Drilling Deeper: A Pit & Quarry podcast

Pit & Quarry
  • 3.7 (3)
  • News
  • Updated Biweekly

Listen-in to Pit & Quarry magazine’s new bi-weekly podcast series. Our hosts, editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski break down the latest print issue, provide industry updates and give you a behind-the scenes look into the people, operations and news affecting our aggregate world. You’ll hear exclusive in-studio and remote interviews from a wide range of industry influencers. For 107 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly U.S. and Canadian aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at various industry conferences and meetings. 

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 74: Inside the robust construction materials M&A market

    Mergers and acquisitions continue to reshape the construction materials industry, with some of the sector’s biggest players making major moves this summer. On this episode of Drilling Deeper, Pit & Quarry’s Kevin Yanik sits down with George Reddin, Rob Mineo and Evan Coughlin of FMI Capital Advisors to examine the state of the M&A market and the forces fueling activity. The conversation explores what recent mega deals say about buyer confidence, as well as the factors companies are weighing as they pursue acquisitions. The FMI team discusses the importance of reserves, geography and vertical integration, along with emerging demand drivers such as data center development and the role public infrastructure investment continues to play in the market. The discussion also considers M&A from the seller’s perspective, including why current market conditions may present opportunities for some producers and how companies can prepare well in advance of a potential sale. Plus, FMI offers its outlook on continued industry consolidation, the opportunities that remain for buyers, and what the construction materials M&A market could look like through the remainder of 2026 and beyond. Please note: FMI Capital Advisors provides investment banking and advisory services to companies in the construction materials sector. Views expressed are those of the speakers as of the recording date and are subject to change. For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.   Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, follow us on YouTube to see full-length episodes of the podcast, watch our Road to Prosperity videos and see other clips from our travels and events.

  2. Aug 12

    Episode 73: Rail opportunities and Northeast aggregate demand

    As aggregate producers look for more efficient ways to move material to growing demand centers, rail transportation is emerging as an increasingly important part of the conversation. In Episode 73 of Drilling Deeper, hosts Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski explore developments in rail transportation, equipment demand and construction activity shaping the aggregates industry. Matthew Tonn, chief commercial officer at FreightCar America, joins the show to discuss the opportunities rail presents for aggregate producers. Tonn examines the factors driving interest in rail, including expanding mines and the challenge of transporting material to demand centers. He also details the state of the freight railcar market, where aging equipment is creating significant replacement demand and newer materials are helping extend railcar life. Later in the show, Zach Manz of Contractor Sales and Baschmann Services offers a view from the Northeast, where demand for crushing and screening equipment remains strong. Manz discusses customers’ growing use of long-term rentals, including rentals that ultimately convert to equipment purchases. And he shares how Baschmann’s longstanding relationship with Anaconda Equipment continues to evolve. Additionally, Manz explores one of the emerging forces behind aggregate demand: construction projects tied to AI. With AI-related development requiring significant quantities of construction materials, producers and equipment suppliers are seeing new opportunities. Plus, Yanik and Kopanski discuss the industry’s second-quarter results while previewing the next episode of Drilling Deeper. For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.   Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, follow us on YouTube to see full-length episodes of the podcast, watch our Road to Prosperity videos and see other clips from our travels and events.

  3. Jul 28

    Episode 72: What Texas is teaching the aggregates industry

    Texas continues to lead the nation in construction growth, and the ripple effects are being felt across the aggregates industry. On Episode 72, Pit & Quarry’s Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski examine what’s fueling the Lone Star State’s momentum and why producers, manufacturers and suppliers nationwide are paying close attention. Following a recent visit to Texas, Jack sits down with John Crisp, CEO of Crisp Industries, and Duane Winter, the company's president, to discuss the market conditions they’re seeing firsthand. From the explosive growth of data centers to expanding residential communities and ongoing infrastructure investment, the Crisp execs share why demand for aggregates and processing equipment remains strong across much of the state. The conversation also explores how Texas has maintained its growth even as other regions have experienced slower activity. John and Duane discuss independent producers and contractors, shifting construction trends and why optimism remains high despite broader economic uncertainty. After the interview, Kevin and Jack catch listeners up on the latest from Pit & Quarry – including upcoming industry events, the 2027 Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference, Hall of Fame nominations, recent podcast episodes and what's ahead in the magazine’s August and September editions. Whether you’re tracking the impact of data centers, looking for insight into one of the country’s strongest construction markets or simply curious about where the industry is headed next, Episode 72 episode offers valuable perspective from two leaders who are seeing the Texas boom unfold every day. For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.   Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, follow us on YouTube to see full-length episodes of the podcast, watch our Road to Prosperity videos and see other clips from our travels and events.

  4. Jul 14

    Episode 71: Mark Krause reflects on nearly five decades in aggregates

    Our brand-new episode features a conversation with one of the aggregates industry’s most respected voices: Mark Krause, vice president of sales and business development for the Americas at McLanahan Corp., who is retiring this week. During our interview, Krause reflects on a career spanning 47 years. He discusses the evolution of ConExpo-Con/Agg and his popular Crushing 101 seminar, as well as why relationships remain at the heart of the business – even despite technology changes. The interview also explores the trends shaping aggregates today, with Krause discussing equipment availability, automation, changing purchasing decisions and the outside forces influencing the industry. Additionally, Krause reflects on receiving this year’s Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award – an honor made even more meaningful because of Wendt’s mentorship. Following the interview, co-hosts Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski break down the biggest business news affecting aggregates – including Martin Marietta’s planned $13.5 billion combination with Lhoist North America and CRH’s $8.5 billion acquisition of Arcosa. Additionally, the episode includes Yanik’s reflections from Hillhead, the three-day trade show in the UK where manufacturers showcased the latest crushing, screening, washing and classifying equipment in June. For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.   Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, follow us on YouTube to see full-length episodes of the podcast, watch our Road to Prosperity videos and see other clips from our travels and events.

  5. Jun 30

    Episode 70: Dr. Anirban Basu, Andrew Pinkerton & Matt Arnold offer updates from Texas

    On this episode of "Drilling Deeper," Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski share updates from the 72nd Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA) Annual Meeting.  Jack was down in San Antonio for the event and spoke with Dr. Anirban Basu, CEO of Sage Policy Group; Andrew Pinkerton, president of TACA; and Matt Arnold, TACA chairman and vice president of operations at Knife River. Basu explored the factors driving the construction industry economy of late, the exponential growth data centers are experiencing and what the rest of the year and beyond holds for the industry as a whole. He even provides some insight into his beloved Orioles' rough first half of the season, but why he still has hope for them this year. Then, Pinkerton and Arnold offer a Texas-centric look at the aggregate industry. The duo shares highlights from a record-setting TACA Annual Meeting, outlines what continues to make Texas one of the top aggregate-producing states in the nation and what they're expecting from the second half of the year and into 2027. There's plenty to hear in this action-packed episode of "Drilling Deeper." You won't want to miss it! For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.   Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, follow us on YouTube to see full-length episodes of the podcast, watch our Road to Prosperity videos and see other clips from our travels and events.

  6. Jun 16

    Episode 69: Combatting hidden losses with Astec's Dave McCracken

    Dave McCracken, technical sales director at Astec Industries, joined "Drilling Deeper" to offer insights into common – yet often hidden – issues that are costing aggregate operations time and money. The issues addressed in this episode are bottlenecks and equipment mismatches in production, how maintenance and downtime affect efficiency, how the operator experience impacts safety and performance, and lost value in wastes and fines. For each hidden loss, McCracken outlines how producers can adjust their operations to prevent these losses and how Astec works with customers to begin solving them. You won't want to miss this episode. Listen now! For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.   Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, follow us on YouTube to see full-length episodes of the podcast, watch our Road to Prosperity videos and see other clips from our travels and events.

  7. Jun 2

    Episode 68: Father, Son & Stone: The Alexander Family Perspective

    Scott Alexander, now with Quikrete, has a long history in the aggregates industry. His son, Jason, followed in his footsteps in 2024, joining the industry on the manufacturing side with Kleemann.  P&Q caught up with the two at the 2026 Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference, where Scott and Jason discussed the intersection of family and work in the aggregates industry. Our conversation traversed topics such as the workforce and technology, with the Alexanders each bringing a unique generational perspective to this episode. For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.   Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, follow us on YouTube to see full-length episodes of the podcast, watch our Road to Prosperity videos and see other clips from our travels and events.

  8. May 19

    Episode 67: Superior Industries tackles 6 common conveyor problems

    In this episode of “Drilling Deeper,” P&Q managing editor Jack Kopanski sits down with Superior Industries’ Riley Arndt and Joe Gibson to explore why the same conveyor problems keep coming back, and how a systems-based approach can finally break the cycle. Arndt and Gibson walk through six recurring pain points – material spillage, dust containment, material carryback, conveyor belt tracking, conveyor component failure and conveyor belt damage – showing how they’re connected symptoms of a larger system rather than isolated issues. They explain what to really look for during inspections, how to separate root causes from quick-fix symptoms, and what a strong daily, weekly and monthly conveyor maintenance routine should include. Additionally, they highlight how Superior helps producers think beyond single components, with solutions and tools that address multiple issues at once and support better diagnostics instead of just part replacement. Listeners will come away with practical ideas to tighten up their conveyor systems, reduce recurring headaches and start building more reliable, higher-performing material-handling circuits. For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.   Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, follow us on YouTube to see full-length episodes of the podcast, watch our Road to Prosperity videos and see other clips from our travels and events.

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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Listen-in to Pit & Quarry magazine’s new bi-weekly podcast series. Our hosts, editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski break down the latest print issue, provide industry updates and give you a behind-the scenes look into the people, operations and news affecting our aggregate world. You’ll hear exclusive in-studio and remote interviews from a wide range of industry influencers. For 107 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly U.S. and Canadian aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at various industry conferences and meetings. 

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