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Richard Lee Mudd started his own underground telecom construction company — RLM Underground — in 2016. Lee established himself originally in the Kansas City market and specialized in underground telecom construction projects. As the business grew quickly, Lee added projects across the U.S. in markets including Nevada, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kentucky and more. Now with established offices in Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Kentucky totaling more than 40 acres and 65,000+ sq. ft, RLM provides a wide range of services, from underground construction to aerial construction, engineering services to telecom installation. Working solely on business from word of mouth, the keys to success for RLM have been simple:
- Always make sure the customer is satisfied
- Always exceed expectations
- Always make sure employees are safe and happy
- Always treat subcontractors as part of the team
- Always price for value
- Always respect property
RLM Underground is a family-based company and continues to have a family-oriented culture that includes corporate benefits and financial aid for those in need. During the pandemic’s uncertain landscape, RLM has grown and Lee Mudd’s progressive outlook has helped it do so. In the past couple of years, RLM has grown its full-time staff by 300%, going from 35 to 100+ full-time employees, as well as a 2,000% increase in contractors, going from 3 sub-contractor to more than 100. Lee would like for RLM Underground to be the largest telecommunications contractor in Kansas City in the next 5-10 years as a $50 million company.
RLM most recently earned a 2-3 year FTTH project throughout Illinois and Indiana totalling roughly $40 million with significant job growth. This extensive project will make a huge impact on the underserved areas that big providers leave out, allowing for opportunity, jobs and development. The company has done more than $25 million in business since 2020 with more than $40 million of projects already lined up for the next 3 years. As competitors are raising their prices, RLM continues to offer its customers long-term partnership and value.
Many businesses have seen a negative impact due to the unexpected global pandemic. Lee Mudd sees opportunity. The current landscape has exposed the vulnerabilities of our country’s infrastructures outside of urban areas. With the rise of COVID comes the exponentially heightened need for rural internet and access to online health care and education. Fiber internet bridges the gap and rural divide to provide those opportunities and level the playing field for the next generation. RLM is proud to be part of the solution.
Less than 5% of the industry is millennial-led, so RLM is unique in that. There is a major generation gap within the underground construction and telecommunications industries, but RLM recognizes the value of mentorship and learning. Many employees have been in the industry for decades and their knowledge is invaluable to pass down. Our emphasis on relationships with customers and suppliers has been critical to our success. We want partnerships, not just contracts.
RLM values accountability and humility. When something goes wrong, we take hits like the customer takes hits. With the approach of ‘let’s get through it together,’ we think it’s impactful that our generation can take accountability. There are many variables and challenges, but we love a challenge.
RLM is committed to giving back to the community through charitable opportunities donating more than $50,000 to nonprofits for the year. As a sponsor and participant in ongoing community events in partnership with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), RLM has worked with the Kansas City Chiefs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, and Dozer Days of Kansas City, to name a few. They also donate to Junior Achievement of Kansas City, KC Kids, Building Hope for Autism Golf Classic and local little-leagues yearly.
Lee Mudd received an American Business Award for Entrepreneur of the Year Bronze Stevie in 2021. He also won Ingrams 20 in their 20's in 2020.
Nomination Title: Lee Mudd, CEO
