Frustrated by the lack of skilled tradespeople? Demi Knight Clark joins Taylor today to share strategies to attract the next generation to welding and manufacturing offering fresh and frank perspectives that will give you actionable recruiting strategies.

Discover how to bridge the gap between outdated perceptions and the exciting possibilities of a trades career! Demi Knight Clark, shares her insights into attracting diverse talent pools and creating a modern, appealing image for the industry. Learn how to tap into untapped demographics, challenge conventional recruiting methods, and build a pipeline that ensures a thriving future for the trades. Her experience growing up with a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ as a grandmother, mixed with her technology background give her a unique perspective on the industry.

Download the FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting & Retaining the Best Workers: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/recruit

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [0:1:44]:

"Let's stop talking about saying, ‘Oh, we need more trades.” Okay, how are you going to get it? Are you talking to 12 to 16 year olds that are pre-guidance counselors? Because if you're not, you need a strategy and then also to your career transitioners to get those butts in seats that you're looking for now."

⚠️ WAKE-UP CALL [0:13:33]:

Struggling to find diverse candidates?

"When the topic came up of like, ‘Hey, we want to see more women,’ it's like, ‘Well, where are you going? You're going to programs that have 29 out of 30 white males in that program. The one woman is getting fought over.’"

Discover the untapped talent pools you're overlooking and start building a truly diverse workforce.

✨ HIDDEN ADVANTAGE [0:15:26]:

Ready to modernize your recruiting strategy?

"Right now in the US, these manufacturers, go support women's sports...you have a female audience that has a penchant to doing DIY work, wanting to learn, use their hands, do outdoorsy work and skills because they're sporty."

See exactly why women's sports is a growing market you should target your marketing towards.

💡 LEADERSHIP LESSON [0:24:03]:

Want to be a better leader?

"You get in there and you be the ‘got it girl’ or the ‘got it guy’."

Follow these steps to see growth in your leadership and management.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Welding to the Moon: Introducing Demi Knight

01:59 - The Future of Welding: Recruiting the Next Generation

06:50 - She Built This City: Empowering Young Builders

08:32 - Recruiting Women vs. Recruiting Gen Z in Trades

12:21 - Where to Find Future Welders and Trade Workers

16:27 - Making Blue-Collar Careers More Attractive

21:06 - Creating Inclusive Work Environments in Construction

26:53 - Leadership Development: The Key to Workforce Growth

30:14 - How to Engage and Retain Young Workers

33:50 - Training for the Future: Fast-Track Welding Programs

35:09 - The Pride of Building: Why Blue-Collar Work Matters

🔗 CONNECT WITH DEMI:

Website: https://www.demiknightclark.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demiknightclark/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/demiknightclark

#Welding #SkilledTrades #GenZRecruiting

Struggling with employee turnover and work-life balance? Dan and Jenna Moon from Total Excavating and Grading join Taylor today to share their journey of taking over the business and building a thriving company! Together, they reveal practical leadership and restructuring secrets to create a family-first culture. 

Learn how to improve your team, skills, and find time for what really matters! Discover the key insights that transformed their company and how you can achieve business success without sacrificing everything else. Building a great business and a great life IS possible!

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

💰 EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION [00:9:59]:

"Our kids, they need to be very grateful for all of the employees that decide to show up for us because all of the things that we get...the trips, all of those pieces, it's because we have people that are willing to come work for us."

Seriously, guys, this is gold. Hear how Dan and Jenna teach their kids to be grateful for the team. It's not just about the bottom line; it's about building a company where everyone feels valued. You can't fake this stuff, and it pays off in employee loyalty big time.

💡 SUPERINTENDENT STRUCTURE [00:19:26]:

"Now we have superintendents that get assigned a job or a project...It's working out a lot better now that way. Before we had no one really specifically taking care of the project."

Struggling to keep projects on track? Dan and Jenna found that putting supers in charge was a game-changer. This isn't just about micromanaging; it's about giving someone ownership and making sure those balls don't get dropped between the field and the office. Check out this system - could be a lifesaver.

🔑 LEADERSHIP EVOLUTION [00:22:41]:

"I would get frustrated and basically scream and holler and call people names...I just finally realized that you don't get anywhere talking to people that way."

Alright, gotta be honest – who hasn't lost their cool on the job site? Dan gets real about his evolution from screamer to, well, a better leader! This is a must-listen if you're looking to create a positive work environment.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Dan and Jenna Moon

01:01 - What Total Excavating Does and Favorite Projects

03:04 - How They Took Over the Family Business

05:33 - Balancing Marriage, Family and Business Ownership

07:40 - Teaching Work Ethic, Gratitude and Leadership to Their Kids

12:34 - Raising Kids While Running a Growing Business

15:29 - Managing 60 Union Employees and Building Leadership Structure

19:05 - Role of Site Supers

21:47 - Dan’s Shift from Old-School Boss to Modern Leader

23:21 - Training Foremen to Lead — Why It Matters

26:08 - Using Extreme Ownership to Build Company Culture

27:48 - Adding Emotional Intelligence to Leadership Training

29:46 - Future Plans for Leadership and Employee Development

31:58 - In-House vs Outsourced Training

🔗 CONNECT WITH DAN and JENNA MOON:

Total Excavating Website: https://totalexcavating.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totalexcavatingandgrading/

Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-moon-9869b6123/

Jenna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-moon-5779b3123/

#ConstructionBusiness #FamilyBusiness #EmployeeRetention 

Struggling to scale your excavation business? Trey Bohannan, President of Design One Contracting the most-viewed construction podcast guest of 2024, returns to reveal the exact steps he took to go from small residential jobs to landing major commercial projects – and how you can do it too.

Trey shares his unfiltered, no-BS approach to growth, including the crucial "lucky phone call" that changed everything, how to navigate the pitfalls of commercial work, and why maintaining your core values is the ultimate key to success.

Download the FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting & Retaining the Best Workers: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/recruit

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

❌ REALITY CHECK [06:10]:

"They need to have a little bit of capital built up, whether that being your grandma has $10,000 in the bank and can help you out, you know, whatever it takes to get there...if you’ve got any quit in you, you might as well go to Dollar General and just Stockbridge, because that's where you’re going to be the rest of your life."

Trey lays down the hard truth about the financial cushion you must have to survive (and thrive) in the commercial excavation game – or face the consequences.

🚀 NEGOTIATION SECRETS [15:12]:

"A lot of our jobs seem like the last five years are negotiated... They'll say, ‘Hey, we’ve got a budget.’ I'll say, ‘Hey, I want to get every bit of that.’"

Learn Trey's powerful negotiation tactics for maximizing your profits on commercial projects and why GC relationships are your golden ticket to bigger deals.

🔑 TRUE SUCCESS [32:46]:

"If you start a business and you run it for 10 years, 15 years, it changes you from who you were 15 years before…And if you ever act like you're better than somebody you have totally lost."

Trey's insights regarding staying grounded, true success, and the most important thing to have to offer: being a good human being.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Trey Bohannan: From TikTok to the Most Listened-to Podcast of 2024

01:07 - Turning Loss into Leadership

02:52 - The Most Common Questions Aspiring Excavators Ask

04:26 - Breaking into Commercial Construction

06:10 - The Financial Realities of Commercial vs. Residential Work

07:57 - Learning from Mistakes

09:20 - How to Handle Construction Change Orders & Get Paid on Time

10:49 - Why Trey Runs a 100% Commercial Business & How He Manages It

13:00 - Running Multiple Projects Smoothly

14:52 - Estimating Right

17:57 - Smart Growth

19:50 - Building a Lean, Versatile Crew for Maximum Efficiency

22:18 - Mentorship & Giving Back: Supporting the Next Generation

24:36 - Handling Financial Struggles

26:08 - Business Stress is Real

29:22 - The Power of Patience

33:12 - Staying Humble

34:54 - Work Hard, Play Hard

38:28 - Relationship Building

39:25 - Looking Ahead to Con Expo 2025

🔗 CONNECT WITH TREY:

#ConstructionPodcast #CommercialConstruction #ExcavationBusiness

Frustrated with outdated manufacturing processes? Discover how engineering expert Andrew Schiller of Utah Tech University is revolutionizing how students and professionals think about design, automation, and the future of construction. Andrew reveals that engineering isn't just about calculations, you get to see real world applications of everything from start to finish.

Download the FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting & Retaining the Best Workers: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/recruit

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [16:02]:

"There's a really cool company right now called Toolpath Labs and they have an AI tool...you can load a 3D model in there and it will tell you ‘you can machine this’ or ‘you can't machine this’...So I was using it the other week and took what would probably be 45, 50 minutes of work and made it 5 minutes."

Watch how AI is transforming even the most complex manufacturing processes, saving time and boosting efficiency.

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

✨ INDUSTRY GAME-CHANGER [07:29]:

"There are some Tesla models that have a front and a rear frame component that's a die cast aluminum part, but it's huge...and they can make very large single piece castings. And I believe it's in the back of the Model S, they're using this die casting for the rear of the frame and they're replacing something like 320 individual parts with a single casting."

See how groundbreaking manufacturing innovations are not just for Tesla – they're impacting the entire heavy equipment industry, leading to greater efficiency and affordability.

⚠️ AI DISRUPTION ALERT [14:08]:

"The people who are currently most concerned about AI are generally the people who do a lot of writing... I have students submit stuff that's purely written by AI sometimes...But that is a huge question. How is AI changing both education on my end and then for a company like Caterpillar or an equipment manufacturer, or even for you for what you do?"

Learn how AI's rapidly evolving capabilities are forcing a rethink of traditional roles and skills, and why embracing (not fearing) the change is crucial.

⚡ REAL-WORLD APPLICATION [26:55]:

"My motive in doing that is part of what we've been talking about. Students have a somewhat limited understanding of ‘here's what it would look like to be an engineer’....So my hope in doing that and really goal was to expose students to these companies and this equipment and say, “Hey, this is the kind of place you could work for.”"

Andrew takes his students to CONEXPO-CON/AGG to expose them to real-world applications of everything that they are learning.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Engineering Meets Real-World Manufacturing

01:09 - From Idea to Production

02:48 - Trends in Engineering Students

06:11 - Tesla’s Game-Changing Manufacturing Innovations

08:51 - Inside Caterpillar

09:19 - Engineering Starters & Alternators for Large Equipment

12:06 - Robotic Assembly

13:50 - The Complexity Behind Engine Control Modules

14:06 - AI in Manufacturing

18:06 - Autonomous Machinery and 3D-Printed Foundations

20:14 - AI's Role in Construction

22:06 - How Students & Businesses Are Embracing AI

26:46 - Engineering Careers That Truly Make an Impact

26:56 - Taking Students to CONEXPO-CON/AGG

28:38 - The Hidden Engineering Behind Everyday Machinery

29:54 - Extreme Conditions

30:23 - The Importance of Showcasing Engineering in Construction

🔗 CONNECT WITH ANDREW:

Taylor goes solo again this week, this time to answer some of your questions, including those regarding the history of Ken White Construction, how he balances the intense demands of running it, and his commitment to family and personal well-being. Throughout the episode, Taylor explores the power of strategic time management, the importance of a supportive partner, and the long-term vision for a multi-generational family business.

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of your business, leaving little time for family or yourself? This episode reveals how to "pick your times" for work and family, demonstrating that intentional balance is key to both professional success and personal fulfillment. Join Taylor here today to discover how to build a thriving business, nurture strong family bonds, and create a lasting legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit. 

And don’t forget to keep those questions coming!

Download the FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting & Retaining the Best Workers: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/recruit

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [17:01]: "Pick your battles and marry the right person and know your times. I cannot stress that enough." 

Taylor emphasizes that achieving balance hinges on choosing your priorities wisely, having a supportive partner, and understanding the seasonality of your business.

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

✨ GROWTH OPPORTUNITY [16:29]: "I have an awesome, awesome wife. And that is honestly the glue that holds this papier-mâché of life together. I could not do what I do without her…But you’ve got to pick your times with your family." 

Discover how setting aside dedicated time for family, even amidst a busy work schedule, can strengthen relationships and provide much-needed rejuvenation.

⚠️ ANXIETY WAKE-UP CALL [18:43]: "Where my anxiety comes from is I have something. I mean, obviously I've never got, like, I've done some therapy, but I've never gone to, like, somebody being like, “This is what you have.” But the best way for me that I could say is I have cardiophobia, I guess they would call it." 

Learn how even successful entrepreneurs grapple with personal challenges and the importance of prioritizing mental health.

⚡ QUICK WIN FOR LEGACY BUILDING [24:11]: "My kids will not step over a ladder. They will not climb a ladder, they will not skip steps on the ladder, metaphorically speaking." Get a practical tip on instilling a strong work ethic in the next generation, ensuring they understand the value of hard work and earning their place.

Hear how Taylor's commitment to family and his vision for the future are shaping Ken White Construction's legacy, as he reveals the strategies that allow him to thrive both personally and professionally.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Feedback for Content Ideas

01:45 - History of Ken White Construction

04:30 - Taylor’s Backstory

09:06 - Taylor’s Role in the Business

12:14 - Balancing Your Business, Your Family, and Yourself

17:52 - Importance of Self-Care and Managing Stress

20:23 - Setting Up the Next Generation for Business Success

22:13 - Legacy Planning and Community Impact

29:23 - Closing Thoughts and Future Podcast Plans

🔗CONNECT WITH TAYLOR:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca

Instagram: @kwc2000

Discover how Ken White Construction turned seemingly devastating staff departures into their biggest year yet. This episode explores the power of adapting to change, promoting from within, and taking calculated risks to achieve remarkable growth.

Worried about losing key employees and the impact on your business? This episode shares how to navigate unexpected departures and rebuild a stronger team, demonstrating that setbacks can be opportunities for positive transformation and growth. Tune in today for a masterclass on how to embrace change, learn from challenges, and conquer obstacles to overcome and achieve even greater success.

Download the FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting & Retaining the Best Workers: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/recruit

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [09:38]: "Promoting within created some of the best culture, but also created some of the best opportunities."

✨ TURNING EMPLOYEE TURNOVER INTO GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES: [07:04] "We created another entrepreneur...we create entrepreneurs here." Discover how embracing employee departures as entrepreneurial opportunities can shift your perspective and fuel growth.

⚠️ BUSINESS STAFFING WAKE-UP CALL: [16:04] "Don't hire people for a position that you know nothing about." Learn the critical lesson of understanding every role in your business before delegating.

⚡ QUICK WIN FOR LOCAL MARKETING: [27:50] "For the homeowner stuff, the signage out on roads is huge." Learn the simple yet effective marketing strategy of using road signs to attract local clients.

Hear how promoting from within led to Ken White Construction's incredible year and biggest job yet as Taylor reveals the benefits of turning apparent setbacks into monumental triumphs.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Conquer and Overcome: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

03:23 - Splitting Responsibilities to Navigate Leadership Challenges

05:11 - Learning the Fundamentals of Business Operations

07:47 - Promoting Within to Build Culture and Efficiency

11:05 - Transforming Setbacks Into Wins for Business Growth

14:03 - The Importance of Understanding Roles Before Hiring

20:28 - Taking Calculated Risks for Business Expansion

26:00 - Strategies to Secure Work and Build a Strong Brand

29:18 - Client Relations: The Key to Positive Word-of-Mouth

32:57 - Executing Large-Scale Projects for Business Growth

34:53 - Reflecting on Growth and Lessons Learned in Business

🔗CONNECT WITH TAYLOR:

How This Family Business Has Thrived Over 4 Generations - With Julie Evans Sanders

This week, Taylor sits down with Julie Evans Sanders, Chief of Operations at H. W. Tucker Co., and fourth-generation construction business owner, to discuss the unique challenges and rewards of leading a family-owned company in the dynamic world of construction. Julie shares her invaluable insights on bridging generational divides, fostering employee loyalty, and thriving in a competitive market. 

Running a successful multi-generational business is a dream for many, but adapting to a changing workforce while upholding core values can be a delicate balancing act. Julie’s journey, as shared here today, offers valuable lessons in navigating these complexities and building an enduring legacy. This episode is essential listening for anyone in construction, but especially those involved in family businesses.

Download the FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting & Retaining the Best Workers: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/recruit

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [21:12]: "What motivates me every day is our employees...I need to make sure that I'm doing the best I can so that our employees have everything they can have for their families." Discover the profound impact of employee-centric leadership as Julie shares her inspiring driving force.

⚡ QUICK WIN [06:26]: “I think get out there and start working.” Challenge the conventional wisdom that a college degree is the only path to success. Explore alternative educational avenues and the transformative power of hands-on experience in the construction field. This is a game-changer!

⚠️ WAKE-UP CALL [11:53]: Struggling with employee engagement and a lack of drive? "If you give them a reason to show up early, they're going to, but if you don't, they're not going to." Julie reveals how strategic incentives can revitalize your team's performance. Don't miss this crucial insight!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Julie Evans Sanders and Her Journey in Construction

01:16 - Evolution of the Family Construction Business

02:42 - Balancing Education and Practical Experience in Construction

05:03 - The College Debate

06:26 - Importance of High School Trade Programs and Internships

08:27 - Bridging Generational Gaps in the Construction Workforce

11:22 - Incentivizing Punctuality and Work Ethic in Modern Teams

14:40 - Challenges of Being a Fourth-Generation Woman Leader in Construction

16:00 - Preserving Legacy While Adapting to Modern Practices

17:34 - Passion for Excavation and Transformative Earthmoving Projects

18:33 - Balancing Work Responsibilities with Family Life

20:22 - Building Employee Trust and Loyalty as a Leader

21:00 - Motivation Driven by Employee Well-Being

23:02 - Historical Foundations of H.W. Tucker Construction

25:20 - The Sweet Spot of Managing a Small, Impactful Business

26:15 - Shift from Concrete to Large-Scale Excavation Projects

28:05 - Strategic Equipment Investments

30:24 - Importance of Sustainable Practices in Construction Operations

37:02 - Innovations in Rock Crushing and Material Reuse

39:01 - Localized Projects and Longstanding Client Relationships

🔗 CONNECT WITH JULIE EVANS SANDERS:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliesanders13/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hwtuckercompany/

#Construction #FamilyBusiness #WomenInConstruction

Matt Bachtel of Bachtel Excavating joins Taylor today to discuss his journey from one man and a truck to a thriving multi-generational business. Matt shares his conservative approach to growth, emphasizing the importance of consistent, meticulous work, and open communication with his team. He reveals the surprising risks of staying small, the challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and the critical roles that both his wife and his right-hand man, Keith, have played in his success. Matt also offers invaluable insights into attracting and retaining young talent in the trades, fostering a positive company culture, and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of the construction industry.

Do you fear taking risks in your business? Are you concerned about attracting and retaining talent? Matt's conservative approach and focus on consistency created a company culture that attracts young talent. Today, he shares how open communication and a supportive environment have been key, and how, by prioritizing these values, you, too, can build a resilient business.

Download the FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting & Retaining the Best Workers: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/recruit

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS:

⚠️ FEAR OF FAILURE [07:44]: "It's rare that somebody can come in with very little experience and take on all that debt and have it work out." Hear Matt's perspective on leveraging debt responsibly and avoiding the pitfalls of overextending your business.

✨ DESIRE FOR GROWTH [22:20]: "Word of mouth, social media...we've gotten the reputation as being the place to send your son or daughter...a safe place to send that kid..." Discover how building a positive company culture can attract the next generation of skilled workers.

⚡ PRACTICAL TIP [29:47]: "We collect good data and job costs, but we don't do enough post job analysis...to really use all that good data and apply it to the next job." Learn how to implement post-project reviews to improve efficiency and profitability.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Managing a Family Business and Balancing Growth

02:03 - Mitigating Risk in Business Growth

03:17 - Overcoming Fear of Risk When Starting a Business

05:19 - Determining When to Rent vs. Buy Equipment

07:19 - Managing Debt and Equipment Maintenance Costs

09:59 - Balancing Conservatism and Calculated Risk-Taking

12:14 - Defining Effective Leadership Qualities

15:19 - Reflecting on the First Year in Business and Early Growth

17:24 - Making the Decision to Hire the First Employee

18:28 - Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis

20:47 - Maintaining Business Diversity (Commercial and Residential)

22:18 - Attracting and Retaining Young Talent in the Trades

23:45 - Building a Positive Company Culture

26:04 - Communicating Finances with Your Team

28:01 - Conducting Post-Project Analysis for Improvement

30:30 - Balancing Productivity with Team Debriefing and Training

31:30 - Long-Term Business Planning and Succession Strategies

35:11 - Balancing Work and Family Life as a Business Owner

37:46 - Supporting Employees' Well-being and Mental Health

40:31 - Embracing Change and Adapting to Industry Evolution

LINKS:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca

To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights

CONNECT WITH MATT BACHTEL:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bachtel-927a2547/

Bachtel Excavating: https://www.bachtelexcavating.com/

#excavating #leadership #culture 

This week, Taylor sits down for an informative and inspiring conversation with Nic Parish, VP of Contracting and Operations at Burns Dirt Construction, and a key player in FORGE Your Path, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging the next generation to explore careers in the trades. In this fascinating episode, Taylor and Nic dive into the importance of trades education, the challenges of running a family business, and how to create pathways for young people to develop meaningful careers in construction.

Nic shares his journey, from growing up in the family business to helping launch programs that teach essential skills like operating heavy equipment and leadership. He and Taylor go on to discuss the evolution of construction work, dealing with the pressure of running a company, and the need to instill leadership qualities in new generations to fill the growing skills gap. Alongside that, our special guest’s passion for mentoring the next wave of tradespeople through FORGE Your Path and the Burns Built Academy shines through as he recounts the impact these initiatives have had on his community and industry. Nic’s dedication to empowering young people, supporting mental health, and fostering a culture of continuous growth is on full display here today, serving as a powerful reminder that investing in people is the key to long-term success in any industry.

Episode Highlights:

Challenges of running a family business

Importance of leadership and mental well-being for success

FORGE Your Path: nonprofit introducing students to trades

Burns Built Academy: technical and leadership training for employees

Continued education to close the construction skills gap

Supportive, growth-focused company culture

Addressing mental health in leadership roles

Emphasizing leadership development alongside technical skills

Key Takeaways:

"You can only make a bulldozer work as well as the person running it. Good people make good machines effective.”

"FORGE Your Path was born out of us asking, 'What are we going to do about it?' Instead of just complaining about the labor shortage."

"It's not that the next generation is lazy; they just want to learn and progress faster."

"I realized that I wasn’t trapped by my business. I had the opportunity to impact the lives of 300 people and their families."

"We’re not just training students on how to operate machinery; we’re teaching them how to be leaders."

"Leadership is more important than skills because leadership is what drives the work forward."

"FORGE Your Path isn’t about making a profit—it’s about creating opportunities for the future."

"The construction industry isn’t just about holding a stop sign on the side of the road; it’s about building a future."

"We have to flip the traditional education model—learning doesn’t stop when you leave school. We’re building a school within our company."

"Mental health is something we need to talk about more, especially in our industry, where the pressure can be overwhelming."

As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca

To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights

Nic Parish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicparish/

Burns Dirt: https://www.burnsdirt.com/

James Simmons, Co-founder of Montana Excavation & Utilities, joins Taylor on the podcast today to share his journey from Pennsylvania to Montana and discuss the trials and triumphs of building a business in the excavation industry. From early entrepreneurial ventures as a teen mowing lawns to managing a growing excavation company, James’ story is one of resilience, determination, and smart risk-taking. Whether it’s overcoming financial challenges or navigating the competitive Bozeman construction market, his experiences provide valuable insights for listeners in the construction and business sectors.

Together, Taylor and James dive deeper into the realities of owning and running a business in construction, discussing the importance of taking calculated risks, maintaining older equipment to manage overhead, and the struggles of balancing mental health while growing a business. James emphasizes the critical role of partnerships, both in business and personal life, to share the burden and keep motivation high. He also reflects on the power of a clear vision, including the use of vision boards to stay focused on both personal and professional goals. Whether you’re interested in business growth, construction, or personal development, this episode is packed with actionable advice based upon real-world experience that will undoubtedly prove invaluable.

Key Themes:

James’s journey from a small lawn care business to co-founding Montana Excavation & Utilities

The challenges of managing a growing business in a competitive market

The importance of taking risks and managing overhead with older equipment

How partnerships in business can alleviate stress and share responsibilities

The mental and emotional toll of entrepreneurship and the value of resilience

The role of vision boards in setting and achieving personal and business goals

Lessons learned from starting over and the power of persistence

Top Quotes:

"Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s full of risks, sacrifices, and challenges."

"The more you work on your business, the more work you create for yourself. It’s a never-ending cycle."

"Having a business partner is crucial—you need someone to share the load and make sure the numbers add up."

"Never give up. Have a clear vision of what you want to do, and trust that the hard work will eventually pay off."

"I started with $30,000 and quickly found myself broke in Montana, but that experience was humbling and essential for growth."

"Older equipment means lower overhead, but it also means constant repairs—it’s a balance you have to manage."

"Mental health can take a beating in this industry; finding a way to de-stress, whether it’s through the gym or therapy, is critical."

"Scaling too fast can destroy a company—growing responsibly and with intention is the only way forward."

"At the end of the day, if you’re not passionate about what you do, no amount of work will be sustainable."

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca

To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights

Montana Excavation & Utilities: https://www.excavatemt.com/