Welcome back to The Give Us The Dirt Podcast! In Episode 5, hosts Brandon and Bam Bam are joined by a true industry expert and standout operator, Russell Davis, from Hoopaugh Grading Company (HGC).

 

Russell brings an impressive 20 years of experience to the table, having started running equipment at the young age of 8, learning the ropes from his father and uncle. Voted the best operator at Hoopaugh Grading by his peers, Russell's wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise make him a valuable guest on the show.

 

Having spent 8 years at McGee Brothers before joining HGC 3.5 years ago, Russell discusses the driving factors behind his decision to make the move. A key element in his choice was HGC's commitment to technology and innovation. He highlights the importance of staying ahead in an industry that continually evolves and shares his appreciation for advanced technology. However, he emphasizes a crucial lesson—never relying too much on technology and the importance of "knowing the basics."

 

Russell's passion for his work is evident as he shares his love for the ever-changing challenges in his job. Every day brings new obstacles, and he thrives on the opportunity to find creative solutions. In the episode, Russell delves into the impact of advancements in training, explaining how it accelerates the learning curve and streamlines processes that used to take years to master.

 

Join us in Episode 5 as Russell Davis takes us on a journey through his remarkable career, offering insights into the dynamic world of grading and the importance of balancing technology with fundamental skills. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the intricacies of the grading industry, this episode promises to be a fascinating exploration into the dirt-moving realm. Get ready to dig in!

Welcome to the Give Us The Dirt Podcast, where we dig into the stories in the world of construction. In this episode, join hosts Brandon and Bam Bam as they sit down with Javan Browning, the co-owner of The Browning Group (TBG).

 

At 18 years old, Javan made his entry into the industry, wearing various hats as a laborer, operator, surveyor, trainer, supervisor, and truck driver. Today, at the young age of 24, he is the joint owner in TBG, a thriving civil infrastructure company specializing in dirt moving, grading, clearing, demolition, and underground utilities.  Javan shares the exciting journey from his early days in the field to his current role.

 

Javan's connection to construction runs deep, following in his older brother's footsteps and working within his family's business. During the podcast, Javan provides valuable insights into the growth of the construction sector, discussing his transition from working with other companies to the pivotal decision to incorporate and start their family business. He sheds light on the unique perspective of an owner and how it transforms the dynamics of the game.

 

In a family of five, Javan discusses the strategic division of responsibilities and highlights the challenges and triumphs of working together. He explores the regional opportunities for small businesses, drawing a contrast between working for large corporations and the intimacy of a family-owned enterprise.

 

Javan talks about the immense satisfaction he gets from seeing a project come together, his love for problem-solving, and how challenges fuel his competitive spirit. As a 24-year-old leader, he reflects on the dynamics of leading a team where some members may be twice his age, offering valuable insights into effective leadership in the industry. Additionally, Javan delves into the importance of attracting young talent to the construction sector. He discusses the rewards of the industry, the joy of creating and building, and how to inspire the next generation to join the ranks.

On this episode of the Give Us The Dirt Podcast, we dig deep into the world of mining and uncover the fascinating stories, challenges, and innovations within this rugged industry. Join us as Brandon and Bam Bam sit down with a true mining expert, Ron Lindsey, to explore the gritty, yet vital world of mining and mining safety.

Ron's journey into mining is a story of family tradition and dedication to service. Hailing from a lineage of miners, Ron's connection to the industry runs deep. After serving his country in the Navy, he transitioned to the world of mining in 1993, marking the beginning of a career he is very passionate about.

Throughout his career, Ron has ventured into the depths of coal, gold, silver, nickel, and copper mines, gaining invaluable experience and insights. But it's his current role in mining safety that takes center stage in this conversation. Ron's mission is clear: to make mining a safer profession. He shares his knowledge, experiences, and the skills required to navigate the challenging and often hazardous mining environment.

During the podcast, Ron delves into the intricacies of mining, explaining the roles of key players and he sheds light on the vital functions these roles play in maintaining safety and productivity in the mines.

Ron also addresses a sobering topic—mining fatalities. With a heart dedicated to the safety of his fellow miners, he shares how he's leveraging his expertise to reduce the number of tragic incidents and improve safety protocols.

Ron explores the evolution of the mining industry, both in terms of safety practices and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of being in the field, coaching, and guiding mining personnel in person to create a safer work environment. His message is clear: caring for the people in the field is paramount.

As the mining industry continues to evolve, so do the difficulties that miners encounter daily.

Welcome to Season 2 of Give Us The Dirt Podcast! Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of construction as we bring you our newest series: Construction Jobsite Discoveries.


In this mysterious and thrilling series, we will uncover astonishing tales that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Each of our 8 episodes will feature interesting guests from the construction industry who have stumbled upon mind-blowing and jaw-dropping discoveries right on their jobsites.

The near-Halloween release will set the tone for the extraordinary stories you are about to hear. Our guests will take us on an incredible adventure, sharing their unforgettable encounters with the unexpected.

From hidden treasures unearthed during excavation to unexpected historical artifacts that rewrite the past, and even bizarre encounters with wildlife that defy belief, our guests will reveal it all. But that's not all - these construction professionals will also introduce us to their companies and the pivotal roles they play within them.

Prepare to dig deep into the lives of our guests, the nuances of the construction industry, and, of course, the astonishing discoveries they made on their jobsites.

So, whether you're an industry enthusiast or just someone who loves and interesting tale, Construction Jobsite Discoveries will keep you captivated and leave you in awe at the wonders hidden beneath the surface of our construction sites. Tune in this October as we uncover the untold mysteries of the construction world, one revelation at a time!

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And just like that, we have wrapped up our first full series of the Give Us The Dirt podcast. What a journey this has been! Over the past eight weeks, we have heard stories, relived experiences, and reflected on ourselves to better understand How NOT To Be A Leader. We learned a couple of new terms like ‘fail forward’ and ‘quiet quitting’ and we understand, now more than ever, that it’s all about the people.

Throughout this series, we were so inspired by the focus on collaboration and continuous improvement displayed by each of our guests. From leading with empathy to determining the best way to get buy-in and staying calm, we hope you learned as much as we did!

Thank you to all our partners for making this happen and a special shout out to our guests, Wheelhouse Media, and to everyone for listening and following along!

We can’t wait to give you the dirt in our next series, Construction Jobsite Discoveries, dropping later this year. Stay tuned for more surprises from Brandon and Bam Bam and be sure to follow the fun on our social media pages!

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Welcome back to the Give Us the Dirt podcast! Brandon and Bam Bam are back in the studio for the latest episode, “What Strategy?”, with special guest Henry Batten, President of Concrete Supply, the Carolinas’ premier ready-mix concrete producer!

“What Strategy?” digs deep into the difference between a strategy-minded leaders and crisis-leaders. Henry gives us the dirt as he shares his personal stories and examples on this topic. From past companies to current endeavors, Henry reflects on what strategy means to him and how to improve his leadership style to best suit his team.

This episode even includes a fun experiment with Bam Bam hitting the streets to test people’s knowledge of all things concrete! We brought the footage back to the studio and even share a quick Q&A from the Team Development Group at Hoopaugh Grading Company. This episode is no-doubt packed with a ton of insight and fun!

Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an episode brimming with wisdom, knowledge, and a truckload of invaluable insights. "What Strategy?" promises to be a whirlwind of captivating stories and eye-opening discussions, mixed with a handful of enlightening moments along the way. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring manager, or simply an avid fan of our podcast, this episode is bound to leave an impression on your mind and transform the way you perceive the intricate world of leadership.

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