Love dirt? Get a sneak-peek into the world of heavy construction and mining through the lens of Aaron Witt, president of BuildWitt. On a mission to "Make the Dirt World a Better Place," he travels to projects and mine sites around the world weekly to tell the stories of the awesome people who call t…
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The Dirt Talk by BuildWitt podcast is a valuable resource for anyone in the construction and heavy equipment industry. As a young tech fresh out of college, I stumbled upon this podcast and it has been instrumental in my career growth. The hosts, Aaron and Alex, along with their team, bring awareness to the pressing issues facing the industry and provide practical solutions. They cover a wide range of topics related to heavy equipment, construction, and infrastructure, creating a platform for professionals to learn, share experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the variety of guests they bring on. From operators to business owners, they feature experts from different sectors of the industry who share their insights and experiences. This diversity provides a well-rounded perspective on various aspects of the dirt world. Additionally, the hosts are knowledgeable and engaging, making each episode both informative and entertaining.
Furthermore, BuildWitt tackles important topics that are often overlooked or ignored in the construction industry. They address the "people problem" and actively work towards finding solutions that can truly make a difference. Their dedication to creating positive change is inspiring and serves as an example for others in the industry.
While there aren't many negative aspects to this podcast, one small criticism could be that some episodes might feel repetitive after a while. However, given how vast the topic of heavy equipment and construction is, it's understandable that certain themes will naturally overlap.
In conclusion, The Dirt Talk by BuildWitt podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in or interested in the construction and heavy equipment industry. It offers insightful discussions, practical advice, and engaging stories from experts across various sectors. Whether you're an operator looking to advance your career or a business owner seeking innovative solutions for your company's challenges, this podcast provides valuable knowledge and inspiration. I highly recommend giving it a listen!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
After a long career in equipment sales and dealer leadership, Alex Kraft thought there may be a better way to buy and sell machines. After realizing the bigger need was servicing equipment, he pivoted Heave to become a marketplace connecting independent technicians with contractors needing service. It's NEAT. Learn more about Heave at: https://www.heaveapp.com/ Follow Alex on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-kraft-531408146/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron opens up about the latest changes at BuildWitt, including the tough decision to let several team members go. He talks candidly about what led to this moment, the lessons learned from past financial challenges, and how the company is shifting from investor-backed growth to true profitability. It's a raw look at what it takes to stay focused, stay honest, and keep building for the next generation of the Dirt World. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
While Peter Banks has spent his entire career in the demolition industry, working anywhere from Boston to Detroit, he's now working on his biggest project yet—elevating the industry. Thanks to the National Demolition Association (NDA), the industry has common safety standards, training, and new legitimate certifications. Learn more by visiting the NDA website: https://www.demolitionassociation.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
This week, Aaron gets real about what's really going on behind the scenes at BuildWitt. From leadership challenges to financial pressure and constant travel, he opens up about the hard parts of running a business—while explaining why the struggle is actually a sign of growth. He also clears the air on his globe-trotting lifestyle and how it fuels the mission to better serve the Dirt World. It's an honest look at what “killing it” really means. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Brek is the CEO of Hammr, a construction payroll, HR, and ops platform built specifically for contractors. After spending his childhood growing up around a residential construction business, he moved to San Francisco on a whim to better serve contractors like his parents. After a few years of listening to the industry, he's honed in on payroll as a huge pain point. Follow Brek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brekgoin/ Learn more about Hammr: https://www.hammr.com/ The Bred to Build Podcast: https://www.hammr.com/bred-to-build-construction-podcast Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps more of his trip to Australia and gives the skinny on the Dirt World Summit 2026. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Marcus started a pool company in the early 2000s, where he learned the ropes of business, leadership, marketing, and communication. He's used this foundation to have stakes in seven businesses, speak internationally, and become a bestselling author. We've leveraged his teachings for years; they're the best we've experienced! Learn more about his communication training: https://questionfirstgroup.com/ Follow Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com!Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Vadim is the Founder of Koval Digital, an agency specializing in the wood products industry. As an engineer in sawmills worldwide, he saw the need for storytelling to drive the future of this vital industry. Follow Vadim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kovalevvadim Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps his recent trip down under. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Tyler Serbus is President and Owner of Demo Plus, a Nashville-based demolition and site work company. Since acquiring the company in 2023, he's aggressively implemented new tools, processes, and ways to support his team to build better than ever. Learn more about Demo Plus at: https://demoplusgroup.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Alan Guy is President and Co-Founder of Anvil Builders, a leading civil construction firm based in California's Bay Area. While they've performed many complex projects, from international airport work to water treatment plants, their highest profile work is fire cleanup. We all know California's had an enormous wildfire issue over the past decade, and Anvil's been the second responder to nearly all of them. Learn more about Anvil at https://anvilbuilders.com/ Follow Alan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-guy/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Randy spent most of his professional life growing Blount Contracting, which he sold to WW Clyde in 2020. Shortly after the sale, he began helping BuildWitt part-time, and one, two, six, he's now the CEO of our company. Follow Randy on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-blount-04a895a/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Dan Garcia is the CEO of CW Matthews, a large public works transportation contractor performing work across the Southeast. They are embarking on their biggest job ever, at over one billion dollars, and have industry-leading leadership programs, high school recruiting, and culture. Learn more about CW Matthews at https://cwmatthews.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Nate started Landmark Excavating in his early 20s with nothing more than will and a creative spirit. Nowadays, they have hundreds of team members spread across Utah and the surrounding area, doing anything from large-scale site work to concrete. Learn more about Landmark at https://www.landmarkexc.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps more of his Indonesia trip and the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Grif Reome is the Director of Technical Workforce Development of Komatsu North America. After starting on the tools at his family's construction company, he's risen through the technician ranks to lead efforts to recruit and train the next generation of technicians. Learn more at https://www.komatsu.com/en-us Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week and his trip to Indonesia. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Wally Adamchick is a well-known speaker and leadership trainer at his Firestarter Consulting company, where he's worked with many of the civil construction industry's top brands. To learn more about Wally's work, check out his website here: https://www.firestarterspeaking.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Hunter Strickler is President of LPX Group, which includes well-established heavy construction brands like Louisville Paving Company. After 75 years of business, Hunter talks about his journey in taking over the reins and leading the business into the next generation. To learn more about LPX, visit their website here: https://loupaving.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Caitlyn Cook is the VP of Marketing at ESS Companies, a brilliant 100% employee-owned civil construction company with operations from Missouri to Arizona. As Caitlyn helped architect the company's well-known brand, she has plenty of smart things to say. Learn more about ESS Companies at https://emerysapp.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Eric Sellman is a seasoned civil construction industry leader with extensive experience in large-scale highway, renewable energy, and site development work. Today, he's the COO of Brent Scarbrough, a legendary site development contractor in the Southeast. To learn more, check out their website here: https://brent.us/ — Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! — Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Josh owns McCahill Enterprises, with ag development and heavy haul companies working throughout California's Central Valley. If you enjoy almonds, oranges, or grapes, you have people like Josh to thank. You can follow his adventures on Instagram @ mccahilldozing Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Dave Ramsey is a well-known American personal finance expert, author, radio show host, and businessman best known for his practical, faith-based approach to money management. His latest book, Build a Business You Love, covers the five stages of business. Find TONS of resources at the EntreLeadership website here: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/business/entreleadership Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Ryan Schmitt is CEO of Petticoat-Schmitt, a people-first site and utility based in Jacksonville, Florida. After a few jobs nearly took the company under in 2018. Ryan and his team set out on a journey to reimagine the way construction happens. Learn more by visiting their website and following Ryan on LinkedIn! https://www.petticoatschmitt.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-schmitt-14866587/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Sy founded Sy-Con Excavation and Utilities with his wife, Sara, in 2016. Nowadays, they perform all sorts of utility and site work for large projects around Northern Arkansas. Sy's also the host of the Blue Collar Business Podcast and shares his excavation journey weekly on YouTube. Check out both channels below! https://www.bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@Sy-Con Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Glenn is President of Baranko Bros, a civil and oil field services contractor based in Dickinson, North Dakota. After building North Dakota and the surrounding states for decades, Glenn and his leadership team thought there could be a better way to develop and retain their people. So they got to work, and the results speak for themselves. You can learn more about Baranko at their website below! https://barankocompanies.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-baranko-6a7433108/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Justin is CEO of K&D Landscaping, a high-end landscaping design and maintenance company based in Watsonville, California. Similar to modern civil contractors, Justin's leading the charge to shake up not only how his company does business but also how landscaping operates as a whole. You can learn more by visiting their company website and following Justin at the links below! https://kndlandscaping.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-white-%E2%98%85-35b7a210b/ https://www.instagram.com/justinwhiteceo/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
After a long career in the power and railroad industries, Jeremy Pyler started HG Railroad Services, a contractor serving from the Class One's to short lines across the southeast. One call solves it all! Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-plyler-410085118/ Learn more about HG Railroad Services here: https://hgrailroad.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Jamie Roush is CEO of Anderson UnderBridge, an OEM that manufactures bridge inspection equipment for America's over 600,000 bridges. He previously worked in the paving equipment world, where he was known for his unconventional but highly effective style. Learn more about Anderson UnderBridge at their website here: https://andersonunderbridge.com/ And follow Jamie on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-roush-15569a10/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Dave Lersch recently retired as the VP of Administrative Operations of Miller Brothers Construction after forty years of work across the organization and Ohio. After a few months from work, he's reflecting on the lessons learned and his time in the industry! Learn more about Miller Brothers Construction here: https://www.mbcholdings.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting www.dirtworld.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Jack, TJ, and Aaron sit down to recap their recent trip to visit contractors in Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, click here!
Inside Virginia's MONSTER Water Project – DT 337 Aaron gives an overview of SWIFT, an innovative water treatment and aquifer recharge project commissioned by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District. Garney, America's leading water and wastewater contractor, is leading the construction of the multi-billion dollar and multi-year project. To learn more, visit the project site here: https://www.hrsd.com/swift Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Ryan Lucas is a former lineman and host of the Powerline Podcast, produced under the umbrella of Quanta Services. Leaning on his experience in the field doing anything from new transmission line construction to emergency storm work, he now shines a light on well-deserved stories and topics throughout the power industry. Listen now at the link below! https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Stay Dirty!
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