The Mulder Life Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 132. Money Management for Business Owners w/ Stephanie Cowser Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

This week on the show, we're joined by Stephanie Cowser from Cowser Consulting. Stephanie is a CPA and fractional CFO who shares why it's essential for business owners to have expert support when it comes to accounting, tax planning, and overall financial strategy. Whether you're just starting out or growing fast, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you take control of your business finances.

Connect with Stephanie: 📧 Email – scowser@cowserconsulting.com 📱 Instagram – @cowserconsulting

🎤 Featured Event

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

👋 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%

Ep 131. Getting Help with Finances Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

A significant portion of today's episode focuses on financial responsibility and business management. Andy shares insights from his personal journey, the influence of the Dave Ramsey program, and the crucial role of his wife and sister-in-law in managing personal and business finances. The podcast also covers business philosophy, including strategies for bidding on large jobs, the importance of customer relationships, and the value of having a supportive team. Finally, Andy answers listener questions about specific equipment like the Hydrobucket and offers advice on managing business growth.

SynkedUP Contractor Summit - Sept 11-12,2025 (code: MULDER to save $250)

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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com

https://dirtygraphix.com/

https://cmpattachments.com

https://engcon.com/en_us.html

https://synkedup.com/

https://aanddequipment.com/

https://thehardscapeacademy.com

https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729

Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)

Ep 130. Material Ordering Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Today Andy talks about a large, complex project beginning in August, highlighting its unique design elements like a custom water feature and specialized irrigation for pots, while emphasizing the importance of clear client communication regarding plant warranties. Furthermore, he responds to listener questions on topics such as plant knowledge acquisition, handling difficult clients, favorite trees, and the crucial practice of ordering sufficient materials for construction projects to ensure efficiency and avoid delays.

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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com

https://dirtygraphix.com/

https://cmpattachments.com

https://engcon.com/en_us.html

https://synkedup.com/

https://aanddequipment.com/

https://thehardscapeacademy.com

https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729

Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)

Ep 129. What To Do When The Customer Wants To Buy The Materials. Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Andy offers advice on handling customer material sourcing for landscaping jobs, strongly advising against it due to liability and logistical complexities. Furthermore, the episode provides extensive updates on a new shop building project, detailing earthwork, foundation plans, and the decision to use spray foam insulation. Finally, he discusses camera system recommendations for shops and offers insights into his company's marketing strategies, emphasizing social media and word-of-mouth.

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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com

https://dirtygraphix.com/

https://cmpattachments.com

https://engcon.com/en_us.html

https://synkedup.com/

https://aanddequipment.com/

https://thehardscapeacademy.com

https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729

Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)

Ep 128. It's the Little Things Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Andy 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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com

https://dirtygraphix.com/

https://cmpattachments.com

https://engcon.com/en_us.html

https://synkedup.com/

https://aanddequipment.com/

https://thehardscapeacademy.com

https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729

Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)

Ep 127. Family Business Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

This week Andy discusses a variety of topics with his listeners. He highlights the ongoing construction of his company's new facility, detailing earthwork progress, challenges, and his decision to hire a general contractor. Andy also shares personal reflections on family businesses and work-life balance, drawing insights from his own experiences and other entrepreneurial resources.

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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com

https://dirtygraphix.com/

https://cmpattachments.com

https://engcon.com/en_us.html

https://synkedup.com/

https://aanddequipment.com/

https://thehardscapeacademy.com

https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729

Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)

Ep 126. Lump Sum Pricing or Time and Materials Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Andy discusses various aspects of his landscaping and hardscaping business, offering business advice, and sharing personal updates. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the groundbreaking and ongoing development of his business property, including earthwork, material needs, and equipment discussions, such as the performance of a Ditchwitch 1750. Andy also shares his thoughts on fixed-price (lump sum) proposals along with the value of Instagram as a marketing platform.

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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com

https://dirtygraphix.com/

https://cmpattachments.com

https://engcon.com/en_us.html

https://synkedup.com/

https://aanddequipment.com/

https://thehardscapeacademy.com

https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729

Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)

Ep 125. No More Plant Warranties!!! Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this bold and unfiltered episode, Andy answers your questions and takes a passionate stance against plant warranties—calling them "the biggest sham of our industry." He breaks down why plants are the most unpredictable element landscapers install, subject to factors like weather and client care that are entirely out of the contractor's control. Andy discusses the limitations of his current one-year warranty and shares his plan to remove coverage for even more plant types, pushing for what he jokingly calls a "nationwide executive order" to eliminate plant warranties altogether.

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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com

https://dirtygraphix.com/

https://cmpattachments.com

https://engcon.com/en_us.html

https://synkedup.com/

https://aanddequipment.com/

https://thehardscapeacademy.com

https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729

Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)

Ep 124. Can You Go To College To Be a Hardscaper? May 21, 2025

Show notes

Andy discusses ongoing work projects, including a large hardscape job nearing completion and other maintenance tasks, noting delays due to anticipated rain. The episode also touches on personal reflections, sharing how he and his wife met and discussing the significant impact a workshop building has had on his life and business, expressing excitement for a new shop build despite the challenges. Finally, Andy addresses audience questions about topics such as college, business management, hiring decisions, his thoughts on specific equipment like a tilt rotator, and the feasibility of being a self-taught hardscaper.

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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com

https://dirtygraphix.com/

https://cmpattachments.com

https://engcon.com/en_us.html

https://synkedup.com/

https://aanddequipment.com/

https://thehardscapeacademy.com

https://ambornstone.com/ - 913-837-6729

Latux Diamond Blades (use code: MULDER and get 20% off)

Ep 123. Will I ever be able to build my shop—seriously, ever?! May 14, 2025

Show notes

Andy discusses his experiences and frustrations with navigating local government approvals for building a shop, highlighting significant delays and unexpected requirements. He also engages with listener questions, providing advice on topics such as hiring employees and the advantages of using bagged mulch for landscaping projects.

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%)

How To Price My Job

Amazon Store

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)

Automatic Supply - heritageplus.com (Use code: MULDERLIFEPODCAST to save 15% up to $1,500 - 1 per company).

https://unilock.com