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Aaron shares his thoughts on the two week Christmas break and it's impact on the BuildWitt team. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the final installment of updates for 2025, Aaron recaps a recent office cleanup and why this is so important. Aaron also gives some final project and platform updates as the BuildWitt team closed out the year strong. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hey contractors! Don't leave 2026 to chance! Join our free strategic planning web class on January 27 to get ahead: learn how to spot cash flow crunches before they hit, identify who to hire before you need them, and lock it all into a proven annual plan used by 1,900+ business owners. Click the link to register now: https://trybta.com/SPJan26To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP255Take our five minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL255What if we told you that the skilled labor shortage is your fault?Yes, there's demographic challenges. Yes, the economy plays a role.But our industry has REALLY missed the mark on attracting the next generation.Today's guest is the one and only Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt and host of the Dirt Talk podcast. He's on a mission to empower the next generation of tradespeople and bridge the gap between the old guard and the next wave of talent.In this episode you'll learn:Why the construction industry is partially at fault for the lack of new skilled laborersThe employer branding mistakes you're definitely making, and what to do insteadAnd what different generations owe each other to solve the workforce crisisIf you care about the future of your team, your business, and the trades as a whole — this one's for you. Check out Aaron's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronWittMore episodes on employer branding and recruiting the next generation of skilled laborers:How to Build a Hiring Funnel (EP 220): https://youtu.be/ITtfUjjD5JIHow to Attract Reliable Staff in a Labor Shortage (EP 208): https://youtu.be/bjdnIQJxAMkLeadership Beyond The Hammer (EP 215): https://youtu.be/DlJhlx65UIs 00:00-Intro01:15-Aaron Witt's Background and Founding of BuildWit04:20-The Importance of Brand in the Construction Industry08:16-Why Contractors Struggle to Attract Young Talent14:31-How Best-in-Class Contractors Hire Smarter20:11-The Role of Authentic Storytelling31:52-Employer Branding for the Next Generation of Contractors40:28-Private Equity, Capitalism, and the State of Infrastructure48:43-Responsibilities of Both Generations in Solving the Labor Crisis
Aaron gives a quick recap on his recent trip to Dubai, some new things coming to BuildWitt Improve, sales talk, and lastly, what the heck is up with benefits at BuildWitt. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron dives into what's been going on to plan for Q1 and shares some insight into the 2026 BuildWitt budget. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron reflects on giving thanks to those involved in the Dirt World, gives a snapshot on internal BuildWitt employee time off, and covers some other various BuildWitt happenings going on right now. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron gives his 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit talk, which focuses on the state of the construction industry, the enormous opportunity ahead, and how leaders can and must adopt a future-focused mindset. Learn more about BuildWitt at: https://buildwitt.com/ Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron shares some thoughts on YouTube and how it fits into the organization as a whole and updates on the money raised for charity at the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron gives an update on meeting a huge sales goal for the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit and a breakdown of the 100 new training videos added to the Improve platform. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned after the close of the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron talks about a recent tough pickle he had to tackle, his Vlog trip to visit Casella and their waste management operations, and the latest surrounding Dirt World. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron recaps his recent speaking engagement at the annual Bring Back the Trades event, some quick thoughts on AI tools, and what it means to have had 1,300+ attendees at the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aaron recaps his attendance at a recent Dale Carnegie conference and gives some thoughts on learning culture. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!
Aaron recaps the latest at BuildWitt. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!
Aaron gives a look ahead to 2026 and discusses churn. 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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Send us a textIn this episode, Danny welcomes Dan Briscoe, CMO at BuildWitt, for a candid and inspiring discussion on leadership, team dynamics, and marketing in the construction industry. Dan shares stories from the Marine Corps to managing agencies, discusses his marketing philosophy, and breaks down how mentorship from icons like Jocko Willink and Marcus Sheridan shaped his approach. His practical wisdom shines through the entire episode through inspiring stories of his experiences breaking down silos, fostering collaboration, encouraging contribution to marketing, and creating a culture of free-flowing ideas.Episode Highlights: Dan shares how one of his most influential mentors, Jocko Willink, and his concept of “Extreme Ownership” changed his leadership approach.Discover through the episode how BuildWitt uses transparency as a superpower to align teams and motivate employees.Learn the difference between coaching and mentoring, and how Dan approaches both.Dan makes the case that small, specialized teams can outperform bloated or siloed departments—if you drop the ego.Dan reflects on his shift from President back to CMO and why it reignited his marketing passion.Episode Links:
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!
Why are so few young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades? For Aaron Witt, the founder of BuildWitt, the problem is a lack of visibility. For too many young people coming out of high school, the trades just don't end up on their radar. And he knows that firsthand, because he was one of those kids. As a teenager, Aaron got a summer job working on a construction project in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona, and despite the sweltering heat, he fell in love with the industry. He's since obtained an engineering degree, and built a media empire where he demystifies the world of construction, and highlights the many opportunities that exist for young people in the skilled trades. Aaron takes us through his incredible story, while making the case for the value of marketing as a recruitment tool, and a way for industries to reclaim the narrative from their harshest critics.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
God had this conversation in mind. We set up to talk business, and landed on family lessons. Randy's transparency is inspiring. From tough conversations with our kids, navigating a health scare with your spouse, to fighting against a generational pattern. This conversation left me wanting to make some changes, and it is my hope you are just as inspired. In this episode, you'll discover… What is a key trait to winning at work, and at home? (1:18) What can you do better to talk to your kids? (7:30) Breaking generational patterns. (12:16) Why he decided to call the police regarding his 15-year-old son. (32:11) Randy's Bio: Randy Blount has worked in the construction industry since 2003. Randy began their career at Copperstate Concrete as a Concrete Labor. In the same year, they joined Blount Contracting Inc. A Division of WW Clyde, where they have held various roles, including Vice President, President, Vice President (with a role description that included management of pre-construction services, overseeing project management teams, and developing business plans and sales strategies), Estimator, and Equipment Operator. In 2021, they joined BuildWitt as Chief Financial Officer and Advisor. Randy Blount attended Arizona State University from 2010 to 2013, where they earned a degree in Agribusiness Finance with a field of study in Global Agribusiness. What's Next? NEW!! Join the new RISE community. Check out my newest book, 'Rise and Go', HERE!
Aaron talks about the lessons he learned along the way in 2024 and how these lessons will shape the future of his life and BuildWitt. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Stay Dirty! **UPDATE** Dirt Talk is STOKED to announce Ariat as our first official sponsor for the year! They make world-class footwear and workwear that we see on every job site we visit, and their folks are just as great as their products. Dirt Talk listeners can receive 10% off their first order with Ariat by clicking here or visiting Ariat.com/dirttalk.
Randy, who formerly owned Blount Contracting in Arizona, now heads BuildWitt's training software efforts (among many other things). With his unique background, he always has excellent perspectives to offer! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Stay Dirty! **UPDATE** Dirt Talk is STOKED to announce Ariat as our first official sponsor for the year! They make world-class footwear and workwear that we see on every job site we visit, and their folks are just as great as their products. Dirt Talk listeners can receive 10% off their first order with Ariat by clicking here or visiting Ariat.com/dirttalk.
Aaron and Jason are back to discuss 2024 and reflect on the lessons learned. They also discuss the success of the Ariat Dirt World Summit and our plans for 2025! Learn more about the Summit at dirtworld.com! Stay Dirty! **UPDATE** Dirt Talk is STOKED to announce Ariat as our first official sponsor for the year! They make world-class footwear and workwear that we see on every job site we visit, and their folks are just as great as their products. Dirt Talk listeners can receive 10% off their first order with Ariat by clicking here or visiting Ariat.com/dirttalk.
Inspiring People & Places: Architecture, Engineering, And Construction
Ever wonder what it takes to fix the people problem in the industries that quite literally build our world? In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Dan Briscoe, President of BuildWitt, a company on a mission to transform the "dirt world,” from heavy civil construction to infrastructure and more. Join us as we unpack the leadership, recruitment, and retention challenges facing the construction industry and explore how BuildWitt is innovating with creative solutions like microlearning platforms and leadership summits. Dan also shares invaluable insights from his journey through the Marine Corps, healthcare, and construction, offering actionable leadership lessons that resonate beyond the dirt world, and touches on the vital importance of caring for employees. If you want to find out how tackling these challenges can elevate your leadership, inspire your team, and secure a thriving future for the construction industry, be sure to tune in now! Key Points From This Episode:• BuildWitt's focus on improving recruitment, training, and engagement in the dirt world.• Unique challenges and hidden opportunities in the construction industry.• The importance of caring for employees while building sustainable business models.• Rethinking work-life balance to attract the next generation to the construction industry.• Addressing systemic issues like mental health, safety, and professional development. Quotes:“There's so much of this industry that people don't know, don't see, take for granted.” — Dan Briscoe “You've got to have a good business that's profitable so that you can lead and care for people. That's got to be first.” — Dan Briscoe “To attract the next generation [to the construction industry] and make it somewhere where people want to come work, they want to have a life and they want to work hard – We've got to think differently as leaders.” — Dan Briscoe “We've got to be better companies to our current employees so that they don't leave and that they're fulfilled – We've got to take care of them not only with a paycheck, but look at their health and mental health.” — Dan Briscoe Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:BuildWittDan Briscoe on LinkedInDan Briscoe on InstagramAaron WittDirt Talk PodcastBuildWitt TrainingBuildWitt ConnectAriat DirtWorldSummitEchelon Front Field Training Exercise (FTX)Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like FamilyLandmanBanana Ball: The Unbelievably True Story of the Savannah BananasReset: How to Change What's Not WorkingLeadership Blueprints PodcastMCFAMCFA CareersBJ Kraemer on LinkedIn
If you want your team to feel comfortable taking risks and being open, it's up to you to set an example of vulnerability. That big idea comes through loud and clear in this conversation with Aaron Witt, the CEO of BuildWitt. His company serves what Aaron calls the “Dirt World” — those businesses doing the infrastructure and construction work most of us take for granted. See how this up-and-coming leader sets the example of vulnerability, and learn a few tips to elevate your communication and storytelling skills along the way. You'll also learn: How to create memorable content that resonates with people The surprisingly “small” tip that will help you accomplish big goals Why every leader should level up their communication skills The danger that might be lurking in times of big growth ——— FEATURED RESOURCE The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day
In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Witt, the visionary founder of BuildWitt, to explore his journey from a white-collar family background to becoming a transformative force in the construction industry. Aaron shares the story behind his mission to "make the Dirt World a better place" and how his early experiences in construction shaped the vision for his company. We delve into the challenges he has faced while building BuildWitt, the importance of storytelling in attracting the next generation to the industry, and the innovative solutions his company offers to address the "people problem" in the Dirt World. Aaron also opens up about his personal experiences, including how he maintains mental health in a demanding industry, and balances his many roles as CEO, podcast host, and industry advocate. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights Aaron's passion for leadership, his commitment to improving the construction industry, and his vision for the future of the Dirt World. Aaron Witt's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronWitt SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@powerlinepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerlinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093231781499 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerline-podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanwlucas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanwlucas INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
Jason Richmond (COO of BuildWitt) is back to chat about BuildWitt's events, the most recent being a Dirt World workshop at Knife River's training center. Jason and Aaron also dig in on what's in store for the future.