In this episode, Aaron and take a look at an Article published on For Construction Pros, written by Calvin Beyer. It's not the most fun or easy article to read but it is important information nonetheless.
This week we dive into the opioid crisis in construction.  Based on a 2020 report people who worked in construction are at the highest risk for overdose deaths of any occupation. Several risk factors contribute to this statistic. 
That is why it's so important to be armed with the right resources and information so we can all work to lower this number significantly. All it could take is one conversation. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction you can visit na.org/ aa.org or ask your employer about more resources. 
**NOTE** In this episode, Aaron mentions the suicide prevention hotline and uses the in correct number. The number for the suicide prevention hotline is 988. 
If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.

Stay Dirty!

Monday Article Review: The Opioid Crisis in Construction – DT217

Welcome to the self-proclaimed top podcast in the Dirt World (totally made up)! Listen weekly as host Aaron talks Dirt World issues, answers listener questions, and interviews some of our favorite people, from executives to operators we've met along our travels.

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In this episode Aaron is joined by Immanuel Martinez, Public Works Division Manager at Sunland Asphalt & Construction,LLC. Although Sunland does some pretty awesome work all throughout Arizona and other parts of the southwest, in this episode Aaron focuses on a project of sunland’s that he saw personally last year in the southeast.  Without giving too much away, it's in Miami and features some very fast vehicles.
Aaron and Immanuel discuss the intricacies of such specialized asphalt paving. Working with unique materials, tight tolerances and other contractors on site all while being a nation's distance away from the company's HQ, makes for some pretty interesting circumstances. To learn more about Immanuel and Sunland stay tuned for this fascinating episode all about asphalt. 
**UPDATE**
Dirt Talk is STOKED to announce Ariat as our first official sponsor for the year!
They make world-class footwear and workwear that we see on every job site we visit, and their folks are just as great as their products.
Dirt Talk listeners can receive 10% off their first order with Ariat by clicking here or visiting Ariat.com/dirttalk.

If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.
Stay Dirty!

Paving in Echelon for High Speed Circuits Featuring Immanuel Martinez – DT 236

As the title suggests Jay Collup, President of Collup Enterprises, is an expert in the Dirt World and has plenty of experience in the seat and as a leader. In this episode, Aaron and Him sat down to catch up and talk about training and how folks can improve efficiencies on a site. 
Along with a small two-person excavating and grading business, Jay’s main goal is to train the next generation of expert operators. He’s achieving this by offering his unique simulator service. Jay and his team offer simulator rental and training via a mobile trailer with several different machine simulators. This provides a way for contractors to train new operators while their production machines keep running. Jay's approach is progressive and backed up by years of experience, so tune in if you want a piece of his dirt world knowledge.
**UPDATE**
Dirt Talk is STOKED to announce Ariat as our first official sponsor for the year!
They make world-class footwear and workwear that we see on every job site we visit, and their folks are just as great as their products.
Dirt Talk listeners can receive 10% off their first order with Ariat by clicking here or visiting Ariat.com/dirttalk.
If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.
Stay Dirty!

Training Advice From an Ace Operator Featuring Jay Collup – DT 235

In this episode, Aaron is joined by Chad Abernethy CEO of Abernethy Contracting. Abernethy is a Dirt World staple in their home state of North Carolina doing everything from utilities and site prep to concrete and asphalt paving. 
Chad being the CEO gives personal insight into what it means to be a leader in the industry and balance the want and need to be in the field versus behind the scenes. He shared the lessons learned and the success he’s had buying back the family business and leading the company into the future. Chad has a great message for all leaders in the industry so if you are hungry to learn how to lead this episode is for you!
If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.

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Leading a Family Business with Chad Abernethy – DT 234

In this episode, Aaron shares some shocking figures about interstate bridges from an article published by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, by Chief Economist Allison Black. He Also Shares some numbers directly from the Federal Highway Administration, the Department of Transportation, and President Biden’s Infrastructure Act. 
These facts and figures paint a concerning picture of the state of our bridge and interstate systems, highlighting the point that this issue needs to be scrutinized more thoroughly by the federal government. 
Our Infrastructure got our great nation to where we are today, which is exactly why it cannot be overlooked. We need to do more to improve and repair our existing infrastructure while creating new infrastructure that will last the test of time.  None of this can be accomplished without the Dirt World and the amazing people who are a part of it. Stay tuned to stay informed!
If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.
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All About Our Interstate infrastructure: Monday Article – DT 233

If you have listened to Dirt Talk for a while you might know that Kimo, owner of Truth Excavation, is a bit of a regular at this point. Kimo has joined Aaron twice in-studio and in this episode joined him via satellite internet video call in an unfinished office as a result of the reconstruction of Lahaina and its infrastructure
In this episode, Kimo breaks down the 2023 Lahaina fires, which devastated the community and affected him and Truth Excavation personally last August. He gave his honest perspective and broke down day by day what he saw as it unfolded. Truth is one of few excavation companies on the island of Maui and the only one directly based out of Lahaina. They were and still are is on the frontlines every day.
As the fire still blazed Kimo and his crew worked tirelessly to bring their water trucks and dozers wherever needed to snuff out flames and cut fire breaks. Now Kimo and his team work long hours in harsh conditions to help restore the community and infrastructure of Lahaina. 
Although Kimo may be too humble to agree, he is a hero in his community and continues to be a legend in the dirt world. Big thanks to him for taking the time to talk to us via one of the most peculiar recording setups in Dirt Talk history.

If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.

Stay Dirty!

Monday Article Review: The Opioid Crisis in Construction – DT217

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