Give Us The Dirt Brandon Lindsey

Welcome back to our special series of the Give Us the Dirt podcast, dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode we welcome back Chris Shearer, a remarkable individual who not only embodies resilience but advocates tirelessly for those struggling with mental health challenges.When our guest, Chris Shearer, isn't climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Half Dome, he's using his expertise in media and technology as a Partner at Wheelhouse Media, an award-winning video production company based right here in Charlotte, NC. From high-definition video to motion design and animation, they are THE go-to for cutting-edge visual storytelling. Chris's passions also extend beyond the screen. As the Director of Team Wheelhouse, a non-profit organization, he's on a mission to transform lives by leveraging the power of cars as a conduit for mental health support. Born from his love for racing and his own personal battles with mental health, Team Wheelhouse is offering hope in a world often quieted by stigma.Through Team Wheelhouse's collaboration with HGC, Chris aims to provide training and tools to those in need, a testament to his belief that cars can be more than just vehicles—they can be instruments of healing, companions in hardship, and pathways to hope.In this episode, Chris explains “the why” behind Team Wheelhouse and explains how they’re able to provide an outlet for people to have conversations around mental health without the formality of counseling. He also reflects on the challenges he faced as a child with a learning disability, and how that lead to bullying, self-doubt and eventually depression.Chris hopes his story will resonate with others facing something similar so they can know they are not alone. Tune into this heartfelt conversation with Chris Shearer, exploring his journey, his advocacy, and his unwavering commitment to mental health awareness.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to spotlight the often-overlooked issue of mental health in the construction industry. It's an industry known for its physical demands and safety risks, but mental health is an equally critical aspect of worker well-being that deserves our attention. Recently, Kimberly Henderson, Special Events Coordinator at HGC, shared her powerful story on the Give Us the Dirt Podcast, offering insights and hope for those facing similar challenges.In 2017, Kimberly's life was upended by two tragic events. She lost her mother to glioblastoma, a fast-growing type of brain cancer, just nine days after diagnosis. Less than three months later, her father, overwhelmed by grief, took his own life. The shock and sorrow of losing both parents in such a short span left her in a state of emotional turmoil. She felt the societal pressure to "be strong," suppressing her grief and trying to navigate life as if everything was fine. However, the weight of her unaddressed mental health struggles began to take a toll, leading her to seek therapy—a step that many find daunting.Kimberly candidly shares that her journey and emphasizes the importance of not facing life alone. Now as an advocate for mental health, Kimberly encourages people to reach out, connect, and support one another. Her hope is that her teammates in the industry will hear this message: it is vital to acknowledge when you are struggling and to seek support without shame. Building a culture that encourages open conversations about mental health can save lives and improve the overall well-being of others.As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, let Kimberly story inspire us to break the silence around mental health in the workplace. Let's advocate for a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help and find the community they need. Together, we can make a difference—one story at a time, one step at a time.If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a helpline for support. No one has to face their challenges alone.

In this gripping episode of the Give Us the Dirt Podcast, we welcome a special guest whose remarkable story will leave you on the edge of your seat. Jeff Dabbs, a seasoned plumber with nearly three decades of experience, shares his harrowing tale of survival after a routine repair job takes a tragic turn. Buried under thousands of pounds of dirt in a trench collapse, Jeff defies staggering odds to emerge from the rubble battered but alive. Join us as Jeff candidly recounts his journey through physical and mental trauma, shedding light on the pressing need for mental health advocacy and safety measures within the construction industry. His unwavering resilience and commitment to change serve as an inspiration to all. Tune in to discover the transformative power of vulnerability, advocacy, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

Welcome to a special episode of the 'Give Us The Dirt' podcast, hosted by Brandon Lindsey from HGC. Today we’re going to delve deep into the world of heavy construction and engineering software. Joining us today is someone who has truly revolutionized the construction industry and is an admired leader in the field, Matt Desmond.Matt currently serves as the President of AGTEK, which is part of the Hexagon Heavy Construction portfolio and is a game-changer in the construction industry. He spearheads strategic initiatives to streamline operations through innovative software solutions. Additionally, he holds the position of President for Hexagon's Geo Systems Division in Australia and New Zealand.With his father being a carpenter, Matt grew up in the construction world, assisting his dad in creating unique stairs all around Australia. After schooling and realizing his aptitude for a career with numbers, he recognized that surveying would be a good fit for him.Throughout his career, Matt has traveled and worked in many countries and different areas, accumulating a wealth of experience and stories along the way. Today, he joins us to share insights into his journey and discuss what he's currently working on.

In this episode of the HGC podcast, host Brandon Lindsey sits down with Thomas Haun, president of Turner Staffing Group, for an insightful discussion on innovation, leadership, and talent acquisition in the construction industry. With a rich background spanning operations, sales, marketing, strategy, and finance, Thomas shares his journey from executive VP at Precision Hawk to CEO of Turner Mining Group and now president of Turner Staffing Group. He delves into the strategic challenges that transformed a mining company and the birth of Turner Staffing Group as a solution to industry-wide issues. Thomas emphasizes the importance of curiosity in leadership and shares practical advice on talent acquisition, from proactive strategies to innovative tools for candidate selection. Tune in to gain valuable insights on fostering innovation and achieving excellence in industry leadership.

Welcome to another episode of 'Give Us The Dirt' podcast, hosted by Brandon Lindsey from HGC. Today, we have the honor of featuring one of the most esteemed figures in the industry - Jonathan Strack.Jonathan Strack, the CEO of Strack Incorporated, has a journey that's nothing short of inspiring. From the age of 12, he found himself working in a ditch every day after school, laying the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career. Fast forward nearly 30 years, and Jonathan stands as one of the industry's most accomplished and admired leaders.Under his guidance, Strack Incorporated has achieved phenomenal growth, doubling in size, and even expanding into new market segments and construction disciplines.In our conversation, Jonathan sheds light on the remarkable new 8-acre academy, featuring a state-of-the-art classroom and a suite of seven brand-new equipment pieces tailored for training in a low-pressure environment. He digs into the benefits of this strategic investment, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the future workforce of the industry.Jonathan shares insights into the process of acquiring new clients. He emphasizes that Strack Incorporated doesn't merely sell its services; rather, it evaluates whether a potential client aligns with their company. Setting realistic expectations upfront is paramount, ensuring a partnership built on trust and mutual understanding.Addressing the company's exponential growth, Jonathan offers invaluable perspectives on navigating the challenges that expansion. He discusses how the previous generation, has adapted to the evolving landscape, navigating through complexities such as the intricacies of managing a larger team.Tune in to gain leadership insight and wisdom from Jonathan Strack's journey and transformative leadership at Strack Incorporated.