

Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
BuildWitt
Welcome to the Dirt World's top podcast (self-proclaimed). Every week, host Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt, interviews construction and mining industry leaders in long form and shares updates on what's happening inside of BuildWitt.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 16min
Close Quarters Tunneling with Midwest Mole feat. Jason Miller – DT202
In this episode, Aaron is joined by Jason Miller, President of Midwest Mole Inc., a company that specializes in Trenchless tunneling and Boring services. Their work extends across the United States, from Boston to Florida, Maryland, and the Midwest, just to name a few locations. Despite their focus on providing boring services, the projects undertaken by Midwest Mole are anything but dull!Join us as we delve into the various fascinating techniques that Midwest Mole employs to ensure the well-being of their employees, contributing to the longevity and functionality of our nation's infrastructure.If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 15, 2024 • 50min
Monday Question and Answer: The Tough Questions - DT201
In this episode, Aaron answers the following.-Where is the earthmoover?-toughest challenge with employees?-What's the hardest thing you've ever done?-Who's hiring?If you want a peak under the hood here at BuildWitt or are looking for a job, this is the episode for you.If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 11, 2024 • 1h 9min
Laying Down the Future of the Paving Industry with Landon Morel – DT 200
In this episode, Aaron sat down with Landon Morel, a Foreman at Southern Sun Paving, to delve into the world of luxury paving. Landon, drawing from his expertise and experience in a family-run asphalt business, sheds light on the meticulous craftsmanship and commitment involved in each layer of asphalt used in high-end residential paving projects. Amidst the rumble of heavy machinery and the aroma of freshly laid asphalt, we explore the distinctive aesthetics of chip sealing, the viral appeal of paving videos, challenges in managing machinery, and the dynamic between innovative paving technologies and traditional methods. If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8, 2024 • 49min
Road Show Week Two: Through the Rockies and Beyond – DT199
In this episode, Aaron and I delve into the adventures of week two on the roadshow. The team tested the RV as they journeyed through mountainous terrains en route to the west coast. Their stops included witnessing the monumental dam project at Chimney Hollow led by the Barnard crew, a project vital for supplying clean water to the Front Range. They also visited our friends at Stutsman-Gerbaz in Aspen to witness specialized machinery in action. Navigating through mountain passes, they arrived at the vibrant city of Las Vegas, exploring the contributions of Las Vegas Paving to the new F1 circuit. Their final destination was Fresno, California, where they visited McCahill Dozing and their monstrous tree grinder. We hope you enjoy this glimpse behind the scenes of the roadshow.If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 4, 2024 • 21min
A Look Back at 2023 – DT198
Welcome to a special episode of Dirt Talk! This week's episode differs from our usual format, offering a compilation of shorter clips from past episodes. These excerpts, selected from our YouTube channel (find us by searching 'Dirt Talk Podcast' on YouTube), showcase the top moments from throughout 2023.At BuildWitt, we've taken time during this holiday season for reflection. This compilation provides a perfect opportunity to review our progress in 2023 while gearing up for the exciting changes ahead in 2024.We extend our gratitude to all the incredible dirt enthusiasts for their unwavering support. Everything we do is for you, and we remain dedicated to bringing even more high-quality content in the upcoming year. Stay tuned for further announcements!If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 21, 2023 • 1h 29min
Hands-On Learning: Shaping the Future Workforce with Jim Mathis – DT197
Join Aaron and special guest Jim Mathis, the proprietor of Gittaway Ranch and President of WyoTech. If you were to inquire about Jim's profession, he'd humbly mention ranching, which is indeed accurate. However, Jim's role transcends ranching. Alongside managing a thriving cattle ranch, he also assumes the roles of a teacher, skilled diesel mechanic, and the President of Wyoming's sole accredited private university, WyoTech. The university prioritizes a hands-on, practical approach to education. It welcomes students nationwide, imparting values, tools, and the necessary discipline for establishing substantial careers in the trades. For captivating ranch tales and insights into shaping tomorrow's skilled workforce, tune in to this episode.If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 14, 2023 • 1h 19min
High Stakes Paving and a Changing WorkForce with Andy Scheurer of Hi-Way Paving – DT196
In this episode, Aaron sat down with Andy Scheurer to delve into the world of paving. They discussed the precise tolerances necessary for airport work and also explored strategies for growing and sustaining a workforce in these demanding situations. From the significance of social media to the complexities of recruitment, this episode offers valuable insights for contractors in the construction industry. Hope you enjoy it!If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 7, 2023 • 1h 17min
Utah's Transforming Construction and Power Landscape – DT195
In this week's episode, Aaron Sat down with Rory Hall Co-Owner and Operations Manager of Grade Tech Power Services. On Hall’s LinkedIn profile, he describes the work as “a niche market performing excavation and grading services for electrical utilities.” Join them as they dive into Utah's power grid, unique work culture, and the intricacies of building infrastructure vital for growth. Learn about our guest's company journey and delve into key industry issues like wages, workplace culture, talent strategies, transparency, training, and the role of social media in modern businesses.If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 30, 2023 • 1h 23min
Risk Management, Culture, and Leadership in the Construction Industry With Graham Company – DT194
In this episode, Aaron sat down with Carl Bloomfield and Jeff Spatz of Graham Co. to discuss the high-risk world of heavy civil construction. They navigate the treacherous waters of risk management, unearthing the importance of life experience and learning from mistakes. They unpack the multitude of risks present in construction—from physical dangers to reputational risks—and the necessity for companies to have comprehensive risk management plans.If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com.Stay Dirty! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 23, 2023 • 1h 10min
Precision Blasting: Mastering the Art of Explosives w/Travis Martzall – DT 193
In this week's episode join Aaron and Special Guest Travis Martzall of Wampum Hardware and Dyno Nobel and step into the explosive realm of drilling and blasting services. Discover the critical factors behind proper fragmentation and the art of efficient drilling techniques. From Tennessee's blasting practices to the use of draglines and dredging in the Boston Harbor, this episode uncovers the intricacies of precision blasting and its impact on the mining industry. If you have any questions or feedback, email the Dirt Talk crew at dirttalk@buildwitt.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


