Preparing for a massive trade show like  CONEXPO-CON/AGG can feel like a monumental task. With millions of square feet and thousands of exhibitors, it's easy to get lost in the noise, but simply showing up without a plan is a surefire way to miss the game-changing connections and technologies that could redefine your business.

Today’s episode features a recent Customer Panel recorded at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Exhibitor Meeting in August, where a group of accomplished construction leaders - from seasoned veterans to first-time attendees - break down the exact strategies they use to turn their visit into a high-ROI investment. They also reveal how they plan their days, what tech they're looking for, and how they solve their biggest business challenges right at the show.

🚀 PRO SHOW BLUEPRINT [04:54]:

"The  CONEXPO app, I've used that more and more as the show has grown to try to like map out my route... map out my day."

John McDonald shares the exact process for leveraging the show's app to filter exhibitors, plan your route, and maximize your time on the floor, ensuring you never miss a critical connection.

🧠 THE BUYER'S SECRET [12:22]:

"I'm not buying anything there. It's more education, research, kind of learning about the different products... What's the right fit for us?"

Amanda Kurt’s crucial insight for exhibitors: many attendees aren't there to make an instant purchase. Learn why focusing on education and helping buyers find the "right fit" for their specific scale is the key to long-term sales.

💡 EXHIBITOR GOLD [22:53]:

"I think for exhibitors it would benefit them... to obtain like influencers, someone that's going to kind of bring the idea that you have to life... we're in the age of social media, right?" - 

Discover Ebony Jennings’ powerful strategy for creating buzz and driving traffic to your booth. 

⚠️ FUTURE SHOCK [48:52]:

"The autonomous equipment that we are developing... are where we put entry-level operators. We are now displacing not the bottom rung on the ladder, but a gap in the middle." 

Nic Parish offers a glimpse into the future of the construction workforce, highlighting the unintended consequences of automation.

00:00 -  CONEXPO 2026 Launch & PODCAST40 Discount

00:31 - Panel Introduction & Industry Backgrounds

04:16 - How to Plan the Show With the App & Pre-Booking

06:18 - Education-First Strategy & Networking Insights

08:27 - Industry Challenges

09:45 - Sustainability & Equipment Life-Cycle Tradeoffs

11:24 - Reviews, Serviceability & Right-Fit Tech

13:16 - Practical Sustainability

18:23 - Brand Engagement

27:57 - Technology Trends

31:56 - Booth Engagement & Follow-Up That Actually Works

40:00 - Barter, Hashtags & Storytelling

42:04 - Show Planning Balance

46:45 - Future Outlook

🔗 CONNECT WITH OUR PANEL:

• Ebony Jennings - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-jennings-b11042142/
• Amanda Kurt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kurt/
• John McDonald II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcdonald-ii-003624102/
• Nic Parish - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicparish/
• Eric Sauvage - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-sauvage-1302521a

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#CONEXPO #Construction #HeavyEquipment

Registration for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is now open! Join us while we take over Las Vegas March 3-7, 2026 for five days of heavy equipment, groundbreaking tech, and the BEST in the industry. Use code PODCAST40 at checkout to save 40% on show admission through September 12, 2025.

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a multi-seven-figure construction company from the ground up? Many who dream of launching their own business encounter a landscape filled with immense risk, financial pressure, and operational chaos. The path from skilled operator to successful owner is rarely a straight line.

But what if you could learn the unfiltered truth from someone who navigated that exact journey in just three years? In this episode, Dylan Mercier of D2 Contracting returns to pull back the curtain on his rapid rise, revealing the critical mindset shifts and strategic decisions that fueled his growth. He shares the hard-won lessons on managing high-risk projects, the art of saying "no" to the wrong jobs, and the humble realization that sustainable success is about more than just aggressive expansion. This is a masterclass in grit and strategy, packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to not just survive, but thrive in the competitive construction world.

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

⚠️ THE GROWTH TRAP AVOIDED [06:25]:

"I'm glad I didn't get some of those bigger jobs because I would have screwed up royally."

The biggest fear for any new owner is growing too fast and crashing. Hear Dylan explain why turning down seemingly great opportunities was crucial for his long-term survival and how to identify the risks that can sink your business before it's too late.

✨ FLEET SCALING UNLOCKED [13:13]:

"That's kind of when I make that decision to pull the plug... I call whoever we're getting the piece of equipment from and I'm like, 'Hey, send this out. We're going to have it till November. I want it on an RPO.'"

Scaling your fleet without crippling debt is the ultimate desire. Dylan reveals his exact strategy for using Rental Purchase Options (RPOs) and negotiating with dealers to acquire the machinery he needs.

⚡ AUTHENTICITY OVER ALGORITHMS [25:08]:

"You have to include personality... Something people can actually relate to. That same kind of stuff happens on their job sites, just nobody gets it on video."

Tired of your social media posts falling flat? Dylan shares the practical shift from generic drone shots to showcasing authentic company culture and personality - the key to attracting top talent and building a brand that stands out in a crowded market.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Registration and Event Preview

00:50 - D2 Contracting’s Growth and Lessons from Three Years in Business

03:48 - Balancing High-Risk Projects, Pricing Strategy, and Saying ‘No’

08:27 - Staying Focused by Blocking Out Industry Noise

10:22 - Equipment Strategy: Renting, Buying, and RPO Deals

16:49 - Motivation, Leadership, and Defining the Owner’s Role

22:16 - Hiring a CFO and Strengthening the Business Structure

24:01 - Trends and Opportunities in Construction Social Media

27:46 - Social Media’s Impact on Hiring vs. Client Acquisition

31:55 - Solidifying Client Relationships and Controlled Growth Plans

35:07 - Networking and Community at CONEXPO-CON/AGG

🔗 CONNECT WITH DYLAN MERCIER:

• D2 Contracting: https://digd2.com/
• Dylan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmercier69

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#ConstructionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

Registration for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is now open! Join us while we take over Las Vegas March 3-7, 2026 for five days of heavy equipment, groundbreaking tech, and the BEST in the industry. Use code PODCAST40 at checkout to save 40% on show admission through September 12, 2025.

What is a lineman's life really like during a storm? While the 7,200 volts are dangerous, the greatest threat is far more surprising. 21-year veteran power line technician Aaron LeBlanc (from the YouTube channel Bobsdecline) pulls back the curtain on this high-stakes trade, revealing why public perception of storm recovery is often wrong.

Ever wonder if the most lethal danger isn't the electricity, but something far more common? Aaron shares the chilling truth about the #1 threat linemen face - a hazard that has tragically caused fatalities. This episode is a crucial look into the unseen challenges, intense brotherhood, and life-saving knowledge of one of the world's most demanding professions.

STORM CHAOS VS. PUBLIC PERCEPTION [10:26]:

"The public sees us roll in... They're like, 'Oh good, the power company's here. We're gonna get our power back soon.' But we could have hundreds of similar calls... We're just there to make sure everybody's safe."

Get a rare look into the real priorities during a storm. Aaron explains why crews often secure a hazard and leave, a procedural necessity that the public often mistakes for inefficiency.

A LINEMAN'S #1 FEAR [16:03]:

"One of the things that scares me the most is actually traffic... There's been some very, very serious incidents. There's been a few losses of life within the last few years related to traffic."

This is a must-watch segment. Aaron exposes why the most unpredictable and lethal threat to a lineman isn't a high-voltage line, but distracted or impatient drivers near a worksite.

CAREER CROSSROADS: MONEY VS. LIFESTYLE [26:02]:

"If you're a guy that wants to start a family or you like consistency... municipality is the way to go... If you're young and you want to work on the road, contracting work, I highly recommend it. You'll learn a lot."

Considering a career as a lineman? Aaron breaks down the crucial decision between municipal and contractor work, helping you choose the path that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.

00:00 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Details & Discount

00:31 - Aaron LeBlanc's Introduction

01:31 - Becoming a Power Line Technician

04:17 - A Day in the ‘Trouble Truck’

09:52 - The Unseen Reality of Storm Work

12:36 - Understanding Step Potential

15:03 - The Unseen #1 Danger for Linemen

18:43 - The Brotherhood of the Lineman Trade

22:10 - How to Get into the Lineman Trade

25:34 - Municipal vs. Private Sector Lineman Work

28:36 - Underrated vs. Overrated: Lineman Edition

30:56 - The Utility Expo

35:29 - The ‘Bobdecline’ Name Origin Story

38:11 - Aaron’s Discount Code for The Utility Expo

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bobsdecline
• 
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobsdecline
• 
  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobsdecline/
• The Utility Expo: https://www.theutilityexpo.com/news/aaron-leblanc-lineman-youtube-star-and-firsttime-a

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

Registration for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is now open! Join us while we take over Las Vegas March 3-7, 2026 for five days of heavy equipment, groundbreaking tech, and the BEST in the industry. Use code PODCAST40 at checkout to save 40% on show admission through September 12, 2025.

https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-40 

#Lineman #Bobsdecline #CONEXPO-CON/AGG2026

Many skilled operators dream of being their own boss, but the reality is a brutal mix of financial pressure, operational chaos, and personal sacrifice. In this episode, Sy Kirby of Sy-Con Excavation shares his unfiltered story of turning a trade into a thriving business.

From a name his grandfather wrote on a toy truck to building a company, a popular YouTube channel, and the Blue Collar Business Podcast, Sy reveals the raw truths about making big bets on people, kickstarting a marketing strategy at CONEXPO, and handling the crushing stress of being the CEO.

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

🤝 The Dozer Deal: How a Two-Year Promise Unlocked a New Division [06:45]

"'You come to work for me for two years... and I'll go buy you the baddest daggum dozer on the market when it comes time.' Sure enough, two years goes by and we've got a chance of capturing an entire project together."

Sy reveals how a long-term vision and a leap of faith in a key employee unlocked a new division for his company.

💀 Beyond the Big Iron: The Brutal Reality of Business Ownership [13:07]

"I can't tell you how many Thursdays we've sat there and prayed... 'How's tomorrow going to work out?' The gear is super cool to look at... but making sure your guys' payroll is there every Friday..."

Learn all about the immense emotional and financial pressure entrepreneurs face beyond the equipment.

🚀 The Accidental Viral Video: How 15 Seconds at CONEXPO Ignited His Marketing [21:48]

"It was just a simple 15-second short, went completely viral…It definitely helped gain some traction and help the algorithm base who we are."

Sy explains how one simple video jumpstarted his marketing effort, proving you don't need a perfect strategy to get results.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Starting Sy-Con and Honoring a Family Legacy

02:01 - Building a Business Around Better Work Culture

04:32 - From Residential Work to Commercial Contracts

05:46 - Expanding Into Dirt Operations and Team Growth

08:06 - Hard Lessons from Scaling and Equipment Investments

10:13 - Turning Small Jobs into Long-Term Opportunities

12:34 - Managing Growth, Stress, and Entrepreneurial Pressure

16:23 - Systemizing Operations and Building a Stronger Team

19:35 - Launching a Marketing Strategy with CONEXPO and YouTube

26:44 - Creating the Blue Collar Business Podcast

32:40 - Advocating for Trades Over Traditional College Paths

40:00 - Why AI Makes Blue Collar Careers More Valuable Than Ever

🔗 CONNECT WITH SY KIRBY:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQQpxlyHHeY

Podcast: https://www.bluecollarbusinesspodcast.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sy-kirby-18395b2a6/

Website: https://www.syconexc.com/

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#Excavation #Entrepreneurship #BlueCollarBusiness

Feeling the squeeze with rising costs and a shrinking labor pool? A lot of construction companies feel trapped, like the only way out is to just grind harder with the same old playbook. But what if the real path to growth isn't about more effort, but a totally new approach to your machines, your tech, and your people?

Brian Dietz, Co-Owner of 2024 Equipment World’s Contractor of the Year, Bob Dietz and Sons Inc., runs his business more like a Silicon Valley startup than a traditional construction firm. And guess what? It's attracting a whole new generation of talent, clearly demonstrating that if you keep ignoring these shifts, you're not just risking getting left behind. You’re risking becoming irrelevant, losing bids to leaner competitors, and failing to build a team that actually wants to stick around. This isn't just about shiny new tools. It's about a complete mindset shift.

Discover how Brian is rewriting the rules of construction and building an empire.

📈 THE PROFIT ACCELERATOR [4:47]:"We see just cleaning up our profit lines where we don't waste time or materials. So that's a huge thing."

Learn how implementing GPS technology immediately kills costly rework, saving you time and fattening your profit margins on every single job.

🚀 THE TALENT MAGNET [9:52]:"When that young guy, he's 19 years old and he's in a second dozer right next to the old guy... he's going to fall in love with that machine. He's going to feel good, he's going to go home happy to his family, and he's going to want to come back tomorrow excited to work."

Tired of hearing that young people don't want to work? This is the blueprint for creating a culture that makes them want to build a career with you. It’s that simple.

🚨 THE HARD TRUTH [19:07]:"If you're not embracing it, if you're not grabbing a hold of it, you're going to be, you're going to be left behind."

This is a direct shot across the bow for any business owner who's gotten a little too comfortable. See why falling behind on technology isn't just a risk anymore, it's a certainty.

00:00 - Winning Contractor of the Year and Business Branding02:03 Scaling Up With Bigger Projects and Equipment04:07 Leveraging GPS and Topcon Technology for Efficiency07:01 Cutting Downtime and Boosting Site Productivity10:21 Training Teams Faster With Machine Technology13:22 Future of Construction Tech, AI, and Remote Operations19:50 Keeping Growth Fun and Maintaining Clean Fleets22:15 Building a Unique Clean Heavy Equipment Fleet25:20 Managing Machinery Lifecycles and Large Projects28:57 Handling Multi-Year Jobs and Growing In-House Capabilities29:51 Expanding Into Full Site Package Services32:52 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Conexpo Appearance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bob_dietz_and_sons_inc/?hl=en

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction #JohnDeere

🎯 Key Episode Takeaways:Chapters:🔗 Connect with Brian:

Are you juggling the relentless demands of your business while trying to keep your content fresh and impactful? Taylor goes solo once again today to share his candid experiences, navigating the complexities of delegation and the evolution of his content creation. 

What if the very things you're holding onto are stunting your progress? Embracing strategic delegation and adapting your content, especially with pivotal industry events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG on the horizon, can pave the way for significant growth and a more manageable workload.

Today’s episode offers invaluable lessons for construction professionals and business owners aiming to scale and capitalize on industry networking and learning opportunities.

🎯 The Delegation Breakthrough [02:45]:“At the end of the day, or on the weekend, or at night, is when I’d be editing most of the time. Now, that time is just not there for me.””Taylor emphasizes that delegation isn't merely about assigning tasks; it's a strategic move to free up your most valuable asset - your time - to concentrate on activities that will truly propel your business.

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

⚡ Instant Access Advantage for CONEXPO Savings & Updates [01:06]:"And newsletter subscribers get discounts delivered straight to their inbox. Click the link in the description to sign up today, please."Taylor offers a straightforward, practical tip: subscribing to the CONEXPO-CON/AGG newsletter gives you immediate access to exclusive discounts and crucial event information.

⚠️ Overcoming the Fear of Relinquishing Control [03:21]:"It wasn’t until I was actually fully ready to quit smoking, because I knew I was ready. I could just tell, it just clicked, that I was done smoking. Same goes with this sort of stuff. Honestly, it’s the same mindset."Taylor powerfully illustrates the internal battle many entrepreneurs face when it comes to delegation, comparing it to quitting a habit.⏰

✨ CONEXPO Power Play [20:19]:"Immerse yourself within the show. Be one with the show... Like, go up to the booths, interact with the simulators, interact with the people that are standing at the booths."Taylor provides actionable advice for getting the most out of major industry events like CONEXPO. It's not just about showing up; it's about active engagement and strategic interaction to build connections and gain knowledge.🎯

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Learning to Let Go Through Delegation01:14 - Turning 30 While Balancing Business and Family02:02 - Handing Off Social Media to Focus on Growth04:36 - Struggling to Stay Consistent on YouTube05:39 - Creating Content That Reflects Business Reality06:24 - Building a Workflow for Scalable Marketing07:01 - Letting Go of the Things You’re Great At07:44 - Prioritizing Time on Pritech’s Expansion08:50 - Fake It Till You Make It - Without Lying10:12 - Long-Term Success Over One-Time Profit12:50 - When Everything Goes Wrong on Your Birthday15:21 - Why CONEXPO Is a Must-Attend Event18:48 - Building Real Relationships Through Industry Events20:14 - Taylor’s Top Tips for CONEXPO First-Timers24:36 - Bringing the Team Along for the Ride

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#CONEXPO-CON/AGG #DelegationSkills #ContentMarketing

Running a specialized construction business, particularly in sectors like excavation and septic services, is fraught with unique hurdles. Many dedicated owners find themselves struggling to cut through the competitive noise, establish a truly memorable brand, or skillfully navigate the complex interplay of business growth, intense competition, and sound financial strategy. It's easy to feel like just another undifferentiated truck on the road. 

But what if there was a way to transform these common industry challenges into distinct, powerful advantages?

Today, Taylor is joined by Dervin Witmer, the visionary behind Dig-it Excavating and Pump That Septic. Dervin candidly reveals how a combination of strategic, memorable branding, a savvy and modern approach to digital marketing, and a series of bold, calculated business moves allowed him to significantly stand out from the crowd, command premium pricing, and ultimately build a highly reputable and consistently thriving company.

🎯 KEY EPISODE INSIGHTS:

🚀 ELEVATION STRATEGY [15:40]:"That really sells people on our brand. So, that kind of helps eliminate the bottom-feeder type people... 'Oh, you’re two thousand dollars more than the other guy.' Fine. Hire him. I do not care. I’m not looking to work for you."Dervin explains how investing in brand and transparency allows them to attract quality clients and confidently avoid price wars, a key desire for many business owners looking to build a premium service.

🛠️ FOUNDATIONAL ADVICE [18:35]:"So, I say to the guy getting into it, take everything you can get when you start, but do a very good job. Be consistent. Don’t cut corners... Just make yourself known as the quality guy or the responsive guy, the guy that answers his phone."Dervin offers straightforward, actionable advice for anyone starting or looking to build a reputation in the construction trades.

🚨 REALITY CHECK [32:38]:"Man, if you don’t like high overhead and if you don’t like debt, don’t get into it."Dervin lays bare the financial realities of running a capital-intensive construction business and why a stomach for significant financial commitment is non-negotiable if you want to grow and sustain

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro: CONEXPO-CON/AGG & Guest Dervin Witmer

1:39 - Building the "Dig-it" & "Pump That Septic" Brands

2:50 - Dervin's Entrepreneurial Journey to Excavation

5:54 - Integrating Family into the Business

09:52 - Crafting a Professional Image in Septic Services

12:45 - Strategies for Standing Out & Attracting Quality Clients

14:50 - The Viability of Starting a Septic Business

17:26 - Niche Specialization vs. Diversification

20:43 - Future Growth

23:22 - Equipment Insights: Excavators & Technology

24:15 - Navigating Seasonal Work & Competition

28:13 - The Realities of Specialized Operations

32:38 - Financial Realities

36:03 - The Parts vs. Payments Dilemma in Equipment Ownership

37:30 - Looking Ahead to CONEXPO 2026

🔗 CONNECT WITH DERVIN WITMER / DIG-IT EXCAVATING & PUMP THAT SEPTIC:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigItExcavating

Website: Dig-itexcavating.com

Facebook: facebook.com/Dig.It.Excavating

Website: pumpthatseptic.com

Instagram: @digitexcavating

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#Excavation #SepticServices #Branding

Feeling the pressure of wearing all the hats in your growing business? It’s a common battle, but what if the key to unlocking serious growth was learning to let go and trust others? This episode is for you.

Learn how Trent Harris, owner of Blue Collar Contractors Oklahoma Earthwork and Demolition, transformed his business by embracing delegation and strategic risk when he reveals his journey from a solo operator to leading a growing team. You'll discover how he navigates the complexities of scaling, managing multiple ventures, and the mindset required to push through challenges.

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [22:57]:"My biggest fear is to be saying the same stuff today in five years from now…Let's do our research and make the best, most educated decision we can and then dive in. Let's go."This raw honesty about combating stagnation is a powerful reminder for anyone hesitant to make bold moves.

OTHER KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💡 FRAMEWORK REVEAL [07:54]:The Delegation Shift during Rain Delays:• Rain forces multiple job scheduling.• This necessitates trusting the team.• Owner focuses on lining up future work, not just current execution."I think God's kind of forcing my hand a little bit and being like, 'Hey, delegate, let them handle it, you know, trust them and do what you're supposed to do.'"Watch this part to see how uncontrollable factors can actually become catalysts for better business practices and increased production through delegation.

🔑 BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT [15:21]:Tired of being the bottleneck in your own company, trying to do everything yourself?"I was king of kicking someone out of a machine nicely, but like, 'Hey man, let me, let me hop in there real quick.' And then it ended up with me paying someone to watch me do all the work for a lot longer than I'm going to say out loud."Trent reveals his painful but necessary transition to true delegation and the freedom it's starting to unlock.

📈 SUCCESS BLUEPRINT [43:37]:From a push mower to a fleet of heavy equipment and multiple business ventures:"I want to do this until one of my guys gets paid by whoever takes this over to throw dirt on top of me when I'm gone. I mean, that's, I want to get it as big as I can, and I, I would love to see it continue after."Trent breaks down his long-term vision and the relentless drive to build a lasting legacy. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - CONEXPO 2026 Preview

00:50 - Introducing Trent Harris

02:40 - Building a Dirt Business While Balancing Family and Firefighting

04:46 - Growth Through Risk, Learning, and Networking

08:33 - Delegating Work and Trusting the Team

11:47 - Overcoming Micromanagement and Shifting to Leadership

16:02 - Building Systems, Teams, and Communication for Scale

21:15 - Managing Overhead, Profitability, and Equipment Strategy

29:43 - Balancing Commercial vs. Residential Projects for Cash Flow

34:00 - Investing in GPS Technology to Increase Efficiency

43:11 - Long-Term Vision: Passive Income, Legacy, and Work-Life Balance

48:10 - CONEXPO Community, Networking, and Future Panel Ideas

🔗 CONNECT WITH TRENT HARRIS / BLUE COLLAR CONTRACTORS:

TikTok: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-harris-542a6b282/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-harris-542a6b282/

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/\

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#BlueCollarContractors #ScalingBusiness #WorkEthic

Many equipment operators dream of starting their own excavation business, but often face big hurdles, like financial risk, the fear of past failures, and the heavy responsibility of safety on every job. Zach Taylor, a union operator who’s also building his own company, Melania Corporation, is tackling these challenges directly, driven by tough lessons from previous ventures and a powerful desire to prevent senseless tragedies in the trenches. 

Today, Zach shares the nitty gritty of balancing a union job with his growing side business, the candid reasons behind his push for #TrenchSafetyTuesday, and the mindset it takes to get back up after a setback. He gets into the importance of knowing your worth, the hard calls on what jobs to take, and the crucial need for real talk about the dangers that still exist in our industry, particularly in excavation.

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

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [0:29:17]: "You see this guy down there, like, looking up, holding the shovel, smiling. And they said five minutes later he was dead. And it just really pissed me off."Zach's raw emotion here highlights the preventable tragedies that fuel his commitment to trench safety.

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

✨ ENTREPRENEURIAL FIRE IGNITED [0:1:25]:"I was at a Trimble Dimensions in the fall and Dane from DC Excavation told me, and not so many colorful words that I should just go do it. So here we are."Sometimes it takes that outside push. Zach talks about that moment of deciding to go for it, moving past the fear and taking control of his future.

🔑 LESSON LEARNED THE HARD WAY [0:13:57]:"I was less calculated and more excited to move up to that next job...than really taking a step back and looking at it as a business owner and saying, ‘This is where we're at and this is the lane that we need to stay in.’"Zach shares how past excitement almost led to overextension, emphasizing the critical need to understand your company's real capacity and value.

⚠️ THE UNVARNISHED TRUTH ON RISK [0:29:35]:"How many times is this going to happen before, like, we do something about it? ...if you stop killing the ones you have, first of all, that's a good place to start, right?"A direct hit on the industry's all too common blind spots with trench safety. Ignoring these dangers isn't just negligent; it's costing lives.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Building a Side Hustle in Excavation

02:16 - From Childhood Obsession to Career

03:35 - Challenges of Urban Excavation

05:02 - Balancing Work, Family, and Growth

07:40 - Overcoming Fear and Taking the Leap

11:50 - Hard Lessons from Early Business Mistakes

14:14 - Smarter Risk Management for Contractors

17:26 - When Business Partnerships Fall Apart

21:39 - Fatherhood and Flexible Scheduling

25:15 - Naming the Company After His Daughter

28:43 - Starting Trench Safety Tuesday

31:30 - Using Social Media to Drive Safety Awareness

36:08 - Innovations in Trench Safety Tech

38:34 - A Vision for National Safety Training

🔗 CONNECT WITH ZACH TAYLOR:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_taylorthings/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-taylor-55391533/

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

#TrenchSafetyTuesday #OperatorLife #SafetyFirst

Running a family construction business presents unique challenges, especially in demanding fields like concrete and excavation where attracting reliable talent is tough. Many companies struggle to blend tradition with the need for new technology and approaches to keep up. But Amanda Kurt, VP and Managing Partner at Kurk Inc., reveals how they've not only survived but thrived, expanding services and crews by tackling these issues head on. Therefore, learning from their experience offers a blueprint for building a resilient, profitable construction business that values both its people and its bottom line.

Discover how Amanda navigates the complexities of managing a growing concrete and excavation workforce, integrating technology like GPS and total stations, and maintaining crucial boundaries in a family run operation. She shares the realities of the job, the strategies for finding young talent in a tight labor market, and the mindset needed for sustainable growth in today's construction world.

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

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [11:57]: "We don't shy away that it's physical and it's muddy because the worst thing I want is you to, you know, have this rosy picture of it and you show up and then you don't show up the next day."

Hear Amanda discuss the crucial importance of transparency when hiring for physically demanding roles.

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

⚠️ LABOR REALITY CHECK [05:06]:"I mean, you have to keep feeding those concrete crews with younger people because it's just physically demanding."Face the tough truth: Concrete's physical toll means constantly finding new, younger talent is essential for long-term crewing. Ignoring this leads to burnout and shortages. Must-watch segment 👀

💡 PRECISION TECH PLAYBOOK [17:12]:"In concrete, we don't really use gps. We use a total station... because a lot of the concrete we're doing, we either need to be more accurate than GPS can give us... We use total station for everything on the concrete side and then we use GPS on the excavation side."Learn why choosing the right technology matters.

📈 SCALING FOR BIG WINS [21:11]:"We contracted... an eight building development... and it was just the amount of work. We couldn't do it with two crews. So we kind of remanned."See how securing a massive project forced Kurk Inc. to scale up by adding a new foundation crew, turning a capacity challenge into a major growth catalyst. Game-changing insight 🎯

CHAPTERS:00:00 - Amanda Kurt & Kurk Inc.02:52 - Business Evolution: Adding Excavation04:54 - Concrete Work: Physical Demands & Labor06:30 - Hiring Strategy & Mapping Career Paths08:30 - Tech Adoption: GPS vs. Total Station Use12:57 - Family Business: Working with Dad & Boundaries18:17 - Operations: Equipment Fleet & Crew Structure20:41 - Market Conditions & Scaling Up25:09 - Future Plans: Smart, Profitable Growth28:29 - Legacy, Next Gen & Work-Life Balance

🔗 CONNECT WITH AMANDA KURT & KURK INC.:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kurt/• Website: https://kurkwisconsin.com/

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

#ConstructionBusiness #FamilyBusiness #ConcreteContractor