Hard Hat Talks Podcast

Hard Hat Talks | Featuring Zach Burick

In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, we sit down with Zach Burick to dive into his journey through the construction industry.

Zach shares how he’s built his career, the lessons learned along the way, and what it really takes to grow in a demanding industry. He also opens up about his other ventures, giving insight into how he’s expanding his impact outside of his core business.

From business growth and industry challenges to opportunities beyond construction, this episode is packed with real perspective from someone who’s actively building on multiple fronts.

Topics include:

• Building and growing in the construction industry
• Lessons learned from real-world experience
• Expanding into other ventures
• Balancing multiple opportunities
• The mindset required to keep pushing forward

🎙 Hard Hat Talks — Real conversations with the people building our industry.

Today, Show Host Chris Greiner is joined with our special guest: Jesus Ruiz In this episode, Jesus talks to us on how he got started in concrete and how his business has grown over the past years.

Today, show Host Chris Greiner is joined with our special guest: Thomas Skeen. In this episode, Thomas shares how he got into concrete equipment sales and best practices for customers / dealers.

Today, Show Hosts Samuel Velasco & Chris Greiner is joined with our special guest: Kenny Niematelo

In this episode, Kenny shares his family’s story — how they got into the concrete business and made their way to Trinity, North Carolina,

He talks about how, over the years, American Concrete has grown to specialize in large-scale warehouse construction and what it takes to retain talent.

Kenny also opens up about his experience competing on American Ninja Warrior — and what that journey taught him.

Today, Show Host Chris Greiner is joined with our special guest: Jason Speer

In this episode, Jason shares his story — how he got into the ready mix concrete business and how he overcame the industry challenges.

He talks about how, over the years, Forsyth Redi Mix has grown to 3 plants and a solid operations team.

Today, Show Host Chris Greiner is joined with our guests: Pablo Romero & Cale Rivers

In this episode, Pablo and Cale share how they got their start in the concrete equipment sales world and what it’s taken to build a reputation for exceptional customer service. They also dive into the lessons they’ve learned along the way — the kind that have helped them serve their customers better.

In this episode, we sit down with Luis and Julissa Torres, the powerhouse duo behind LTR Concrete, to uncover the grit, vision, and strategy it takes to run a successful concrete business in the heart of Los Angeles. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in their area, the couple share their journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges they faced breaking into a competitive industry, and how they’ve built a brand grounded in integrity, craftsmanship, and community.

In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, I sit down with Ernie Jessop from EZ Footings to discuss how their innovative concrete forming solutions are making foundation work faster, easier, and more efficient. We dive into the benefits of their system, how it compares to traditional methods, and why contractors are making the switch. Whether you're in the concrete industry or just curious about the latest in construction innovation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, we sit down with a seasoned specialty foreman Peter Pekkela with Ace Avant Concrete Construction to break down what it takes to build a successful career in the concrete industry. From learning the trade to leading crews on complex projects, he shares real insights on the skills, mindset, and work ethic needed to move up in the field.

We cover the realities of the job, the challenges of leadership, and how to take advantage of career opportunities in concrete construction. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, this conversation delivers practical advice from someone who’s been there.

Episode Title: Video Marketing Basics for Concrete Contractors

In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, we break down the essentials of video marketing for concrete contractors. From showcasing your craftsmanship to building trust with potential clients, video is one of the most powerful tools in the construction industry.