Dirt World Podcast

Josh McKnight has been in the recycling and sustainability world long before they were used as cool buzzwords.  For the past five years, he has produced record numbers as head of Sales for Cuda Grit, which provides materials that help with wear protection for costly parts on Dirt World equipment. Listen to Josh’s thoughts on leadership and his excitement for the upcoming Dirt World Summit as he and Jason chat through stories of underground coal mining and fishing trips.

Before becoming Vice President of Earthwave Technologies, Evan Trigg played football at the collegiate level and chased the dream of getting into the NFL. Things took a different, but positive turn as he focused on building a minor-league football team in his local area. Jason and Evan chat about why Evan signs off on his social media posts with “Coach,” they dig into how focusing on the fundamentals will help you learn, even if you’re not winning every competition. You’ll learn how to grow as a construction leader, adopt new, helpful technology, and create positive change in your organization.

Join Jason as he discusses all things behavioral health with Hamilton Baiden, CEO and Erin Craw, Strategic Account Manager, of YouTurn Health. You’ll get hear about Hamilton’s personal experience with behavioral health and why it drove him and a close friend to get YouTurn Health off the ground and how YouTurn could potentially help your team members become more resilient. Hamilton and Erin both hit hard on what you can be doing as a leader to better care for your team’s behavioral health, why the traditional way of dealing with mental health and substance issues isn’t working, and what they’re doing about it. They discuss the importance of  breaking down stigmas in construction related to coping strategies, habits, and lifestyle choices.

From earning a physics degree, diving into sales, and shifting to engineering, Jamie Roush has gained a lot of perspectives and experience. Now, Jamie is the President and General Manager at Dynapac North America. Jamie shares a story about how learning from a massive failure earlier in his career has helped shape him into the leader he is today and drive the success he and his team are having at Dynapac. You’ll also hear about Dynapac’s new headquarters coming soon and its role in workforce development in the Dirt World. Later, Jason and Jamie chat through what makes Dynapac’s equipment unique, what helps Jamie continue to grow as a leader, and the power of transparency in maximizing your leadership impact.

Host Jason Richmond introduces Andy Kaiyala, VP of Construction Technology and Controls at WSB.  Andy has a 25-year career bidding and building complex infrastructure projects all over the world, including the Middle East and Australia. So he knows all about successful digital integration in construction.  In this episode, he shares how engineers support clients, owners, and contractors with advanced tech—like digital twins. (If that’s a new term for you, don’t worry; Andy breaks it down in the podcast.) And as always, Andy and Jason cap it off with a discussion of the industry’s future that you won’t want to miss!

Jim Foley is CEO of Groundworks Safety Systems and EFI Attachments. He grew up working in construction with his dad, and he has 30 years of industry experience under his belt. Jim talked with Dirt World Podcast host Jason Richmond about what he’s learned. Tune in to get Jim’s advice on creating a culture of honor and respect, why you should have zero tolerance for bad behavior regardless of skill, and giving your people ownership.  Plus hear how Jim’s companies are innovating (especially when it comes to trench box safety), developing their workforce, and enhancing their operations—so you can get insights that you can take back to your own business.

In this episode, Jason Richmond sat down with Tyler Roberts, founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops.  Tyler grew up in northern Minnesota, surrounded by commercial trucks and Big Iron. While working at Carolina International Trucks as a service and parts manager, Tyler saw the challenges service managers and techs face. He realized they needed better diagnostics—and Diesel Laptops was born.  In this episode, you’ll hear the guys talk about: Diesel Laptops’ diagnostic solutions  Why diesel techs need continuous education  The shortage of skilled diesel technicians—and what can be done to fill tens of thousands of open jobs

You probably don’t think much about tires. But without them, your trucks and heavy equipment aren’t going anywhere—and neither is your business. Marketing manager Nick van Loon and founder/CEO Michael DeRuijter of Magna Tyres join Jason to talk about the latest innovations—like how tires are helping promote clean energy and how electric machines are shaking up the market.  Then, hear the guys’ take on the global workforce shortage. (Surprise: it’s not just the U.S. It’s worldwide!) Their idea for solving the problem? Teach young folks that the Dirt World creates everything they need to live the “ideal life” they’re chasing . . . and that it’s worth being part of.

In this episode, Jason welcomes Aimee Conrad-Hill who’s the Executive Director of America's Construction Talent Network (ACTN), a nonprofit dedicated to building the people pipeline the construction industry needs by encouraging K-12 students and adults to consider construction careers. Listen to Aimee share her journey into nonprofits and fundraising. Then, dive in as she and Jason discuss the need for individuals to learn continuously and embrace opportunities.   Last but not least, get Aimee’s advice for navigating government grants and working with nonprofits to help your company—plus Jason’s thoughts on leading change in the construction industry.

Nate Hurn’s here to chat all things simulation and recruitment. Nate is an Army veteran and the Commercial/Government Account Manager at Simformotion.  In this episode, he gives Jason the lowdown on why simulators are great for training operators. Plus, they discuss the SimScholars program and the importance of recruiting high school students. Teens are rethinking college, and it’s perfect timing. U.S. companies need to fill 825,000 operator jobs.  Tune in as Nate and Jason talk about how to attract young folks to meaningful careers as heavy equipment operators, how to start training programs, and different approaches to simulation.