CONEXPO – CON/AGG Podcast: Construction Business Insights For Contractors

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/

Taylor welcomes Lynn Miller, President of Miller Earthworks, to the podcast this week to explore his remarkable journey from a rather modest start to leading a successful family-owned business. Highlighting his unique approach to excavating which involves focusing on niche projects that larger companies often overlook, Lynn discusses with Taylor the importance of fostering strong relationships with customers and employees, the challenges of steady growth, and the benefits of keeping business local.

Lynn’s story emphasizes key themes such as balancing business expansion with personal life, cultivating a supportive company culture, and the value of mentorship. From making smart financial choices to prioritizing work-life balance, our guest provides practical advice for anyone looking to start or grow a business. His conversation with Taylor here today also covers navigating economic shifts, investing in employees, and building a company rooted in loyalty and integrity. In essence, Lynn's journey serves as a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about growth—it’s about staying true to your values, investing in people, and creating a legacy of integrity.

Episode Highlights:

The importance of focusing on smaller, niche jobs in the excavating industry

How to foster a loyal, motivated workforce through employee involvement and care

Balancing business growth with personal and family life

The value of mentorship and having trusted advisors in business

Keeping operations local and building strong, long-term relationships with clients

Navigating financial challenges, from debt management to strategic growth

The role of faith, family, and community in shaping business decisions

Key Takeaways:

"We started out with pretty much nothing. I borrowed money from a neighbor to buy that first piece of equipment. We have a lot to be thankful for."

"I love to involve my guys in decisions. It brings a lot of ownership and shows their value."

"Having a mentor is a big thing. A banker, insurance company, and accountant that share similar values go a long way."

"Relationships are key.”

"There are sacrifices to be made in business. Work is the temporary part. The long term is your family."

"I love to run equipment. I would still be on equipment if I didn't have anything else to do."

"Building strong relationships with your customers and employees is so big in business."

"We have a lot to be thankful for."

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

Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/

Lynn Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-miller-24361260/

Miller Earthworks: https://millertrenching.com/

Sitting down for a chat with Taylor today is none other than Bret Barnhart, President of Barnhart Excavating in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bret shares his incredible journey, from humble beginnings working with his father and grandfather to growing his company into a thriving business that handles both municipal and commercial projects. Together, he and Taylor discuss Bret’s family legacy, his hands-on experience digging storm shelters, and the unique challenges of working in Tornado Alley. 

Throughout the episode, Bret dives deeper into the realities of running a multi-generational business in the construction industry. He talks about his struggle to find the right people, the importance of understanding financials, and how he transformed his company’s trajectory by investing in the right tools and systems. Bret also shares his personal experiences with balancing work and family life, and the lessons he's learned about leadership, resilience, and growth in a highly competitive market. His insights on navigating cash flow challenges, leveraging opportunities, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and partners will resonate with any business owner in the construction field. Join in today and experience Bret’s story - a compelling tale of grit, hard work, and dedication to keeping his business alive through changing times.

“You either buy them out, or you go out of business with mules.”

“We’re building a new office, and the safe room is coming in today — gotta be ready for those tornadoes.”

“I was making $55 an hour, working seven days a week, and I knew I had to do something different.”

“If you could multiply your five best people, you could take on anything in this world.”

“You’ve got to figure out how to make it work, even if you’re paying 14% interest on your first loan.”

“I didn’t realize what it really took to grow until I was standing at the edge of bankruptcy.”

“Once you know your equipment costs down to the hour, you’ll never estimate the same way again.”

“Protecting the family name while pushing for growth — that’s the balance we all have to strike.”

“You can't rely on cheap labor to build a quality company.”

“Business can be hard on marriage, but you need the right support to make it through.”

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

Links:

Michael Melicia, the founder and CEO of Coastal Paving and Excavating, joins Taylor this week to share his remarkable journey from starting a business with just $500 to leading a thriving civil engineering and construction company. Along the way, Michael and Taylor explore the challenges of starting a business at a young age and how Michael navigated these obstacles with determination and resilience. The discussion also highlights the transformative power of social media in business growth, with our guest emphasizing how a strong online presence has been instrumental in expanding his company’s reach and reputation. Additionally, Michael talks about the importance of maintaining a warrior mindset in the face of adversity, balancing family life with the demands of entrepreneurship, and the critical role of personal branding in building a successful business.

Michael further delves into his unique and effective leadership style, which sets him apart in the industry, and shares his perspective on the future of Coastal Paving and the evolving landscape of content creation. He offers valuable insights on risk management and the lessons he's learned from past failures, reinforcing the idea that staying true to oneself is essential for long-term success. This episode is rich with advice on work-life balance, entrepreneurship, and strategic business growth, making it a must-listen for anyone in the industry or aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to learn from Michael’s experience and expertise. With powerful takeaways on the intersection of personal and professional development, this conversation provides listeners with the tools and inspiration needed to succeed in their own ventures.



"Sometimes you're just two letters away from being what you need to be to get the job done: a warrior or a worrier."

"Starting a business is all about effort at the end of the day."

"I want to live forever a little bit through my personal brand and my story."

"Business takes sacrifice, but the balance with family is what creates a healthy ecosystem."

"If you can't read the energy of other humans, you're missing a crucial skill in business."

"Every failure is a lesson – learn from it, adjust, and move forward."

"I want to create a legacy, something big to leave behind."

"You need to water your plants at home for them to give you the oxygen to grow your business."

"Whoever you are when the camera’s off, that’s who you should be when the camera’s on."

"High risk, high reward – it’s all about managing that balance."

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

Links:

Taylor welcomes the truly amazing Matt DiBara, a fourth-generation mason and the founder of The Contractor Consultants to the podcast today. At just 31 years old, Matt has transformed the recruitment landscape for contractors, offering a fresh approach to an industry rich in tradition. With over 100 years of family history in the masonry business, Matt's story reflects a blend of dedication, innovation, and a commitment to blue-collar excellence. Together, he and Taylor delve into the complexities of running a family business, the value of preserving hands-on experience, and the crucial role of innovative recruitment strategies in the construction industry.

As they explore Matt's journey, the conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a generational legacy in the masonry sector while adapting to the evolving dynamics of a family-owned business. Matt discusses how his upbringing, deeply rooted in blue-collar values, influenced his approach to business and life, leading him to develop a recruitment model that connects skilled workers with great employers. The episode also touches on the significance of employee appreciation, the challenges of achieving work-life balance as an entrepreneur, and the strategies that enabled Matt to break into the high-profile Los Angeles market. As you will hear, Matt's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that innovation and a strong work ethic can have in the construction industry and beyond.

Topics:

Key Quotes:

"Treat customers like neighbors, you'll never make the wrong decision."

"We become your hiring partner, embedding our team within your company to find the right people."

"Hiring is such a hack; it's the biggest lever pull you can have in a business."

"People want to feel appreciated, and that often comes from the small, consistent gestures."

"I’d rather fail on the things I believe in than succeed on something I can’t stand behind."

"We were exponentially growing, but the big push to grow was always about doing right by our clients."

"Recognizing the breakout projects and obsessing over them helped build our network."

"The honest employee audit helps catch the little friction points before they become big problems."

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

Links:

Joining Taylor for a truly inspiring conversation today is Mike Simon, Founder of Dirt Perfect, an excavating business in southern Indiana built upon the rock solid foundation of commitment to family, community, and helping others. A lifelong tradesman turned YouTube star known for his hands-on approach and construction expertise, Mike shares his fascinating journey from the field to social media fame, including his transition to specializing in excavation and the unexpected success he has found online. 

Throughout the interview, Mike offers candid insights on running a small business in the construction industry, and discusses the challenges and rewards of working in the trades, the impact of social media on his field, and how he balances work with family life. Taylor and Mike also delve into the evolving landscape of construction equipment, including the rise of automation and electric technology. Packed with relatable experiences and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for everyone, especially those passionate about a career in the trades. Don't miss out - tune in and gain valuable perspective from a construction industry insider! 

Topics: 

Key Takeaways: 

"I've always been in the construction industry, a lifelong tradesman and damn proud of it." 

"In 2018, I shut down the construction business and focused solely on excavating." 

"Sometimes you wake up, pinch yourself, and wonder, “How in the heck did I get here?" 

"Bigger isn't always better; I'm perfectly content where I'm at." 

"Social media has actually freed up some of my time because I don't have to chase every job." 

"Keep it professional, whether it's in the comments, the posts, no matter what you do." 

"I've structured my business to my strengths, and that's what works for us." 

"I like the smaller stuff; I don't like being on a job site for more than about two weeks." 

"You need more tools in that toolbox to apply to whatever situation or job you have." 

"Life is short, man, you’ve got to enjoy it." 

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

Links: 

Dirt Perfect: 

Brian Hess, the dynamic owner of The Pavement Group, Top Contractor School, and One Key Media, takes time out of his incredibly busy schedule to join Taylor on the podcast today to discuss his remarkable journey from construction to becoming a tech-savvy entrepreneur. Emphasizing the importance of creating a strong company culture and balancing family life with business, Brian’s insights on authentic social media engagement, effective leadership, and the value of building meaningful relationships are both inspiring and motivational.

Recounting the transition from his construction background to entrepreneurship, Brian highlights the diverse roles he has embraced. Along the way, he stresses the importance of authenticity over vanity metrics in social media and focusing on genuine content to build meaningful connections. Our very special guest also shares strategies for managing a growing business while maintaining a strong family presence, emphasizing the need for effective leadership and a supportive team. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the challenges and triumphs of business growth, underscoring the critical role of networking and long-term relationship building. As you will hear, today’s episode with this truly multi-talented industry leader is absolutely jam-packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to succeed in the construction industry and well beyond.

Topics:

Key Takeaways:

"I will sacrifice followers, likes, and comments for authenticity. I'm not necessarily worried about every person in the world wanting to follow our journey. I'm looking for the right ones."

"My biggest goal was to create a culture where people really love to come to work and they could be proud of what they were doing."

"Busy people understand busy people. If somebody doesn't understand that you don't have time for something or your time is stressed, it's probably their misunderstanding of how busy people actually operate."

"I think a lot of business owners are missing the boat on not having media as part of their strategy because that podcast is a way to coach your team."

"We all need to do a better job in our industry of treating the customer really, really well, having great communication, having visibility, collaboration, and transparency in the process."

"From the beginning of my social media journey, I was trying to appeal to a different audience than everybody else because, for me, it was a method to build relationships and find clients."

“The number one priorities are my family, my businesses, the people that I'm responsible for in my life."

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

Links:

Brian Hess:

Taylor is joined today by the dynamic duo of James O'Connell and Joey De Athe who run Soil Cycle, a subsidiary of Contour Group, that was established in 2020 to provide additional support to Contour’s earthworks division by delivering cost-effective services for the disposal of excess soil. Known for brilliantly transforming the landscape of soil management, our guests discuss the intriguing world of bulk excavation, soil management, and their innovative approaches to navigating the complex regulations of Ontario’s construction industry. 

Delving into the crucial role of relationships and strategic business decisions in the challenging yet rewarding field of soil management, our guests share their journey from the grassroots level to becoming leaders in the industry. They emphasize the importance of integrity and transparency in their operations as they explore how recent regulations have shaped their business strategies and the innovative solutions they've implemented to stay ahead. The discussion also highlights the significance of land ownership, the complexities of acquiring permits, and the financial intricacies involved in running a soil management business. You do not want to miss this episode filled with inspiring tales of perseverance, a veritable wealth of business acumen, and valuable insights into the evolving landscape of environmental responsibility in construction.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

"We're just boots on the ground, knocking on doors, leaving no stone unturned relentlessly, and now it's just kind of all paying off.”

"Developer relationships are crucial, especially in a business where trust and reliability lead to better opportunities and fairer deals."

“It's just kind of working with what we’ve got and adapting and trying to be innovative as well.”

“We're hoping that we can get in front of the council and at least say, ‘Hey, listen, here are the new amendments. They're not going to work. Here's why they're not going to work. Let's work together.’”

“We spent a couple hundred thousand the first year just on working on permits.”

"It's not just about moving dirt; it's about moving the industry forward."

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

Links:

    Soil Cycle:

Director of Aggregate Operations at Wm. D. Scepaniak, Inc., and fellow third-generation entrepreneur, John Scepaniak joins Taylor on the podcast today to explore the dynamic world of family-run businesses and a whole lot more. Sharing his firsthand experiences in managing the complexities of mining and road construction operations, John sheds light on the challenges of contract aggregate processing and adapting to various job sites. His conversation with Taylor here today delves into the significance of legacy, the pivotal role of social media in modern business strategies, and the critical importance of recruiting the right talent. 

Throughout the discussion, John recounts the history of his family business from its modest post-WWII beginnings to its expansive operations across the United States, and reviews the unique difficulties of third-gen business management, including navigating federal regulations and internal company decisions. He and Taylor reflect on the enduring importance of contributing to their family's legacy, the satisfaction derived from building a dedicated team, and the necessity of portraying work positively to children in order to provide a holistic view of entrepreneurial life that is both inspiring and practical. With a focus on balancing professional responsibilities and family life, John offers actionable insights and personal anecdotes that provide listeners with valuable takeaways. Don't miss this episode jam packed with entrepreneurial wisdom and practical advice for both seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Topics:

Quotes:

"Be thankful that you can step back, see the big picture, and manage these issues."

"We don't have the same struggles as our grandfathers, but our time will come."

"Every generation adds something and builds onto something. It's about leaving a legacy."

"Work is tremendously rewarding no matter what you're doing. Articulate that storyline to your kids."

"I don't want my kids to grow up having a negative outlook on work. Work is rewarding."

"You don't want to use social media as a tool to unwind. Use it wisely, or it can become a distraction."

"It's not about hiring people. It's about hiring the right people. You need to find the right fit for the long term."

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

Links: