Kjell Gerber, a photographer for Buildwitt, discusses the importance of photography and social media in the construction industry. He explains how Buildwitt started as a social media management and photography company, but has since expanded to offer services in recruiting, training, and retaining employees. Kjell emphasizes the value of quality photography in attracting and promoting the industry to potential employees. He also highlights the need for companies to create a positive work environment and culture to retain their employees. The conversation touches on the variety and satisfaction that comes with working in construction, as well as the challenges of weather and physical labor. You can find him on instagram @bluecollar_photographer

Key Takeaways:

• Buildwitt started as a social media management and photography company for the construction and mining industries, but it has expanded to offer marketing services, website development, recruiting, and training.

• Quality photography and content creation are essential for attracting and retaining employees in the construction industry.

• The Dirt World Summit is an event organized by Buildwitt to bring together industry professionals and promote collaboration and innovation.

Quotes:

• "Social media just scales word of mouth to a digital platform." - Kjell Gerber

• "Marketing is important, photography is important, video is important. Having your branding on point, it's all part of it." - Kjell Gerber

• "It took me a long time to realize that I actually missed building things" - Kjell Gerber

About The Guest:

Kjell Gerber is a photographer and media specialist at BuildWitt, a company that provides social media management, photography, videography, and marketing services for the construction and mining industries. Kjell grew up in Utah doing concrete construction and got recognized by Aaron Witt, the owner of BuildWitt, through his social media posts showcasing his family's construction company. He joined Buildwitt about four and a half years ago and has been traveling around the country taking photos of the dirt world ever since. 

Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Introduction to the podcast episode and guest, Kjell Gerber

(0:01:25) - Kjell Gerber's role at Buildwitt and his journey into photography

(0:02:54) - Traveling and working with contractors across the country

(0:03:21) - Aaron Witt's photography background and the evolution of Buildwitt

(0:05:14) - Challenges of taking photos on job sites and the value of quality photography

(0:07:22) - Expanding the definition of "Dirt World" and working with various contractors

(0:08:19) - The first Dirt World Summit and its impact on attendees

(0:09:44) - Partnership with Jocko and Echelon Front for the summit

(0:11:11) - The content and industry-specific focus of the summit

(0:12:26) - Conclusion of the interview and recap of the Dirt World Summit

(0:12:58) - Importance of marketing and recruiting for a company

(0:14:45) - Marketing for employees like marketing for leads

(0:16:37) - Importance of always hiring to grow a business

(0:17:24) - Kjell's transition from fieldwork to marketing role

(0:19:31) - Introduction to drones for project documentation

(0:21:46) - Hiring a replacement for KJell's marketing position

(0:22:43) - Importance of media marketing for business growth

(0:23:25) - The importance of company culture in attracting employees

(0:25:12) - Marketing, branding, and company culture as ingredients for success

(0:26:19) - Buildwitt's focus on helping with the people lifecycle

(0:26:19) - People lifecycle: attract, hire, train, retain.

(0:27:05) - Buildwitt started with attracting awareness for the dirt world.

(0:28:31) - Buildwitt expanded into hiring and training services.

(0:29:40) - Buildwitt Jobs is an online hiring platform.

(0:29:40) - Buildwitt Training is a learning management system software.

(0:31:05) - Dirt World Summit promotes career opportunities in the industry.

(0:32:14) - Trades are often looked down upon compared to college.

(0:33:03) - Lack of excitement and promotion for trade jobs.

(0:37:24) - Construction awareness for people to consider it as an option.

(0:38:06) - Trade jobs offer a deep satisfaction of building something.

(0:40:51) - Discussion on the challenges of construction work

(0:41:36) - Speculation on the impact of weather on mental health

(0:42:10) - Conversation about recommending construction work to children

(0:43:08) - Conclusion and invitation to listen to the full podcast

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