In this special post-2025 Leadership Summit episode, host Jordan Potter and co-host Mark Payne sit down with Mike Fallat and Griffin Haley to reflect on three successful leadership sessions, unveil the company’s new mission statement—“Masters of the Underground”—and examine the core principles needed to sustain it over the long haul. They stress the critical role of accountability as the “glue” between safety and quality, illustrating how these commandments bring that core value to life. Through lively stories and real project examples, the team shows how a culture of continuous improvement, humility, and collaboration can drive extraordinary results. By focusing on these eight guidelines every day—both personally and professionally—everyone can contribute to a unified goal of delivering underground work at the highest level.

THE 8 COMMANDMENTS FOR BECOMING (AND REMAINING) A MASTER OF THE UNDERGROUND:

1. Take Extreme Ownership
   • Adopt a “no excuses” mindset and own every outcome, good or bad. Nobody else will fix it for you. When you fully commit, you earn the right to claim success EP10 - Mike Fallat 2025….
2. Make Safety Natural
   • Safety isn’t a choice or a box to check—it’s the only way. Embed safe practices so deeply into your routine that doing things the right way is second nature.
3. Never Cut Corners
   • How you do anything is how you do everything. Cutting corners once can lead to poor habits, so refuse to settle for anything less than top-notch workmanship.
4. Be an Expert of Your Craft
   • Success happens when you put in the work day in and day out, not overnight. Hone your skills, continually learn, and always look for ways to practice—on and off the clock.
5. Walk the Walk
   • Live the standards you preach. If you expect discipline and high quality, show it in every action. Your crew and your customers will notice and respect you for it.
6. Face Conflict Head-On
   • Don’t let problems fester; confront them like a buffalo charging into the storm. Addressing issues swiftly prevents small bumps from becoming major roadblocks.
7. Earn Trust
   • Trust is gained through reliability, consistency, and integrity. Do what you say you will—every time—and own your mistakes. People will remember your honesty more than your errors.
8. Be Humble
   • Let your work speak for itself. Confidence is admirable, but arrogance undermines the team. Recognize that everyone can learn from each other, no matter how experienced.

This jam-packed conversation brims with fresh energy and unifying purpose as the podcast crew explains how these principles will guide the company’s next phase of growth. If you’re ready to lead by example, strengthen relationships with teammates and customers, and become a true master in your field, these eight commandments provide a powerful roadmap. As Mike Fallat puts it, “Best doesn’t happen overnight—it happens every day.” Embracing these principles will help you rise to the challenge and keep elevating your craft, one project at a time

At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!