What happens when you're pushed into business ownership before you're "ready"?

In this insightful episode of theSkid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Luke Mace, owner ofKansas Property Services, to discuss the unexpected leap into entrepreneurship. Luke shares how he transitioned from side jobs to full-time excavation work, what it was like to take that plunge with a family to support, and how he's scaling his business with a massive, multi-year regenerative farm project.

This episode is packed with real-world lessons on risk, business growth, and balancing work with family life.

Key Insights:

✅Forced Into Entrepreneurship– Luke didn't plan to go full-time when he did, but when circumstances pushed him, he embraced the challenge and never looked back.

✅Navigating the Uncertainty – With three kids and a stay-at-home wife, Luke shares the mindset shift needed to succeed in a high-risk industry.

✅Scaling with Strategy– Taking on a long-term farm development project required a shift in pricing models and planning for the future.

✅Balancing Business and Family – Luke talks about integrating his kids into his work, making the most of business ownership, and why time is the most valuable asset.

Why This Episode Matters:

For excavation professionals, land clearing contractors, and small business owners, this episode is a must-listen. If you've ever considered taking the leap into business ownership but were hesitant, Luke’s story will inspire you to take action. And if you're already in the game, his approach to pricing, scaling, and managing family life will give you valuable insights to apply in your own journey.

🔗Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Kansas Property Services website:https://www.kansaspropertyservices.com/

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Need more leads for your excavation or land services business? Get a professional web presence, marketing automation, and high-quality leads. https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Join us next week for more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Why would a guy specializing in excavation and land clearing decide to focus solely on equestrian arenas?

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Scott Macdonald, owner of Elite Arena Solutions and 10 Point Land Management, to talk about the power of niching down in business.

Scott shares how he went from general excavation and land clearing to becoming a go-to expert in equestrian arena construction—and why attention to detail is everything in this industry.

Key Insights:

✅ Focusing on a niche can change everything – Scott explains why shifting from general excavation to equestrian arenas helped him build a high-demand, word-of-mouth business.

✅ The science behind a proper arena – Why drainage, compaction, and footing blend are critical for the safety of horses and riders.

✅ Why precision matters in excavation – The smallest grading errors can cause major issues in an equestrian arena. Scott shares how he uses 2D and 3D laser grading to get it right every time.

✅ Growing a business without a website – Scott’s work speaks for itself. Learn how he built a successful business with little online presence.

✅ Giving back through equine therapy – Scott shares his work with rehabilitation arenas that serve individuals with disabilities.

Why This Episode Matters:

For excavation professionals, contractors, and business owners, this episode is packed with real-world advice on scaling your business by specializing. Whether you’re looking to refine your services or understand the high standards of equestrian arena construction, Scott’s insights are worth tuning in for.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Elite Arena Solution’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554063113605

👉Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? With industry-specific expertise, we help businesses like yours build a professional web presence, automate marketing, and generate quality leads. Learn more at ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/⁠

Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Ever wondered how washing hog confinements could spark a thriving excavation business?

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Jon VanZee, owner of 641 Excavating. From the unconventional start of power washing hog confinements to building a successful excavation company, Jon shares how failures, resilience, and a commitment to excellence paved his path.

Key Takeaways:

✅The impact of community connections and supporting local businesses.

✅Why knowing your numbers and bidding efficiently can transform your profits.

✅Tips for time-blocking, efficiency bonuses, and systemizing operations.

✅The philosophy of "Free or Full Price" and its role in creating boundaries for business success.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? With industry-specific expertise, we help businesses like yours build a professional web presence, automate marketing, and generate quality leads. Learn more at https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Ready to start the New Year with bold moves and big opportunities?

In this special New Year episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Andrew Steinhauser, owner of Elkhorn Pines Tree Service and Whitetail Solutions. Andrew shares how he turned cold calls into a thriving business, found value in salvaging eastern red cedar, and balances family and work while building his legacy in rural Nebraska.

Whether you're setting new goals or looking for inspiration to kickstart your year, Andrew’s story is packed with lessons that will fuel your motivation.

Key Insights:

✅Cold Calls That Open Doors: Andrew shares how his proactive cold-calling strategy kick-started his business and generated consistent work.

✅Cedar Salvage Innovation: Learn how Andrew found value in salvaging eastern red cedar in an area lacking a local market.

✅Balancing Conservation and Business: Discover Andrew’s involvement in preserving Nebraska's Niobrara Scenic River while running a growing business.

✅Family and Growth: Hear how Andrew expanded his operations to include his father as a full-time employee.

Why This Episode Matters: As we enter a new year, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to expand their business or refine their strategies. Andrew’s journey will inspire you to tackle challenges creatively, stay persistent, and set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

🎉 From all of us at Skid Steer Nation, Happy New Year! Let’s make this year one of growth and success.

🔗 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=100063760863607

👉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/

👉Head over to ⁠Throttled Up Marketing⁠ to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan today to discuss how we can help your business grow.: https://www.getthrottledup.com

What happens when a leader’s mission is to create a team that’s stronger than themselves?

In this special Christmas episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Evan Jones, a Maryland-based entrepreneur whose leadership philosophy is simple yet profound: he wants his team to "be better than me."

By empowering his employees, fostering mentorship, and emphasizing collaboration over competition, Evan has built a thriving business rooted in purpose and people.

✅Empowering Employees: Why Evan encourages his team to surpass his own skills—and how it strengthens his business.

✅Leadership Lessons from the Military: How Evan’s service shaped his approach to guiding and supporting his team.

✅Scaling Through Self-Awareness: The importance of analyzing weaknesses and making strategic decisions to grow.

✅Collaboration Over Competition: How working with other contractors helps everyone win.

🎄 A Christmas Message from Skid Steer Nation 🎄As you tune into this inspiring episode, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season! Thank you for being part of the Skid Steer Nation family—we’re grateful for your support this year. Here’s to an incredible 2025 ahead!

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Dundee Farm’s website: ⁠https://dflandservice.com/

👉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/

👉Head over to ⁠Throttled Up Marketing⁠ to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan today to discuss how we can help your business grow.: ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com

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/

👉Head over to ⁠Throttled Up Marketing⁠ to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan today to discuss how we can help your business grow.: ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com

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/

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