Advertise on podcast: The Devin Dyer Show

In this episode, we sit down with Dusty to talk about the realities of running a construction and dirt work business. Dusty shares insights from his experience in estimating, bidding jobs, managing equipment, growing a business, and navigating the challenges that come with working in a competitive industry. We get into the decisions behind choosing and managing equipment, strategies for bidding and growing a business, financial considerations, and what it takes to keep moving forward when things get tough. Dusty and Devin also talk about the drive and ambition it takes to build something successful and why staying motivated is so important in the blue collar industry. If you’re in construction, dirt work, or simply interested in what it takes to build and run a successful blue collar business, this episode is packed with real-world insight and lessons from the field.

In this episode, Brock Garn shares his journey from college baseball to excavation, discussing the challenges of managing cash flow, client relationships, and the importance of pricing and reputation in the construction industry. In this episode, we explore the realities of construction business, including pricing, equipment, support, and evolving strategies to stay competitive. Our guest shares insights on managing costs, investing wisely, and the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation.

In this episode, we sit down with the husband-and-wife behind Chiasson Smoke to talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. We dive into the struggles of entrepreneurship, why “work-life balance” often feels impossible when your mind never stops creating, and how constant ideas and improvements can become both a blessing and a challenge. We also discuss one of the toughest parts of running a company—learning leadership, building a team, and training the people around you to grow with the vision. On top of that, we talk about the power of community, how social media has become essential for business growth, and the incredible story of how their community came together to help hurricane recovery efforts by getting rocket stoves to those in need. This conversation also gets personal as we share what it was like growing up with nothing, working young to help provide for our mothers, struggling in school, and how those hardships may have built the drive that pushed us into entrepreneurship. A real conversation about grit, sacrifice, business, and building something bigger than yourself.

In this episode, we sit down with Jace Marriott, an up-and-coming excavator, to talk about what it really takes to get started in the excavation industry. We dive into the big decisions early on—like whether investing in grade control for your trackhoe is worth it, when to step up into bigger equipment, and how to separate yourself from the competition without racing to the bottom on price. We also get real about the challenges of starting with limited capital, when it makes sense to take risks and stretch yourself, and why going “all in” is sometimes the only way to build something that lasts. On top of that, we talk about the reality of work-life balance as a business owner—and why taking care of your wife and family still has to be a priority no matter how busy things get.

In this episode, we sit down with Zach Taylor for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with trench safety on the jobsite. We get into why dieting never really works when you’re working long days — packing a “healthy” lunch, eating it on the drive to work, and somehow still ending up at McDonald’s by noon. The conversation then shifts to something deeper, as Zach explains why he decided to start his own business. For him, it wasn’t about money or titles — it was about time freedom and being the kind of dad he wants to be for his daughter. Real talk, real stories, and lessons from the field.

56. Lance Henderson / Mitchell K Company Excavation by The Devin Dyer Show

55. Evan Koehler / Evans Companies by The Devin Dyer Show

In this episode McLaine opens up about the financial hardships and stress he faces in his business. He shares the pressures of managing a growing company, juggling multiple projects, and dealing with clients who fail to pay on time.

From cows to dirt work. In this episode we sit down with Justin Jensen who transitioned from working on the family farm to the world of dirt work. We dive into challenges he has face and lessons he has learned in his business. From hard work to adaptability, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to be bold in starting a new career. Tune in to hear his story of grit, growth, and finding opportunity where others might now see it!

How to get the best clients.

We discuss the pros and cons of owning a dump truck and what we think about leasing it out.

Jordan is insane. Three years ago he got his first paying client from cold calling contractors out of the phone book asking if they needed any excavating work done, After hundreds of phone calls he finally landed a his first project. Next, he rented a laser from home depot and a mini ex from a local rental company and went to work.

Farrah is the owner of a land surveying company, full time college student, and most importantly a mom.

After listening to The Devin Dyer Show and Aaron Witt podcasts, Jason Halton decided to jump into the deep end of the wonderful world of dirt. Last year Jason purchased a John Deere skid steer along with a bucket and a mulcher only because it looked interesting. This year he is adding a 135 trackhoe with gps.

Rachel swung by my house late one night around 11 pm on one of her many trips to Colorado to talk about her adventures in trucking and heavy haul. She has had some unbelievable experiences that will make you question why anyone would want to spend time on the road. Rachel is adventurous and fearless and the truck'n life fits her personality like a glove.