Dirt Bags Podcast

This week on episode #138 of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke sits down with Steve Smythe from Storm Equipment to talk snow removal, leading from the field, and preparing your crew for winter. Steve shares stories from 35+ years in the industry, takes us behind the scenes of Storm Chasin’, and breaks down the Phantom wing plow, Storm Academy, and making time for family through the busy season.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-smythe-93532b95/ https://www.instagram.com/smythe3163/ https://stormeq.com

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: Book your free strategy call Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit trupointco.com

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening!

In Episode 137 of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten sits down with Austin Gurney of Gurney Excavation to talk about his journey from working a full-time union job to starting and growing his own excavation company.

Austin shares how he started with borrowed equipment, took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, and grew his business through hard work, calculated risks, and building strong customer relationships.

From financing equipment and managing cash flow to landing commercial contracts, hiring his first employee, and overcoming imposter syndrome, Austin breaks down the real challenges and lessons of building an excavation business from the ground up.

📲 Connect with Austin & Gurney Excavation:

Website: https://gurneyexcavationllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurney_excavation_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561960127117

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management

Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems.

Learn more at: https://eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology

By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.

Discover the details at: https://sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening!

Zack Estes of Lean Dirt joins Luke Eggebraaten to break down how construction business owners can improve their operations, eliminate waste, and build systems that actually work.

From identifying bottlenecks and understanding profit margins to using AI, improving communication, and holding teams accountable, Zack shares practical strategies to help contractors run more efficient and profitable businesses.

📲 Connect with Zack & Lean Dirt:

Website: https://www.leandirt.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zdestes/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zdestes/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management

Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems.

Learn more at: https://eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology

By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.

Discover the details at: https://sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening!

Zech Strauser joins Luke Eggebraaten to break down his journey from starting a landscaping company with a push mower to building a multi-market operation and eventually selling the business.

Zech shares what he learned about growth, cash flow, debt, building a strong team, preparing a business for an exit, and the reality of life after selling. He also dives into his next chapter with Urture and why he’s continuing to bet on the green collar trades.

📲 Connect with Zech & Urture:

Website: https://urture.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urtureworkwear/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zechstrauser/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing:

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management

Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems.

Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology

By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling

without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.

Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening!

Jordan Klassen of Parkway Construction joins Luke Eggebraaten to talk about growing up in the family business and the lessons he’s learned after more than a decade in the industry.

From working alongside his dad and the future of Parkway to excavation, septic, equipment, social media, and building relationships in the industry, Jordan shares what life looks like inside a 25-year construction company built for the long haul.

📲 Connect with Jordan & Parkway Construction:

Website: https://parkwayconstruction.ca/

Parkway Construction: https://www.instagram.com/parkway_construction/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jord_klassen/

https://www.instagram.com/kklassen1974/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing:

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management

Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems.

Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology

By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling

without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.

Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening!

After more than a decade in business, Benjamin Johnson realized playing it safe was only going to take him so far.

Ben, owner of Forge Site Solutions, joins Luke Eggebraaten to talk about getting outside his comfort zone, building relationships with competitors, pricing work correctly, and making smarter decisions around growth.

They also dive into equipment, perfectionism, family, and why sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply putting yourself out there.

📲 Connect with Ben & Forge Site Solutions:

Website: https://forgesitesolutions.net/

Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/benjamin-johnson-b1031a181_forgesitesolutions-propertymaintenance-activity-7459393594156593152-X3Ns/

Forge Site Solutions on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forge-site-solutions/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgesitesolutions/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing:

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management

Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems.

Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology

By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling

without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.

Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening!

Doug Casscles of BlackRock Excavating joins Luke Eggebraaten to reflect on 25 years since 9/11, sharing what he remembers from that day, how his community was impacted, and the incredible response that followed.

They also dive into Doug’s biggest lessons from the last few years in business, including employees, equipment, cash flow, and learning to let go of ego and emotion.

📲 Follow BlackRock Excavating:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrockexcavatingcorp

Website: https://blackrockdigs.com/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

LETS GO!

In Episode 131 of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten sits down with Michael King of Civil CFO to break down the biggest financial barriers construction companies face as they scale.

From cash flow and bidding to profit margins, equipment, bonding, and working capital, Michael explains what contractors need to understand to grow without putting their business at risk.

If you want to build a stronger, more profitable construction business, this episode is for you.

📲 Connect with Michael:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelking/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing:

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management

Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems.

Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology

By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling

without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.

Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening!

Christian Schloegel started mowing lawns in fifth grade. Today he runs C+I Services LLC (C And I Services), a full-service landscape, design/build, and snow management company crushing it in Chicago’s western suburbs.

Connect with Christian:

Website: https://www.candiservicesllc.com/ Instagram: @candiservicesllc

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

LETS GO!

In this bonus episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Joe Casey steps into the host seat while Luke is out on paternity leave and sits down with Cam Mathis from Phaser Marketing to recap Storm Field Day in Mankato, Minnesota.

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.

Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening!