Built In Boots

In this special post-2025 Leadership Summit episode, host Jordan Potter and co-host Mark Payne sit down with Mike Fallat and Griffin Haley to reflect on three successful leadership sessions, unveil the company’s new mission statement—“Masters of the Underground”—and examine the core principles needed to sustain it over the long haul. They stress the critical role of accountability as the “glue” between safety and quality, illustrating how these commandments bring that core value to life. Through lively stories and real project examples, the team shows how a culture of continuous improvement, humility, and collaboration can drive extraordinary results. By focusing on these eight guidelines every day—both personally and professionally—everyone can contribute to a unified goal of delivering underground work at the highest level.

THE 8 COMMANDMENTS FOR BECOMING (AND REMAINING) A MASTER OF THE UNDERGROUND:

1. Take Extreme Ownership
   • Adopt a “no excuses” mindset and own every outcome, good or bad. Nobody else will fix it for you. When you fully commit, you earn the right to claim success EP10 - Mike Fallat 2025….
2. Make Safety Natural
   • Safety isn’t a choice or a box to check—it’s the only way. Embed safe practices so deeply into your routine that doing things the right way is second nature.
3. Never Cut Corners
   • How you do anything is how you do everything. Cutting corners once can lead to poor habits, so refuse to settle for anything less than top-notch workmanship.
4. Be an Expert of Your Craft
   • Success happens when you put in the work day in and day out, not overnight. Hone your skills, continually learn, and always look for ways to practice—on and off the clock.
5. Walk the Walk
   • Live the standards you preach. If you expect discipline and high quality, show it in every action. Your crew and your customers will notice and respect you for it.
6. Face Conflict Head-On
   • Don’t let problems fester; confront them like a buffalo charging into the storm. Addressing issues swiftly prevents small bumps from becoming major roadblocks.
7. Earn Trust
   • Trust is gained through reliability, consistency, and integrity. Do what you say you will—every time—and own your mistakes. People will remember your honesty more than your errors.
8. Be Humble
   • Let your work speak for itself. Confidence is admirable, but arrogance undermines the team. Recognize that everyone can learn from each other, no matter how experienced.

This jam-packed conversation brims with fresh energy and unifying purpose as the podcast crew explains how these principles will guide the company’s next phase of growth. If you’re ready to lead by example, strengthen relationships with teammates and customers, and become a true master in your field, these eight commandments provide a powerful roadmap. As Mike Fallat puts it, “Best doesn’t happen overnight—it happens every day.” Embracing these principles will help you rise to the challenge and keep elevating your craft, one project at a time

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

Don’t miss this final chapter of the “Road Show Series” as we drop in on the Telecom Crew and meet Foreman Frank Gennuso and Drill Operator Joe Francz. They break down the art of directional drilling, share insider stories about fiber optics and utility work, and prove that hard work, adaptability, and a dash of humor can fuel a thriving career in underground construction. Get an up-close look at how they handle everything from neighborhood bores to rural terrain—plus some serious teamwork that keeps them coming back for more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• From Landscapes to Drilling Rigs
  Frank shares how he went from landscaping to telecom, highlighting the value of being open-minded and ready to learn new skills when opportunity knocks.
• Drilling 101
  Joe walks through the technical side of running a directional drill—from understanding your pitch and steering underground to adapting when you hit different soil types every few feet.
• Challenges on Every Job
  Expect the unexpected with each new project. The crew encounters changing ground conditions, existing utilities, and shifting locations, making no two days—or yards—exactly alike.
• Teamwork in Action
  Coordination is key: while the drill operator stays focused on bore path and pitch, the rest of the crew locates underground utilities, plots the route, and ensures the public and jobsite stay safe.
• Advice for Newcomers
  Hard work, a willingness to learn, and attention to detail go a long way. Both Frank and Joe stress that success in telecom—or any construction division—comes from asking questions, staying humble, and always showing up prepared.

Tune in to hear about life on the Telecom Crew’s front lines, how they navigate daily challenges, and why it’s a place for continuous growth and excitement. It’s the grand finale of our “Road Show Series” you won’t want to miss!

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

On-Site in Canandaigua, NY
Hosts Jordan Potter and Mark Payne visit a live DDS Utilities job site, where an eight-inch gas main is being installed via horizontal directional drilling to reinforce the region’s service capacity.

Meet Carter Lucianatelli
In just two years, Carter’s gone from entry-level to foreman—crediting mentorship, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic for his swift climb.

Spotlight on Project Manager Joe Peppe
Joe, a SUNY Canton graduate who joined DDS while still in college, oversees multiple crews in the Finger Lakes. His broad responsibilities include coordinating preconstruction, managing logistics, and ensuring projects stay on track.

Project Overview
The Feeder Project addresses growing gas demand in the Finger Lakes. Trenchless drilling methods not only minimize surface disruption but also boost system pressure for the entire community.

Mentorship in Action
Both Carter and Joe emphasize how hands-on guidance from seasoned veterans accelerates skill and leadership development—a pillar of DDS’s approach to building a future-ready workforce.

Why It Matters
With urban growth fueling new infrastructure demands, utilities work has never been more important. These real-world experiences show how mentorship, training, and teamwork power successful projects—and thriving careers.

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

Built To Last – The Journey of Andy Gana & Charlotte Reeves

Summary:

In this episode of Built In Boots, hosts Jordan Potter and Mark Payne sit down with Andy Gana, a seasoned gas foreman with over 37 years of experience, and Charlotte Reeves, a rising leader who transitioned from pharmaceuticals to gas construction. Recorded on-site in Ithaca, NY, the conversation dives into career evolution, leadership in construction, and the critical role of teamwork in high-stakes environments. Charlotte shares her unconventional path into the industry, while Andy reflects on the ever-changing landscape of gas construction and the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and technical excellence.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Experience Speaks Volumes – Andy Gana has been in gas construction for 37 years, witnessing significant changes in safety, compliance, and operations.

🔹 Unconventional Paths Lead to Success – Charlotte started in pharmaceuticals and dispatching before transitioning into gas construction, proving that work ethic and adaptability can overcome any background limitations.

🔹 Technical Excellence Matters – The precision of pipe fusion is critical. Even the smallest mistake, like a blade of grass, can lead to failures, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail.

🔹 The Role of Women in Construction – Charlotte’s journey demonstrates that women can thrive in construction with the right mindset and willingness to learn.

🔹 Leadership is More Than Just Skill – Andy’s leadership philosophy centers on patience, mentorship, and empowering his crew, ensuring that new hires grow into skilled professionals.

🔹 Adaptability in an Evolving Industry – Gas construction has evolved significantly, with stricter compliance, more technology, and greater safety measures, requiring workers to be lifelong learners.

🔹 A Great Crew Runs on Communication – From handling PR with municipalities to coordinating logistics, teamwork and clear communication are key to success on the job site.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation packed with real-world wisdom, career inspiration, and hard-earned lessons from the trenches of gas construction!

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

Episode #6: On the Jobsite with Dylan Bird and Matt Brown

Get an inside look into the next generation of leaders shaking up the utilities industry. Recorded on Dylan Bird’s active jobsite, this episode of the Built In Boots Podcast brings together two dynamic voices in gas distribution:

• Introducing Dylan Bird – A young but ambitious Gas Distribution Foreman for DDS Utilities, sharing insights on leading a team and keeping morale high in a fast-paced environment.
• Meet Matt Brown – A Gas Distribution Supervisor from the CNY office who’s committed to driving operational excellence while mentoring the next wave of skilled tradespeople.
• Behind the Scenes on the Jobsite – Hear real-time updates from the ground as Dylan and Matt highlight the challenges and rewards of on-site leadership.
• Leadership for the Future – Discover how these rising pros balance ambition with safety, training, and innovation—building a framework for long-term success in utilities.
• Advice for Up-and-Comers – Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional, glean valuable tips for staying motivated, adapting to industry shifts, and forging a career path in construction and utilities.

Best Moments

• Rising Through the Ranks: Dylan Bird recalls how he got his start in gas distribution, illustrating the uphill battles and small wins that paved his path to becoming a foreman.
• Young Leaders, Big Responsibilities: Matt Brown reveals what it’s like to oversee a team at a young age, balancing humility with the authority needed to keep complex projects on track.
• On-Site Realities: Recorded directly from Dylan’s jobsite, you’ll hear the hustle and bustle in the background as they discuss everything from scheduling and safety to keeping team morale high under pressure.
• Mentorship Insights: Both guests emphasize how crucial mentorship is for newcomers—sharing personal stories of guidance and the ripple effects those lessons have on their leadership styles.
• Forward-Thinking Leadership: Learn how innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge “the way things have always been done” can transform a traditional industry from the ground up.

What Listeners Will Learn

• Navigating a Skilled Trades Career: Practical tips for getting started, finding mentorship, and identifying growth opportunities in utilities.
• Balancing Safety and Ambition: Strategies to advance projects efficiently without compromising on crucial safety measures.
• Embracing Change: Insight into how a fresh perspective can drive improvements in an industry often rooted in tried-and-true methods.
• Leading with Impact: Real-world leadership advice for anyone aiming to influence, motivate, and mentor others—no matter their age or experience level.
• Teamwork in High-Stakes Environments: How transparent communication, respect, and staying adaptable foster a productive jobsite culture.

Tune in for an inspiring look at the next generation of construction leaders—proving that passion, resilience, and innovation are reshaping the future of utilities.

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

Ever wonder how ex–military farm kids end up modernizing America’s infrastructure?
Meet John & Tom from our Gas Distribution team—two guys who turned wrenches, wrangled Angus cattle, and now dig deep (literally!) to replace century-old lines.

Catch their inspiring stories, crackups over BBQ (Pulled Pork vs. Brisket Showdown!), and plenty of “dirt” on the latest Built In Boots Podcast (Episode 05). Give it a listen—you might just find your next career move in the unlikeliest of places.

• John Case
  • Military veteran who joined DDS in 2009.
  • Progressed from yard/float work to heavy equipment operator, then became a gas distribution foreman in 2019.
  • Credits mentorship and personal drive for his advancement.
• Tom Foster
  • Grew up on a family farm, served in the Marine Corps, and explored various trades (forestry, logging, meat cutting).
  • Recommended to DDS by a friend.
  • Emphasizes willingness to learn and work hard in order to succeed in gas distribution.

Day-to-Day Work in Gas Distribution

• Typical Routine
  • Arrive early to handle paperwork (permits, compliance, safety briefs).
  • Conduct daily job briefings with the crew, set goals, and adapt plans to on-the-ground conditions.
• Crew Dynamics
  • Emphasize the importance of strong team cohesion, respect, and good communication.
  • Everyone on the crew has specialized roles (equipment operation, fusing pipe, public relations with homeowners, etc.).
• Key Challenges
  • Managing relationships with property owners (often the biggest day-to-day hurdle).
  • Dealing with changing inspectors, regulations, and different expectations on each project.
  • Maintaining high safety and quality standards in a heavily regulated industry (i. e., “the compliance business”).

Training & Mentorship

• Extensive Qualifications
  • Gas distribution requires numerous certifications (up to ~77 tasks/tests for full qualification).
  • DDS provides robust training programs, hands-on experience, and strict testing.
• Learning Path
  • Many start as laborers (“Hickory Handled Excavator”) to understand the basics and safety.
  • Graduating to equipment operation happens after mastering ditch/shovel work and fusing fundamentals.
  • On-the-job mentorship: foremen like John emphasize teaching and bringing up newer crew members, helping them advance more quickly.

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

Episode 4 Summary (Built In Boots Podcast)

• Hosts and Guests
  • Jordan Potter (Host) and Mark Payne (Co-Host) introduce themselves from DDS Companies.
  • Special guests:
    • Dave Raber – Regional Manager for DDS Albany.
    • Chase Winegard – Supervisor/Project Manager at DDS Albany.
• Focus on DDS Utilities in Albany
  • We recorded in the Albany DDS shop following a morning “safety stand-down.”
  • Discussion centers around what’s happening with DDS Utilities, particularly the replacement of aging gas infrastructure.
• Roles and Responsibilities
  • Dave Raber: Overseeing operations in the Capital District region (Albany to Utica). As a humble leader, his job can vary from sweeping floors to driving a dump truck or managing crews.
  • Chase Weingard: Has been with DDS for about nine months, loves the environment, and manages multiple moving parts for projects statewide.
  • Jordan Potter & Mark Payne: Outline their own roles – Jordan as a regional manager in Central New York, Mark as Director of Training overseeing workforce development.
• Gas Infrastructure Work
  • Core mission: Replacing old, leak-prone gas lines (steel, cast iron) dating back to the 1950s and beyond.
  • Discusses how gas line replacement is mandated by regulatory agencies, making it a stable, long-term career field.
  • Highlights the specialized skill needed for gas work, including extensive safety and compliance requirements (Operator Qualifications, or OQs).
• Career Paths and Workforce Development
  • We talk about how many team DDS members pivot from other construction trades (heavy civil, general construction, or farm work) into gas distribution.
  • Work ethic, willingness to learn, and adaptability are emphasized as key attributes.
  • DDS actively partners with trade schools and BOCES to recruit new talent, offering a structured training program that aligns with rigorous compliance standards.
• Culture and Technology
  • Crews use tablets in the field to keep track of compliance documentation—an example of technology integrating into a historically hands-on industry.
  • Senior members share decades of expertise with newcomers, while younger workers often excel at handling the digital tools.
• Advice for Aspiring Professionals
  • Stay Loyal and Focused: Jumping from company to company for minor pay increases can hinder long-term career growth and “career equity.”
  • Stay Humble but Hungry: Hard work, perseverance, and honesty build success over time.
  • Consider Gas Construction: Stable workload due to mandated infrastructure upgrades; potential for solid earnings and career progression.
• How to Learn More
  • DDS offers multiple divisions (utilities, heavy civil, telecom, and more) with opportunities for career switches or new graduates.
  • For those interested in joining DDS, visit ddscompanies.com or look for the mobile training center and QR codes on DDS vehicles.

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

The third episode of the Built in Boots podcast features a conversation among host Jordan Potter, co-host Mark Payne, and guest Mike Fallat, the president of the DDS Companies, as they reflect on the company’s inaugural Leadership Summit and envision what comes next.

Episode Overview:
The discussion centers on a recent, first-of-its-kind Leadership Summit at DDS. This event brought together nearly one hundred field leaders—foremen, supervisors, and emerging crew leaders—for a multi-day, in-depth session focused on unity, core values, and the future direction of the company. Unlike traditional top-down training events, the summit was designed to foster open communication both ways: senior leadership shared the company’s history, mission, and vision, while frontline crews provided honest feedback and fresh ideas for improvement.

Key Themes and Takeaways:

1. Purpose and Origin of the Summit:
   The summit originated from a simple idea sketched on a napkin during a trip. Recognizing that DDS has grown and evolved rapidly over the past several years, leadership saw a need to bring everyone together to level-set on core values, business goals, and the “why” behind daily operations. It served as a collective reset, ensuring that every member of the field—those closest to the work—understands the company’s story and future direction.
2. Holistic Exposure to the Business:
   Attendees rotated through sessions hosted by different divisions—gas distribution, telecom, civil, engineering, and more. This exposure was eye-opening for many, revealing that each division is “best-in-class” in its own right. It helped break down silos, enabling crew members to put names to faces, gain respect for what other teams accomplish, and appreciate how all parts fit together to advance the company’s mission.
3. Building Culture Through Values and Ownership:
   A major goal was to instill meaning into DDS’s core values—safety, quality, and accountability—beyond the words on equipment and hard hats. Leadership emphasized that everyone, from the president to new hires, has ownership over their piece of the work. Small daily habits, like keeping a jobsite tidy, contribute to developing character and a unified standard. This ownership mindset extends not only to work tasks but also influences how employees carry themselves outside of work.
4. A Two-Way Dialogue for Continuous Improvement:
   The summit was not about leaders dictating changes; rather, it invited candid feedback from the field. Participants shared suggestions and identified challenges, such as fleet management and training needs. In response, the company took action—improving fleet processes and rolling out additional training resources through platforms like BuildWitt. This demonstrated that their input matters and that the summit would yield tangible results.
5. Developing the Next Generation of Leaders:
   With many seasoned veterans in the workforce, a key theme was how to transfer their knowledge before they retire. The summit sparked ideas such as formalizing mentorship and “foreman apprentice” roles, ensuring critical skills and values are passed on. The introduction of new training tools and platforms will support leadership development and skill-building, helping newcomers grow professionally and personally.
6. Looking Ahead:
   The success of the inaugural summit ensures it will become a recurring event. Future gatherings will allow the team to report back on progress, introduce new initiatives, and continue strengthening alignment. As DDS grows and the industry evolves, these summits will serve as a cornerstone of continual improvement—always striving to be better, more united, and more effective as a team.

Conclusion:
In this episode, Mike, Mark, and Jordan reflect on a transformative Foreman Leadership Summit that reconnected the com

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

Episode Summary:

• Featured Guest: Jeremy Wyatt, Director of Quality & Training at Miller Pipeline
• Main Focus: The power of structured training and leadership development in the utility construction industry
• Key Insights:
  • Foreman Leadership Programs help frontline leaders gain both technical and soft skills.
  • Core values guide every training session, ensuring consistency and alignment.
  • Early investment in people fosters better retention, job satisfaction, and team cohesion.
• Company Collaboration:
  • Under the Artera umbrella, organizations like DDS and Miller Pipeline share best practices.
  • Collaborative learning helps everyone “rise together,” improving overall safety and quality.
• Big Picture Impact:
  • Skilled, well-trained leaders create safer worksites, deliver higher quality work, and shape a more resilient industry infrastructure.

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here! 

We’re excited to launch the very first episode of the Built in Boots podcast, hosted by Jordan Potter and Mark Payne. This podcast shines a spotlight on the stories and journeys of DDS employees—from field workers to office staff.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The inception of the podcast during a DDS Leadership Summit.
• The purpose of Built in Boots: sharing diverse employee stories and promoting careers in utility construction.
• Behind the scenes into the company’s first ever Leadership Summit, focused on:
• Unifying the team with a shared mission, vision, and values.
• Building understanding across DDS divisions.
• Career reflections from Jordan and Mark, emphasizing:
  • The importance of internal communication.
  • How storytelling strengthens relationships and company culture.

The episode wraps up with a call for audience engagement and a look ahead at future content focused on leadership and career development in skilled trades.

 At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!