On The Surface with Delta

Delta Companies Inc.
  • 4.8 (21)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

On The Surface is the go-to podcast for leaders, innovators, and professionals in the world of construction and materials. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, stories, and insights that drive success in the industry—covering everything from business development and operational leadership to fostering team growth and cultivating a winning culture. Join us as we explore the people and processes that shape the built environment, featuring conversations with experts, thought leaders, and trailblazers who are transforming the way we design, build, and lead. Whether you’re a construction executive, materials specialist, or aspiring industry leader, On The Surface delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to elevate your career and your business.

  1. The Culture–Skill Quadrant Every Leader Faces

    6H AGO

    The Culture–Skill Quadrant Every Leader Faces

    In this episode of On the Surface, Seth sits down with Brad and Taylor for an honest, practical conversation about one of the toughest challenges leaders face: building the right team. Using a culture‑versus‑skills quadrant as the framework, they unpack how employees typically fall into four categories—and why where someone lands matters more than leaders often realize. Seth, Brad, and Taylor break down each quadrant in real‑world terms, from high‑culture, high‑skill “stars” to low‑culture, low‑skill “dead weight,” and the dangerous middle ground of high‑skill, low‑culture employees who can quietly undermine a team. They discuss what culture really looks like in practice—not just surface‑level friendliness, but values, integrity, accountability, and how people show up when no one’s watching. The conversation dives into hiring decisions leaders wrestle with every day: whether to hire for skill or culture, how urgency often drives rushed choices, and why “no help” can be better than bad help. Brad and Taylor share insight into why skills are often more teachable than attitude, how behavioral‑based interview questions can reveal far more than technical checklists, and why the elusive “purple unicorn” hire is rarely realistic. Together, they also explore how generational perspectives influence workplace culture, how attitudes and expectations have shifted over time, and why swinging too far toward either culture or performance can hurt a business. They examine the importance of ongoing evaluation, self‑awareness, and giving leaders the space to step back and assess what their team looks like today—and where it needs to be tomorrow. It’s a grounded, thought‑provoking discussion about leadership, accountability, and making tough people decisions—one that reinforces a simple but powerful truth: great teams aren’t built by accident, and culture and skills must grow together if a business is going to succeed. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    44 min
  2. From the Ground Up: Leadership, Learning, and the Aggregate World

    APR 29

    From the Ground Up: Leadership, Learning, and the Aggregate World

    In this episode of On the Surface, Seth sits down with Kris Latham to unpack a career built from the ground up—one shaped by engineering roots, hard-earned lessons, and a deep respect for people, process, and perspective. From growing up around construction sites in central Florida to leading operations in the aggregates industry, Kris shares the winding path that took him through engineering, finance, consulting, and ultimately into leadership. Kris walks through his early career choices and pivotal moments, including earning his engineering license, navigating layoffs, working through an airline bankruptcy, and finding his way into the aggregates world. Along the way, he explains how those varied experiences—civil engineering, corporate finance, M&A, performance improvement, and operations—shaped how he approaches problem-solving today. His story highlights an often-overlooked truth: careers aren’t linear, but every stop along the way can become a critical building block. Together, Seth and Kris explore what stays consistent across roles and industries—solving problems, understanding people, and learning how to influence rather than dictate change. They unpack the difference between advising from the outside and leading from within, the challenges of credibility and trust, and why the “good idea fairy” approach rarely works without strong relationships. Kris offers candid insight into influencing operations, simplifying communication, and meeting people where they are—especially when the day‑to‑day pressures on the ground are very real. The conversation also spotlights the aggregates industry itself: why it’s misunderstood, why it’s essential, and why it offers durable, meaningful careers that won’t be outsourced or automated away. Kris explains the pride that comes from building something tangible, the importance of safety culture, and how one powerful safety moment reshaped his perspective forever. Throughout the episode, Kris emphasizes one recurring theme: success is built as much on who you know as what you know. From mentorship and networking to being dependable, likable, and willing to earn your stripes, he shares advice for young professionals—and a reminder that careers are built over time through relationships, curiosity, and consistency. It’s a thoughtful, grounded conversation about leadership, influence, and growth—one that goes beyond titles and resumes to focus on the people, experiences, and values that truly shape a career. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    59 min
  3. Scratching the Surface: Real‑World AI Use Cases in Business

    APR 22

    Scratching the Surface: Real‑World AI Use Cases in Business

    In this episode of On the Surface, Seth is joined once again by Brad for a wide‑ranging, practical conversation about how AI is actually being used in everyday business—and why most people are still only scratching the surface. From Copilot and ChatGPT to Claude, Gemini, and agentic AI tools, Seth and Brad break down what works, what doesn’t, and where confusion still exists as these technologies evolve at lightning speed. They dig into real, hands‑on use cases rather than hype: creating presentations and emails faster, analyzing data, building Excel models, summarizing long documents, turning contracts into podcast‑style audio, and setting up automated systems that pull information every week without repeated prompts. Brad shares firsthand experiences using AI agents to monitor industry projects and generate reports, while Seth explains the differences between creative AI, analytical AI, and autonomous agentic systems—and why prompt quality still matters, even as the tools improve. Together, they tackle the bigger question many organizations are quietly wrestling with: what does AI mean for jobs? Seth and Brad offer a grounded perspective on efficiency, automation, and workforce change—arguing that while AI won’t replace entire roles overnight, it will reshape how work gets done. They explore which tasks are most at risk, why repetitive and administrative work is the first to be automated, and how early adopters who learn to use AI effectively will be best positioned as companies inevitably move from experimentation to expectation. The conversation also highlights the human side of adoption—resistance to change, security concerns, and the reality that many people don’t even know the tools they already have can do these things. From personal examples like planning vacations and visualizing home renovations to professional workflows that save hours or days of work, this episode emphasizes one core takeaway: AI is just another tool—but curiosity, experimentation, and willingness to adapt will determine who benefits the most. It’s an honest, approachable discussion about AI in the present—not sci‑fi futures or fear‑based narratives, but the real efficiencies, limitations, and opportunities unfolding right now for people willing to engage with the technology rather than ignore it. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    30 min
  4. The Reality of Becoming a First-Time Manager: What No One Tells You

    APR 15

    The Reality of Becoming a First-Time Manager: What No One Tells You

    In this episode of On the Surface, Seth sits down once again with fan‑favorite guest (and unofficial co‑host) Taylor Kirn for an honest look at what really happens when you step into a management role for the first time. From the shock of overnight responsibility to the emotional weight of leading people you once worked beside, Taylor breaks down the challenges new managers face—and the parts no one warns you about. Taylor shares her early experiences overseeing team members, including her struggle with delegation, learning to trust others’ processes, and discovering that there’s more than one “right” way to get things done. Through stories about mentors, technology mishaps, and even a paper‑folding machine she found way too late, she explains how growth often comes from embracing discomfort, letting go of control, and making room for people to surprise you. Together, Seth and Taylor unpack the toughest parts of becoming a manager: balancing daily tasks with new leadership responsibilities, navigating the pressure of constant communication, managing personalities, setting boundaries with former peers, and building resilience when the job feels like “getting punched in the face for a year.” They explore why the first management jump is the hardest in any career—and why trusting your team, asking for help, and being honest about what you don’t know are essential skills, not weaknesses. Taylor also sheds light on the critical role HR plays in supporting new supervisors, from handling sensitive conversations to navigating policies like FMLA, time off, and compliance issues that can quickly go sideways without guidance. She explains why bringing HR in early matters, how communication shapes culture, and why consistency and follow‑through are the foundations of effective leadership. It’s a candid, insightful conversation about the human side of managing people—the mindset shifts, the uncomfortable moments, the lessons learned the hard way, and the growth that happens when you finally realize: management isn’t about doing the work…it’s about leading the people who do. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    26 min
  5. Internal Promotions or External Hires? Making the Right Leadership Call

    APR 8

    Internal Promotions or External Hires? Making the Right Leadership Call

    In this episode of On The Surface, Seth and Brad welcome back Taylor Kirn for a deep dive into one of the most pivotal decisions any company faces: internal promotions vs. external hires. From the real costs of leadership transitions to the morale boost of promoting from within, the trio breaks down what makes these decisions so impactful—and so challenging. They explore how to identify true leadership potential, when a fresh external perspective is worth the investment, and why succession planning matters more than ever in today’s shifting workforce. Taylor sheds light on the growing skills gap and what it means for career paths in construction and manufacturing, while Brad talks candidly about performance, cultural fit, and why soft skills often outweigh technical ability at higher levels of leadership. The group also shares practical advice for anyone who's been passed over for a promotion—and how to turn that setback into fuel for growth. Whether you're leading teams, building a career, or just curious about how organizations make people decisions, this episode is packed with insight, transparency, and a few hard truths. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    51 min
  6. Attitude, Effort, and Safety: Lessons from the Field with Justin Counce

    APR 1

    Attitude, Effort, and Safety: Lessons from the Field with Justin Counce

    In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Justin Counce—Delta’s Safety Coordinator—to explore the unconventional path that led him from chemistry labs and chromatography machines to job sites, quarry pits, and the front lines of safety culture. From studying finance for “30 minutes” to working in manufacturing and eventually discovering a passion for helping people work smarter and safer, Justin shares how curiosity, real‑world experience, and relationship‑building shaped his entire career. He walks through the evolution of safety at Delta—from the early days of reactive compliance and paper forms to proactive culture-building, CI teams, and digital inspections that keep crews protected and projects moving. Justin opens up about the shift toward collaborative safety, the importance of trust on a job site, and how complacency can sneak in even for the most experienced workers. He also breaks down what safety really looks like today: navigating regulations, supporting crews across multiple states, investigating incidents, managing environmental compliance, and preparing for a future filled with sensors, AI tools, autonomous equipment, and smarter training. Justin also draws surprising parallels between his role at Delta and his life coaching youth sports. From teaching attitude and effort to managing emotions, building mental toughness, and holding people accountable with empathy, he explains how lessons from the baseball field translate directly into leading teams and keeping people safe. Along the way he shares stories about wins, missteps, tough inspections, community complaints, and why treating everyone with respect—no matter their job title—remains his guiding principle. It’s an inside look at the human side of safety: the culture, conversations, and coaching that make a difference long before any paperwork ever does. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    1h 1m
  7. Routines, Values, and Raising Kids Today

    MAR 25

    Routines, Values, and Raising Kids Today

    In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Brad Marotti and Jordan Janet to dig into the habits, mindsets, and daily choices that shape who we are as men, husbands, fathers, and leaders. What starts as a light conversation about podcasts turns into a deep exploration of why people crave long-form dialogue, how modern culture is reshaping connection, and why intentionality matters more than ever. Brad and Jordan open up about the flood of information young people face, the difficulty of staying grounded in your values, and the ongoing work of building routines that support physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual wellbeing. From balancing the “five F’s” to shifting your personal bell curve, they share the frameworks that have helped them navigate busier careers, growing kids, and the realities of adulthood. They discuss what it means to stay patient, aware, and present in a world full of noise, the challenges of raising children in a tech-heavy era, and the importance of carving out quiet space to think. The conversation hits on discipline, confidence, marriage, burnout, and the deceptively simple practices—early mornings, movement, reading, prayer, undistracted presence—that can change the trajectory of your life. It’s an honest look at how hard it is to stay balanced, how easy it is to drift, and how powerful small, consistent choices can be over years. Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or someone trying to build better habits, this episode offers perspective that hits differently depending on where you are in life—and that’s exactly the point. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    52 min
  8. IT on the Frontlines: Tech, AI, and the Future of Construction

    MAR 18

    IT on the Frontlines: Tech, AI, and the Future of Construction

    In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Craig McClellan and Russell Goss—Delta’s IT Manager and IT Technician—to uncover the technology, teamwork, and troubleshooting that keep our construction operations running every single day. From dial‑up internet and building their first PCs to supporting hundreds of employees across multiple states, Craig and Russell share how they each found their way into IT and why the role has never been more essential. They walk through the realities of modern tech in a construction environment—networking, VoIP systems, cybersecurity, cloud servers, and the never‑ending stream of access requests and password resets—while also breaking down the “boots on the ground” part of IT that most people never see. From plant outages and high‑pressure fixes to organizing messy network rooms and prepping for AI‑driven support tools, they explain how IT touches every dollar made in the company. Craig and Russell also explore the future: fully connected plants, AI‑powered troubleshooting, drones that analyze job sites, and the expanding need for digital security as cyber threats grow. They open up about leadership, staying curious, adapting to constant change, and why construction is a rock‑solid industry for young people entering the workforce—especially those interested in technology. It’s an inside look at the people behind the screens who keep the business online, secure, and moving forward—one ticket, one server, and one reboot at a time. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    50 min
See All (27)

4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

On The Surface is the go-to podcast for leaders, innovators, and professionals in the world of construction and materials. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, stories, and insights that drive success in the industry—covering everything from business development and operational leadership to fostering team growth and cultivating a winning culture. Join us as we explore the people and processes that shape the built environment, featuring conversations with experts, thought leaders, and trailblazers who are transforming the way we design, build, and lead. Whether you’re a construction executive, materials specialist, or aspiring industry leader, On The Surface delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to elevate your career and your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Delta Companies Inc.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On The Surface with Delta
  • Show Website
    On The Surface with Delta

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