The Contractor's Best Friend

Drones aren't new, although they may not be prominent on many construction jobsites yet. However, the use of drones can have a positive effect on construction contractors' profits. Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar experts discuss how the use of drones is growing and evolving and how this tool can benefit construction contractors and profits. Tune in now for this latest podcast.

Can you afford a new piece of equipment? Do you have work scheduled to utilize it? How can contractors determine if it's better to buy or rent their construction equipment?  Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar experts dig into what contractors should consider when making this decision, whether in a down economy, during a pandemic or when business is good. Tune in now for this latest podcast.

How do contractors stay on top of the ever changing improvements and updates to construction equipment? In the previous podcast, Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar experts discussed how contractors can leverage Caterpillar dealers to help optimize operator performance by leveraging machine features. In part two of this podcast, we explore why it's so important for contractors the keep up to date wi...

What is the best way to leverage your Cat dealer to ensure operators are properly trained? How can you maximize the features of your construction equipment to get the most out of the machine and your operators? Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar experts discuss how contractors can get the most out of their equipment features by tapping into the deep wealth of knowledge of Caterpillar dealers. Tune...

Why don't more contractors take advantage of the business resources available to them, many of them local? What resources are even available to construction contractors. Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar experts discuss why contractors should use resources — such as trade associations, educational resources and more — and the benefits these resources offer construction contractors. Tune in now for...

What do leaders, owners and contractors have to do to protect workers and comply with government mandated precautions in this current COVID-19 environment and post pandemic? Communication will be even more important for leaders and contractors as well as not over-complicating things for employees. Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar experts dive into new angles for safety tips during and after this...

In this podcast, Brad Humphrey  and the team share a few stories about how to look less at the mechanical skill set and focus on the soft skill set when hiring. Also, they remind us to keep the younger generations learning within the first 30 to 90 days, they hunger for knowledge. Tune in now and put these ideas to work for you and your company.

The #1 problem amongst contractors is labor, with a shortage of over 1 million workers in the industry. Finding talent can be difficult, but the team discusses new ways to find employees including Veterans and the younger generation. Listen now, as Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar experts, Lonnie and Jason, address how to find AND keep labor as well as changing the social stigma surrounding the c...

There is no easy answer to the question of “Should I buy or lease this new piece of equipment?”. There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding. 1.     Match the machine to the mission 2.     Life of the technology 3.     Utilize your dealer network Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar subject experts discuss the decision-making process, how fast technology is advancing and how to utilize your...

S3E16: Intelligent Compaction Part 1 The Compaction Process continues to be big topic on the jobsite. It can attribute 5% of total cost of value stream and is the most important process. This technology is helping contractors become more efficient on the fly, detecting the problem and fixing it to make sure you have a quality product. Join Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar subject experts as they...

Whether it's reading the manual or watching how-to videos, everyone on your crew learns differently.  Don’t underestimate the time each individual would need to understand the features and benefits of the new machine.  Brad Humphrey and the team discuss the benefits of investing in training and the five steps of educating your crew on new equipment.

What is your process for when you buy or a new piece of equipment? Before everything else, you should start to train your operators on the entire piece of equipment, not just turning the buttons on and off. Join Brad Humphrey and the subject matter experts as they discuss when the learning process should start, how to leverage the resources at your fingertips and so much more. Tune in now, and out...

Drone usage has become more widespread across jobsites. The fact of the matter is, who is the right person to be trained as a drone pilot and what are the steps to getting them certified? Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar subject experts dig deeper into the topic of drones. They uncover the necessary training and technology surrounding drone usage and why you need to add this to your inventory.

A different perspective S3E12: Drone’s-eye View Drones have continuing to be a hot issue in our industry. In fact, drone usage has increased every year for the past several years. They have also proven to be much safer and more accurate solution to site maintenance and surveying. Brad Humphrey is joined by the Caterpillar subject experts to discuss all things drones and to give a perspective of th...

Data can come in all sizes, from fuel efficiency to cycle segmentation, and can be overwhelming at times. These metrics are available to help us do our jobs more effectively, while executing in tight timelines. Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar subject experts continue the conversation on new equipment and technology, taking a deeper dive into telematics. Tune in and put these ideas to work! 

The payload weighing system may be considered an older technology however, new advancements to the system allows other job applications to utilize valuable information. Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar subject experts take a deeper dive into how to utilize the payload weighing system for your job and how re-certification for the movement of materials, legal for trade, might hit the United States...

Brad Humphrey and the Caterpillar subject experts examine four major areas of new equipment and technology advancements taking shape in the industry. Join the conversation, tune in now.

When is the right time to buy new equipment rather than maintaining older machines? Are you taking a look at your fleet each year and planning for the future? Brad Humphrey and Caterpillar’s subject matter experts take a deep dive into how to prepare your business plan to remain a competitive business. They also share helpful insight on how to be proactive with maintenance to reduce downtime on th...

Equipment technology is advancing at a rate we have never seen before. From intermittent wipers, telematics or driverless vehicles which all of these have come full circle to the construction industry. However, you have to keep in mind your 3-5-year plan as well. Brad Humphrey and Caterpillar’s subject matter experts discuss where the industry is headed in terms of technology advancements and what...

Raise your hand if you can remember the last time you’ve had two similar days on the jobsite. A contractor’s job is challenging, includes unexpected situations, and is never the same. That can lead to burnout and difficulties balancing life’s other challenges. Brad Humphrey and Caterpillar’s subject matter experts are back with part two of the Top 5 Success Strategies. In this episode, they discus...

Weather you’re a startup or you’ve been in business for 30 plus years, there are a lot of challenges to overcome in the industry. From how to establish a strong business plan to work life balance, the team explains key nuggets of knowledge to help your business stay strong in the competitive marketplace. In this episode, Brad and the Caterpillar experts will dive into two of the top five strategie...

In the construction world, site mapping really comes down the scope of the project and what is involved. Host a pre-start discussion, taking a bird’s eye approach, is essential when planning provisions to allow for staging and storage of the equipment. Brad and the Caterpillar subject matter experts discuss how important it is to have an effective plan in place before the official job start. From...

There is certainly a difference between a green field area that is open versus one that many contractors work in, where it is surrounded by buildings, busy roads, school systems. The efficiency becomes a more important issue for the builder and contractor. Brad and the team share helpful tips on orchestrating workflows, site map technology, legal liability and much more. Tune in now, another value...

Building a culture of safety is more important today than ever before. These days, the workforce did not necessarily grow up around heavy farm equipment so in most cases, they don’t understand the power of big equipment and how to be safe. Join Brad and the subject matter experts as they discuss what resources are available to you to ensure safety is everyone’s number one priority! Moderated by: B...

Harness your secret recipe and make sure to share your nuggets of knowledge with the rookies. Brad and the subject matter experts discuss how to share your company culture and how to shift your thinking to better aid the future of leadership. Moderated by: Brad Humphrey, The Contractor’s Best Friend, Pinnacle Development Group - Founder Brought to you by: Jason Hurdis, Caterpillar Inc, Global Mark...