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 businessWhy 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.Why it Matters: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/ 👉 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/ 👉 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!