Welcome to the Dirt World's top podcast (self-proclaimed). Every week, host Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt, interviews construction and mining industry leaders in long form and shares updates on what's happening inside of BuildWitt.
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BuildWitt Podcasts
Tune in for the best of the best construction insights, stories, and tips for growth-minded professionals & contractors looking to level up. Our podcast is dedicated to sharing the stories & lessons from people who get sh*t done. Plus a few jokes here and there. Podcast Powered by Hammr - Construction Payroll, HR, & Ops Software Built for Subs and Self-Performing Contractors.
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Whether you know it or not, innovation is the key to your organization’s survival, but leading innovation is perhaps one of the biggest mysteries for business leaders today. Leaders know they have to do it, but they have little idea in terms of how to do it. Join Dr. John Lowry every week to gain a starting point and to learn the skills you need to create a culture of innovation within your company or organization. Every episode will uncover practical skills that will help you unleash the cr ...
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Joel McKee w/ McKee Construction — DT 404
1:32:44
1:32:44
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1:32:44Joel McKee is President of McKee Construction, a Mississippi-based site work contractor. After an upbringing around forestry, Joel saw earthwork and utilities as a way to escape his previous job as a land broker. After five years of building the business, they have learned many valuable lessons! Learn more about McKee Construction at: https://mckee…
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Ep 50: BuildWitt - From Dirt Pics to Software w/ Aaron Witt
1:06:12
1:06:12
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1:06:12We sit down with Aaron Witt of BuildWitt to unpack what it really takes to build the next generation of the dirt world - from personal reinvention, workforce transformation, and evolving BuildWitt into a modern Learning Management platform built for infrastructure contractors. Topics: Aaron’s Journey: From Bulldozer-Obsessed Kid to Dirt World Leade…
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Thank You, Support, and Announcements (Building BuildWitt #33) — DT 403
19:19
19:19
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19:19Aaron reflects on giving thanks to those involved in the Dirt World, gives a snapshot on internal BuildWitt employee time off, and covers some other various BuildWitt happenings going on right now. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Lear…
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Christmas Special — Dirt World Talk! — DT 402
56:42
56:42
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56:42Aaron gives his 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit talk, which focuses on the state of the construction industry, the enormous opportunity ahead, and how leaders can and must adopt a future-focused mindset. Learn more about BuildWitt at: https://buildwitt.com/ Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Vi…
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YouTube and $177,000 for Charity (Building BuildWitt #32) — DT 401
18:37
18:37
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18:37Aaron shares some thoughts on YouTube and how it fits into the organization as a whole and updates on the money raised for charity at the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. …
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Michele & Mike O’Rourke of O’Rourke Wrecking — DT 400
1:26:25
1:26:25
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1:26:25Michele and Mike O’Rourke lead O’Rourke Wrecking Company, a Cincinnati-based demolition company with a long history of challenging projects across Ohio and beyond. As a husband and wife who took over the business unexpectedly decades ago, they’ve worked together to not only grow the company, but the demolition industry as a whole. Learn more about …
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Coal, 2026 Dirt World Sales, and 100 New Videos (BuildWitt Update #31) — DT 399
10:58
10:58
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10:58Aaron gives an update on meeting a huge sales goal for the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit and a breakdown of the 100 new training videos added to the Improve platform. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Vi…
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Adam Sadilek w/ AIM Intelligent Machines – DT 398
1:49:34
1:49:34
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1:49:34Adam is the Founder of AIM Intelligent Machines, a US-based company that automates ground-engaging machines, such as dozers and excavators, using AI and machine learning. Now a few years into business, they’re scaling across construction and mining operations worldwide. Learn more about AIM at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aim-intelligent-machi…
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2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit Lessons Learned (BuildWitt Update #30) — DT 397
12:42
12:42
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12:42Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned after the close of the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Aaron's back to answer your questions. Send us your questions — [email protected]! Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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A Pickle, Trash, and Dirt World is a GO (BuildWitt Update #29) — DT 395
12:30
12:30
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12:30Aaron talks about a recent tough pickle he had to tackle, his Vlog trip to visit Casella and their waste management operations, and the latest surrounding Dirt World. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. V…
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Brian Anderson w/ Bear Construction — DT 394
2:17:29
2:17:29
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2:17:29Brian Anderson is President of Bear Construction, a site work company based in Middle Tennessee. Started in 2019 by driving to water service projects in a Kia, Brian’s shared much of his business journey online for others to see and learn from. Learn more about Bear Construction at: https://tnbearllc.com/ Follow Brian Anderson on LinkedIn at: https…
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Bring Back the Trades, AI, and 1,300+ Attendees (BuildWitt Update #28) — DT 393
13:49
13:49
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13:49Aaron recaps his recent speaking engagement at the annual Bring Back the Trades event, some quick thoughts on AI tools, and what it means to have had 1,300+ attendees at the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com…
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Dick Zhang w/ Bluelight (Autonomous) Machines — DT 392
2:16:34
2:16:34
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2:16:34Dick’s CEO of Bluelight Machines, an autonomous civil construction machine startup that’s already working with leading civil companies nationwide to automate rollers and articulated trucks. He’s using many lessons learned from building a previous technology company serving the civil construction and mining industries to help contractors build bette…
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Dale Carnegie and Learning Cultures (BuildWitt Update #27) — DT 391
15:31
15:31
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15:31Aaron recaps his attendance at a recent Dale Carnegie conference and gives some thoughts on learning culture. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2026 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Paul Jones w/ Solomon Builders – DT 390
1:56:12
1:56:12
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1:56:12Paul is President of Solomon Builders, a Nashville-based general contractor who’s performed notable work like the Ramsey Solutions HQ and the Nashville Zoo. After a tragic event in 2020 put the company's future in question, they’ve been on a journey to define who they are and double down on it. Learn more about Solomon Builders: https://www.solomon…
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Bulldozer Art, New Hires, and Seating Charts (BuildWitt Update #26) — DT 389
15:03
15:03
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15:03Aaron recaps the latest at BuildWitt. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Joe Pehanick w/ East Bay Tire – DT 388
2:22:06
2:22:06
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2:22:06Joe is CEO of East Bay Tire, a California-based tire distributor and service provider, serving anyone from trucking companies to ports to quarries. With thousands of customers and applications, Joe is taking the company in a more service and data-driven direction, aiming to educate customers and provide greater value than the traditional tire model…
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2026 Planning — NO Churn and WOW (BuildWitt Update #25) — DT 387
15:13
15:13
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15:13Aaron gives a look ahead to 2026 and discusses churn. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Jared Kuepfer w/ ARRO Crushing – DT 386
2:01:47
2:01:47
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2:01:47Jared Kuepfer started a crushing business in Ontario, Canada, in 2019 after spotting an opportunity in the market, and has been full-send since. He has learned through trial and error and has shared the lessons he's learned along the way online. Learn more about ARRO Crushing at: https://www.arrocrushing.ca/ Follow Jared on LinkedIn at: https://www…
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Hiring Developers and Predictability (BuildWitt Update #24) — DT 385
12:43
12:43
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12:43Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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After a long career in equipment sales and dealer leadership, Alex Kraft thought there may be a better way to buy and sell machines. After realizing the bigger need was servicing equipment, he pivoted Heave to become a marketplace connecting independent technicians with contractors needing service. It’s NEAT. Learn more about Heave at: https://www.…
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Letting People Go (BuildWitt Update #23) — DT 383
17:53
17:53
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17:53Aaron opens up about the latest changes at BuildWitt, including the tough decision to let several team members go. He talks candidly about what led to this moment, the lessons learned from past financial challenges, and how the company is shifting from investor-backed growth to true profitability. It’s a raw look at what it takes to stay focused, s…
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Peter Banks w/ National Demolition Association — DT 382
2:05:50
2:05:50
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2:05:50While Peter Banks has spent his entire career in the demolition industry, working anywhere from Boston to Detroit, he’s now working on his biggest project yet—elevating the industry. Thanks to the National Demolition Association (NDA), the industry has common safety standards, training, and new legitimate certifications. Learn more by visiting the …
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“Everyone Thinks We’re Killing It” and Jet-Setting (BuildWitt Update #22) — DT 381
17:30
17:30
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17:30This week, Aaron gets real about what’s really going on behind the scenes at BuildWitt. From leadership challenges to financial pressure and constant travel, he opens up about the hard parts of running a business—while explaining why the struggle is actually a sign of growth. He also clears the air on his globe-trotting lifestyle and how it fuels t…
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Brek is the CEO of Hammr, a construction payroll, HR, and ops platform built specifically for contractors. After spending his childhood growing up around a residential construction business, he moved to San Francisco on a whim to better serve contractors like his parents. After a few years of listening to the industry, he’s honed in on payroll as a…
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Australian Adventure Week Two and Dirt World 2026 (BuildWitt Update #21) – DT 379
16:16
16:16
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16:16Aaron recaps more of his trip to Australia and gives the skinny on the Dirt World Summit 2026. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Marcus Sheridan w/ Question First – DT 378
1:58:56
1:58:56
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1:58:56Marcus started a pool company in the early 2000s, where he learned the ropes of business, leadership, marketing, and communication. He’s used this foundation to have stakes in seven businesses, speak internationally, and become a bestselling author. We’ve leveraged his teachings for years; they’re the best we’ve experienced! Learn more about his co…
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Australian Adventure Week One and Mental Health (BuildWitt Update #20) – DT 377
19:22
19:22
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19:22Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Vadim Kovalev w/ Wood World – DT 376
2:05:28
2:05:28
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2:05:28Vadim is the Founder of Koval Digital, an agency specializing in the wood products industry. As an engineer in sawmills worldwide, he saw the need for storytelling to drive the future of this vital industry. Follow Vadim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kovalevvadim Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting …
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Australian Adventure and Activities (BuildWitt Update #19) - DT 375
14:43
14:43
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14:43Aaron recaps his recent trip down under. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Tyler Serbus is President and Owner of Demo Plus, a Nashville-based demolition and site work company. Since acquiring the company in 2023, he’s aggressively implemented new tools, processes, and ways to support his team to build better than ever. Learn more about Demo Plus at: https://demoplusgroup.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dir…
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Power Users, Booked Meetings, and Staying Scrappy (BuildWitt Update #18) – DT 373
16:51
16:51
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16:51Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Alan Guy w/ Anvil Builders – DT 372
1:23:03
1:23:03
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1:23:03Alan Guy is President and Co-Founder of Anvil Builders, a leading civil construction firm based in California’s Bay Area. While they’ve performed many complex projects, from international airport work to water treatment plants, their highest profile work is fire cleanup. We all know California’s had an enormous wildfire issue over the past decade, …
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Tunneling, Agendas, and Code (BuildWitt Update #17) – DT 371
15:15
15:15
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15:15Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Dirt World Chit Chat w/ Randy Blount – DT 370
56:25
56:25
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56:25Randy spent most of his professional life growing Blount Contracting, which he sold to WW Clyde in 2020. Shortly after the sale, he began helping BuildWitt part-time, and one, two, six, he’s now the CEO of our company. Follow Randy on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-blount-04a895a/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt Wor…
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Data Centers, Ariat, and Momentum (BuildWitt Update #16)– DT 369
17:10
17:10
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17:10Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Dan Garcia is the CEO of CW Matthews, a large public works transportation contractor performing work across the Southeast. They are embarking on their biggest job ever, at over one billion dollars, and have industry-leading leadership programs, high school recruiting, and culture. Learn more about CW Matthews at https://cwmatthews.com/ Learn more a…
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The Dog Versus the Hydrant (BuildWitt Update #15) - DT 367
16:07
16:07
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16:07Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Nate Simpson w/ Landmark Excavating – DT 366
2:05:29
2:05:29
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2:05:29Nate started Landmark Excavating in his early 20s with nothing more than will and a creative spirit. Nowadays, they have hundreds of team members spread across Utah and the surrounding area, doing anything from large-scale site work to concrete. Learn more about Landmark at https://www.landmarkexc.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt…
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Indonesia Part II, Hiring Tests, and Dubbing (BuildWitt Update #14) – DT 365
19:46
19:46
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19:46Aaron recaps more of his Indonesia trip and the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Developing the Next Generation of Technicians w/ Grif Reome of Komatsu – DT 364
1:43:18
1:43:18
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1:43:18Grif Reome is the Director of Technical Workforce Development of Komatsu North America. After starting on the tools at his family’s construction company, he’s risen through the technician ranks to lead efforts to recruit and train the next generation of technicians. Learn more at https://www.komatsu.com/en-us Learn more about attending the 2025 Ari…
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Indonesia, Sales, and Parity (BuildWitt Update #13) – DT 363
12:39
12:39
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12:39Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week and his trip to Indonesia. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Construction Leadership w/ Wally Adamchik of Firestarter – DT 362
1:54:55
1:54:55
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1:54:55Wally Adamchick is a well-known speaker and leadership trainer at his Firestarter Consulting company, where he's worked with many of the civil construction industry's top brands. To learn more about Wally's work, check out his website here: https://www.firestarterspeaking.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit by visiting …
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Another Base Hit (BuildWitt Update #12)– DT 361
14:39
14:39
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14:39Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Paving Louisville w/ Hunter Strickler of Louisville Paving – DT 360
2:14:54
2:14:54
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2:14:54Hunter Strickler is President of LPX Group, which includes well-established heavy construction brands like Louisville Paving Company. After 75 years of business, Hunter talks about his journey in taking over the reins and leading the business into the next generation. To learn more about LPX, visit their website here: https://loupaving.com/ Learn m…
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SIMPLE, Feedback, and Migration (BuildWitt Update #11) – DT 359
12:54
12:54
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12:54Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Construction Brand Magic w/ Caitlyn Cook of Emery Sapp & Sons – DT 358
1:07:44
1:07:44
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1:07:44Caitlyn Cook is the VP of Marketing at ESS Companies, a brilliant 100% employee-owned civil construction company with operations from Missouri to Arizona. As Caitlyn helped architect the company’s well-known brand, she has plenty of smart things to say. Learn more about ESS Companies at https://emerysapp.com/ Learn more about attending the 2025 Ari…
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Articulated Trucks, Fox, and 401Ks (BuildWitt Update #10) – DT 357
12:43
12:43
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12:43Aaron recaps the wins and lessons learned at BuildWitt this week. Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]! To learn more about attending the 2025 Ariat Dirt World Summit, visit www.dirtworld.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BuildWitt
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Dirt World Winners w/ Eric Sellman – DT 356
1:59:10
1:59:10
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1:59:10Eric Sellman is a seasoned civil construction industry leader with extensive experience in large-scale highway, renewable energy, and site development work. Today, he’s the COO of Brent Scarbrough, a legendary site development contractor in the Southeast. To learn more, check out their website here: https://brent.us/ — Learn more about attending th…
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