Episode #127: Dirtbikes and Dozers | Cole Morse

Cole Morse taught himself to run equipment on a dirt bike track his dad built him out of 96 free loads of clay. Today he runs M&M Earthwurx, the More Dirt YouTube channel, and More Dirt Pro, a mentorship app helping blue collar guys across the country build something real. In this one Cole gets raw about starting with nothing, buying a foreclosure to fund his business, raising autistic twins, walking off a job site and eating $4,000 in profit, and why purpose matters more to him than money ever will. God first. Family second. Work third. This one is worth every minute.

📲 Connect with Cole:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/more.dirt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Morse359

More Dirt Pro: https://www.moredirtpro.com/event/bulldozer-class?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnrdNz_mcCUC0foFYQBuKzIOEdlF0nF1DjbGtAE_21RkC_93knK6lBZ5BXcY8_aem_97fw2_KenWiRPiHhbvUiOg

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: http://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: http://sludgehammer.net

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LET'S GO!

Last time Brad from Teach Me Dirt joined us for the Estimating 101 episode, it became the most requested webinar we've ever done. So we brought him back to go deeper. Recorded live from our Dirt Bags University webinar on July 1st, hosts Luke and Joe Casey sit down with Brad to build a real site-work estimate line by line and show you exactly where the money hides.

This one is hands-on. Brad walks a live takeoff and breaks down how to price demolition the right way, why hauling and disposal can be a profit center instead of a cost, and how owning your own land to store and recycle material puts money back in your pocket. We get into erosion control and construction entrances, grading, hauling by the hour, and how to take skills you already have and turn them into higher-margin work. Brad also breaks down the post-job analysis and data habits that sharpen every future bid.

We wrap with live chat Q&A and a HUGE giveaway for the crew who showed up. If you estimate, bid, or you're trying to break into dirt work, this one pays for itself.

📲 Connect with Brad / Teach Me Dirt:

https://linktr.ee/teachmedirt

Huge Thanks to our sponsors for all of their support AND the incredible giveaway prizes:

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: http://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: http://sludgehammer.net

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!

1,500 days ago Jordan Smith sat down on the Phaser Friday podcast as a guy building something cool. Today he's lost 200 pounds, sold a company to Boss Snowplow, launched Storm Equipment, started a docuseries that's become the most viewed snow media ever created, and is scaling multiple companies simultaneously. In this episode Jordan gets raw about all of it. The ego trip that cost him everything he built, the doctor's visit that changed his life, how 75 Hard rewired his brain, selling VSI to Boss Snowplow, and building Storm from the ground up with purpose at the center of everything. We also get into fatherhood, work life integration, shiny object syndrome vs real innovation, and what it actually means to be the product of your last 1,000 days. This one hits different. Don't skip it.

📲 Connect with Jordan: Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jordansmith9922

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-smith-bb997173

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: http://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: http://sludgehammer.net

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!

Episode #125: Dirt Bag of the Year | Mack Lipka

He quit his job in November of 2022, sold a piece of property, borrowed from his retirement fund, bought a 2012 pickup, and went all in. Today Mack Lipka owns Black Diamond Landworks out of Kalispell, Montana and is the first ever Dirt Bags Podcast Dirt Bag of the Year belt holder. In this episode Mack breaks down how he bootstrapped his excavation and land company from the ground up, what it really takes to go out on your own with no guarantees, and how keeping it simple has been the key to everything. We talk equipment, hiring, scope creep, contracts, managing customers, and what he would tell anyone thinking about jumping into the excavation or land space today. Mack is the real deal and this one is worth every minute.

📲 Connect with Mack:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mack-lipka-633147257/

Website: https://blackdiamondlandworks.com/

Dirt Bags University Sign-Up Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1FDMN9b7S5azg-EZ44KgMg#/registration

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: http://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: http://sludgehammer.net

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!

#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn

Marc Kuhn started pouring concrete at 21, got fired, had a mortgage and a fiance making $12 an hour. Today he runs four companies doing close to 50 million in total revenue with 80 million in assets under management. In this episode Marc breaks down how he scaled from a one man concrete crew to a multi company operation, what glass ceilings actually look like when you hit them, the panic attack that changed everything, and why you are always the bottleneck in your own business. Raw, real, and loaded with stuff you can act on today.

📲 Connect with Marc:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc.kuhn.mak/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-kuhn/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marckuhnmak

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

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: http://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: http://sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Screenshot this and tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and we reshare every single one. And if you haven't yet, drop us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It means the world! LETS GO!

Episode #123: Win At Home First | Cory Carlson

You guys have been asking for this one. If you recognize the name it's because you've probably already got his book on your shelf. Cory is a business coach who has worked with over 300 business owners, a two-time author, keynote speaker (120+), dad, husband, and host of the Win At Home First Podcast sitting in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally. In this episode, Cory drops serious wisdom on what it means to truly win, not just in business, but at home first. We dig into leadership, family, faith, and what it really takes to build something that matters in every area of your life. If you haven't read his books Win At Home First and Rise and Go, go grab them on Amazon now. You won't regret it. 📲

Connect with Cory:

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

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

Rise Community: https://rise-community.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?month=2025-05

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: http://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: http://sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Screenshot this and tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and we reshare every single one. And if you haven't yet, drop us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It means the world! LETS GO!

Episode 122 – Failing Forward with Kristina McMillan. Kristina McMillan has 15+ years in construction, founded Crew Collaborative, and has lived a life full of gut punches — divorce, bankruptcy, cancer, and more. But she's still standing, and she's not shy about any of it. In this episode, Kristina gets real about failing forward, financial literacy, faith, and why the industry's workforce problem might be closer to home than you think. Raw, honest, and full of gold. Don't miss it.

🔗 Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mcmillan/

🔗 Support Crew Collaborative: http://crewcollab.org

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

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: http://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: http://sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

Shawn Van Dyke, author of Profit First for Contractors and battle-tested operations expert, steps into the Dirt Bags studio for episode #121. Most contractors grind nonstop only to watch the money vanish before it ever hits their pocket. This episode flips the script completely. Shawn lays out the exact Profit First system built for construction businesses—how to pay yourself and the company first, crush cash flow chaos, kill the feast-or-famine cycle, and finally build real, sustainable profit without working harder.

Shawn Van Dyke IG - @shawnvandyke

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnvandyke/

Website: shawnvandyke.com

Shawn Van Dyke's Bookkeeping Services info.datamule.agency

Shawn Van Dyke's Built to Build Academy - Free community, includes PFC training for free: www.builttobuildacademy.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?month=2025-05

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!

Kait Burds joins the Dirt Bags Podcast to talk about what actually works in the trades—and what doesn’t.

A 2024 CAT Women’s Operator Skills Challenge Champion, Kait’s built her name in the dirt and snow while helping push the industry forward. In this episode, she breaks down why nonstop grinding can hold you back, how to level up smarter, and what it takes to stand out in a blue-collar world.

Real experience. Real perspective.

This episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast features Erik Struebig – heavy equipment technician and technical communicator at MGX Equipment Services. Erik came up turning wrenches on John Deere ag equipment before jumping to yellow iron and Manitowoc cranes. With eight years as a U.S. Army infantryman and boots-on-the-ground experience across the trades, he brings the real perspective that actually moves the needle in this industry. No fluff, no BS – just straight talk and actionable insights from a guy who lives this life every single day.

Connect with Erik:

IG - @e_struebig

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-struebig-770aa0393/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

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!