Explore every episode of the podcast Skid Steer Nation

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Graduated dead last…

Now he’s paid by the same school…

And built a business off word of mouth.

Christian Lefley finished 77th out of 77 in his class—and now does paid work for that same school district. This episode isn’t about motivation—it’s about what actually matters when you’re running a skid steer, answering nonstop calls, and figuring things out the hard way. From burying a rented excavator to turning down big jobs, this is real contractor life.

Takeaways:

✅ Dead last doesn’t mean dead end: School didn’t click—but business did

✅ Your punishment can turn into profit: What got him in trouble now pays him every year

✅ You don’t need perfect systems to start: Most of it is learned under pressure

✅ Missed calls = missed money: If you can’t respond, you’re losing jobs—simple

✅ Good work builds everything: Word of mouth still beats chasing leads

Why it Matters:

If you’re in excavation, skid steer work, or property maintenance, this shows you don’t need a perfect start—you need to execute and stick with it.

LINKS:

Try TULBOXX Free — First 5 estimates free, no credit card: www.tulboxx.com

➡️ Reach out to Christtian — Windwood Property Services: https://www.instagram.com/christian_lefley/

➡️ Shop Attachments — Skid Steer Nation: https://skidsteernation.com/

➡️ Contractor Marketing — Throttled Up: https://www.getthrottledup.com

Try TULBOXX Free — AI estimating & invoicing for contractors. First 5 estimates free, no credit card: www.tulboxx.com

Nicholas White grew up around excavation.

His father has been in the dirt business his entire life.

He waited until he was almost 40 to join him — and it took a vaccine mandate to finally make it happen.

Most guys in excavation started young. Nicholas took the long way around — machinist, CDL trucker, Coca-Cola driver, nuclear journeyman machinist at a US Navy shipyard, engineering technician. Then COVID hit, the shipyard issued the mandate, and the decision he'd been putting off for 25 years got made for him.

He bought a John Deere 200D, called his dad, and they built WPM Excavation in southern Maine from the ground up.

TAKEAWAYS:

✅ The Career Nobody Expected — Nuclear journeyman machinist. Engineering technician. COVID mandate. That's what it took to finally get Nicholas into the excavator full time.

✅ Working With Your Father — His dad is 70, still putting in 10-12 hour days, and owns four of the six excavators. The dynamic took years to get right.

✅ The Job He Should've Walked Away From — He tried to make bad materials work on a pond job. Customer was unhappy. Here's what he learned and what he does differently now.

✅ "I Trained My Competition" — The 17-year-old he hired, developed, and eventually lost to the GC across the street.

✅ Low Overhead as a Moat — In a saturated local market, keeping costs lean is the strategy that lets you outlast the guys who overborrowed.

LINKS:

Try TULBOXX Free — First 5 estimates free, no credit card: www.tulboxx.com

➡️ Follow Nicholas — WPM Excavation: www.wpmexcavation.com

➡️ Shop Attachments — Skid Steer Nation: https://skidsteernation.com/

➡️ Contractor Marketing — Throttled Up: https://www.getthrottledup.com

He lost $4K over one line of missing wording. Not bad work. Not bad equipment. Just one mistake in a contract.

Daniel jumped into excavation young with “$10K and a dream”… but commercial work hit him hard. One missed detail in a bid cost him thousands—and that was just the start. This episode is about what actually happens when you move into commercial site work: slow pay, tight margins, and contracts that can bury you if you’re not careful.

Takeaways:

✅ You’re not losing money on dirt, you’re losing it on wording. One missing “budgetary” note cost him $4,000. Contracts matter more than the machine.

✅ Commercial jobs don’t pay fast, plan for it. 45-day waits with $50K–$80K floating out there will choke you if you’re not ready.

✅ Your reputation gets you in, your paperwork keeps you alive. Word of mouth got him commercial jobs. Contracts almost took him out.

✅ Give customers 3 options and stop getting shopped. Good / Better / Best pricing helped him close more residential jobs without competing on price.

✅ Being a great operator won’t scale your business. The real test = can your company run without you? He calls it the “2-week test.”

Why it Matters: If you’re moving into commercial excavation or site work, this is the stuff that decides if you stay in business.

Links:

➡️ Visit DMS Excavation’s Facebook Page – Follow Daniel Snell’s excavation journey. https://www.facebook.com/dmsexcavation

➡️ Build your business with the right attachments. Shop Attachments at Skid Steer Nation: https://skidsteernation.com/

➡️ Marketing built for contractors. Marketing Help at Throttled Up: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://getthrottledup.com/

He was mowing customers’ lawns… after finishing their job.

Not charging for extras… because he liked them.

That mindset almost killed his margins—until he flipped to utilities.

Cody Cocas went from small residential jobs to multi-million dollar utility contracts in under 18 months—but not the way most guys think. The turning point wasn’t more leads or better equipment. It was realizing that being “a good guy” in residential work was costing him real money—and forcing a hard pivot into contract-based utility work that actually scales.

Takeaways:

✅ Stop “liking your way” out of profit – Cody admits he gave away work just because he liked customers, and it crushed margins early on

✅ Utilities = boundaries – Contract work (stormwater, drainage, energy) removed emotion and made pricing, scope, and payment predictable

✅ Relationships beat luck – His biggest opportunity came from a connection he helped years earlier that came back around when he needed it most

✅ You don’t need to know everything – Your job as an owner is removing roadblocks, not being the best operator or estimator

✅ Fix one problem at a time – Trying to clean up everything in your business at once leads to doing nothing well

Why It Matters:

If you’re stuck doing low-margin residential work or struggling to scale your dirt work business, this shows what it takes to move into real contract work that grows.

Links:

➡️ Visit TSF Construction’s website – Follow Cody Cocas’ excavation journey. ⁠https://thesavagefarm.com/

➡️ Build your business with the right attachments. Shop Attachments at Skid Steer Nation: ⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

➡️ Marketing built for contractors. Marketing Help at Throttled Up: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com⁠⁠

Most contractors complain about employees.John Seaman fired his entire crew in one day.What he built after that changed how his excavation company runs forever.

Running excavation crews in the mountains of North Carolina means steep slopes, landslides, and million-dollar homes sitting on unstable ground. John Seaman built his company around solving the jobs nobody else wants to touch.

But the real turning point in his business wasn’t a project — it was the day he fired his entire crew and rebuilt the culture from scratch.

In this episode, John breaks down how transparency with numbers, accountability in the field, and smarter scaling helped him grow a site development company that now handles complex projects across multiple states.

Takeaways:

✅ The Day He Fired EveryoneAfter coming back from a trip and realizing his crew had shut down work on their own, John fired the entire team and rebuilt the company culture from the ground up.

✅ Why Most Contractors Scale Too FastAdding a second crew before the first one runs independently can lose money on both crews.

✅ Saving Million-Dollar Homes on LandslidesJohn’s team is known for emergency slope stabilization projects — including saving a $23M home with a million-dollar retaining wall.

✅ Transparency With Numbers Changes EverythingEvery employee in his company knows what a job sells for, what it costs, and whether the company made money.

✅ The System Most Contractors IgnoreTracking time and knowing your real daily overhead can make or break an excavation company.

Why It Matters:

If you run an excavation, land clearing, or site work business, this episode shows how culture, systems, and financial discipline determine whether your company scales—or collapses.

Links:

➡️ Visit JC Property Professionals’ website – Follow John Seamans excavation journey. www.jcpropertyprofessionals.com

➡️ Shop Attachments at Skid Steer Nation: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/ – “Build your business with the right attachments.”

➡️ Marketing Help at Throttled Up: ⁠⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com⁠⁠ – “Marketing built for contractors.

He went from renting a skid steer on weekends to landing $4 million in work in 60 days.But the real shift wasn’t equipment — it was systems.And the biggest lesson? Stop racing to the bottom on price.

Jack Eso of RoseBrooke Site Development breaks down how he scaled from a side hustle to a 10-man operation doing site work, utilities, concrete, and full residential packages in North Carolina. This episode isn’t about hype — it’s about margins, structure, and building a company that doesn’t fall apart when you step away.

If you’re tired of guessing at numbers, chasing every job, and feeling buried in your own business… this one hits home.

Takeaways:

✅ 50% Gross Profit Rule (Residential): Jack stopped chasing the “going rate” and built his pricing around what his business actually needs — not what competitors charge.

✅ $300K–$350K Revenue Per Employee: He tracks revenue per team member to know exactly when it makes sense to hire.

✅ Automated Sales Follow-Up: Email, voicemail drops, and video walkthroughs of estimates increased professionalism — and conversions.

✅ Outsourced Estimating = Time Freedom: Hiring a commercial estimating firm helped him land $4M in projects without becoming the bottleneck.

✅ Say No Early: Fiberglass pools? Done. If it doesn’t fit the system, it’s not worth the lesson.

Why It Matters:

If you're running crews, bidding bigger jobs, or trying to stop undercharging — this episode shows how to build real structure without losing control.

Links:

➡️ Visit Rosebrooke Site Development’s website – Follow his Jack Eso’s excavation journey.https://rosebrookelh.com/

➡️ Shop Attachments at Skid Steer Nation: ⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠ – “Build your business with the right attachments.”

➡️ Marketing Help at Throttled Up: ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com⁠ – “Marketing built for contractors.”

He walked away from a VP position with 208 employees.Bought one excavator. No real plan.Then learned the hard way that “booked out” doesn’t mean profitable.

Jeremy Whitson left a 21-year career in the automotive industry to build Whitson Farms Excavation from scratch. What he didn’t expect? That cash flow—not equipment—would be the real battle. In this episode, Jeremy breaks down commercial work, stormwater systems, estimating discipline, and why too much work nearly wrecked his company.

This one is about growth pressure, schedule chaos, retention checks, and building a team the right way.

Takeaways:

✅ Too Much Work Is Worse Than Not Enough – Overbooking commercial projects nearly cost him his reputation when rain delays stacked jobs on top of each other.

✅ Commercial = Cash Flow Discipline – 45–90 day pay cycles and 5–10% retention mean subs are often funding the project.

✅ Bid Like You’ll Win Every Job – Don’t throw numbers out hoping to land one. If you bid it, plan to execute it.

✅ Know Your Daily Break-Even – Insurance, fuel, moving equipment, bidding time—it all counts.

✅ Focus on What You’re Great At – He stopped doing septic installs himself and partnered instead. Efficiency beats ego.

Why It Matters:

If you’re running excavation, utilities, or site work, this episode will sharpen how you think about growth, estimating, and protecting your reputation in commercial projects.

Links:

➡️ Connect with Jeremy Whitson – Follow his excavation journey. https://www.facebook.com/wfexcavationco

➡️ Shop Attachments at Skid Steer Nation: https://www.skidsteernation.com – “Build your business with the right attachments.”

➡️ Marketing Help at Throttled Up: https://www.getthrottledup.com – “Marketing built for blue-collar contractors.”

Running a contracting business in a small town isn’t glamorous—and Sheldon Gould doesn’t pretend it is. With over 25 years in lawn care, snow removal, land leveling, and property maintenance, Sheldon shares what it actually takes to survive when competition is tight, prices keep climbing, and growth feels slow.

This episode is for contractors who are still showing up every day and wondering how to build a business that lasts. 

Takeaways:

✅ Longevity beats hype: Why staying profitable and trusted for decades matters more than fast growth

✅ Small towns come with real limits: He breaks down what competition, undercutting, and pricing pressure look like when your market is under 1,000 people

✅ Growth doesn’t mean more machines: Sometimes one attachment or service tweak beats buying a whole new fleet

✅ Why “local recognition” works better than big marketing numbers: How a few hundred local followers outperform thousands of random views.

✅ Calculated risk vs. blind risk: Expanding only after demand shows up—not before—can keep you alive long enough to grow.

Why It Matters:

If you’re grinding in a small market, feeling stuck, or wondering why growth feels harder than it should—this episode proves you’re not broken, and neither is your business.

Links:

➡️ Check out Sheldon Gould’s S&N Custom Lawn Care Facebook Page:⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/sheldon.gould.9

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://getthrottledup.com/

Most excavation and heavy civil contractors don’t fail because of bad work—they fail because of poor cash flow, bad equipment decisions, and overcomplicated growth.

In this episode, Nate Morello breaks down how he’s built a lean excavation business by focusing on payment schedules, job rhythm, and technology that replaces labor instead of adding overhead. If you’re running municipal, commercial, or excavation work and feel like the business is starting to control you, this episode will hit close to home.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Cash flow beats contract size: Nate explains why payment schedules, retainage, and holdbacks matter more than landing “big” municipal jobs.

✅ Technology should replace labor, not add stress: Grade control, rotators, and attachments only work if they fit your operation—not because someone else has them.

✅ Don’t buy gear for ego: Nate breaks down how screener buckets, rotators, and attachments paid off only because they matched his workflow.

✅ Rhythm over perfection: Over-perfecting jobs kills momentum—focus effort where the customer actually sees value.

✅ Time is the real cost: Renting, hauling, waiting, and delays quietly eat profit faster than most operators realize.

Why It Matters:

If you’re trying to grow without losing control—or wondering why the work feels harder even though you’re “busy”—this episode shows how experienced operators think long-term.

Links:

➡️ Check out Nate Morello’s MC Build Facebook Page:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/mcbuildnh

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. ⁠⁠⁠ https://getthrottledup.com/

Richard Piendak didn’t just survive five decades in paving—he built, scaled, sold, and then kept working anyway. In this episode, Richard breaks down the hard-earned lessons most contractors only learn the expensive way: when to grow, when to slow down, and why simplicity beats size.

If you’re trying to build a business that actually lasts—and doesn’t burn you out—this episode will hit home.

Takeaways:

✅ Scale exposes cracks – Growth doesn’t fix problems; it magnifies them. Bad systems and weak leadership show up fast when you add people.

✅ Employees make or break the business – Richard explains how treating crews like family (and testing skills, not resumes) built loyalty and consistency.

✅ Debt isn’t the enemy—bad decisions are – He shares how avoiding smart debt early slowed growth, and what he’d do differently today.

✅ Build to sell, even if you never do – Clean books, solid processes, and real leadership are what made his exit possible.

✅ Be a warrior, not a worrier – One mindset shift that carried him through recessions, oil embargoes, and 20% interest rates.

Why It Matters:

This episode is a masterclass for excavation, paving, and hardscape owners who want long-term stability—not just more jobs and more headaches.

Links:

➡️ Check out Richard’s Paving Inc Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KingofPaving

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. ⁠⁠⁠https://getthrottledup.com/

You’ve probably underbid a job, got halfway through, and realized you’re working for free. Caley Stecker from C & C Land Management (Holden, Missouri) lays out exactly how he stopped doing that — and why most contractors stay stuck because they’re scared to price like a real business.

This episode isn’t a “feel-good” story. It’s a straight-up playbook on pricing, scope control, customer expectations, and running your schedule without chaos owning you.

Takeaways:

✅ If you’re not a little nervous about your price, you’re probably too cheap. Caley explains why contractors leave money on the table trying to “stay competitive.”

✅ Hourly work punishes you for getting good. He breaks down why day-rate pricing protects your profit even when you get faster and more efficient.

✅ Your quote should include what you won’t do. Caley started adding “not included” items (seed, straw, sod, etc.) after getting burned by customers assuming extras.

✅ Add clauses for reality (rock, soil conditions, water table, etc.). He even built a “suitable soil conditions” clause so the job stops until a real conversation happens.

✅ Stop calling yourself a “small business.” Caley explains how the words you use shape how customers treat you — and how you treat yourself.
Why it Matters:

Because in excavation and land work, profit disappears fast when you guess pricing, stay vague on scope, or let scheduling chaos run your week.

Links:

➡️ Check out and follow C & C Land Maintenance LLC’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086860041430

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. ⁠⁠https://getthrottledup.com/

To kick off 2026, Ryan Deemer shows up in a different way — as the guest on the Blue Collar Business Podcast.

And they jump right into a question a lot of contractors have been asking for years: is GPS machine control finally affordable… or is it still just for the big outfits?

They talk real numbers, simple setup, and why this kind of tech can help you move dirt faster, cut down rework, and keep your best guys from wanting to leave.

Takeaways:

✅ The number that got everyone’s attention: GPS machine control for around $13,000 — not $60K+.

✅ Most contractors don’t need the “top tier” systems: Ryan says only a small percentage actually need full 3D modeling setups.

✅ This tech can help you retain good operators: once a guy gets used to working with tools like this, he doesn’t want to go back to the old way — even for more pay. 

✅ Fast install + simple use matters more than fancy features: Sy admits he’s usually scared to touch his own equipment screens… but this system felt simple enough to use without stressing about messing it up.

Why it Matters:

Because the second GPS becomes affordable and simple for everyday contractors, it changes hiring, production, and how competitive you stay moving forward.

Links:

➡️ Subscribe to the Blue Collar Business Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@BlueCollarBusinessPodcast

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠⁠⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. ⁠⁠https://getthrottledup.com/

As we head into a new year, this episode hits on something most contractors feel but rarely say out loud. Mike Johnson runs a snow removal crew, a hardscape operation, and a growing team—but the real shift came when he realized success didn’t matter if he carried stress everywhere he went.

Mike breaks down how he reclaimed peace, rebuilt trust in his team, and stopped letting work steal from his home life.

Takeaways:

✅ If you can’t shut your brain off at night, you don’t have a work problem—you have a peace problem. 

✅ Letting go of control isn’t a mindset—it’s a hiring move. 

✅ One mistake can cost a contract… but how you handle it can win loyalty forever.

✅ Social media doesn’t reward perfect… it rewards real. 

✅ Marketing isn’t about making the phone ring—it’s about who’s calling. 

Why it Matters :

If you’re stepping into the new year determined to build a better business and a better life, this episode gives you a grounded place to start.

Links:

➡️ Visit & Follow Mike’s Facebook Page (Pro Snow Removal): https://www.facebook.com/GoProSnow

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. ⁠⁠https://getthrottledup.com/

Matt Hobbs isn’t a marketing guy—he’s a land-clearing operator who figured out how to use Facebook like a weapon. In this episode, he breaks down the real reason his schedule filled up while others are still waiting on calls.

From posting breakdowns and workouts to building a referral network that includes his competitors, Matt shares how being human—not perfect—is what builds trust that wins jobs.

Takeaways:

✅ Stop hiding behind the equipment – Posting your face and voice is what makes people pick you over the other guy.

✅ Marketing doesn’t need to be polished – Just post daily, be honest, and show up. That’s it.

✅ Breakdowns make you relatable – Matt books more jobs by being real than by being flawless.

✅ Don’t wait to give back – Whether it’s Facebook advice or buying kids' shoes, giving keeps your head right.

✅ Build guardrails, not distractions – Matt shares how focusing on one goal helped him stop chasing shiny objects.

Why It Matters:If you think jobs are won only by price or polish, this episode will show you how real-world trust gets built—and why it matters more than any piece of gear.

Links:

➡️ Visit ARG Outdoor Services’ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094632253362

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. ⁠https://getthrottledup.com/

This episode is a break from the usual dirt-business guest… and that’s the point. The Unhinged Rancher runs a ranch with 1,100–1,200 cows and somehow turned yelling at cows, turtles, and skid-steer projects into a real income stream. The best part: he lays out simple content rules that contractors can copy—how to hook people fast, deal with hate comments, and pivot platforms when the algorithm changes.

Takeaways:

✅ Humor is a tool, not a gimmick: he uses it to keep people watching, then keeps them with consistency and real-life work.

✅ Balance is a battle: ranch work doesn’t pause for “content day,” so he built a system to film while working—not instead of working.

✅ Monetization isn’t magic: the money came after attention—merch, platform payouts, partnerships—built off repeatable posting habits.

✅ Your circle matters: he’s intentional about being around people who are doing more, thinking bigger, and pushing forward.
✅ Ignore the comment section when a video pops: bigger reach brings more random hate—don’t let people who don’t pay your bills steer the wheel.

Why it Matters:If you’re an operator or contractor trying to get leads, hires, or attention online, Kyle’s approach shows how to turn everyday work into content that actually moves the needle.

Links:

➡️ Subscribe to The Unhinged Rancher’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUnhingedRancher

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. https://www.skidsteernation.com

⁠➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. https://getthrottledup.com/

Most guys in dirt work hit that point where they’re slammed with jobs, but the bank account doesn’t match the workload. That was Mike McQueston—busy, worn out, and wondering where the money was going. In this episode, he breaks down how tightening up pricing, choosing better jobs, and leaning into landfill mowing turned his excavation business from “just getting by” into a real profit-maker.

If you’ve ever looked at your books and thought, “Something’s not right here,” this episode is worth your time.

Takeaways:

✅ How Mike used landfill mowing contracts to create steady, repeat work.

✅ Simple pricing shifts that stopped him from working long hours for thin margins.

✅ Why he now says no to bad-fit jobs—even when the work is there.

✅ The mindset shift from “I need more jobs” to “I need the right jobs.”

✅ How protecting family time keeps him from letting the business run his life.

If you’re an excavation or land management contractor who’s constantly busy but not seeing the profit, this episode shows you how to tighten up your business so the numbers finally make sense.

Links:

➡️ Follow Mike and see what he’s building with Muddy Brook Enterprises: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083094322062

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. https://getthrottledup.com/

Sometimes the hardest part of running a business isn’t the long hours or tough calls — it’s figuring out what comes next. In this episode, Ryan opens up about his own season of reflection: what it means to step back, redefine the vision, and start building with purpose again. No guest this week — just a raw, real talk between Ryan and you about leadership, growth, and the next evolution of Skid Steer Nation.

Takeaways:

✅ How creating space to think — even just 20 minutes a day — can completely change the direction of your business.

✅ The mindset shift from “being the boss” to serving your team and why that’s where real growth happens.

✅ Why Ryan is rebranding the Skid Steer Nation Podcast and what his upcoming book Out of the Weeds means for contractors everywhere.

✅ A behind-the-scenes look at the new software project, Toolbox, built to help small business owners simplify operations with AI-powered tools.

✅ The most powerful lesson Ryan’s learned lately: learning to say no — and how it protects your time, clarity, and vision.

Why It Matters:Because owning a business isn’t just about grinding — it’s about building something that actually gives you freedom, not another job.

Links:➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. ⁠https://www.skidsteernation.com⁠

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. ⁠https://www.throttleupmarketing.com

When Sy Kirby started SY-CON, he wasn’t chasing fame—he was chasing integrity. In this episode, Sy breaks down how staying true to your word and building respect in the field can open doors that marketing never could.

From turning wrenches in a mechanic shop to running crews that handle utilities and excavation across Tennessee, his approach to leadership is brutally honest and refreshingly simple: treat people right, do the job right, and the rest follows.

Takeaways

✅ Reputation travels faster than marketing: Sy explains how reliability and relationships have built more business than any ad ever could.

✅ From fixing trucks to leading crews: How years as a mechanic shaped his understanding of efficiency and equipment care on job sites.

✅ Lessons in scaling smart: Why he keeps his company lean and focused instead of chasing every opportunity that comes along.

✅ No shortcuts in leadership: How showing up alongside your crew earns more respect than any title.

✅ Balancing work and life: What it really takes to grow a business while keeping your family and sanity intact.

Why it Matters:This episode hits home for any contractor trying to grow without losing their reputation or control of their business.

Links:

➡️ Visit and Subscribe to Sy Kirby’s YouTube channel⁠: https://www.youtube.com/@Sy-Con

➡️ Shop Attachments: Build your business with the right attachments. https://www.skidsteernation.com

➡️ Marketing Help: Marketing built for blue-collar contractors. https://www.throttleupmarketing.com

Most guys don’t talk about the bad deals they’ve made. But Ryan Haar does, and his story will sound familiar to anyone who’s bought a “great deal” machine that turned into a money pit. Injectors failed, the drive motor quit, and what should have been a win nearly sank him before he got started.

But instead of bailing, Ryan stuck with that skid steer, learned the hard lessons, and built Elite Excavation in Olin, Iowa.

In this episode, Ryan opens up about what that experience taught him about persistence, referrals, and marketing in a crowded market. His journey proves that sometimes the worst machine can teach you the best lessons.

Takeaways:

✅The nightmare skid steer purchase that nearly stopped him—and why he still runs it today

✅How one driveway job turned into five more through simple word-of-mouth

✅Why old-school flyers plus creative videos helped him stand out in a saturated Iowa market

✅His personal motto: “Cost to floss—strap in and hold tight” and what it means for business

Why it Matters:

Every contractor knows the sting of bad equipment—but Ryan’s story shows how grit and consistency can turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Links:

🔹 Visit Elite Excavation’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555780441041

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: ⁠www.skidsteernation.com

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttled Up Marketing: ⁠⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Brent Boitano didn’t scale his excavation business by taking every job that came his way—he grew by getting crystal clear on what he doesn’t do. In this episode, Brent shares the overlooked power of saying “no,” how he built trust in a small-town market, and why focusing on quality over volume has paid off for Boitano Excavation.

Brent also opens up about what it takes to hire people who show up with the right mindset—and why you shouldn’t expect your employees to care as much as you do. If you're running a growing excavation or land services business, this is a no-BS conversation you’ll want to hear.

Takeaways:✅Don’t chase every dollar – Brent explains why turning down the wrong jobs has helped him build a more sustainable, high-quality business.

✅Be the guy who gets the call back – His strategy is simple: show up on time, do great work, and don’t disappear.

✅Hiring mindset over skillset – Brent looks for workers who want to learn and take pride in doing things the right way—even if they’ve never run a machine before.

✅Reputation is your best marketing – In a small community, word-of-mouth can make or break your business. Brent shares how to earn trust job after job.

✅Let go of the growth-for-growth’s-sake mindset – Brent’s business is profitable and respected because he’s not trying to do it all.
Why it Matters:If you’re tired of burnout and want to build a business that lasts, Brent’s approach to boundaries, hiring, and quality-first work is a game plan worth hearing.

Links:

🔹 Visit Boitano Excavation’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054446142567

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttled Up Marketing: ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/

When Andrew Michael left his job as a diesel tech during the chaos of COVID, he didn’t chase scale—he chased control, family, and purpose. What started as renting equipment and testing the waters led to buying his first skid steer and embracing a solo operator model.

But what really makes this episode stand out? Andrew’s mindset. This isn't just about clearing land—it’s about clearing mental clutter, owning your story, and showing up for your family and clients in a way most business owners never figure out.

If you’ve ever battled imposter syndrome, wrestled with niching down, or wondered if staying small is actually smart, Andrew’s story hits hard.

Takeaways:

✅Renting vs. Owning: Andrew rented equipment for three years before finally buying his own skid steer—and the confidence that came with it was the real game changer.
✅Niching Is a Strength: Early on, he tried to do “anything brown or green,” but narrowing his focus helped build a reputation and reduce burnout.
✅Mindset over Machines: Success in this business isn’t about horsepower—it’s about what’s happening between your ears.
✅Solo by Design: Andrew doesn’t want 30 employees or a fleet—he wants to be known as a specialist, and it’s working.
✅Pressure Creates Performance: From family life to business decisions, Andrew uses pressure to fuel growth, not fear.
Why it MattersThis episode hits home for blue-collar business owners trying to balance growth, purpose, and peace of mind—without selling their soul or sacrificing their family.

Links:

🔹 Visit Michael Way Acre’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/michaelwayacres🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttled Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Joe Borowski didn’t plan to become a concrete contractor—but the market had other ideas. In this episode, Ryan Deemer sits down with the owner of Hawthorne Excavating to talk about how pouring a single hot tub pad turned into 90% of his workload. Joe shares what it’s like managing growth, staying hands-on, and slowly building a real business—not just a job.

He also gets real about what it takes to keep standards high without burning out, how he’s setting up two crews for future expansion, and why communication matters more than fancy equipment.

Takeaways:

✅ Joe got his start as a union operator at 18—but bought his first excavator instead of a new truck.

✅ Concrete wasn’t the plan, but customer demand made it impossible to ignore. Now it drives most of his revenue.

✅ He’s learned more from redoing jobs the right way than from the ones that go perfectly.

✅ Joe is shifting from operator to leader, learning how to train, trust, and let others figure it out.

✅ He's realizing time—not money—is the most valuable asset in business, and he's starting to build processes to reclaim it.
Why It Matters:

If you’re in excavation or hardscaping, learning to offer concrete—or partner with someone who does—can unlock bigger, better-paying jobs and more referrals.

Links:

🔹 Visit Hawthorne Excavating LLCs’ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HawthorneEx

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttled Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Austin Gurney didn’t just quit his job—he quit the idea that being a great operator was enough. After moving to a new state with no contacts, he grew his excavation business fast by focusing on systems, showing up when others wouldn’t, and thinking like a business owner from day one.

He didn’t build this to stay busy. He’s building it to last.

Takeaways:

✅Built a steady business from scratch in a brand-new area with zero connections.

✅Used daily Facebook group posts (at 5AM) to keep leads coming in before going full time.

✅Realized he was spending too much time being a technician—not a leader.

✅Wants his business to leave a legacy—not just cover the bills.

If you’re growing a blue-collar business and want to scale without being stuck in the machine, this episode gives you the playbook.

Links:

🔹 Visit Gurney Excavation’s’ website: https://gurneyexcavationllc.com/

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttle Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Matt Wolcott didn’t grow up in Tennessee—and he didn’t know a soul when he got there. But in just a year, he went from the “new guy” handing out business cards at gas stations to being the go-to name for storm shelters and mowing tough terrain. His story’s not about luck—it’s about hustle, follow-through, and solving real problems when others bail.

Takeaways:

✅Matt wore his company shirts everywhere—even got in trouble at his old job for it. Branding doesn't stop after hours.

✅He calls back every missed call—telemarketer or not. Most don’t leave voicemails, and that quick reply often wins the job.

✅He turned a simple mower attachment for his mini-excavator into a niche that competitors couldn’t touch.

✅He sold 15 storm shelters in under 6 weeks—some from his recliner, thanks to $10 Facebook ads and quick customer responses.

✅Built partnerships with other contractors to offload jobs outside his scope—keeps the customer happy, and the phone ringing.

Why It Matters:If you’re a contractor looking to stand out in a crowded market, this episode shows how being reliable, visible, and responsive is sometimes all it takes to win.

Links:

🔹 Visit Wolcott Outdoor Services’ website: https://wolcottoutdoorservices.com/

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttle Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Cason Rawson didn’t just build Apex Excavating & Underground overnight — he did it while keeping a cool head through 90-day payment delays and the pressure of feeding twelve families every week.

In this episode, Cason opens up about:

✅How he bootstrapped from weekend septic jobs to multi-million-dollar bids.

✅The hard truth about government work: you’d better have four months of payroll in the bank.

✅Why loyal relationships with banks and insurers matter more than a cheaper quote.

✅Letting go of control — and why getting a good right-hand man and an accountant changed everything.

Takeaways:

✔️ Always have at least 120 days of cash flow ready.

✔️ Payroll comes first, profit second — crews keep you in business.

✔️ Stick with the people who stuck with you.

✔️ Get out of the paperwork and back into the field.

Why listen?

If you run equipment and carry the weight of a crew, these lessons will save you money, stress, and a few sleepless nights.

Links:🔹 Connect with Apex Excavating & Underground: https://www.facebook.com/ApexExcUnd

🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttle Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

👉 Hit play and learn what most guys wish they’d known before bidding big.

She went through a divorce, shut down a business, and started over—seven months pregnant, running a skid steer, and refusing to quit. Stephanie Brooke isn’t just building driveways—she’s rebuilding her life, one load of gravel at a time.

In this real-as-it-gets episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, I sit down with Stephanie and her dad Richard—the team behind Precision Gravel and Earth Solutions. We talk about the hard lessons that come from business breakups, starting from scratch, and what it takes to grow a company that actually fits the life you want. If you’ve ever thought about throwing in the towel, this one will hit home.

Key Insights:

✅ Start Smart, Even When It’s Hard: Stephanie’s first business didn’t have a solid foundation—but her second one does. Learn how she approached Precision Gravel differently from day one.

✅ The Power of Business Agreements: Stephanie learned the hard way that even if you trust your business partner, you still need a clear, written agreement—especially if that partner is your spouse.

✅ Marketing with Vulnerability: From DirectTV sales to building a local brand, Stephanie shares how being authentic and showing your face online wins more trust (and work) than just polished photos.

✅ Bouncing Back with Clarity: After a painful business dissolution, Stephanie partnered with her retired father to launch a more focused, niche excavation business—with the aim of building not just driveways, but long-term client relationships.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for professionals in the excavation and land services industry who are navigating challenges—whether relational, financial, or operational.

Stephanie’s journey demonstrates that clarity, structure, and authenticity are more valuable than perfection. If you’ve ever wondered how to come back from a setback stronger, this episode is your blueprint.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Precision Gravel and Earth Solutions’ website: https://www.precisiongravelandearth.com/

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Build your excavation brand, automate your outreach, and generate leads: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Join us next week as we bring you more stories from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

What pivotal moment—and painful lesson—transformed Michael Botts into a truly legitimate business owner and leader?

In this latest episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer explores Michael Botts' journey of building Botts Grading in North Carolina. From his early days in hotshot trucking to the pivotal challenge of firing his first employee and the profound self-reflection that followed, Michael shares how he built a strong and resilient business. Filled with practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is designed to help you strengthen your business foundation and grow with purpose.

Key Insights:

✅ From Hotshot to Heavy Equipment: Discover how Michael used hotshot trucking to acquire the necessary equipment to launch Botts Grading, demonstrating resourcefulness in the early stages of business.

✅ The Tough Lesson of First Hires: Michael shares his candid experience of firing his first employee just two months in, highlighting how this difficult decision became a catalyst for him to legitimately learn about running a business and setting clear expectations for others.

✅ Strategic Naming for Brand Identity: Learn why Michael intentionally chose "Botts Grading" over a broader name like "land management," focusing on establishing a clear brand identity and expertise in dirt work.

✅ Transparent and Detailed Estimates: Michael explains his disciplined approach to estimating, breaking down costs and providing itemized estimates to residential and commercial clients for transparency and to avoid common financial pitfalls.

✅ Faith and Business Parallels: Gain a unique perspective on how Michael connects his faith to his business, highlighting the importance of commitment, going "all in," and the belief that growth requires continuous effort, similar to spiritual growth.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for excavation and land service business owners who are striving to build a profitable and sustainable company. Whether you're navigating challenges with hiring, refining your branding, or looking to improve your sales process, the practical insights shared by Michael Botts will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Michael Botts’ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/michael.botts.3

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? With industry-specific expertise, we help businesses like yours build a professional web presence, automate marketing, and generate quality leads. Learn more at ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/⁠

Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Ever felt like rapid growth might be dragging your business under instead of lifting it up?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer dives deep with Brandon Dimmer of Dimmer’s Precision Grading, who went from wrenching on transmissions to managing a 20+ person excavation crew.

Brandon unpacks the hard-won lessons from expanding too quickly and offers grounded wisdom on sustainable growth, leadership, and mental clarity in the excavation world.

Key Insights:

✅ Scaling with Purpose: Brandon reveals how explosive growth led to hiring missteps and why scaling deeper—not wider—can lead to long-term success.

✅ Grit Over Glamour: Learn how Brandon pushed through cash flow crises and quality control challenges by leaning into grit, not gimmicks.

✅ Building a Culture That Lasts: Discover the toll of hiring the wrong people and how culture shifts when original team bonds are stretched.

✅ Redefining Leadership: Understand why not every great operator should be a foreman, and how misplacing talent can hurt morale and quality.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for contractors, excavation pros, and land management business owners who are navigating the highs and lows of growth. Brandon's candor about mental burnout, leadership missteps, and the emotional cost of building a business is both a cautionary tale and an inspiring guide.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Dimmer's Precision Grading on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DPG2018

👉 Skid Steer Nation – Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing – Helping excavation and land service businesses dominate their market: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Ever wondered what it’s like to run heavy equipment with your spouse every day — and still enjoy dinner together?

In this latest episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer dives into a compelling conversation with Jeremy and Kellie Haggerty, the husband-and-wife duo behind Haggerty Dozing & Excavating in rural Cuba, Illinois. From sharing equipment to swapping duties mid-job, they’ve built a successful excavation business while raising a family — and doing it all without letting the job come home.

Filled with practical advice and real-world experience, this episode is packed with lessons for any contractor or operator looking to scale with intention.

Key Insights:

✅ Operate Together, Succeed Together: Jeremy and Kellie both operate equipment and manage the business, proving that a married couple can thrive professionally and personally — without losing their cool.

✅ Buy Smart, Scale Smart: Hear how Jeremy started with fixer-upper equipment, flipped machines, and eventually invested in brand-new gear — learning hard lessons along the way.

✅ Let the Work Speak: Without relying on ads or even a website, they’ve grown their customer base through finish quality and word-of-mouth — keeping a steady two-month backlog.

✅ Kids, Cabins & Career Balance: Learn how this family stays grounded in a small town, why their daughter’s been in a skid steer since age three, and how they still make time for Gulf Shores vacations.

🔥 Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for excavation and land management professionals who value quality craftsmanship and are striving to build a strong business without sacrificing personal relationships.

Whether you’re a solo operator, part of a family business, or considering growing your team, Jeremy and Kellie offer hard-earned wisdom and a refreshing outlook on work-life integration.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Haggerty Dozing & Excavating’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/haggertydozingandexcavating

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? Learn more at https://www.getthrottledup.com/

How do you onboard six employees at once—without losing control of your business?

In Part 2 of this powerful Skid Steer Nation Podcast episode, Ryan Deemer reconnects with Cody Kubinak of Carolina EarthWerx to dive into the nuts and bolts of business growth. Cody reveals how he’s rapidly expanded his team while preserving quality, culture, and customer relationships.

This episode is packed with actionable strategies for operators ready to level up.

Key Insights:

✅ Systemized Onboarding: Learn how Cody plans to onboard six new employees with structure, speed, and clarity.

✅ From Field Work to Delegation: Hear how he’s transitioning from operator to leader — and the mindset shifts it requires.

✅ Building a Culture that Retains: Explore the daily rhythms and standards Cody sets to keep morale high and performance consistent.

✅ Leveraging GPS and Tech in Dirt Work: See how Cody integrates new tools and techniques to stay efficient on job sites and stay ahead of competitors.

Why This Episode Matters:If you're at the tipping point in your excavation or land management business — ready to grow but unsure how to scale without chaos — this episode will give you the blueprint. Cody’s military-inspired leadership style, paired with field-tested business practices, makes this a must-listen for professionals aiming to grow a durable, high-performing crew.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Carolina EarthWerx’ website: https://carolinaearthwerx.com/ 👉 Carolina EarthWerx doesn’t just talk about getting the job done — they show it. Visit their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolinaEarthWerx⁩ 

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? With industry-specific expertise, we help businesses like yours build a professional web presence, automate marketing, and generate quality leads. Learn more at ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/⁠

Ever wish you could tell exactly what your customer is thinking — before they even say a word?

In this special 2-part episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer explores how Cody Kubinak, owner of Carolina EarthWerx, used skills honed in law enforcement to accelerate his success in excavation. Filled with practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is designed to help you build stronger client relationships, close more deals, and grow your business faster.

Key Insights:

✅Mastering Nonverbal Cues: Learn how Cody applies interrogation techniques from his law enforcement days to sense customer hesitation and guide conversations toward a "yes."

✅Building a Business from a Trailer and a Dream: Discover how Cody stacked small jobs into a full-blown excavation company with 22 employees.

✅Scaling with Systems and Culture: Get tips on how Cody built a strong team culture that fuels loyalty and performance.

✅Relationships Over Transactions: See how focusing on genuine human connections instead of dollar signs led to Cody landing major subdivision projects.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for excavation and land management professionals who want to level up their communication skills and turn more conversations into contracts. Whether you're closing your first job or managing multiple crews, Cody’s approach offers game-changing insights.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Carolina EarthWerx’ website: https://carolinaearthwerx.com/ 👉 Carolina EarthWerx doesn’t just talk about getting the job done — they show it. Visit their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolinaEarthWerx⁩ 

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? With industry-specific expertise, we help businesses like yours build a professional web presence, automate marketing, and generate quality leads. Learn more at ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/⁠

🎧 Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Should your skid steer come with a therapist?

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer gets into the real talk with Joshua Fecht of Fecht Custom Dirtwork—who opens up about why he's pulling away from residential demolition jobs. From clients breaking down mid-project to refund battles after emotional reversals, Joshua reveals the hidden mental load behind “simple” residential work.

If you've ever been on a job site wondering if you’re being paid to operate or counsel—this episode will hit home.

Key Insights:

✅ Emotions vs. Efficiency: Why Joshua prefers commercial projects—and how residential clients can drain profits and patience.

✅ $100K Mistake: A brutally honest story of underbidding and the price of ignoring your margins.

✅ Leadership Culture: How he rotates crews between machines to prevent burnout and keep morale high.

✅ From Farm to Field: Hear how Joshua uses ag tools like scraper pans to cut job time and crew size dramatically.

Why This Episode Matters:

If you’re a contractor tired of client hand-holding and last-minute changes, this episode gives you permission to draw a line and protect your business. Learn how to make the pivot from unpredictable homeowners to streamlined, profit-focused commercial projects.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Fecht Custom Dirtwork’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/fechtcustomdw

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: We help you market smarter and grow your land service brand: ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/⁠

🎧 Join us next week for more raw insight from the field.

What if the key to launching your dream business was buried inside your day job benefits?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Leighton Howe of SiteCo Excavation to uncover how he leveraged two full 12-week paternity leaves to secretly build the foundation of a now-thriving excavation business. No fancy launch, no full-time commitment at first—just grit, a used Cat 304, and an “if it works, it works” attitude.

Packed with real-world advice and honest reflections, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how Leighton grew his company from a side hustle to a full-blown operation with employees, equipment, and momentum—all without burning bridges or overspending.

Key Insights:✅ Built on Paternity Leave: Learn how Leighton maximized time off from Cummins to build SiteCo Excavation while still receiving a paycheck.

✅ Systems Before Scaling: Discover the importance of documenting simple daily routines before trying to grow your crew or take on more jobs.

✅ The Power of Saying No: Hear how learning to set boundaries helped Leighton protect his time and sanity as demand grew.

✅ Family-Driven and Cash-Funded: From his brother running backend ops to his retired dad getting a CDL to drive trucks, SiteCo is powered by trust and teamwork—not debt.

Why This Episode Matters:If you’re working a day job but dreaming about launching something of your own, this episode is proof that it’s possible—and smart—to start small and steady. Leighton’s story is for every operator, contractor, or land management pro who’s juggling kids, jobs, and a bigger vision.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit SiteCo Excavation’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100029017224834

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? With industry-specific expertise, we help businesses like yours build a professional web presence, automate marketing, and generate quality leads. Learn more at ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/

🎧 Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

What happens when someone believes in your potential more than you do?

In this latest episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Drew Gardner of Tennessee Valley Land Works. While many contractors start small and grow, Drew’s story stands out because of one critical relationship—a general contractor who saw his worth, offered him a shot, and unknowingly changed the course of his life and business.

This conversation goes far beyond dirt work. It’s about mentorship, humility, and learning how to stand your ground in the tough world of commercial excavation.

Key Insights:

✅ The Job That Changed It All: How a small commercial parking lot job opened doors to bigger contracts and licensing opportunities.

✅ Lessons from a Mentor: The advice that stuck with Drew—and how it still shapes the way he runs his business today.

✅ Standing Your Ground: Why giving in too much on commercial jobs can cost you, and how Drew’s learning to protect his business.

✅ Marketing Without Even Trying: Why Drew’s Facebook presence plays a bigger role in his business than he thought.

Why This Episode Matters: If you’ve ever questioned your next move—or needed someone to believe in you when you weren’t quite ready—this episode is a must-listen. Drew’s story is raw, honest, and full of lessons for contractors navigating both growth and setbacks.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Tennessee Valley Land Works on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tennesseevalleylandworks

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? Learn how to dominate your market at ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/⁠

Join us next week for more stories from the boots-on-the-ground professionals shaping the excavation industry.

How does clearing fence lines turn into a full-time firewood operation?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Phil Anderson, a former welder who unexpectedly built a thriving firewood business—all starting from cutting wood off farmers’ fence lines. What started as a side hustle quickly became a full-time operation, requiring large-scale processing, working with loggers, and even developing custom firewood kilns to expand his reach.

Whether you're in excavation, land clearing, or looking for ways to make the most of your resources, this episode is packed with practical business growth strategies and efficiency hacks you won’t want to miss.

Key Insights:✅ Turning a Weekend Job into a Full-Time Business: How Phil’s casual fence-line clearing turned into a high-volume firewood operation.

✅ The Hidden Challenges of Firewood Production: From sourcing wood to managing loggers and finding the right equipment.

✅ Efficiency in Firewood Processing: Why Phil doesn’t just buy bigger machines but focuses on smarter processes to save time and money.

✅ Why He Built His Own Firewood Kilns: The real reason behind heat-treating firewood and how it’s helping small operators grow.

Why This Episode Matters:This episode is perfect for excavation pros, land clearing specialists, and small business owners looking to scale without overextending themselves on equipment costs. Whether you're searching for an off-season revenue stream or a way to increase efficiency and margins, Phil’s insights will challenge the way you look at business growth.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Follow Phil’s Firewood and Land Management on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firewoodandlandmanagement

👉 Explore Skid Steer Nation for the best American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Get your excavation or land service business noticed with Throttled Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

🎧 Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

What if you could buy equipment, expand your business, or even fund an investment—without spending your own money?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Brett Watts, a former marketing agency owner who successfully exited his business and now helps small businesses secure financing through Swift Line Capital. Brett shares his journey from digital marketing to private lending, offering powerful strategies on how contractors and excavation professionals can leverage capital and marketing to scale their business.

Key Insights:✅ Creative Financing Solutions – Brett explains how business credit cards can provide up to 18 months of 0% interest funding, helping business owners purchase equipment, manage cash flow, and grow without traditional bank loans.

✅ The Power of Niching Down – Discover why focusing on a specialized service, rather than trying to do everything, is the key to scaling faster and increasing profitability.

✅ Marketing Strategies That Work – Brett shares how targeted digital ads and data-driven marketing can bring in consistent leads without wasting ad spend.

✅ Delegation & Systems for Growth – Learn how systematizing your business and outsourcing tasks can free up time and allow you to focus on high-value activities.

Why This Episode Matters:

If you're a contractor, excavation professional, or land management business owner struggling with cash flow or lead generation, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice to help you break through your limitations and take your business to the next level.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Swift Line Capital: https://swiftlinecapital.com/

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Need more leads for your excavation business? We help businesses like yours dominate online. Learn more at https://www.getthrottledup.com/

🎧 Listen now and start making your money work for you!

Would you leave a secure federal job to go all in on your excavation business?In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ron Bylo shares how he built Bylo Acres Excavation and Grading from the ground up—while still working full-time for the FAA maintaining air traffic control systems. After four years of balancing both careers, working 70+ hours a week, and never taking a draw from the business, Ron is finally ready to take the leap into full-time excavation.If you’re on the fence about going all in on your business, this episode is packed with real-world insight on what it takes to make the transition.Key Insights:✅ The Unconventional Start – How Ron went from Air Force aircraft maintenance to running excavation projects in Missouri.✅ Balancing a Full-Time Job & Business Growth – What it really took to juggle both careers—and what finally convinced him to quit his federal job.✅ The Marketing Strategy That Built a Booked-Out Business – Why Google reviews and a simple approach to branding made all the difference.✅ How to Lock in Recurring Work – The secret to turning HOA road grading into a predictable revenue stream.Why This Episode Matters:If you’re an operator wondering when to take your business full-time or struggling to get consistent work in a new area, Ron’s journey will give you the confidence and strategy to make it happen.🔗 Connect with Success: 👉 Visit Bylo Acres Excavation & Grading website: https://www.byloacres.com/ 👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com 👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? Learn how to rank on Google, build a brand, and generate real leads at https://www.getthrottledup.comJoin us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

What’s the real difference between just moving dirt and building a thriving business?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Trent Harris, owner of Blue Collar Contractors, to uncover what it takes to build a standout brand in excavation.

Trent isn’t just running equipment—he’s mastering business growth by leveraging social media, managing multiple service offerings, and making smart financial decisions to scale.

If you’ve ever wondered how to take your excavation business to the next level, this episode is packed with real-world advice and strategies that work.

Key Insights:✅ Building a Recognizable Brand: How Trent’s Blue Collar branding across multiple businesses boosts recognition and credibility.

✅ Cash Flow Strategies: Why a pressure washing contract became a game-changer for stabilizing income.

✅ Smart Growth & Delegation: The key to stepping out of the daily grind and into strategic business leadership.

✅ The Power of Mentorship: How networking and surrounding yourself with people ahead of you can fast-track your business growth.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is a must-listen for excavation professionals, small business owners, and anyone looking to break through growth barriers. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, Trent’s journey provides valuable insights into making strategic moves that lead to long-term success.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Blue Collar Contractors’ website and get in touch with Trent:https://www.bcdirt.com/

👉 Skid Steer Nation – Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing – Get your excavation or land service business noticed with expert marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Join us next week for more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Would you start a business with just a borrowed lawnmower?

In this latest episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer chats with Luis Barrett, who went from borrowing his dad’s mower to running multiple crews across two states in just four years.

At only 21 years old, Luis has built Freedom Lawn & Landscape into a thriving operation, proving that grit beats experience every time. This episode is filled with insights on starting from scratch, scaling fast, and creating a business that doesn’t run you into the ground.

Key Insights:✅ The Borrowed Mower Hustle: How Luis started with zero equipment and turned a side hustle into a full-time, multi-crew business.

✅ Manifesting Success: At 13, Luis declared his future business plans online—and made them happen.

✅ Hiring the Right First Employee: Why an office manager before a laborer can be the key to scaling smart.

✅ Eliminating Chaos: The three-step system Luis uses to cut unnecessary tasks, automate processes, and free up time.

Why This Episode Matters:

If you’ve ever hesitated to start because you don’t have all the right tools, experience, or capital, Luis’s story proves that determination and strategic thinking can take you further than the perfect setup ever will.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Freedom Lawn & Landscape’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066998774375

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? Get professional web presence, automated marketing, and lead generation here: https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

What happens when you're pushed into business ownership before you're "ready"?

In this insightful episode of theSkid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Luke Mace, owner ofKansas Property Services, to discuss the unexpected leap into entrepreneurship. Luke shares how he transitioned from side jobs to full-time excavation work, what it was like to take that plunge with a family to support, and how he's scaling his business with a massive, multi-year regenerative farm project.

This episode is packed with real-world lessons on risk, business growth, and balancing work with family life.

Key Insights:

✅Forced Into Entrepreneurship– Luke didn't plan to go full-time when he did, but when circumstances pushed him, he embraced the challenge and never looked back.

✅Navigating the Uncertainty – With three kids and a stay-at-home wife, Luke shares the mindset shift needed to succeed in a high-risk industry.

✅Scaling with Strategy– Taking on a long-term farm development project required a shift in pricing models and planning for the future.

✅Balancing Business and Family – Luke talks about integrating his kids into his work, making the most of business ownership, and why time is the most valuable asset.

Why This Episode Matters:

For excavation professionals, land clearing contractors, and small business owners, this episode is a must-listen. If you've ever considered taking the leap into business ownership but were hesitant, Luke’s story will inspire you to take action. And if you're already in the game, his approach to pricing, scaling, and managing family life will give you valuable insights to apply in your own journey.

🔗Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Kansas Property Services website:https://www.kansaspropertyservices.com/

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Need more leads for your excavation or land services business? Get a professional web presence, marketing automation, and high-quality leads. https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Join us next week for more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Why would a guy specializing in excavation and land clearing decide to focus solely on equestrian arenas?

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Scott Macdonald, owner of Elite Arena Solutions and 10 Point Land Management, to talk about the power of niching down in business.

Scott shares how he went from general excavation and land clearing to becoming a go-to expert in equestrian arena construction—and why attention to detail is everything in this industry.

Key Insights:

✅ Focusing on a niche can change everything – Scott explains why shifting from general excavation to equestrian arenas helped him build a high-demand, word-of-mouth business.

✅ The science behind a proper arena – Why drainage, compaction, and footing blend are critical for the safety of horses and riders.

✅ Why precision matters in excavation – The smallest grading errors can cause major issues in an equestrian arena. Scott shares how he uses 2D and 3D laser grading to get it right every time.

✅ Growing a business without a website – Scott’s work speaks for itself. Learn how he built a successful business with little online presence.

✅ Giving back through equine therapy – Scott shares his work with rehabilitation arenas that serve individuals with disabilities.

Why This Episode Matters:

For excavation professionals, contractors, and business owners, this episode is packed with real-world advice on scaling your business by specializing. Whether you’re looking to refine your services or understand the high standards of equestrian arena construction, Scott’s insights are worth tuning in for.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Elite Arena Solution’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554063113605

👉Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: ⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? With industry-specific expertise, we help businesses like yours build a professional web presence, automate marketing, and generate quality leads. Learn more at ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com/⁠

Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Ever wondered how washing hog confinements could spark a thriving excavation business?

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Jon VanZee, owner of 641 Excavating. From the unconventional start of power washing hog confinements to building a successful excavation company, Jon shares how failures, resilience, and a commitment to excellence paved his path.

Key Takeaways: ✅Transitioning from one business to another and leveraging past lessons.

✅The impact of community connections and supporting local businesses.

✅Why knowing your numbers and bidding efficiently can transform your profits.

✅Tips for time-blocking, efficiency bonuses, and systemizing operations.

✅The philosophy of "Free or Full Price" and its role in creating boundaries for business success.

🔗 Connect with Success: 👉 Visit 641 Excavating’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064322910944

👉Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/

👉Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? With industry-specific expertise, we help businesses like yours build a professional web presence, automate marketing, and generate quality leads. Learn more at https://www.getthrottledup.com/

Join us next week as we bring you more insights from professionals shaping the excavation industry!

Ready to start the New Year with bold moves and big opportunities?

In this special New Year episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Andrew Steinhauser, owner of Elkhorn Pines Tree Service and Whitetail Solutions. Andrew shares how he turned cold calls into a thriving business, found value in salvaging eastern red cedar, and balances family and work while building his legacy in rural Nebraska.

Whether you're setting new goals or looking for inspiration to kickstart your year, Andrew’s story is packed with lessons that will fuel your motivation.

Key Insights:

✅Cold Calls That Open Doors: Andrew shares how his proactive cold-calling strategy kick-started his business and generated consistent work.

✅Cedar Salvage Innovation: Learn how Andrew found value in salvaging eastern red cedar in an area lacking a local market.

✅Balancing Conservation and Business: Discover Andrew’s involvement in preserving Nebraska's Niobrara Scenic River while running a growing business.

✅Family and Growth: Hear how Andrew expanded his operations to include his father as a full-time employee.

Why This Episode Matters: As we enter a new year, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to expand their business or refine their strategies. Andrew’s journey will inspire you to tackle challenges creatively, stay persistent, and set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

🎉 From all of us at Skid Steer Nation, Happy New Year! Let’s make this year one of growth and success.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Iron Hill Excavation’s Facebook Page and see all the services that he offer https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063760863607

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠⁠⁠

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

👉Head over to ⁠Throttled Up Marketing⁠ to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan today to discuss how we can help your business grow.: https://www.getthrottledup.com

What happens when a leader’s mission is to create a team that’s stronger than themselves?

In this special Christmas episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer sits down with Evan Jones, a Maryland-based entrepreneur whose leadership philosophy is simple yet profound: he wants his team to "be better than me."

By empowering his employees, fostering mentorship, and emphasizing collaboration over competition, Evan has built a thriving business rooted in purpose and people.

Key Insights:

✅Empowering Employees: Why Evan encourages his team to surpass his own skills—and how it strengthens his business.

✅Leadership Lessons from the Military: How Evan’s service shaped his approach to guiding and supporting his team.

✅Scaling Through Self-Awareness: The importance of analyzing weaknesses and making strategic decisions to grow.

✅Collaboration Over Competition: How working with other contractors helps everyone win.

🎄 A Christmas Message from Skid Steer Nation 🎄As you tune into this inspiring episode, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season! Thank you for being part of the Skid Steer Nation family—we’re grateful for your support this year. Here’s to an incredible 2025 ahead!

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Dundee Farm’s website: ⁠https://dflandservice.com/

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠⁠⁠

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

👉Head over to ⁠Throttled Up Marketing⁠ to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan today to discuss how we can help your business grow.: ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com

How do you turn a heated moment into a thriving business?

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Harold Gentner, the owner of Iron Hill Excavation, who transformed an unexpected fallout with his boss into a thriving excavation business. From rebuilding driveways to becoming the "Driveway King" of Marlette, Michigan, Harold shares how he built his reputation on quality, the right tools, and balancing family with business.

Key Insights:

✅The Unexpected Start: How leaving his job after a boss dispute led Harold to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

✅Earning the “Driveway King” Title: Why Harold’s approach to quality driveways sets him apart from competitors.

✅Tools That Make the Difference: How specialty attachments like grading boxes became Harold's secret to efficiency.

✅Defining Success: How Harold found happiness as a solo operator without the pressure to scale.

✅Lessons in Work-Life Balance: Why Harold refuses to let the business own him and prioritizes family time.

Why This Episode Matters:

Harold’s story is a relatable reminder that success comes from defining your own path. Whether you're at a career crossroads or looking for ways to enhance your work quality, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to thrive—on your terms.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Iron Hill Excavation’s Facebook Page and see all the services that he offer https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064747668530⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠⁠

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

👉Head over to ⁠Throttled Up Marketing⁠ to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan today to discuss how we can help your business grow.: ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com

In this episode of the Skid Steer Nation podcast, Ryan Deemer is joined by marketing expert Clay Deal to discuss their new venture, Throttled Up Marketing, which aims to serve small business owners in the excavation and construction industry. 

Together, they dive deep into their unique approach to marketing—offering tailored solutions for businesses at different revenue levels.

Ryan and Clay talk about the challenges faced by business owners, including managing marketing efforts alongside day-to-day operations, and how Throttled Up is designed to scale with businesses as they grow. 

With Clay's 13 years of experience in digital marketing and Ryan's hands-on knowledge of the excavation industry, this new partnership will offer business owners everything they need, from systems and automation to lead generation and digital strategy.

The episode highlights the importance of building a solid foundation, measuring success, and providing actionable insights for businesses looking to thrive in today's competitive landscape. 

They also discuss their philosophy of transparency, personalized marketing packages, and why Throttled Up Marketing is the perfect solution for businesses at various stages of growth. 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, Ryan and Clay believe this partnership will offer the tools and knowledge to help business owners achieve their goals.

Takeaways:

✅ The importance of understanding your company's mission and setting clear business goals.

✅ How to transition from a "one-size-fits-all" marketing strategy to a personalized approach.

✅ Why creating systems and processes is essential for growth and sustainability.

✅ Marketing isn’t just about getting leads—it’s about turning those leads into long-term customers.

✅ The difference between quality leads and the sheer volume of leads, and why quality should be prioritized.

✅ How to implement automation and systematization to free up more time for business owners.

🔗 Connect for Success:

👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Learn more about our marketing services for small businesses in the excavation industry: https://www.getthrottledup.com

👉 Skid Steer Nation: Check out Ryan’s other business, providing expert skid steer attachments for the excavation community: https://www.skidsteernation.com

👉 Groundbreaking Growth: Coaching for small business owners in the excavation and land service industry: https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com

Ready to take your marketing to the next level? 

Head over to Throttled Up Marketing to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan and Clay today to discuss how we can help your business grow.

Ever wondered why an experienced excavation pro would rent all his equipment instead of owning it?

In this insightful episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer sits down with Luke Fielder, the owner of TriStar Land Solutions in Burns, Tennessee. Luke shares his journey from working for large corporations to starting his own company alongside his wife in 2022. With over 20 years of experience in excavation, Luke has mastered the art of balancing financial prudence, customer relations, and personal growth. This episode is packed with actionable insights and relatable stories that will inspire you to take charge of your business and personal life.

Key Insights:

✅Rent vs. Own: Luke explains why renting equipment often makes more sense than owning it, especially for businesses handling diverse projects.

✅Estimation Strategies: Learn about Luke’s system for accurate project cost estimation, including the crucial role of spreadsheets and automation tools.

✅Customer Relations: Discover how Luke prequalifies clients to avoid problematic projects and ensure mutual alignment.

✅The Human Side of Business: Hear Luke’s approach to balancing work and personal life while fostering a positive company culture that values employees and family.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is a must-listen for excavation and land management professionals aiming to refine their operations, enhance customer relations, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're just starting out or striving to grow your business, Luke’s journey offers invaluable lessons and strategies for success.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Luke Fielder’s website and social media accounts:

🌐: https://tnexcavationpros.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TristarLandSolutions

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tristarlandsolutionsllc/?igsh=MXR3YXZoemFkeWo4Yg%3D%3D

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tnexpros?_t=ZT-8sK4iRdXLzC&_r=1

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/⁠

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

👉Head over to ⁠Throttled Up Marketing⁠ to learn more, explore our packages, and book a call with Ryan today to discuss how we can help your business grow.: ⁠https://www.getthrottledup.com

Ever thought about tackling projects no one else wants to touch?

In this week’s Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer talks with Charlie Thomas of Dirtworx Unlimited. After leaving corporate America, Charlie discovered a unique way to stand out in the excavation business: digging egress windows. In a market with little competition, Charlie shares how this simple but essential service became a profitable niche for his company.

Key Insights:

✅Breaking Free from Corporate Life: Why Charlie walked away from a steady job to work for himself.

✅Egress Windows as a Hidden Opportunity: How Charlie found a niche with big rewards in an untapped market.

✅Smart Tools for Solo Operators: Why advanced equipment like rotators and grade control systems are worth the investment.

✅Work-Life Balance Done Right: Building a business that lets you focus on what matters most.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is a must-listen for contractors, dirt workers, and operators looking to spot overlooked opportunities in their industry. Charlie’s story shows how thinking outside the box and investing in the right tools can set you apart.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Charlie Thomas’ Facebook Page and see all the services that he offer: https://www.facebook.com/charlie.thomas.144

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skidsteernation.com/

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/

Ever been so fed up with a service you thought, "I’d do this better myself"?

In this down-to-earth episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer speaks with Jason Shipes, a Marine Corps veteran who took matters into his own hands when local rental companies let him down. Now the proud owner of his own equipment rental business,

Jason shares how he transformed frustration into a booming venture, with valuable insights on putting customers first, reinvesting smartly, and getting the job done right.

Key Insights:

✅Motivation from Setbacks: Jason shares how getting fed up with poor service turned into a business opportunity.

✅Building a Brand with Integrity: Learn why Jason’s no-BS approach to customer service keeps clients coming back.

✅Smart Reinvestment: Discover Jason’s strategy for keeping his business well-equipped without breaking the bank.

✅Creating Trust and Loyalty: Hear how he keeps it real with customers and outshines the big guys by focusing on quality and trust.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is essential listening for professionals who see gaps in the market and want to turn challenges into opportunities. Jason’s journey reveals how to build a respected business by focusing on service quality and community trust.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Jason Shipes’ Facebook Page and see all the services that he offer: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoMulchingandClearing

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://www.skidsteernation.com

Ever considered what it takes to run an excavation business without credit lines?

In this engaging episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, Ryan Deemer talks with Danny Brewer, owner of Bijou Grading Inc in Colorado, who has taken an unconventional approach to growth by running his entire operation on cash.

Danny shares the ups and downs of his journey, from tight payroll weeks to creating a family-focused business culture that values loyalty over rapid expansion. This episode is packed with real-life advice on financing, partnerships, and building a resilient business.

Key Insights:

✅Cash-Only Growth: Danny explains his cash-only approach and how it’s helped him keep his business resilient and independent.

✅Network-Driven Expansion: Learn how Danny’s strong local network allows him to expand services without overextending resources.

✅Family-Focused Operations: Discover Danny’s commitment to creating stability for his team, including paid winters and healthcare coverage.

✅Why Saying “Yes” Matters: Hear why Danny’s “never say no” mindset has opened doors to some of his most profitable projects.

Why This Episode Matters: This episode is invaluable for land management and excavation professionals who are looking to grow without taking on debt, as well as those striving to create a business culture that prioritizes family and loyalty.

Whether you're a small business owner or part of a team, Danny’s story offers inspiring takeaways for building stability and resilience.

🔗 Connect with Success:

👉 Visit Danny Brewer’s Facebook Page and see all the services that they offer: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057455799081

👉Want to grow your business?: Groundbreaking Growth:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.groundbreakinggrowth.com/⁠⁠⁠

👉Find USA manufactured attachments: Visit our website at Skid Steer Nation:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠http://www.skidsteernation.com