Editor’s Note: Next week, we’ll share the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 articles that resonated most with our readers and what those trends reveal about contractor priorities heading into the new year. Look for the full breakdown in your Dec. 31 inbox.
Want to learn how other contractors are overcoming some of the tough challenges inherent in this industry to come out on top? Watch the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Podcast hosted by Taylor White of Ken White Construction in Carp, Ontario, Canada, where he and guests share their unique stories, challenges and advice.
Here are the top five podcasts from 2025 that resonated across the industry:
1. TAYLOR TALKS BURNOUT, HIRING AND FINDING YOUR ‘WHY’
In this solo podcast, Taylor gets really personal as he answers questions from viewers, including "struggles you face that you don't talk about." He shares how he’s handling “copious amounts of stress” due to traveling constantly, dealing with cash flow issues, project deadlines, projects sometimes going wrong – all while trying to maintain work-life balance. The key? Finding your “why.”
Key Takeaways
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Manage stress in healthy ways. Drink less alcohol, scroll less, workout more and take more time to reflect.
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Make sure family time is truly family time. When you’re with your family or friends, be present – and engage with them in meaningful ways.
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Remind yourself about your “why.” Every morning ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?" That will help you better appreciate your stress, so you can better manage it.
Taylor also answers viewers’ questions about attracting new talent, saying it’s all about leveraging social media. “You need to go where the young people are….Show what you do, give value to people, but do it in a way that attracts them.” Then if you want to keep them, give them a path to grow.
2. DOMINATE THE DIRT BUSINESS LIKE JOHN SEAMAN
John Seaman of JC Property Professionals in Marion, NC joins Taylor in this podcast to share how he transitioned from building custom homes to moving dirt, while also developing real estate. Seaman points out the benefits of making the change.
Key Takeaways
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Moving dirt is year-round. No more seasonal ups and downs as people need dirt moved for various reasons all times of the year.
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Moving dirt is for everyone. Residential, commercial, municipalities – there’s no shortage of work.
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Moving dirt can be challenging, but ultimately less hassle. Seaman gets calls to clean up tricky projects that others bungled, which is both exciting and lucrative. However, the stress is typically less than full-on construction projects because there’s fewer moving parts and fewer entities involved.
Seaman also details how his company was able to help homeowners stranded after Hurricane Helene in 2024 ravaged North Carolina communities. Seaman and his crew removed trees on their houses and other debris, and as first responders, also provided food and water. The work was very rewarding and it also strengthened the company’s camaraderie and culture.
3. TREY BOHANNAN’S STRAIGHT UP TRUTHS ABOUT RUNNING A CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
Trey Bohannan, president of Design One Contracting in Pine Bluff, Ark. shares with Taylor in this podcast how he has been successful employing the “slow growth technique” by keeping older equipment running, paying with cash as much as possible and not overloading on debt. Bohannan also gives tips for how young entrepreneurs can succeed in the commercial excavation business.
Key Takeaways
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Build relationships. If general contractors are in a bind, they’ll call you for help. Get out there fast, do a good job and they’ll call you again.
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Upfront capital. It takes longer to get paid in the commercial world, so have money in the bank to tide you over.
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So no to jobs that wouldn’t cover your overhead. Instead, find a profitable downtime operation, like charging a tilt fee to accept used concrete from contractors, and then crushing it and selling it to others.
Trey also talks about being a mentor, helping young excavators in a bind. He walks them through solutions, including working with creditors to repay debt in a more realistic way. “It's when you don't answer the phone…That's when you got a problem.”
4. LEVELING UP YOUR CONSTRUCTION GAME WITH BRIAN DIETZ
In this podcast, Brian Dietz, co-owner of Bob Dietz and Sons Inc. in Paltz, NY and Equipment World’s 2024 Contractor of the Year, shares with Taylor how his company has been able to succeed by running a “clean” fleet. General contractors, project owners and the general public appreciate equipment that is powered by alternative energy, making projects more sustainable. An added bonus: younger generations are more likely to enter the industry when they are able to operate equipment packed with emerging technologies.
Key Takeaways
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GPS on site. The latest machines with GPS systems enable crews to be “on design,” eliminating rework. Profitability rises because time and materials aren’t wasted.
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Remote control machines. Remote operation may be more appealing to younger generations who are more tech-savvy.
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AI. Smart equipment will transform the industry even further.
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CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. Look for manufacturers showcasing equipment with the latest technologies and innovations.
It’s important to assign equipment and tools to each worker, Dietz says. “That ownership is changing how they take care of it. They just respect it. They know that's theirs.”
5. D2 CONTRACTING'S GROWTH SECRETS REVEALED WITH DYLAN MERCIER
Dylan Mercier of D2 Contracting in Brighton, Mich. discusses with Taylor in this podcast how in three short years he has been able to grow revenues to multi-seven-figures, performing general site work for municipal, commercial and industrial clients. Mercier shares lessons he learned that others just starting out should consider.
Key Takeaways
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Find your sweet spot. Mercier realized that mid-sized projects is the niche for him, as it’s tougher to compete for larger projects just starting out, but mid-sized work is both plentiful and profitable.
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Go slow. Don’t let your ego get the best of you. Don’t take on too many projects too quickly. Remember: quality matters over quantity when you’re building up resources.
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Consider repricing. If you’re winning all your bids, you may be bidding too low. Consider raising your pricing just enough to give you a reasonable amount of steady work, and that overall is more profitable.
Mercier also explains the benefits of pursuing rental-purchase agreements for equipment. “You can get a better price if you explain to them, ‘Hey, I want to buy this, and I also want to rent it for half the year.’"
Listen to all episodes of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 to get even more industry news. And don’t miss seeing a live Podcast recording at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in the Community Zone.
Photo Courtesy OF CONEXPO-CON/AGG
