Episodes

Rapid growth can build a business, but it can also expose the cracks in its foundation. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Gabriel “Gabe” Powers, president of Powers Development Group in Jacksonville, Florida, to discuss his unexpected path into construction, starting his own company, and the growth that nearly cost him everything. Gabe shares an honest look at earning the respect of field crews, learning from criticism, taking ownership of mistakes, and discove...

What do world-class motocross and construction leadership have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Jake Nicholls, Group CEO of True Seven Group, a third-generation family business in Suffolk, England with more than 300 employees across earthworks, demolition, equipment rental, aggregates, concrete, and more. Jake’s path into construction was anything but traditional—before joining the family business, he built a career as a pr...

What does it take to prepare the next generation for an industry that’s changing faster than ever? In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with leaders, Dr. Lingguang Song & Wayne Goff from UNC Charlotte’s construction program to discuss how education and industry can work together to develop construction professionals who are ready to contribute from day one. From hands-on learning and mandatory internships to leadership, communication, emerging technology, and AI, the c...

You don’t have to fit the traditional mold to build a successful career in construction. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Sam Roth, Project Manager at Sam Corporation, who went from having no construction background to helping lead more than $100 million in active construction on one of North Carolina’s largest mixed-use developments, all within just a few years. Sam shares how curiosity, authenticity, strong relationships, and a willingness to do things that ...

Strong projects are built by strong leaders, but great leadership isn't something you're born with. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Gilbane leaders Fernando Torres, Troy Anthony, and Nick Davies to discuss what it takes to lead teams, earn respect, and build a culture where people and projects thrive. From developing young professionals and creating strong partnerships to balancing safety, communication, and production, they share the leadership lessons they'...

In this episode of Give Us the Dirt, Brandon sits down with licensed therapist and construction consultant Craig Watson to discuss why investing in people is one of the most important investments a company can make. Together, they explore leadership development, company culture, communication, and the role mental wellness plays in building stronger teams. Craig shares practical strategies for developing future leaders, creating workplaces where employees feel valued, and fostering a culture that...

In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Herb Sargent returns to share what life has been like since transitioning his company to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). He reflects on his own growth as a leader, the lessons he's learned from empowering others, and why building a strong company culture starts long before handing over the keys. This conversation explores what it means to create a workplace where teammates are trusted, encouraged to lead, and invested in something greater than themse...

In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, John shares the side of the journey that often goes unspoken. He opens up about trauma, addiction, mental health struggles, and the personal battles that can exist behind a successful career. Through vulnerability, surrender, and recovery, John found a path to growth and purpose. This conversation explores the intersection of the work and the person doing it and offering an honest look at resilience, healing, and what it means to keep showing up when life ge...

In this episode of Built to Lead, our host Brandon sits down with three powerful women shaping the future of construction at Hoopaugh Grading Company. Katie, Director of Team Development, Jessica, Senior Recruiter, and Salma, a rising Superintendent, share their real, unfiltered journeys. How they got their start, the challenges they faced, and the moments that pushed them to level up. From stepping onto job sites for the first time to building confidence in leadership roles, this conversation ...

What does it take to build a career in construction? For some, it starts in the classroom. For others, it begins in the trench. In this episode of Give Us the Dirt, three HGC team members reflect on how their individual journeys shaped their paths into the industry. From earning a degree in project management and navigating the challenges of transitioning into the field, to beginning hands-on utility work at just 18 years old and rising into senior leadership, this conversation highlights the v...

For more than 70 years, Taplin Group has done one thing exceptionally well: they’ve built a legacy that lasts. What started as a small, family-run sewer cleaning business in Kalamazoo has grown into a trusted partner on complex underground and environmental projects all without losing sight of the people, culture, and standards that made them who they are. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Mitchell Taplin, fourth-generation Training Director, and Alexis Davis, ...

Host Brandon sits down with CEO Brian McManus for a real conversation about one of the most significant milestones in the company’s history, the transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Brian reflects on what 2025 has looked like for the company, including the challenges brought on by relentless rain and the setbacks that tested operations, timelines, and morale. At the heart of the conversation is what ESOP ownership truly means: shared success, long-term financial security, and ...

In this episode, host Brandon sits down with Michael Botts, President Botts Grading LLC who knows firsthand that building a business isn’t just about iron and machines. It’s about people. Michael opens up about launching a construction company alongside family already in the industry, navigating the blessings and the tension that comes with working blood-deep in business. From leadership lessons to real talk about trust, growth, and accountability, he breaks down why investing in your crew matt...

In this episode, Brandon sits down with the founder of Construction Video Pros and Heightened Creative, a leading media specialist whose work brings the construction industry to life through storytelling and visual strategy. Together, they explore the unique challenges of producing authentic content in a fast-paced, blue-collar environment. From navigating different company cultures to showcasing both the strengths and shortcomings he’s witnessed across the industry. He shares his approach to ...

Brandon welcomes back the visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Buildwitt, Aaron Witt, for an eye-opening dive into the world of construction. From projects across the globe to the challenges at home, Aaron shares his unique perspective on how the U.S. stacks up against international practices. What are we missing? Where are we excelling? And most importantly, how can we elevate the construction game in America? Tune in and discover the lessons the world can teach us about building smarter, faster, ...

In this heart-centered episode, host Brandon sits down with faith-driven entrepreneur Stephen Phelan to dive into the foundation of a mortgage company that’s anything but traditional. Stephen shares how love, grace, and unwavering faith are the true drivers behind his team’s success and how those same principles can transform any business from the inside out. From cultivating a culture rooted in support to leading with purpose, this convo explores how loving your people first can build more than...

Join host Brandon as he sits down with CEO, speaker, and author Gary Frey to dive deep into the real battle with imposter syndrome. They’ve met a few times before, but this time Gary opens up about what inspired his book Silence the Imposter — sharing his personal struggles, the moments that held him back, and the tools he used to overcome self-doubt. Plus, they break down what imposter syndrome looks like in the high-pressure world of construction and how you can silence those inner doubts to o...

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 pu...

“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 busine...

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...

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 th...

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 sto...

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 missio...