Give Us The Dirt

Rain or shine, construction never stops—especially at Hoopaugh Grading Company. In this episode, host Brandon sits down once again with Brian McManus, owner of HGC, to unpack the challenges of 2024, including the countless rain days that tested the industry. Brian shares how the company navigated the ups and downs, the lessons learned along the way, and what exciting projects and ambitious goals are on the horizon for 2025.

If you're interested in leadership, resilience, and what it takes to push forward in the construction world, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

“I started in construction with nothing. Through the Valley of Darkness, my employees were still there with me. Even when I couldn’t give bonuses. Now, I’m giving my company to my employees."

Our host, Brandon, sits down with Ryan Schmitt, CEO of Petticoat-Schmitt, to talk about his journey from working in the construction industry to building a thriving company—and why he chose to sell it to his employees through an ESOP.

In this episode, host Brandon sits down with payroll specialist Kevin Monaghan to explore the powerful connection between payroll strategies and employee loyalty. Kevin shares his expertise on crafting customizable payroll plans that align with a company’s growth trajectory, all while fostering a sense of legacy among teammates. Discover how intentional payroll practices can not only enhance employee satisfaction but also create a lasting impact on organizational culture. Whether you’re a business leader or HR professional, tune in for insights that could transform your workplace into a thriving community of loyal, engaged teammates!

Join host Brandon in this episode of Marketing Mavericks as he dives deep into the dynamic world of marketing with two industry powerhouses: Danielle Honeycutt, Chief Creative Officer at Shorebird Creative, and Caroline Marston, Marketing Manager at HGC.



Discover how Danielle has transformed HGC’s branding assets into a compelling visual narrative, and hear Caroline’s inspiring journey in assembling a powerhouse marketing team that champions both internal and external communication. Together, they share insights on creative strategy, team collaboration, and the magic behind motivating others through impactful marketing.

Whether you're...

 Join host Brandon in this captivating episode as he sits down with two extraordinary leaders in the construction industry, Trey Tarlton and Eddie Rollings. Discover the inspiring legacy of Eddie, who started as a passionate worker 21 years ago and climbed the ranks to become a director of construction through sheer dedication and hard work. Trey shares his own journey, rooted in family tradition, as he transitioned from college to a fulfilling career in construction. Together, they delve into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the stories that b...

In this episode of Give Us the Dirt, we sit down with HGC’s very own, general superintendent of concrete, Ben Stilwell. In honor of suicide prevention month, Ben bravely shares his powerful survival story, detailing the challenges he faced during his military journey and the impact it took his mental health.

This candid conversation explores Ben’s struggle with suicidal thoughts, his journey to recovery, and how he currently dedicates his life to helping others facing similar battles. Ben’s story is not just one of survival; it’s a testament to resilience and the p...

In this episode of the Give Us The Dirt Podcast, we’re joined by Kelly Gregory, a registered nurse with over a decade of experience in the ER. Now working as our onsite health coach through our partnership with Cigna, she plays a vital role in supporting our team at HCG. Join us as Kelly discusses her transition from the ER to the construction industry, and the critical role of health coaching. From helping teammates achieve health goals, to providing resources and accountability, Kelly’s mission is clear—enhancing the physical and mental well-being of our people.

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 Ready to dive into the world of internships at HGC? Get ready for an insightful conversation featuring two special guests from HGC—our very own Training & Curriculum Specialist, Andrea Ribelin, and one of our standout summer interns, Jack Noll, who’s currently studying Construction Management at Georgia Southern University.



In this episode, Andrea and Jack discuss the ins and outs of our internship program, from hands-on learning experiences to unexpected takeaways that shape future leaders in the construction industry. Whether you're a student exploring career options, a curious educator, or a seasoned professional interested in mentori...

In this special episode of Give Us the Dirt, host Brandon takes a heartfelt detour from our usual format to open up about a recent experience his family has been faced with. Brandon shares the highs and lows they have had and the blessings they have felt.

This isn’t your typical episode; it’s a message of appreciation directed at his HGC work family, the unsung heroes, and the construction industry as a whole. Tune in to hear Brandon express his gratitude for the unwavering support and kindness they have received during these trying times...

Ready for a dose of entrepreneurial inspiration? In this episode of the Give Us the Dirt Podcast, Brandon chats with Zach Laberge, a young business prodigy who began his entrepreneurial journey at just 14 years old! By 16, Zach had already launched Frenter, a game-changing venture revolutionizing the construction industry with cutting-edge technology and innovation.

In this episode, Zach shares the sparks that ignited his passion for business, the highs & lows of launching a startup as a teen, and reveals the groundbreaking advancements he's bringing to construction technology. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast...

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 7, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they delve into the crucial role of professionalism in the construction industry.

Discover how effective communication and proactive behavior can transform a job site. Learn how to address issues promptly, be a supportive team player, and cultivate an attitude of excellence. 

Tune in for valuable insights from our leaders on fostering a collaborative and professional work environment. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on how to elevate your performance and teamwork in con...

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 6, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they explore the significance of the DiSC assessment in fostering better teamwork.

Discover how understanding DiSC character types can enhance interactions among HGC teammates on the job site. Our leaders share insights on the impact of personalized assessments in improving communication and collaboration.

Don't miss this engaging discussion on the power of self-awareness and teamwork.

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 5, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they discuss the vital role of thorough training in teaching core values and setting clear expectations at HGC.

Learn how investing in great training enhances teamwork and develops future leaders. Hear our executives share insights on transforming a company through effective training programs.

Tune in to discover how you can elevate your team and drive success with strong training and development strategies.

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 4, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they delve into the evolving importance of thorough communication and accountability within our company.

Hear firsthand how effective communication has transformed their leadership roles and supported others in the process. Our team also discusses the vital role of accountability in business development and leadership. They explore the question: Who holds the leaders accountable?

Gain practical insights on fostering a culture of accountability and communication to help your business thrive. Tune in for an engaging discussion that will inspire...

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 3, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they explore the evolution and importance of thorough communication within our company.

Discover how effective communication has shaped their leadership roles, empowered team members, and ensured safety on job sites. Get practical advice on supporting employees and fostering a culture where speaking up is encouraged.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the power of communication in driving business development and creating a safer, more collaborative work environment.

Welcome to HGC's "Executive Leadership Team (ELT)" series! In Episode 2, join Brandon, Brian, Tim, and Grayson as they dive into the heart of Hoopaugh Grading Company's success: our core values. Discover what it means to create and uphold these values and why they are crucial for ongoing growth and team unity.

This episode is a must-listen for teammates and business owners alike. Our leaders share how embracing core values has fueled HGC's growth and provide practical advice on supporting employees through these principles. Learn firsthand how core values can drive business development and create...

Join us for Episode 1 of our new Executive Leadership Series, as we introduce Brian, Brandon, Tim, and Grayson, the dynamic leaders at Hoopaugh Grading Company (HGC). Discover their unique journeys to HGC and the significant impacts they've made on their teammates.



In this episode, our team shares insights on supporting employees and fostering business development. Whether you're a teammate, a business owner, or interested in leadership, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiring stories.

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In this episode of the Give Us the Dirt podcast, Dr. Robert Brownlee, an Internist with Tryon Medical Partners, explores the crucial link between physical and mental health, particularly in the construction industry. Alongside host Brandon Lindsey, Dr. Brownlee discusses the reluctance of construction workers to seek medical help, the shift in mental health awareness, and the importance of early intervention. He offers practical advice for business owners on supporting employees' mental health and addresses concerns about medication versus self-care practices. Tune in for Dr. Brownlee’s insights on promoting mental health in the construction industry.

Welcome back to our special series of the Give Us the Dirt podcast, dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode we welcome back Chris Shearer, a remarkable individual who not only embodies resilience but advocates tirelessly for those struggling with mental health challenges.

When our guest, Chris Shearer, isn't climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Half Dome, he's using his expertise in media and technology as a Partner at Wheelhouse Media, an award-winning video production company based right here in Charlotte, NC. From high-definition video to motion design and animation, they are THE go-to...

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to spotlight the often-overlooked issue of mental health in the construction industry. It's an industry known for its physical demands and safety risks, but mental health is an equally critical aspect of worker well-being that deserves our attention. Recently, Kimberly Henderson, Special Events Coordinator at HGC, shared her powerful story on the Give Us the Dirt Podcast, offering insights and hope for those facing similar challenges.

In 2017, Kimberly's life was upended by two tragic events. She lost her mother to glioblastoma, a fast-growing type of...

In this gripping episode of the Give Us the Dirt Podcast, we welcome a special guest whose remarkable story will leave you on the edge of your seat. Jeff Dabbs, a seasoned plumber with nearly three decades of experience, shares his harrowing tale of survival after a routine repair job takes a tragic turn. Buried under thousands of pounds of dirt in a trench collapse, Jeff defies staggering odds to emerge from the rubble battered but alive. Join us as Jeff candidly recounts his journey through physical and mental trauma, shedding light on the pressing need for mental health...

Welcome to a special episode of the 'Give Us The Dirt' podcast, hosted by Brandon Lindsey from HGC. Today we’re going to delve deep into the world of heavy construction and engineering software. Joining us today is someone who has truly revolutionized the construction industry and is an admired leader in the field, Matt Desmond.

Matt currently serves as the President of AGTEK, which is part of the Hexagon Heavy Construction portfolio and is a game-changer in the construction industry. He spearheads strategic initiatives to streamline operations through innovative software solutions. Additionally, he ho...

In this episode of the HGC podcast, host Brandon Lindsey sits down with Thomas Haun, president of Turner Staffing Group, for an insightful discussion on innovation, leadership, and talent acquisition in the construction industry. With a rich background spanning operations, sales, marketing, strategy, and finance, Thomas shares his journey from executive VP at Precision Hawk to CEO of Turner Mining Group and now president of Turner Staffing Group. He delves into the strategic challenges that transformed a mining company and the birth of Turner Staffing Group as a solution to industry-wide issues. Thomas emphasizes the importance of curiosity in...

Welcome to another episode of 'Give Us The Dirt' podcast, hosted by Brandon Lindsey from HGC. Today, we have the honor of featuring one of the most esteemed figures in the industry - Jonathan Strack.

Jonathan Strack, the CEO of Strack Incorporated, has a journey that's nothing short of inspiring. From the age of 12, he found himself working in a ditch every day after school, laying the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career. Fast forward nearly 30 years, and Jonathan stands as one of the industry's most accomplished and admired leaders.

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Welcome to another riveting episode of 'Give Us The Dirt' podcast, where hosts Brandon Lindsey and BamBam from HGC bring you the inside scoop on all things construction. Today, we're thrilled to have none other than the legendary Brad Barringer join us.

Brad is no stranger to the world of construction. As the visionary leader of B.R.S, Inc., he's been a cornerstone in poll utility construction for over 60 years. His impressive career has left an indestructible mark on the industry, and even though Brad may be retired now, his legacy lives on...

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Michael Bowman, the president of Bowman Legacy's, a boutique consultancy renowned for its expertise in leadership development and organizational culture. With a career spanning over two decades in the mining industry, Michael brings a wealth of experience in leadership and upper management to the table.

Tune in as Michael shares his mission to revolutionize the lives of blue-collar workers, one CEO at a time. Drawing inspiration from his father's own blue-collar journey, Michael emphasizes the profound impact every individual can have within a company...

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 2 of the Give Us The Dirt Podcast. You won’t want to miss this episode with Keith Poettker, the chairman and CEO of Poettker Construction. Keith's journey is a testament to dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the construction industry and he has a lot of wisdom to impart on our listeners! 

With a start in the industry as project engineer and estimator at Baker Contracting, Keith swiftly climbed the ranks and took on the role of VP of Pre-Construction in the family business back in 2001. Over the past 22 yea...

Welcome to the new season of Give Us The Dirt! In this exciting episode, our virtual guest is none other than Jake Thompson, the dynamic Founder of Compete Every Day. Known for his electrifying speeches and transformative coaching, Jake has impacted over 80,000 individuals with his wisdom in leadership and personal development.

Join us as we dive deep into Jake's journey, from his humble beginnings as an apparel entrepreneur to becoming a sought-after figure in leadership circles. Discover how Jake's unique perspective, inspired by his daily commitment to improvement, has shaped his brand into a...

Join us in this special bonus episode of Give Us the Dirt Podcast as regular host Brandon Lindsey, Vice President of Operations for Hoopaugh Grading Company (HGC), reunites with the Owner and President of HGC. Together, they dig into a comprehensive journey through the outcomes of 2023, delving into project completions, backlog challenges, lead times for training operators and laborers, and the overarching impact of market contractions and rising expenses due to inflation.

In a candid conversation, the hosts reflect on the unique challenges faced by HGC in 2023, comparing them to the hurdles encountered during the t...

Join Co-hosts Brandon and Bam Bam in this special bonus episode, 2023 Year In Review. Take a trip down memory lane as they reflect on the highlights of 2023. From insightful interviews with industry leaders to the valuable lessons learned, the hosts dive into the guests who graced the show, sharing stories that captivated and inspired.

In this episode, they celebrate the successes of the podcast, explore the growth of the company, and share behind-the-scenes moments with a hilarious blooper reel. The hosts also weave in some of the top pop culture moments of the year...

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.

In Episode 4, Brandon and Bam Bam welcome special guest, John Keane. John is a Senior Project controller at OceanaGold, a gold and copper producer.

John brings a wealth of experience and passion for safety and education in the mining industry. Originally from the west coast, he made a move to South Carolina without a clear career path but with a strong desire for change. John worked his way through college in construction, where he developed a deep appreciation for the field. His diverse experience eventually led him to the mining industry.

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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, d...

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...

In this episode, Brandon and Bam Bam sit down with Austin Contin, a visionary in the construction industry with a family legacy spanning over a century. As the driving force behind Tenna, a cutting-edge Construction Equipment Management platform, Austin shares his journey from a heritage rich in construction to becoming the tech-savvy co-founder of a company creating game-changing solutions.

Discover how Austin's deep roots in the industry, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, led to the inception of Tenna. He delves into the challenges he faced during the startup phase and the crucial role of...

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 gue...

Dan Davis, President of Davco Roofing & Sheet Metal, is joined with Brandon and Bam Bam in the studio for this week's episode. They are here to let you in on the secret to the "Influencer Game" and the art of rallying a team towards a common goal. Together, Dan, Bam Bam, and Brandon engage in a captivating discussion on the power of humility, the significance of acknowledging when we don't know something and emphasizing the importance of collaborative problem-solving. Discover how successful teamwork acts as the foundation for a thriving company and maximizes productivity. 

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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. 

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Join hosts Brandon and Bam Bam in Episode 5 of the Give Us The Dirt podcast as they welcome a very special guest, Jim Rhodes, the Senior Vice President of Wayne Brothers, Inc. and head of their Civil Group. In this week's episode focused on "Emotional Intelligence", they discuss the crucial role of self-awareness in leadership. Jim shares his personal journey towards enhancing his self-awareness and emotional intelligence as a leader and how this strategy helps him in his personal and professional life.

The key lesson is all about slowing down, taking a moment to...