Best Conexpo Con Agg Podcasts (2025)

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Taylor's Construction Parent Life Hacks 25:04

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8d ago25:04

25:04

Frustrated with the relentless demands of the construction industry eating into your family time? As a dad and business owner in the trades, Taylor today pulls back the curtain on the tough realities and incredible rewards of balancing a thriving career with intentional fatherhood. Many parents in demanding industries face the challenge of unpredic…

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Episode 49: ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 countdown 45:06

23d ago45:06

45:06

The next ConExpo-Con/Agg is less than six months away, and equipment manufacturers have their show plans in motion. A late-summer meeting in Chicago brought ConExpo-Con/Agg manufacturers and others together to capture the latest exhibiting best practices – and P&Q’s Jack Kopanski was there to capture the energy and perspective. In this episode, Jac…

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Episode 50: How General Kinematics is tailoring solutions to producers’ needs 16:53

7d ago16:53

16:53

On this episode of Drilling Deeper, P&Q managing editor Jack Kopanski sits down with Elliott Tribble, director of aggregate at General Kinematics, to explore the evolving landscape of aggregate production and the technology reshaping it today. Tribble shares his boots-on-the-ground perspective on matching screen design to site-specific needs, meeti…

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CONEXPO-CON/AGG: A First Timer's Guide To Success 47:33

23d ago47:33

47:33

Preparing for a massive trade show like CONEXPO-CON/AGG can feel like a monumental task. With millions of square feet and thousands of exhibitors, it's easy to get lost in the noise, but simply showing up without a plan is a surefire way to miss the game-changing connections and technologies that could redefine your business. Today’s episode featur…

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Episode 48: 'Built for the Mine' with Luck Stone and Virginia Tech 36:12

1M ago36:12

36:12

On this episode of "Drilling Deeper," Travis Chewning, vice president of engineering and operational support at Luck Stone, and Dr. Erik Westman, professor of mining and materials engineering at Virginia Tech, join the show to discuss the "Built for the Mine" program. In their conversation with P&Q editor-in-chief Kevin Yanik, Chewning and Westman …

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D2 Contracting's Growth Secrets Revealed with Dylan Mercier 35:41

1M ago35:41

35:41

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a multi-seven-figure construction company from the ground up? Many who dream of launching their own business encounter a landscape filled with immense risk, financial pressure, and operational chaos. The path from skilled operator to successful owner is rarely a straight line. But what if you could learn th…

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Episode 47: Texas at full throttle with TACA's Rich Szecsy 45:41

2M ago45:41

45:41

In this episode of Drilling Deeper, Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski team up for a deep dive into the nation’s No. 1 aggregate–producing state: Texas. Their guest, Rich Szecsy, CEO of Big Town Concrete and chair of the Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association, offers an inside look at the unprecedented growth fueling demand for construction materials a…

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What It's Really Like Being a Powerline Technician — With Aaron LeBlanc 38:39

2M ago38:39

38:39

What is a lineman's life really like during a storm? While the 7,200 volts are dangerous, the greatest threat is far more surprising. 21-year veteran power line technician Aaron LeBlanc (from the YouTube channel Bobsdecline) pulls back the curtain on this high-stakes trade, revealing why public perception of storm recovery is often wrong. Ever wond…

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Episode 46: Safety focus with P&Q columnist Steve Fuller 55:42

2M ago55:42

55:42

Steve Fuller, founder of the Steve Fuller Company, joins this episode of Drilling Deeper. Fuller’s company focuses on helping organizations continually improve their safety culture through coaching, advising, mentoring and training. In this episode, Fuller zeroes in on safety within the aggregate industry. He draws from more than 20 years of experi…

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Blue Collar Business Secrets with Sy Kirby 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

Many skilled operators dream of being their own boss, but the reality is a brutal mix of financial pressure, operational chaos, and personal sacrifice. In this episode, Sy Kirby of Sy-Con Excavation shares his unfiltered story of turning a trade into a thriving business. From a name his grandfather wrote on a toy truck to building a company, a popu…

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Episode 45: Midyear economic update with Dodge Construction Network's Eric Gaus 46:30

3M ago46:30

46:30

Eric Gaus, chief economist of Dodge Construction Network, joins the show to give an update on the economy and the construction industry midway through 2025, as well as a look ahead to the second half of the year. Gaus offers insights into the economy as a whole, including the impact headwinds such as tariffs and interest rates have had, how the con…

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Leveling Up Your Construction Game with Brian Dietz 33:13

3M ago33:13

33:13

Feeling the squeeze with rising costs and a shrinking labor pool? A lot of construction companies feel trapped, like the only way out is to just grind harder with the same old playbook. But what if the real path to growth isn't about more effort, but a totally new approach to your machines, your tech, and your people? Brian Dietz, Co-Owner of 2024 …

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Episode 44: July is P&Q’s ‘Dealer Issue’ Month 43:25

3M ago43:25

43:25

In the latest episode of Drilling Deeper, hosts Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski shine a spotlight on one of Pit & Quarry’s most anticipated magazine editions of the year: The Dealer Issue. Now in its seventh year, P&Q’s Dealer Issue explores the vital role equipment dealers play across the aggregate industry’s supply chain. Kevin and Jack dive into t…

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Growth, Delegation, and Why CONEXPO-CON/AGG Matters 25:43

3M ago25:43

25:43

Are you juggling the relentless demands of your business while trying to keep your content fresh and impactful? Taylor goes solo once again today to share his candid experiences, navigating the complexities of delegation and the evolution of his content creation. What if the very things you're holding onto are stunting your progress? Embracing stra…

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Episode 43: Van der Graaf (VDG) talks drum motor innovation 19:28

4M ago19:28

19:28

On this episode of “Drilling Deeper,” P&Q managing editor Jack Kopanski is joined by VDG’s Matt Lepp. The duo take a deep dive into the current state of the market and the challenges facing the industry today, as well as VDG’s experiences navigating the economic landscape so far in 2025. Lepp, technical account sales manager for the heavy industry …

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Building a Business With Honesty and Transparency Featuring Dervin Witmer 38:08

4M ago38:08

38:08

Running a specialized construction business, particularly in sectors like excavation and septic services, is fraught with unique hurdles. Many dedicated owners find themselves struggling to cut through the competitive noise, establish a truly memorable brand, or skillfully navigate the complex interplay of business growth, intense competition, and …

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Episode 42: Rob Duke talks Armada Materials, M&A and more 34:42

4M ago34:42

34:42

Rob Duke, founder of Armada Materials, joins the show to discuss the origins and growth of his rapidly emerging company. Launched through the 2023 acquisition of Volunteer Materials in Tennessee, Armada has since completed a couple of smaller deals as it builds out its platform in the aggregates industry. Duke pulls back the curtain this episode on…

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Buy Back Your Time For Business Growth with Trent Harris 53:43

4M ago53:43

53:43

Feeling the pressure of wearing all the hats in your growing business? It’s a common battle, but what if the key to unlocking serious growth was learning to let go and trust others? This episode is for you. Learn how Trent Harris, owner of Blue Collar Contractors Oklahoma Earthwork and Demolition, transformed his business by embracing delegation an…

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Episode 41: Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI) talks wing pulley basics 15:43

5M ago15:43

15:43

On this episode of “Drilling Deeper,” PPI’s Allen Mathes joins P&Q managing editor Jack Kopanski to provide insights into the latest developments in the pulley market, the basics of wing pulley use and the history of PPI’s pulley designs. Mathes, a sales manager at PPI, kicks off the conversation by diving into the “when” and “why” of wing pulley u…

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From Union Operator to Business Owner: Overcoming Fear & Past Failures with Zach Taylor 39:54

5M ago39:54

39:54

Many equipment operators dream of starting their own excavation business, but often face big hurdles, like financial risk, the fear of past failures, and the heavy responsibility of safety on every job. Zach Taylor, a union operator who’s also building his own company, Melania Corporation, is tackling these challenges directly, driven by tough less…

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Episode 40: John Scepaniak talks contract crushing, expanding the business and more 29:58

5M ago29:58

29:58

John Scepaniak, director of aggregate operations at WD Scepaniak, joins the show to discuss the nature of the contract crushing business and how his company is adapting in 2025 to meet the demands of the market. Scepaniak also shares how WD Scepaniak is venturing to new parts of the U.S. outside of its home state of Minnesota, and he details his pe…

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Heavy Work, Smart Business: The Kurk Inc. Story 31:10

5M ago31:10

31:10

Running a family construction business presents unique challenges, especially in demanding fields like concrete and excavation where attracting reliable talent is tough. Many companies struggle to blend tradition with the need for new technology and approaches to keep up. But Amanda Kurt, VP and Managing Partner at Kurk Inc., reveals how they've no…

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Episode 39: Weir’s focus on service, drive for innovation 25:46

5M ago25:46

25:46

On this episode of “Drilling Deeper,” Peter Brewitt and Magnus Skörvald with Weir sit down with P&Q managing editor Jack Kopanski to discuss the company’s latest offerings and provide an update on the North American sand and aggregate market. Brewitt, global product manager of sand and washing at Weir, and Skörvald, the company’s global product own…

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Taylor Talks Burnout, Hiring, and Finding Your ‘Why 26:08

6M ago26:08

26:08

Running a construction company might look like pure success, especially with events like CONEXPO approaching. But in this solo episode, Taylor answers your questions and gets real about the hidden, intense pressures involved: managing multiple businesses, constant travel, endless cash flow worries, and balancing family. He describes this demanding …

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Episode 38: AGG1 2025 Recap & Reflections 55:06

6M ago55:06

55:06

Pit & Quarry caught up with an assortment of industry leaders at AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo, including Capital Aggregates’ Jamie Jones, Wm. D. Scepaniak’s John Scepaniak, Rogers Group’s Thabiso Bolebano, Machinery Partner’s Clement Cazalot, Philippi-Hagenbuch’s Josh Swank, Major’s Ian Edwards, Wingfield Scale’s Dan Caine and Dodge Industrial’s …

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Dominate the Dirt Business Like John Seaman 48:17

6M ago48:17

48:17

Feeling burnt out by client emotions in custom home building or struggling to navigate seasonal lulls and unexpected crises? John Seaman of JC Property Professionals joins Taylor to share his incredible journey from funding dirt bike habits with side jobs, through the demanding world of custom home building, to ultimately dominating complex dirt wo…

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Episode 37: TerraSource breaks down AGG1 plans, latest tech developments 14:43

6M ago14:43

14:43

In this episode of “Drilling Deeper,” managing editor Jack Kopanski is joined by Kevin Hambrice and Don Ruppert of TerraSource to discuss the company’s latest equipment and technology developments, as well as how TerraSource has continued to grow in recent years. Hambrice, CEO of TerraSource, kicks off the interview by discussing the role legacy br…

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The Future of Welding and How to Be a Part of It with Demi Knight Clark 38:42

6M ago38:42

38:42

Frustrated by the lack of skilled tradespeople? Demi Knight Clark joins Taylor today to share strategies to attract the next generation to welding and manufacturing offering fresh and frank perspectives that will give you actionable recruiting strategies. Discover how to bridge the gap between outdated perceptions and the exciting possibilities of …

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Episode 36: Rogers Group’s Nick Pearman talks tech 39:59

7M ago39:59

39:59

Nick Pearman, senior director of operations service and support at Rogers Group, joins the show to explore a variety of equipment and technology topics. Pearman dives into autonomous hauling and what Rogers Group is watching on this front. He also discusses industrywide AI opportunities, trends like digitalization and electrification, and how under…

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How To Create A Positive Construction Company Culture with Dan and Jenna Moon 33:55

7M ago33:55

33:55

Struggling with employee turnover and work-life balance? Dan and Jenna Moon from Total Excavating and Grading join Taylor today to share their journey of taking over the business and building a thriving company! Together, they reveal practical leadership and restructuring secrets to create a family-first culture. Learn how to improve your team, ski…

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Episode 35: Buffalo shares AGG1 plans, equipment offerings 30:14

7M ago30:14

30:14

In this episode of "Drilling Deeper," three members of the Buffalo (formerly Buffalo Wire Works) leadership team join P&Q managing editor Jack Kopanski to discuss the company's equipment and technology offerings, plans for AGG1 and much more. Hear from Joe Abramo (chairman and CEO), Max Davis (president) and Christine Abramo (vice president of busi…

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Trey Bohannan on Mentorship & Legacy 40:57

7M ago40:57

40:57

Struggling to scale your excavation business? Trey Bohannan, President of Design One Contracting the most-viewed construction podcast guest of 2024, returns to reveal the exact steps he took to go from small residential jobs to landing major commercial projects – and how you can do it too. Trey shares his unfiltered, no-BS approach to growth, inclu…

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BONUS: The Trump administration, a new Congress and aggregates 19:58

8M ago19:58

19:58

Special bonus episode: Evan Bender, director of government affairs at the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), sat down with P&Q’s Kevin Yanik at the 2025 Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference to discuss the political landscape and what’s ahead for the industry as it relates to the new Trump administration and the 119th Congress. Bende…

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Episode 34: Featuring Luck Companies’ president Richard Luck 46:45

8M ago46:45

46:45

Richard Luck, who was named president of Luck Companies in November, joined the magazine early this year to discuss a variety of topics pertaining to his company. Luck shares his experience growing up in the family business while detailing the yearslong efforts that prepared him for his new role. Luck also reflects on his short- and long-term goals…

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The Secret Engineering Behind Everyday Machines with Andrew Schiller 31:04

8M ago31:04

31:04

Frustrated with outdated manufacturing processes? Discover how engineering expert Andrew Schiller of Utah Tech University is revolutionizing how students and professionals think about design, automation, and the future of construction. Andrew reveals that engineering isn't just about calculations, you get to see real world applications of everythin…

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Episode 33: Douglas-Rulmeca president discusses conveyor developments 20:25

8M ago20:25

20:25

Douglas-Rulmeca president Paul Ross pays P&Q a visit to share company updates. Ross offers a behind-the-scenes view on Rulmeca's 2023 acquisition of Douglas while providing insights about maximizing conveyor performance. Additionally, hear from Ross about Douglas-Rulmeca’s new idler plant in Pell City, Alabama. Learn about the new PSV idler, how Do…

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You Asked, Taylor Answers 29:56

8M ago29:56

29:56

Taylor goes solo again this week, this time to answer some of your questions, including those regarding the history of Ken White Construction, how he balances the intense demands of running it, and his commitment to family and personal well-being. Throughout the episode, Taylor explores the power of strategic time management, the importance of a su…

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Episode 32: MSHA chief talks mine safety 39:18

9M ago39:18

39:18

Chris Williamson, assistant secretary of the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) joins the show as a special guest to look back on his two and a half years heading the agency that develops and enforces safety and health rules for all U.S. mines. With Jan. 20 being his last day at MSHA, Williamson touches on the agency’s respirable crystallin…

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Turning Negatives into Positives with Taylor White 36:00

9M ago36:00

36:00

Discover how Ken White Construction turned seemingly devastating staff departures into their biggest year yet. This episode explores the power of adapting to change, promoting from within, and taking calculated risks to achieve remarkable growth. Worried about losing key employees and the impact on your business? This episode shares how to navigate…

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Episode 31: Featuring Whitaker Construction’s John Sather and Kraemer Mining & Materials’ Cody Ladd 50:21

9M ago50:21

50:21

The 2024 year-end episode of “Drilling Deeper” welcomes in two leaders from the aggregate industry’s producer ranks: John Sather, vice president of aggregates at Utah-based Whitaker Construction; and Cody Ladd, president and COO of Minnesota-based Kraemer Mining & Materials. Sather discusses a variety of topics during his visit, including the regul…

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Episode 30: A conversation with Sunrock’s Bryan Pfohl, Zach Satterwhite 44:54

10M ago44:54

44:54

Sunrock chairman Bryan Pfohl and COO Zach Satterwhite visit with P&Q to share their company’s story. Celebrating Sunrock’s 75th anniversary in 2024, Pfohl and Satterwhite discuss the company’s shift four decades ago from New York to the Tar Heel State; the growth of the market in Raleigh, North Carolina; why Sunrock integrated vertically over the y…

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How This Family Business Has Thrived Over 4 Generations - With Julie Evans Sanders 37:55

10M ago37:55

37:55

How This Family Business Has Thrived Over 4 Generations - With Julie Evans Sanders This week, Taylor sits down with Julie Evans Sanders, Chief of Operations at H. W. Tucker Co., and fourth-generation construction business owner, to discuss the unique challenges and rewards of leading a family-owned company in the dynamic world of construction. Juli…

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Episode 29: Assessing the state of the aggregate industry 44:31

10M ago44:31

44:31

With 2024 nearing a close, P&Q’s Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski discuss the health of the industry at this point in time while welcoming in several equipment manufacturers as guests to share their takes on the state of the industry nationwide. Some of our guests this episode not only share insights on the state of aggregates, but they offer views of…

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Episode 28: Equipment and technology trends in aggregates 31:44

11M ago31:44

31:44

Five guests join the podcast this week to discuss what’s transpiring across the industry with digitalization, electrification and other areas. Hear from leaders at Haver & Boecker Niagara, Masaba, Montabert, Philippi-Hagenbuch and Regal Rexnord. For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information sourc…

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3 Tips For Running a Construction Business with Matt Bachtel 38:57

11M ago38:57

38:57

Matt Bachtel of Bachtel Excavating joins Taylor today to discuss his journey from one man and a truck to a thriving multi-generational business. Matt shares his conservative approach to growth, emphasizing the importance of consistent, meticulous work, and open communication with his team. He reveals the surprising risks of staying small, the chall…

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Episode 27: Autonomous hauling and aggregates 47:11

11M ago47:11

47:11

On the latest episode of "Drilling Deeper," Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski are joined by Bibhrajit Halder and Christian Kurasek. Halder, with Safe AI, and Kurasek, with Pronto.ai, discuss what developments are happening in the world of autonomous hauling. You won't want to miss these interviews. Listen to the latest episode of Drilling Deeper now! T…

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Why Your Employees Are IMPATIENT (and How to Turn It Into an Advantage) 31:50

11M ago31:50

31:50

This week, Taylor sits down for an informative and inspiring conversation with Nic Parish, VP of Contracting and Operations at Burns Dirt Construction, and a key player in FORGE Your Path, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging the next generation to explore careers in the trades. In this fascinating episode, Taylor and Nic dive into the importance o…

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Episode 26: 2025 construction sector outlook 27:10

12M ago27:10

27:10

On this episode of "Drilling Deeper," P&Q managing editor Jack Kopanski discusses what is ahead for each construction sector for the rest of 2024 and into 2025. Jack is joined by Ken Simonson, chief economist at the Associated General Contractors of America; Richard Branch, chief economist at Dodge Construction Network; and Zack Fritz, COO of Sage …

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Talking Heavy Equipment, with James Simmons of Montana Excavation & Utilities 35:25

12M ago35:25

35:25

James Simmons, Co-founder of Montana Excavation & Utilities, joins Taylor on the podcast today to share his journey from Pennsylvania to Montana and discuss the trials and triumphs of building a business in the excavation industry. From early entrepreneurial ventures as a teen mowing lawns to managing a growing excavation company, James’ story is o…

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Episode 25: What you missed at MINExpo 2024 25:15

12M ago25:15

25:15

On the latest episode of "Drilling Deeper," Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski discuss what transpired at MINExpo International 2024 in Las Vegas. The two are joined on the show floor by several guests who discuss their show experience. Hear from Christian Kurasek (Pronto.ai), Bibhrajit Halder (SafeAI), Jim Chamberlain (Philippi-Hagenbuch), Garry Baldwi…