starting your journey, this episode delivers real-world insights, honest business advice, and the motivation to keep building your business regardless of external circumstances.

SynkedUP Contractor Summit — September 11–12, 2025 Use code MULDER to save $250 on registration! 🔗 Learn more at SynkedUP.com

📸 Instagram: @mulderoutdoors 🛒 Shop Mulder Outdoors: mulderoutdoors.com/shop

Save 10% on top resources with code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST

• 📘 How to Price My Job

• 🛒 Amazon Store

• 🧱 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%