CONEXPO – CON/AGG Podcast: Construction Business Insights For Contractors CONEXPO-CON/AGG

Taylor is joined today by the dynamic duo of James O'Connell and Joey De Athe who run Soil Cycle, a subsidiary of Contour Group, that was established in 2020 to provide additional support to Contour’s earthworks division by delivering cost-effective services for the disposal of excess soil. Known for brilliantly transforming the landscape of soil management, our guests discuss the intriguing world of bulk excavation, soil management, and their innovative approaches to navigating the complex regulations of Ontario’s construction industry. 
Delving into the crucial role of relationships and strategic business decisions in the challenging yet rewarding field of soil management, our guests share their journey from the grassroots level to becoming leaders in the industry. They emphasize the importance of integrity and transparency in their operations as they explore how recent regulations have shaped their business strategies and the innovative solutions they've implemented to stay ahead. The discussion also highlights the significance of land ownership, the complexities of acquiring permits, and the financial intricacies involved in running a soil management business. You do not want to miss this episode filled with inspiring tales of perseverance, a veritable wealth of business acumen, and valuable insights into the evolving landscape of environmental responsibility in construction.
Episode Highlights:

The evolution of Soil Cycle

How it has adapted to and capitalized on Ontario’s strict soil management regulations

The challenges and rewards of establishing a trustworthy reputation among developers and builders

Insights into the permitting process for soil management

The importance of relationships in the construction industry

Strategic business decisions that establish market dominance and trust

The future of soil management, focusing on sustainability and the potential for rehabilitating land for agricultural use

James and Joey's proactive approach to education and advocacy in improving industry standards and practices


Key Takeaways:
"We're just boots on the ground, knocking on doors, leaving no stone unturned relentlessly, and now it's just kind of all paying off.”
"Developer relationships are crucial, especially in a business where trust and reliability lead to better opportunities and fairer deals."
“It's just kind of working with what we’ve got and adapting and trying to be innovative as well.”
“We're hoping that we can get in front of the council and at least say, ‘Hey, listen, here are the new amendments. They're not going to work. Here's why they're not going to work. Let's work together.’”
“We spent a couple hundred thousand the first year just on working on permits.”
"It's not just about moving dirt; it's about moving the industry forward."

As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/
Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca


To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights


Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/


    Soil Cycle:

Web - https://soilcycle.ca/ 

FB - Soil Cycle Environmental 

IG - @soil.cycle  @contour_groupofcompanies

YT - @SoilCycleEnvironmental

Director of Aggregate Operations at Wm. D. Scepaniak, Inc., and fellow third-generation entrepreneur, John Scepaniak joins Taylor on the podcast today to explore the dynamic world of family-run businesses and a whole lot more. Sharing his firsthand experiences in managing the complexities of mining and road construction operations, John sheds light on the challenges of contract aggregate processing and adapting to various job sites. His conversation with Taylor here today delves into the significance of legacy, the pivotal role of social media in modern business strategies, and the critical importance of recruiting the right talent. 
Throughout the discussion, John recounts the history of his family business from its modest post-WWII beginnings to its expansive operations across the United States, and reviews the unique difficulties of third-gen business management, including navigating federal regulations and internal company decisions. He and Taylor reflect on the enduring importance of contributing to their family's legacy, the satisfaction derived from building a dedicated team, and the necessity of portraying work positively to children in order to provide a holistic view of entrepreneurial life that is both inspiring and practical. With a focus on balancing professional responsibilities and family life, John offers actionable insights and personal anecdotes that provide listeners with valuable takeaways. Don't miss this episode jam packed with entrepreneurial wisdom and practical advice for both seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Topics:

The history and expansion of John’s family business

John’s engaging online content

The challenges of managing daily operational issues

The complexities of contract aggregate processing and working in diverse locations

Taylor and John’s reflections on the legacy of their family businesses and the importance of contributing to this heritage

The value of integrating work and family life and portraying work positively to children

The strategic importance of hiring the right people and the long-term benefits of building a dedicated team

The unique challenges and opportunities of running a family-owned business

Quotes:
"Be thankful that you can step back, see the big picture, and manage these issues."
"We don't have the same struggles as our grandfathers, but our time will come."
"Every generation adds something and builds onto something. It's about leaving a legacy."
"Work is tremendously rewarding no matter what you're doing. Articulate that storyline to your kids."
"I don't want my kids to grow up having a negative outlook on work. Work is rewarding."
"You don't want to use social media as a tool to unwind. Use it wisely, or it can become a distraction."
"It's not about hiring people. It's about hiring the right people. You need to find the right fit for the long term."
As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/
Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca


To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights


Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/


Wm D. Scepaniak Inc.: https://www.wdscepaniak.com/


John Scepaniak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scepaniak-7284a4134/


John Scepaniak on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnscepaniak/


Wm. D. Scepaniak, Inc. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdscepaniak/

This week, Taylor finally gets an opportunity to sit down and have a chat in person with Silkstone Group’s CEO, Travis Hesketh, a fellow entrepreneur whose journey through professional motocross and a formidable construction career epitomizes both resilience and grit. Travis details his transition from the high-speed world of motocross to the equally challenging construction industry, illustrating how his competitive spirit and lessons from the racetrack have propelled his entrepreneurial ventures. Throughout the conversation, he shares candid insights into the setbacks that shaped him, including a significant legal ordeal that resulted in prison time but ultimately redefined his approach to business and life. Together, Travis and Taylor provide a profound look into overcoming adversity as well as harnessing personal growth and strategic thinking to manage and grow a construction business with passion.
Along the way, listeners are treated to an intimate exploration of Travis's background, from his early days in motocross to establishing a thriving construction business. The discussion delves into the core attributes—such as risk-taking and vision—that link Travis’s past experiences to his current success, while also highlighting his commitment to family and integrating them into the fabric of his business. Key points covered include Travis’s strategic reasons for entrepreneurship over traditional employment, the impact of his incarceration on his personal and professional outlook, and his forward-looking plans for his business and family legacy. As you will hear, today’s episode presents a compelling testament to the power of resilience and the relentless pursuit of passion amidst life's myriad challenges, serving as a beacon of inspiration for anyone striving to overcome personal hurdles and succeed in the demanding construction industry.

Topics:

Travis's personal and professional background

His entrepreneurial spirit

Travis's legal issues and incarceration and their profound impact

His decision to start his own construction company

Balancing the demands of business with family life

His future aspirations for his business and the legacy he hopes to leave for his family

The role of personal growth, spirituality, and faith in shaping Travis's life after his legal challenges.

How Travis’s background in motocross and his personal adversities have equipped him with unique skills for managing and growing his business


Quotes:
"I've been through hell, and I'm not back yet, but in and out, it feels like all the time."
"If it was easy, everybody would be doing it."
"I've always sort of been an entrepreneur. My roots were dirt bikes, motocross."
"I obsess about whatever it is that I'm into."
"I always aspired to be like those who were doing better than me."
"I would look at a blank canvas of whether it's a forest or a field and I would have a track built in my mind."
"I've made some bad decisions, I guess, that have led me to where we're sitting, but I have no regrets."
As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca


To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights


Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/


Silkstone Group:  https://www.silkstonegroup.com/

With apologies to all his other guests, Taylor welcomes “probably the smartest person” he’s “ever had the chance to interview” to the podcast - the mastermind behind Trunk Tools, Dr. Sarah Buchner. Among her many achievements, Sarah is a Stanford MBA Graduate, holds a PhD in Civil Systems Engineering and Data Science, has been named a Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ honoree, and is, most proudly of all, a carpenter. Today, she and Taylor dive into her fascinating journey from working in the field to becoming a tech entrepreneur and a pioneering CEO who is effectively transforming the construction industry. 
Illuminating the transformative power of integrating advanced AI technology, Sarah details how this cutting-edge approach revolutionizes construction by enhancing efficiency, reducing errors, and tackling the critical challenges of labor shortages and project management inefficiencies. She goes on to unveil the inner workings of Trunk Tools, revealing how the platform utilizes AI to manage vast quantities of construction data, representing a revolution in traditional construction methods, impacting everything from high-rises to infrastructure projects. Delving beyond the technology, Dr. Buchner also offers personal reflections on overcoming adversity, her unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, and her path as a female leader in a male-dominated field. Her conversation with Taylor here today is a compelling narrative of perseverance, innovation, and the power of technology to drive groundbreaking changes in one of the world's most essential industries.

Topics:

Dr. Buchner's journey from carpenter to CEO of Trunk Tools

The pivotal role of AI in revolutionizing construction practices

The development and impact of a health and safety app

The crucial roles of education and perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving success

Transition challenges and successes from manual labor to a leadership role

Insights into Trunk Tools' use of AI

The broader application of AI tools in construction

Dr. Buchner's reflections on breaking barriers as a female leader in a male-dominated field

Her ongoing commitment to innovation in construction technology


Quotes:
“I love being in construction, don't get me wrong, but I am in construction completely involuntarily.”
“How can I be running or managing a team of people where it's so dangerous that like somebody dies?...And I was decided that that's not how we should live still.”
“I just felt like I can actually impact bigger amounts of people. And yeah, since then I've been doing software in the construction industry.”
“I've always had an entrepreneurial mindset…I was just like, how can I make money?”
"The distance traveled means more to me than the point where I'm at.”
"We build the brain behind construction.”
“We're working on automating the boring parts of construction that nobody really wants to do…where people show up to do the parts of their job that they actually want to do, that people are safe, and people are incentivized in the right way.”

As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca


To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights


Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/


Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/

Luke Payne, President of Western Excavation, returns to the podcast today to join Taylor for a candid exploration of the intricacies of entrepreneurship, resilience, and work-life harmony. Their discussion, filled with personal anecdotes and professional advice, touches on the importance of a supportive family foundation, the concept of a "zero-fail mentality" for business success, and the evolving landscape of leadership and success in the modern world. This is a truly enlightening episode which not only illuminates the paths to navigating the construction industry's challenges, but also probes the societal shifts influencing work ethics and personal fulfillment.
Luke and Taylor go on to address practical aspects of business management, such as tackling seasonal operational challenges and the benefits of digital project tracking. In addition to emphasizing the significance of venturing into new business territories and reevaluating traditional operational methods to enhance efficiency and productivity, this talented duo also ventures into motivational strategies for employees, suggesting innovative approaches to foster a motivated and engaged workforce. Through a blend of poignant stories and insightful discussions, they offer a multifaceted perspective on balancing the demands of a thriving business with the priceless moments of family life. As you will hear, this episode stands as a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of success, encapsulated in the journey of navigating the complexities of the construction industry while cherishing the value of family time.

Topics:

The significance of camaraderie and support among entrepreneurs

Key attributes essential for success in the construction industry

The concept of a "zero fail mentality"

The importance of family involvement in achieving a balanced work-life integration

The role of spousal support in navigating business and family life

Insights into the challenges of managing a construction business

Exploring digital solutions for enhanced job tracking and project management

Employee incentives and creating a culture of transparency and shared goals

Societal shifts in the perception of success


Quotes:
"You need to have grit, mental toughness, and be competitive. At the same time, you need to be friends with the people you compete with."
"Having a zero-fail mentality means putting yourself in a position to not fail."
"I think people value time over possessions now."
"We are called to suffer in business. We are called to suffer in life because it helps us reach that future potential."
"You know, Taylor, you gotta make time for your family.”
"I'm going to go to the places that people don't want to go, or it is a harder area, and there's risk of people breaking into your equipment, stealing your equipment, but I'm also going to charge for that."

As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca


To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights


Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/


Western Excavation - https://westernexcavationnd.com/


Dirt Bags Podcast - https://dirtbagspodcast.com/


Luke Payne on LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-payne-86752119a/

The legendary “Dozer Dave” Turin, a stalwart of gold mining from the acclaimed series Gold Rush and the brain behind America's Backyard Gold, joins Taylor here today to share his journey from civil engineering to becoming a venerated figure in both television and gold mining. This episode delves into the heart of gold mining, touching on the historical significance, the personal narratives intertwined with the quest for gold, and the evolution of mining depicted through television. Dave's stories offer a panoramic view of the mining landscape, revealing the challenges of starting anew in the industry, the critical role of family support in his ventures, and the indomitable spirit required to pursue the lustrous allure of gold.
Dave’s latest series, America's Backyard Gold, emerges as a tribute to the enduring legacy of mining in North America, where he intertwines the thrills of discovery with the personal stories of those he encounters along the way. Listeners are treated to behind-the-scenes insights, heartwarming tales of resilience, and Dave's reflections on the environmental and regulatory challenges facing today's miners. This narrative-rich exploration into gold mining goes beyond the mere extraction of a precious metal, highlighting the human experiences that color the industry and the technological advancements that continue to shape it. Dave’s conversation with Taylor serves as a testament to the unexplored potentials still hiding within the earth, promising adventure and camaraderie to those willing to listen to the land's whispered secrets. Join us on this golden journey where history, human interest, and the pursuit of gold converge into an unforgettable adventure.

Topics:

Dave 's journey from a civil engineer to a celebrated figure in the gold mining industry

The dual nature of gold mining

The critical role of family support in mining ventures

Personal growth through the lens of gold mining

Behind the scenes of gold mining reality TV shows

"America's Backyard Gold" as a homage to the history of gold mining

The value of community within the mining industry

Dave Turin's insights into the modern challenges of gold mining


Quotes:
"There are still a lot of states that will let you go out with a pan or a highbanker and a shovel."
"You're out there in the beautiful outdoors and it's physical work, so it helps you stay in shape."
"Gold fever is pretty real. People get really passionate about it."
"Gold is a big part of Canadian history and a big part of America's history."
"If we take time to listen to somebody's story, everybody's got a story, and it's interesting."
"I love the history. I love to hear people's stories."
"There's still gold out there to be found."
"I've been doing this for 15 years, and I know of two successful gold miners that are on a smaller scale."

As always, thank you to our good friends over at Komatsu for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.komatsu.com/

Links:

Taylor White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-white-9881a5170/?originalSubdomain=ca


To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights


Komatsu: https://www.komatsu.com/


Dave’s website: https://dozerdave.com/


Dave’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grdozerdave/


Check out Dave Turin’s new show 'America’s Backyard Gold' streaming now on Discovery Plus: https://www.discoveryplus.com/gb/show/americas-backyard-gold