We were lucky to catch up with Michael Landau recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michael , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from a place of relentless belief in the power of persistence, hard work, and adaptability. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that the journey is never linear—there are always setbacks, challenges, and obstacles that will test your limits. But here’s the thing: each setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger.
Developing an unbreakable mentality is about embracing those moments of struggle and pushing through, no matter how tough it gets. It’s about knowing that your vision, your work ethic, and your passion will carry you through the toughest times. Every obstacle is a chance to refine your skills, develop resilience, and grow both personally and professionally. It’s like building muscle: the more you push, the stronger you get.
The beauty of entrepreneurship is that it rewards those who keep showing up, who are willing to put in the hard, raw work when others quit. In the end, nothing beats the combination of a relentless mindset and a willingness to outwork and outlast the competition. The success is found in the grit, the grind, and the unwavering commitment to your goals—even when things seem impossible.
So, optimism isn’t just about looking on the bright side; it’s a choice to keep going, to stay focused on the bigger picture, and to embrace the grind that will inevitably lead to success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a professional deck builder based in the Pittsburgh area, and I started my business with a simple mission: to provide homeowners with the highest quality craftsmanship and materials in an industry that often falls short. When I first started, I had no help, no connections—just a strong work ethic and a passion for building. What drives me is ensuring that every client gets the best, whether it’s the materials they use or the attention to detail in the construction. So much of the deck-building industry has a reputation for cutting corners, using low-quality materials, or doing rushed work, and I knew I wanted to change that.
The most exciting and special thing about my work is knowing I’m giving people a space that’s built to last—a space they can enjoy with family and friends for years to come. There’s a sense of pride in knowing that my decks are more than just a place to relax; they’re a part of a home’s story, designed to stand the test of time and weather.
I take great pride in educating my clients, too. A lot of homeowners don’t know the differences in material quality, and that’s something I always want to make clear. When you’re investing in your home, it’s crucial to understand what goes into your deck and why it matters. I always strive to give people the tools to make informed decisions.
As for anything new, I’m continuously working to expand my services and reach more homeowners who value quality and integrity in construction. There’s always room to grow, whether that means offering new designs, expanding material options, or simply continuing to build a reputation as the go-to deck builder in Pittsburgh for those who care about quality over shortcuts.
In the end, my goal is to leave a legacy of excellence and to be the trusted name that homeowners turn to for their decking needs—no gimmicks, just honest work and high standards.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities that played a huge role in my journey as a deck builder are an unmatched level of attention to detail, grit, and an insane amount of self-belief paired with a relentless mindset.
1. Unmatched Level of Attention to Detail
In this industry, a deck is something that homeowners will enjoy for years. Every cut, every joint, and every material choice matters. It’s the small details that separate a deck that will last and one that will fall apart prematurely. The quality of work speaks volumes, and when you commit to perfection in every project, you build a reputation that speaks for itself. The way to develop this is simple: start by holding yourself to the highest standards and never settle for “good enough.” Pay attention to every step of the process, from the design to the finish, and always look for ways to improve.
2. Grit
Building a business from scratch with no help or connections requires grit—an ability to keep going when things are tough, when there’s uncertainty, and when failure seems inevitable. There were plenty of moments when I could have thrown in the towel, but I knew that success would come only by pushing through those tough moments. The best advice I can give is to cultivate resilience. Get used to failure—it’s a part of growth. Learn from it, adapt, and keep your focus on the long-term vision. It’s the willingness to outwork and outlast that makes all the difference.
3. Insane Amount of Self-Belief and a Relentless Mindset
Believing in myself, even when no one else did, was a game-changer. There were plenty of moments when I felt alone, uncertain, or even questioned if I was on the right path. But I knew I had the skill, the drive, and the ability to make it work. The relentless mindset comes from knowing that you are your own greatest asset. To develop this, you need to focus on building your confidence and never let outside noise or setbacks shake your belief. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and remember that the only way to fail is to quit. When you get knocked down, get back up and keep moving forward.
These qualities will be tested every single day, and the price you pay will shift constantly. But here’s the truth: you must become the person who cannot lose—no matter what the situation, no matter what the obstacle. You keep moving forward, relentlessly. You bet everything on yourself. When you do that, the rest falls into place. There’s no other option. Keep pushing, keep striving, and never, ever back down. Success isn’t just a possibility—it’s inevitable when you refuse to quit.
For anyone early in their journey, focus on these areas. Hone your attention to detail, embrace grit as a core part of your work ethic, and above all, develop an unshakable belief in yourself. Your journey will be challenging, but it’s the strength you build along the way that will truly define your success. A book that truly helped me was RELENTLESS from Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover. In closing; Keep pushing, stay focused, and remember that the hardest times are often the ones that lead to the greatest growth and the best views.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed in business, it’s crucial to take a step back and approach the situation with strategy, not emotion. The feeling of being overwhelmed. Can often stem from a lack of clarity, too many competing priorities, or simply the weight of responsibilities. Here are the best strategies that I found to implement to help me regain control and move forward with confidence and conviction: Prioritize and Delegate- Start by identifying what’s truly urgent and important. Break down your tasks into categories—urgent, important, and non-essential. Focus on what will drive your business forward and delegate the rest. Delegation isn’t just about freeing up time; it’s about leveraging your team’s strengths and creating an environment where everyone contributes to the success. If you’re a solo entrepreneur, consider outsourcing tasks that aren’t within your core expertise.
Break Down Big Tasks into Smaller, Manageable Steps- Overwhelm often arises when you look at a large project or goal and feel paralyzed by the magnitude. Break down those big tasks into bite-sized actions that are achievable in the short term. By accomplishing smaller milestones, you build momentum and regain a sense of control. This not only reduces stress but also allows you to celebrate progress along the way.
Focus on Solutions, Not Problems- Instead of dwelling on the challenges, shift your focus to solutions. Ask yourself: What’s the next step I can take to solve this? By taking proactive, solution-oriented action, you regain control of your mindset. Remind yourself that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger as a business owner.
Practice Time Management- Use techniques like the Pomodoro method or time-blocking to structure your day effectively. Allocate specific blocks of time for deep work, meetings, and breaks. Protecting your focus and energy ensures that you’re working efficiently and avoiding burnout. Time management isn’t just about filling your schedule; it’s about being intentional with your time so that you’re creating long-term value.
Take a Step Back and Reflect- Sometimes, you need to hit pause to gain perspective. Reflect on your bigger vision and why you started your business in the first place. Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your passion and refocus your energy. A quick reset can shift your mindset from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered and ready to tackle what’s next.
Build a Support Network- Lean on mentors, advisors, or peers who can offer guidance and support. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective to see things more clearly. Building a reliable support network gives you someone to lean on during tough times and provides accountability.
In business, the feeling of being overwhelmed is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to define your success. By staying calm, organized, and focused on solutions, you can turn those overwhelming moments into stepping stones for growth. The key is always to keep moving forward with a clear mindset and unwavering determination.
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