Building the Groundwork: Presented by Heave

In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Melissa Petersmann, also known as the Diesel Queen, to talk about her journey in the male dominated diesel industry. From growing up around logging equipment to finding her passion at WyoTech and working at John Deere, Melissa shares the highs, challenges, and motivations that have shaped her career. 💪✨
Tune in to hear about her drive to succeed, breaking stereotypes, and how she turned her love for mechanics into a successful career!

On this episode of Building the Groundwork, we sit down with Austin Conti, CEO and co-founder of Tenna, to discuss his journey from growing up in a 5th generation family construction business to revolutionizing fleet management with Tenna’s software. From cranes to trench boxes, Tenna helps contractors streamline their operations through innovative IoT integrations. Tune in to hear how Austin’s entrepreneurial drive, mixed with his family’s legacy, shaped Tenna’s path to success!

We’re thrilled to welcome Luke Powers, the co-founder and CEO of Gearflow. Luke shares the story behind Gearflow’s evolution from a parts marketplace to a comprehensive parts procurement platform that's shaking up the heavy equipment industry.

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.