Dirt Bags Podcast

Luke Eggebraaten

The Dirt Bags Podcast is the go-to podcast for real conversations, actionable insights, and a damn good time. Hosted by Luke Eggebraaten, this podcast is built for those who want to grow their business, sharpen their skills, and hear from industry leaders—all while enjoying a laid-back, no-nonsense atmosphere. Whether an operator, contractor, business owner, or entrepreneur, the Dirt Bags Podcast delivers raw and unfiltered insights. No corporate fluff, no B.S.—just real talk from people who have been in the trenches, built successful businesses, and know what it takes to win in this space. Luke Eggebraaten is the founder of Phaser Marketing and the author of Digital Dirt World. Since 2019, he has been helping excavation companies scale their online presence through web design, SEO, and paid ads. His team has worked with businesses doing $500K to $100M in revenue, offering tailored marketing solutions that drive real growth. With a passion for connecting the construction industry to the digital age, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every episode. The biggest names in excavation, septic, snow removal, landscaping, outdoor services, and more share their insights, lessons, and strategies, giving listeners direct access to the minds of industry leaders who are making waves and building empires. The Dirt Bags Podcast covers everything from marketing and branding, to leadership, business growth, equipment talk, and job site war stories. Industry experts, business owners, and hardworking professionals bring real experiences and hard-earned wisdom to every episode. This isn’t a typical business podcast—it’s organized but laid-back, full of uncensored, real-world advice from people who get it. New episodes drop first thing in the morning, 2-3 Fridays a month, so listeners can tune in on the way to the job site or while working on the job. Construction, business, and success—Dirt Bag style! LETS GO

  1. #122: Failing Forward - Kristina McMillan

    MAY 8

    #122: Failing Forward - Kristina McMillan

    Episode 122 – Failing Forward with Kristina McMillan. Kristina McMillan has 15+ years in construction, founded Crew Collaborative, and has lived a life full of gut punches — divorce, bankruptcy, cancer, and more. But she's still standing, and she's not shy about any of it. In this episode, Kristina gets real about failing forward, financial literacy, faith, and why the industry's workforce problem might be closer to home than you think. Raw, honest, and full of gold. Don't miss it. 🔗 Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mcmillan/ 🔗 Support Crew Collaborative: http://crewcollab.org Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management. Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: http://eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology. By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: http://sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

    1h 18m
  2. #121: Profit First for Contractors - Shawn Van Dyke

    APR 24

    #121: Profit First for Contractors - Shawn Van Dyke

    Shawn Van Dyke, author of Profit First for Contractors and battle-tested operations expert, steps into the Dirt Bags studio for episode #121. Most contractors grind nonstop only to watch the money vanish before it ever hits their pocket. This episode flips the script completely. Shawn lays out the exact Profit First system built for construction businesses—how to pay yourself and the company first, crush cash flow chaos, kill the feast-or-famine cycle, and finally build real, sustainable profit without working harder. Shawn Van Dyke IG - @shawnvandyke Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnvandyke/ Website: shawnvandyke.com Shawn Van Dyke's Bookkeeping Services info.datamule.agency Shawn Van Dyke's Built to Build Academy - Free community, includes PFC training for free: www.builttobuildacademy.com Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

    1h 11m
  3. #119: Building the Next Generation in the Trades - Erik Struebig

    MAR 27

    #119: Building the Next Generation in the Trades - Erik Struebig

    This episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast features Erik Struebig – heavy equipment technician and technical communicator at MGX Equipment Services. Erik came up turning wrenches on John Deere ag equipment before jumping to yellow iron and Manitowoc cranes. With eight years as a U.S. Army infantryman and boots-on-the-ground experience across the trades, he brings the real perspective that actually moves the needle in this industry. No fluff, no BS – just straight talk and actionable insights from a guy who lives this life every single day. Connect with Erik: IG - @e_struebig LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-struebig-770aa0393/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

    1h 29m
  4. #118: The State of the Snow Industry - Mr. Executive

    MAR 13

    #118: The State of the Snow Industry - Mr. Executive

    Luke Eggebraaten and Anthony Mann Jr. dive deep with Bill Moore, the powerhouse behind Executive Ground Maintenance. Bill drops hard-earned wisdom on contracts, crews, and we even get to meet Mrs. Executive! Bill Moore IG: https://www.instagram.com/executivegroundmi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-moore-3a178231/ Website: https://www.executiveground.com/ 4/24 - 4/25 https://www.storksplows.com/events Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

    1h 25m
  5. #117: Risk to Reward in Construction - Stewart Concrete & Groundworks

    FEB 27

    #117: Risk to Reward in Construction - Stewart Concrete & Groundworks

    Luke Eggebraaten is in studio with Taylor Stewart, the founder of Stewart Concrete & Groundworks (Kitchener-based crew crushing premium concrete and excavation work—custom patios, driveways, pool decks, commercial foundations, full in-house from dig to finish). No fluff, just actionable insights from the dirt world. Check the site: https://www.stewartconcreteandgroundworks.ca/ IG: @stewartconcretegroundworks Tune in for the kind of conversation that levels up the trades! Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

    1h 33m
  6. #116: The MSTA Live Show 2026

    FEB 24

    #116: The MSTA Live Show 2026

    Episode #116 drops straight from the heart of the action at The MSTA Live Show 2026 in Michigan. Host Luke Eggebraaten takes the mic live on the floor with raw, no-BS conversations that hit hard for anyone grinding in the dirt world. No fluff, no filtered BS—just actionable dirt industry insights, stories from the trenches, and that laid-back vibe that makes the Dirt Bags the go-to for operators who want to level up without wasting time. If the goal involves growing crews, crushing estimates, dominating digital leads, or just hearing how real players handle the chaos, this live episode delivers the goods. Tune in now—grab a drink and hit play with #116. Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

    38 min
  7. #115: Construction Estimating 101 - Teach Me Dirt

    FEB 20

    #115: Construction Estimating 101 - Teach Me Dirt

    We're dropping another straight-from-the-trenches episode. Host Luke Eggebraaten brings on Brad from Teach Me Dirt, the channel dedicated to exposing the real, often gatekept techniques in dirt work, excavation, and civil construction. Brad's straight-up mission: "I teach all of the gatekept methods of the dirt work, excavation, and civil construction industries for you." On his YouTube (@TeachMeDirt), he delivers practical breakdowns—takeoffs, grading, bidding, stormwater calcs, and the kind of operator know-how that actually gets jobs done right and profitable. Expect no-nonsense discussion on excavation tricks, civil site realities, and hard-won lessons from the field. Raw, useful, and zero fluff. Check out Brad's channel: www.youtube.com/@TeachMeDirt IG - @teachmedirt TikTok - @teachmedirt Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

    1h 20m
  8. #114: Going from Good to Great in Construction - Benjamin Holmgren

    FEB 13

    #114: Going from Good to Great in Construction - Benjamin Holmgren

    Another epic round with Benjamin Holmgren of Kestaa – the guy who endures the grind so contractors don't have to figure it out alone. From digging to consulting across the country, ultra-running on the side, hosting Ground Crew events, and running workshops like "Operational Excellence Made Simple" – Benjamin brings the real. Real conversations. Actionable insights. Zero fluff. Grab a drink and hit play! Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening! #DirtBagsPodcast #DirtWorld #Kestaa #Construction #Excavation #OperationalExcellence

    1h 39m

Trailer

5
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

The Dirt Bags Podcast is the go-to podcast for real conversations, actionable insights, and a damn good time. Hosted by Luke Eggebraaten, this podcast is built for those who want to grow their business, sharpen their skills, and hear from industry leaders—all while enjoying a laid-back, no-nonsense atmosphere. Whether an operator, contractor, business owner, or entrepreneur, the Dirt Bags Podcast delivers raw and unfiltered insights. No corporate fluff, no B.S.—just real talk from people who have been in the trenches, built successful businesses, and know what it takes to win in this space. Luke Eggebraaten is the founder of Phaser Marketing and the author of Digital Dirt World. Since 2019, he has been helping excavation companies scale their online presence through web design, SEO, and paid ads. His team has worked with businesses doing $500K to $100M in revenue, offering tailored marketing solutions that drive real growth. With a passion for connecting the construction industry to the digital age, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every episode. The biggest names in excavation, septic, snow removal, landscaping, outdoor services, and more share their insights, lessons, and strategies, giving listeners direct access to the minds of industry leaders who are making waves and building empires. The Dirt Bags Podcast covers everything from marketing and branding, to leadership, business growth, equipment talk, and job site war stories. Industry experts, business owners, and hardworking professionals bring real experiences and hard-earned wisdom to every episode. This isn’t a typical business podcast—it’s organized but laid-back, full of uncensored, real-world advice from people who get it. New episodes drop first thing in the morning, 2-3 Fridays a month, so listeners can tune in on the way to the job site or while working on the job. Construction, business, and success—Dirt Bag style! LETS GO

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