We're back baby! Join Season 3 of The Dirt [Regraded] on our first episode in 2 YEARS! We're kicking things off with seasoned foreman Jeremy Parsons in studio and in this episode (part 1 of 2), we're going to get to know Jeremy and his family a little better. In part 2, we reveal a "secret" that is now public. Be patient to find a fun little "Easter Egg" at the end of the episode that explains the missing episode.
"You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink." At the ripe old age of 37, 18 year RPD veteran Danny "Cowboy" Ketter has seen and experienced a lot of "growth" opportunities in his lifetime. From his time as a high-level homeschool athlete and pro rodeo cowboy, to his rather successful career at RPD and role of husband and father, through injury, adversity, and constant change, Danny has become a leader that "examplifies" RPD's culture and core values through his active desire to Invest in People every single day.
"Wet behind the ears" does not adequately describe Ben Daum's temporary ("Temp") arrival on the RPD scene. Thank goodness for his ridiculously high IQ, because his looks weren't going to get him too far. Turns out, he's not just a fast learner, but he's a gentle giant as well. Check out Temp's journey from intern to respected Project Manager on this episode of The Dirt [Regraded]!
We're not quite done with Jeremy Parsons, and this is the good stuff! Learn about how he ended up at RPD and the little setback he had along the way (not quite the "recovery" you were thinking). Most importantly, hear about how a dramatic change in perspective allowed Jeremy to thrive by Investing in People. The next chapter for Jeremy has already opened, and we're very excited about his future at RPD!
Join "The Dirt" on an exciting journey through the life and career of The Greatest Pipelayer Ever. Steve Chavira is as "OG" as they get at RPD and his journey of healing, heart change, and reconciliation has made him the humble leader and team player that he is today. Joined by co-host and long-time friend, former roommate, and "partner-in-crime", Todd Rickabaugh, their "work hard, play hard" motto included all the vices - alcohol, smoking, gambling, and rock-and-roll music. But those days have been left far behind. **DISCLAIMER** Despite the apparent reminiscent humor... RPD DOES NOT CONDONE DRINKING AND DRIVING
You probably don't know him as Terry (no one does), but you'll have to listen to the episode to find out if Skeeter got his nickname in prison or not. One of RPD's most "seasoned" veterans, Skeeter's experience helps enable his super chill demeanor. "Called" to RPD after the recession of '08, he's been an integral part of cultivating our culture and core values for half the life of the company, and we couldn't be more thankful! And though he's forever banned from snow machines, Skeeter is still one of the most fun guys to have around! We dedicate this episode to Skeeter's late daughter - Kayleen Marie Mann
Not all stories that start the way Matt Fullmer's does, end as well as Matt Fullmer's does. But Matt is a very unique individual who has learned from his "travels" and lived to share his experiences with others. Don't let his tough "biker dude" façade fool you, he's a teddy bear at heart (but just do NOT call him "Papa Bear") and not only does he want to be the best leader he can be, he wants everyone else around him to succeed as well. Matt's story defies the odds in a lot of ways and he's got something that we all can take from it. Enjoy The Dirt's 30th episode, "Racing for Rent"!
They say "timing is everything". For Adam "Fred" Fredericks' arrival on the RPD scene ten years ago, nothing could be more true. Thankfully for RPD, this "No-Cal" transplant decided that farming wasn't for him and he took an interest in construction instead. After cutting his teeth in the "Bigs", Fred and his wife Melissa decided to settle down near her family in Puyallup, and the rest is history. Call it "coincidence" or "Providence", the addition of Fred to the RPD team as Senior Project Manager was a game-changer. While managing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of work at RPD, Fred found that delicate balance between profit and people and has become an integral component to RPD's success.
Some guys just make you smile, no matter what. That is definitely the case for Sonny (Double N) Bamer. By his own admission, he has a "unique, happy" personality and he is not wrong! Although he's not the most experienced employee on the team, Sonny has earned his place for his great attitude, reliability, work ethic and genuine impact on those around him. Hailing from the small town of Pe Ell, Sonny has surprisingly been around the block and probably has more life experience than most of our guys. Given that his experiences haven't always been positive, the fact that Sonny still is, is what makes him "Mr. Happy Pants".
Don't let his age or his normally semi-reserved demeanor fool you. Despite having generally avoided the school of "hard knocks", at the ripe old age of 21, this "old soul" has some wisdom beyond his years and some tastes that resonate well with his "older" co-hosts. Join us as we pick and prod and press into the young mind of pipelayer Jeremy Gilderoy. You just might learn a thing or two!
In some ways, the unlikeliest of leaders make the best ones. There is no doubt that Chad Brymer has a natural gift - he can figure out how to do just about anything. And he can visualize a finished landscape before even a spoonful of dirt is moved. After 16 years of hard work at RPD, "OG" status has been well-earned, but perhaps what makes Chad so valuable is his ability to overcome adversity. Join special guest and co-host Lee "The General" Walch as Chad takes us on a journey to the "end of his rope" and back!
It's not very often that you're "lucky" enough to work with someone as talented as Neil Glaser (hard "s" sound), who is himself "lucky" to be alive. Don't let the labored gait or the mountain-man beard fool you, Neil is still younger than the relatively young average age at RPD. When it comes to dirt, there is literally nothing Neil can't do - he was "Born to Dirt". But when someone like Neil "gets" the culture and enjoys Investing in People, it's a game-changer for the company and for everyone he comes in contact with.
Former brawler turned leader, you could say that Aaron "Tough Guy" Martin is kind of like an "RPD M&M", with a hard outer shell, but soft chocolatey goodness on the inside! Rumor has it he was once known as the "Soul Crusher", but listen for yourself as our tough guy shares his story of growth and maturity and even gets a little vulnerable. Aaron not only embodies what RPD is all about, but he and his leadership are an integral part of who we are and what makes us so successful.
When you've been around RPD as long as Chad Schraeder has, you've seen a lot of change. But as the OG field mechanic who just "loves" change, even Chad realizes that change is required for growth. But that doesn't always mean it feels good!
"Dos por el precio de uno!" Two for the price of one, featuring unassuming "silent, but deadly" up-and-comers Alex "Uno" Alvarado and Johnny "TC OG" Hernandez. They've come a long way in 9-months and the future looks pretty bright for both of them. Direct protege's of westside's Keith Blackhurst, Matt Fullmer and Troy Martin, they now bask in the wisdom and knowledge of foreman Howie Makie as they gobble up every opportunity that comes their way!
The Tri-Cities adventure continues! 10-months into their first project and the same since we first chatted with them about their new eastside venture, get all caught up with Kaylor "No Sleep" Hasbargen and Howie "Mandel" Maki as they reflect on life and leadership in the Tri-Cities. Find out how it's going and what the future looks like on this episode of The Dirt.
From Minot, ND to Eatonville, WA to RPD, Scraper "Cowboy" Dillon Bennett goes all-out no matter what he is doing (even if it is Pokémon...). From being bullied, to hopefully one day being boss, Dillon has tried a little bit of everything and is always "swinging for the fence", but he's finally living his "Best Life" right where he's supposed to be. His attitude, perspective and work ethic are absolutely infectious! Take a little ride with us on the Saga of a Scraper Cowboy.
Join us for this "Eatonville OG's" journey from winging it with the "Vitamin" to RPD Foreman. A little compassion goes a long way for this "seasoned" husband, father of girls and teacher of men. As a recovering car (and lifted truck) enthusiast with interesting music preferences, Brian has learned many valuable life lessons, such as "you really only need a vehicle to take you to memories." No Regerts!
The Comeback Kid is the incredibly gritty, transparent story of Connor "Joe Dirt" McLeod's journey from abuse and addiction to becoming a loving husband and father, intersected by a perspective-changing encounter with RPD, and coming full-circle through an out-of-state adventure that brought him and his family right back home where they belong. This redemption story has only just begun...
Having your first kid will change your life. For Dalton, his life was already in the process of changing. The birth of his daughter just accelerated the process. There is nothing better than seeing someone proactively pursue becoming the best human they can be. Dalton is definitely in that process! "Roadhouse's" story is definitely one that embodies the RPD way!