On Grade Podcast

S2 EP 9 Best Practices for Estimating and Project Management with Special Guest Doc Robinson Jul 24, 2024

On this episode we sit down with Doc Cash Robinson Owner of Dirt Guy Excavation LLC out of Whitesboro, Texas. We talk about estimating, contract language, winning jobs rising costs of materials, fuel and labor and how to navigate these trying times in 2024 as we head into the election in November.

Doc's Social Media:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/doccashrobinson/

Dirt Guy Excavation Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dirt_guy_excavation_llc/

Doc's Tik Tok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@docrobinson76

Dirt Guy Excavation Website:

https://www.facebook.com/dirtguyex/

ON GRADE'S Social's :

https://linktr.ee/ongrade

S2 E8 Overcoming Adversity in the Blue Collar World With Christopher Ballance Jul 10, 2024

On This Episode Brandon Sits down with Christopher Ballance a Mechanic with GH Cranes out of Terrell, Texas. They talk about Chris's background and how he got into the blue-collar world. They also talk about the Crew Collab and the mission it provides to the blue-collar world where Chris is an ambassador for the group.

Chris's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.ballance?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Crew Collab's Social's

https://linktr.ee/CrewCollab?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=22132094-3267-4109-a0cc-5bddc9c5eb47

On Grade's Social's

https://linktr.ee/ongrade?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=30a0c7f4-7ba7-4050-b524-8164e9bad976

S2 E7 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Obstacles in Construction with Halston Holcomb Jun 26, 2024

On this Episode we sit down with Halston Holcomb, owner of TCX Land Management out of Dallas, Texas. We discuss getting ready for the summer with buying the right gear for the jobsite. We then discuss Halston's background and how he got into business for himself. We then talk about contracts and how to build a business in the construction industry.

Halston Socials:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/halston_holcomb/⁠

Facebook:

⁠(2) Holston Holcomb | Facebook⁠

TCX Land Management Socials:

⁠(2) Facebook⁠

On Grades Socials:

https://linktr.ee/ongrade

S2 E6 Combating Mental Health in Construction with Special Guest Houston Garner Jun 12, 2024

On This Episode Brandon Sits down with Houston Garner who is a Safety and Fleet Coordinator at Lonestar Electric Supply and C130J Loadmaster in the Texas Air National Guard. They talk about Houston's story growing up, his journey to become a pilot in the Texas National Guard and how is helping grow the culture at the company he works for in his civilian career.

On Grade's Social Media:

https://linktr.ee/ongrade

S2 E5 Building a Excavation Company from Scratch With Special Guest Chad Porteck May 29, 2024

On this episode Brandon sits down with Chad Porteck Owner of Circle P Excavation in Overton, Nebraska. He is also a member of the crew collab. They talk about Chad's background and how he got into the excavation business, and they talk about ways of bidding jobs and finding niches. They also discuss payment terms and how to negotiate jobs and how to set you and your company up for success.

Circle P Excavation Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CirclePExcavation/

Chad's Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealnedirtworks/

YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5bvaPdYmQh_dFtyzshibKQ

Crew Collab Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the.crew.collab/

ON GRADE LINK TREE:

https://linktr.ee/ongrade

S2 E4 The State of Construction in 2024 with Bryan Furnace May 08, 2024

On this Episode Brandon sits down with Bryan Furnace the Host of Diesel and Iron Youtube Channel and Co Host of Sweat and Grime Podcast. They discuss Bryan's background of starting in the landscape buisness in Texas and changing into Excavation. Bryan now lives in Michigan and is part owner of a small excavation company. We hope you enjoy the show.

Bryans Socials:

Diesel and Iron Website: https://www.dieselandironproductions.com/

Diesel And Iron YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/dieselandiron

Sweat and Grime Podcast :

https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXw8L1I3DkF16LQYsgiv3?si=4ced66fd11da4ffe

Sweat and Grime Youtube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@sweatandgrime

Sweat and Grime Website:

https://sweatandgrime.com/

On Grades Socials:

https://linktr.ee/ongrade

S2 E3 Construction Management with Special Guest Co Host James Devinney Apr 17, 2024

On this Episode James Devinney Joins Brandon as a fill in Co Host. They talk about state governments, business and how to be a good construction manager/ project manager. James is the host of the Dirty and Driven Podcast.

Dirty and Driven Link tree:

https://linktr.ee/dirtyanddriven?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=915b67e7-89a9-4866-bf98-07e707df78ff

On Grade Link Tree:

https://linktr.ee/ongrade?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e9ee6447-34db-41c3-b765-26fc3b020c05

Recommended Read:

Traction Get A Grip On Your Business By Gino Wickman

Audible: ⁠https://www.audible.com/pd/Traction-Audiobook/B00A9ZO7T6?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp⁠

Amazon:⁠https://a.co/d/3SDQILN

S2 E2 But did you know? With Special Co Host Colton McCormack Apr 03, 2024

On this Episode Brandon sits down with Colton McCormack from the ‎@certifiedwrenchpodcast . They talk about construction, wrenching, podcasting and growing as a leader. Certified Wrench's Socials https://linktr.ee/Certifiedwrench?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c479e458-42ae-4355-b673-9fecca1d6665 On Grades Social Media https://linktr.ee/ongrade?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f696e4f7-b59b-48e2-b7e5-e46638e8e351

S2 Episode 1 New Beginnings Mar 20, 2024

On this Episode we sit down after a 6 month hiatus. Devon and Brandon talk about the reason for the delay in recording a show. Changes to their businesses and how to constantly adapt in the constantly volatile environment the Construction Industry is going through currently. They also talk about taking care or your company and you're clients at the same time. They talk about rebuilding culture and relationships to help you move forward in 2024. Ongrades Social Media https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Recommended Read: Traction Get A Grip On Your Business By Gino Wickman Audible: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.audible.com/pd/Traction-Audiobook/B00A9ZO7T6?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp⁠⁠⁠ Amazon:⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/3SDQILN⁠

Episode 23 Mindset in the Blue Collar World with Special Guest Erik Struebig Sep 27, 2023

On This Episode Brandon sits down with Erik Struebig from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They talk about Erik's how Erik's time in the military helped shaped the mechanic he would become for Manitowac Crane. They talk about mindset, grit and how to be a man when handling life and the business of construction. We also talk about Erik being a board member of the crew collab.

Erik's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e_struebig/?hl=en

Crew Collab:https://linktr.ee/CrewCollab?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=43d6a6b2-8c8b-4666-9762-20b1f7d7d910

On Grades Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Donate to Truth Excavation cleaning up and doing search and rescue in Hawaii after the fires. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-clark-family-truth-excavation-keep-servi?member=28686059&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer

Recommended Read: Traction Get A Grip On Your Business By Gino Wickman Audible: ⁠https://www.audible.com/pd/Traction-Audiobook/B00A9ZO7T6?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp⁠ Amazon:⁠https://a.co/d/3SDQILN

Episode 22 Mental Health in Construction with Christian Birker Sep 06, 2023

On This Episode Brandon and Devon sit down with Christian Birker from CMB Excavation in Toronto, Ontario Canada. They talk about how Christian started CMB, employees, mental health, buisness and how to be a leader. On Grades Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ongrade Donate to Truth Excavation cleaning up and doing search and rescue in Hawaii after the fires. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-clark-family-truth-excavation-keep-servi?member=28686059&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer Recommended Read: Traction Get A Grip On Your Business By Gino Wickman Audible: ⁠https://www.audible.com/pd/Traction-Audiobook/B00A9ZO7T6?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp⁠ Amazon:⁠https://a.co/d/3SDQILN

Episode 21 The Magic Tool Bus Special With James Devinney and Colton McCormack from Dirty and Driven and Certified Wrench Aug 23, 2023

On This Episode Brandon and Devon sit down with James Deviney host of the Dirty and Driven Podcast and Colton McCormack of the Certified Wrench Podcast. We talk about the other shows and how we are going to help build a group of podcasts to help the industry move forward in the right direction. We hope you enjoy the show. We also have a great time cutting up and catching up. Certified Wrench's Social Media: https://linktr.ee/certifiedwrench Dirty and Driven Social Media: dirtyanddriven | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree On Grades Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Donate to Truth Excavation cleaning up and doing search and rescue in Hawaii after the fires.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-clark-family-truth-excavation-keep-servi?member=28686059&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer

Recommended Read:

Traction Get A Grip On Your Business By Gino Wickman

Audible: ⁠https://www.audible.com/pd/Traction-Audiobook/B00A9ZO7T6?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp⁠

Amazon:⁠https://a.co/d/3SDQILN

Episode 20 Building A Strong Preconstruction System with Special Guest Daniel Villanueva Aug 16, 2023

On this Episode Devon and Brandon sit down with Daniel Villanueva Vice President of Pre- Construction for Moss Utilities in Dallas, Texas. Daniel talks about his background in the industry and how to grow your estimators and project managers and take your business to the next level of better clientele and contracts. We hope you enjoy this episode, also in the link is to two books we highly recommend that you read.

Daniels Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-villanueva-40924a33/

Recommended Read:

Traction Get A Grip On Your Business By Gino Wickman

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Traction-Audiobook/B00A9ZO7T6?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Amazon:https://a.co/d/3SDQILN

On Grade's social media Linktr.ee:

https://linktr.ee/ongrade

On Grade's Patreon:

patreon.com/OnGradePodcast

Episode 19 How To Properly Estimate A Project With Special Guest Ryan Killingsworth Aug 02, 2023

On this Episode Devon and Brandon sit down with Ryan Killingsworth who is an Estimator with Franklin's Earthmoving in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They talk about where to start with estimating from software's, techniques, figuring hourly rates and how to estimate a project correctly and not leave money on the table. Ryan currently works remotely for them in Texas. We hope you enjoy the show as much as we did.

ON GRADES LINKTREE:

https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Episode 18 Building a Utility Company with Special Guest Matt Morrison of MJM Utilities Jul 19, 2023

On this episode Brandon and Devon sit down with Matt Morrison Owner of MJM Utilities in Rockwall, Texas. Also a special Producer for the show Colton McCormack Host of the Certified Wrench Podcast. We talk about the utility industry and how Matt has grown from a one-man operation to running 3 full crews in the span of 4 years. We also discuss the importance of finding the right people, equipment and tools. We also talk about how to estimate and grow a utility company successfully and in a healthy way.

Matt's Instagram: https://instagram.com/mattmorr29?igshid+MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

MJM Utilities Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_utilities/

Certified Wrench Podcast

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/certifiedwrench

Website: https://www.certifiedwrenchpodcast.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ab3ouQzGIgHYlGuhwnKds

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certifiedwrench_podcast/?igshid=NzAzN2Q1NTE%3D

ON GRADES LINKTREE:

https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Episode 17 Maintaining Your Heavy Equipment Fleet with Special Guest Colton McCormack Jul 12, 2023

On this episode Brandon sits down with Colton McCormack Host of the Certified Wrench Podcast. We talk about Colton's Career, maintaining equipment, rising prices with parts and labor. Hearing from the other side of the fence and hearing what Mechanics deal with to make our equipment work.

Certified Wrench Podcast

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/certifiedwrench

Website: https://www.certifiedwrenchpodcast.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ab3ouQzGIgHYlGuhwnKds

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certifiedwrench_podcast/?igshid=NzAzN2Q1NTE%3D

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078027187256

Episode 16 Veterans in the Construction Industry with Special Guest Scott Friend Host of the Construction Veteran Podcast Jun 28, 2023

On this Episode Brandon and Devon sit down with Scott Friend the Host of The Construction Veteran Podcast. Scott Discusses his early career in the US Navy and his 2 deployments as a Seebee. We then talk about his career in the construction industry and how he is helping veterans get into construction with his volunteer work and also his help being in the construction industry as a general contractor superintendent.

Scotts Social's

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-friend-a8a05723/

The Construction Veteran Podcast

Linked In: (7) The Construction Veteran: Overview | LinkedIn Instagram: @constructionvetpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@constructionvet

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BWQOb03lMZ83GzsExIkio

Patreon: The Construction Veteran | Connecting military vets in construction, one podcast at a time | Patreon

Episode 15 Starting our companies from scratch with Brandon and Devon Jun 19, 2023

On this episode Brandon and Devon sit down and talk about starting their companies from Scratch and how they have grown them into successful businesses. They discuss the things people need to succeed in business and how to grow your business to be successful in Excavation and the Construction Industry. Devon and Brandon also discuss the key things you will need to take your business to the next level. They talk about leadership and the key it plays in making good decisions.

On Grades Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OnGradePodcast
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/9q1hiomFJCc
For all our Social Media : Linktree
https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Episode 14 How to create the right culture in your business with Joseph Villarreal May 31, 2023

On This episode we sit down with Joseph Villareal owner of Villareal Civil Group. We talk about Villarreal's story and Villarreal Civil Groups story of in just over 2 years in Business, growing from a one man operation to having over seventeen Machines Operating in the San Antonio Area. We also discuss how to grow your employees and mold them into team players. We discuss leadership and ideas to help grow your business to the next level.
Villareal Civil Group: https:https://www.villarrealcivilgroup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/villarreal_civil_group/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-villarreal-04763089/
On Grades Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OnGradePodcast
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWjNpmeDXP0PkU-nv_i94Q
For all our Social Media : Linktree
https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Episode 13 Estimating for Success in 2023 with Special Guest Brian Mingus May 18, 2023

On this episode we sit down with Brian Mingus who is currently a superintendent with Flour Companies and is planning on going out on his own. We sit down with Brian to give him ideas on how to estimate jobs and set yourself up for success. We talk about best practices when you first get going and of course the most important which is winning that 1st project. We hope you enjoy the episode.

On Grades Patreon: patreon.com/OnGradePodcast
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWjNpmeDXP0PkU-nv_i94Q
For all our Social Media : Linktree https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Episode 12 Buying the Right Equipment for your Job. Featuring Special Guest Bryan Peters Apr 26, 2023

On This episode we sit down with Bryan Peters owner of Advance Trac Equipment and COO of Moss Utilities. We talk about the best equipment and ways to buy equipment when starting a construction company. We also discuss the pros vs cons of renting vs buying. We also talk about Bryans childhood and how he got started in the equipment business and how he helps run the day to day for Moss Utilities. Advance Trac's Website: https://www.advancetrac.net/ Moss Utilities Website: https://www.mossutilities.com/ On Grades Patreon: patreon.com/OnGradePodcast YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/0rJUoQHSFDo For all our Social Media : Linktree https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Episode 11 Best Equipment to Start a Construction Company with Featuring Kenneth Barkhuff Apr 26, 2023

On this episode Brandon and Devon sit down with Kenneth Barkhuff a project manager for local General Contractor here in the DFW Metroplex. Ken brings over 20 years of experience as a operator for CAT in their proving grounds and also working for Kiewit and several other major civil contractors all over the country. He talks about the best practices and what equipment you should consider looking at when starting up a company or growing a company to the next level. Equipment is the biggest piece in the industry and knowing what equipment you need and want are sometimes not the same. So check out this episode and let us know what you think in the comments. Check out our Patreon for behind-the-scenes things and help grow the show and audience: patreon.com/OnGradePodcast Check out our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@ongrade5384 Link tree: https://linktr.ee/ongrade

Episode 10 Marketing, Sales and Surveying in 2023 Mar 28, 2023

On this Episode we sit down with Joey Palomo Vice President Of Sales for AGS ( Advanced Geodectic Surveys). We talk about what are some of the good systems for contractors looking to make the switch over to GPS, Robotic and Laser. We also discuss Sales and Marketing Techniques to help people succeed in growing their business. Joey talks about how he has helped grow AGS and his background working initially as an estimator for a home builder and switching over to sales. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. https://agsgps.com/ AGS Website https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-palomo-170429179/ Joey's Linkedin https://www.instagram.com/agsgps/

Episode 9 Leadership in Construction Mar 22, 2023

This is episode 2 in our series about starting and growing a construction company. On This episode, we sit down with Devon Bordeau who now is on the show as a co host, we talk about what it takes to be a leader and how to grow a construction culture inside your company. We also talk about the hard decisions and what it takes to succeed and build a brand. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.

Please Follow us on YouTube: @ongrade5384

Facebook: Ongrade88

Instagram: on_gradetx

Episode 8 The best way to start a construction company and succeed Feb 08, 2023

On this episode we sit down with Devon Boudreau from Rueben Excavation out of Princeton, Texas. We discuss how Devon started his Construction Career in Canada. We talk about how he started Rueben in 2019 and then brought it down to Texas. We talk about the struggles we both faced starting a excavation company and what we would recommend to the next generation wanting to take that leap into running their own company. We also discuss equipment, how to build a company slowly but successfully and how to surround yourself with the right people. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. Also please check out our Youtube Channel: @ongrade5384. Devon's Company Links: Rueben Excavation Website: ruebengroup.com Facebook: @ruebenExcavation

Episode 7 Cliff Fetner Founder Soil Connect Jan 18, 2023

On this episode we sit down with Cliff Fetner and talk about his company that he founded after having issues moving material off of a project that he was developing a few years ago. Cliff and his team are building a brand and product that are helping to revolutionize the Trucking and Earthwork industries. We talk about how Soil Connect was formed, what products it currently offers and what are some future things that Cliff and his team are working on to help build a amazing product for clients all over the country and evenutally the world. We hope you enjoy this show as much as the On Grade team did.

Here are the links for Soil Connect:

https://www.soilconnect.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soil-connect/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soilconnect/?hl=en

Episode 6 Doc Robinson from Dirt Guy Excavation LLC Jan 07, 2023

On this Episode we sit down with Doc Robinson from Dirt Guy Excavation LLC in Whitesboro, Texas. Dirt Guy services DFW and North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. We talk about Doc growing up working for his Dad at Robinson Construction. He began running a paddle wheel scraper as a toddler and helped his dad bring the company into the modern area by renaming it and Doc doing the marketing and helping build his family's company. We talk about future technology, clients and where we see 2023 going. Hope you enjoy this episode. Docs Social Media: Facebook: doccashrobinson Instagram:dirt_guy_excavation_llc Tiktok:docrobinson76 Dirt Guys Social Media: Facebook: dirtguyex Instagram:dirt_guy_excavation_llc Website: dirtguyexcavationllc.com

Episode 5 Cole Myre Owner of Armor Site Services Dec 28, 2022

On this episode we sit down with Cole Myre from Armor Site Services in Lavon, Texas. We talk about him being a 3rd generation civil, erosion control and saw cutting contractor. We talk about 2023 and what the future looks like, Payment Terms, Contracts, Change Orders and how to protect yourself and how to build a brand and a great company in today's turbulent climate. Check it out and we hope you enjoy the show as much as Brandon and Cole did.

Armor Site Services Company Links

Linkedin: (7) Armor Site Services: Overview | LinkedIn

Facebook: (1) Armor Site Services | Lavon TX | Facebook

Check out On Grades Youtube Channel

(1) On Grade - YouTube

Instagram:

On Grade (@on_gradetx) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook:

(1) On Grade | Facebook

For sponsorships, qustions you want asked or guests you would like to have on the show or if you yourself would like to be on the show please email us at ongrade88@gmail.com

Episode 4 Luke Eggebratten and Luke Payne from the Dirt Bags Podcast Dec 22, 2022

On this episode we sit down with Luke Eggebratten and Luke Payne. They run a podcast called The Dirtbags Podcast. Luke & Luke both have successful businesses. We talk about the podcast, what the business is becoming, what is going on with the economy and also just good old fashioned conversation. Check out their podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4HqjEyafEk7rXCGLFcX232

Dirt Bags Podcast Website: https://dirtbagspodcast.com/

DirtBags Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtbagspodcast1615

Luke Eggebratten's Buisness's

Phaser Marketing: phasermarketing.com

Dirt Work Marketing: dirtworkmarketing.com

Luke Payne's Companies

Black Iron Dirt: blackirondirt.com

Western Excavation: westernexcavationnd.com

Check out our youtube channel as well, where you can watch this episode this on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ongrade5384

Episode 2 Operator's Stories Apollo Hesser Dec 15, 2022

On this Episode Brandon has Apollo Hesser on the show from Florida. He is an equipment operator who recently got into the business and is learning the ropes of excavation and the construction business. Apollo and Brandon served in the army together.

Watch the interview on YouTube: (14) On Grade - YouTube

Check out our Instagram: On Grade (@on_gradetx) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow us on Facebook: On Grade | Facebook

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