Remote operation is coming to the job site! Bryan Furnace has tested the Cat Command chair and brought back a timeline that might make contractors nervous. Taylor pushes back hard, and their debate is one of the many highlights of this episode.Having spent twenty years in the dirt doing finished grade, septics, and sewer taps, Bryan’s operating videos have led to a career hosting Equipment World's The Dirt and beyond. Today, he explains what surprised him about remote operation and where he feels the technology still fails. He and Taylor also tackle the questions most people ignore: who buys the gear, what happens to crew sizes, and whether a 22-year-old would ever trade his pickup for a remote seat.🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:🕹️ THE ‘FEEL’ OBJECTION EVERY OPERATOR RAISES [7:36]:Convinced you cannot run a machine without ‘seat of the pants’ feel?As a traditional operator, I had the exact same knee-jerk reaction as pretty much every operator out there: “There's no way you're going to be able to do that without ‘feel’.” And what surprised me is just how intuitive it was and how quickly your brain just adapts."If you have been dismissing this technology on instinct, start here. Must-watch segment!🏗️ YOU ALREADY TRUST STRANGERS WITH $700,000 MACHINES [11:16]:Worried about putting an unknown operator on your site remotely?"You're going to throw some guy that says he's got experience into a $700,000 piece of equipment on an active job site, and you don't really know what his credentials are."The trust problem people raise about remote operation is the trust problem the industry already has with every new hire. Bryan flips the objection completely, and it reframes the whole risk conversation.🛻 TRADE THE TRUCK FOR THE CHAIR [34:21]:Still paying for a truck to drive to a site you would not need to visit?"I would argue trade in the truck and put it into one of these Cat Command chairs. Because now you can work when you want, you can work where you want, you can work the hours you want."This is where Taylor draws the line and tells him his crew would never do it. Two people who both love this industry landing in completely different places. Game changing insight 🎯CHAPTERS:00:00 - Bryan Furnace’s Journey From Operator to Creator04:55 - How Remote Heavy Equipment Operation Works09:37 - Making Remote Construction Equipment Safer11:11 - Building an On-Demand Remote Operator Workforce13:33 - How Remote Operation Could Transform Construction Jobs20:48 - How AI Could Automate Heavy Equipment Operation22:27 - Building the Remote Equipment Operator Business Model29:05 - Cutting Labor Costs With Remote Operators34:04 - Attracting the Next Generation of Equipment Operators38:39 - Balancing Blue-Collar Culture With Remote Work44:06 - When Remote Equipment Operation Could Go MainstreamCONEXPO-CON/AGG: <a href="http://conexpoconagg.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CONEXPOCONAGG.com</a>CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.CONEXPOCONAGG.com/industry-news#sign-up</a>🔗 CONNECT WITH BRYAN FURNACE:<ul><li>Bryan’s LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-furnace/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-furnace/</a></li><li>The Dirt: <a href="https://www.equipmentworld.com/the-dirt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.equipmentworld.com/the-dirt</a></li><li>Diesel and Iron YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/dieselandiron" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/dieselandiron</a></li><li>Diesel and Iron Academy: <a href="https://diesel-iron-academy.teachable.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://diesel-iron-academy.teachable.com</a></li></ul> #ConstructionTechnology #RemoteOperation #FutureOfWork

Remote operation is coming to the job site! Bryan Furnace has tested the Cat Command chair and brought back a timeline that might make contractors nervous. Taylor pushes back hard, and their debate is one of the many highlights of this episode. Having spent twenty years in the dirt doing finished grade, septics, and sewer taps, Bryan’s operating videos have led to a career hosting Equipment World's The Dirt and beyond. Today, he explains what surprised him about remote operation and where he feels the technology still fails. He and Taylor also tackle the questions most people ignore: who buys the gear, what happens to crew sizes, and whether a 22-year-old would ever trade his pickup for a remote seat. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🕹️ THE ‘FEEL’ OBJECTION EVERY OPERATOR RAISES [7:36]: Convinced you cannot run a machine without ‘seat of the pants’ feel? As a traditional operator, I had the exact same knee-jerk reaction as pretty much every operator out there: “There's no way you're going to be able to do that without ‘feel’.” And what surprised me is just how intuitive it was and how quickly your brain just adapts." If you have been dismissing this technology on instinct, start here. Must-watch segment! 🏗️ YOU ALREADY TRUST STRANGERS WITH $700,000 MACHINES [11:16]: Worried about putting an unknown operator on your site remotely? "You're going to throw some guy that says he's got experience into a $700,000 piece of equipment on an active job site, and you don't really know what his credentials are." The trust problem people raise about remote operation is the trust problem the industry already has with every new hire. Bryan flips the objection completely, and it reframes the whole risk conversation. 🛻 TRADE THE TRUCK FOR THE CHAIR [34:21]: Still paying for a truck to drive to a site you would not need to visit? "I would argue trade in the truck and put it into one of these Cat Command chairs. Because now you can work when you want, you can work where you want, you can work the hours you want." This is where Taylor draws the line and tells him his crew would never do it. Two people who both love this industry landing in completely different places. Game changing insight 🎯 CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Bryan Furnace’s Journey From Operator to Creator 04:55 - How Remote Heavy Equipment Operation Works 09:37 - Making Remote Construction Equipment Safer 11:11 - Building an On-Demand Remote Operator Workforce 13:33 - How Remote Operation Could Transform Construction Jobs 20:48 - How AI Could Automate Heavy Equipment Operation 22:27 - Building the Remote Equipment Operator Business Model 29:05 - Cutting Labor Costs With Remote Operators 34:04 - Attracting the Next Generation of Equipment Operators 38:39 - Balancing Blue-Collar Culture With Remote Work 44:06 - When Remote Equipment Operation Could Go MainstreamCONEXPO-CON/AGG: CONEXPOCONAGG.comCONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOCONAGG.com/industry-news#sign-up 🔗 CONNECT WITH BRYAN FURNACE:Bryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-furnace/The Dirt: https://www.equipmentworld.com/the-dirtDiesel and Iron YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/dieselandironDiesel and Iron Academy: https://diesel-iron-academy.teachable.com #ConstructionTechnology #RemoteOperation #FutureOfWork

Remote operation is coming to the job site! Bryan Furnace has tested the Cat Command chair and brought back a timeline that might make contractors nervous. Taylor pushes back hard, and their debate is one of the many highlights of this episode.Having spent twenty years in the dirt doing finished grade, septics, and sewer taps, Bryan’s operating videos have led to a career hosting Equipment World's The Dirt and beyond. Today, he explains what surprised him about remote operation and where he feels the technology still fails. He and Taylor also tackle the questions most people ignore: who buys the gear, what happens to crew sizes, and whether a 22-year-old would ever trade his pickup for a remote seat.🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:🕹️ THE ‘FEEL’ OBJECTION EVERY OPERATOR RAISES [7:36]:Convinced you cannot run a machine without ‘seat of the pants’ feel?As a traditional operator, I had the exact same knee-jerk reaction as pretty much every operator out there: “There's no way you're going to be able to do that without ‘feel’.” And what surprised me is just how intuitive it was and how quickly your brain just adapts."If you have been dismissing this technology on instinct, start here. Must-watch segment!🏗️ YOU ALREADY TRUST STRANGERS WITH $700,000 MACHINES [11:16]:Worried about putting an unknown operator on your site remotely?"You're going to throw some guy that says he's got experience into a $700,000 piece of equipment on an active job site, and you don't really know what his credentials are."The trust problem people raise about remote operation is the trust problem the industry already has with every new hire. Bryan flips the objection completely, and it reframes the whole risk conversation.🛻 TRADE THE TRUCK FOR THE CHAIR [34:21]:Still paying for a truck to drive to a site you would not need to visit?"I would argue trade in the truck and put it into one of these Cat Command chairs. Because now you can work when you want, you can work where you want, you can work the hours you want."This is where Taylor draws the line and tells him his crew would never do it. Two people who both love this industry landing in completely different places. Game changing insight 🎯CHAPTERS:00:00 - Bryan Furnace’s Journey From Operator to Creator04:55 - How Remote Heavy Equipment Operation Works09:37 - Making Remote Construction Equipment Safer11:11 - Building an On-Demand Remote Operator Workforce13:33 - How Remote Operation Could Transform Construction Jobs20:48 - How AI Could Automate Heavy Equipment Operation22:27 - Building the Remote Equipment Operator Business Model29:05 - Cutting Labor Costs With Remote Operators34:04 - Attracting the Next Generation of Equipment Operators38:39 - Balancing Blue-Collar Culture With Remote Work44:06 - When Remote Equipment Operation Could Go MainstreamCONEXPO-CON/AGG: <a href="http://conexpoconagg.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">CONEXPOCONAGG.com</a>CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.CONEXPOCONAGG.com/industry-news#sign-up</a>🔗 CONNECT WITH BRYAN FURNACE:<ul><li>Bryan’s LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-furnace/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-furnace/</a></li><li>The Dirt: <a href="https://www.equipmentworld.com/the-dirt" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.equipmentworld.com/the-dirt</a></li><li>Diesel and Iron YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/dieselandiron" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/c/dieselandiron</a></li><li>Diesel and Iron Academy: <a href="https://diesel-iron-academy.teachable.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://diesel-iron-academy.teachable.com</a></li></ul> #ConstructionTechnology #RemoteOperation #FutureOfWork

The Next Big Thing in Construction with Bryan Furnace

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 Construction02:24 - Solving the Construction Labor Shortage Through Visibility05:08 - Workforce Development Ideas Every Contractor Can Use08:44 - Why Investing in People Drives Long-Term Success12:54 - How Girls’ Construction Camps Inspire Future Tradeswomen18:06 - Recruiting the Next Generation of Construction Talent25:08 - How to Build a Culture That Retains Great Employees28:36 - Why Mentorship Creates Future Construction Leaders34:24 - Why Construction Is a Career Full of Opportunity39:58 - How EmpowerHER Is Changing the Future of ConstructionCONEXPO-CON/AGG: <a href="http://conexpoconagg.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CONEXPOCONAGG.com</a>CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.CONEXPOCONAGG.com/industry-news#sign-up</a>🔗 CONNECT WITH AMY HENNINGFIELD & SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION:• Amy’s LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhenningfieldmba/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhenningfieldmba/</a>• Superior’s Website: <a href="https://superiorconstruction.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://superiorconstruction.com/</a>• Superior Women in Construction (SWIC): <a href="https://www.superiorconstruction.com/our-company/superior-women-in-construction-swic/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.superiorconstruction.com/our-company/superior-women-in-construction-swic/</a>#ConstructionWorkforce #WomenInConstruction #WorkforceDevelopment

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 ConstructionCONEXPO-CON/AGG: CONEXPOCONAGG.comCONEXPO-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

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 Construction02:24 - Solving the Construction Labor Shortage Through Visibility05:08 - Workforce Development Ideas Every Contractor Can Use08:44 - Why Investing in People Drives Long-Term Success12:54 - How Girls’ Construction Camps Inspire Future Tradeswomen18:06 - Recruiting the Next Generation of Construction Talent25:08 - How to Build a Culture That Retains Great Employees28:36 - Why Mentorship Creates Future Construction Leaders34:24 - Why Construction Is a Career Full of Opportunity39:58 - How EmpowerHER Is Changing the Future of ConstructionCONEXPO-CON/AGG: <a href="http://conexpoconagg.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">CONEXPOCONAGG.com</a>CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.CONEXPOCONAGG.com/industry-news#sign-up</a>🔗 CONNECT WITH AMY HENNINGFIELD &amp; SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION:• Amy’s LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhenningfieldmba/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyhenningfieldmba/</a>• Superior’s Website: <a href="https://superiorconstruction.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://superiorconstruction.com/</a>• Superior Women in Construction (SWIC): <a href="https://www.superiorconstruction.com/our-company/superior-women-in-construction-swic/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.superiorconstruction.com/our-company/superior-women-in-construction-swic/</a>#ConstructionWorkforce #WomenInConstruction #WorkforceDevelopment

Modern Construction Recruiting for a Diverse Workforce with Amy Henningfield

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 Owner04:10 - How Geoff Built a Successful Excavation Company07:35 - Why the Skilled Trades Need More Young Talent12:27 - Using Racing to Inspire the Next Generation19:11 - How SkillsUSA Is Preparing Future Heavy Equipment Operators25:27 - Why Safety Training Is Transforming the Construction Industry28:51 - Do You Really Need a College Degree to Succeed?34:54 - Why Skilled Trades Offer Unlimited Career Growth38:15 - The Future of Closing the Skilled Trades Gap46:16 - How the Construction Industry Can Get InvolvedCONEXPO-CON/AGG: <a href="http://conexpoconagg.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CONEXPOconagg.com</a>CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up</a>🔗 CONNECT WITH GEOFF DODGE:<ul><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-dodge-4515156a/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-dodge-4515156a/</a></li><li>Geoff Dodge Racing: <a href="https://www.geoffdodgeracing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.geoffdodgeracing.com/</a></li><li>Lamb Excavating: <a href="https://www.wedigindy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wedigindy.com/</a></li></ul> #SkilledTrades #RacingtoBuildBrighterFutures #SkillsUSA

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 InvolvedCONEXPO-CON/AGG: CONEXPOconagg.comCONEXPO-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

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 Owner04:10 - How Geoff Built a Successful Excavation Company07:35 - Why the Skilled Trades Need More Young Talent12:27 - Using Racing to Inspire the Next Generation19:11 - How SkillsUSA Is Preparing Future Heavy Equipment Operators25:27 - Why Safety Training Is Transforming the Construction Industry28:51 - Do You Really Need a College Degree to Succeed?34:54 - Why Skilled Trades Offer Unlimited Career Growth38:15 - The Future of Closing the Skilled Trades Gap46:16 - How the Construction Industry Can Get InvolvedCONEXPO-CON/AGG: <a href="http://conexpoconagg.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">CONEXPOconagg.com</a>CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: <a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up</a>🔗 CONNECT WITH GEOFF DODGE:<ul><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-dodge-4515156a/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-dodge-4515156a/</a></li><li>Geoff Dodge Racing: <a href="https://www.geoffdodgeracing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.geoffdodgeracing.com/</a></li><li>Lamb Excavating: <a href="https://www.wedigindy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.wedigindy.com/</a></li></ul> #SkilledTrades #RacingtoBuildBrighterFutures #SkillsUSA

Leading the Race to Bridge the Skilled Trades Gap with Geoff Dodge

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Perspectives from construction business owners, heavy construction equipment experts and construction technology providers.

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

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