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

Joining Taylor for a truly inspiring conversation today is Mike Simon, Founder of Dirt Perfect, an excavating business in southern Indiana built upon the rock solid foundation of commitment to family, community, and helping others. A lifelong tradesman turned YouTube star known for his hands-on approach and construction expertise, Mike shares his fascinating journey from the field to social media fame, including his transition to specializing in excavation and the unexpected success he has found online. 
Throughout the interview, Mike offers candid insights on running a small business in the construction industry, and discusses the challenges and rewards of working in the trades, the impact of social media on his field, and how he balances work with family life. Taylor and Mike also delve into the evolving landscape of construction equipment, including the rise of automation and electric technology. Packed with relatable experiences and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for everyone, especially those passionate about a career in the trades. Don't miss out - tune in and gain valuable perspective from a construction industry insider! 
Topics: 

Mike Simon's journey from a lifelong tradesman to YouTube content creator 

His transition from construction to focusing solely on excavating in 2018 

The role of social media in modern construction businesses 

Balancing work, family life, and personal passions 

Insights into managing a small, profitable business 

The pros and cons of old versus new equipment 

The future of automation and electric equipment in the construction industry 


Key Takeaways: 
"I've always been in the construction industry, a lifelong tradesman and damn proud of it." 
"In 2018, I shut down the construction business and focused solely on excavating." 
"Sometimes you wake up, pinch yourself, and wonder, “How in the heck did I get here?" 
"Bigger isn't always better; I'm perfectly content where I'm at." 
"Social media has actually freed up some of my time because I don't have to chase every job." 
"Keep it professional, whether it's in the comments, the posts, no matter what you do." 
"I've structured my business to my strengths, and that's what works for us." 
"I like the smaller stuff; I don't like being on a job site for more than about two weeks." 
"You need more tools in that toolbox to apply to whatever situation or job you have." 
"Life is short, man, you’ve got to enjoy it." 

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/ 

Dirt Perfect: 

Website: https://www.dirtperfect1.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirtperfect/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirt.perfect/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvn8y5Gf090ljxf9xbG5K3w 

Brian Hess, the dynamic owner of The Pavement Group, Top Contractor School, and One Key Media, takes time out of his incredibly busy schedule to join Taylor on the podcast today to discuss his remarkable journey from construction to becoming a tech-savvy entrepreneur. Emphasizing the importance of creating a strong company culture and balancing family life with business, Brian’s insights on authentic social media engagement, effective leadership, and the value of building meaningful relationships are both inspiring and motivational.
Recounting the transition from his construction background to entrepreneurship, Brian highlights the diverse roles he has embraced. Along the way, he stresses the importance of authenticity over vanity metrics in social media and focusing on genuine content to build meaningful connections. Our very special guest also shares strategies for managing a growing business while maintaining a strong family presence, emphasizing the need for effective leadership and a supportive team. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the challenges and triumphs of business growth, underscoring the critical role of networking and long-term relationship building. As you will hear, today’s episode with this truly multi-talented industry leader is absolutely jam-packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to succeed in the construction industry and well beyond.
Topics:

Brian’s journey from construction to entrepreneurship

Authenticity in social media

Building a strong company culture

Balancing business and family

Effective leadership

Navigating challenges and triumphs

The value of networking and relationships

Lessons learned


Key Takeaways:
"I will sacrifice followers, likes, and comments for authenticity. I'm not necessarily worried about every person in the world wanting to follow our journey. I'm looking for the right ones."
"My biggest goal was to create a culture where people really love to come to work and they could be proud of what they were doing."
"Busy people understand busy people. If somebody doesn't understand that you don't have time for something or your time is stressed, it's probably their misunderstanding of how busy people actually operate."
"I think a lot of business owners are missing the boat on not having media as part of their strategy because that podcast is a way to coach your team."
"We all need to do a better job in our industry of treating the customer really, really well, having great communication, having visibility, collaboration, and transparency in the process."
"From the beginning of my social media journey, I was trying to appeal to a different audience than everybody else because, for me, it was a method to build relationships and find clients."
“The number one priorities are my family, my businesses, the people that I'm responsible for in my life."

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/


Brian Hess:

Website: realbrianhess.com


FB: facebook.com/brianhessenterprises


LI: linkedin.com/in/realbrianhess/ 


IG: @realbrianhess

YT: @1TeamMedia

X: @realbrianhess

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/