Intro

Hey contractors! Don’t leave 2026 to chance! Join our free strategic planning web class on January 27 to get ahead: learn how to spot cash flow crunches before they hit, identify who to hire before you need them, and lock it all into a proven annual plan used by 1,900+ business owners. Click the link to register now: https://trybta.com/SPJan26

To learn more about Breakthrough Academy, click here: https://trybta.com/EP255

Take our five minute quiz and get your free Contractor Growth Roadmap: https://trybta.com/DL255

What if we told you that the skilled labor shortage is your fault?

Yes, there’s demographic challenges. Yes, the economy plays a role.

But our industry has REALLY missed the mark on attracting the next generation.

Today’s guest is the one and only Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt and host of the Dirt Talk podcast.

He’s on a mission to empower the next generation of tradespeople and bridge the gap between the old guard and the next wave of talent.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why the construction industry is partially at fault for the lack of new skilled laborers
• The employer branding mistakes you’re definitely making, and what to do instead
• And what different generations owe each other to solve the workforce crisis

If you care about the future of your team, your business, and the trades as a whole — this one’s for you.

Check out Aaron's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronWitt

More episodes on employer branding and recruiting the next generation of skilled laborers:

How to Build a Hiring Funnel (EP 220): https://youtu.be/ITtfUjjD5JI

How to Attract Reliable Staff in a Labor Shortage (EP 208): https://youtu.be/bjdnIQJxAMk

Leadership Beyond The Hammer (EP 215): https://youtu.be/DlJhlx65UIs

00:00-Intro

01:15-Aaron Witt's Background and Founding of BuildWit

04:20-The Importance of Brand in the Construction Industry

08:16-Why Contractors Struggle to Attract Young Talent

14:31-How Best-in-Class Contractors Hire Smarter

20:11-The Role of Authentic Storytelling

31:52-Employer Branding for the Next Generation of Contractors

40:28-Private Equity, Capitalism, and the State of Infrastructure

48:43-Responsibilities of Both Generations in Solving the Labor Crisis