Heavy civil contractors across North America are desperate for talent, but many wait until high school graduation to start recruiting. Amy Henningfield, Director of Workforce Development at Superior Construction, argues the industry doesn't have a labor shortage - it has a visibility shortage. By the time students reach their senior year, they have often been told construction is a "dirty" fallback plan for those who can't make it in college.

Superior Construction breaks this cycle by reaching kids in middle school and exposing young women to heavy equipment early. Amy explains why treating people like high-value infrastructure - using preventative maintenance and mentorship - is the only way to secure the industry's future. By showing students technology like drones and VR, contractors can replace outdated stereotypes with a high-tech career path.

🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [4:10]:

"It’s not just a workforce shortage, but again, it’s a visibility shortage. Getting people in the workforce doesn’t happen when you fill out an application. We have to bring awareness to it."

🎯 OTHER KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

⚠️ PIPELINE RISK [9:40]:

Amy explains why human assets matter more than iron for long-term survival.

"You can buy another piece of equipment, but you can’t buy that generation of skilled workers. We have to invest in those people."

✨ GROWTH OPPORTUNITY [25:52]:

Paychecks don't stop turnover. Amy highlights how genuine support and inclusion build loyalty.

"Recruiting will get them here, but I think what our leadership does is what will keep them here. You have to give them a reason to stay. You’ve got to believe in them."

⚡ PERSONAL BREAKTHROUGH [33:55]:

Shrinking to fit in sabotages potential. Amy discusses the power of authenticity in a male-dominated field.

"Just be you. Don't change for anyone. There are so many opportunities out there for women in construction… just believe in yourself."

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - How Amy Found Her Purpose in Construction

02:24 - Solving the Construction Labor Shortage Through Visibility

05:08 - Workforce Development Ideas Every Contractor Can Use

08:44 - Why Investing in People Drives Long-Term Success

12:54 - How Girls’ Construction Camps Inspire Future Tradeswomen

18:06 - Recruiting the Next Generation of Construction Talent

25:08 - How to Build a Culture That Retains Great Employees

28:36 - Why Mentorship Creates Future Construction Leaders

34:24 - Why Construction Is a Career Full of Opportunity

39:58 - How EmpowerHER Is Changing the Future of Construction

CONEXPO-CON/AGG: CONEXPOCONAGG.com

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH AMY HENNINGFIELD & SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION:

• Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhenningfieldmba/

• Superior’s Website: https://superiorconstruction.com/

• Superior Women in Construction (SWIC):

https://www.superiorconstruction.com/our-company/superior-women-in-construction-swic/

#ConstructionWorkforce #WomenInConstruction #WorkforceDevelopment

Geoff Dodge chased an Indy racing dream until a lost backer left him $100,000 in debt. Rebuilding with just $1,000, he bootstrapped Lamb Excavating to handle the tough utility work others avoid. Now back in a sprint car, Geoff uses racing as a platform to promote the trades through his "Racing to Build Brighter Futures" mission.

Taylor talks with Geoff about treating the trades as a calling. They discuss Geoff’s work launching Indiana’s SkillsUSA Heavy Equipment pathway and a new partnership with Indiana 811, Ohio 811 and the IURC to improve underground safety training. Geoff’s playbook for the youth is clear: find an interest, get a foot in the door, and let your work, not a degree, prove your worth. Success here is about hard work and creative problem-solving.

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🏎️ FROM THE SPEEDWAY TO THE SEWER LINE [00:43]:

How does a driver who reached the pinnacle of Indy racing pivot to utility work, and then use that business to rebuild his racing dream?

“Geoff is a racer who became an excavator who became a racer again... he's basically using a sprint car as a billboard for the next generation of operators and diesel techs.”

⚠️ ELEVATING STANDARDS THROUGH EDUCATION [26:13]:

Can a half-hour of the right training really transform how safely the next generation digs?

“So this year we conducted a 30 minute training the day before the event and we saw our high score jump to an 85% and the median score moved about 10%.”

🛠️ A CALL TO ACTION FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS [46:51]:

Geoff issues a direct challenge to everyone in the industry—from manufacturers to contractors—to move beyond complaining and start taking action to recruit the next generation.

“If you are in our industry and you are listening to this... you can probably see that the skilled trade gap is a problem. Get involved, get your hands dirty.”

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - From Race Car Driver to Excavation Business Owner

04:10 - How Geoff Built a Successful Excavation Company

07:35 - Why the Skilled Trades Need More Young Talent

12:27 - Using Racing to Inspire the Next Generation

19:11 - How SkillsUSA Is Preparing Future Heavy Equipment Operators

25:27 - Why Safety Training Is Transforming the Construction Industry

28:51 - Do You Really Need a College Degree to Succeed?

34:54 - Why Skilled Trades Offer Unlimited Career Growth

38:15 - The Future of Closing the Skilled Trades Gap

46:16 - How the Construction Industry Can Get Involved

CONEXPO-CON/AGG: CONEXPOconagg.com

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH GEOFF DODGE:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-dodge-4515156a/
• Geoff Dodge Racing: https://www.geoffdodgeracing.com/
• Lamb Excavating: https://www.wedigindy.com/

#SkilledTrades #RacingtoBuildBrighterFutures #SkillsUSA

Brian Hayden runs heavy equipment in Wells, Maine, where he works for Hayden Excavating with his father. While most local operators never test their skills on a world stage, Brian entered the 2026 Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge to see if he was truly good. In the end, he beat all other finalists from the Americas, Europe, and Asia at CONEXPO in Las Vegas.

He explains the way he won the loader and dozer grading challenges, and shares how 3D grading and Leica systems save time on residential home digs. Listen in and learn how a small family business produced the best operator in the world.

KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

🏆 THE SURPRISE CHAMPION MINDSET [03:17]:

"Every time I progress, I'm like, ‘This is when I'm gonna get knocked out. Like, there's no way I make it through here.’"

Brian felt like an underdog during the entire Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge. He shares how staying humble and focused on the dirt helped him win the world title.

⚠️ THE REPUTATION KILLER [09:39]:

"A good operator is somebody that also takes care of their equipment… I look at that as somebody that you know they care. So, their work is going to, you know, reflect that."

Messy job sites and dirty machines scare away high-paying clients. Brian explains why a clean cab and neat piles are the mark of a pro.

🏗️ THE ONE-MAN PROFIT MACHINE [25:53]:

"I built that whole pond, the whole road, all the ditching, all of it without getting out of the machine."

Watch Brian reveal how 3D grading tools allow one operator to finish work that used to require a full crew. He explains why tech like Leica is the way to scale a small excavating business.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - CAT Global Operator Champion

01:26 - Road to the World Finals

03:37 - Hayden Excavating History

09:08 - Pro vs Amateur Operators

10:59 - Excavator Skill Challenge

15:12 - Dozer Grading Techniques

20:52 - Global Operating Styles

24:19 - 3D Machine Control Setup

27:41 - GPS Site Layout Benefits

31:16 - Defending the World Title

CONEXPO-CON/AGG: CONEXPOconagg.com

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRIAN HAYDEN:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hayden-54733aa8/
• Hayden Excavating: https://www.haydenexcavating.net/

#Caterpillar #OperatorChallenge #CONEXPO

Owners want to finish every construction project under budget, and they buy expensive machines and new technology to beat the competition. But talent walks off the site when they feel disrespected. Profits vanish when you must replace your best workers every month.

Project managers need a team that works as hard as the machines. Professional Speaker, Coach, and Consultant, Wally Adamchik, explains how to lead with Marine Corps precision. He reveals that most owners give orders instead of building trust, and demonstrates why they must change their site culture to stop the labor shortage.

KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

🛑 STOP YOUR BEST PEOPLE FROM QUITTING [06:53]:

"Nobody wants to work in chaotic places where they are treated like a moron and nobody teaches them…So to make the assumption that the person that comes on your job site is going to be useless and they are going to leave in six weeks probably is perpetuating some challenges you may have."

Workers flee sites. They feel like just another number on a spreadsheet. This part explains why your management style drives talent to your competitors.

📈 TURN YOUR CREW INTO A PROFIT MACHINE [18:17]:

"When a machine is aligned, it runs well. When it is out of alignment, there is friction. So culture then gives us that clarity of how we do things here…It aligns us going forward."

A strong culture makes your company a magnet for skilled trades. Learn how alignment creates a business that runs itself.

💬 THE ONE QUESTION THAT SAVES YOUR PROJECT [35:30]:

“‘Hey, What one thing could I do differently for you this week to help your job go better?’... Maybe they will give you an answer. And then, do it! Oh my God, do it!”

Use this simple question to find hidden problems before they explode. This move builds trust with your employees and keeps them on your side.

🎯CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Leadership Lessons From the Marine Corps

02:05 - Why Pride in the Trades Still Matters

04:02 - The Trust and Respect Formula for Great Leaders

08:01 - How Emotional Intelligence Improves Leadership

13:16 - Solving the Field vs Office Divide

16:24 - Why Strong Culture Increases Retention

20:30 - Building Trust on Construction Teams

24:31 - The Recognition Problem Hurting Job Sites

29:55 - Why Most Company Values Fail

32:30 - The Leadership Habit That Builds Better Crews

36:24 - Why Psychological Safety Matters in Construction

42:06 - How Leaders Create Better Futures

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: CONEXPOconagg.com

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH WALLY ADAMCHIK:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallyadamchik/

• Website: https://wallyadamchik.com/

#ConstructionLeadership #ProjectManagement #MarineCorpsLeadership

Discover how construction business owner Taylor White navigates the unique mental health challenges of the industry. From financial stress to the loneliness of leadership, he shares personal strategies for resilience and maintaining well-being in a blue-collar world.

Business ownership in construction means constant challenges, with many owners working through extreme stress. The "tough it out" culture often makes it impossible for owners to discuss their struggles which can lead to isolation and severe mental health risks. Understanding and implementing personal strategies for mental well-being is vital for sustainable success and preventing burnout.

Learn how to address the unspoken burdens of leadership as Taylor reveals his private battles with mental health.

🚨 The Unspoken Isolation of Command [4:38]:

"Driving home the other night, I just wanted to talk to somebody. I don’t want that person to be my wife…She has been dealing with three kids all day. The last thing I am going to do is come home and be like, ‘Let me talk to you about the stresses of budgeting and how it feels lonely.’ I can’t talk to anybody about this."

🌟 Redefining Success Beyond the Balance Sheet [11:36:]

"If the business is not doing well, my whole self-worth goes down because it is like, ‘Well, I am not doing good in business, so I am obviously not good enough to do what I am doing.’"

Watch as Taylor reveals how giving back to the community can combat generational pressure and build personal value beyond financial metrics.

🛠️ The Simple Blueprint for Daily Resilience [28:57]:

"’Yeah, I am eating steak and avocado and eggs tonight.’ And I am like- that is my meal, but then you feel like a rockstar in the morning. You feel so good, you get a good eight hours, you go to bed at a good time. You feel really good."

This completely changes how we think about managing daily stress and anxiety.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Mental Health Pressures in Construction

04:38 - Leadership, Loneliness and Pressure

11:28 - Self-Worth and Generational Pressure

17:16 - Personal Resilience: Exercise and Support

19:30 - Digital Detox and Phone Boundaries

23:57 - The Power of Family Partnership

27:48 - Foundations: Sleep, Food, Movement

30:10 - Calls to Action

May is Mental Health Month! Learn how CONEXPO-CON/AGG is Taking Mental Health To The Next Level: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/mental-health

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

#MensMentalHealth #ConstructionLeadership #EntrepreneurialWellness

What is the future of construction technology? Veteran excavation business owner Ryan Goodfellow of Rock Structures joins the show to discuss the real trends separating hype from high-ROI investments. He offers a detailed analysis of new machinery from brands like Hyundai, John Deere, and Hitachi, explaining how integrated systems are becoming the new standard.

Many contractors left the show wondering which technologies will actually make a difference on the job site. Ryan explains why features like integrated payload scales, 2D/3D systems, and advanced operator cabs are no longer luxuries but necessities for efficiency and profitability. He provides a clear perspective on how to grow a construction business by focusing on becoming better, not just bigger, a strategy that has kept his team loyal and his clients happy for years.

KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

🚨 SHIFTING BRAND HIERARCHY [07:53]:

Think you know the best brands in construction? Think again.

"I was absolutely blown away, Taylor, by how far they've come... These new machines, I was blown away. I get in those cabs now and I'm like, “Probably one of the nicest cabs in the industry!”"

Ryan reveals the surprising advancements from brands like Hyundai, showing how they've closed the technology and comfort gap with industry leaders. A must-watch for anyone considering new equipment.

💡 THE "BETTER, NOT BIGGER" STRATEGY [19:34]:

Feeling the pressure to constantly expand your business?

"I'm not looking to become bigger, I'm looking to become better. And that's what I told him. Like I want to perfect what we do."

Ryan breaks down his philosophy for sustainable growth, focusing on perfecting systems and strengthening his team instead of chasing more crews and equipment.

🤝 THE LOYALTY FORMULA [32:16]:

Struggling to build a loyal and motivated crew?

"My guys know that I won't ask them to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. I think that carries a lot of weight with guys nowadays."

This simple leadership principle is the foundation of a strong company culture. Learn how to build trust and respect that keeps your best people on the job.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Takeaways From the Show Floor

03:00 How Global Equipment Brands Are Changing the Market

07:06 New Excavator Technology

12:08 How Payload Systems Increase Jobsite Profitability

16:10 The Rise of On-Site Crushing & Material Recycling

18:34 Growing an Excavation Company Without Getting Bigger

24:13 Why Relationships Drive Construction Business Success

30:02 Why Leaders Should Show Up on Jobsites More Often

34:44 The Mindset That Builds Long-Term Success in Construction

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH RYAN GOODFELLOW:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-goodfellow-6a3734353/
• Rock Structures: https://www.rockstructures.com/

#CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 #HeavyEquipment #BusinessGrowth

What really happens behind the scenes at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the world's largest construction trade show? Taylor provides a complete recap of his experience of the show in Las Vegas covering essential planning tips, the biggest industry trends like AI, and the personal moments that defined the show. As a third-generation construction business owner and podcast host, Taylor offers a unique view of the event.

Many people attend CONEXPO-CON/AGG for the massive machines and new technology and the large scale can be overwhelming and feel impersonal. Taylor reveals a different side of the event, describing it as a "family reunion" where personal connections are the main event. A surprising interaction with listeners provided him with a new sense of purpose, showing the powerful community within the industry.

🎯 KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

✨ THE UNCONVENTIONAL PLAYGROUND [03:37]:

"Las Vegas is so hyped up…and it's that way for a reason. Because there's so much going on. You can do anything that you imagine or think of."

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is more than just a trade show; it's an experience amplified by its location. Taylor explains how the unique Las Vegas environment offers opportunities for adventure and connection that go far beyond the convention floor.

⚠️ THE NETWORKING PARADOX [15:16]:

"I never get to link up with everybody that I say I'm gonna do it, you know, because it's like you have so many prerequisites."

The pressure to do everything at the show is a common pitfall. Taylor addresses the reality of an overpacked schedule and the fear of missing out, which can prevent you from having the most meaningful interactions.

⚡ THE INVISIBLE MASTERPIECE [22:46]:

"When I'm walking around there, and a lot of people might not even think about this process, it's like the amount of time it has to take to just the fencing, the barriers, the washrooms, the badge pickup sites... Incredible."

Most attendees see the booths, but few see the massive logistical operation behind them. Taylor offers a new appreciation for the event by highlighting the immense, year-long effort required to build the temporary city that is CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Welcome to the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Recap

01:45 - Pre-Show Strategy & The Vegas Arrival

06:45 - Taylor’s Awkward Encounter with David Blaine

12:47 - Highlights from the Show Floor

15:36 - Top Industry Trends: AI, Tech & Workforce

19:56 - The Real Value of CONEXPO-CON/AGG: Community

23:50 - Taylor’s Biggest Takeaway

27:30 - Final Thoughts & What's Next

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-con/agg #lasvegas #tradeshow

Mike Simon - better known as Dirt Perfect - is back on the podcast today! Since his first appearance, Mike has grown his YouTube channel to over 500,000 subscribers, all while running his excavating business. In this live recording from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Community Zone, Mike sits down with Taylor to talk about what's changed, what hasn't, and why his "hobby" now earns more than his business.

From the emotional reason he started filming to the practical realities of balancing brand deals with job site work, Mike delivers a first class lesson in authenticity. He and Taylor dive into why the trades are still undervalued, how social media is a powerful free advertising tool, and why knowing your "why" matters more than chasing views.

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💰 YOUTUBE PAYS MORE THAN THE BUSINESS (AND THAT'S OKAY) [4:38]:

"The crazy part is the social media world makes more money than the excavating business. So how do you balance that out, right?"

Mike gets honest about the financial reality of his channel and explains why he intentionally keeps it a hobby to avoid burnout and maintain authenticity.

👷‍♂️ THE TRADES VS. COLLEGE REALITY CHECK [13:06]:

"One of the kids I graduated with is now the assistant principal at the high school... the reality of it is my salary is six times what his is."

Mike makes a powerful argument for trade careers, explaining why schools are finally waking up to their value.

🚀 YOU CAN'T PREDICT A HIT, SO JUST PRESS 'PUBLISH' [31:34]:

"I bet you out of half of my videos that have really taken off, I probably considered not posting because I didn't think they were that great of videos. And the videos you think that are absolutely awesome and you can't wait for everybody to see just lay there flat."

Mike reveals that the audience decides what's compelling, not the creator. Instead of trying to engineer a perfect viral hit, focus on consistently documenting your journey, because you never know which project will be the one to connect with millions.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - From Excavator to YouTube Star

1:59 - The "Why" Behind the Camera: A Father's Legacy

4:18 - When the Hobby Pays More Than the Business

6:20 - The Secret to Half a Million Followers

7:39 - How Excavator Soccer Led to His First Brand Deal

12:00 - Why the Trades Are a Smarter Career Than You Think

17:19 - Advice for Starting Out in Business & on Social Media

20:22 - The Dirt Perfect Origin Story (and Spelling Mistake)

24:16 - Behind the Scenes: Content Strategy and Scheduling

32:27 - The $10,000 Video vs. The $1,000 Video: How YouTube Pays

34:43 - The First Big Paycheck & What's Next

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH DIRT PERFECT:

Website: https://www.dirtperfect1.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirtPerfect

#DirtPerfect #ConstructionLife #SkilledTrades

How does the youngest asphalt company owner in Wisconsin, and the only woman of color in that role, build a thriving business? Ebony Jennings shares her journey of honoring her family's legacy while forging her own path in a male-dominated field. She offers a direct look at the challenges and advantages of her unique position.

Ebony explains why certain industry programs, designed to help, can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword, and gives practical advice on how women can build the confidence needed to lead and earn respect. Her story provides a clear blueprint for attracting the next generation to the trades and succeeding against the odds.

⚠️ THE FORGOTTEN SOLUTION [09:28]:

"I believe that if we put trades back into high schools like we did, or even as low as middle schools... We don't live in a world where they push trades a lot. You more so will see the four year colleges are being pushed. That doesn't work for everyone."

This addresses the root cause of the skilled labor shortage and offers a clear, systemic solution to building a stronger talent pipeline for the future.

✨ THE SISTERHOOD STRATEGY [19:10]:

"That is where your village is going to come from. That is where your sisterhood comes in at. And you need that because you may not be as vocal as me or someone, another woman you know in your industry."

Discover how building a strong network of women provides the support and motivation to find your voice, gain confidence, and claim your space.

⚡ THE LISTENING ADVANTAGE [32:53]:

"Come and listen to the women's perspectives... especially us women in this industry, it's majority men. So we're always listening to you. So come and just listen in with us as well."

This is a direct call to action for male leaders to gain a competitive edge by understanding the experiences and ideas of women in their companies.

00:00 - Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Is a Must Attend for Construction Pros

00:54 - Breaking Barriers as a Woman of Color in Asphalt

04:18 - The Real Impact of Minority Business Certifications

09:19 - Fix the Skilled Labor Shortage by Rebuilding Trade Education

12:00 - Use Social Media to Attract the Next Generation to Construction

14:22 - What to Expect from the EmpowerHER Workshop

16:22 - How Women Can Build Confidence in a Male Dominated Industry

19:00 - Why Construction Sisterhood and Mentorship Matter

26:58 - How to Prepare Your Team and Brand for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH EBONY JENNINGS:

1. Ebony Jennings: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-jennings-b11042142/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenningsasphalt/?hl=en

Interested in hearing more from Ebony? Add the EmpowerHER Workshop to your CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 registration today! Limited spots available for this two-day event taking place Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 7.

#WomenInConstruction #ConstructionLife #SkilledTrades

https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20

Construction business owners face a massive recruitment hurdle. Society has spent years telling kids that university degrees were the only path to success - a message that has created a culture where manual labor is seen as a ‘last resort’. Emmy award-winner, creator and host of Dirty Jobs, and America’s leading advocate for the skilled trades, Mike Rowe, joins the show to explain why this labor gap is a threat to national security.

Mike demonstrates why the construction industry must change how it markets itself to the next generation. Polished corporate videos often fail as young recruits can sense when they are being sold a lie. Contractors should focus on telling the authentic stories of their most successful employees in an effort that will help people see the wealth and pride available in a trade career.

🎯KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

⚠️ THE RETIREMENT GAP CRISIS [09:57]:

"For every five tradespeople who retire this year, two will replace them. Five out, two in. Now, it has been that way for over a decade. And you don't have to be a math major to look at that and go, ‘All right, that ratio is not sustainable.’"

Watch Mike share the dangerous math that puts national security at risk.

✨ THE SITE COMPLIANCE TRAP [29:19]:

"Safety is not first. If safety were first, there would be no one on the job site. We would all be home bubble-wrapped in our altered-states tubes."

Learn how extreme rules lead to complacency and why common sense must return to the site.

🧠 THE PRIDE OF UNSEEN WORK [49:14]:

"No one sees his handiwork. He is 10 feet underground hammering out rotten bricks and putting in new ones to keep the entire sewer system viable so the streets don't collapse and run with crap. It’s a really important job and nobody has any idea that he is doing it."

Discover the deep pride found in the vital work that remains hidden from public view.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Mike Rowe and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

02:50 - Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG Showcases the Heart of Construction

05:59 - Technology Scale and Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG Is Unlike Any Other Expo

08:00 - The Skilled Trades Recruiting Crisis and Authentic Storytelling

15:41 - Do Younger Workers Want to Work?

19:31 - Scholarships Workforce Gaps and the Trades Talent Pipeline

25:22 - Rethinking Training Safety and Competency in Construction

35:55 - Why Apprenticeships and Early Exposure Beat Classroom Hours

44:47 - Pride in Craftsmanship and the Art Behind the Trades

48:31 - The Invisible Work That Holds Infrastructure Together

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH MIKE ROWE:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeroweworks/

• Website: https://mikerowe.com/

• Foundation: https://www.mikeroweworks.org/

#SkilledTrades #LaborShortage #CONEXPO-CON/AGG2026

https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20