Podcasts

Built to Grow Podcast: How to Scale a Small Business with Robert Mulvin

Robert Mulvin, founder of All Pro Shade Concepts, talks with Ryan Naylor about hiring, culture, and leading a team of 50 as a small business keeps growing.

The AvaHR TeamUpdated October 2026 · 3 min read

In this episode of the Built to Grow Podcast, Ryan Naylor sits down with Robert Mulvin, founder of All Pro Shade Concepts, to talk about growing a small business into a multimillion-dollar company and the challenges that come with leading a team of 50 employees.

Robert started his business in 2005, spending years knocking on doors and building a reputation in Arizona's competitive outdoor shade industry. Today, All Pro Shade Concepts is an established brand, but Robert explains why running a business doesn't necessarily get easier as it grows.

Listen to the episode

What Ryan and Robert cover

The conversation draws on two decades of building and leading a company. Here's what they get into:

How Robert built All Pro Shade Concepts from the ground up
Why hiring the right people and creating a strong company culture matter as a business grows
How to compete on quality and customer service instead of relying on discounts
The challenges of managing larger teams and developing strong leaders
Why business coaching, mentorship, and connecting with other entrepreneurs can make a difference
How personal health, fitness, and mindset influence business leadership
What Robert would prioritize in his first 90 days if he were starting a business again

Why growth keeps bringing new challenges

Robert also shares why investing in people, improving systems, and continuing to develop as a leader become increasingly important as a company expands. After more than two decades in business, he's learned that growth brings new challenges, even when the business is doing well.

Who this episode is for

If you're starting a business, growing a home service company, or managing a team that's getting bigger, this episode offers a firsthand look at the decisions, lessons, and challenges that come with building a company for the long term.