Dirt Talk Podcast

On this Episode Aaron is Joined by Rob White Owner/CEO of OccuMED1 an occupational health services company primarily providing service to Construction companies.  The conversation starts with some background about Rob's time in the military starting out in the Air Force and later in the Army National Guard. It was during this time in the military that Rob found his passion for medicine and was tra...

In this episode of the Monday Dirt Talk Aaron breaks down a project and in an unprecedented turn of events he came prepared this time. He shares some interesting facts about how the mine got its start, the scale of the operation, and the products that are made at the Kennecott mine.  He also shares his personal experience getting to go and photograph this modern marvel. Later we discuss some recen...

In this episode, Aaron is joined by Matt Aston, President at GPRS. GPRS is changing the construction game, using radar and electromagnetic signals to locate utilities. This technology is essential for spotting potential hazards (exp. underground power) in the ground and even through solid concrete! How effective is it you ask? Last year they completed roughly 120,000 jobs with an incident report r...

In this episode, Aaron is joined by Jason Richmond, BuildWitt’s Chief Operating Officer. Jason, a natural leader and sales expert, serves as a frequent co-host for the internal podcast and this iteration of the Monday episode. To hear more into Jason's story, check out his Dirt Talk Episode (170). In today's discussion, Aaron and Jason shed light on BuildWitt's operational framework and their role...

In this episode, Aaron is joined by Luke Sheffield, Founder of Port-A-Go and Co-Founder of Empower Rental Group. They discuss the need for equipment rental in a dynamic job market, and what it takes to run a rental business. Later they dig into what it's like starting a rental service company as they discuss Luke’s latest endeavor Port-A-Go, a company providing a service that is so overlooked, yet...

In this episode, we’re trying something different. Aaron came up with the idea to talk about some news from the industry that folks might not have seen. In this one, Aaron will be highlighting some key points of an article published in Equipment World by Jordanne Waldschmidt. The Article is titled, Opinion: The Misguided Push Toward Electric Construction Equipment – and Why Hybrids are the Better...

Big iron, am I right? Little Iron, or in this case, wood? In this episode (DT204), Aaron is joined by Ryan Haasen, an estimator/PM at Blue-Con Excavation Ltd. You might recognize Ryan for his incredible to-scale models of construction machinery. Ryan's journey into woodworking started at a young age, and growing up around the construction industry naturally led him to merge his two passions. Despi...

In this episode, Aaron and I talk about week three of the Road Show. The first stop is a jetty project right outside of Portland to see JE McAmis move some huge Rocks with a Cat 6020. Later they stop in at the Knife River Training Facility, one of the most cutting-edge construction training facilities. After that, they checked out some early morning logging operations, saw a massive data center be...

In this episode, Aaron is joined by Jason Miller, President of Midwest Mole Inc., a company that specializes in Trenchless tunneling and Boring services. Their work extends across the United States, from Boston to Florida, Maryland, and the Midwest, just to name a few locations. Despite their focus on providing boring services, the projects undertaken by Midwest Mole are anything but dull! Join us...

In this episode, Aaron answers the following. -Where is the earthmoover? -toughest challenge with employees? -What's the hardest thing you've ever done? -Who's hiring? If you want a peak under the hood here at BuildWitt or are looking for a job, this is the episode for you. If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com. Stay Dirty! Learn more about your...

In this episode, Aaron sat down with Landon Morel, a Foreman at Southern Sun Paving, to delve into the world of luxury paving. Landon, drawing from his expertise and experience in a family-run asphalt business, sheds light on the meticulous craftsmanship and commitment involved in each layer of asphalt used in high-end residential paving projects. Amidst the rumble of heavy machinery and the aroma...

In this episode, Aaron and I delve into the adventures of week two on the roadshow. The team tested the RV as they journeyed through mountainous terrains en route to the west coast. Their stops included witnessing the monumental dam project at Chimney Hollow led by the Barnard crew, a project vital for supplying clean water to the Front Range. They also visited our friends at Stutsman-Gerbaz in As...

Welcome to a special episode of Dirt Talk! This week's episode differs from our usual format, offering a compilation of shorter clips from past episodes. These excerpts, selected from our YouTube channel (find us by searching 'Dirt Talk Podcast' on YouTube), showcase the top moments from throughout 2023. At BuildWitt, we've taken time during this holiday season for reflection. This compilation pro...

Join Aaron and special guest Jim Mathis, the proprietor of Gittaway Ranch and President of WyoTech. If you were to inquire about Jim's profession, he'd humbly mention ranching, which is indeed accurate. However, Jim's role transcends ranching. Alongside managing a thriving cattle ranch, he also assumes the roles of a teacher, skilled diesel mechanic, and the President of Wyoming's sole accredited...

In this episode, Aaron sat down with Andy Scheurer to delve into the world of paving. They discussed the precise tolerances necessary for airport work and also explored strategies for growing and sustaining a workforce in these demanding situations. From the significance of social media to the complexities of recruitment, this episode offers valuable insights for contractors in the construction in...

In this week's episode, Aaron Sat down with Rory Hall Co-Owner and Operations Manager of Grade Tech Power Services. On Hall’s LinkedIn profile, he describes the work as “a niche market performing excavation and grading services for electrical utilities.”  Join them as they dive into Utah's power grid, unique work culture, and the intricacies of building infrastructure vital for growth. Learn about...

In this episode, Aaron sat down with Carl Bloomfield and Jeff Spatz of Graham Co. to discuss the high-risk world of heavy civil construction. They navigate the treacherous waters of risk management, unearthing the importance of life experience and learning from mistakes. They unpack the multitude of risks present in construction—from physical dangers to reputational risks—and the necessity for com...

In this week's episode join Aaron and Special Guest Travis Martzall of Wampum Hardware and Dyno Nobel and step into the explosive realm of drilling and blasting services. Discover the critical factors behind proper fragmentation and the art of efficient drilling techniques. From Tennessee's blasting practices to the use of draglines and dredging in the Boston Harbor, this episode uncovers the intr...

Join Aaron as he sits down to talk with Kate and Tyler Holden of KT Holden as they tackle industry challenges headfirst. This episode provides plenty to think about, from the importance of word-of-mouth recruitment and values-based hiring to addressing workforce problems and owner requirements. Join the conversation about potential solutions, including industry-wide changes, and contractor collabo...

In this week's episode join Aaron and our esteemed guest, JP Dinnell, who currently holds the position of Chief Training Officer at Echelon Front LLC. Together, they delve into the universal principles of leadership that have guided JP throughout his life. JP was immersed in these principles from a young age, learning valuable lessons while accompanying his father in the construction industry. As...

 Join Aaron and Guest Jim Rhodes Senior VP of Wayne Brothers Companies for a great conversation about effective communication, feedback, and a supportive company culture in the construction industry. They discuss how a focus on people and processes can drive value creation and success, all while ensuring the well-being and development of employees remain a top priority. If you have any questions o...

In this podcast episode, join Aaron and myself discussing the first week of a five-week road trip spanning multiple states. In week one, Aaron accompanied by Jack and Angel explored a tunneling job with Strack Inc. They then went to downtown Atlanta to witness the expertise of Goodfellow, they even met the mayor (NBD) and saw some night paving!  After that, it was off to Starkville to see some coa...

In this episode, Aaron, joined by Camron Lente (CEO) and Brad Griffith (COO) of NG Companies, discuss the wonderful world of hydro-vac trucks. Our guests share their experience with the growing demand for hydro-vac services in the utilities market and the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry.  NG companies' success has led to significant growth and expansion to multiple states....

In this episode Aaron is joined by the President/ CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates, Joe Hart, to discuss the importance of effective communication in the construction industry and beyond. They talk about the significance of self-reflection, mindset, and building meaningful relationships for success and happiness. Find out how Dale Carnegie's teachings have inspired many individuals to carry forwa...

In this episode, Aaron is Joined by Hamilton Baiden the CEO of Youturn Health to discuss the critical issues surrounding behavioral health in the construction industry. Youturn Health is making a difference by providing innovative solutions that empower workers to seek help anonymously and break the stigma. Learn how prioritizing employee well-being can have a profound impact on the industry's fut...