Dirt to Docks Podcast

Mercer Clark is the young CEO of a thriving construction company in Columbus, Georgia.

In this episode of Dirt to Docks, Trey and Matt dig into Mercer’s journey:

• what it was like to step into the top role,

• how he plans to scale the company, and

• why he loves the grind of operating every day.

Whether you’re in the trades or just curious how a next-generation leader takes charge, this conversation is packed with lessons on leadership, growth, and staying passionate about the work.

\We hit record with zero script and let the mics roll.

Trey, Matt, and repeat guest Skyler Warden dive into a round-table on where we want our companies to be in ten years—and what it will take to get there starting now.

Expect plenty of laughs, a few curveball questions, and some surprisingly practical ideas about growth, hiring, and building a business you actually want to run in 2035.

Whether you’re mapping your own decade-long vision or just need some entrepreneurial banter to fire up your day, this episode delivers both.

We’ve made plenty of mistakes—now we’re laying them out so you don’t have to.

In this episode we talk about:• Missteps in setting prices and quoting jobs• Permitting hurdles we weren’t ready for• How to cut down crew idle time and keep production moving

Real lessons learned the hard way from building and running blue-collar companies. If you’re quoting work, managing crews, or navigating permits, this one’s for you.

We also took a moment to pray for Charlie Kirk’s family after the tragic news of his passing—because some things matter far more than business.

Ben Carson of Chemical Dynamics joins Dirt to Docks to share what it’s really like stepping into the family business. From the pride of carrying on a legacy to the pressure of adapting when Florida’s citrus industry started to decline, Ben talks about the tough pivots, the lessons he’s learned, and the future of agriculture in Florida.

Whether you’re part of a family business, thinking about succession, or just interested in how industries adapt to big changes, this conversation is packed with insights you can take back to your own work.

This week on Dirt to Docks, Trey and Matt sit down with Skyler Warden for one of the wildest conversations we’ve had yet. We cover everything from house hacking and real estate investing to laundromats and all the crazy opportunities in between. Skyler brings a mix of energy, insight, and nonstop humor that kept us laughing the entire episode. If you’re into creative ways to build wealth, hilarious stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the hustle, this episode is for you.

This one’s different.

For the first time on Dirt to Docks, Trey sits down with his wife, Mallie, to talk about what it’s really like being married to an entrepreneur. From the stress of acquiring a company in their first year of marriage, to late nights, missed dinners, and big risks that come with business ownership — Mallie shares her side of the story.

You’ll hear:

• What it feels like living with the highs and lows of entrepreneurship

• How she handled the pressure of buying a business so early in marriage

• The moments that made her proud, and the ones that tested her patience

• Why having the right partner can make or break your journey as a business owner

This episode is honest, funny, and a perspective you rarely hear — what it’s actually like for the person standing beside the entrepreneur.

In this episode of Dirt to Docks, Trey and Matt sit down to talk through where their companies stand today and the big question every business owner faces: is it time to grow?

They share their honest thoughts on what “the next level” could look like, why many entrepreneurs decide not to scale, and how to recognize the sweet spot where your business is profitable and sustainable.

If you’ve ever wrestled with growth—when to push and when to hold—this episode is for you.

Part 2 – Finding, Talking, and Closing

In this episode, I’m breaking down the next stage of the small business acquisition journey — building a pipeline, having the right conversations, and getting the deal across the finish line.

We’ll cover:

• How to consistently source businesses for sale (even the ones not listed publicly)

• The best ways to approach sellers so they’ll open up

• Lessons from my own calls — including the unexpected places opportunity hides

• What really happens from LOI to closing day

Whether you’re actively searching or just curious about how these deals come together, this episode gives you the playbook I wish I had when I started.

If I woke up tomorrow and decided I was going to buy a business, here’s exactly how I’d do it.

In this episode, Trey walks through the small business acquisition process — blending what he actually did with what he’d do differently now. From figuring out what size business you can afford, to building a daily search routine, to turning “bad” seller calls into hidden opportunities, this is a step-by-step look at how to go from zero to owning your own company.

Whether you’re actively searching for a business or just curious about the process, you’ll hear practical tips, lessons learned the hard way, and a few surprises from the journey.

In this episode, Trey and Matt dig into how they think about marketing their blue-collar businesses. Spoiler alert: it’s not all Facebook ads and yard signs (these do work well though).

They talk about the power of word of mouth, why doing great work is marketing, and how reputation gets built on the jobsite.

Whether you're in marine construction, mining, or mowing lawns, this one’s a reminder that the best way to get your next job is to crush the one you’re on.