When Andrew Michael left his job as a diesel tech during the chaos of COVID, he didn’t chase scale—he chased control, family, and purpose. What started as renting equipment and testing the waters led to buying his first skid steer and embracing a solo operator model.

But what really makes this episode stand out? Andrew’s mindset. This isn't just about clearing land—it’s about clearing mental clutter, owning your story, and showing up for your family and clients in a way most business owners never figure out.

If you’ve ever battled imposter syndrome, wrestled with niching down, or wondered if staying small is actually smart, Andrew’s story hits hard.

Takeaways:

✅Renting vs. Owning: Andrew rented equipment for three years before finally buying his own skid steer—and the confidence that came with it was the real game changer.
✅Niching Is a Strength: Early on, he tried to do “anything brown or green,” but narrowing his focus helped build a reputation and reduce burnout.
✅Mindset over Machines: Success in this business isn’t about horsepower—it’s about what’s happening between your ears.
✅Solo by Design: Andrew doesn’t want 30 employees or a fleet—he wants to be known as a specialist, and it’s working.
✅Pressure Creates Performance: From family life to business decisions, Andrew uses pressure to fuel growth, not fear.
Why it MattersThis episode hits home for blue-collar business owners trying to balance growth, purpose, and peace of mind—without selling their soul or sacrificing their family.

Links:

🔹 Visit Michael Way Acre’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/michaelwayacres🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttled Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Joe Borowski didn’t plan to become a concrete contractor—but the market had other ideas. In this episode, Ryan Deemer sits down with the owner of Hawthorne Excavating to talk about how pouring a single hot tub pad turned into 90% of his workload. Joe shares what it’s like managing growth, staying hands-on, and slowly building a real business—not just a job.

He also gets real about what it takes to keep standards high without burning out, how he’s setting up two crews for future expansion, and why communication matters more than fancy equipment.

Takeaways:

✅ Joe got his start as a union operator at 18—but bought his first excavator instead of a new truck.

✅ Concrete wasn’t the plan, but customer demand made it impossible to ignore. Now it drives most of his revenue.

✅ He’s learned more from redoing jobs the right way than from the ones that go perfectly.

✅ Joe is shifting from operator to leader, learning how to train, trust, and let others figure it out.

✅ He's realizing time—not money—is the most valuable asset in business, and he's starting to build processes to reclaim it.
Why It Matters:

If you’re in excavation or hardscaping, learning to offer concrete—or partner with someone who does—can unlock bigger, better-paying jobs and more referrals.

Links:

🔹 Visit Hawthorne Excavating LLCs’ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HawthorneEx

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttled Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Austin Gurney didn’t just quit his job—he quit the idea that being a great operator was enough. After moving to a new state with no contacts, he grew his excavation business fast by focusing on systems, showing up when others wouldn’t, and thinking like a business owner from day one.

He didn’t build this to stay busy. He’s building it to last.

Takeaways:

✅Built a steady business from scratch in a brand-new area with zero connections.

✅Used daily Facebook group posts (at 5AM) to keep leads coming in before going full time.

✅Realized he was spending too much time being a technician—not a leader.

✅Wants his business to leave a legacy—not just cover the bills.

If you’re growing a blue-collar business and want to scale without being stuck in the machine, this episode gives you the playbook.

Links:

🔹 Visit Gurney Excavation’s’ website: https://gurneyexcavationllc.com/

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttle Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Matt Wolcott didn’t grow up in Tennessee—and he didn’t know a soul when he got there. But in just a year, he went from the “new guy” handing out business cards at gas stations to being the go-to name for storm shelters and mowing tough terrain. His story’s not about luck—it’s about hustle, follow-through, and solving real problems when others bail.

Takeaways:

✅Matt wore his company shirts everywhere—even got in trouble at his old job for it. Branding doesn't stop after hours.

✅He calls back every missed call—telemarketer or not. Most don’t leave voicemails, and that quick reply often wins the job.

✅He turned a simple mower attachment for his mini-excavator into a niche that competitors couldn’t touch.

✅He sold 15 storm shelters in under 6 weeks—some from his recliner, thanks to $10 Facebook ads and quick customer responses.

✅Built partnerships with other contractors to offload jobs outside his scope—keeps the customer happy, and the phone ringing.

Why It Matters:If you’re a contractor looking to stand out in a crowded market, this episode shows how being reliable, visible, and responsive is sometimes all it takes to win.

Links:

🔹 Visit Wolcott Outdoor Services’ website: https://wolcottoutdoorservices.com/

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttle Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Cason Rawson didn’t just build Apex Excavating & Underground overnight — he did it while keeping a cool head through 90-day payment delays and the pressure of feeding twelve families every week.

In this episode, Cason opens up about:

✅How he bootstrapped from weekend septic jobs to multi-million-dollar bids.

✅The hard truth about government work: you’d better have four months of payroll in the bank.

✅Why loyal relationships with banks and insurers matter more than a cheaper quote.

✅Letting go of control — and why getting a good right-hand man and an accountant changed everything.

Takeaways:

✔️ Always have at least 120 days of cash flow ready.

✔️ Payroll comes first, profit second — crews keep you in business.

✔️ Stick with the people who stuck with you.

✔️ Get out of the paperwork and back into the field.

Why listen?

If you run equipment and carry the weight of a crew, these lessons will save you money, stress, and a few sleepless nights.

Links:🔹 Connect with Apex Excavating & Underground: https://www.facebook.com/ApexExcUnd

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttle Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

👉 Hit play and learn what most guys wish they’d known before bidding big.

She went through a divorce, shut down a business, and started over—seven months pregnant, running a skid steer, and refusing to quit. Stephanie Brooke isn’t just building driveways—she’s rebuilding her life, one load of gravel at a time.

In this real-as-it-gets episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, I sit down with Stephanie and her dad Richard—the team behind Precision Gravel and Earth Solutions. We talk about the hard lessons that come from business breakups, starting from scratch, and what it takes to grow a company that actually fits the life you want. If you’ve ever thought about throwing in the towel, this one will hit home.

Key Insights:

✅ Start Smart, Even When It’s Hard: Stephanie’s first business didn’t have a solid foundation—but her second one does. Learn how she approached Precision Gravel differently from day one.

✅ The Power of Business Agreements: Stephanie learned the hard way that even if you trust your business partner, you still need a clear, written agreement—especially if that partner is your spouse.

✅ Marketing with Vulnerability: From DirectTV sales to building a local brand, Stephanie shares how being authentic and showing your face online wins more trust (and work) than just polished photos.

✅ Bouncing Back with Clarity: After a painful business dissolution, Stephanie partnered with her retired father to launch a more focused, niche excavation business—with the aim of building not just driveways, but long-term client relationships.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for professionals in the excavation and land services industry who are navigating challenges—whether relational, financial, or operational.

Stephanie’s journey demonstrates that clarity, structure, and authenticity are more valuable than perfection. If you’ve ever wondered how to come back from a setback stronger, this episode is your blueprint.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Precision Gravel and Earth Solutions’ website: https://www.precisiongravelandearth.com/

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

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Build your excavation brand, automate your outreach, and generate leads: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

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

What pivotal moment—and painful lesson—transformed Michael Botts into a truly legitimate business owner and leader?

In this latest episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer explores Michael Botts' journey of building Botts Grading in North Carolina. From his early days in hotshot trucking to the pivotal challenge of firing his first employee and the profound self-reflection that followed, Michael shares how he built a strong and resilient business. Filled with practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is designed to help you strengthen your business foundation and grow with purpose.

Key Insights:

✅ From Hotshot to Heavy Equipment: Discover how Michael used hotshot trucking to acquire the necessary equipment to launch Botts Grading, demonstrating resourcefulness in the early stages of business.

✅ The Tough Lesson of First Hires: Michael shares his candid experience of firing his first employee just two months in, highlighting how this difficult decision became a catalyst for him to legitimately learn about running a business and setting clear expectations for others.

✅ Strategic Naming for Brand Identity: Learn why Michael intentionally chose "Botts Grading" over a broader name like "land management," focusing on establishing a clear brand identity and expertise in dirt work.

✅ Transparent and Detailed Estimates: Michael explains his disciplined approach to estimating, breaking down costs and providing itemized estimates to residential and commercial clients for transparency and to avoid common financial pitfalls.

✅ Faith and Business Parallels: Gain a unique perspective on how Michael connects his faith to his business, highlighting the importance of commitment, going "all in," and the belief that growth requires continuous effort, similar to spiritual growth.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for excavation and land service business owners who are striving to build a profitable and sustainable company. Whether you're navigating challenges with hiring, refining your branding, or looking to improve your sales process, the practical insights shared by Michael Botts will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Michael Botts’ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/michael.botts.3

👉 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 felt like rapid growth might be dragging your business under instead of lifting it up?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer dives deep with Brandon Dimmer of Dimmer’s Precision Grading, who went from wrenching on transmissions to managing a 20+ person excavation crew.

Brandon unpacks the hard-won lessons from expanding too quickly and offers grounded wisdom on sustainable growth, leadership, and mental clarity in the excavation world.

Key Insights:

✅ Scaling with Purpose: Brandon reveals how explosive growth led to hiring missteps and why scaling deeper—not wider—can lead to long-term success.

✅ Grit Over Glamour: Learn how Brandon pushed through cash flow crises and quality control challenges by leaning into grit, not gimmicks.

✅ Building a Culture That Lasts: Discover the toll of hiring the wrong people and how culture shifts when original team bonds are stretched.

✅ Redefining Leadership: Understand why not every great operator should be a foreman, and how misplacing talent can hurt morale and quality.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for contractors, excavation pros, and land management business owners who are navigating the highs and lows of growth. Brandon's candor about mental burnout, leadership missteps, and the emotional cost of building a business is both a cautionary tale and an inspiring guide.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Dimmer's Precision Grading on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPG2018

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

👉 Throttled Up Marketing – Helping excavation and land service businesses dominate their market: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Ever wondered what it’s like to run heavy equipment with your spouse every day — and still enjoy dinner together?

In this latest episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer dives into a compelling conversation with Jeremy and Kellie Haggerty, the husband-and-wife duo behind Haggerty Dozing & Excavating in rural Cuba, Illinois. From sharing equipment to swapping duties mid-job, they’ve built a successful excavation business while raising a family — and doing it all without letting the job come home.

Filled with practical advice and real-world experience, this episode is packed with lessons for any contractor or operator looking to scale with intention.

Key Insights:

✅ Operate Together, Succeed Together: Jeremy and Kellie both operate equipment and manage the business, proving that a married couple can thrive professionally and personally — without losing their cool.

✅ Buy Smart, Scale Smart: Hear how Jeremy started with fixer-upper equipment, flipped machines, and eventually invested in brand-new gear — learning hard lessons along the way.

✅ Let the Work Speak: Without relying on ads or even a website, they’ve grown their customer base through finish quality and word-of-mouth — keeping a steady two-month backlog.

✅ Kids, Cabins & Career Balance: Learn how this family stays grounded in a small town, why their daughter’s been in a skid steer since age three, and how they still make time for Gulf Shores vacations.

🔥 Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for excavation and land management professionals who value quality craftsmanship and are striving to build a strong business without sacrificing personal relationships.

Whether you’re a solo operator, part of a family business, or considering growing your team, Jeremy and Kellie offer hard-earned wisdom and a refreshing outlook on work-life integration.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Haggerty Dozing & Excavating’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/haggertydozingandexcavating

👉 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? Learn more at https://www.getthrottledup.com/

How do you onboard six employees at once—without losing control of your business?

In Part 2 of this powerful Skid Steer Nation Podcast episode, Ryan Deemer reconnects with Cody Kubinak of Carolina EarthWerx to dive into the nuts and bolts of business growth. Cody reveals how he’s rapidly expanded his team while preserving quality, culture, and customer relationships.

This episode is packed with actionable strategies for operators ready to level up.

Key Insights:

✅ Systemized Onboarding: Learn how Cody plans to onboard six new employees with structure, speed, and clarity.

✅ From Field Work to Delegation: Hear how he’s transitioning from operator to leader — and the mindset shifts it requires.

✅ Building a Culture that Retains: Explore the daily rhythms and standards Cody sets to keep morale high and performance consistent.

✅ Leveraging GPS and Tech in Dirt Work: See how Cody integrates new tools and techniques to stay efficient on job sites and stay ahead of competitors.

Why This Episode Matters:If you're at the tipping point in your excavation or land management business — ready to grow but unsure how to scale without chaos — this episode will give you the blueprint. Cody’s military-inspired leadership style, paired with field-tested business practices, makes this a must-listen for professionals aiming to grow a durable, high-performing crew.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Carolina EarthWerx’ website: https://carolinaearthwerx.com/

👉 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/⁠