Give Us The Dirt

Rapid growth can build a business, but it can also expose the cracks in its foundation. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Gabriel “Gabe” Powers, president of Powers Development Group in Jacksonville, Florida, to discuss his unexpected path into construction, starting his own company, and the growth that nearly cost him everything.Gabe shares an honest look at earning the respect of field crews, learning from criticism, taking ownership of mistakes, and discovering why a fun workplace needs clear expectations and accountability. From growing to $19 million in annual revenue to facing the possibility of closing his doors, he reflects on how faith, relationships, and a renewed focus on quality helped him move forward. This conversation offers valuable lessons for owners, managers, field leaders, and anyone working to build a stronger business and become a better leader.  www.hgcjobs.comConnect with us on social media!➡️Facebook: / hoopaughgradingco➡️Instagram: / hoopaughgrading➡️TikTok: / hoopaughgrading➡️LinkedIn: / hoopaugh-grading-llc#construction #constructionindustry #podcast #constructionpodcast #leadershippodcast #entrepreneurship #companyculture #constructioncareers

What do world-class motocross and construction leadership have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Jake Nicholls, Group CEO of True Seven Group, a third-generation family business in Suffolk, England with more than 300 employees across earthworks, demolition, equipment rental, aggregates, concrete, and more. Jake’s path into construction was anything but traditional—before joining the family business, he built a career as a professional motocross racer, reaching fourth in the world before injuries and a changing perspective led him toward a completely new chapter.Instead of stepping directly into the corner office, Jake chose to start at the bottom. Working long days in the recycling yard, learning the business firsthand, and earning the respect of the people he knew he might one day lead. He shares how racing shaped his work ethic and humility, what it takes to lead and grow a multigenerational family business, and why building one unified team across different divisions has become one of his proudest accomplishments. Jake also dives into the challenges facing construction in the UK, adapting to changing markets, developing young talent, and how True Seven’s apprenticeship program is helping create the next generation of skilled operators. From racing around the world to moving dirt across England, Jake’s story is a reminder that great leadership isn’t inherited. it’s earned. ????????????????????‍♀️ ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? www.hgcjobs.comConnect with us on social media!➡️Facebook: /hoopaughgradingco➡️Instagram: /hoopaughgrading➡️TikTok: /hoopaughgrading➡️LinkedIn: /hoopaugh-grading-llc#construction #constructionindustry #podcast #constructionpodcast #constructionleadership #familybusiness #earthworks #heavyequipment #motocross #workforcedevelopment #constructioncareers #nextgeneration

What does it take to prepare the next generation for an industry that’s changing faster than ever? In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with leaders, Dr. Lingguang Song & Wayne Goff from UNC Charlotte’s construction program to discuss how education and industry can work together to develop construction professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.From hands-on learning and mandatory internships to leadership, communication, emerging technology, and AI, the conversation explores what today’s students need beyond the classroom. They discuss closing the gap between education and the jobsite, why understanding construction fundamentals still matters in an increasingly technology-driven industry, and how real-world experience helps students discover not only how to do the work, but where they belong within construction. With demand for qualified talent continuing to grow, preparing the future workforce means more than teaching technical skills. It means developing capable communicators, leaders, and problem-solvers who understand the work from the ground up. ????????????????‍♀️ ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? www.hgcjobs.comConnect with us on social media! ➡️Facebook: /hoopaughgradingco ➡️Instagram: /hoopaughgrading ➡️TikTok: /hoopaughgrading ➡️LinkedIn: /hoopaugh-grading-llc#construction #constructionindustry #podcast #constructionpodcast #constructioneducation #constructioncareers #constructionmanagement #constructionleadership #workforcedevelopment #futureofconstruction #nextgeneration #AIinconstruction #uncc #charlote #NC #college #Tradescollege #collegeprogram #Education 

You don’t have to fit the traditional mold to build a successful career in construction. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Sam Roth, Project Manager at Sam Corporation, who went from having no construction background to helping lead more than $100 million in active construction on one of North Carolina’s largest mixed-use developments, all within just a few years.Sam shares how curiosity, authenticity, strong relationships, and a willingness to do things that scare her helped shape her career. From overcoming imposter syndrome and earning credibility to learning from mistakes, leading diverse teams, mentoring the next generation, and challenging the “this is how we’ve always done it” mindset, Sam offers a fresh perspective on what leadership in construction can look like. Her message is simple: stay curious, be yourself, and never stop building people, not just projects. ????????????????‍♀️ ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? www.hgcjobs.comConnect with us on social media!➡️Facebook: /hoopaughgradingco➡️Instagram: /hoopaughgrading➡️TikTok: /hoopaughgrading➡️LinkedIn: /hoopaugh-grading-llc#construction #constructionindustry #podcast #constructionpodcast #womeninconstruction #constructionleadership #leadershippodcast #constructioncareers #nextgeneration

Strong projects are built by strong leaders, but great leadership isn't something you're born with. In this episode of Give Us The Dirt, Brandon Lindsey sits down with Gilbane leaders Fernando Torres, Troy Anthony, and Nick Davies to discuss what it takes to lead teams, earn respect, and build a culture where people and projects thrive.From developing young professionals and creating strong partnerships to balancing safety, communication, and production, they share the leadership lessons they've learned in the field—and the advice they wish they had when starting their careers. Whether you're an intern, field leader, project manager, or simply looking to become a better leader, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can apply every day. ????????????????‍♀️ Interested in joining our team? Apply today ???? www.hgcjobs.comConnect with us on social media! ➡️ Facebook: /hoopaughgradingco ➡️ Instagram: /hoopaughgrading ➡️ TikTok: /hoopaughgrading ➡️ LinkedIn: /hoopaugh-grading-llc#construction #constructionindustry #podcast #constructionpodcast #leadership #leadershippodcast #constructioncareers #careerdevelopment #internships #teambuilding