Digging Deeper - For Construction Pros

In this episode of the Digging Deeper podcast, Brandon interviews Justin Zupanc, Compaction Product Manager for Volvo Construction Equipment, at World of Asphalt. They dive into Volvo's innovative compaction solutions, highlighting the new DD 15 electric compactor and the company's commitment to both electric and diesel technologies. The conversation explores key industry challenges like labor shortages and the potential of autonomous equipment, while showcasing Volvo's approach to improving operator efficiency through smart technologies like intelligent compaction. Justin shares insights on emerging trends, the importance of data-driven solutions, and how new technologies are transforming the road building and construction sectors. Whether you're interested in electric machinery, compaction techniques, or the future of construction equipment, this podcast offers a comprehensive look at Volvo's cutting-edge developments.

Matt Costello, product marketing manager at John Deere, discusses how modern equipment technologies can help to transition good operators into top-tier skilled labor.

Athan Tsokolas, Product Manager of Electrification for Vanguard, details the ins and outs of an electrification ecosystem and why it matters to your customers' bottom line.

AlignOps' Janan Guillaume shares steps and solutions for improving cash flow.

In Part 2 of Understanding EPDs Rob McNally, the executive vice president of Eco Material Technologies shares his point of view on what contractors need to know about EPDs in this episode of Digging Deeper.

This episode features insights from MAXAM Tire's David Burgos, regional sales manager (Great Lakes). Listen in as he outlines the key steps for keeping your tires in top operating condition in tough construction environments, ultimately leading to longer tire life and greater performance.

The role of the environmental product declaration, or EPD, allows end users to understand what is in the ingredients in their construction materials. Mikaela DeRousseau, data and methodology manager at Building Transparency shares her insight in this episode of Digging Deeper.

Sustainability requirements often come from the top. Driven by either the client or regulatory demands, but implemented by the subcontractors. If you're not doing the work yourself, you're likely relying on the subs and managing that process. This Digging Deeper podcast episode features an interview with Tommy Linstroth of Green Badger discussing how contractors can prioritize sustainability efforts while working with subcontractors.

Briggs & Stratton Vanguard's Dylan Rewoldt joins us to explore the equipment electrification, covering its advantages, evolving regulations and emerging battery options, along with how to assess whether it's a fit for your fleet.

Explore the history of construction tires and how they're changing, with insights from MAXAM Tire's Michael Vandel.

Jonathan Kozlowski and guest-host Michael Cheng speak with safety technology and product innovators Ryan Barnes, founder and CEO of STUDSON and the CEO of TwICEme, Christian Connolly on safety technology in construction and define the idea of smart PPE.

Based on terrain & equipment type and weight, contractors can choose the ideal tire for their project. In some cases, which will be discussed, the equipment may need to have tracks. Listen to learn more about this important topic, particularly as you deal with the summer heat and begin to plan for winter extremes.

Milwaukee Tool invites a select group of people from the trades to attend and try out their latest during an event called PIPELINE. Join editor Jonathan Kozlowski and senior product manager Alcica Rothenberg in discussing the research and development into how new products and solutions are developed – and check out a couple of items within the MX FUEL line.

The construction sector has a severe staffing issue. But Adam Stark, CEO of Jet.Build, says that tech-enabled construction talent is key to solving this generation's staffing crisis. Jonathan talks with Adam in this episode of the Digging Deeper podcast to find out what he means and his thoughts on addressing the skilled labor shortage.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, we talk with Kait Burds, foreman with Mortenson. She was the overall winner of Caterpillar's Celebrating Women in Construction competition that took place in March. During the conversation, Kait discusses her love of construction, some challenges she has faced in her work and her excitement with her win. Listen to learn more.

While we were at World of Concrete (WoC) 2024, we talked with Jonathan Randall, president, Mack Trucks North America. Randall shared his thoughts about 50 years of World of Concrete, the technology at the show and what the construction industry faces this year. Among challenges being faced are continued supply change issues that started with the pandemic. He stressed that we are still learning lessons from the pandemic. Listen to this podcast to learn more.

Last November, Caterpillar launched its 255 and 265 compact track loaders (CTLs). They were also on exhibit during 2024 World of Concrete, where we were thrilled to talk with Kevin Coleman, senior product specialist for Caterpillar, about them. In this podcast, we discuss the versatility, cab comfort and why Kevin calls them the “more machines:” because they have more power; more lift; more legroom; more comfort; and much more. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

In addition to tread and reliability, contractors should consider the weather conditions and extremes of the seasons when selecting tires. Learn about seasonal tire maintenance, the importance of tire pressure and ensuring that tires are healthy before use and as seasons change. 

Lube Advisors and Lube Coaches are the latest trend, but are they right for you? The short answer is: Yes. But understanding the why, and how to best take advantage of their expertise and get the most out of their visit will take a few minutes of preparation for what could be significant time and cost savings.

Mike Hernandez, the technical director for the American Society of Concrete Contractors, joins Digging Deeper in sharing his experience with BIM and VDC technologies, how the solutions have changed over the years, where they are going, and what contractors should know about when just starting.

It comes down to the lubricant. Market leaders turn to high-quality lubricants to protect their high-cost equipment. But there are many options out there, so finding out which ones are most likely to protect the life of your equipment is where you need to start. Listen on as Dennis Howard, Equipment Today's “Dennis in the Dirt” columnist and senior vice president of equipment for RDO Equipment, shares the details and importance of selecting the ideal lubricant and lubrication best practices.

John Deere has made it their goal to reduce wasted time on jobsites. Their solutions for grade management allow contractors to get the job done right the first time. On this episode of Digging Deeper, Sean Mairet, Group Product Manager for Grade Control, discusses why more than 30% of all construction work is rework and the tools to eliminate it.

Since each construction job is unique, Paul Jackson of Method talks to us about how construction contractor business owners benefit from having a personalized software platform for customer relationship management.

The green construction industry is rapidly changing. As Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) reporting becomes more common in construction, we wanted to know more. How is it different than LEED? What's the contractor's role? Tommy Linstroth, CEO and Founder of Green Badger explains.

One of the major inefficiencies with construction is collaboration and communication. Doing his part in providing an innovative solution for the trades is Steve Smith, director of partnerships at Bluebeam.

Featuring an interview with Gil Aleman and Roy Mullman from HKA Enterprises, this Digging Deeper episode discusses the benefits that could potentially come from a third-party employee of record to construction business and contractors.

Working in construction is an inherently hazardous activity, with a high risk of accidents on-site due to the heavy equipment surrounding workers. One of John Deere's core initiatives is to care for their customers and safety is a huge part of that. Mark Colvin - Senior Product Manager of Jobsite Safety at John Deere, sits down with Digging Deeper to discuss the latest technologies that are helping keep workers safe. To learn more visit: Obstacle Detection Solutions | John Deere US

This special episode of Digging Deeper profiles Luck Companies, one of the nation's largest family-owned crushed aggregate and environmental performance producers, to find out the key to a successful 100 years in business. 

The DEWALT concrete sensor uses AI from Converge to provide actionable data for construction professionals. We speak with Brad Roberts DEWALT president of Construction Technology, Stanley, Black & Decker and Raphael Scheps co-founder and CEO, Converge, for their insight into where we are at today with construction AI and where we're headed tomorrow.

Jonathan Kozlowski takes an opportunity to talk with Dominic Sims, the CEO of the International Code Council to take a dig a little into what goes on with building safety professionals in construction and pick his brain a bit about some advice in working with them for your next job.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, we are happy to have Jason Hurdis, Construction Industries – Quarry & Aggregates from Caterpillar, with us to discuss the Global Operator Challenge. The final round of the challenge was held during CONEXPO 2023. Listen to learn about the event, held every three years; get information about the next challenge; and find out who the 2023 winner was and hear from him.

One big reason contractors attend CONEXPO every three years is to see what's now and what's next. In the telehandler, crane and material handling space, there was no shortage of new equipment to see on display. Take for example the booth for Sennebogen, maker of the largest material handler in the world, which serves several segments of the off-highway construction industry. Constantino Lannes, President & CEO of Sennebogen, spoke to us in Las Vegas about the trends his customers demand—and how Sennebogen is meeting needs around:  Ease of use for new equipment  Lowering operating cost per piece of equipment  Reducing downtime (always a trend!)  Availability of customer training   Compatibility of attachments and kits  

This Digging Deeper episode features an interview with Annette Rubin, co-founder of Vero Building Systems, the manufacturer of a new innovation in the construction of “disaster-proof” building. Their system includes prefabricated panels that contain a polystyrene core with double galvanized steel wire mesh on both sides which are then encapsulated by a material like concrete, stucco, or plaster creating a monolithic structure.

This Digging Deeper podcast features the interview with Clay Odgen, National Business Development Manager at SRA 831(b). Clay explains the 831(b) tax code and how construction businesses can benefit from setting aside excess cash flow excess funds ensure the uncommon, unforeseen uninsurable types of risk within a business.

Fassino discusses the latest equipment, the Global Operator Challenge and future job market at CONEXPO 2023. 

This Digging Deeper podcast episode features our interview with Jimmy McDonnell, VP of Sales of MAXAM Tire North America. Join editor Jonathan Kozlowski during CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2023 to learn more about how tires are being made in today's manufacturing industry, the changes, trends in the specialty tire manufacturing industry, and more.

Equipment Today editor Erica Floyd sat down with Komatsu at CONEXPO 2023 to discuss sustainability.

According to our guest, flatwork represents about half of the concrete placed. One of the reinforcement options that has been on the rise these recent years has been the micro and macro fiber. Jonathan Kozlowski interviews Vance Pool, Manager with the National Business Development Group at Euclid Chemical.

Our third installment of the interview with Ron Stupi talks about the opportunities and the future of the building and infrastructure industry.

Part two of our conversation with Ron Stupi of Bureau Veritas covers how construction professionals had to adapt to overcome the challenges from the past year. He and editor Jonathan Kozlowski discuss evolving work scopes, data collection with drones and robotic technology, as well as how VR is pushing forward.

Ron Stupi, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Office at the North American Division of Building and Infrastructure at Bureau Veritas, joins Jonathan Kozlowski discussing the trends, predictions, and the challenges in the building and infrastructure construction industry. This is first of a three part series.

Briggs & Stratton Senior Marketing Manager for Electrification Christine Davison discusses the company's current blend of battery and engine power solutions as the shift towards construction equipment electrification continues. Contractors and OEMs alike can see new and ready-to-work electrification solutions at World of Concrete 2023, the Vanguard booth (Silver Lot — O31434) January 17-19 in Las Vegas.

On this episode of Digging Deeper, ForConstructionPros' Wayne Grayson is joined by Tim Nenne, the Senior Undercarriage Market Professional at Caterpillar. Wayne and Tim discuss the biggest mistake most contractors and operators make when it comes to undercarriage longevity as well as maintenance tips to ensure your undercarriage lasts as long as possible.

On this episode of Digging Deeper, ForConstructionPros' Wayne Grayson is joined by Jason Hurdis of Caterpillar and a special guest: Jaus Neigum, the winner of the very first Global Operator Challenge. Wayne, Jason, and Jaus discuss the origins of the Operator Challenge, how the competition works, and Jaus' tips for those looking to get into the industry.

On this episode of Digging Deeper, ForConstructionPros' Wayne Grayson is joined by product specialist Alan Pumklin to go in-depth on remote equipment operation. Alan and Wayne discuss the evolution of remote operation from line-of-site technology all the way through semi-autonomous and fully autonomous equipment technology. But the bulk of the conversation rests around Cat Command Stations: virtual operator environments that allow equipment operators to operate machines thousands of miles away and give them the ability to switch between machines in seconds. How will this technology continue to evolve and how will it impact the construciton industry? Listen to find out.

Sanibel Island is home to just over 6,000 local residents, but receives more than 1.5 million tourist visits annually. The community depends on tourism and business coming over from the mainland to sustain its local economy. On September 28th, the devastation of hurricane Ian brought the most intense and destructive winds that Lee County, Florida has ever seen. During the storm, the Sanibel Causeway partially collapsed. In the days after the storm passed through, the Florida Department of Transportation awarded a contract to a joint group of companies, all working together to restore access and make final repairs and reinforcements. That joint venture is made up of Superior Construction and The De Moya Group, as well as additional paving services conducted by Ajax Paving. We spoke with Central Florida Division Manager Ryan Hamrick about the difficulty faced with a job like this, and how everyone worked together to get it done as quickly as possible.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are now available to states for infrastructure projects, one of the most highly touted is the “Reconnecting Communities” pilot program that seeks to undo the effects of transportation initiatives that negatively impacted neighborhoods and communities across the country. This episode is part 1 of a new series focused on investigating the history these effected areas, the projects that disrupted them, and the efforts to restore them to their former heights. In this installment, Brandon Noel, editor of Asphalt Contractor Magazine speaks with long-time Detroit Free Press journalist John Gallagher, and Michigan Department of Transportation Project Manager, John Lurie about I-375 and the lost neighborhood of “Black Bottom”.

On this episode of Digging Deeper, David Young, backhoe specialist at Caterpillar, joins us to talk about the future of the backhoe. Has its dramatic drop in utilization across the construction industry placed it in danger of becoming a relic? Or will Cat's approach to keeping this machine fresh preserve the machine's future as a fixture on many jobsites. Listen to find out. 

Featuring Bryan Williams, Portfolio Manager at Trimble, this Digging Deeper episode covers the technologies that can help minimize construction project delays. While efficiencies have improved with smartphones on the jobsite, there's still a timely difference between the intended information versus what is actually happening in the field. How can we build smarter?