Give Us The Dirt Brandon Lindsey

Welcome back to The Give Us The Dirt Podcast! In Episode 5, hosts Brandon and Bam Bam are joined by a true industry expert and standout operator, Russell Davis, from Hoopaugh Grading Company (HGC). Russell brings an impressive 20 years of experience to the table, having started running equipment at the young age of 8, learning the ropes from his father and uncle. Voted the best operator at Hoopaugh Grading by his peers, Russell's wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise make him a valuable guest on the show. Having spent 8 years at McGee Brothers before joining HGC 3.5 years ago, Russell discusses the driving factors behind his decision to make the move. A key element in his choice was HGC's commitment to technology and innovation. He highlights the importance of staying ahead in an industry that continually evolves and shares his appreciation for advanced technology. However, he emphasizes a crucial lesson—never relying too much on technology and the importance of "knowing the basics." Russell's passion for his work is evident as he shares his love for the ever-changing challenges in his job. Every day brings new obstacles, and he thrives on the opportunity to find creative solutions. In the episode, Russell delves into the impact of advancements in training, explaining how it accelerates the learning curve and streamlines processes that used to take years to master. Join us in Episode 5 as Russell Davis takes us on a journey through his remarkable career, offering insights into the dynamic world of grading and the importance of balancing technology with fundamental skills. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the intricacies of the grading industry, this episode promises to be a fascinating exploration into the dirt-moving realm. Get ready to dig in!

In Episode 4, Brandon and Bam Bam welcome special guest, John Keane. John is a Senior Project controller at OceanaGold, a gold and copper producer.John brings a wealth of experience and passion for safety and education in the mining industry. Originally from the west coast, he made a move to South Carolina without a clear career path but with a strong desire for change. John worked his way through college in construction, where he developed a deep appreciation for the field. His diverse experience eventually led him to the mining industry.In 2015, John took on the role of a Safety Representative, starting with the challenging task of rebuilding a mine. Fast forward over a decade, and John has been an integral part of OceanaGold for seven years. One significant highlight in John's career is his involvement with the mine rescue team. Being part of the rescue team is, according to John, his most significant achievement. His positive attitude and expertise in mechanical piping have earned him recognition in the field.John is not just about the technical aspects of mining; he genuinely cares about people and is passionate about helping others. With some experience in handling heavy equipment and a deep love for his trade, John Keane embodies the spirit of dedication and commitment to making the mining industry safer and more sustainable.

Welcome to the Give Us The Dirt Podcast, where we dig into the stories in the world of construction. In this episode, join hosts Brandon and Bam Bam as they sit down with Javan Browning, the co-owner of The Browning Group (TBG). At 18 years old, Javan made his entry into the industry, wearing various hats as a laborer, operator, surveyor, trainer, supervisor, and truck driver. Today, at the young age of 24, he is the joint owner in TBG, a thriving civil infrastructure company specializing in dirt moving, grading, clearing, demolition, and underground utilities. Javan shares the exciting journey from his early days in the field to his current role. Javan's connection to construction runs deep, following in his older brother's footsteps and working within his family's business. During the podcast, Javan provides valuable insights into the growth of the construction sector, discussing his transition from working with other companies to the pivotal decision to incorporate and start their family business. He sheds light on the unique perspective of an owner and how it transforms the dynamics of the game. In a family of five, Javan discusses the strategic division of responsibilities and highlights the challenges and triumphs of working together. He explores the regional opportunities for small businesses, drawing a contrast between working for large corporations and the intimacy of a family-owned enterprise. Javan talks about the immense satisfaction he gets from seeing a project come together, his love for problem-solving, and how challenges fuel his competitive spirit. As a 24-year-old leader, he reflects on the dynamics of leading a team where some members may be twice his age, offering valuable insights into effective leadership in the industry. Additionally, Javan delves into the importance of attracting young talent to the construction sector. He discusses the rewards of the industry, the joy of creating and building, and how to inspire the next generation to join the ranks.

On this episode of the Give Us The Dirt Podcast, we dig deep into the world of mining and uncover the fascinating stories, challenges, and innovations within this rugged industry. Join us as Brandon and Bam Bam sit down with a true mining expert, Ron Lindsey, to explore the gritty, yet vital world of mining and mining safety.Ron's journey into mining is a story of family tradition and dedication to service. Hailing from a lineage of miners, Ron's connection to the industry runs deep. After serving his country in the Navy, he transitioned to the world of mining in 1993, marking the beginning of a career he is very passionate about. Throughout his career, Ron has ventured into the depths of coal, gold, silver, nickel, and copper mines, gaining invaluable experience and insights. But it's his current role in mining safety that takes center stage in this conversation. Ron's mission is clear: to make mining a safer profession. He shares his knowledge, experiences, and the skills required to navigate the challenging and often hazardous mining environment.During the podcast, Ron delves into the intricacies of mining, explaining the roles of key players and he sheds light on the vital functions these roles play in maintaining safety and productivity in the mines.Ron also addresses a sobering topic—mining fatalities. With a heart dedicated to the safety of his fellow miners, he shares how he's leveraging his expertise to reduce the number of tragic incidents and improve safety protocols.Ron explores the evolution of the mining industry, both in terms of safety practices and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of being in the field, coaching, and guiding mining personnel in person to create a safer work environment. His message is clear: caring for the people in the field is paramount.As the mining industry continues to evolve, so do the difficulties that miners encounter daily. Ron provides a compelling and informed perspective issues that deserve our attention.

In this episode, Brandon and Bam Bam sit down with Austin Contin, a visionary in the construction industry with a family legacy spanning over a century. As the driving force behind Tenna, a cutting-edge Construction Equipment Management platform, Austin shares his journey from a heritage rich in construction to becoming the tech-savvy co-founder of a company creating game-changing solutions.Discover how Austin's deep roots in the industry, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, led to the inception of Tenna. He delves into the challenges he faced during the startup phase and the crucial role of data resources in transforming the construction landscape.Join us for an inspiring conversation about bridging tradition and innovation as we explore the evolution of construction through the eyes of Austin Conti.

And just like that, we have wrapped up our first full series of the Give Us The Dirt podcast. What a journey this has been! Over the past eight weeks, we have heard stories, relived experiences, and reflected on ourselves to better understand How NOT To Be A Leader. We learned a couple of new terms like ‘fail forward’ and ‘quiet quitting’ and we understand, now more than ever, that it’s all about the people.Throughout this series, we were so inspired by the focus on collaboration and continuous improvement displayed by each of our guests. From leading with empathy to determining the best way to get buy-in and staying calm, we hope you learned as much as we did!Thank you to all our partners for making this happen and a special shout out to our guests, Wheelhouse Media (https://www.wheelhousemedia.tv/), and to everyone for listening and following along!We can’t wait to give you the dirt in our next series, Construction Jobsite Discoveries, dropping later this year. Stay tuned for more surprises from Brandon and Bam Bam and be sure to follow the fun on our social media pages!