Give Us The Dirt

In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, John shares the side of the journey that often goes unspoken. He opens up about trauma, addiction, mental health struggles, and the personal battles that can exist behind a successful career. Through vulnerability, surrender, and recovery, John found a path to growth and purpose. This conversation explores the intersection of the work and the person doing it an...

In this episode of Built to Lead, our host Brandon sits down with three powerful women shaping the future of construction at Hoopaugh Grading Company. Katie, Director of Team Development, Jessica, Senior Recruiter, and Salma, a rising Superintendent, share their real, unfiltered journeys. How they got their start, the challenges they faced, and the moments that pushed them to level up. From steppi...

What does it take to build a career in construction? For some, it starts in the classroom. For others, it begins in the trench. In this episode of Give Us the Dirt, three HGC team members reflect on how their individual journeys shaped their paths into the industry. From earning a degree in project management and navigating the challenges of transitioning into the field, to beginning hands-on util...

For more than 70 years, Taplin Group has done one thing exceptionally well: they’ve built a legacy that lasts. What started as a small, family-run sewer cleaning business in Kalamazoo has grown into a trusted partner on complex underground and environmental projects all without losing sight of the people, culture, and standards that made them who they are. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Bran...

Host Brandon sits down with CEO Brian McManus for a real conversation about one of the most significant milestones in the company’s history, the transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Brian reflects on what 2025 has looked like for the company, including the challenges brought on by relentless rain and the setbacks that tested operations, timelines, and morale. At the heart of the...

 In this episode, host Brandon sits down with Michael Botts, President Botts Grading LLC who knows firsthand that building a business isn’t just about iron and machines. It’s about people. Michael opens up about launching a construction company alongside family already in the industry, navigating the blessings and the tension that comes with working blood-deep in business. From leadership lessons...

In this episode, Brandon sits down with the founder of Construction Video Pros and Heightened Creative, a leading media specialist whose work brings the construction industry to life through storytelling and visual strategy. Together, they explore the unique challenges of producing authentic content in a fast-paced, blue-collar environment. From navigating different company cultures to showcasing...

Brandon welcomes back the visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Buildwitt, Aaron Witt, for an eye-opening dive into the world of construction. From projects across the globe to the challenges at home, Aaron shares his unique perspective on how the U.S. stacks up against international practices. What are we missing? Where are we excelling? And most importantly, how can we elevate the construction game...

 In this heart-centered episode, host Brandon sits down with faith-driven entrepreneur Stephen Phelan to dive into the foundation of a mortgage company that’s anything but traditional. Stephen shares how love, grace, and unwavering faith are the true drivers behind his team’s success and how those same principles can transform any business from the inside out. From cultivating a culture rooted in...

 Join host Brandon as he sits down with CEO, speaker, and author Gary Frey to dive deep into the real battle with imposter syndrome. They’ve met a few times before, but this time Gary opens up about what inspired his book Silence the Imposter — sharing his personal struggles, the moments that held him back, and the tools he used to overcome self-doubt. Plus, they break down what imposter syndrome...

Rain or shine, construction never stops—especially at Hoopaugh Grading Company. In this episode, host Brandon sits down once again with Brian McManus, owner of HGC, to unpack the challenges of 2024, including the countless rain days that tested the industry. Brian shares how the company navigated the ups and downs, the lessons learned along the way, and what exciting projects and ambitious goals a...

“I started in construction with nothing. Through the Valley of Darkness, my employees were still there with me. Even when I couldn’t give bonuses. Now, I’m giving my company to my employees." Our host, Brandon, sits down with Ryan Schmitt, CEO of Petticoat-Schmitt, to talk about his journey from working in the construction industry to building a thriving company—and why he chose to sell it to his...

In this episode, host Brandon sits down with payroll specialist Kevin Monaghan to explore the powerful connection between payroll strategies and employee loyalty. Kevin shares his expertise on crafting customizable payroll plans that align with a company’s growth trajectory, all while fostering a sense of legacy among teammates. Discover how intentional payroll practices can not only enhance emplo...

Join host Brandon in this episode of Marketing Mavericks as he dives deep into the dynamic world of marketing with two industry powerhouses: Danielle Honeycutt, Chief Creative Officer at Shorebird Creative, and Caroline Marston, Marketing Manager at HGC.  Discover how Danielle has transformed HGC’s branding assets into a compelling visual narrative, and hear Caroline’s inspiring journey in assemb...

 Join host Brandon in this captivating episode as he sits down with two extraordinary leaders in the construction industry, Trey Tarlton and Eddie Rollings. Discover the inspiring legacy of Eddie, who started as a passionate worker 21 years ago and climbed the ranks to become a director of construction through sheer dedication and hard work. Trey shares his own journey, rooted in family tradition,...

In this episode of Give Us the Dirt, we sit down with HGC’s very own, general superintendent of concrete, Ben Stilwell. In honor of suicide prevention month, Ben bravely shares his powerful survival story, detailing the challenges he faced during his military journey and the impact it took his mental health. This candid conversation explores Ben’s struggle with suicidal thoughts, his journey to re...

In this episode of the Give Us The Dirt Podcast, we’re joined by Kelly Gregory, a registered nurse with over a decade of experience in the ER. Now working as our onsite health coach through our partnership with Cigna, she plays a vital role in supporting our team at HCG. Join us as Kelly discusses her transition from the ER to the construction industry, and the critical role of health coaching. Fr...

 Ready to dive into the world of internships at HGC? Get ready for an insightful conversation featuring two special guests from HGC—our very own Training & Curriculum Specialist, Andrea Ribelin, and one of our standout summer interns, Jack Noll, who’s currently studying Construction Management at Georgia Southern University.  In this episode, Andrea and Jack discuss the ins and outs of our in...

In this special episode of Give Us the Dirt, host Brandon takes a heartfelt detour from our usual format to open up about a recent experience his family has been faced with. Brandon shares the highs and lows they have had and the blessings they have felt.   This isn’t your typical episode; it’s a message of appreciation directed at his HGC work family, the unsung heroes, and the construction indus...

Ready for a dose of entrepreneurial inspiration? In this episode of the Give Us the Dirt Podcast, Brandon chats with Zach Laberge, a young business prodigy who began his entrepreneurial journey at just 14 years old! By 16, Zach had already launched Frenter, a game-changing venture revolutionizing the construction industry with cutting-edge technology and innovation. In this episode, Zach shares th...

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 7, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they delve into the crucial role of professionalism in the construction industry. Discover how effective communication and proactive behavior can transform a job site. Learn how to address issues promptly, be a supportive team player, and cultivate an attitude of excellence.  Tune in f...

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 6, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they explore the significance of the DiSC assessment in fostering better teamwork. Discover how understanding DiSC character types can enhance interactions among HGC teammates on the job site. Our leaders share insights on the impact of personalized assessments in improving communicati...

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 5, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they discuss the vital role of thorough training in teaching core values and setting clear expectations at HGC. Learn how investing in great training enhances teamwork and develops future leaders. Hear our executives share insights on transforming a company through effective training p...

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 4, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they delve into the evolving importance of thorough communication and accountability within our company. Hear firsthand how effective communication has transformed their leadership roles and supported others in the process. Our team also discusses the vital role of accountability in bu...

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 3, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they explore the evolution and importance of thorough communication within our company. Discover how effective communication has shaped their leadership roles, empowered team members, and ensured safety on job sites. Get practical advice on supporting employees and fostering a culture...