Dirt Bags Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Luke Eggebraaten

The Dirt Bags Podcast is the go-to podcast for real conversations, actionable insights, and a damn good time. Hosted by Luke Eggebraaten, this podcast is built for those who want to grow their business, sharpen their skills, and hear from industry leaders—all while enjoying a laid-back, no-nonsense atmosphere.Whether an operator, contractor, business owner, or entrepreneur, the Dirt Bags Podcast delivers raw and unfiltered insights. No corporate fluff, no B.S.—just real talk from people who have been in the trenches, built successful businesses, and know what it takes to win in this space.Luke Eggebraaten is the foun...

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#132: Never Forget 911 - BlackRock Excavating
#132: Never Forget 911 - BlackRock Excavating episode artwork
#132
Today at 8:00 AM

Doug Casscles of BlackRock Excavating joins Luke Eggebraaten to reflect on 25 years since 9/11, sharing what he remembers from that day, how his community was impacted, and the incredible response that followed.

They also dive into Doug’s biggest lessons from the last few years in business, including employees, equipment, cash flow, and learning to let go of ego and emotion.

📲 Follow BlackRock Excavating:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrockexcavatingcorp

Website: https://blackrockdigs.com/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/inves...


#131: Breaking through Financial Barriers in Construction - Michael King
#131: Breaking through Financial Barriers in Construction - Michael King episode artwork
#131
08/28/2026

In Episode 131 of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten sits down with Michael King of Civil CFO to break down the biggest financial barriers construction companies face as they scale.

From cash flow and bidding to profit margins, equipment, bonding, and working capital, Michael explains what contractors need to understand to grow without putting their business at risk.

If you want to build a stronger, more profitable construction business, this episode is for you.

📲 Connect with Michael:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelking/

Book a free strategy cal...


#130: Building a Tiered Career Path for your Employees - Christian Schloegel
#130: Building a Tiered Career Path for your Employees - Christian Schloegel episode artwork
#130
08/14/2026

Christian Schloegel started mowing lawns in fifth grade. Today he runs C+I Services LLC (C And I Services), a full-service landscape, design/build, and snow management company crushing it in Chicago’s western suburbs.

Connect with Christian:

Website: https://www.candiservicesllc.com/ Instagram: @candiservicesllc

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an...


Storm Field Day Recap - Phaser Marketing
Storm Field Day Recap - Phaser Marketing episode artwork
08/13/2026

In this bonus episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Joe Casey steps into the host seat while Luke is out on paternity leave and sits down with Cam Mathis from Phaser Marketing to recap Storm Field Day in Mankato, Minnesota.

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider...


#129: How to Remove Owner Dependency - Bryce Harem
#129: How to Remove Owner Dependency - Bryce Harem episode artwork
#129
07/31/2026

In this episode, Luke sits down with Bryce Harem of BTG Services. Bryce and his team provide professional coaching and training for contractors and leaders in the construction industry while running their own multi-million-dollar asphalt and concrete business. Check out BTG Services on Facebook for more.

BTG Services: https://www.facebook.com/people/BTG-Services/61585996206524/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing :

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie...


#128: Don't Take No for an Answer- DK Excavating
#128: Don't Take No for an Answer- DK Excavating episode artwork
#128
07/24/2026

#128: Don't Take No for an Answer- DK Excavating

James Stiksma from Canadian Septic is stepping in as guest host while Luke is home with his newborn! And he brought a great one. Kevin Cox runs DK Excavating out of Ontario and has been featured on HGTV with Mike Holmes three times. But the real story here is what he went through to still be standing. In 2022 Kevin was diagnosed with a rare form of melanoma. A nine and a half hour surgery rebuilt his face using tissue from his own arm and thigh. He thought he had...


#127: Dirtbikes and Dozers - Cole Morse
#127: Dirtbikes and Dozers - Cole Morse episode artwork
#127
07/17/2026

Episode #127: Dirtbikes and Dozers | Cole Morse

Cole Morse taught himself to run equipment on a dirt bike track his dad built him out of 96 free loads of clay. Today he runs M&M Earthwurx, the More Dirt YouTube channel, and More Dirt Pro, a mentorship app helping blue collar guys across the country build something real. In this one Cole gets raw about starting with nothing, buying a foreclosure to fund his business, raising autistic twins, walking off a job site and eating $4,000 in profit, and why purpose matters more to him than money ever will. God...


Dirt Bags University: Construction Estimating 201
Dirt Bags University: Construction Estimating 201 episode artwork
07/10/2026

Last time Brad from Teach Me Dirt joined us for the Estimating 101 episode, it became the most requested webinar we've ever done. So we brought him back to go deeper. Recorded live from our Dirt Bags University webinar on July 1st, hosts Luke and Joe Casey sit down with Brad to build a real site-work estimate line by line and show you exactly where the money hides.

This one is hands-on. Brad walks a live takeoff and breaks down how to price demolition the right way, why hauling and disposal can be a profit center instead of...


#126: Before Storm was Storm - Jordan Smith
#126: Before Storm was Storm - Jordan Smith episode artwork
#126
07/03/2026

1,500 days ago Jordan Smith sat down on the Phaser Friday podcast as a guy building something cool. Today he's lost 200 pounds, sold a company to Boss Snowplow, launched Storm Equipment, started a docuseries that's become the most viewed snow media ever created, and is scaling multiple companies simultaneously. In this episode Jordan gets raw about all of it. The ego trip that cost him everything he built, the doctor's visit that changed his life, how 75 Hard rewired his brain, selling VSI to Boss Snowplow, and building Storm from the ground up with purpose at the center of everything. We...


#125: Dirt Bag of the Year - Mack Lipka
#125: Dirt Bag of the Year - Mack Lipka episode artwork
#125
06/19/2026

Episode #125: Dirt Bag of the Year | Mack Lipka

He quit his job in November of 2022, sold a piece of property, borrowed from his retirement fund, bought a 2012 pickup, and went all in. Today Mack Lipka owns Black Diamond Landworks out of Kalispell, Montana and is the first ever Dirt Bags Podcast Dirt Bag of the Year belt holder. In this episode Mack breaks down how he bootstrapped his excavation and land company from the ground up, what it really takes to go out on your own with no guarantees, and how keeping it simple has been the...


#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn
#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn  episode artwork
#124
06/05/2026

#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn

Marc Kuhn started pouring concrete at 21, got fired, had a mortgage and a fiance making $12 an hour. Today he runs four companies doing close to 50 million in total revenue with 80 million in assets under management. In this episode Marc breaks down how he scaled from a one man concrete crew to a multi company operation, what glass ceilings actually look like when you hit them, the panic attack that changed everything, and why you are always the bottleneck in your own business. Raw, real, and loaded with stuff you...


#123: Win At Home First - Cory Carlson
#123: Win At Home First - Cory Carlson episode artwork
#123
05/22/2026

Episode #123: Win At Home First | Cory Carlson

You guys have been asking for this one. If you recognize the name it's because you've probably already got his book on your shelf. Cory is a business coach who has worked with over 300 business owners, a two-time author, keynote speaker (120+), dad, husband, and host of the Win At Home First Podcast sitting in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally. In this episode, Cory drops serious wisdom on what it means to truly win, not just in business, but at home first. We dig into leadership, family, faith, and what it...


#122: Failing Forward - Kristina McMillan
#122: Failing Forward - Kristina McMillan episode artwork
#122
05/08/2026

Episode 122 – Failing Forward with Kristina McMillan. Kristina McMillan has 15+ years in construction, founded Crew Collaborative, and has lived a life full of gut punches — divorce, bankruptcy, cancer, and more. But she's still standing, and she's not shy about any of it. In this episode, Kristina gets real about failing forward, financial literacy, faith, and why the industry's workforce problem might be closer to home than you think. Raw, honest, and full of gold. Don't miss it.

🔗 Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mcmillan/

🔗 Support Crew Collaborative: http://crewcollab.org

Book a fre...


#121: Profit First for Contractors - Shawn Van Dyke
#121: Profit First for Contractors - Shawn Van Dyke episode artwork
#121
04/24/2026

Shawn Van Dyke, author of Profit First for Contractors and battle-tested operations expert, steps into the Dirt Bags studio for episode #121. Most contractors grind nonstop only to watch the money vanish before it ever hits their pocket. This episode flips the script completely. Shawn lays out the exact Profit First system built for construction businesses—how to pay yourself and the company first, crush cash flow chaos, kill the feast-or-famine cycle, and finally build real, sustainable profit without working harder.

Shawn Van Dyke IG - @shawnvandyke

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnvandyke/

...


#120: Grinding It Out Isn't Always The Answer - Kait Burds
#120: Grinding It Out Isn't Always The Answer - Kait Burds episode artwork
#120
04/10/2026

Kait Burds joins the Dirt Bags Podcast to talk about what actually works in the trades—and what doesn’t.

A 2024 CAT Women’s Operator Skills Challenge Champion, Kait’s built her name in the dirt and snow while helping push the industry forward. In this episode, she breaks down why nonstop grinding can hold you back, how to level up smarter, and what it takes to stand out in a blue-collar world.

Real experience. Real perspective.


#119: Building the Next Generation in the Trades - Erik Struebig
#119: Building the Next Generation in the Trades - Erik Struebig episode artwork
#119
03/27/2026

This episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast features Erik Struebig – heavy equipment technician and technical communicator at MGX Equipment Services. Erik came up turning wrenches on John Deere ag equipment before jumping to yellow iron and Manitowoc cranes. With eight years as a U.S. Army infantryman and boots-on-the-ground experience across the trades, he brings the real perspective that actually moves the needle in this industry. No fluff, no BS – just straight talk and actionable insights from a guy who lives this life every single day.

Connect with Erik:

IG - @e_struebig

Link...


#118: The State of the Snow Industry - Mr. Executive
#118: The State of the Snow Industry - Mr. Executive episode artwork
#118
03/13/2026

Luke Eggebraaten and Anthony Mann Jr. dive deep with Bill Moore, the powerhouse behind Executive Ground Maintenance. Bill drops hard-earned wisdom on contracts, crews, and we even get to meet Mrs. Executive!

Bill Moore IG: https://www.instagram.com/executivegroundmi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-moore-3a178231/

Website: https://www.executiveground.com/

4/24 - 4/25 https://www.storksplows.com/events

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG :

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

...


#117: Risk to Reward in Construction - Stewart Concrete & Groundworks
#117: Risk to Reward in Construction - Stewart Concrete & Groundworks episode artwork
#117
02/27/2026

Luke Eggebraaten is in studio with Taylor Stewart, the founder of Stewart Concrete & Groundworks (Kitchener-based crew crushing premium concrete and excavation work—custom patios, driveways, pool decks, commercial foundations, full in-house from dig to finish). No fluff, just actionable insights from the dirt world.

Check the site: https://www.stewartconcreteandgroundworks.ca/

IG: @stewartconcretegroundworks Tune in for the kind of conversation that levels up the trades!

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff...


#116: The MSTA Live Show 2026
#116: The MSTA Live Show 2026 episode artwork
#116
02/24/2026

Episode #116 drops straight from the heart of the action at The MSTA Live Show 2026 in Michigan.

Host Luke Eggebraaten takes the mic live on the floor with raw, no-BS conversations that hit hard for anyone grinding in the dirt world. No fluff, no filtered BS—just actionable dirt industry insights, stories from the trenches, and that laid-back vibe that makes the Dirt Bags the go-to for operators who want to level up without wasting time.

If the goal involves growing crews, crushing estimates, dominating digital leads, or just hearing how real players handle the chaos, th...


#115: Construction Estimating 101 - Teach Me Dirt
#115: Construction Estimating 101 - Teach Me Dirt episode artwork
#115
02/20/2026

We're dropping another straight-from-the-trenches episode. Host Luke Eggebraaten brings on Brad from Teach Me Dirt, the channel dedicated to exposing the real, often gatekept techniques in dirt work, excavation, and civil construction. Brad's straight-up mission: "I teach all of the gatekept methods of the dirt work, excavation, and civil construction industries for you." On his YouTube (@TeachMeDirt), he delivers practical breakdowns—takeoffs, grading, bidding, stormwater calcs, and the kind of operator know-how that actually gets jobs done right and profitable. Expect no-nonsense discussion on excavation tricks, civil site realities, and hard-won lessons from the field. Raw, useful, and zero fl...


#114: Going from Good to Great in Construction - Benjamin Holmgren
#114: Going from Good to Great in Construction - Benjamin Holmgren episode artwork
#114
02/13/2026

Another epic round with Benjamin Holmgren of Kestaa – the guy who endures the grind so contractors don't have to figure it out alone. From digging to consulting across the country, ultra-running on the side, hosting Ground Crew events, and running workshops like "Operational Excellence Made Simple" – Benjamin brings the real. Real conversations. Actionable insights. Zero fluff. Grab a drink and hit play!

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insu...


#113: Taking Construction to the Next Level - John Somers
#113: Taking Construction to the Next Level - John Somers episode artwork
#113
01/30/2026

Luke Eggebraaten is in studio with John Somers, VP of Construction & Utility Sector at AEM—the force driving CONEXPO, The Utility Expo, emissions standards, telematics, alternative power sources, and the real shifts shaking up the Dirt World.

John's IG - @johnsomers Linkedin - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsomers⁠ Website: ⁠conexpoconagg.com⁠ ⁠aem.org⁠

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment t...


#112: Failing Forward in Construction - Trent Harris
#112: Failing Forward in Construction - Trent Harris episode artwork
#112
01/23/2026

The Dirt Bags Podcast is back with another no-BS episode! Host Luke Eggebraaten brings in Trent Harris—Oklahoma dirt contractor, owner of Blue Collar Contractors, and the guy behind BCDirt.com—to the studio. From moving mountains of earth and demo to building a legit blue-collar brand, Trent's got stories, lessons, and that raw hustle vibe we live for. Expect real talk on growing a dirt business, staying hammer-down, and MUCH more. Don't miss this one, grab a cold one and tune in.

Trent's links:

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@_trentharris?_r=1&_t=ZT-93GEvxoaSFS⁠

Web...


#111: Why Hiring Feels Impossible (And the Strategy That Fixes It) - Isaac Bowen
#111: Why Hiring Feels Impossible (And the Strategy That Fixes It) - Isaac Bowen episode artwork
#111
01/09/2026

On this episode of The Dirt Bags Podcast, host Luke Eggebraaten sits down with special guest Isaac Bowen, founder and principal recruiter of Benchmark Search Group — a recruiting firm built to connect construction companies with the leaders who keep projects moving and teams thriving. We dive into his journey in the recruiting world, what sets a great leader apart, and how the construction industry can attract and retain the talent that drives real results. Whether you’re leading a crew, building a company, or just curious about what makes teams click, this conversation is full of insight, grit, and prac...


#110: Smells Like Money - Poor Pumper Society
#110: Smells Like Money - Poor Pumper Society episode artwork
#110
01/01/2026

Ring in the New Year with a bang (or a flush!) on this epic Dirt Bags Podcast episode! Luke Eggebraaten chats with Dominic Rosales, founder of Poor Pumper Society – the ultimate brand for septic pumpers, creators, and everyone who knows it "Smells Like Money" in the waste game. Flush out 2025 and pump into the new year strong!

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all podcast platforms. Grab gear at poorpumpersociety.com! #dirtbagspodcast #PoorPumperSociety #SmellsLikeMoney #NewYearsSpecial

Dominic Rosales's Links:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/poorpumpersociety/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/po...


Your 2026 Digital Marketing Plan - Dirt Bags University
Your 2026 Digital Marketing Plan - Dirt Bags University episode artwork
12/25/2025

This Christmas, we're delivering a special edition of Dirt Bags University—packed with everything you need to build a stellar 2026 marketing plan.

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG :

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who...


#109: Earthwork Is A Race To The Bottom - Matt Study
 #109: Earthwork Is A Race To The Bottom - Matt Study episode artwork
#109
12/19/2025

In this Christmas Special of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten sits down with Matt Study, owner of Sapphire Construction Services in Kalispell, Montana.

From excavation and site development to utilities, septic systems, and land management in the beautiful (but challenging) Flathead Valley, Matt has raw insight from the trenches on what it really takes to thrive when everyone else is undercutting to survive.

@sapphireconstructionservices

@study_matt

Check out Matt's work: https://sapphireconstructionservice.com/ (Website powered by Phaser Marketing)

Merry Christmas, Dirt Bags! Let's keep pushing the industry forward...


#108: Respect Those Along The Way - JC’s Landscaping
#108: Respect Those Along The Way - JC’s Landscaping episode artwork
#108
12/05/2025

Luke Eggebraaten is in studio with Jon Conte, the grit-fueled owner of JC’s Landscaping in Beacon Falls, CT. From one rusty truck in 2004 to a tight crew of 12, Jon’s still in the dirt every day, building a rock-solid rep in small-town Connecticut. Raw stories, epic screw-ups, crew loyalty, and real talk on scaling without losing your soul—this is pure Dirt Bags fire. Plus, we’re announcing the EC500 giveaway winner. Tune in to find out!

Jon's Website: https://www.jcslandscapingct.com

Jon's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AEsHo1QAJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr


#107: Pay Attention To Your Indicators - Cole Schambari
#107: Pay Attention To Your Indicators - Cole Schambari episode artwork
#107
11/21/2025

This week, we're excited to welcome Cole Schambari to the Dirt Bags Studio! A huge thanks to one of our great sponsors, Charlie Huff, for connecting us with Cole—the owner of WEBS Excavating Inc., based in Waukegan, Illinois. Tune in for a long, in-depth, and awesome conversation!

Cole's Email: cole@websexcavatinginc.com

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing:

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Ad...


#106: The Blue Collar Future - Jaden Robison
#106: The Blue Collar Future - Jaden Robison episode artwork
#106
11/07/2025

In this episode of The Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten welcomes Jaden Robison, the visionary founder behind Blue Collar Future, a brand and movement dedicated to empowering the next generation of skilled workers. If you’re in construction, the dirt world, or simply believe in the value of hard work and dedication, this episode will fire you up. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to see the future of blue collar through a brand-new lens.

Jaden's IG - @jadenrrobison

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadenrrobison

Website: bluecollarfuture.com

Bo...


#105 : Building a 100M Culture - Josh Montanye
#105 : Building a 100M Culture - Josh Montanye episode artwork
#105
10/24/2025

In this episode of The Dirt Bags Podcast, we're in studio with Josh Montanye, Chief Business Officer at Williams Companies and Executive Vice President at Williams Plumbing / Williams Civil Construction. Josh brings a wealth of experience in overseeing planning, procurement, performance, and financing for large commercial construction projects. With a focus on municipal and public clients, he’s managed budgets ranging from $1M to $10M. Josh also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Liberty University!

Josh's IG @jmontanye @willplumb @williamsacademy406

Josh's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-montanye/ Website: wi...


#104: Building a Land Clearing Company Without Debt - Stone Hughes
#104: Building a Land Clearing Company Without Debt - Stone Hughes episode artwork
#104
10/10/2025

In this episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast, we welcome Stone Hughes, founder of Michigan's God's Country Land Services, for a gritty dive into sustainable land management. Discover how Stone's family-run crew uses advanced forestry mulching to clear thick brush and invasive species on-site—without soil disruption, burning, or hauling—turning overgrown properties into prime, nature-friendly spaces.

Stone's Website: https://godscountrylandservices.com/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:


#103: From Scraper Dumps to Global Operator Training - Scott Lidster
#103: From Scraper Dumps to Global Operator Training - Scott Lidster episode artwork
#103
09/26/2025

Join host Luke Eggebraaten and guest host James Stiksma (@canadianseptic), owner of Canadian Septic and a proud Phaser client, for an epic episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast! This week, we dig deep with Scott Lidster (@australian_earth_training), the mastermind behind Australian Earth Training. From mastering scraper dumps to revolutionizing operator training worldwide, Scott shares his journey, insights, and the grit it takes to succeed in the heavy equipment industry. Tune in for a no-nonsense convo packed with dirt-moving wisdom and real-world expertise!

Scott's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lidster-9bb5b656<...


#102: Scaling Mountains with Spider Excavators - Arnaud Hild
#102:  Scaling Mountains with Spider Excavators - Arnaud Hild episode artwork
#102
09/12/2025

This week, we welcome Arnaud Hild, Co-Owner of NPA Specialty Equipment, a badass company crushing it in the specialty equipment game (check them out at npaspecialtyequipment.com). Arnaud, alongside his business partners Nico and Pierre, is bringing serious value to the dirt world, and as a happy client of Phaser Marketing, he’s got the digital presence to prove it! Luke and Arnaud will dig deep into what makes NPA Specialty Equipment stand out, from their hands-on approach to their game-changing gear. No corporate fluff here—just real talk from two dirt bags who get it.

Plus, we’r...


#101: My Rock Bottom Had a Basement - Zach Taylor
#101: My Rock Bottom Had a Basement - Zach Taylor episode artwork
#101
09/05/2025

In this episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast, we're featuring Zach Taylor, the founder of Milania Excavating. With over a decade of expertise in site work and project management, Zach brings a wealth of knowledge to the world of excavation. Tune in as he shares insights into his journey!

IG -@_taylorthings

@milania_corp

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-taylor-55391533

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing:

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge...


100th Episode Special Featuring the OG: Luke Payne
100th Episode Special Featuring the OG: Luke Payne episode artwork
#100
08/29/2025

It’s the big 100th episode milestone of The Dirt Bags Podcast, and we're stoked to bring back the OG co-host, Luke Payne, for this one! We’re diving deep into this one. Cheers to 100 episodes! And 100+ more.

Luke Payne

IG - @westernex1

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-payne-86752119a/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piec...


Burning Past Max Capacity - Marvin Joles
Burning Past Max Capacity - Marvin Joles episode artwork
#99
08/15/2025

Join Luke Eggebraaten on the Dirt Bags Podcast for an unfiltered, high-energy conversation with Marvin Joles, a powerhouse in the asphalt industry. As an entrepreneur, investor, award-winning influencer, and national public speaker, Marvin brings a wealth of expertise as a NAPA Impact Conference Task Group Member and Pavement Magazine Advisory Board contributor. In this episode, Raw insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership in the asphalt world, and so much more. Tune in for an epic talk, no fluff, and a deep dive into what it takes to dominate the pavement industry.

Marvin's LinkedIn page: https...


The Irish Dirt Dream: Josh Newell’s Leap into Excavation
The Irish Dirt Dream: Josh Newell’s Leap into Excavation episode artwork
#98
08/01/2025

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Newell from Northern Ireland — a long-time Dirt Bags listener who just launched his own excavation company. Josh is the owner of GreenRock Renewables and GreenRock Contracts, and he’s making big moves across the pond. Guest host Matt Study (@sapphireconstructionservices) joins us for this one.

Guest Host: Matt StudyIG - @sapphireconstructionservices

Guest: Josh Newell - Principal (owner) at GreenRock Renewables and GreenRock Contracts

Super cool to see a Dirt Bags listener chasing the dream. Let’s get after it!

You ca...


Why He Bought a Concrete Company (Instead of Starting From Scratch)
Why He Bought a Concrete Company (Instead of Starting From Scratch) episode artwork
#97
07/18/2025

In this episode of The Dirt Bags Podcast, host Luke Eggebraaten sits down with Matt Sockoch, co-owner of Payne Construction Services and Gateway Concrete Solutions. Matt shares why he chose to buy an existing concrete company rather than building one from the ground up. James Stiksma, owner of Canadian Septic and 2024 Dirt Bags Guest Host of the Year, also joins in to offer his perspective on the challenges and rewards of business ownership. Tune in for a candid conversation on entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the business side of construction.

Follow Matt on TikTok: @mattsockoch

<...


Afghanistan to Eljen: a Veteran's Second Tour
Afghanistan to Eljen: a Veteran's Second Tour episode artwork
#96
07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July! We're back with another awesome episode, and this one is packed with purpose. We're joined by Dervin Witmer as guest host, and we sit down with Drew Nickoli — a U.S. Army Veteran and now a Technical Specialist at Eljen Corporation.

This episode means a lot — and if you’re a veteran looking for support, please check out saveawarrior.org. You’re not alone.

Learn more about Eljen at eljen.com

Drew's email: dnickoli@eljen.com

Follow on IG: @digitexcavating @pumpthatseptic @eljencorporation

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