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

Excavator operator extraordinaire, Liam Bryan, better known as @diggerbry on social media, joins Taylor for a very special episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast. Starting out as a bricklayer and eventually becoming an expert excavator who captivates online audiences with his finesse in asphalt fine grading, Liam’s journey within the construction industry is a truly remarkable one. Today, he shares details of this journey, highlighting his dedication and determination, as well as the thrill of creating engaging content on social media. 

Liam’s tale is one of breaking barriers, defying skepticism, and proving that age and background are no hindrance to achieving excellence, all while advocating for better opportunities for future excavator operators. With unparalleled enthusiasm, Liam’s online presence showcases his exceptional excavator operating skills, leading him to become a beacon for the next generation of excavator operators, encouraging them to follow their dreams in the field. Delving into the camaraderie and pride within the construction industry, Liam's captivating videos celebrate the joy and passion of his work, promoting construction careers to a broader audience through the power of social media. Listen in today and prepare to be inspired by Liam’s journey of self-discovery, as he proves that social media in construction can, indeed, be done differently, and that personal growth and success know no bounds in the construction world.

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"I just want to inspire everyone around the world to be a machine driver because, myself, it wasn't an easy way to get in. And I just want to show everyone it can be easy.”

“For laborers now to see where I am, they just can't believe it. And obviously, I just want to show them that it is possible."

"I am really shocked the amount of people it has wowed, really.”

"I've always had things come in my path to push me. I could have easily just said, “I'll leave it,” but I've always taken it as motivation and that's why I feel like I am where I am now because I've just never given up."

"I thought right then, ‘I'm going to start posting my work on LinkedIn.’ And ever since I had done that, it was just crazy, the comments and all the support I had, and it really showed me that I was doing a good job."

"I did a Tarmac video. So this Tarmac video, I got 7 million views, and it was probably my 8th video I posted…It took me about six months to gain 9000 followers. And then after that video, I gained 30,000 followers just off the bat in about three weeks."

"I just want to really showcase to people how it can be and how fun it can be.”

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This week, Taylor welcomes Trey Bohannan, widely known as Treybodirt on TikTok, to the podcast. A seasoned entrepreneur and equipment enthusiast, Trey’s insights here today offer a masterclass in leadership and work-life balance. Together, he and Taylor explore his remarkable journey in the landscaping and construction industry, starting from his humble beginnings as a young lawn mower to his meteoric rise as a successful business owner. Along the way, Trey emphasizes the importance of equipment care, team camaraderie, and the timeless allure of older machinery.

Their discussion highlights the qualities of effective leaders, the significance of investing in employees, and the need for a healthy equilibrium between professional and personal life. Trey's wealth of experience managing a business is distilled into valuable lessons and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, his passion for antique tractors shines through as he shares captivating stories of his collection and his involvement in a charitable event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The episode culminates with Trey and Taylor's thought-provoking exploration of success, emphasizing the profound impact of personal values, nurturing familial bonds, and cultivating meaningful relationships. Join these two learned professionals here today for a wealth of valuable information and advice as well as a hefty load of laughs that will leave you equal parts educated and entertained.

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"We check all the fluids. We tighten tracks, we dig out tracks. And don't get me wrong, there's a lot of times we don't. But if it's a rainy day, if there's an opportunity, we're in the shops working."

"I'm decent at working on the older stuff, too. This new stuff today is expensive."

"The first hour of the day is the most important. Let's get in here and I try to clock everything every morning. We’ve got a certain time framework. Everything needs to be out onto a job."

"A good bird dog is born no different than a good leader. But they have to have training too. They have to watch others to be on point."

"Learn from your mistakes because you're going to make them every day."

"Success is a good man that raised his family and did everything right - that's success."

"I had a lot of people come up to me that I hadn't seen in 10 or 15 years and say, 'Man, I appreciate you did this for my Dad,' or ‘this for my grandparents’ or whatever."

"Everybody will notice you if we're going to go through this life, let's just pop a wheelie and ride it on through."

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Welcome to another exciting episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast as Taylor discusses the logistics of building a successful excavation business with his guest, Travis Gemmell, Founder of Walnut Grove Excavating. Today, Travis recounts his remarkable journey from the corporate realm to becoming a passionate business owner in the dirt industry, and shares invaluable insights into the importance of cash flow and strategic planning when starting a business. He also reflects on the challenges and lessons he has learned along his journey, and emphasizes the immense impact of having a dedicated and reliable team, as well as the unwavering support of family. 

In this enlightening exchange between Travis and Taylor, they explore the diverse facets of running an excavating business, the recession-proof nature of the wastewater and septic industry and the dynamics of hiring and managing a young and motivated crew. Together, they go on to discuss the pivotal role of social media in building a strong reputation and attracting clients, as well as how Travis successfully combines quality workmanship with strategic social media utilization to showcase his completed projects and stand out in the industry. The daily responsibilities of an excavating business owner, the balance between being on-site and managing operations, and the secrets to maintaining a thriving business are shared as well. Today’s episode offers a wealth of insights into the challenges, rewards, and essential factors that contribute to success in the dirt industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an industry professional, Travis's story here today will undoubtedly inspire you to pursue your own passion and allow you to gain valuable insights into building a successful business in the world of excavation.

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"There's so much work, there's so much expense, there's so much cash flow that you really can't let your finger off the pulse."

"I will work 24 hours a day to not fail."

"It's not even really the 25 people you have employed. It's multiplied by their family, multiplied by X amount of different things that that's going to impact."

"There are days that it's like if I just had one guy with me, how simple this would be."

"It's one of those deals where it's like, I don't know how you can afford to rent. You're better off buying everything."

"I love cheering you on. I'm in the background. I love watching what you do, and I love watching these other guys and talking to them."

"People are going to talk about you at the dinner table, whether you like it or not. It's going to be your decision whether it's a good conversation or a bad conversation."

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Today marks a very special episode as Taylor welcomes none other than the President and Owner of Ken White Construction to the podcast - his father, David White. Beyond the bonds of family, Taylor and David share a remarkable partnership and friendship that has shaped their journey together. Their fascinating conversation here today constitutes an exploration of such topics as their business's humble beginnings, navigating the challenges of the construction industry, and embracing a diverse range of projects.

Together, this dynamic duo unveil the transformative moments that have left an indelible mark on both their business and personal lives, and highlight the qualities of perseverance, adaptability, as well as the power of technology along the way. Drawing upon their own experiences, they review the importance of weathering tough times and adapting to changing circumstances, the delicate art of taking calculated risks, and striking a balance between caution and ambition. As the discussion unfolds, the evolution of technology becomes a focal point, with David's initial uncertainty giving way to the realization of the vast potential offered by platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Through engaging storytelling and open conversations, this father and son combo shares unique insights into building success in both business and life, inspiring listeners to embrace challenges, nurture resilience, and chart their own path to success.

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Ep. 139: Building from the Ground Up: Tips from a New Construction Business Owner

On today’s episode, Dylan Mercier, owner of D2 Contracting, joins Taylor for a discussion centered on a number of topics, beginning with Dylan’s journey into the construction business and his decision to start his own company. Their conversation further focuses on the challenges that come with running a business in the industry, including underbidding and finding good employees. The two also reflect on their recent trip to CONEXP-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America, and Dylan shares his experience with renting equipment and why he decided to invest in a skid steer. He also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work environment for employees and reveals his passion for infrastructure work, specifically water, sewer, and storm utilities.

Together, Taylor and Dylan go on to highlight the power of social media in the construction industry, exploring how it can be used for branding, gaining a following, and finding employees. They stress the importance of networking with competitors and sharing information to help each other grow, as well as the significance of adapting to changes in the economy and finding new opportunities. Overall, Taylor and Dylan’s discussion here today shines a brilliant spotlight on the fact that, in the construction industry - as in so many other industries - hard work, dedication, and a mindset that prioritizes the well-being of employees and investing in their personal growth are key to the long-term business success for which we all strive.

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Live at CONEXPO-CON/AGG with Dana Wuesthoff

Taylor welcomes a very special guest to the podcast today, and he does so in an equally special location. Dana Wuesthoff, the show director for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the largest construction trade show in North America joins Taylor at the Expo itself to discuss the planning and logistics involved in creating such a huge and hugely successful event. As the show director, Dana oversees a team of people and service vendors that work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the event to life, and today she highlights the immense coordination and teamwork necessary for such an event to happen, and the importance of having this dedicated team to work with and rely upon. She and Taylor go on to discuss the many benefits of attending events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG, including the opportunity for attendees to connect with others, share ideas, and solve problems together. Additionally, they describe the new community zone that was introduced this year to provide a space for attendees to recharge and connect with one another.

Delving into the details of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas, our duo reveals that it is one of the largest construction shows in the world, covering over 6 million gross square feet with over 2.8 million net square feet dedicated to exhibit booths alone. They note that the show is organized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, along with two other industry associations, and offers over 175 educational sessions put together by the organizers and industry associations. The many interesting panels and discussions taking place at the event, as well as the variety of educational opportunities available within the exhibitor booths are also reviewed. In essence, today’s exceptional episode highlights the vital role that events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG play in not only bringing people together, but also advancing the industry, and providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities - truly an episode and event that you can’t afford to miss.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"I kind of grew up in our services and I'm kind of like a giant project manager. There's a whole team of people, an army of people and service vendors that all work behind the scenes. We plan for three years to bring this event to life."

"I'm planning 2026 already. I have been for a while. I think some of my team probably hates me a little bit because I'm like, 'Yeah, '23 and '26 at the same time.'"

"That is the equivalent of lifting over 3,000 African Bush elephants, that's what that translates to."

"All these wonderful exhibits with the dirt and the aggregates and everything up there, the equipment on there, that was 175 dump trucks coming in, just dropping that stuff in."

"My favorite part is literally just seeing the people all coming together and seeing connections."

"We know how big the show is. We know how tired your feet can get, but really, you just wanted a place to sit down, get your devices charged, kind of recharge yourself a little bit, have a snack or a beverage."

"These three industry associations are really the ones behind the CONEXPO-CON/AGG together."

"We have over 175 different educational sessions that we, as the show, put together."

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn

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

Komatsu Homepage

Dana Wuesthoff on LinkedIn

Paving the Way for Online Success with Matt Stanley

In this episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast, host Taylor White speaks with Matt Stanley, a paving foreman, marketer for American Pavement Specialist, and founder of Raised on Blacktop about the themes of marketing, branding, and company culture in the construction industry. Stanley begins by sharing his family's history in the paving business, with three generations working for their family's company. The two then go on to discuss Raised on Blacktop, a merchandise and marketing company started by Stanley in 2020, and the success it has brought him. The family dynamic within the business is explored, with Stanley sharing how his mother instilled the importance of getting along with his brothers, which has translated into a successful working relationship.

Throughout the conversation, Matt and Taylor touch on various topics such as social media engagement, branding, and consistency in content creation. Stanley emphasizes the importance of starting small and growing organically, and how his diverse background has influenced his brand's street feel. They also discuss the significance of fostering a positive company culture, which Stanley believes has contributed to his business' success. Join these two experts in the field here today to gain valuable insights into the paving industry and learn more about the importance of branding and company culture in business growth.

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"Growing up, I get chills when I say this, because it's so important that my mom made sure that we all got along. There was no you hate your brother. It was none of that. From a young age, it was like, that's your brother. When you get older, they're going to be the only ones you could trust."

“A lot of people think we have a lot more guys than we do, but we're pretty lean and mean. We all wear a lot of hats.”

"Everybody's path to being that high number, being an influencer, is so different than everyone else's."

"I always look for inspiration outside of our industry."

"I want my brand to represent hustle. I want it to represent it could represent basketball, racing, skateboarding, but more so, going back to like, hustle, family business, getting up early, working hard."

"I think that needs to happen organically and I could see it happening in the next couple of years with both the brands, same as you."

"I don't like seeing what other people are doing so that I remain focused on my content is what's coming from my brain and not somebody else's."

"To get in the influencer brand deals game, you do kind of have to give out free work to begin with."

"But to post good content and get paid for it, it's, like, very hard to do."

"I enjoy the most getting to meet these manufacturers in person."

"Got to definitely live in the moment there and appreciate all the hard work because I'm not too good at that."

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn

To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience

Komatsu Homepage

Raised on Blacktop

American Pavement Specialists

The Power of the Right Balance of Relationship Building vs. Profit with Dane Cotten

This week, Taylor interviews Dane Cotten, owner of DC Excavation, about a number of topics including his background, the growth of his company, and the importance of networking in the construction industry. Dane also reviews the family tradition that inspired him to start his own excavation company, his successful use of networking and relationship-building to grow his business, and the importance of these practices in the construction industry. Some major news about Taylor’s live podcast at the upcoming CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 is announced here today, and with the show less than a month away, our host strongly encourages listeners to register and participate in it.

Together, Taylor and Dane go on to discuss the benefits and challenges of using distinctive machinery to differentiate companies and attract top talent, explore how investing in machinery and technology demonstrates to potential employees that the company values their work, and how social media can be used to hire workers from all over the world. They also touch on the challenges of retaining talent, building relationships with employees to create a positive work environment, and look at the transition from residential work to commercial work in the construction industry. The importance of building relationships with general contractors, focusing on paperwork and cost tracking, and not abandoning residential work entirely are analyzed as well. Today’s episode is yet another ‘must listen’ filled with valuable insights and advice for professionals in the construction industry, and showcasing the experiences and perspectives of undisputed experts in the field.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

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Taylor White on LinkedIn

Earth Movers Magazine

To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience

Komatsu Homepage

DC Excavation

Building Personal and Professional Success in Construction with Missy Scherber 

In today’s episode, Taylor sits down with former host of the podcast and the owner of Big Machine Hustle and Scherber Roll-Offs, Missy Scherber, to discuss a number of topics, particularly the challenges of balancing work and personal life as a business owner. Throughout their conversation, the two relate to the overwhelming feeling of having to do everything, from managing multiple tasks to handling personal and professional relationships. They also focus on the importance of finding a stress-reliever that can help reduce anxiety and provide clarity of thought, noting that it is crucial for business owners to find time for themselves and prioritize their mental health in order to be effective in their day-to-day responsibilities. After all, a healthy mind leads to a successful business and personal life.

Missy goes on to recount some of the challenges faced by women, single mothers, and primary caretakers in construction, including the difficulty balancing their careers with the demands of caring for their children. She highlights the importance of considering alternative work schedules to ensure that the construction industry can tap into a more diverse workforce, and not just burn out its current employees. She also shares her experience with social media and its impact on her life and business. Despite initially feeling discouraged by online negativity, Missy eventually found her confidence again and discovered the positive impact her online presence was having on her company and others in the construction industry. Today’s episode offers that rare opportunity where the podcast’s current host gets to pick the brain of a previous host, and it results in an exchange of information and advice that you do not want to miss.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"I, like many other of my peers, went to the school of hard knocks, but here we are eight years later."

"Construction is a lifestyle, and it integrates into every part of your life."

"The important relationship is respect."

"When we both deem each other necessary, we can build this bridge and work together."

"I think I see construction, a marriage, and a family, as one."

"I'm here to just share and empower and support."

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn

Earth Movers Magazine

To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience

Komatsu Homepage

T.Scherber Construction Homepage

T.Scherber on YouTube

T.Scherber’s Instagram

Missy’s Instagram

Living the Owner-Operator Life with John Schiedeck

Joining Taylor on this episode is the world’s best operator (in our opinion) and CEO of Schiedeck Construction, John Schiedeck. John’s been in the construction industry for almost seventeen years and has worked as an owner-operator for the last six. He opens the episode with an overview of his history in the job, from growing up around the industry to racking up the hours with his blade before finally striking out on his own (with help from his wife!). Then, he speaks about some of the challenges involved in being an owner-operator and what sets him apart from his competitors, including his perfectionist tendencies and willingness to take calculated risks. And John also discusses some of the other machinery he owns and the projects he’s currently working on, including some “pretty oddball stuff” for Elon Musk’s companies.

Next, Taylor asks about John’s success in operator challenges, with a new bout coming up on the first day of CONEXPO. John admits that he didn’t initially want to sign up but was convinced by scores of messages from his social media followers, only to find that his years of experience had given him the skills to win, before sharing some stories of how he developed those skills. He and Taylor then discuss whether being born into the industry and having it in your blood makes you a better operator, as well as their pride in passing their skills down to their kids. John then gives his opinion on GPS and technology on the job site, including his experience with Trimble, how GPS is a valuable tool in the hands of a skilled operator, and the changes he’s seen in technology over his career. And finally, John closes the show by sharing what he’s looking forward to at the CONEXPO show coming up in March, including the chance to get a look at the new technology and machinery being showcased.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

“I was in the seat, couldn’t even sit in it, just reaching the pedals standing against the seat. And I knew that’s what I wanted to do from day one. You know, when you’re a kid, everyone asked you, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ and my three answers were drive trains, fly planes, and drive tractors.”

“I actually do a lot of work for some of Elon Musk’s companies that are here. I picked some of that up. They keep me pretty busy doing oddball stuff. We did a big turn lane for off one of the main highways out here for one of their facilities because they’re blocking all the traffic with their deliveries coming in.”

“When you start getting down to the nitty-gritty, you’ve got to have that blade on the ground and know, hey, there’s still quite a bit of cut over here. And then know where your fields are at, and just driving around is the only way to figure that out.”

“Everything at CONEXPO is just amazing. If you have any kind of interest in this industry, it's really awesome to check out.”

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn

Earth Movers Magazine

To learn more about the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show and to register, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience

Komatsu Homepage

Schiedeck Construction Inc.