Get ready for an exciting new episode of the Building the Groundwork podcast featuring Jason Richmond, COO of BuildWitt! We discuss his incredible journey from fourth generation road builder to leading BuildWitt's mission of transforming the Dirt World. Hear all about the upcoming BuildWitt Dirt World Summit and how they're shaping the future of construction. 🚧

In this episode of the Building the Groundwork podcast, we sit down with Jeff Cox, founder and CEO of VeriTread, to dive into the world of heavy equipment and trucking. From starting out as a software engineer at Lockheed Martin to launching his own heavy haul trucking business, Jeff shares the ups, downs, and invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Discover how innovation, perseverance, and a keen eye for inefficiencies turned a family dinner conversation into a game changing business.

In this episode of Building the Groundwork, we sit down with Dan Maitland from Ajax, one of Florida’s top road builders, to talk shop. From managing a massive fleet to experimenting with cutting edge autonomous equipment, Dan shares insights on how Ajax stays ahead of the curve in an industry often rooted in tradition. Curious about the future of road construction? Tune in to hear about the latest trends and tech shaping the highways of tomorrow!

Stephanie Smith is a seasoned marketing pro who has made waves in the heavy equipment industry. Her journey is anything but typical. Starting in manufacturing, she has always been ahead of her time, pushing the boundaries of traditional marketing. She has helped companies build and elevate their marketing departments, introducing strategic, customer-focused approaches that go beyond brochures and signage. Now, as the founder of Grind Marketing Collective, she is bringing fresh perspectives to the equipment dealership space. Tune in to hear how Stephanie's innovative mindset is reshaping the industry.

Join us as we sit down with Tyler Robertson, founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops, on the latest episode of the Building the Groundwork podcast. Tyler shares his incredible journey from starting in his garage with just $1,000 to building a $100 million company that’s revolutionizing the heavy machinery service industry. Discover how Diesel Laptops is helping technicians get equipment back up and running faster than ever with their four-pillar approach. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship! #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #HeavyMachinery #Innovation

Join Alex and Kyler Allison from dakdemolition.com as they discuss how Kyler has grown his recycling and demolition business in Texas and how preparation has led them on a path of success in their business.

Join host Alex Kraft for a raw and unfiltered conversation with James, the co-host of the Dirty and Driven Podcast and a seasoned project manager/estimator at Evans & Associates. This episode dives deep into the gritty realities and unexpected rewards of heavy civil construction.

Discover how James went from a kid with a dream of owning a truck to overseeing multi-million dollar road projects. Hear his honest take on why the asphalt life stole his heart, the unspoken challenges of managing complex jobs, and the camaraderie that makes the long hours worth it.

James doesn't sugarcoat the truth about the industry's struggles, sharing his insights on labor shortages, the importance of mentorship, and the need for better communication and training in the trades. But he's also refreshingly optimistic about the future, emphasizing the value of hard work, personal growth, and finding fulfillment in a blue-collar career.

Whether you're a construction veteran, a young person exploring career options, or simply curious about the world of heavy equipment and asphalt, this episode offers a unique and unvarnished look at the people and projects that shape our infrastructure.

Tune in for a dose of reality, inspiration, and a whole lot of straight talk from a true blue-collar champion.

Join host Alex Kraft in a candid conversation with John Dowling, a seasoned industry veteran with decades of experience as a technician, service manager, and recruiter. John doesn't hold back as he shares his unfiltered opinions on the state of the industry, the labor shortage, and the disconnect between dealership leadership and the technicians who keep the machines running.

Discover the challenges faced by technicians, from the physical toll of the job to the lack of support from management. John offers insights into the evolution of training, the impact of technology on the profession, and the importance of mentorship in developing skilled labor.

Discover the evolving landscape of technician training, the impact of technology on diagnostics and repairs, and the importance of mentorship in developing the next generation of skilled workers. John offers candid opinions on the ongoing labor shortage, emphasizing the need for better communication, education, and incentives to attract and retain talent.

Gain a unique perspective on the customer service gap in the heavy equipment industry and how dealerships can improve their operations, attract and retain top talent, and ultimately drive profitability. John shares his vision for a virtual dealership model that embraces technology, empowers technicians, and prioritizes customer satisfaction.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a candid and insightful look into the world of heavy equipment technicians and the challenges facing the industry today. John's passion for his profession and his dedication to elevating the status of technicians shine through in this thought-provoking conversation.

Tune in to be challenged, informed, and inspired by John Dowling's unique perspective and unwavering commitment to improving the heavy equipment industry.

In this episode, host Alex Kraft sits down with Scott Peper, founder of Mobilization Funding, for a deep dive into the financial challenges and solutions faced by commercial construction subcontractors.

Scott shares his unique journey from a basketball background to becoming an industry expert in construction finance.Discover how he identified a critical gap in the market and created a company that provides essential financial support to help contractors grow and succeed.

The conversation explores the nuances of cash flow management, the importance of understanding project costs, and the role of financial education in empowering contractors to make informed decisions. Scott reveals the common mistakes he sees contractors make and offers valuable advice on how to overcome them.

Learn about the evolution of Mobilization Funding, from its early days focusing on loan programs to its current emphasis on education and value-driven customer relationships. Scott discusses the challenges of lending to construction companies, the importance of understanding their unique needs, and how his company has adapted to better serve their clients.

Throughout the episode, Scott shares his insights on the labor shortage in the industry, the importance of mentorship, and the need for a shift in the narrative surrounding skilled trades. He also discusses the future of Mobilization Funding and his vision for becoming the best in the world at financing commercial construction contractors.

This episode is a must-listen for contractors, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the financial side of construction. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on navigating the complexities of the construction industry.

Join host Alex Kraft as he sits down with Paul Cobo, Vice President of Operations for Turtle Infrastructure Partners, a renowned road construction company in Florida. Paul's journey is anything but ordinary, transitioning from flying Black Hawk helicopters in the military to leading operations in the "Dirt World".

Discover how Paul's military experience, including a deployment to Iraq, shaped his leadership style and operational expertise. Learn about Turtle Infrastructure Partner's fascinating history, from its origins as a bridge-building company in the Northeast to becoming a pioneer in asphalt milling and maintenance in Florida.

Paul shares insights into the daily challenges and rewards of road construction, the impact of technology on the industry, and the importance of safety and employee morale. He discusses the evolving role of milling machines, the use of GPS in road building, and the constant search for new and innovative solutions to improve efficiency and quality.

Gain a unique perspective on the labor shortage in the construction industry as Paul explains how Turtle is actively recruiting and training the next generation of skilled workers. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, professional development, and fostering a positive work environment to attract and retain top talent.

This episode offers a rare blend of military discipline, construction expertise, and a passion for innovation. Whether you're interested in the inner workings of road construction, curious about the military-to-civilian career transition, or simply looking for an inspiring story of leadership and adaptability, this episode has something for you.

Tune in to be captivated by Paul Cobo's extraordinary journey in the "Dirt World" and beyond!