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

CONEXPO-CON/AGG
  • 4.9 (32)
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Perspectives from construction business owners, heavy construction equipment experts and construction technology providers.

  1. Combating the Mental Health Crisis in Construction with Taylor White

    2D AGO

    Combating the Mental Health Crisis in Construction with Taylor White

    Discover how construction business owner Taylor White navigates the unique mental health challenges of the industry. From financial stress to the loneliness of leadership, he shares personal strategies for resilience and maintaining well-being in a blue-collar world. Business ownership in construction means constant challenges, with many owners working through extreme stress. The "tough it out" culture often makes it impossible for owners to discuss their struggles which can lead to isolation and severe mental health risks. Understanding and implementing personal strategies for mental well-being is vital for sustainable success and preventing burnout. Learn how to address the unspoken burdens of leadership as Taylor reveals his private battles with mental health. 🚨 The Unspoken Isolation of Command [4:38]: "Driving home the other night, I just wanted to talk to somebody. I don’t want that person to be my wife…She has been dealing with three kids all day. The last thing I am going to do is come home and be like, ‘Let me talk to you about the stresses of budgeting and how it feels lonely.’ I can’t talk to anybody about this." 🌟 Redefining Success Beyond the Balance Sheet [11:36:] "If the business is not doing well, my whole self-worth goes down because it is like, ‘Well, I am not doing good in business, so I am obviously not good enough to do what I am doing.’" Watch as Taylor reveals how giving back to the community can combat generational pressure and build personal value beyond financial metrics. 🛠️ The Simple Blueprint for Daily Resilience [28:57]: "’Yeah, I am eating steak and avocado and eggs tonight.’ And I am like- that is my meal, but then you feel like a rockstar in the morning. You feel so good, you get a good eight hours, you go to bed at a good time. You feel really good." This completely changes how we think about managing daily stress and anxiety. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Mental Health Pressures in Construction 04:38 - Leadership, Loneliness and Pressure 11:28 - Self-Worth and Generational Pressure 17:16 - Personal Resilience: Exercise and Support 19:30 - Digital Detox and Phone Boundaries 23:57 - The Power of Family Partnership 27:48 - Foundations: Sleep, Food, Movement 30:10 - Calls to Action May is Mental Health Month! Learn how CONEXPO-CON/AGG is Taking Mental Health To The Next Level: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/mental-health Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/ CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up #MensMentalHealth #ConstructionLeadership #EntrepreneurialWellness

    31 min
  2. The Biggest Shifts in Construction Today with Ryan Goodfellow

    APR 20

    The Biggest Shifts in Construction Today with Ryan Goodfellow

    What is the future of construction technology? Veteran excavation business owner Ryan Goodfellow of Rock Structures joins the show to discuss the real trends separating hype from high-ROI investments. He offers a detailed analysis of new machinery from brands like Hyundai, John Deere, and Hitachi, explaining how integrated systems are becoming the new standard. Many contractors left the show wondering which technologies will actually make a difference on the job site. Ryan explains why features like integrated payload scales, 2D/3D systems, and advanced operator cabs are no longer luxuries but necessities for efficiency and profitability. He provides a clear perspective on how to grow a construction business by focusing on becoming better, not just bigger, a strategy that has kept his team loyal and his clients happy for years. KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 🚨 SHIFTING BRAND HIERARCHY [07:53]: Think you know the best brands in construction? Think again. "I was absolutely blown away, Taylor, by how far they've come... These new machines, I was blown away. I get in those cabs now and I'm like, “Probably one of the nicest cabs in the industry!”" Ryan reveals the surprising advancements from brands like Hyundai, showing how they've closed the technology and comfort gap with industry leaders. A must-watch for anyone considering new equipment. 💡 THE "BETTER, NOT BIGGER" STRATEGY [19:34]: Feeling the pressure to constantly expand your business? "I'm not looking to become bigger, I'm looking to become better. And that's what I told him. Like I want to perfect what we do." Ryan breaks down his philosophy for sustainable growth, focusing on perfecting systems and strengthening his team instead of chasing more crews and equipment. 🤝 THE LOYALTY FORMULA [32:16]: Struggling to build a loyal and motivated crew? "My guys know that I won't ask them to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. I think that carries a lot of weight with guys nowadays." This simple leadership principle is the foundation of a strong company culture. Learn how to build trust and respect that keeps your best people on the job. CHAPTERS: 00:00 CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Takeaways From the Show Floor 03:00 How Global Equipment Brands Are Changing the Market 07:06 New Excavator Technology 12:08 How Payload Systems Increase Jobsite Profitability 16:10 The Rise of On-Site Crushing & Material Recycling 18:34 Growing an Excavation Company Without Getting Bigger 24:13 Why Relationships Drive Construction Business Success 30:02 Why Leaders Should Show Up on Jobsites More Often 34:44 The Mindset That Builds Long-Term Success in Construction Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/ CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up 🔗 CONNECT WITH RYAN GOODFELLOW: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-goodfellow-6a3734353/Rock Structures: https://www.rockstructures.com/ #CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 #HeavyEquipment #BusinessGrowth

    34 min
  3. Taylor’s Biggest CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Takeaways

    APR 6

    Taylor’s Biggest CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Takeaways

    What really happens behind the scenes at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the world's largest construction trade show? Taylor provides a complete recap of his experience of the show in Las Vegas covering essential planning tips, the biggest industry trends like AI, and the personal moments that defined the show. As a third-generation construction business owner and podcast host, Taylor offers a unique view of the event. Many people attend CONEXPO-CON/AGG for the massive machines and new technology and the large scale can be overwhelming and feel impersonal. Taylor reveals a different side of the event, describing it as a "family reunion" where personal connections are the main event. A surprising interaction with listeners provided him with a new sense of purpose, showing the powerful community within the industry. 🎯 KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: ✨ THE UNCONVENTIONAL PLAYGROUND [03:37]: "Las Vegas is so hyped up…and it's that way for a reason. Because there's so much going on. You can do anything that you imagine or think of." CONEXPO-CON/AGG is more than just a trade show; it's an experience amplified by its location. Taylor explains how the unique Las Vegas environment offers opportunities for adventure and connection that go far beyond the convention floor. ⚠️ THE NETWORKING PARADOX [15:16]: "I never get to link up with everybody that I say I'm gonna do it, you know, because it's like you have so many prerequisites." The pressure to do everything at the show is a common pitfall. Taylor addresses the reality of an overpacked schedule and the fear of missing out, which can prevent you from having the most meaningful interactions. ⚡ THE INVISIBLE MASTERPIECE [22:46]: "When I'm walking around there, and a lot of people might not even think about this process, it's like the amount of time it has to take to just the fencing, the barriers, the washrooms, the badge pickup sites... Incredible." Most attendees see the booths, but few see the massive logistical operation behind them. Taylor offers a new appreciation for the event by highlighting the immense, year-long effort required to build the temporary city that is CONEXPO-CON/AGG. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome to the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Recap 01:45 - Pre-Show Strategy & The Vegas Arrival 06:45 - Taylor’s Awkward Encounter with David Blaine 12:47 - Highlights from the Show Floor 15:36 - Top Industry Trends: AI, Tech & Workforce 19:56 - The Real Value of CONEXPO-CON/AGG: Community 23:50 - Taylor’s Biggest Takeaway 27:30 - Final Thoughts & What's Next Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/ CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up #conexpo-con/agg #lasvegas #tradeshow

    26 min
  4. How a Small Town Excavator Operator Built a 500K Audience Being Himself

    MAR 9

    How a Small Town Excavator Operator Built a 500K Audience Being Himself

    Mike Simon - better known as Dirt Perfect - is back on the podcast today! Since his first appearance, Mike has grown his YouTube channel to over 500,000 subscribers, all while running his excavating business. In this live recording from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Community Zone, Mike sits down with Taylor to talk about what's changed, what hasn't, and why his "hobby" now earns more than his business. From the emotional reason he started filming to the practical realities of balancing brand deals with job site work, Mike delivers a first class lesson in authenticity. He and Taylor dive into why the trades are still undervalued, how social media is a powerful free advertising tool, and why knowing your "why" matters more than chasing views. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💰 YOUTUBE PAYS MORE THAN THE BUSINESS (AND THAT'S OKAY) [4:38]: "The crazy part is the social media world makes more money than the excavating business. So how do you balance that out, right?" Mike gets honest about the financial reality of his channel and explains why he intentionally keeps it a hobby to avoid burnout and maintain authenticity. 👷‍♂️ THE TRADES VS. COLLEGE REALITY CHECK [13:06]: "One of the kids I graduated with is now the assistant principal at the high school... the reality of it is my salary is six times what his is." Mike makes a powerful argument for trade careers, explaining why schools are finally waking up to their value. 🚀 YOU CAN'T PREDICT A HIT, SO JUST PRESS 'PUBLISH' [31:34]: "I bet you out of half of my videos that have really taken off, I probably considered not posting because I didn't think they were that great of videos. And the videos you think that are absolutely awesome and you can't wait for everybody to see just lay there flat." Mike reveals that the audience decides what's compelling, not the creator. Instead of trying to engineer a perfect viral hit, focus on consistently documenting your journey, because you never know which project will be the one to connect with millions. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - From Excavator to YouTube Star 1:59 - The "Why" Behind the Camera: A Father's Legacy 4:18 - When the Hobby Pays More Than the Business 6:20 - The Secret to Half a Million Followers 7:39 - How Excavator Soccer Led to His First Brand Deal 12:00 - Why the Trades Are a Smarter Career Than You Think 17:19 - Advice for Starting Out in Business & on Social Media 20:22 - The Dirt Perfect Origin Story (and Spelling Mistake) 24:16 - Behind the Scenes: Content Strategy and Scheduling 32:27 - The $10,000 Video vs. The $1,000 Video: How YouTube Pays 34:43 - The First Big Paycheck & What's Next Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/ CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up 🔗 CONNECT WITH DIRT PERFECT: Website: https://www.dirtperfect1.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirtPerfect #DirtPerfect #ConstructionLife #SkilledTrades

    34 min
  5. Building Roads and Breaking Barriers with Ebony Jennings

    FEB 23

    Building Roads and Breaking Barriers with Ebony Jennings

    How does the youngest asphalt company owner in Wisconsin, and the only woman of color in that role, build a thriving business? Ebony Jennings shares her journey of honoring her family's legacy while forging her own path in a male-dominated field. She offers a direct look at the challenges and advantages of her unique position. Ebony explains why certain industry programs, designed to help, can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword, and gives practical advice on how women can build the confidence needed to lead and earn respect. Her story provides a clear blueprint for attracting the next generation to the trades and succeeding against the odds. 🎯Key Episode Takeaways⚠️ THE FORGOTTEN SOLUTION [09:28]: "I believe that if we put trades back into high schools like we did, or even as low as middle schools... We don't live in a world where they push trades a lot. You more so will see the four year colleges are being pushed. That doesn't work for everyone." This addresses the root cause of the skilled labor shortage and offers a clear, systemic solution to building a stronger talent pipeline for the future. ✨ THE SISTERHOOD STRATEGY [19:10]: "That is where your village is going to come from. That is where your sisterhood comes in at. And you need that because you may not be as vocal as me or someone, another woman you know in your industry." Discover how building a strong network of women provides the support and motivation to find your voice, gain confidence, and claim your space. ⚡ THE LISTENING ADVANTAGE [32:53]: "Come and listen to the women's perspectives... especially us women in this industry, it's majority men. So we're always listening to you. So come and just listen in with us as well." This is a direct call to action for male leaders to gain a competitive edge by understanding the experiences and ideas of women in their companies. Chapters00:00 - Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Is a Must Attend for Construction Pros 00:54 - Breaking Barriers as a Woman of Color in Asphalt 04:18 - The Real Impact of Minority Business Certifications 09:19 - Fix the Skilled Labor Shortage by Rebuilding Trade Education 12:00 - Use Social Media to Attract the Next Generation to Construction 14:22 - What to Expect from the EmpowerHER Workshop 16:22 - How Women Can Build Confidence in a Male Dominated Industry 19:00 - Why Construction Sisterhood and Mentorship Matter 26:58 - How to Prepare Your Team and Brand for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/ CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: CONEXPOconagg.com CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up 🔗 CONNECT WITH EBONY JENNINGS: Ebony Jennings: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-jennings-b11042142/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenningsasphalt/?hl=en Interested in hearing more from Ebony? Add the EmpowerHER Workshop to your CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 registration today! Limited spots available for this two-day event taking place Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 7. #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionLife #SkilledTrades https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20

    33 min
  6. Celebrating the Work That Builds the World with Mike Rowe

    FEB 9

    Celebrating the Work That Builds the World with Mike Rowe

    Construction business owners face a massive recruitment hurdle. Society has spent years telling kids that university degrees were the only path to success - a message that has created a culture where manual labor is seen as a ‘last resort’. Emmy award-winner, creator and host of Dirty Jobs, and America’s leading advocate for the skilled trades, Mike Rowe, joins the show to explain why this labor gap is a threat to national security. Mike demonstrates why the construction industry must change how it markets itself to the next generation. Polished corporate videos often fail as young recruits can sense when they are being sold a lie. Contractors should focus on telling the authentic stories of their most successful employees in an effort that will help people see the wealth and pride available in a trade career. 🎯KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: ⚠️ THE RETIREMENT GAP CRISIS [09:57]: "For every five tradespeople who retire this year, two will replace them. Five out, two in. Now, it has been that way for over a decade. And you don't have to be a math major to look at that and go, ‘All right, that ratio is not sustainable.’" Watch Mike share the dangerous math that puts national security at risk. ✨ THE SITE COMPLIANCE TRAP [29:19]: "Safety is not first. If safety were first, there would be no one on the job site. We would all be home bubble-wrapped in our altered-states tubes." Learn how extreme rules lead to complacency and why common sense must return to the site. 🧠 THE PRIDE OF UNSEEN WORK [49:14]: "No one sees his handiwork. He is 10 feet underground hammering out rotten bricks and putting in new ones to keep the entire sewer system viable so the streets don't collapse and run with crap. It’s a really important job and nobody has any idea that he is doing it." Discover the deep pride found in the vital work that remains hidden from public view. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Mike Rowe and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 02:50 - Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG Showcases the Heart of Construction 05:59 - Technology Scale and Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG Is Unlike Any Other Expo 08:00 - The Skilled Trades Recruiting Crisis and Authentic Storytelling 15:41 - Do Younger Workers Want to Work? 19:31 - Scholarships Workforce Gaps and the Trades Talent Pipeline 25:22 - Rethinking Training Safety and Competency in Construction 35:55 - Why Apprenticeships and Early Exposure Beat Classroom Hours 44:47 - Pride in Craftsmanship and the Art Behind the Trades 48:31 - The Invisible Work That Holds Infrastructure Together Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/ CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up 🔗 CONNECT WITH MIKE ROWE: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeroweworks/ • Website: https://mikerowe.com/ • Foundation: https://www.mikeroweworks.org/ #SkilledTrades #LaborShortage #CONEXPO-CON/AGG2026 https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20

    49 min
  7. Matt Stanley Reveals Family Business Secrets

    JAN 12

    Matt Stanley Reveals Family Business Secrets

    Raised on Blacktop’s Matt Stanley returns to explain how a family paving business actually runs. Most people think a large fleet means the owner is comfortable, but the truth is that the work feels fragile when you are in the trenches every day, and you have to ‘keep the main thing the main thing’ to stay profitable. Matt reveals how to grow a public brand without losing touch with the job site. Explaining that you need to master the balance between field leadership and scaling systems, Matt reveals how to earn respect on the job while stepping back to let the company grow. He also talks about the mental toll of content creation and why he dropped his brand manager. Get ready for a very real conversation about the hard truth behind the highlight reels. 🎯KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: 📈 THE EXPANSION COST [05:50]: “For a paving company, the end-all be-all is like paving highways and airports… and the deeper we get into these city contracts and state work… you kind of see like, ‘Oh, this is why my dad kind of shied away from this stuff’…the paperwork…the restrictions and everything.” Every contractor wants to move into the biggest projects. But those contracts come with heavy restrictions and night work. Matt discusses how to pick a path that protects your family life. 🧠 THE HANDS-OFF METHOD [13:24]: "I see employees doing things sometimes where it's like, I would have done that differently. And now I'm like, ‘Don't say anything. Just let them do it.’ It's not like it's not coming out right. It’s still good. But you can't micromanage.” You cannot scale a company if you control every move. You must trust your operators to solve problems their own way. This shift is the only way to build a company that survives without you. 🛡️ THE REPUTATION TRAP [23:03]: "When we work outside of our regular radius, it's like, you know, you’ve got a target on your back going out.” The public eye adds a heavy layer of stress to every project. People are often just waiting for a mistake. Watch this part to learn how to manage the pressure when the world is watching your work. 00:00 - CONEXPO 2026 and PODCAST20 01:21 - The Fragility of Growth 03:38 - Scaling a Family Paving Business 05:31 - Finding the Right Company Size 08:17 - Hiring vs Retaining Crews 09:24 - Leading From the Jobsite 12:48 - Letting Go of Micromanagement 14:33 - Respect vs Likeability 17:53 - Creating Raised on Blacktop 21:14 - Managing Public Pressure 30:06 - Ops Before Social Media 35:06 - Redefining Success and Burnout Hear more from Matt Stanley at the Building a Construction Brand Online: Tips from Top Content Creators education session at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 🔗 CONNECT WITH MATT: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-stanley-738295183/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedonblacktop/Website: https://raisedonblacktop.com/ #Paving #ConstructionLife #RaisedOnBlacktop https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20

    40 min
  8. Building A Social Media Empire From Asphalt with Marvin Joles

    12/15/2025

    Building A Social Media Empire From Asphalt with Marvin Joles

    Most construction business owners believe that doing quality work is the only marketing they need. The industry is shifting rapidly, and competitors now use digital tools to capture attention and market share before you even get a chance to bid. Marvin Joles explains why staying invisible is a risk you cannot afford to take in 2025. You might worry that posting videos looks unprofessional or feels awkward to your peers. Silence and invisibility are far more dangerous to your long-term survival than a few early videos that lack polish. Marvin shares how he overcame the fear of judgment to build a brand that dominates his local market and secures his company's future. Learn how visibility protects your business when Marvin reveals the harsh reality for contractors who refuse to adapt. 🔓 FEAR HACK [06:14]: "My mentor told me, 'Keep them up there so you can see how far you've come.'" See why your "cringy" early content is actually a valuable roadmap for your growth rather than a mistake to hide. 🤝 NETWORKING TRUTH [18:35]: "We talk about work, the equipment and whatnot, maybe 20% of the time. But 80% of the time, we're talking about family." Discover the real ROI of attending industry events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG and why relationships matter more than the equipment you buy. ⚔️ COMPETITIVE THREAT [29:54]: "If you do not do this, a guy like me is going to come and pass you by." Marvin explains why ignoring social media is no longer an option for generational businesses and how young talent can revitalize your marketing. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – CONEXPO 2026 Kickoff and Discount Code: PODCAST20 01:12 – Marvin’s Path From Asphalt Contractor to Media Voice 03:51 – How Social Content Built a Thriving Asphalt Community 04:05 – Creating Transparent, Trust-Building Contractor Content 07:36 – Embracing Cringe and Evolving as a Creator 10:38 – How In the Mix Strengthened His Brand and Business 14:26 – Tech, AI, and Automation Transforming Asphalt Workflows 17:28 – The Rise of Creator Culture in the Trades 18:07 – Why Networking at CONEXPO Outweighs Everything Else 21:39 – What First-Time CONEXPO Attendees Don’t Realize 24:59 – Using AI to Plan the Perfect CONEXPO Experience 29:26 – The One Thing Asphalt Contractors Must Stop Doing 33:08 – Marvin’s Final Advice on Connection, Mentorship, and Growth Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/ CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up 🔗 CONNECT WITH MARVIN JOLES: • Website and Social Media: https://marvinjoles.com/ • Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/in-the-mix-with-marvin-joles/id1822864102 #InTheMix #SocialMediaMarketing #CONEXPO2026 https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20

    35 min
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Perspectives from construction business owners, heavy construction equipment experts and construction technology providers.

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