Dirt Talk by BuildWitt

Michele and Mike O’Rourke lead O’Rourke Wrecking Company, a Cincinnati-based demolition company with a long history of challenging projects across Ohio and beyond. As a husband and wife who took over the business unexpectedly decades ago, they’ve worked together to not only grow the company, but the demolition industry as a whole. Learn more about O’Rourke Wrecking at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/o'rourke-wrecking-company/ Follow Michele on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleorourke/ Follow Mike on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-o-rourke-2a55a77/ Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron gives an update on meeting a huge sales goal for the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit and a breakdown of the 100 new training videos added to the Improve platform. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam is the Founder of AIM Intelligent Machines, a US-based company that automates ground-engaging machines, such as dozers and excavators, using AI and machine learning. Now a few years into business, they’re scaling across construction and mining operations worldwide. Learn more about AIM at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aim-intelligent-machines/ Follow Adam on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsadilek/ Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned after the close of the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron's back to answer your questions. Send us your questions — dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron talks about a recent tough pickle he had to tackle, his Vlog trip to visit Casella and their waste management operations, and the latest surrounding Dirt World. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Anderson, President of Bear Construction, shares his journey from starting his firm in 2019 with just a Kia to leading a successful site work company. He discusses the intricate details of water service work and the lessons learned from early business challenges, including legal disputes and hiring missteps. Brian emphasizes the importance of cash flow discipline, faith-based leadership, and the role of storytelling in construction. He also shares insights on building a personal brand on LinkedIn and nurturing a people-first company culture.

Aaron recaps his recent speaking engagement at the annual Bring Back the Trades event, some quick thoughts on AI tools, and what it means to have had 1,300+ attendees at the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit.  Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Dick Zhang, CEO of Bluelight Machines and former founder of Identified Technologies, shares his journey from drones to autonomous construction machinery. He discusses the lessons learned from his early startup experiences, the shift towards autonomy driven by labor shortages, and the importance of reducing complexity to gain traction. Dick also touches on how autonomy can upskill workers and improve safety in the field, while emphasizing the need for cultural adoption for successful tech integration.

Aaron recaps his attendance at a recent Dale Carnegie conference and gives some thoughts on learning culture. Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com!To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices