Excavator operator extraordinaire, Liam Bryan, better known as @diggerbry on social media, joins Taylor for a very special episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast. Starting out as a bricklayer and eventually becoming an expert excavator who captivates online audiences with his finesse in asphalt fine grading, Liam’s journey within the construction industry is a truly remarkable one. Today, he shares details of this journey, highlighting his dedication and determination, as well as the thrill of creating engaging content on social media. Liam’s tale is one of breaking barriers, defying skepticism, and proving that age and background are no hindrance to achieving excellence, all while advocating for better opportunities for future excavator operators. With unparalleled enthusiasm, Liam’s online presence showcases his exceptional excavator operating skills, leading him to become a beacon for the next generation of excavator operators, encouraging them to follow their dreams in the field. Delving into the camaraderie and pride within the construction industry, Liam's captivating videos celebrate the joy and passion of his work, promoting construction careers to a broader audience through the power of social media. Listen in today and prepare to be inspired by Liam’s journey of self-discovery, as he proves that social media in construction can, indeed, be done differently, and that personal growth and success know no bounds in the construction world.Topics: Liam Bryan's unique journey from bricklayer to social media sensation in the construction industry. Embracing the challenge of fine grading asphalt Overcoming skepticism and age-related obstacles Showcasing the camaraderie and pride within the construction industry The impact of social media in promoting construction careers to a broader audience Liam's pursuit of excellence and determination to break barriers His journey of self-discovery, from laborer to esteemed excavator operator The importance of finding mentors and support Harnessing social media to promote a positive image of construction careers Quotes:"I just want to inspire everyone around the world to be a machine driver because, myself, it wasn't an easy way to get in. And I just want to show everyone it can be easy.”“For laborers now to see where I am, they just can't believe it. And obviously, I just want to show them that it is possible.""I am really shocked the amount of people it has wowed, really.”"I've always had things come in my path to push me. I could have easily just said, “I'll leave it,” but I've always taken it as motivation and that's why I feel like I am where I am now because I've just never given up.""I thought right then, ‘I'm going to start posting my work on LinkedIn.’ And ever since I had done that, it was just crazy, the comments and all the support I had, and it really showed me that I was doing a good job.""I did a Tarmac video. So this Tarmac video, I got 7 million views, and it was probably my 8th video I posted…It took me about six months to gain 9000 followers. And then after that video, I gained 30,000 followers just off the bat in about three weeks.""I just want to really showcase to people how it can be and how fun it can be.”Links: Taylor White on LinkedIn To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights  Komatsu Homepage Diggerbry Liam on LinkedIn 

Excavator operator extraordinaire, Liam Bryan, better known as @diggerbry on social media, joins Taylor for a very special episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast. Starting out as a bricklayer and eventually becoming an expert excavator who captivates online audiences with his finesse in asphalt fine grading, Liam’s journey within the construction industry is a truly remarkable one. Today, he shares details of this journey, highlighting his dedication and determination, as well as the thrill of creating engaging content on social media. Liam’s tale is one of breaking barriers, defying skepticism, and proving that age and background are no hindrance to achieving excellence, all while advocating for better opportunities for future excavator operators. With unparalleled enthusiasm, Liam’s online presence showcases his exceptional excavator operating skills, leading him to become a beacon for the next generation of excavator operators, encouraging them to follow their dreams in the field. Delving into the camaraderie and pride within the construction industry, Liam's captivating videos celebrate the joy and passion of his work, promoting construction careers to a broader audience through the power of social media. Listen in today and prepare to be inspired by Liam’s journey of self-discovery, as he proves that social media in construction can, indeed, be done differently, and that personal growth and success know no bounds in the construction world. Topics:<ul> <li>Liam Bryan's unique journey from bricklayer to social media sensation in the construction industry.</li> <li>Embracing the challenge of fine grading asphalt</li> <li>Overcoming skepticism and age-related obstacles</li> <li>Showcasing the camaraderie and pride within the construction industry</li> <li>The impact of social media in promoting construction careers to a broader audience</li> <li>Liam's pursuit of excellence and determination to break barriers</li> <li>His journey of self-discovery, from laborer to esteemed excavator operator</li> <li>The importance of finding mentors and support</li> <li>Harnessing social media to promote a positive image of construction careers</li> </ul> Quotes:"I just want to inspire everyone around the world to be a machine driver because, myself, it wasn't an easy way to get in. And I just want to show everyone it can be easy.”“For laborers now to see where I am, they just can't believe it. And obviously, I just want to show them that it is possible.""I am really shocked the amount of people it has wowed, really.”"I've always had things come in my path to push me. I could have easily just said, “I'll leave it,” but I've always taken it as motivation and that's why I feel like I am where I am now because I've just never given up.""I thought right then, ‘I'm going to start posting my work on LinkedIn.’ And ever since I had done that, it was just crazy, the comments and all the support I had, and it really showed me that I was doing a good job.""I did a Tarmac video. So this Tarmac video, I got 7 million views, and it was probably my 8th video I posted…It took me about six months to gain 9000 followers. And then after that video, I gained 30,000 followers just off the bat in about three weeks.""I just want to really showcase to people how it can be and how fun it can be.” Links:<ul> <li><a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a></li> <li>To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/diggerbry/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diggerbry</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-bryan-634a521b5/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liam on LinkedIn</a></li> </ul>

Ep. 143: Social Media in Construction Can Be Done Differently with @diggerbry

This week, Taylor welcomes Trey Bohannan, widely known as Treybodirt on TikTok, to the podcast. A seasoned entrepreneur and equipment enthusiast, Trey’s insights here today offer a masterclass in leadership and work-life balance. Together, he and Taylor explore his remarkable journey in the landscaping and construction industry, starting from his humble beginnings as a young lawn mower to his meteoric rise as a successful business owner. Along the way, Trey emphasizes the importance of equipment care, team camaraderie, and the timeless allure of older machinery.Their discussion highlights the qualities of effective leaders, the significance of investing in employees, and the need for a healthy equilibrium between professional and personal life. Trey's wealth of experience managing a business is distilled into valuable lessons and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, his passion for antique tractors shines through as he shares captivating stories of his collection and his involvement in a charitable event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The episode culminates with Trey and Taylor's thought-provoking exploration of success, emphasizing the profound impact of personal values, nurturing familial bonds, and cultivating meaningful relationships. Join these two learned professionals here today for a wealth of valuable information and advice as well as a hefty load of laughs that will leave you equal parts educated and entertained.Topics: Trey's humble beginnings and gradual expansion in the landscaping industry The allure of using and maintaining older equipment in a technology-driven world Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn hands-on equipment repairs The significance of cash flow and effective expense management Trey's exceptional organizational skills in optimizing team workflow and productivity The practicality of utilizing two-way radio systems for communication on job sites Cultivating leaders within teams and learning from others in the industry Making necessary adjustments based upon lessons learned from past mistakes Quotes:"We check all the fluids. We tighten tracks, we dig out tracks. And don't get me wrong, there's a lot of times we don't. But if it's a rainy day, if there's an opportunity, we're in the shops working.""I'm decent at working on the older stuff, too. This new stuff today is expensive.""The first hour of the day is the most important. Let's get in here and I try to clock everything every morning. We’ve got a certain time framework. Everything needs to be out onto a job.""A good bird dog is born no different than a good leader. But they have to have training too. They have to watch others to be on point.""Learn from your mistakes because you're going to make them every day.""Success is a good man that raised his family and did everything right - that's success.""I had a lot of people come up to me that I hadn't seen in 10 or 15 years and say, 'Man, I appreciate you did this for my Dad,' or ‘this for my grandparents’ or whatever.""Everybody will notice you if we're going to go through this life, let's just pop a wheelie and ride it on through."Links: Taylor White on LinkedIn To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights  Komatsu Homepage Treybodirt on TikTok 

This week, Taylor welcomes Trey Bohannan, widely known as Treybodirt on TikTok, to the podcast. A seasoned entrepreneur and equipment enthusiast, Trey’s insights here today offer a masterclass in leadership and work-life balance. Together, he and Taylor explore his remarkable journey in the landscaping and construction industry, starting from his humble beginnings as a young lawn mower to his meteoric rise as a successful business owner. Along the way, Trey emphasizes the importance of equipment care, team camaraderie, and the timeless allure of older machinery.Their discussion highlights the qualities of effective leaders, the significance of investing in employees, and the need for a healthy equilibrium between professional and personal life. Trey's wealth of experience managing a business is distilled into valuable lessons and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, his passion for antique tractors shines through as he shares captivating stories of his collection and his involvement in a charitable event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The episode culminates with Trey and Taylor's thought-provoking exploration of success, emphasizing the profound impact of personal values, nurturing familial bonds, and cultivating meaningful relationships. Join these two learned professionals here today for a wealth of valuable information and advice as well as a hefty load of laughs that will leave you equal parts educated and entertained. Topics:<ul> <li>Trey's humble beginnings and gradual expansion in the landscaping industry</li> <li>The allure of using and maintaining older equipment in a technology-driven world</li> <li>Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn hands-on equipment repairs</li> <li>The significance of cash flow and effective expense management</li> <li>Trey's exceptional organizational skills in optimizing team workflow and productivity</li> <li>The practicality of utilizing two-way radio systems for communication on job sites</li> <li>Cultivating leaders within teams and learning from others in the industry</li> <li>Making necessary adjustments based upon lessons learned from past mistakes</li> </ul> Quotes:"We check all the fluids. We tighten tracks, we dig out tracks. And don't get me wrong, there's a lot of times we don't. But if it's a rainy day, if there's an opportunity, we're in the shops working.""I'm decent at working on the older stuff, too. This new stuff today is expensive.""The first hour of the day is the most important. Let's get in here and I try to clock everything every morning. We’ve got a certain time framework. Everything needs to be out onto a job.""A good bird dog is born no different than a good leader. But they have to have training too. They have to watch others to be on point.""Learn from your mistakes because you're going to make them every day.""Success is a good man that raised his family and did everything right - that's success.""I had a lot of people come up to me that I hadn't seen in 10 or 15 years and say, 'Man, I appreciate you did this for my Dad,' or ‘this for my grandparents’ or whatever.""Everybody will notice you if we're going to go through this life, let's just pop a wheelie and ride it on through." Links:<ul> <li><a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a></li> <li>To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@treybodirt3?lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Treybodirt on TikTok</a></li> </ul>

Ep. 142: Trey Bo Dirt Bestows Knowledge and Nostalgia

Welcome to another exciting episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast as Taylor discusses the logistics of building a successful excavation business with his guest, Travis Gemmell, Founder of Walnut Grove Excavating. Today, Travis recounts his remarkable journey from the corporate realm to becoming a passionate business owner in the dirt industry, and shares invaluable insights into the importance of cash flow and strategic planning when starting a business. He also reflects on the challenges and lessons he has learned along his journey, and emphasizes the immense impact of having a dedicated and reliable team, as well as the unwavering support of family. In this enlightening exchange between Travis and Taylor, they explore the diverse facets of running an excavating business, the recession-proof nature of the wastewater and septic industry and the dynamics of hiring and managing a young and motivated crew. Together, they go on to discuss the pivotal role of social media in building a strong reputation and attracting clients, as well as how Travis successfully combines quality workmanship with strategic social media utilization to showcase his completed projects and stand out in the industry. The daily responsibilities of an excavating business owner, the balance between being on-site and managing operations, and the secrets to maintaining a thriving business are shared as well. Today’s episode offers a wealth of insights into the challenges, rewards, and essential factors that contribute to success in the dirt industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an industry professional, Travis's story here today will undoubtedly inspire you to pursue your own passion and allow you to gain valuable insights into building a successful business in the world of excavation.Topics: Travis's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship Factors influencing Travis's decision to start an excavating business Challenges and financial considerations in starting a business The importance of building a reliable and skilled team in the industry The impact of family support and work-life balance on Travis's journey The recession-proof nature of the wastewater and septic industry Social media’s role in showcasing projects and attracting clients Some of the challenges in running a construction business and managing employees Quotes:"There's so much work, there's so much expense, there's so much cash flow that you really can't let your finger off the pulse.""I will work 24 hours a day to not fail.""It's not even really the 25 people you have employed. It's multiplied by their family, multiplied by X amount of different things that that's going to impact.""There are days that it's like if I just had one guy with me, how simple this would be.""It's one of those deals where it's like, I don't know how you can afford to rent. You're better off buying everything.""I love cheering you on. I'm in the background. I love watching what you do, and I love watching these other guys and talking to them.""People are going to talk about you at the dinner table, whether you like it or not. It's going to be your decision whether it's a good conversation or a bad conversation."Links: Taylor White on LinkedIn To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights  Komatsu Homepage Walnut Grove Excavating 

Welcome to another exciting episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast as Taylor discusses the logistics of building a successful excavation business with his guest, Travis Gemmell, Founder of Walnut Grove Excavating. Today, Travis recounts his remarkable journey from the corporate realm to becoming a passionate business owner in the dirt industry, and shares invaluable insights into the importance of cash flow and strategic planning when starting a business. He also reflects on the challenges and lessons he has learned along his journey, and emphasizes the immense impact of having a dedicated and reliable team, as well as the unwavering support of family. In this enlightening exchange between Travis and Taylor, they explore the diverse facets of running an excavating business, the recession-proof nature of the wastewater and septic industry and the dynamics of hiring and managing a young and motivated crew. Together, they go on to discuss the pivotal role of social media in building a strong reputation and attracting clients, as well as how Travis successfully combines quality workmanship with strategic social media utilization to showcase his completed projects and stand out in the industry. The daily responsibilities of an excavating business owner, the balance between being on-site and managing operations, and the secrets to maintaining a thriving business are shared as well. Today’s episode offers a wealth of insights into the challenges, rewards, and essential factors that contribute to success in the dirt industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an industry professional, Travis's story here today will undoubtedly inspire you to pursue your own passion and allow you to gain valuable insights into building a successful business in the world of excavation. Topics:<ul> <li>Travis's transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship</li> <li>Factors influencing Travis's decision to start an excavating business</li> <li>Challenges and financial considerations in starting a business</li> <li>The importance of building a reliable and skilled team in the industry</li> <li>The impact of family support and work-life balance on Travis's journey</li> <li>The recession-proof nature of the wastewater and septic industry</li> <li>Social media’s role in showcasing projects and attracting clients</li> <li>Some of the challenges in running a construction business and managing employees</li> </ul> Quotes:"There's so much work, there's so much expense, there's so much cash flow that you really can't let your finger off the pulse.""I will work 24 hours a day to not fail.""It's not even really the 25 people you have employed. It's multiplied by their family, multiplied by X amount of different things that that's going to impact.""There are days that it's like if I just had one guy with me, how simple this would be.""It's one of those deals where it's like, I don't know how you can afford to rent. You're better off buying everything.""I love cheering you on. I'm in the background. I love watching what you do, and I love watching these other guys and talking to them.""People are going to talk about you at the dinner table, whether you like it or not. It's going to be your decision whether it's a good conversation or a bad conversation." Links:<ul> <li><a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a></li> <li>To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a></li> <li><a href="https://walnutgroveexcavating.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walnut Grove Excavating</a></li> </ul>

Ep. 141: An Unusual Path to the Industry, with Travis Gemmell

David White

Today marks a very special episode as Taylor welcomes none other than the President and Owner of Ken White Construction to the podcast - his father, David White. Beyond the bonds of family, Taylor and David share a remarkable partnership and friendship that has shaped their journey together. Their fascinating conversation here today constitutes an exploration of such topics as their business's humble beginnings, navigating the challenges of the construction industry, and embracing a diverse range of projects.Together, this dynamic duo unveil the transformative moments that have left an indelible mark on both their business and personal lives, and highlight the qualities of perseverance, adaptability, as well as the power of technology along the way. Drawing upon their own experiences, they review the importance of weathering tough times and adapting to changing circumstances, the delicate art of taking calculated risks, and striking a balance between caution and ambition. As the discussion unfolds, the evolution of technology becomes a focal point, with David's initial uncertainty giving way to the realization of the vast potential offered by platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Through engaging storytelling and open conversations, this father and son combo shares unique insights into building success in both business and life, inspiring listeners to embrace challenges, nurture resilience, and chart their own path to success.Topics: The challenges faced during the early days of Ken White Construction The transformative moment of Taylor joining the business Lessons learned from financial hardships Adaptability during tough times Taking calculated risks and finding a balance between caution and ambition The evolution of technology and its impact on the construction industry The growth and success of Ken White Construction and the role that family plays The importance of a strong company culture, employee development, and adapting to attract and retain talented individuals David’s evolving role as the business transitions to the next generation Quotes:  “Going through tough times is a good business lesson.” "You're going to hit some hiccups in life, and you've got to adjust on the fly. COVID taught us that." "Don't go too crazy and extend yourself out too much at a long distance. Set yourself up better for the 'what if' moments." "The key is to have a resilient mindset and embrace both caution and ambition. It's about finding the right balance." "The evolution of technology has opened new doors for our business. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have been game-changers." “The people that were asking the questions and thinking, ‘What are you doing?” - the business guys - they are trying to catch up and they're following you and they're telling me about the stuff that you're posting.” "It's a great family-run business... we're setting it up for future generations, and that's the whole goal in the business for me... I think we're headed in the right direction for sure. And it's about the family and the future." "The success of a family business over three generations that you do today can be the success of tomorrow. And I think that that's really, really exciting to highlight." Links: Taylor White on LinkedIn To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights  Komatsu Homepage Ken White Construction 

Today marks a very special episode as Taylor welcomes none other than the President and Owner of Ken White Construction to the podcast - his father, David White. Beyond the bonds of family, Taylor and David share a remarkable partnership and friendship that has shaped their journey together. Their fascinating conversation here today constitutes an exploration of such topics as their business's humble beginnings, navigating the challenges of the construction industry, and embracing a diverse range of projects.Together, this dynamic duo unveil the transformative moments that have left an indelible mark on both their business and personal lives, and highlight the qualities of perseverance, adaptability, as well as the power of technology along the way. Drawing upon their own experiences, they review the importance of weathering tough times and adapting to changing circumstances, the delicate art of taking calculated risks, and striking a balance between caution and ambition. As the discussion unfolds, the evolution of technology becomes a focal point, with David's initial uncertainty giving way to the realization of the vast potential offered by platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Through engaging storytelling and open conversations, this father and son combo shares unique insights into building success in both business and life, inspiring listeners to embrace challenges, nurture resilience, and chart their own path to success. Topics:<ul> <li>The challenges faced during the early days of Ken White Construction</li> <li>The transformative moment of Taylor joining the business</li> <li>Lessons learned from financial hardships</li> <li>Adaptability during tough times</li> <li>Taking calculated risks and finding a balance between caution and ambition</li> <li>The evolution of technology and its impact on the construction industry</li> <li>The growth and success of Ken White Construction and the role that family plays</li> <li>The importance of a strong company culture, employee development, and adapting to attract and retain talented individuals</li> <li>David’s evolving role as the business transitions to the next generation</li> </ul> Quotes: <ul> <li>“Going through tough times is a good business lesson.”</li> <li>"You're going to hit some hiccups in life, and you've got to adjust on the fly. COVID taught us that."</li> <li>"Don't go too crazy and extend yourself out too much at a long distance. Set yourself up better for the 'what if' moments."</li> <li>"The key is to have a resilient mindset and embrace both caution and ambition. It's about finding the right balance."</li> <li>"The evolution of technology has opened new doors for our business. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have been game-changers."</li> <li>“The people that were asking the questions and thinking, ‘What are you doing?” - the business guys - they are trying to catch up and they're following you and they're telling me about the stuff that you're posting.”</li> <li>"It's a great family-run business... we're setting it up for future generations, and that's the whole goal in the business for me... I think we're headed in the right direction for sure. And it's about the family and the future."</li> <li>"The success of a family business over three generations that you do today can be the success of tomorrow. And I think that that's really, really exciting to highlight."</li> </ul> Links:<ul> <li><a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a></li> <li>To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a></li> <li><a href="https://kwconstruction.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ken White Construction</a></li> </ul>

Ep. 140: Investing in Yourself, with David White

Ep. 139: Building from the Ground Up: Tips from a New Construction Business OwnerOn today’s episode, Dylan Mercier, owner of D2 Contracting, joins Taylor for a discussion centered on a number of topics, beginning with Dylan’s journey into the construction business and his decision to start his own company. Their conversation further focuses on the challenges that come with running a business in the industry, including underbidding and finding good employees. The two also reflect on their recent trip to CONEXP-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America, and Dylan shares his experience with renting equipment and why he decided to invest in a skid steer. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment for employees and reveals his passion for infrastructure work, specifically water, sewer, and storm utilities.Together, Taylor and Dylan go on to highlight the power of social media in the construction industry, exploring how it can be used for branding, gaining a following, and finding employees. They stress the importance of networking with competitors and sharing information to help each other grow, as well as the significance of adapting to changes in the economy and finding new opportunities. Overall, Taylor and Dylan’s discussion here today shines a brilliant spotlight on the fact that, in the construction industry - as in so many other industries - hard work, dedication, and a mindset that prioritizes the well-being of employees and investing in their personal growth are key to the long-term business success for which we all strive.Topics: Dylan's journey into construction and starting his own company Challenges of running a construction business, including underbidding and finding good employees Bonding over love for industry and the CONEXPO-CON/AGG experience Networking opportunities and excitement for future trade shows and technology advancements The importance of, and different ways to utilize, social media in construction Renting vs. owning equipment and the importance of quality candidates for a business Investing in employees' personal growth and well-being to create a positive work environment Adapting to changes in the economy and putting in time and effort to grow in your career Quotes:  "Networking is everything in our business, whether people want to admit it or not." "Renting is not fun…but again, you bill for it all and you make it work." "The work doesn't come to you. You’ve got to go out there and get it. You’ve got to chase it." "I want to make it a place that people want to show up to work every day because there's a lot of places where people don't want to come to work." "It’s a mindset you have to have if you want to run a successful business because if you don’t, it may work for a while, but it’s not going to work forever." "You definitely have to put in that work before you can just get to be the top guy or the number one dog. In this industry, especially, you have to put the time in before you can really just shine." "There’s always enough work to go around for everybody." ﻿Links: Taylor White on LinkedIn To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights  Komatsu Homepage Dylan on TikTok 

Ep. 139: Building from the Ground Up: Tips from a New Construction Business Owner On today’s episode, Dylan Mercier, owner of D2 Contracting, joins Taylor for a discussion centered on a number of topics, beginning with Dylan’s journey into the construction business and his decision to start his own company. Their conversation further focuses on the challenges that come with running a business in the industry, including underbidding and finding good employees. The two also reflect on their recent trip to CONEXP-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America, and Dylan shares his experience with renting equipment and why he decided to invest in a skid steer. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment for employees and reveals his passion for infrastructure work, specifically water, sewer, and storm utilities.Together, Taylor and Dylan go on to highlight the power of social media in the construction industry, exploring how it can be used for branding, gaining a following, and finding employees. They stress the importance of networking with competitors and sharing information to help each other grow, as well as the significance of adapting to changes in the economy and finding new opportunities. Overall, Taylor and Dylan’s discussion here today shines a brilliant spotlight on the fact that, in the construction industry - as in so many other industries - hard work, dedication, and a mindset that prioritizes the well-being of employees and investing in their personal growth are key to the long-term business success for which we all strive. Topics:<ul> <li>Dylan's journey into construction and starting his own company</li> <li>Challenges of running a construction business, including underbidding and finding good employees</li> <li>Bonding over love for industry and the CONEXPO-CON/AGG experience</li> <li>Networking opportunities and excitement for future trade shows and technology advancements</li> <li>The importance of, and different ways to utilize, social media in construction</li> <li>Renting vs. owning equipment and the importance of quality candidates for a business</li> <li>Investing in employees' personal growth and well-being to create a positive work environment</li> <li>Adapting to changes in the economy and putting in time and effort to grow in your career</li> </ul> Quotes: <ul> <li>"Networking is everything in our business, whether people want to admit it or not."</li> <li>"Renting is not fun…but again, you bill for it all and you make it work."</li> <li>"The work doesn't come to you. You’ve got to go out there and get it. You’ve got to chase it."</li> <li>"I want to make it a place that people want to show up to work every day because there's a lot of places where people don't want to come to work."</li> <li>"It’s a mindset you have to have if you want to run a successful business because if you don’t, it may work for a while, but it’s not going to work forever."</li> <li>"You definitely have to put in that work before you can just get to be the top guy or the number one dog. In this industry, especially, you have to put the time in before you can really just shine."</li> <li>"There’s always enough work to go around for everybody."</li> </ul>﻿Links:<ul> <li><a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a></li> <li>To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmercier69" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dylan on TikTok</a></li> </ul>

Ep. 139: Building from the Ground Up: Tips from a New Construction Business Owner

Live at CONEXPO-CON/AGG with Dana WuesthoffTaylor welcomes a very special guest to the podcast today, and he does so in an equally special location. Dana Wuesthoff, the show director for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America joins Taylor at the Expo itself to discuss the planning and logistics involved in creating such a huge and hugely successful event. As the show director, Dana oversees a team of people and service vendors that work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the event to life, and today she highlights the immense coordination and teamwork necessary for such an event to happen, and the importance of having this dedicated team to work with and rely upon. She and Taylor go on to discuss the many benefits of attending events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG, including the opportunity for attendees to connect with others, share ideas, and solve problems together. Additionally, they describe the new community zone that was introduced this year to provide a space for attendees to recharge and connect with one another.Delving into the details of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas, our duo reveals that it is one of the largest construction shows in the world, covering over 6 million gross square feet with over 2.8 million net square feet dedicated to exhibit booths alone. They note that the show is organized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, along with two other industry associations, and offers over 175 educational sessions put together by the organizers and industry associations. The many interesting panels and discussions taking place at the event, as well as the variety of educational opportunities available within the exhibitor booths are also reviewed. In essence, today’s exceptional episode highlights the vital role that events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG play in not only bringing people together, but also advancing the industry, and providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities - truly an episode and event that you can’t afford to miss.The Finer Details of This Episode: Dana Wuesthoff and her role in producing the Expo The planning process for the show The immense coordination and logistics involved The dedicated team of vendors and service partners What Dana enjoys most about the show Some challenges in running outdoor events Setting up the largest exhibits The takedown process The new community zone The show’s organizers The educational opportunities available Quotes:"I kind of grew up in our services and I'm kind of like a giant project manager. There's a whole team of people, an army of people and service vendors that all work behind the scenes. We plan for three years to bring this event to life.""I'm planning 2026 already. I have been for a while. I think some of my team probably hates me a little bit because I'm like, 'Yeah, '23 and '26 at the same time.'""That is the equivalent of lifting over 3,000 African Bush elephants, that's what that translates to.""All these wonderful exhibits with the dirt and the aggregates and everything up there, the equipment on there, that was 175 dump trucks coming in, just dropping that stuff in.""My favorite part is literally just seeing the people all coming together and seeing connections.""We know how big the show is. We know how tired your feet can get, but really, you just wanted a place to sit down, get your devices charged, kind of recharge yourself a little bit, have a snack or a beverage.""These three industry associations are really the ones behind the CONEXPO-CON/AGG together.""We have over 175 different educational sessions that we, as the show, put together."Links:Taylor White on LinkedInTo see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlightsKomatsu HomepageDana Wuesthoff on LinkedIn

Live at CONEXPO-CON/AGG with Dana WuesthoffTaylor welcomes a very special guest to the podcast today, and he does so in an equally special location. Dana Wuesthoff, the show director for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America joins Taylor at the Expo itself to discuss the planning and logistics involved in creating such a huge and hugely successful event. As the show director, Dana oversees a team of people and service vendors that work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the event to life, and today she highlights the immense coordination and teamwork necessary for such an event to happen, and the importance of having this dedicated team to work with and rely upon. She and Taylor go on to discuss the many benefits of attending events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG, including the opportunity for attendees to connect with others, share ideas, and solve problems together. Additionally, they describe the new community zone that was introduced this year to provide a space for attendees to recharge and connect with one another.Delving into the details of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas, our duo reveals that it is one of the largest construction shows in the world, covering over 6 million gross square feet with over 2.8 million net square feet dedicated to exhibit booths alone. They note that the show is organized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, along with two other industry associations, and offers over 175 educational sessions put together by the organizers and industry associations. The many interesting panels and discussions taking place at the event, as well as the variety of educational opportunities available within the exhibitor booths are also reviewed. In essence, today’s exceptional episode highlights the vital role that events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG play in not only bringing people together, but also advancing the industry, and providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities - truly an episode and event that you can’t afford to miss. The Finer Details of This Episode:<ul> <li>Dana Wuesthoff and her role in producing the Expo</li> <li>The planning process for the show</li> <li>The immense coordination and logistics involved</li> <li>The dedicated team of vendors and service partners</li> <li>What Dana enjoys most about the show</li> <li>Some challenges in running outdoor events</li> <li>Setting up the largest exhibits</li> <li>The takedown process</li> <li>The new community zone</li> <li>The show’s organizers</li> <li>The educational opportunities available</li> </ul> Quotes:"I kind of grew up in our services and I'm kind of like a giant project manager. There's a whole team of people, an army of people and service vendors that all work behind the scenes. We plan for three years to bring this event to life.""I'm planning 2026 already. I have been for a while. I think some of my team probably hates me a little bit because I'm like, 'Yeah, '23 and '26 at the same time.'""That is the equivalent of lifting over 3,000 African Bush elephants, that's what that translates to.""All these wonderful exhibits with the dirt and the aggregates and everything up there, the equipment on there, that was 175 dump trucks coming in, just dropping that stuff in.""My favorite part is literally just seeing the people all coming together and seeing connections.""We know how big the show is. We know how tired your feet can get, but really, you just wanted a place to sit down, get your devices charged, kind of recharge yourself a little bit, have a snack or a beverage.""These three industry associations are really the ones behind the CONEXPO-CON/AGG together.""We have over 175 different educational sessions that we, as the show, put together." Links: <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a>To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights</a><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-wuesthoff-26a28011/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dana Wuesthoff on LinkedIn</a>

Ep. 138: Live at CONEXPO-CON/AGG with Dana Wuesthoff

Matt Stanley

Paving the Way for Online Success with Matt StanleyIn this episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast, host Taylor White speaks with Matt Stanley, a paving foreman, marketer for American Pavement Specialist, and founder of Raised on Blacktop about the themes of marketing, branding, and company culture in the construction industry. Stanley begins by sharing his family's history in the paving business, with three generations working for their family's company. The two then go on to discuss Raised on Blacktop, a merchandise and marketing company started by Stanley in 2020, and the success it has brought him. The family dynamic within the business is explored, with Stanley sharing how his mother instilled the importance of getting along with his brothers, which has translated into a successful working relationship.Throughout the conversation, Matt and Taylor touch on various topics such as social media engagement, branding, and consistency in content creation. Stanley emphasizes the importance of starting small and growing organically, and how his diverse background has influenced his brand's street feel. They also discuss the significance of fostering a positive company culture, which Stanley believes has contributed to his business' success. Join these two experts in the field here today to gain valuable insights into the paving industry and learn more about the importance of branding and company culture in business growth.Topics: Taylor’s upcoming live podcast at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 Stanley's family and their history in the paving business American Pavement Specialists Raised on Blacktop Building a brand organically Seeking inspiration outside of the industry Company culture and employee retention Fostering a positive work environment The challenges Matt experiences in balancing work and running his brands The importance of consistency Matt’s vision for the future of his brands The importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive mindset Advice for aspiring influencers The machines that Matt’s company will have on display at the show Appreciating the hard work that goes into achieving big moments and taking time to enjoy them. Quotes: "Growing up, I get chills when I say this, because it's so important that my mom made sure that we all got along. There was no you hate your brother. It was none of that. From a young age, it was like, that's your brother. When you get older, they're going to be the only ones you could trust."“A lot of people think we have a lot more guys than we do, but we're pretty lean and mean. We all wear a lot of hats.”"Everybody's path to being that high number, being an influencer, is so different than everyone else's.""I always look for inspiration outside of our industry.""I want my brand to represent hustle. I want it to represent it could represent basketball, racing, skateboarding, but more so, going back to like, hustle, family business, getting up early, working hard.""I think that needs to happen organically and I could see it happening in the next couple of years with both the brands, same as you.""I don't like seeing what other people are doing so that I remain focused on my content is what's coming from my brain and not somebody else's.""To get in the influencer brand deals game, you do kind of have to give out free work to begin with.""But to post good content and get paid for it, it's, like, very hard to do.""I enjoy the most getting to meet these manufacturers in person.""Got to definitely live in the moment there and appreciate all the hard work because I'm not too good at that."Links:Taylor White on LinkedInTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experienceKomatsu HomepageRaised on BlacktopAmerican Pavement Specialists

Paving the Way for Online Success with Matt Stanley In this episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast, host Taylor White speaks with Matt Stanley, a paving foreman, marketer for American Pavement Specialist, and founder of Raised on Blacktop about the themes of marketing, branding, and company culture in the construction industry. Stanley begins by sharing his family's history in the paving business, with three generations working for their family's company. The two then go on to discuss Raised on Blacktop, a merchandise and marketing company started by Stanley in 2020, and the success it has brought him. The family dynamic within the business is explored, with Stanley sharing how his mother instilled the importance of getting along with his brothers, which has translated into a successful working relationship.Throughout the conversation, Matt and Taylor touch on various topics such as social media engagement, branding, and consistency in content creation. Stanley emphasizes the importance of starting small and growing organically, and how his diverse background has influenced his brand's street feel. They also discuss the significance of fostering a positive company culture, which Stanley believes has contributed to his business' success. Join these two experts in the field here today to gain valuable insights into the paving industry and learn more about the importance of branding and company culture in business growth. Topics:<ul> <li>Taylor’s upcoming live podcast at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023</li> <li>Stanley's family and their history in the paving business</li> <li>American Pavement Specialists</li> <li>Raised on Blacktop</li> <li>Building a brand organically</li> <li>Seeking inspiration outside of the industry</li> <li>Company culture and employee retention</li> <li>Fostering a positive work environment</li> <li>The challenges Matt experiences in balancing work and running his brands</li> <li>The importance of consistency</li> <li>Matt’s vision for the future of his brands</li> <li>The importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive mindset</li> <li>Advice for aspiring influencers</li> <li>The machines that Matt’s company will have on display at the show</li> <li>Appreciating the hard work that goes into achieving big moments and taking time to enjoy them.</li> </ul> Quotes: "Growing up, I get chills when I say this, because it's so important that my mom made sure that we all got along. There was no you hate your brother. It was none of that. From a young age, it was like, that's your brother. When you get older, they're going to be the only ones you could trust."“A lot of people think we have a lot more guys than we do, but we're pretty lean and mean. We all wear a lot of hats.”"Everybody's path to being that high number, being an influencer, is so different than everyone else's.""I always look for inspiration outside of our industry.""I want my brand to represent hustle. I want it to represent it could represent basketball, racing, skateboarding, but more so, going back to like, hustle, family business, getting up early, working hard.""I think that needs to happen organically and I could see it happening in the next couple of years with both the brands, same as you.""I don't like seeing what other people are doing so that I remain focused on my content is what's coming from my brain and not somebody else's.""To get in the influencer brand deals game, you do kind of have to give out free work to begin with.""But to post good content and get paid for it, it's, like, very hard to do.""I enjoy the most getting to meet these manufacturers in person.""Got to definitely live in the moment there and appreciate all the hard work because I'm not too good at that." Links:<a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a> To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a> <a href="https://www.raisedonblacktop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raised on Blacktop</a> <a href="http://www.americanpavement.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Pavement Specialists</a>

Ep. 137: Paving the Way for Online Success with Matt Stanley

Dane Cotten

The Power of the Right Balance of Relationship Building vs. Profit with Dane CottenThis week, Taylor interviews Dane Cotten, owner of DC Excavation, about a number of topics including his background, the growth of his company, and the importance of networking in the construction industry. Dane also reviews the family tradition that inspired him to start his own excavation company, his successful use of networking and relationship-building to grow his business, and the importance of these practices in the construction industry. Some major news about Taylor’s live podcast at the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 is announced here today, and with the show less than a month away, our host strongly encourages listeners to register and participate in it.Together, Taylor and Dane go on to discuss the benefits and challenges of using distinctive machinery to differentiate companies and attract top talent, explore how investing in machinery and technology demonstrates to potential employees that the company values their work, and how social media can be used to hire workers from all over the world. They also touch on the challenges of retaining talent, building relationships with employees to create a positive work environment, and look at the transition from residential work to commercial work in the construction industry. The importance of building relationships with general contractors, focusing on paperwork and cost tracking, and not abandoning residential work entirely are analyzed as well. Today’s episode is yet another ‘must listen’ filled with valuable insights and advice for professionals in the construction industry, and showcasing the experiences and perspectives of undisputed experts in the field.The Finer Details of This Episode:  Taylor’s upcoming live podcast at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 Dane Cotten, his background, and his family's long history in construction The origin and growth of DC Excavation Investing in machinery and technology Some useful tools for finding and hiring new employees Balancing growth with maintaining the company culture The transition from residential work to commercial work in the construction industry Building relationships with general contractors The importance of long-term thinking and being adaptable in the industry Quotes: "The biggest thing is just have that cash in the bank because you're going to need that cash to make it through." "Residentials, they pay nice. So that's why we kind of run a residential crew, and then we have a commercial crew, and our residential crew basically cash flows the business in order to be able to do the commercial stuff." "Sometimes a relationship is worth more than the $10,000 in profit you're going to make that week." "It's a short-sighted thinking of like, 'I could screw over this GC, and I could maybe make an extra $120,000, $150,000 on this project.' But instead, you need to think long-term." "Used in the right application, there's just so much you don't have to do by hand now because of tilt rotators." "Building relationships and open communication - it just helps with all of it." Links:Taylor White on LinkedInEarth Movers MagazineTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experienceKomatsu HomepageDC Excavation

The Power of the Right Balance of Relationship Building vs. Profit with Dane Cotten This week, Taylor interviews Dane Cotten, owner of DC Excavation, about a number of topics including his background, the growth of his company, and the importance of networking in the construction industry. Dane also reviews the family tradition that inspired him to start his own excavation company, his successful use of networking and relationship-building to grow his business, and the importance of these practices in the construction industry. Some major news about Taylor’s live podcast at the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 is announced here today, and with the show less than a month away, our host strongly encourages listeners to register and participate in it.Together, Taylor and Dane go on to discuss the benefits and challenges of using distinctive machinery to differentiate companies and attract top talent, explore how investing in machinery and technology demonstrates to potential employees that the company values their work, and how social media can be used to hire workers from all over the world. They also touch on the challenges of retaining talent, building relationships with employees to create a positive work environment, and look at the transition from residential work to commercial work in the construction industry. The importance of building relationships with general contractors, focusing on paperwork and cost tracking, and not abandoning residential work entirely are analyzed as well. Today’s episode is yet another ‘must listen’ filled with valuable insights and advice for professionals in the construction industry, and showcasing the experiences and perspectives of undisputed experts in the field. The Finer Details of This Episode:<ul> <li> </li> <li>Taylor’s upcoming live podcast at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023</li> <li>Dane Cotten, his background, and his family's long history in construction</li> <li>The origin and growth of DC Excavation</li> <li>Investing in machinery and technology</li> <li>Some useful tools for finding and hiring new employees</li> <li>Balancing growth with maintaining the company culture</li> <li>The transition from residential work to commercial work in the construction industry</li> <li>Building relationships with general contractors</li> <li>The importance of long-term thinking and being adaptable in the industry</li> </ul> Quotes:<ul> <li>"The biggest thing is just have that cash in the bank because you're going to need that cash to make it through."</li> <li>"Residentials, they pay nice. So that's why we kind of run a residential crew, and then we have a commercial crew, and our residential crew basically cash flows the business in order to be able to do the commercial stuff."</li> <li>"Sometimes a relationship is worth more than the $10,000 in profit you're going to make that week."</li> <li>"It's a short-sighted thinking of like, 'I could screw over this GC, and I could maybe make an extra $120,000, $150,000 on this project.' But instead, you need to think long-term."</li> <li>"Used in the right application, there's just so much you don't have to do by hand now because of tilt rotators."</li> <li>"Building relationships and open communication - it just helps with all of it."</li> </ul> Links:<a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.earthmoversmagazine.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Movers Magazine</a>To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a><a href="https://www.dcexcavation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DC Excavation</a>

Ep. 136: The Power of Networking and Relationship-Building with Dane Cotten

Missy Scherber

Building Personal and Professional Success in Construction with Missy Scherber In today’s episode, Taylor sits down with former host of the podcast and the owner of Big Machine Hustle and Scherber Roll-Offs, Missy Scherber, to discuss a number of topics, particularly the challenges of balancing work and personal life as a business owner. Throughout their conversation, the two relate to the overwhelming feeling of having to do everything, from managing multiple tasks to handling personal and professional relationships. They also focus on the importance of finding a stress-reliever that can help reduce anxiety and provide clarity of thought, noting that it is crucial for business owners to find time for themselves and prioritize their mental health in order to be effective in their day-to-day responsibilities. After all, a healthy mind leads to a successful business and personal life.Missy goes on to recount some of the challenges faced by women, single mothers, and primary caretakers in construction, including the difficulty balancing their careers with the demands of caring for their children. She highlights the importance of considering alternative work schedules to ensure that the construction industry can tap into a more diverse workforce, and not just burn out its current employees. She also shares her experience with social media and its impact on her life and business. Despite initially feeling discouraged by online negativity, Missy eventually found her confidence again and discovered the positive impact her online presence was having on her company and others in the construction industry. Today’s episode offers that rare opportunity where the podcast’s current host gets to pick the brain of a previous host, and it results in an exchange of information and advice that you do not want to miss.The Finer Details of This Episode: Missy’s journey to becoming the co-owner of a construction company Turning around a struggling dumpster company Working with a significant other Challenges that a growing business presents Construction as a lifestyle that integrates into every part of  life Finding a balance between work and personal time The challenges faced by women and primary caretakers in the construction industry The importance of considering alternative work schedules The difficulties of being a business owner Finding a stress-reliever and prioritizing mental health Quotes:"I, like many other of my peers, went to the school of hard knocks, but here we are eight years later.""Construction is a lifestyle, and it integrates into every part of your life.""The important relationship is respect.""When we both deem each other necessary, we can build this bridge and work together.""I think I see construction, a marriage, and a family, as one.""I'm here to just share and empower and support."Links:Taylor White on LinkedInEarth Movers MagazineTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experienceKomatsu HomepageT.Scherber Construction HomepageT.Scherber on YouTubeT.Scherber’s InstagramMissy’s Instagram

Building Personal and Professional Success in Construction with Missy Scherber In today’s episode, Taylor sits down with former host of the podcast and the owner of Big Machine Hustle and Scherber Roll-Offs, Missy Scherber, to discuss a number of topics, particularly the challenges of balancing work and personal life as a business owner. Throughout their conversation, the two relate to the overwhelming feeling of having to do everything, from managing multiple tasks to handling personal and professional relationships. They also focus on the importance of finding a stress-reliever that can help reduce anxiety and provide clarity of thought, noting that it is crucial for business owners to find time for themselves and prioritize their mental health in order to be effective in their day-to-day responsibilities. After all, a healthy mind leads to a successful business and personal life.Missy goes on to recount some of the challenges faced by women, single mothers, and primary caretakers in construction, including the difficulty balancing their careers with the demands of caring for their children. She highlights the importance of considering alternative work schedules to ensure that the construction industry can tap into a more diverse workforce, and not just burn out its current employees. She also shares her experience with social media and its impact on her life and business. Despite initially feeling discouraged by online negativity, Missy eventually found her confidence again and discovered the positive impact her online presence was having on her company and others in the construction industry. Today’s episode offers that rare opportunity where the podcast’s current host gets to pick the brain of a previous host, and it results in an exchange of information and advice that you do not want to miss. The Finer Details of This Episode:<ul> <li>Missy’s journey to becoming the co-owner of a construction company</li> <li>Turning around a struggling dumpster company</li> <li>Working with a significant other</li> <li>Challenges that a growing business presents</li> <li>Construction as a lifestyle that integrates into every part of  life</li> <li>Finding a balance between work and personal time</li> <li>The challenges faced by women and primary caretakers in the construction industry</li> <li>The importance of considering alternative work schedules</li> <li>The difficulties of being a business owner</li> <li>Finding a stress-reliever and prioritizing mental health</li> </ul> Quotes:"I, like many other of my peers, went to the school of hard knocks, but here we are eight years later.""Construction is a lifestyle, and it integrates into every part of your life.""The important relationship is respect.""When we both deem each other necessary, we can build this bridge and work together.""I think I see construction, a marriage, and a family, as one.""I'm here to just share and empower and support." Links:<a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.earthmoversmagazine.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Movers Magazine</a> To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a> <a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a><a href="https://www.tscherber.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">T.Scherber Construction Homepage</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtq7Aw5Din3jnEsA5kz9t8g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">T.Scherber on YouTube</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bigmachinehustle/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">T.Scherber’s Instagram</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/missyscherber/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Missy’s Instagram</a>

Ep. 135: Inspiring Change in the Industry with Missy Scherber

Living the Owner-Operator Life with John SchiedeckJoining Taylor on this episode is the world’s best operator (in our opinion) and CEO of Schiedeck Construction, John Schiedeck. John’s been in the construction industry for almost seventeen years and has worked as an owner-operator for the last six. He opens the episode with an overview of his history in the job, from growing up around the industry to racking up the hours with his blade before finally striking out on his own (with help from his wife!). Then, he speaks about some of the challenges involved in being an owner-operator and what sets him apart from his competitors, including his perfectionist tendencies and willingness to take calculated risks. And John also discusses some of the other machinery he owns and the projects he’s currently working on, including some “pretty oddball stuff” for Elon Musk’s companies.Next, Taylor asks about John’s success in operator challenges, with a new bout coming up on the first day of CONEXPO. John admits that he didn’t initially want to sign up but was convinced by scores of messages from his social media followers, only to find that his years of experience had given him the skills to win, before sharing some stories of how he developed those skills. He and Taylor then discuss whether being born into the industry and having it in your blood makes you a better operator, as well as their pride in passing their skills down to their kids. John then gives his opinion on GPS and technology on the job site, including his experience with Trimble, how GPS is a valuable tool in the hands of a skilled operator, and the changes he’s seen in technology over his career. And finally, John closes the show by sharing what he’s looking forward to at the CONEXPO show coming up in March, including the chance to get a look at the new technology and machinery being showcased.The Finer Details of This Episode: The challenges of being an owner-operator Working large-scale, big-name jobs Operator challenges and having skill in your blood The benefits of GPS and technology on the job site What John’s looking forward to at CONEXPO Quotes:“I was in the seat, couldn’t even sit in it, just reaching the pedals standing against the seat. And I knew that’s what I wanted to do from day one. You know, when you’re a kid, everyone asked you, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ and my three answers were drive trains, fly planes, and drive tractors.”“I actually do a lot of work for some of Elon Musk’s companies that are here. I picked some of that up. They keep me pretty busy doing oddball stuff. We did a big turn lane for off one of the main highways out here for one of their facilities because they’re blocking all the traffic with their deliveries coming in.”“When you start getting down to the nitty-gritty, you’ve got to have that blade on the ground and know, hey, there’s still quite a bit of cut over here. And then know where your fields are at, and just driving around is the only way to figure that out.”“Everything at CONEXPO is just amazing. If you have any kind of interest in this industry, it's really awesome to check out.”Links:Taylor White on LinkedInEarth Movers MagazineTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experienceKomatsu HomepageSchiedeck Construction Inc.

Living the Owner-Operator Life with John Schiedeck Joining Taylor on this episode is the world’s best operator (in our opinion) and CEO of Schiedeck Construction, John Schiedeck. John’s been in the construction industry for almost seventeen years and has worked as an owner-operator for the last six. He opens the episode with an overview of his history in the job, from growing up around the industry to racking up the hours with his blade before finally striking out on his own (with help from his wife!). Then, he speaks about some of the challenges involved in being an owner-operator and what sets him apart from his competitors, including his perfectionist tendencies and willingness to take calculated risks. And John also discusses some of the other machinery he owns and the projects he’s currently working on, including some “pretty oddball stuff” for Elon Musk’s companies.Next, Taylor asks about John’s success in operator challenges, with a new bout coming up on the first day of CONEXPO. John admits that he didn’t initially want to sign up but was convinced by scores of messages from his social media followers, only to find that his years of experience had given him the skills to win, before sharing some stories of how he developed those skills. He and Taylor then discuss whether being born into the industry and having it in your blood makes you a better operator, as well as their pride in passing their skills down to their kids. John then gives his opinion on GPS and technology on the job site, including his experience with Trimble, how GPS is a valuable tool in the hands of a skilled operator, and the changes he’s seen in technology over his career. And finally, John closes the show by sharing what he’s looking forward to at the CONEXPO show coming up in March, including the chance to get a look at the new technology and machinery being showcased. The Finer Details of This Episode: <ul> <li>The challenges of being an owner-operator</li> <li>Working large-scale, big-name jobs</li> <li>Operator challenges and having skill in your blood</li> <li>The benefits of GPS and technology on the job site</li> <li>What John’s looking forward to at CONEXPO</li> </ul> Quotes: “I was in the seat, couldn’t even sit in it, just reaching the pedals standing against the seat. And I knew that’s what I wanted to do from day one. You know, when you’re a kid, everyone asked you, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ and my three answers were drive trains, fly planes, and drive tractors.”“I actually do a lot of work for some of Elon Musk’s companies that are here. I picked some of that up. They keep me pretty busy doing oddball stuff. We did a big turn lane for off one of the main highways out here for one of their facilities because they’re blocking all the traffic with their deliveries coming in.”“When you start getting down to the nitty-gritty, you’ve got to have that blade on the ground and know, hey, there’s still quite a bit of cut over here. And then know where your fields are at, and just driving around is the only way to figure that out.”“Everything at CONEXPO is just amazing. If you have any kind of interest in this industry, it's really awesome to check out.” Links: <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a> <a href="https://www.earthmoversmagazine.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Movers Magazine</a> To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a> <a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a> <a href="https://sciearthworks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Schiedeck Construction Inc.</a>

Ep. 134: Global Operator Challenge Finalist John Schiedeck Joins the Podcast!

Perspectives from construction business owners, heavy construction equipment experts and construction technology providers.

Ryan Goodfellow

Building a Rock-Solid Business and Reputation with Ryan GoodfellowIn this episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast, Ryan Goodfellow from Rock Structures joins Taylor to share his background in the heavy equipment industry, including his experience with the CONEXPO show, starting his own business, and the challenges and lessons he has learned along the way. Throughout the episode, Goodfellow emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, hard work, and learning from mistakes in order to succeed in the business world. Ryan goes on to discuss the evolution of his business, how he got into unique projects such as rock walls and Armstrong walls, as well as the importance of building a strong reputation and the role that reputation plays in attracting new business. [p’He also shares his approach to leadership and team management, including the importance of setting high standards for his employees and maintaining a positive company culture. Goodfellow also discusses the role that technology and efficiency play in his business, including the different types of equipment he uses and how they help him and his team work more efficiently. In drawing the episode to a close, Taylor’s very special guest highlights the importance of being upbeat and maintaining good relationships with employees, and he shares some strategies for handling conflicts and maintaining good communication on the job site.The Finer Details of This Episode: Ryan’s father and his transportation business Ryan’s history with CONEXPO The story of how he started and built his own business, Rock Structures Mistakes made and lessons learned  The importance of taking risks and learning from mistakes The evolution of Ryan’s business  to the work it does now Building a good reputation  Responding to market conditions The role that technology plays in his business Managing his team and maintaining a positive company culture The challenges of managing a team in the construction industry Strategies for maintaining a positive company culture The role that transparency and open communication play in his team management strategy The roles that Ryan and his wife assume within their business  Quotes:"I was the young, dumb, punk kid, and I was okay being that way because, you know, we're all young and dumb and punks at one point in life.""So I went out on my own. So that was back in 97. So I was 21, almost 22 when I started. So I was pretty young, and, man, I had the world by its tail, you know.""I think one of the biggest things that I've learned is that you're not going to learn anything if you're not making mistakes.""The good contractors will remain and stay busy because there's always going to be something for them to do.""Our niche is pretty much basement digs, backfills, and then all the rock work that goes along with the house.""We got pretty big and then the economy tanked and we slowed right down and we got rid of a lot of people and we went back to just being small again.""And it's one of those things where, like, if you're on the clock, you're doing something.""Something is better than nothing.""I'm getting to where I don't like to run a hoe anymore because I'm pulled in so many different directions that I don't have time if I get into a machine, it's one of those things that I don't have time, and so it's not good for my customer."Links:Taylor White on LinkedInTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experienceKomatsu HomepageRock Structures

Building a Rock-Solid Business and Reputation with Ryan Goodfellow In this episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast, Ryan Goodfellow from Rock Structures joins Taylor to share his background in the heavy equipment industry, including his experience with the CONEXPO show, starting his own business, and the challenges and lessons he has learned along the way. Throughout the episode, Goodfellow emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, hard work, and learning from mistakes in order to succeed in the business world. Ryan goes on to discuss the evolution of his business, how he got into unique projects such as rock walls and Armstrong walls, as well as the importance of building a strong reputation and the role that reputation plays in attracting new business. [p’He also shares his approach to leadership and team management, including the importance of setting high standards for his employees and maintaining a positive company culture. Goodfellow also discusses the role that technology and efficiency play in his business, including the different types of equipment he uses and how they help him and his team work more efficiently. In drawing the episode to a close, Taylor’s very special guest highlights the importance of being upbeat and maintaining good relationships with employees, and he shares some strategies for handling conflicts and maintaining good communication on the job site. The Finer Details of This Episode: <ul> <li>Ryan’s father and his transportation business</li> <li>Ryan’s history with CONEXPO</li> <li>The story of how he started and built his own business, Rock Structures</li> <li>Mistakes made and lessons learned </li> <li>The importance of taking risks and learning from mistakes</li> <li>The evolution of Ryan’s business  to the work it does now</li> <li>Building a good reputation </li> <li>Responding to market conditions</li> <li>The role that technology plays in his business</li> <li>Managing his team and maintaining a positive company culture</li> <li>The challenges of managing a team in the construction industry</li> <li>Strategies for maintaining a positive company culture</li> <li>The role that transparency and open communication play in his team management strategy</li> <li>The roles that Ryan and his wife assume within their business </li> </ul> Quotes: "I was the young, dumb, punk kid, and I was okay being that way because, you know, we're all young and dumb and punks at one point in life.""So I went out on my own. So that was back in 97. So I was 21, almost 22 when I started. So I was pretty young, and, man, I had the world by its tail, you know.""I think one of the biggest things that I've learned is that you're not going to learn anything if you're not making mistakes.""The good contractors will remain and stay busy because there's always going to be something for them to do.""Our niche is pretty much basement digs, backfills, and then all the rock work that goes along with the house.""We got pretty big and then the economy tanked and we slowed right down and we got rid of a lot of people and we went back to just being small again.""And it's one of those things where, like, if you're on the clock, you're doing something.""Something is better than nothing.""I'm getting to where I don't like to run a hoe anymore because I'm pulled in so many different directions that I don't have time if I get into a machine, it's one of those things that I don't have time, and so it's not good for my customer." Links: <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a>To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a><a href="https://www.rockstructures.com/index.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rock Structures</a>

Ep. 133: Building a Rock-Solid Business and Reputation with Ryan Goodfellow

Jimmy Starbuck

Setting Your Construction Business Apart from the Rest with Jimmy StarbuckTaylor’s guest today is Jimmy Starbuck, owner of Starbuck Excavation and a familiar face on social media. Jimmy dives right into his work with mass grading and trucking, talking through the services his company offers and the details of running his business. He then shares how he got where he is today, from learning to drive machines in the family company, to going into business for himself at nineteen, to carving out his place as a leader and organizer. He and Taylor also discuss why smart guys don’t always come out on top, the importance of being a hard worker, and why neither of them is an “office guy.”Next, Jimmy discusses the chaos that comes with his job, from waiting for 50,000 meters of mud to dry out, to pre-Christmas emergency calls, and the Boxing Day job he’s got lined up this year. Taylor then asks Jimmy about his experiences at CONEXPO, and Jimmy highlights its importance for keeping up to date with new products and building relationships with brands and colleagues. He then switches gears to discuss the current challenges in doing business and reminds us that people have gone through such crises before and survived and that by doing a good job, spending money wisely, and employing good people, your business can be fairly recession-proof. And finally, he and Taylor discuss the impact of fuel shortages, and Jimmy gives his opinion on why DEF isn’t fit for purpose.The Finer Details of This Episode: Mass grading and trucking Working harder, not smarter Why Jimmy’s not an office guy Relationship-building at CONEXPO Fuel shortages and why DEF isn’t fit for purpose Quotes:“It’s the same worldwide, there’s no availability of parts, there’s no availability of drivers, fuel’s expensive, AdBlue’s ridiculous, and then you just run through all of these issues. But it’s the same everywhere—you pay the boys well, you pay on time, you give consistent and constant work… slowly, but surely, they come.”“At the end of the day, if you’re not working hard, and you’re still lying in bed and watching cartoons on a Saturday morning, the person who might not be as intelligent or might not understand as much or might not have the training or the whatever you might say, they’re gonna overtake you and leave you for dead.”“Inflation, recession, price-changing, material shortages, you name it, people have dealt with it in one way or another for the entire time that businesses have been around. There was a banker with his head in his hands a thousand years ago, saying the Crusades are screwing up my accounting, you know?”“I do not want AdBlue. “Don’t isolate it when it’s purging. Make sure the tank’s full. Don’t use the old drum, only buy new drums. Make sure you clean the dirt out. And again, make sure the wind’s blowing from the west, and there’s a rainbow, and then a unicorn runs past, and then you can shill it.” It’s too much of a sensitive product to be used in the environment that we have. It’s not fit for purpose.”Links:Taylor White on LinkedInTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experienceKomatsu Homepage

Setting Your Construction Business Apart from the Rest with Jimmy Starbuck Taylor’s guest today is Jimmy Starbuck, owner of Starbuck Excavation and a familiar face on social media. Jimmy dives right into his work with mass grading and trucking, talking through the services his company offers and the details of running his business. He then shares how he got where he is today, from learning to drive machines in the family company, to going into business for himself at nineteen, to carving out his place as a leader and organizer. He and Taylor also discuss why smart guys don’t always come out on top, the importance of being a hard worker, and why neither of them is an “office guy.”Next, Jimmy discusses the chaos that comes with his job, from waiting for 50,000 meters of mud to dry out, to pre-Christmas emergency calls, and the Boxing Day job he’s got lined up this year. Taylor then asks Jimmy about his experiences at CONEXPO, and Jimmy highlights its importance for keeping up to date with new products and building relationships with brands and colleagues. He then switches gears to discuss the current challenges in doing business and reminds us that people have gone through such crises before and survived and that by doing a good job, spending money wisely, and employing good people, your business can be fairly recession-proof. And finally, he and Taylor discuss the impact of fuel shortages, and Jimmy gives his opinion on why DEF isn’t fit for purpose. The Finer Details of This Episode: <ul> <li>Mass grading and trucking</li> <li>Working harder, not smarter</li> <li>Why Jimmy’s not an office guy</li> <li>Relationship-building at CONEXPO</li> <li>Fuel shortages and why DEF isn’t fit for purpose</li> </ul> Quotes: “It’s the same worldwide, there’s no availability of parts, there’s no availability of drivers, fuel’s expensive, AdBlue’s ridiculous, and then you just run through all of these issues. But it’s the same everywhere—you pay the boys well, you pay on time, you give consistent and constant work… slowly, but surely, they come.”“At the end of the day, if you’re not working hard, and you’re still lying in bed and watching cartoons on a Saturday morning, the person who might not be as intelligent or might not understand as much or might not have the training or the whatever you might say, they’re gonna overtake you and leave you for dead.”“Inflation, recession, price-changing, material shortages, you name it, people have dealt with it in one way or another for the entire time that businesses have been around. There was a banker with his head in his hands a thousand years ago, saying the Crusades are screwing up my accounting, you know?”“I do not want AdBlue. “Don’t isolate it when it’s purging. Make sure the tank’s full. Don’t use the old drum, only buy new drums. Make sure you clean the dirt out. And again, make sure the wind’s blowing from the west, and there’s a rainbow, and then a unicorn runs past, and then you can shill it.” It’s too much of a sensitive product to be used in the environment that we have. It’s not fit for purpose.” Links: <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a>To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a>

Ep. 132: Setting Your Construction Business Apart from the Rest with Jimmy Starbuck

Advocating for Everybody in Construction with Alexandra SmithOn today’s episode of CONEXPO, Taylor is joined by Alexandra Smith, aka Al the Little Operator, who runs equipment, installs septic systems, and shares Taylor’s love of wastewater treatment. Alexandra kicks off the episode by discussing what her job involves as a newly self-employed worker, her ambitions to learn septic design, and her background growing up in the construction industry. She and Taylor also get into some of the specifics of septic systems and the importance of standing your ground and maintaining your integrity rather than taking shortcuts just to maximize profit.Next, Taylor asks Alexandra where she sees herself going in the industry, and she explains that she has a decision to make in the future about returning and taking over the family business. However, she says that her main priority is to stay in the field without getting sucked into the six-days-a-week, twelve-hours-a-day pressure that many industry workers fall prey to. She also wants to use her social media presence to encourage healthier lifestyles and a return to focusing on what’s important in life, inside and outside the job. Alexandra then discusses what it’s like for women in construction, how she tries to let girls know there’s space for normal girls in the industry, and how she avoids scrutiny as a woman by keeping her content focused on her work. She also shares some of the equipment she loves to work with (and some she doesn’t!) and how a shared love of equipment is a huge part of her relationship with her dad. And finally, Alexandra tells us what she’ll be speaking about at CONEXPO before closing the episode by emphasizing that while it’s important for her to advocate for women in the industry, she also wants to make life better for everybody in construction by encouraging new ways of conducting and organizing business, so people have more freedom.The Finer Details of This Episode: Alexandra’s background The specifics of septics Dealing with difficult homeowners Ensuring perfection and maintaining integrity Setting up for a better future Being a woman in construction and on social media Alexandra’s favorite equipment What Alexandra will be speaking about at CONEXPO Advocating for everybody in the industry Quotes:“I like the process. I like knowing that this is what I’ve got to do, in and out. I enjoy the labor and the machine work combination.”“What happened to doing work because it makes you happy and being okay with making plenty but not overkilling?”“I’m not the type of person where I’m a tomboy, but I’m not really girly, either. I’m kind of all these things, and I’m trying to balance them into one person and to make sure that I can put out a good example and an accurate representation of who I am. And just let girls know, they can just be a normal girl in the construction industry.”“I couldn’t imagine my life not running equipment and not working with my dad. It’s great, I’m really lucky.”“We definitely got to try some new ways of conducting business and expectations for workers and try to find ways that maybe we can organize business, so people have more freedom, and it still runs effectively, if that makes sense.”Links:Taylor White on LinkedInEarth Movers MagazineAl The Little Operator on InstagramAlexandra Smith on LinkedInTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experienceKomatsu Homepage

Advocating for Everybody in Construction with Alexandra SmithOn today’s episode of CONEXPO, Taylor is joined by Alexandra Smith, aka Al the Little Operator, who runs equipment, installs septic systems, and shares Taylor’s love of wastewater treatment. Alexandra kicks off the episode by discussing what her job involves as a newly self-employed worker, her ambitions to learn septic design, and her background growing up in the construction industry. She and Taylor also get into some of the specifics of septic systems and the importance of standing your ground and maintaining your integrity rather than taking shortcuts just to maximize profit.Next, Taylor asks Alexandra where she sees herself going in the industry, and she explains that she has a decision to make in the future about returning and taking over the family business. However, she says that her main priority is to stay in the field without getting sucked into the six-days-a-week, twelve-hours-a-day pressure that many industry workers fall prey to. She also wants to use her social media presence to encourage healthier lifestyles and a return to focusing on what’s important in life, inside and outside the job. Alexandra then discusses what it’s like for women in construction, how she tries to let girls know there’s space for normal girls in the industry, and how she avoids scrutiny as a woman by keeping her content focused on her work. She also shares some of the equipment she loves to work with (and some she doesn’t!) and how a shared love of equipment is a huge part of her relationship with her dad. And finally, Alexandra tells us what she’ll be speaking about at CONEXPO before closing the episode by emphasizing that while it’s important for her to advocate for women in the industry, she also wants to make life better for everybody in construction by encouraging new ways of conducting and organizing business, so people have more freedom. The Finer Details of This Episode:<ul> <li>Alexandra’s background</li> <li>The specifics of septics</li> <li>Dealing with difficult homeowners</li> <li>Ensuring perfection and maintaining integrity</li> <li>Setting up for a better future</li> <li>Being a woman in construction and on social media</li> <li>Alexandra’s favorite equipment</li> <li>What Alexandra will be speaking about at CONEXPO</li> <li>Advocating for everybody in the industry</li> </ul> Quotes:“I like the process. I like knowing that this is what I’ve got to do, in and out. I enjoy the labor and the machine work combination.”“What happened to doing work because it makes you happy and being okay with making plenty but not overkilling?”“I’m not the type of person where I’m a tomboy, but I’m not really girly, either. I’m kind of all these things, and I’m trying to balance them into one person and to make sure that I can put out a good example and an accurate representation of who I am. And just let girls know, they can just be a normal girl in the construction industry.”“I couldn’t imagine my life not running equipment and not working with my dad. It’s great, I’m really lucky.”“We definitely got to try some new ways of conducting business and expectations for workers and try to find ways that maybe we can organize business, so people have more freedom, and it still runs effectively, if that makes sense.” Links:<a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.earthmoversmagazine.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Movers Magazine</a><a href="http://www.instagram.com/thelittleoperator/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Al The Little Operator on Instagram</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-smith-21a9681b1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alexandra Smith on LinkedIn</a>To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a><a href="https://www.komatsu.com/en/industries/construction/?utm_source=AEMCONEXPO&amp;utm_medium=DigitalAd&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast_title_sponsorship" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Komatsu Homepage</a>

Ep. 131: Next Generation of the Construction Workforce is Here

Taylor welcomes Luke Eggebraaten and Luke Payne, both successful business owners within the construction industry. Luke E is the Founder &amp; Managing Partner of Phaser Marketing, which is a digital marketing agency for construction companies. Luke P, on the other hand, is the owner of the construction businesses: Black Iron Dirt &amp; Demolition &amp; Western Excavation LLC. They both share a passion for the “dirt world,” and they work and grow together with every mutual project.Tune into this episode to hear all about this perfectly complementary partnership. What started out as a close friendship grew to become a strong partnership. And as both Luke E and Luke P say, the goal has always been to grow together, bring people together, and play off each other’s weaknesses. With so many successful years in the field, they’re now committed to sharing their wealth of knowledge with the construction world. In this episode, they share a lot of golden tips for construction companies looking to expand their online presence and build a bulletproof business so if you’re one of them, make sure you join Luke E, Luke P, and Taylor for this enlightening conversation.Topics: The beginning of a beautiful partnership Niching down and becoming an industry expert Deciding when to purchase new equipment Improving cash flow Careers in construction The importance of a digital presence Building a sustainable and strong business Quotes:  “It's one of those business partnerships where we kind of just set the money aside, and we say, ‘Okay, let's get to work.’ Everything is like we're growing together.” “Your website is your gatekeeper. If someone wants to know more about you, they're going to Google you. And the more powerful you are on that site, I feel like it establishes more of the trust.” “People are hungry to learn, they're willing to pay for it, and we're seeing that firsthand.” “If you want to work, construction is a great industry to go into because you have to work to make it happen.” “It's a lot about the technology, and it's a lot about what's new because, again, with the construction industry, you have to adapt to survive.” “Bad times do come, and bad times do happen. So how can we try and set you up best to pivot or to make the most out of these situations?” Links: Taylor White on LinkedIn Black Iron Dirt and Demolition Western Excavation Phaser Marketing Dirt Bags Podcast Turf Wars Racing Luke Eggebraaten on LinkedIn Luke Payne on LinkedIn ﻿To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience

Taylor welcomes Luke Eggebraaten and Luke Payne, both successful business owners within the construction industry. Luke E is the Founder &amp; Managing Partner of Phaser Marketing, which is a digital marketing agency for construction companies. Luke P, on the other hand, is the owner of the construction businesses: Black Iron Dirt &amp; Demolition &amp; Western Excavation LLC. They both share a passion for the “dirt world,” and they work and grow together with every mutual project.Tune into this episode to hear all about this perfectly complementary partnership. What started out as a close friendship grew to become a strong partnership. And as both Luke E and Luke P say, the goal has always been to grow together, bring people together, and play off each other’s weaknesses. With so many successful years in the field, they’re now committed to sharing their wealth of knowledge with the construction world. In this episode, they share a lot of golden tips for construction companies looking to expand their online presence and build a bulletproof business so if you’re one of them, make sure you join Luke E, Luke P, and Taylor for this enlightening conversation. Topics:<ul> <li>The beginning of a beautiful partnership</li> <li>Niching down and becoming an industry expert</li> <li>Deciding when to purchase new equipment</li> <li>Improving cash flow</li> <li>Careers in construction</li> <li>The importance of a digital presence</li> <li>Building a sustainable and strong business</li> </ul> Quotes: <ul> <li>“It's one of those business partnerships where we kind of just set the money aside, and we say, ‘Okay, let's get to work.’ Everything is like we're growing together.”</li> <li>“Your website is your gatekeeper. If someone wants to know more about you, they're going to Google you. And the more powerful you are on that site, I feel like it establishes more of the trust.”</li> <li>“People are hungry to learn, they're willing to pay for it, and we're seeing that firsthand.”</li> <li>“If you want to work, construction is a great industry to go into because you have to work to make it happen.”</li> <li>“It's a lot about the technology, and it's a lot about what's new because, again, with the construction industry, you have to adapt to survive.”</li> <li>“Bad times do come, and bad times do happen. So how can we try and set you up best to pivot or to make the most out of these situations?”</li> </ul> Links:<ul> <li><a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://blackirondirt.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Iron Dirt and Demolition</a></li> <li><a href="https://westernexcavationnd.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Western Excavation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.phasermarketing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phaser Marketing</a></li> <li><a href="https://dirtbagspodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dirt Bags Podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://turfwarsracing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Turf Wars Racing</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-eggebraaten/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Luke Eggebraaten on LinkedIn</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-payne-86752119a/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Luke Payne on LinkedIn</a></li> </ul> ﻿To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a>

Ep. 130: Getting Ahead of the Trends in Construction with Luke Payne and Luke Eggebraaten

Taylor welcomes construction veteran and legend, Jeff Cavanagh, to the podcast to talk about the history of his family firm, Thomas Cavanagh Construction, the importance of building vibrant communities, and investing and trusting in the right people. The pair open the episode by discussing Cavanagh’s company history and familiarity with vertical integration. Since the late 20th century, the firm has done nothing but grow, and Jeff owes a lot of that success to his tough team that runs 1200 people deep. Since his father let him join the family business, Jeff has dutifully taken the time to hire and invest in the right people, and according to him, that’s made all the difference in the company’s success. Not only does Thomas Cavanagh Construction strive to develop vibrant communities around Ottawa at large, but they also aim to foster the same positive atmosphere within their organization. After all, taking care of Cavanagh employees is paramount to the company’s success. Given that Jeff and his family have been in the game for decades, Taylor and Jeff spend the remainder of the episode reminiscing on early land development lessons, market recessions, how they prepared for them, and the future of Jeff’s ever-expanding business. Filled with wisdom informed by extensive experience, Jeff truly has so much to offer listeners here today - you don’t want to miss this one! Topics: Cavanagh Construction’s history of vertical integration Building vibrant communities The importance of delegation Investing in the right products and people Taking care of Cavanagh employees Early land development mistakes Preparing for residential market recessions The future of Cavanagh Construction Quotes: “We do all things construction. We do home building. We're into land development– building houses. We backfill houses, dig basins. We have aggregates, pits, and quarries, asphalt, and all types of heavy equipment.” “Lots of times, you know, you see things going wrong. But lots of times you see things going right, so there's more right than wrong.” “So that's building vibrant communities; it's more than just the community itself. We're building a community inside of Cavanagh construction.” “I found that I was becoming too much of a micromanager for the size of our business. And we were able to empower the people that work for us, in particular the bosses in that sector.” “So we tried to buy what was best in class. Because we were using the product and basically wearing it out, fixing it and wearing it out, then selling it. So we didn't want to work on junk anymore.” “When we're building you a house, when you move into that house, there's good value in that product. When we develop a lot, we do it efficiently so that when we are able to sell that lot, it’s good value for the consumer. So, if you can provide good value for what they're buying, they'll come back and buy some more.” Links: Taylor White on LinkedIn  Cavanagh Construction Homepage  To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience  

Taylor welcomes construction veteran and legend, Jeff Cavanagh, to the podcast to talk about the history of his family firm, Thomas Cavanagh Construction, the importance of building vibrant communities, and investing and trusting in the right people. The pair open the episode by discussing Cavanagh’s company history and familiarity with vertical integration. Since the late 20th century, the firm has done nothing but grow, and Jeff owes a lot of that success to his tough team that runs 1200 people deep. Since his father let him join the family business, Jeff has dutifully taken the time to hire and invest in the right people, and according to him, that’s made all the difference in the company’s success. Not only does Thomas Cavanagh Construction strive to develop vibrant communities around Ottawa at large, but they also aim to foster the same positive atmosphere within their organization. After all, taking care of Cavanagh employees is paramount to the company’s success. Given that Jeff and his family have been in the game for decades, Taylor and Jeff spend the remainder of the episode reminiscing on early land development lessons, market recessions, how they prepared for them, and the future of Jeff’s ever-expanding business. Filled with wisdom informed by extensive experience, Jeff truly has so much to offer listeners here today - you don’t want to miss this one! Topics:<ul> <li>Cavanagh Construction’s history of vertical integration</li> <li>Building vibrant communities</li> <li>The importance of delegation</li> <li>Investing in the right products and people</li> <li>Taking care of Cavanagh employees</li> <li>Early land development mistakes</li> <li>Preparing for residential market recessions</li> <li>The future of Cavanagh Construction</li> </ul> Quotes:<ul> <li>“We do all things construction. We do home building. We're into land development– building houses. We backfill houses, dig basins. We have aggregates, pits, and quarries, asphalt, and all types of heavy equipment.”</li> <li>“Lots of times, you know, you see things going wrong. But lots of times you see things going right, so there's more right than wrong.”</li> <li>“So that's building vibrant communities; it's more than just the community itself. We're building a community inside of Cavanagh construction.”</li> <li>“I found that I was becoming too much of a micromanager for the size of our business. And we were able to empower the people that work for us, in particular the bosses in that sector.”</li> <li>“So we tried to buy what was best in class. Because we were using the product and basically wearing it out, fixing it and wearing it out, then selling it. So we didn't want to work on junk anymore.”</li> <li>“When we're building you a house, when you move into that house, there's good value in that product. When we develop a lot, we do it efficiently so that when we are able to sell that lot, it’s good value for the consumer. So, if you can provide good value for what they're buying, they'll come back and buy some more.”</li> </ul>Links:<ul> <li><a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a></li> <li> <a href="https://thomascavanagh.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cavanagh Construction Homepage</a> </li> <li>To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a> </li> </ul>

Ep. 129: Building a Construction Empire Grounded in Community with Jeff Cavanagh

Joining Taylor White on the podcast this week is Ryan Priestly, President of Priestly Demolition, who you may know from the show Salvage Kings on the History Channel. Ryan kicks off the episode by discussing the scope of Priestly Demolition’s work, from bringing down power plants to bridge demolitions to asbestos abatement - taking on projects both big and small along the way. He shares his background as a second-generation industry member, having taken over the business from his father fifteen years ago, and how he’s worked to hone his workers’ skills and create a harmonious team who work together effectively. He also discusses Salvage Kings, the impact the show had on his business, the challenges involved in making it, and why Priestly won’t be returning for its third season.Next, Taylor and Ryan delve into some of the big issues facing the industry right now, including the impact of inflation and the likelihood of an economic course correction. They also chat about stress relief and how to achieve a work/life balance and maintain your well-being in an industry that doesn’t always make it easy to sit back and appreciate your achievements. Taylor then asks Ryan to share some of his most memorable “Oh, man” projects, the ones that caused the biggest headaches, and Ryan describes some of the unique and challenging projects he’s been involved in over the years along with the lessons he learned from them. And finally, Ryan closes the show by sharing what’s up next for him and the business, including some ambitious plans for growth and bringing on the next generation of Priestly Demolition employees, including his son and nephews. Topics: Inheriting the family business The impact of Salvage Kings Inflation and its impact on the industry Ryan’s most memorable “Oh, man” project What’s next for Ryan and Priestly Demolition Quotes:“I guess the biggest issue for them, it’s just not their specialty, it’s just not their skill set. So at the same token, it’s not really something they want to put a whole lot of time and energy into. Whereas we thrive on it, we want to come up with a plan that’s going to work for everyone, and we want to come up with a plan that’s going to make it efficient and safe and get done on time.”“The question with inflation that really, as a business owner, is like, what’s the number? Is it 3%? Is it 8%? Is it 5%? Is it 22%? Is it 13%? And, you know, I just feel like there’s a real disconnect on what’s happening, percentage-wise.”“Not a lot makes sense right now, and I think there’s got to be some kind of correction coming just with real estate and priced-up fuel and inflation. But I don’t think it’s going to be huge. I don’t think the correction is going to be 50% or anything like that.”“As far as facing challenges on a daily basis, the contracting business is pretty out there for that, as far as I’m concerned. It’s just a very challenging job day in and day out. It’s the amount of hills you’ve got to climb on a given day.”“I learned that you need to have a goal. At least then, we’re all going in the same direction. You don’t want to lose complete touch with reality. It’s great to have a goal and stuff like that, but at the end of the day, if it’s not in the cards, it’s not in the cards.”“It's just nice to see that people are enjoying their time here and that people are making a career out of Priestly, which is super awesome.”Links:Taylor White on LinkedInPriestly Demolition IncTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience

Joining Taylor White on the podcast this week is Ryan Priestly, President of Priestly Demolition, who you may know from the show Salvage Kings on the History Channel. Ryan kicks off the episode by discussing the scope of Priestly Demolition’s work, from bringing down power plants to bridge demolitions to asbestos abatement - taking on projects both big and small along the way. He shares his background as a second-generation industry member, having taken over the business from his father fifteen years ago, and how he’s worked to hone his workers’ skills and create a harmonious team who work together effectively. He also discusses Salvage Kings, the impact the show had on his business, the challenges involved in making it, and why Priestly won’t be returning for its third season.Next, Taylor and Ryan delve into some of the big issues facing the industry right now, including the impact of inflation and the likelihood of an economic course correction. They also chat about stress relief and how to achieve a work/life balance and maintain your well-being in an industry that doesn’t always make it easy to sit back and appreciate your achievements. Taylor then asks Ryan to share some of his most memorable “Oh, man” projects, the ones that caused the biggest headaches, and Ryan describes some of the unique and challenging projects he’s been involved in over the years along with the lessons he learned from them. And finally, Ryan closes the show by sharing what’s up next for him and the business, including some ambitious plans for growth and bringing on the next generation of Priestly Demolition employees, including his son and nephews. Topics:<ul> <li>Inheriting the family business</li> <li>The impact of Salvage Kings</li> <li>Inflation and its impact on the industry</li> <li>Ryan’s most memorable “Oh, man” project</li> <li>What’s next for Ryan and Priestly Demolition</li> </ul> Quotes:“I guess the biggest issue for them, it’s just not their specialty, it’s just not their skill set. So at the same token, it’s not really something they want to put a whole lot of time and energy into. Whereas we thrive on it, we want to come up with a plan that’s going to work for everyone, and we want to come up with a plan that’s going to make it efficient and safe and get done on time.”“The question with inflation that really, as a business owner, is like, what’s the number? Is it 3%? Is it 8%? Is it 5%? Is it 22%? Is it 13%? And, you know, I just feel like there’s a real disconnect on what’s happening, percentage-wise.”“Not a lot makes sense right now, and I think there’s got to be some kind of correction coming just with real estate and priced-up fuel and inflation. But I don’t think it’s going to be huge. I don’t think the correction is going to be 50% or anything like that.”“As far as facing challenges on a daily basis, the contracting business is pretty out there for that, as far as I’m concerned. It’s just a very challenging job day in and day out. It’s the amount of hills you’ve got to climb on a given day.”“I learned that you need to have a goal. At least then, we’re all going in the same direction. You don’t want to lose complete touch with reality. It’s great to have a goal and stuff like that, but at the end of the day, if it’s not in the cards, it’s not in the cards.”“It's just nice to see that people are enjoying their time here and that people are making a career out of Priestly, which is super awesome.” Links:<a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://priestly.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Priestly Demolition Inc</a>To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a>

Ep. 128: Managing the Stress of Construction with Ryan Priestly

Nick Drew

On this very special second episode of the podcast, Taylor welcomes Nick Drew, the man behind the infamous 'Digger Man Blog’, to talk about his early start in construction, his late blooming blogging skills, the realities of the construction industry, and, of course, CONEXPO. Nick opens up the episode by fondly remembering his childhood and the days he used to spend with his father at his job working on construction sites. It wasn’t until he was much older and more seasoned in the construction industry, however, that Drew got his start in his true calling, construction journalism.  In 2008, Drew got his big break and hasn’t looked back since. As an illustrious construction blogger, he now gets approached to travel the world and report on the newest machinery, construction news, and conventions, like CONEXPO, which Taylor and Nick are both looking forward to. They go on to explain how special the convention is, noting that nowhere else can you find so many leaders and friends in the field that put you in contact with new machinery and communities. And in the wake of the COVID-19 construction boom with new developments popping up overnight and product demand rapidly increasing, that’s now more important than ever.   Episode overview: Drew’s early start in construction Tilt rotator technology Shifting the narrative around construction work Journalism in the construction industry Drew’s blogging career The future of diesel alternatives North American and European machinery The COVID-19 construction boom Quotes: “We need to show people that necessarily wouldn't want to be exposed or work in the construction, blue collar industry– show them what it's like, and show them how it can be. I think a part of that is also a lot of businesses and construction companies need to make it a place that these young people want to come and work for.””At the time, there wasn't anyone else doing it.”“Yeah, well, you know, the blog, by its nature, is a host of various topics. I don't try to focus on anything special in particular, you know, I like to keep it very interesting.”“There's a lot of interesting people there and machinery and technology. And it's a really good place for people to showcase that. But also, I feel like just putting a face to people as well.”“You'll meet industry leaders and friends. And you're also going to build new relationships in the community. And you'll find the equipment, services, and people within your construction field.” Links: Taylor White on LinkedInEarth Movers MagazineDigger Man Blog on TwitterDigger Man Blog on InstagramTo learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience

On this very special second episode of the podcast, Taylor welcomes Nick Drew, the man behind the infamous 'Digger Man Blog’, to talk about his early start in construction, his late blooming blogging skills, the realities of the construction industry, and, of course, CONEXPO. Nick opens up the episode by fondly remembering his childhood and the days he used to spend with his father at his job working on construction sites. It wasn’t until he was much older and more seasoned in the construction industry, however, that Drew got his start in his true calling, construction journalism.  In 2008, Drew got his big break and hasn’t looked back since. As an illustrious construction blogger, he now gets approached to travel the world and report on the newest machinery, construction news, and conventions, like CONEXPO, which Taylor and Nick are both looking forward to. They go on to explain how special the convention is, noting that nowhere else can you find so many leaders and friends in the field that put you in contact with new machinery and communities. And in the wake of the COVID-19 construction boom with new developments popping up overnight and product demand rapidly increasing, that’s now more important than ever.   Episode overview:<ul> <li>Drew’s early start in construction</li> <li>Tilt rotator technology</li> <li>Shifting the narrative around construction work</li> <li>Journalism in the construction industry</li> <li>Drew’s blogging career</li> <li>The future of diesel alternatives</li> <li>North American and European machinery</li> <li>The COVID-19 construction boom</li> </ul> Quotes: “We need to show people that necessarily wouldn't want to be exposed or work in the construction, blue collar industry– show them what it's like, and show them how it can be. I think a part of that is also a lot of businesses and construction companies need to make it a place that these young people want to come and work for.””At the time, there wasn't anyone else doing it.”“Yeah, well, you know, the blog, by its nature, is a host of various topics. I don't try to focus on anything special in particular, you know, I like to keep it very interesting.”“There's a lot of interesting people there and machinery and technology. And it's a really good place for people to showcase that. But also, I feel like just putting a face to people as well.”“You'll meet industry leaders and friends. And you're also going to build new relationships in the community. And you'll find the equipment, services, and people within your construction field.” Links: <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.earthmoversmagazine.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Movers Magazine</a><a href="https://twitter.com/DiggerManBlog?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Digger Man Blog on Twitter</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/digger_man_blog_/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Digger Man Blog on Instagram</a>To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a>

Ep. 127: Talking the State of Construction with Nick Drew

Scott Colclough

On this highly anticipated episode of the podcast, Taylor White takes on the hosting duties and is joined by his very special guest, Scott Colclough. The pair talk about Colclough’s life, his business, his experiences with CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and the upcoming 2023 show. Upon getting his start in construction as an operator in Alberta, Scott acquainted himself with all of the skills, tools, and techniques that he could. Now after years and years in the industry, Colclough has taken to social media under the username @pushysix to teach people about construction and inspire others. He’s always felt that he had a purpose larger than himself, and unlike most people, Scott practices what he preaches.  He loves helping others, noting that CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a perfect place to do so and agreeing with Taylor that it’s the best trade show worldwide. They love meeting colleagues from the other side of the globe, but it’s also nice to see friendly faces from the town over. And for Colclough, that’s what it’s all about: people. Authenticity and caring for others is absolutely paramount to him. And with the advent of social media that’s now easier than ever. Scott’s been online for quite a bit now, and he’s seen how online construction content has evolved. TikTok now encourages users to create bite-sized videos instead of the longer form ones that he’s used to. And while that makes jobs like Colclough’s a little harder, he’s still just as passionate about producing content and sharing it with others - something that, thankfully, he plans on continuing to do for a long time to come. Episode overview: Scott’s varied construction experience Making moves for the future of the industry CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 Coming up in Alberta’s heavy construction scene Authenticity and caring for others Changes in construction content   Quotes: “So, I've just always been trying to find a way to help teach people about construction and inspire people, like yourself”“I'm just trying to pass down knowledge.”“You know how to operate on a construction site and you also know how to do the multimedia side of it. That is such a niche that I think people don't understand.”“I think what's so cool about a CONEXPO is that you realize how much of a small world it is when you go down there and you see somebody from one town over.”“It's like all the cool stuff that you see on people's Instagram but in person.”“What happens is I have ideas. I work towards it. If it fails, I pick the next one. It's just this constant moving ahead trying to succeed at things and build.”“So, yes, we used to make sick edits with tons of production time going into it. Now they've changed everything to compete with TikTok so it's all now the short base stuff.”“It's really hard to teach people or connect with people with a short little clip.”“Yeah, that's what we are, rough and tough blue collar, right? So, going from that to electric with no noise. I don't know. It kind of kills the whole vibe for the thing.” Links:  Taylor White on LinkedIn Scott Colclough on LinkedIn Pushysix on Instagram Pushysix HomepagePushysix on YouTube To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience 

On this highly anticipated episode of the podcast, Taylor White takes on the hosting duties and is joined by his very special guest, Scott Colclough. The pair talk about Colclough’s life, his business, his experiences with CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and the upcoming 2023 show. Upon getting his start in construction as an operator in Alberta, Scott acquainted himself with all of the skills, tools, and techniques that he could. Now after years and years in the industry, Colclough has taken to social media under the username @pushysix to teach people about construction and inspire others. He’s always felt that he had a purpose larger than himself, and unlike most people, Scott practices what he preaches.  He loves helping others, noting that CONEXPO-CON/AGG is a perfect place to do so and agreeing with Taylor that it’s the best trade show worldwide. They love meeting colleagues from the other side of the globe, but it’s also nice to see friendly faces from the town over. And for Colclough, that’s what it’s all about: people. Authenticity and caring for others is absolutely paramount to him. And with the advent of social media that’s now easier than ever. Scott’s been online for quite a bit now, and he’s seen how online construction content has evolved. TikTok now encourages users to create bite-sized videos instead of the longer form ones that he’s used to. And while that makes jobs like Colclough’s a little harder, he’s still just as passionate about producing content and sharing it with others - something that, thankfully, he plans on continuing to do for a long time to come. Episode overview:<ul> <li>Scott’s varied construction experience</li> <li>Making moves for the future of the industry</li> <li>CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023</li> <li>Coming up in Alberta’s heavy construction scene</li> <li>Authenticity and caring for others</li> <li>Changes in construction content </li> </ul> Quotes: “So, I've just always been trying to find a way to help teach people about construction and inspire people, like yourself”“I'm just trying to pass down knowledge.”“You know how to operate on a construction site and you also know how to do the multimedia side of it. That is such a niche that I think people don't understand.”“I think what's so cool about a CONEXPO is that you realize how much of a small world it is when you go down there and you see somebody from one town over.”“It's like all the cool stuff that you see on people's Instagram but in person.”“What happens is I have ideas. I work towards it. If it fails, I pick the next one. It's just this constant moving ahead trying to succeed at things and build.”“So, yes, we used to make sick edits with tons of production time going into it. Now they've changed everything to compete with TikTok so it's all now the short base stuff.”“It's really hard to teach people or connect with people with a short little clip.”“Yeah, that's what we are, rough and tough blue collar, right? So, going from that to electric with no noise. I don't know. It kind of kills the whole vibe for the thing.” Links:  <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor White on LinkedIn</a> <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/scott-colclough-310486b6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scott Colclough on LinkedIn</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pushysix/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pushysix on Instagram</a> <a href="https://pushysix.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pushysix Homepage</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIRR-mtPHMJusyNGf3SyXFQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pushysix on YouTube</a> To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to:<a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience</a>

Ep. 126: Prepping for the Future of Construction with Scott Colclough of Pushysix

Kevin Gray

Kevin Gray took a leap of faith when he purchased a dying asphalt paving and sealcoating business in 2011. A small business loan, some rundown equipment, and entrepreneurial grit were all they had during the first few years. Now, thanks to the organizational processes and culture initiatives Kevin has implemented, Louisville, Kentucky-based ADC Paving is thriving.   Kevin and host Missy Scherber talk about getting your office and crew in order to jumpstart your economic engine. They also cover:  Making customer experience a priority Committing to training and investing in your staff Open and transparent communication 

Kevin Gray took a leap of faith when he purchased a dying asphalt paving and sealcoating business in 2011. A small business loan, some rundown equipment, and entrepreneurial grit were all they had during the first few years. Now, thanks to the organizational processes and culture initiatives Kevin has implemented, Louisville, Kentucky-based ADC Paving is thriving.   Kevin and host Missy Scherber talk about getting your office and crew in order to jumpstart your economic engine. They also cover: <ul> <li>Making customer experience a priority</li> <li>Committing to training and investing in your staff</li> <li>Open and transparent communication</li> </ul>

Ep. 125: Emulating the Culture Your People Deserve with Kevin Gray of ADC Paving 

Heath Hanna

Heath Hanna’s passion for dirt runs deep. He spent the first part of his career working as a Caterpillar dealer instructor before making the leap into starting his own construction business. With some serious work ethic and grit, his company, Contour Mining &amp; Construction, has transformed from startup to one of the largest heavy civil contractors in South Carolina in 9 years.   Heath and host Missy Scherber discuss the leadership and culture that has made that business growth possible.   They also cover:  Going the extra mile to do what your competitors won’t Being intentional about roles to be a better partner Building operational systems to scale your business Using your culture and flexibility as a recruitment and retention strategy 

Heath Hanna’s passion for dirt runs deep. He spent the first part of his career working as a Caterpillar dealer instructor before making the leap into starting his own construction business. With some serious work ethic and grit, his company, Contour Mining &amp; Construction, has transformed from startup to one of the largest heavy civil contractors in South Carolina in 9 years.  Heath and host Missy Scherber discuss the leadership and culture that has made that business growth possible.  They also cover: <ul> <li>Going the extra mile to do what your competitors won’t</li> <li>Being intentional about roles to be a better partner</li> <li>Building operational systems to scale your business</li> <li>Using your culture and flexibility as a recruitment and retention strategy</li> </ul>

Ep. 124: Doing the Extra Credit with Heath Hanna of Contour Mining & Construction

Let’s get chandler from Nevada on here 👍

CONEXPO – CON/AGG Podcast: Construction Business Insights For Contractors

06/27/17 National Safety Council

03/28/17 Heavy Construction Trends

07/18/17 Equipment Rental Market

06/13/17 Safety in Mining

07/05/16 Understanding Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

09/27/16 Rental Equipment, IoT on the Jobsite;

Growing up, Matt Stanley and his three brothers were "raised on blacktop", working alongside their parents from the time they could hold a shovel at their Danbury, Connecticut-based paving business, American Pavement Specialists. Since then, the small company has grown into a big name in the paving world, starting their own clothing brand and sponsoring NASCAR driver Spencer Boyd.   Matt runs everything from field operations to marketing, and he shares how building strong relationships with your family, crew and OEMs helps maximize your quality of work and success.   Matt joins host Missy Scherber to discuss: - Making working with your family cool again - Training employees from the ground up  - Instilling pride and values in your crew - Improving relationships with OEMs and dealers through top-notch marketing - Tips for honing your brand identity on social media

Growing up, Matt Stanley and his three brothers were "raised on blacktop", working alongside their parents from the time they could hold a shovel at their Danbury, Connecticut-based paving business, American Pavement Specialists. Since then, the small company has grown into a big name in the paving world, starting their own clothing brand and sponsoring NASCAR driver Spencer Boyd.  Matt runs everything from field operations to marketing, and he shares how building strong relationships with your family, crew and OEMs helps maximize your quality of work and success.  Matt joins host Missy Scherber to discuss: - Making working with your family cool again - Training employees from the ground up  - Instilling pride and values in your crew - Improving relationships with OEMs and dealers through top-notch marketing - Tips for honing your brand identity on social media

Ep. 114: Building Strong Relationships with Matt Stanley of American Pavement Specialists

Ron Oberlander

05/30/17 Ron Oberlander, continued

08/30/16 BIM – Building Information Model; 3D Modeling on the Job Site

03/07/17 The Tech Experience

03/14/17 Automation and Motion Control

03/07/17 Hilti

05/31/16 AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Construction

09/13/16  NASA and Deep Space Habitats

04/11/17 CAD and Digital Design

06/27/17 Wearables Market

Construction companies face a unique set of challenges when it comes to asset management. Ensuring people, materials and equipment are in the right place at the right time is critical to the success of a project. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) can help automatically identify and track tags that are attached to objects. With RFID, contractors can reduce the amount of time it takes to find tools or equipment and eliminate reorders of misplaced materials. David Beaton, director of construction services, Atlas RFID, joins CONEXPO-CON/AGG Radio to discuss how RFID can increase labor productivity on construction sites and how a company can best deploy this technology today.

Construction companies face a unique set of challenges when it comes to asset management. Ensuring people, materials and equipment are in the right place at the right time is critical to the success of a project. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) can help automatically identify and track tags that are attached to objects. With RFID, contractors can reduce the amount of time it takes to find tools or equipment and eliminate reorders of misplaced materials. David Beaton, director of construction services, Atlas RFID, joins CONEXPO-CON/AGG Radio to discuss how RFID can increase labor productivity on construction sites and how a company can best deploy this technology today.

Ep. 83 - RFID Technology: How Your Company Can Benefit from Asset Tracking

07/18/17 Automated Trucking

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!