Dirt Talk by BuildWitt

This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex discuss public speaking before diving into how BuildWitt uses investment money and how that can sometimes differ from the contractors in the Dirt World. They then chat about the importance of communicating to all of the people on the team relevant context and allowing the entire crew to “see the scoreboard” as it relates to finance and how work gets done. Later, they answer questions about the stability of blue-collar work vs 9-5 jobs in an economic downturn and why some folks consider the D7E a “bad dozer”. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flash back a few days: Eric Jumper: “Hey man, you should have John Scepaniak on Dirt Talk. He’s a cool dude.” Alex reaches out to John. John: “Yeah, want me to just come to Nashville tomorrow?” The magic of Dirt World folks, y’all. If you want to do things right, do them in person. John Scepaniak is part of the 3rd-generation of Scepaniaks at Wm. D Scepaniak, Inc., one of the nation's leading family-owned and operated aggregate services contractors out of Minnesota. John was born and bred in the Dirt World and was brought up in the company by his father, Joe. He’s had a few roles over the years, but he currently describes his role as “Director of Aggregate Operations”. This week on Dirt Talk, John joins host Aaron Witt in the Nashville BuildWitt HQ. They chat about the inevitability of turning into your parents, all things aggregate(!), and the intricate nature of the Dirt World workforce. John also shares about his appearance in Pit & Quarry before he and Aaron compare gym routines. They also mutually decide to wrap the podcast because John rented a Porsche Carrera 911 and Aaron wanted to see it. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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This week on Dirt Talk, Alex and Aaron talk about food and ask a fundamental question: "Can you cook veggies on a hotdog roller?" Aaron talks about his “privilege,” and why BuildWitt is “doomed” because he eats at too many fancy restaurants for breakfast. Later, Aaron talks about the standard of leadership and what it should look like: don’t be a complete jerk before weighing in on ways to acquire a small dirt company without the cash to buy it outright. They also reflect on the John Muir quote, “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was only a short time ago that BuildWitt and C.W. Matthews got connected, and yet there's been a certain buzz among the BuildWitt folks that had been to visit some C.W. Matthews job sites: "you gotta have Dan Garcia on Dirt Talk." With a ringing endorsement like that, it was only a matter of time. Dan Garcia has been President at C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc. for over 9 years. He's clearly a compassionate leader, and throughout the conversation, his care for the people who work with him pours out. This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Witt sits down with Dan Garcia of C.W. Matthews. They dig into a number of topics like "why invest in a company pastor?" and "why invest in a program for high schoolers?" and "why apply for a government program to hire 24 immigrant workers for the summer?"And yet, there's a clear common thread throughout the conversation: Dan is a man who understands the cost of truly investing in your people is never a question of value. To get to know more about what's going on at C.W. Matthews, check them out at cwmatthews.com and on IG at @cw_matthews. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex discuss some feedback about the structure of Dirt Talk and the complicated relationship that feedback has with creative endeavors, especially when it comes to podcasting (they're super appreciative of the feedback, though!). Later, the guys address at length a question from a contractor looking to start hiring for the first time while trying to button up the business before the hirings happen. Then, they consider an email from a listener from the coal industry. In this episode, Aaron references both Uncontainable: How Passion, Commitment, and Conscious Capitalism Built a Business Where Everyone Thrive by Kip Tindell and The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance by Rich Diviney. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes, things just work out. That's how Justin Martin (CEO of Nox Group Companies, which is the umbrella corp over Corbins, among other companies) & David Brown (President of D. Brown Management) ended up on Dirt Talk. It all started with Aaron telling the Dirt Talk crew that Justin happened to be coming to town, and would be a great Dirt Talk guest. And then Justin showed up at the office to record and he'd brought David along. After a few minutes of small talk, Aaron asks David, "Can you talk?" ... and thus, we've got Justin and David on the pod! This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Witt is joined by Justin Martin and David Brown. They talk about the importance of team values, making space and opportunities for your people to be together, and how failure can sometimes be the best teacher. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dirt Talk, Alex and Aaron talk about traveling to Starkville, MS via the Natchez Trace and the increase in trucks due to e-commerce. They also discuss the challenges of greatly increasing the rail system in the United States. Later, they further investigate the American infrastructure life-cycle before broaching the (sometimes) complicated topic of oil and natural gas and its difficult PR relationship with the typical person. Then, they answer a question about the need for "operator classes" in community colleges, and the broader challenges and opportunities related to that. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For better or for worse, Mr. Eric Jumper is back to shoot the poop with host Aaron Witt. The guys meander through all kinds of Dirt World topics, but they do spend a good bit of time on the importance of training non-Dirt World folks in the ways of the Dirt World. They also check in about the grandeur of Buc-ee's, Eric's upcoming trip to do some work with Shay Stutsman in CO, and the perils of dredging (hard on machines, watch out for turtles). Follow Eric on IG @eric_jumper. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Alex chat about the possibility of Aaron needing to hire someone to take his CEO role someday, operator comfort, and why it's so important to make it easy for team members to make good decisions. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Wit regales co-host Alex Horton with the details of his recent trip to Europe. Aaron loves a play-by-play, and the short version is laid out below. Among other things: Aaron and Angel pregame their trip to Europe They met up with a few guys from Stutsman Gerbaz Inc. out of Colorado who were ALSO traveling abroad In Zurich, they took a trip to see a bridge demo, where they found they weren't the only onlookers The gang went to a few Aregger demo sites where they saw some thicc track hoes munch concrete Saw the Liebherr A-Rex, one of the largest machines on the continent PAUSE as Aaron reflects on the efficiency of Swiss demolition, especially the application of OilQuick They saw Eberhard's main facility and were shocked and awed by the scale, and Eberhard's incredible museum Went to see the good folks of Liebherr, where they dug up the French countryside and toured the facilities Finally, Aaron and Angel ended up in Munich for a celebratory beer Thanks for keeping up with the BuildWitt adventures, both home and abroad. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron and Alex discuss the flaws in the argument that the Dirt World will rebound fine from another recession and then Aaron answers questions about excavation and the “formula” new business owners can use to build their books of business. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Schiffer (of NS Builders fame) is back on the podcast, but this time in person! Nick and Dirt Talk host Aaron Witt chat about the complications of separating a personal brand from a business’s brand, the importance of "rising tides raise all ships" in construction, and the positive aspects of working with "competitors" to build a better market for contractors and customers. Nick also discusses how new business owners can borrow/steal lessons that the folks who came before them. Nick is co-host of The Modern Craftsman Podcast. You can also learn more about Nick at nickschiffer.com. Aaron and Nick also reference The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu, with Douglas Abrams. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex talk about Aarons’s Boston marathon run and how sometimes, you need a break from running, and other times, you just need to do the thing. They later discuss Aarons’s trip to Europe and the tremendous earthmoving power of the Midnight Force at Zurich airport. They then answer a few questions about when it makes sense for a small company to merge with a larger company and what it takes to effectively sell to Dirt World companies. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Aaron Witt has been very clear about his opinions on General Contractors over the years, and yet one was brave enough to be on the podcast. (To be fair, Aaron has softened and added some nuance to those hot takes). Enter Paul Jones, President of Solomon Builders in Nashville, TN. Aaron has sung these guys' praises multiple times internally to the team, and so it made sense to have Paul on to set the record straight on GCs. This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Paul discuss Pauls’s beginnings as a GC and how defining company values is essential to running a business, especially in the face of hardship. They later discuss the operations of subcontractors vs general contractors, and how not taking yourself too seriously can be beneficial. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alex was out on vacation, so Aaron is joined by Eric jumper. The co-Vice Presidents of BuildWitt Excavating and Grading talk about Eric training the services team on how to be earthmoving pros, and exposing new folks to the Dirt World. Eric talks shop about cleaning equipment, hydraulic ladders, and the pitfalls of heavy machinery, plus the internet trolls who have some interesting options on it. They also answer questions about what jobs they would want if they both went back to working full-time in the Dirt World and the difficulties of engineers building strong relationships with folks in the field. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gabe Krebs is the competitor. Tom Wozniak is the coach. And no, we're not talking traditional sports here. Gabe is a diesel mechanic (among other things) by day, and a competitive mechanic by night. Tom has been training folks in a variety of disciplines with WorldSkills USA for years. And together, they've been prepping for Gabe to compete in international competition in China this fall. This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Witt chats with Gabe and Tom to discuss the path that led Gabe to his spot on the American team for the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in October. They discuss the trade school path and what our schools and individuals can do to build successful careers in any trade industry. Some really great education and training perspectives are shared throughout. Follow Gabe's story, he's @_gabe_krebs on IG. You can also learn more about WorldSkills at worldskillsusa.org. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex talk about wardrobe, the BuildWitt Store, and the importance of a good haircut. They dig into the lengths we go to protect nature, especially the beloved desert tortoise. Aaron expresses his anticipation around the Boston Marathon and an upcoming trip to Europe. They finish off the episode answering questions from listeners about workplace incidents and how you can maintain family life in the heavy civil construction industry. Let your voice be heard! Answer a few simple questions at buildwitt.com/feedback and help us find more awesome listeners like you. Together, let’s make the Dirt World a better place! Don't forget that you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! Learn more at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Owner of Bachtel Excavating in Northeast Ohio, Matt Bachtel talks with Aaron about starting out in the industry by working alongside his father. They reminisce about working for dealerships, excavating, and job-hopping during summers when you’re still young. Matt and Aaron also discuss starting and running your own business, focusing the conversation on leadership and the vital work and empathy required of a business owner. Don't forget that you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! Learn more at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's Monday Dirt Talk episode, Aaron and Alex discuss the unthinkable: quitting coffee. From there, they savor Aaron's list of restaurants followed by a discussion of the perils of gas station eating. They touch on the benefit of getting an entry-level start in the industry and answer questions on family support and females in the workforce. Let your voice be heard! Answer a few simple questions at buildwitt.com/feedback and help us find more awesome listeners like you. Together, let’s make the Dirt World a better place! Don't forget that you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! Learn more at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guests move almost no dirt. They don't do demolition. They don't deal in aggregates. And yet, folks in their line of work visit hundreds of job sites per year. Welcome Chris Moore (SVP of Internal Operations) and Preston Higgins (Project Manager) of GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar Systems) to the podcast. Among other things, GPRS is a great example of your friendly neighborhood utility locator. And boy, did these guys pique Aaron's interest. If you've ever worked a job and had to communicate with someone coming out to do a locate, then you might know that this kind of work is often looked at as an annoyance... and yet, people still hit utility lines! This conversation was a great basic rundown of what that work looks like from their perspective, and if you're a fan of tech talk, then you'll really connect with these guys. This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Witt chats with Chris Moore and Preston Higgins about ground penetrating radar/utility locating, why they (and companies like GPRS) can sometimes get a bad rap, and why GPRS likes to focus on developing their team members into good people, first and foremost. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex discuss the first-ever BuildWitt Office Open House, before diving into a question from a project manager regarding how to communicate with foremen. They also dissected the most important question of the week: "Are there more wheels or doors in the world?" Don't forget that you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! Learn more at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Dirt Talk, Aaron’s joined by industry vet Jay Collup, founder of Collup Enterprises. Jay’s a longtime trainer and certified Dirt World expert, and he shares his insights on the state of training in the industry today, the ROI of proper training, and building a life in the Dirt World. He’s even got insights on relationships, team building, and the pros and cons of traveling for work. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode of the Dirt Talk podcast, Aaron discusses his recent wilderness experience with the Basic Course by the 3-of-7 Project and how doing uncomfortable things helps shape our perspectives as leaders. We also cover a range of listener questions, including how concrete differs from cement (no, they're not the same thing) and the books Aaron considers essential for all leaders in the Dirt World — and beyond. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"If it's worth having, then you're gonna pay for it upfront, but the return on investment is going to be realized pretty quick." Ryan Goodfellow (of Rock Structures Utility and Excavating) is clearly passionate about heavy equipment. His company IG acct @rockstructures has almost 100k followers and consistently features his crew on jobs around Utah, ranging from digging basements to building intricate rock walls. But in addition to equipment, Ryan is a good time. He's got plenty of jokes and is a hoot to laugh with. While the Dirt Talk guys were in Utah, they asked Ryan to come out to Wheeler Machinery to come talk shop, and he didn't disappoint. From the get-go, this episode features a lot of technical talk about equipment, with points made about operating technique, 3D GPS, finding hidden grease points, and much more. This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Witt sits down with Ryan Goodfellow to chat about Ryan's Dirt World story and his love and appreciation for heavy equipment. Aaron and Ryan discuss why Ryan would prefer to dig a basement vs build a rock wall, why he owns both John Deere AND Caterpillar equipment, and why investing in quality tools (among other things) is worth it. To learn more about Ryan and Rock Structures, visit the website at rockstructures.com or follow along on IG at @rockstructures. Don't forget that you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! Learn more at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we have a special guest on the podcast: Dirt Talk alum Kimo Clark IN THE OFFICE from Hawaii. Kimo and Aaron headed out to the North Carolina mountains to do a challenging backpacking trip. Aaron, Alex, and Kimo dig into how folks in the Dirt World get paid, why most field workers are hourly, and how to beat the "Monday blues". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Our biggest competitors are stagnation and complacency." Jonathan Campbell is the Executive Vice President of Wheeler Machinery Co. out of Salt Lake City, UT. He's part of a multi-generation line of Campbells at Wheeler. With so much historical success running a 70-year-old CAT dealership, it's easy to envision leadership sitting on their laurels. And yet, Jonathan (and Campbell Companies) has made it his mission to fight "stagnation and complacency" by owning almost a dozen companies and investing in even more. He's got a vision for serving the Dirt World, and that's one reason he was a perfect fit to be an investor at BuildWitt. Aaron Witt and Jonathan Campbell discuss Jonathan's history at Wheeler Machinery, how he fights complacency, and why he decided to invest in BuildWitt's future. Thanks to Jonathan and Wheeler CAT for hosting the Dirt Talk crew in their offices AND for an amazing tour of their facility! Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have to intentionally create space to think without the pressure to "deliver" something. This Monday on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex catch up about Aaron's solo trip to Savannah, GA to unplug and create space mentally. Aaron digs into why it's important for leaders to create that space and why it's vital to level up when you're a leader. Aaron also gives an update on the Earthmoover (aka the BuildWitt skid steer). Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Jumper is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get. One thing that's true, however, is that it will be entertaining and educational. Though he's only 26, he's been working in the Dirt World for almost 10 years, and literally grew up in the dirt. As a 3rd generation dirt mover, having a deep love and insatiable curiosity for the Dirt World is in Eric's blood. And as a team member at BuildWitt for the last year, he's been all over the country meeting up with and learning from the folks that are literally building our country. In this week's episode, host Aaron Witt and producer Alex Horton are joined by Eric Jumper, a "Connoisseur of heavy equipment-related matters" here at BuildWitt. On Eric's second Dirt Talk episode, the guys talk equipment (of course), but they sprinkle in plenty of other topics. They dig into why Eric covered the floor of a machine with astroturf, why it was so cool to shoot photos of a machine that he used to operate at an old job, and how he recognizes more and more these days that his upbringing in the Dirt World is pretty unique. To check out Eric's equipment journey, follow him on IG at @eric_jumper. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Aaron and Alex dig into how we're all wired to create as children, but often lose that drive and desire as we grow. and the importance of telling your own story (before someone else tells it for you). Later, Aaron talks about some kinds of projects that he'd like to go see this year and why it's important to be the driver of your own career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Our team loves change. They see it as an opportunity to do better." A few years ago, Brian McManus was facing a dilemma: work wasn't fun anymore. He realized that he and his company Hoopaugh Grading Company needed to change, and that change needed to start with him taking a long look in the mirror. One of the first changes Brian made was to bring in an old friend Brandon Lindsey because even though Brandon didn't know dirt all that well, he knew people. And so from there, the process began of changing Hoopaugh for the better. It started with getting all of the leaders in the company on board, and then bringing in around 60 team members to answer the question, "what makes us who we are." Since those initial conversations a few years ago, Hoopaugh has built a robust training academy and facility to build up their team into better leaders and, in turn, better people. This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Witt sat down with Brian McManus and Brandon Lindsey of Hoopaugh Grading Company to discuss the bold changes they've made in their company over the last few years, why the cost of those changes was never worried about, and why their 10-year vision statement was simply, "be the best." You can learn more about Hoopaugh Grading at hoopaughgrading.com. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a time when it actually makes sense to chew someone out? This week on the Monday Edition of Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex discuss the required shorthand and nicknames for types of heavy equipment. Then, they discuss if and when it makes sense to give out an old-fashioned "ass-chewing" and suggest some possible other tactics before it might come to just berating someone. Don't forget you can watch or listen to Dirt Talk on the BuildWitt app! You can learn more about it at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're over the moon the welcome back Mining Professional & star of Discovery's Gold Rush: Dave Turin's Lost Mine DAVE TURIN aka "Dozer Dave". The last time that Dave was on Dirt Talk, Dave and host Aaron Witt chatted at CONEXPO 2020 about the frustrations each has regarding the other's generation and Dave's exciting new TV show... Fast forward 2 years and Gold Rush: Dave Turin's Lost Mine is about to begin airing it's 4th season and BuildWitt has gone from 10 team members to almost 80! This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Dave sat down for a chat in the BuildWitt studio in Nashville, TN. Dave tells some great stories about how even though he's the star of a reality TV show, he puts the "'real' in reality". Then, the guys discuss the importance of setting a culture of training, why it's important to reclaim mined land, and why Dave encourages his team to call him out when it's deserved. Listen to the first episode with Dave Turin here: buildwitt.com/dirt-talk/podcast/dozer-dave-turin-on-old-vs-young-in-the-blue-collar-world To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can't make everyone happy. This week, Aaron and co-host Alex discuss the new free BuildWitt app (learn more here) and why you should listen and watch podcasts on it! Later, they dig into the challenges of being a young leader in an older industry, why you can't make content that applies to everyone all the time, and the value of changing your approach to work and life as you gain more knowledge and experience. You can learn more about the BuildWitt app at buildwitt.com/buildwitt-app. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kjell Gerber was the second employee at BuildWitt, at least according to our HR software. He came on to help with video editing and has since held multiple leadership and media production roles, but he's always been one of our "field guys". Before BuildWitt, Kjell (pronounced "Chell") came up in the Dirt World and worked for his family's dirt business in Utah for almost 10 years before connecting with Aaron on social media. After a little back and forth, Kjell started doing some work with Aaron and the rest is history. This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron Witt and Kjell Gerber chat about the genesis of their friendship and the early work they did together at BuildWitt. They also dive into safety culture problems, the complications of leaving a job at the family business, and Kjell's @bluecollar_photographer acct on IG. Kjell is also a great follow on LinkedIn. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the monday edition of Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex discuss creating a balance of authenticity and professionalism on social media, and then discuss the problematic approach of training and developing your team with a focus on efficiency and speed. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nic Parish became VP of Operations and Contracting at Burns Dirt Construction in Columbus, MS before his 30th birthday, but he's already gained a wealth of experience and is actively applying that hard-won knowledge in both his company as well as in his community. In addition to Burns Dirt, he is also a founding member of Forge Your Path, a non-profit in MS whose mission is to, "[make] the trades cool again." (We'd like to point out that they've always been cool, and we're sure Nic agrees!). This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Witt chats with Nic Parish about dirt world workforce development, growing a team locally, and why the Lt. Governor of Mississippi chose him for a role on a team to attack the "people problem" in the workforce in MS. We'd say that Nic is going places since he's not even 30 years old, but realistically, he's already flying down the road. He and Aaron also discuss fish tanks and why Nic's team at Burns Dirt is able to hire and retain so many young people. Follow Nic on IG @nicparish. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex discuss BuildWitt Training before diving into what Aaron believes the Dirt World will look like in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keaton Turner and Aaron Witt have a complex history: Keaton's company Turner Mining Group was a client of Aaron's in the early days of BuildWitt... and then TMG no longer required the services of BuildWitt. But the two have kept in touch, with Keaton appearing on the 11th episode of Dirt Talk and Aaron appearing on the first episode of Keaton's podcast. Now, with both guys having grown their respective businesses in different ways, they reconnected in the Dirt Talk studio to catch up. This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Keaton talk about having to let your business "grow up", why you have to make sure to not overcorrect, and why a business "breakup" is sometimes the best thing for both parties. An all-time episode between old friends. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dirt Talk, Aaron and Alex talk about the challenges that come with leading a company from the road before making an announcement about a podcast series they'll be releasing. Then, they discuss a question about whether to start a career in the public or private sector. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Starbuck is back on the podcast, but this time it's in person. Jimmy runs Starbuck Excavation out of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and a few weeks ago, we heard the man himself would be stateside and we knew we had to have him back on the podcast. He had no shortage of opinions and strategies to share, and we had a ball getting to chat for an hour. We were also joined by Trevor and Missy Scherber as studio guests - a real "who's who" of Dirt World folks. In this week's episode, host Aaron Witt and Jimmy Starbuck discuss why Jimmy prefers to focus on digging holes and trucking the dirt away, the differences in safety approaches between the US and Australia, and why it's always better to triple-dip. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Aaron and Alex discuss for a second the challenges of recording 4 podcasts in a day before they do a recap on Aaron's recent travel to North Dakota and Ohio. Then, they dig into a question about how lower-ranking crew members can make suggestions to leadership that are more likely to be well-received. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early in life, Tyson Smith (of TJS Excavation) had lived a common Dirt World story: grew up obsessed with building things in the sandbox and started working in construction before he started high school. But unlike many who end up jumping right into the Dirt World, Tyson's path took a few turns. He went to college on an athletic scholarship and studied computers. He then proceeded to build a career in the tech industry for almost 20 years before EVENTUALLY deciding that his childhood love was calling him home to the Dirt World. Fast forward a few years, and now Tyson runs TJS Excavation, a 1-man outfit out of eastern Oklahoma. This week on Dirt Talk, Tyson was kind enough to join host Aaron Witt in the Dirt Talk studios to talk about his story of how he made his way back to the dirt. They also chatted about mentorship, the importance of therapy and its role in mental health, and how operating equipment is just straight-up fun. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Dirt Talk: Monday Edition, Aaron and Alex talk about making a podcast, Aaron's camera in Africa, and his recent travel to Saudi Arabia and UAE. Then, they dig into a question about why some brands of equipment get unnecessary shade (like LinkBelt!). To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fan-favorite Kimo Clark is back on Dirt Talk. When we first chatted with Kimo, he was planning to sell his company Truth Excavation and semi-retire and move on to the next phase of life. But fast forward 2 years, and Kimo's journey has been admittedly winding. Though this conversation starts with Kimo and host Aaron Witt discussing doing 10 burpees every 10 minutes of the conversation, the guys get into a wide range of topics and Kimo shares the progress of his journey in the Dirt World. Kimo spends a good portion of the conversation talking about his philosophy on developing people in his company that boils down to the idea that he "pours into them like a cup" with his knowledge and experience. Additionally, the guys touch on pushing one's self to strengthen and prepare the mind, the part that faith has played in his career, and the advantages and challenges in store for the youngest generation of folks in the Dirt World. Thank you to Kimo for his honesty and transparency. If you're looking to learn more about Kimo, the best place to find him is on Instagram at @tru.xlife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode of Dirt Talk: Monday edition, Aaron and Alex chat about getting negative comments online before Aaron launches into an impromptu book report on the old out-of-print book Foremen: Leader or Drivers? that was published 80 years ago. Aaron gets pretty passionate about the lessons he learned from the book and how we could all apply them to the Dirt World today. Afterward, the guys talk about why some companies could have employee turnaround issues even as they invest in training and caring for their people. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Devinney is a college-educated PM/Estimator for Evans & Associates Construction Co. in Ponca City, OK... and will be the first to tell you that he doesn't know much. This week on Dirt Talk, host Aaron Witt chats with James about how James learns what his teammates need from him to be successful and how that helps him do his job better. They also dig into what estimators actually do (and don't do) and the pros and cons of having not grown up around construction. Thanks to James Devinney for the great conversation. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's Monday edition of Dirt Talk catches Alex and Aaron discussing gas station food stops and Savannah, GA vs Charleston, SC before digging into questions about emissions requirements in California and some of Aaron's most memorable trips of 2021. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got a GREAT episode for you today: introducing Taylor White. He's the Director of and handles business development for Ken White Construction in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He's a second-generation owner of the business and has big plans. We were lucky enough to have him on the pod to talk about his experience in the Dirt World. This week, Aaron and Taylor covered a multitude of topics but spent a lot of time on the importance of the boss spending time on job sites getting to know the employees, making decisions that cost money now because of the future value, and the idea that "people want to do cool shit". Taylor also touched on why mental health is so vital and why it's SO important for companies to show what their company is like on social media. A wide-ranging conversation that had Aaron and Alex already discussing how to have him on the podcast again. To follow along with Taylor's story you can follow him on IG @kwc2000, on TikTok @kwc2000, or check out the youtube channel here: youtube.com/c/KenWhiteConstruction. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first episode of Dirt Talk of 2022! Thanks to the Dirt Talk community for being a part of this thing and for sharing the podcast. This week, Aaron and Alex talk about the need for equipment to have updated radios and sound systems. Then, they broach a sensitive topic responding to a listener's question regarding racism and discriminatory behavior in the Dirt World. To connect with other people who listen to this show, use and search for the hashtag #betterdirtworld and join in on the conversation. If you have questions/comments/concerns, reach out to [email protected]. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices