How do you turn a heated moment into a thriving business?

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Harold Gentner, the owner of Iron Hill Excavation, who transformed an unexpected fallout with his boss into a thriving excavation business. From rebuilding driveways to becoming the "Driveway King" of Marlette, Michigan, Harold shares how he built his reputation on quality, the right tools, and balancing family with business.

Key Insights:

✅The Unexpected Start: How leaving his job after a boss dispute led Harold to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

✅Earning the “Driveway King” Title: Why Harold’s approach to quality driveways sets him apart from competitors.

✅Tools That Make the Difference: How specialty attachments like grading boxes became Harold's secret to efficiency.

✅Defining Success: How Harold found happiness as a solo operator without the pressure to scale.

✅Lessons in Work-Life Balance: Why Harold refuses to let the business own him and prioritizes family time.

Why This Episode Matters:

Harold’s story is a relatable reminder that success comes from defining your own path. Whether you're at a career crossroads or looking for ways to enhance your work quality, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to thrive—on your terms.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Iron Hill Excavation’s Facebook Page and see all the services that he offer https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064747668530⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠⁠

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

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In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation podcast, Ryan Deemer is joined by marketing expert Clay Deal to discuss their new venture, Throttled Up Marketing, which aims to serve small business owners in the excavation and construction industry. 

Together, they dive deep into their unique approach to marketing—offering tailored solutions for businesses at different revenue levels.

Ryan and Clay talk about the challenges faced by business owners, including managing marketing efforts alongside day-to-day operations, and how Throttled Up is designed to scale with businesses as they grow. 

With Clay's 13 years of experience in digital marketing and Ryan's hands-on knowledge of the excavation industry, this new partnership will offer business owners everything they need, from systems and automation to lead generation and digital strategy.

The episode highlights the importance of building a solid foundation, measuring success, and providing actionable insights for businesses looking to thrive in today's competitive landscape. 

They also discuss their philosophy of transparency, personalized marketing packages, and why Throttled Up Marketing is the perfect solution for businesses at various stages of growth. 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, Ryan and Clay believe this partnership will offer the tools and knowledge to help business owners achieve their goals.

Takeaways:

✅ The importance of understanding your company's mission and setting clear business goals.

✅ How to transition from a "one-size-fits-all" marketing strategy to a personalized approach.

✅ Why creating systems and processes is essential for growth and sustainability.

✅ Marketing isn’t just about getting leads—it’s about turning those leads into long-term customers.

✅ The difference between quality leads and the sheer volume of leads, and why quality should be prioritized.

✅ How to implement automation and systematization to free up more time for business owners.

🔗 Connect for Success:

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Learn more about our marketing services for small businesses in the excavation industry:

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Check out Ryan’s other business, providing expert skid steer attachments for the excavation community:

👉 Groundbreaking Growth: Coaching for small business owners in the excavation and land service industry:

Ready to take your marketing to the next level? 

Head over to Throttled Up Marketing to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan and Clay today to discuss how we can help your business grow.

Ever wondered why an experienced excavation pro would rent all his equipment instead of owning it?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Luke Fielder, the owner of TriStar Land Solutions in Burns, Tennessee. Luke shares his journey from working for large corporations to starting his own company alongside his wife in 2022. With over 20 years of experience in excavation, Luke has mastered the art of balancing financial prudence, customer relations, and personal growth. This episode is packed with actionable insights and relatable stories that will inspire you to take charge of your business and personal life.

Key Insights:

✅Rent vs. Own: Luke explains why renting equipment often makes more sense than owning it, especially for businesses handling diverse projects.

✅Estimation Strategies: Learn about Luke’s system for accurate project cost estimation, including the crucial role of spreadsheets and automation tools.

✅Customer Relations: Discover how Luke prequalifies clients to avoid problematic projects and ensure mutual alignment.

✅The Human Side of Business: Hear Luke’s approach to balancing work and personal life while fostering a positive company culture that values employees and family.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is a must-listen for excavation and land management professionals aiming to refine their operations, enhance customer relations, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're just starting out or striving to grow your business, Luke’s journey offers invaluable lessons and strategies for success.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Luke Fielder’s website and social media accounts:

🌐: https://tnexcavationpros.com/

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tristarlandsolutionsllc/?igsh=MXR3YXZoemFkeWo4Yg%3D%3D

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tnexpros?_t=ZT-8sK4iRdXLzC&_r=1

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

Ever thought about tackling projects no one else wants to touch?

In this week’s Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer talks with Charlie Thomas of Dirtworx Unlimited. After leaving corporate America, Charlie discovered a unique way to stand out in the excavation business: digging egress windows. In a market with little competition, Charlie shares how this simple but essential service became a profitable niche for his company.

Key Insights:

✅Breaking Free from Corporate Life: Why Charlie walked away from a steady job to work for himself.

✅Egress Windows as a Hidden Opportunity: How Charlie found a niche with big rewards in an untapped market.

✅Smart Tools for Solo Operators: Why advanced equipment like rotators and grade control systems are worth the investment.

✅Work-Life Balance Done Right: Building a business that lets you focus on what matters most.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is a must-listen for contractors, dirt workers, and operators looking to spot overlooked opportunities in their industry. Charlie’s story shows how thinking outside the box and investing in the right tools can set you apart.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Charlie Thomas’ Facebook Page and see all the services that he offer: https://www.facebook.com/charlie.thomas.144

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

Ever been so fed up with a service you thought, "I’d do this better myself"?

In this down-to-earth episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer speaks with Jason Shipes, a Marine Corps veteran who took matters into his own hands when local rental companies let him down. Now the proud owner of his own equipment rental business,

Jason shares how he transformed frustration into a booming venture, with valuable insights on putting customers first, reinvesting smartly, and getting the job done right.

Key Insights:

✅Motivation from Setbacks: Jason shares how getting fed up with poor service turned into a business opportunity.

✅Building a Brand with Integrity: Learn why Jason’s no-BS approach to customer service keeps clients coming back.

✅Smart Reinvestment: Discover Jason’s strategy for keeping his business well-equipped without breaking the bank.

✅Creating Trust and Loyalty: Hear how he keeps it real with customers and outshines the big guys by focusing on quality and trust.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is essential listening for professionals who see gaps in the market and want to turn challenges into opportunities. Jason’s journey reveals how to build a respected business by focusing on service quality and community trust.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Jason Shipes’ Facebook Page and see all the services that he offer: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoMulchingandClearing

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://www.skidsteernation.com

Ever considered what it takes to run an excavation business without credit lines?

In this engaging episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer talks with Danny Brewer, owner of Bijou Grading Inc in Colorado, who has taken an unconventional approach to growth by running his entire operation on cash.

Danny shares the ups and downs of his journey, from tight payroll weeks to creating a family-focused business culture that values loyalty over rapid expansion. This episode is packed with real-life advice on financing, partnerships, and building a resilient business.

Key Insights:

✅Cash-Only Growth: Danny explains his cash-only approach and how it’s helped him keep his business resilient and independent.

✅Network-Driven Expansion: Learn how Danny’s strong local network allows him to expand services without overextending resources.

✅Family-Focused Operations: Discover Danny’s commitment to creating stability for his team, including paid winters and healthcare coverage.

✅Why Saying “Yes” Matters: Hear why Danny’s “never say no” mindset has opened doors to some of his most profitable projects.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is invaluable for land management and excavation professionals who are looking to grow without taking on debt, as well as those striving to create a business culture that prioritizes family and loyalty.

Whether you're a small business owner or part of a team, Danny’s story offers inspiring takeaways for building stability and resilience.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Danny Brewer’s Facebook Page and see all the services that they offer: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057455799081

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/⁠⁠⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://www.skidsteernation.com

Ever wondered how a 22-year-old navigated a 4-month business shutdown and came out stronger?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer chats with Brian Laird, a young entrepreneur from South Carolina who took over his uncle’s land management business.

Brian shares how he traded in horses for horsepower and has been navigating the challenges of owning an excavation business. Packed with real-world experiences, this episode will inspire you to embrace change and grow your business strategically.

Key Insights:

✅From Horses to Land Management: Learn how Brian's summer job in horse training led him to take over his uncle’s land management business.

✅The Power of Family Legacy: Discover how Brian incorporated his family's grit mill history into his company's name and branding.

✅Adapting to Change: Hear about Brian's journey from mulching to full-scale land clearing and the strategic shift away from forestry mulching.

✅Resilience in Business: Brian shares his experience of recovering from a machine breakdown that sidelined his business for months and the importance of staying connected to customers.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is essential for young entrepreneurs and land management professionals who want to build a business rooted in tradition while adapting to market demands. Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling up, Brian's experiences offer valuable lessons in perseverance and innovation.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Brian Laird’s website Stone Mill Land Works and see all the services that they offer: https://stonemillland.com/

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/⁠⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://www.skidsteernation.com

Ever thought about how running a business is like going to battle?

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer talks with Sam Jones, owner of Proworks Enterprises and a former Marine. Sam shares how the skills he learned in the Marines—such as leadership, discipline, and problem-solving under pressure—directly apply to running a successful excavation and land clearing business.

Packed with practical advice, this episode will inspire you to take control of your business with military precision.

Key Insights:

✅“Business is War”: Sam explains how his military experience prepared him for the constant battles of business—handling problems, fighting to get paid, and staying disciplined under pressure.

✅Building Networks: Learn how forming strategic relationships with local contractors helped Sam thrive in the competitive excavation industry.

✅Focusing on Strengths: Sam’s business success comes from focusing on his core skills—excavation and land clearing—and learning to outsource tasks beyond his team’s expertise.

✅Marketing with Confidence: Discover Sam's approach to using Facebook ads and Angie's List to effectively market and grow his business.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for professionals in excavation and contracting who want to apply a battle-hardened mindset to their business. If you’re ready to tackle your challenges head-on, Sam’s insights will equip you with strategies that work.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Sam Jones’ ProWorks Enterprises website: https://www.proworksenterprises.com/

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/⁠⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://www.skidsteernation.com

Ever wondered how to rebuild a family business while also rebuilding yourself?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Colton Nolan, the owner of Nolan Construction in Richmond, Kentucky. Colton shares his journey of stepping into his grandfather’s shoes, moving the business, and transforming it while also making significant changes in his personal life.

This episode is filled with practical advice and real-world examples that can help you navigate both personal and professional challenges.

Key Insights:

✅ Starting Over in Business: Learn how Colton took over his grandfather's business, moved it to a new location, and rebuilt it to align with his vision while maintaining the family legacy.

✅ Adapting and Growing: Understand the challenges Colton faced while moving the business, from managing staff and finding his niche to scaling up and creating efficient operations.

✅ The Power of Sobriety: Discover how getting sober was a turning point for Colton, changing not only his business trajectory but also his personal life and relationships.

✅ Collaboration Over Competition: Gain insights into how Colton leverages relationships and a strong network to succeed in the excavation and construction industry.

✅ Focusing on What Matters: Hear about Colton's commitment to focusing on his strengths, setting boundaries, and not getting lost in the noise of trying to do everything.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for professionals in the excavation and construction industries who are striving to refine their business strategies while also focusing on personal growth. Whether you're managing a legacy business or seeking to expand your current operations, the insights shared by Colton Nolan will provide you with the tools you need to achieve both professional success and personal fulfillment.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Colton Nolan’s Facebook Page and reach out to him:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/colton.nolan

👉 You can also contact Colton Nolan thru his email: [email protected]

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://www.skidsteernation.com

Can great customer service change the way you build your business?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer speaks with Jeston Anderson, the owner of Oak Lake Land Clearing and Anderson Site Development in Mobile, Alabama. Jeston shares his journey from working as a full-time mechanic to building a successful land clearing and site development business.

This episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples that can help you make strategic decisions for your business growth.

Key Insights:

✅Adapting and Expanding Services: Understand how Jeston evolved from forestry mulching to offering a full range of site development services, including commercial projects.

✅Navigating Commercial Contracts: Discover key tips on managing commercial projects, from understanding contracts to building strong relationships with general contractors.

✅Maintaining Work-Life Balance: Hear about Jeston's approach to balancing a demanding business with family life and the importance of being intentional with time.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is essential for professionals in land management and site development who are striving to scale their businesses while maintaining balance. Whether you're navigating the complexities of expanding services or learning to manage larger projects, the insights shared by Jeston Anderson will provide you with valuable strategies to succeed.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Oak Lake Land Clearing Facebook Page and see all the services that Jeston Anderson offers: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/Oaklakelandclearing

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://www.skidsteernation.com⁠