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 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...