Dirt and All

Ambrosia Industrial
  • 4.9 (14)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Monthly

Dirt and All is an independent industrial media platform documenting how real businesses are built, grown, and sustained across mining, civil construction, earthmoving, and industrial services. We feature long-form, unscripted conversations with founders, operators, and leaders across Australian heavy industry.

  1. Dirt and All: E26 - Jon Kelly: The Man Behind the Brand

    6 June

    Dirt and All: E26 - Jon Kelly: The Man Behind the Brand

    In Episode 26 of Dirt and All, Jon Kelly joins us for one of the most anticipated conversations we've ever had on the show. Known to many through MegaTruckers, Heavy Haulage Australia and Aussie Truck Rehab, Jon has spent decades building businesses, moving some of the country's biggest loads, and living much of that journey in the public eye. In this exclusive conversation, Jon opens up about the highs and lows of his career, the rise, fall and resurgence of his businesses, and the realities of navigating public scrutiny while continuing to push forward. We also discuss what comes next, including Jon's vision for preserving Australia's heavy haulage history through an ambitious museum project, his passion for the industry, and the impact he continues to have on the people around him. This is an honest, reflective and often funny conversation with one of the most influential and talked about characters Australian trucking has produced. Jon Kelly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jfk526/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Heavy-Haulage-Assets-100064571084475/ Ryan Foster is the Managing Director of Ambrosia Industrial, an industry specialised marketing agency. Ambrosia Industrial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/ambrosia-industrial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ Website: https://www.ambrosiaindustrial.com.au/ Dirt and All is produced at Ambrosia Studio on the Gold Coast. https://www.ambrosiastudio.au/ Dirt and All is an independent media platform focused on telling the stories of the people, businesses and operators behind heavy industry. The show is made possible by the support of our commercial and segment partners. Capital Equipment Sales is a commercial partner of Dirt and All. Supplying high quality used earthmoving equipment to contractors and operators across Australia, Capital Equipment Sales delivers machines that are ready for work from day one. Website: https://capitalequipmentsales.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalequipmentsales/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capitalequipmentsales/ McGregor Finance Group is a segment sponsor of Dirt and All, supporting the Heavy Business segment. McGregor Finance Group provides tailored finance solutions to operators and businesses across the civil and earthmoving sectors, supporting growth through practical, experience backed lending. Website: https://mcgregorfinance.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgregor-finance-group/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgregorfinance/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgregorfinance/ The Fleet Office is a segment sponsor of Dirt and All, supporting the Tech Talk segment. The Fleet Office provides fleet management systems and technology solutions designed to improve visibility, utilisation and control across heavy equipment operations. Website: https://www.thefleetoffice.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fleet-office/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefleetoffice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefleetoffice/ To align your brand with Dirt and All and reach operators, contractors and decision makers across the civil and mining industries, visit https://dirtandall.com/ to explore partnership opportunities.

    1hr 47min
  2. Dirt and All: E25 - Ben Hannant: Life After Footy in the Heavy Equipment Industry

    17 May

    Dirt and All: E25 - Ben Hannant: Life After Footy in the Heavy Equipment Industry

    In Episode 25 of Dirt and All, we sit down with Ben Hannant, Managing Director of Hannant Plant Hire. Known to many Australians through his career in the NRL and media, Ben joins us for a conversation that goes far beyond football. We talk about his transition from professional sport into the heavy equipment and plant hire industry, the decisions that led him into business ownership, and the realities of building something long after the stadium lights turn off. Ben shares his thoughts on leadership, mental fortitude, discipline, and the parallels between elite sport and business, particularly the pressure that comes with responsibility, performance and leading people through difficult environments. We also touch on the current state of the world, the importance of backing yourself, and why conversations around mental health and speaking up still matter, especially for men in leadership positions. This episode is funny, honest, serious at times, and packed with perspective from someone who has operated at the highest level both on and off the field. Hannant Plant Hire Website: https://www.hannantplanthire.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benhannant8 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhannant/ Luke Castricum is the General Manager of Leader Group and co host of this episode. Leader Group Website: https://www.leadergroup.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadergroup.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadergroupau/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leader-group-au/ Ryan Foster is the Managing Director of Ambrosia Industrial, an industry specialised marketing agency. Ambrosia Industrial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/ambrosia-industrial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ Website: https://www.ambrosiaindustrial.com.au/ Dirt and All is produced at Ambrosia Studio on the Gold Coast. https://www.ambrosiastudio.au/ Dirt and All is an independent media platform focused on telling the stories of the people, businesses and operators behind heavy industry. The show is made possible by the support of our commercial and segment partners. Capital Equipment Sales is a commercial partner of Dirt and All. Supplying high quality used earthmoving equipment to contractors and operators across Australia, Capital Equipment Sales delivers machines that are ready for work from day one. Website: https://capitalequipmentsales.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalequipmentsales/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capitalequipmentsales/ McGregor Finance Group is a segment sponsor of Dirt and All, supporting the Heavy Business segment. McGregor Finance Group provides tailored finance solutions to operators and businesses across the civil and earthmoving sectors, supporting growth through practical, experience backed lending. Website: https://mcgregorfinance.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgregor-finance-group/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgregorfinance/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgregorfinance/ The Fleet Office is a segment sponsor of Dirt and All, supporting the Tech Talk segment. The Fleet Office provides fleet management systems and technology solutions designed to improve visibility, utilisation and control across heavy equipment operations. Website: https://www.thefleetoffice.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fleet-office/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefleetoffice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefleetoffice/ To align your brand with Dirt and All and reach operators, contractors and decision makers across the civil and mining industries, visit https://dirtandall.com/ to explore partnership opportunities.

    1hr 55min
  3. Dirt and All: E24 – Adrian Pope: From One Service Ute to a Global Mining Group

    21 Apr

    Dirt and All: E24 – Adrian Pope: From One Service Ute to a Global Mining Group

    In Episode 24 of Dirt and All, we sit down with Adrian Pope, CEO of Apeiron Corporation. From a one man service ute in Mt Isa to building a globally focused, innovation led mining services group, Adrian walks us through the evolution of Apeiron and the mindset behind it. We cover the growth of the group, how each business unit has been built with intent, and the role of product development, engineering capability and global relationships in scaling the business. We also dive into Adrian’s approach to leadership, decision making, and how he continues to push into new markets while maintaining control across multiple divisions. This is a conversation about long term thinking, backing your ideas, and building something that can compete beyond Australia. Apeiron Corporation Website: https://www.apeironcorp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apeiron-corporation/ Ryan Foster is the Managing Director of Ambrosia Industrial, an industry specialised marketing agency. Ambrosia Industrial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/ambrosia-industrial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ Website: https://www.ambrosiaindustrial.com.au/ Dirt and All is produced at Ambrosia Studio on the Gold Coast. https://www.ambrosiastudio.au/ Dirt and All is an independent media platform focused on telling the stories of the people, businesses and operators behind heavy industry. The show is made possible by the support of our commercial and segment partners. Capital Equipment Sales is a commercial partner of Dirt and All. Supplying high quality used earthmoving equipment to contractors and operators across Australia, Capital Equipment Sales delivers machines that are ready for work from day one. Website: https://capitalequipmentsales.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalequipmentsales/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capitalequipmentsales/ McGregor Finance Group is a segment sponsor of Dirt and All, supporting the Heavy Business segment. McGregor Finance Group provides tailored finance solutions to operators and businesses across the civil and earthmoving sectors, supporting growth through practical, experience backed lending. Website: https://mcgregorfinance.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgregor-finance-group/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgregorfinance/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgregorfinance/ The Fleet Office is a segment sponsor of Dirt and All, supporting the Tech Talk segment. The Fleet Office provides fleet management systems and technology solutions designed to improve visibility, utilisation and control across heavy equipment operations. Website: https://www.thefleetoffice.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fleet-office/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefleetoffice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefleetoffice/ To align your brand with Dirt and All and reach operators, contractors and decision makers across the civil and mining industries, visit https://dirtandall.com/ to explore partnership opportunities.

    1hr 42min
  4. Dirt and All: E23 - Tom Campbell. Final Trim Excavations.

    17 Mar

    Dirt and All: E23 - Tom Campbell. Final Trim Excavations.

    In Episode 23 of Dirt and All, we catch up with Tom Campbell, Managing Director of Final Trim Excavations. Tom has built Final Trim Excavations into one of the most recognisable specialist excavation businesses in Australia, known for high quality work, immaculate machines, and a strong presence both on site and online. We talk about how the business has grown over more than two decades, Tom’s focus on machine customisation, and why building equipment that reflects pride in the job has become a defining part of the Final Trim brand, along with the role WesTrac has played in supporting that growth. We also discuss how social media has become a powerful tool for construction businesses, helping Tom showcase his work, build a following, and attract opportunities that simply did not exist twenty years ago. Along the way, Tom also speaks candidly about the pressures that come with running a business and why having honest conversations about mental health matters in this industry. Learn more about Final Trim Excavations: Website: https://www.finaltrimexcavations.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/final_trim_excavations/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Final-Trim-Excavations-100041169942327/ Ryan Foster is the Host of Dirt and All, and Managing Director of Ambrosia Industrial, an industry specialised marketing agency: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-foster-6197144a/ Website: https://www.ambrosiaindustrial.com.au/ Buddhi Edirisuriya is a Sales Representative at WesTrac and co host of this episode. Website: https://www.westrac.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westrac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westrac/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesTracAustralia/ Dirt and All is produced at Ambrosia Studio on the Gold Coast. https://www.ambrosiastudio.au/ Capital Equipment Sales is a commercial partner of Dirt and All. Supplying high quality used earthmoving equipment to contractors and operators across Australia, Capital Equipment Sales delivers machines that are ready for work from day one. Website: https://capitalequipmentsales.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalequipmentsales/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capitalequipmentsales/ McGregor Finance Group is a segment sponsor of Dirt and All, supporting the Heavy Business segment. McGregor Finance Group provides tailored finance solutions to operators and businesses across the civil and earthmoving sectors, supporting growth through practical, experience backed lending. Website: https://mcgregorfinance.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgregor-finance-group/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgregorfinance/

    1hr 28min
  5. Dirt and All: E22 - Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge Finalists Tim Lamb and Shane Poole.

    16 Feb

    Dirt and All: E22 - Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge Finalists Tim Lamb and Shane Poole.

    In Episode 22 of Dirt and All, we sit down with Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge finalists Tim Lamb from Daracon and Shane Poole from Diamond Excavators in Queensland. With ConExpo 2026 in Las Vegas just weeks away, this episode captures the build up, pressure, and anticipation leading into the world finals. Tim is representing WesTrac, while Shane is flying the flag for Hastings Deering, and both share what it takes to make it through the regional and national rounds to earn a place on the global stage. We talk preparation, mindset, and what the Global Operator Challenge actually tests in the real world, from machine control and precision through to decision making under pressure. Tim and Shane give an honest look at how they train, how they handle competition, and what it means to represent their companies and dealer networks on an international stage. This episode is a lead in to ConExpo 2026 and a rare look at the operators behind the machines, the nerves before the lights go on, and the pride that comes with wearing your colours on the world stage. WesTrac Website: https://www.westrac.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westrac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westrac/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesTracAustralia/ Hastings Deering Website: https://www.hastingsdeering.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hastings-deering/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hastingsdeering/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HastingsDeering Buddhi Edirisuriya is a Sales Representative at WesTrac and co host of this episode. Ryan Foster is the Managing Director of Ambrosia Industrial, an industry specialised marketing agency. You can follow Ryan on Instagram or LinkedIn. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-foster-6197144a/ Website: https://www.ambrosiaindustrial.com.au/ Dirt and All is produced at Ambrosia Studio on the Gold Coast. https://www.ambrosiastudio.au Capital Equipment Sales is a commercial partner of Dirt and All. Supplying high quality used earthmoving equipment to contractors and operators across Australia, Capital Equipment Sales delivers machines that are ready for work from day one. Website: https://capitalequipmentsales.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalequipmentsales/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capitalequipmentsales/ McGregor Finance Group is a segment sponsor of Dirt and All, supporting the Heavy Business segment. McGregor Finance Group provides tailored finance solutions to operators and businesses across the civil and earthmoving sectors, supporting growth through practical, experience backed lending. Website: https://mcgregorfinance.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgregor-finance-group/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgregorfinance/

    1hr 22min
  6. Dirt and All: E21 - Adrian Howard. Leading WesTrac With People and Productivity

    16/12/2025

    Dirt and All: E21 - Adrian Howard. Leading WesTrac With People and Productivity

    In Episode 21 of Dirt and All, we sit down with Adrian Howard, Chief Executive NSW and ACT at WesTrac. We talk about the scale of WesTrac across New South Wales and the ACT, what it takes to support customers across mining, construction and the wider building products market, and why the business stays focused on one thing: successful customers. Adrian walks through his own path into heavy industry leadership, from Newcastle to steel manufacturing and the waterfront, before joining WesTrac after a visit to the Tomago facility that pulled him straight back into the world of yellow iron. We also get into apprenticeships and training, the role of fitter machinists, and why work ethic still sets people apart. We then go deeper on where the industry is heading, including condition monitoring, productivity, and how AI is already changing diagnostics and work instructions. Adrian also shares what he sees coming next with remote operation and autonomy, and what that could mean for contractors and mine sites over the next decade. WesTrac Website: https://www.westrac.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westrac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westrac/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesTracAustralia/ Ben Woods is the Global Sales and Acquisitions Manager of DGI Trading, a leading international mining component and equipment dealer. Ben Woods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_woods77/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-woods-33867035/ Website: https://www.dgitrading.com/ Ryan Foster is the Managing Director of Ambrosia Industrial, an industry specialised marketing agency. Ryan Foster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiaindustrial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-foster-6197144a/ Website: https://www.ambrosiaindustrial.com.au/

    1hr 7min
  7. Dirt and All: E20 - Borger Cranes: How a Family Business Took Over The Sky.

    27/10/2025

    Dirt and All: E20 - Borger Cranes: How a Family Business Took Over The Sky.

    In Episode 20 of Dirt and All, we sit down with Jon, Shawn, and Nathan Borger from Borger Cranes - one of Australia’s largest and most respected crane companies. Borger Cranes is a family name that’s become synonymous with capability, culture, and scale in Australian lifting. In Episode 20 of Dirt and All, we sit down with Jon, Shawn, and Nathan Borger to unpack the 40-year story of one of the country’s largest privately owned crane companies - from humble beginnings in Kempsey to a national operation. From Jon’s early days as a teenage builder’s labourer in Sydney to founding the business with a single crane in 1980, the Borger story is a true Australian family success. We cover how a small operation built on hard work and grit evolved into a national powerhouse with close to a thousand employees, spanning Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and beyond. Shawn and Nathan reflect on what it’s like working alongside family, building a team where mates become leaders, and why the next generation of operators, riggers, and family coming through the business keep the Borger legacy alive. You can follow Borger Cranes on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borgercranes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/borgercranes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/borger-cranes Website: https://www.borgercranes.com Ben Woods is the Global Sales and Acquisitions Manager of DGI Trading, a leading international mining component and equipment dealer. You can follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_woods77 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-woods-33867035 Website: https://www.dgitrading.com Ryan Foster is the Managing Director of Ambrosia Industrial, an industry-specialised marketing agency. You can follow Ryan on Instagram or LinkedIn. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiaindustrial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-foster-6197144a Website: https://www.ambrosiaindustrial.com.au

    1hr 58min
  8. Dirt and All: E19 - Stephen Keir. Akubra: An Australian Icon.

    16/09/2025

    Dirt and All: E19 - Stephen Keir. Akubra: An Australian Icon.

    In Episode 19 of Dirt and All, we sit down with Stephen Keir from Akubra for a rare look inside one of Australia’s most recognisable brands and its deep roots in Kempsey. Stephen shares the real story behind Akubra’s move from Sydney in the 1970s, how a handful of original staff helped train a new regional workforce, and why the business persisted through a tough first decade. We talk manufacturing in Australia, supplying the Australian Army, machinery that has been running for decades, and the lessons that come with five generations of family leadership. We cover the cultural moments that turbocharged demand, the rise of online sales after COVID, the sale to Tattarang and its investment in Kempsey, plans for tours and a museum, and the importance of skills, apprenticeships, and real factory work. You can learn more about Akubra here: https://www.akubra.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akubra Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AkubraHats Ben Woods is the Global Sales and Acquisitions Manager of DGI Trading, a leading international mining component and equipment dealer. Follow Ben on Instagram or LinkedIn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_woods77 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-woods-33867035 Website: https://www.dgitrading.com Ryan Foster is the Managing Director of Ambrosia Industrial, an industry specialised marketing agency. Follow Ryan on Instagram or LinkedIn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosiaindustrial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-foster-6197144a Website: https://www.ambrosiaindustrial.com.au

    1hr 6min
See All (27)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Dirt and All is an independent industrial media platform documenting how real businesses are built, grown, and sustained across mining, civil construction, earthmoving, and industrial services. We feature long-form, unscripted conversations with founders, operators, and leaders across Australian heavy industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Ambrosia Industrial
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Dirt and All

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