Dirt Talk Podcast Summary: "Articulated Trucks, Fox, and 401Ks (BuildWitt Update #10)" – DT 357

Podcast Information:

• Title: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
• Host: Aaron Witt, Founder of BuildWitt
• Episode Title: Articulated Trucks, Fox, and 401Ks (BuildWitt Update #10) – DT 357
• Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In the 10th installment of the Dirt Talk podcast, host Aaron Witt delivers a comprehensive update on the latest developments at BuildWitt. This episode, succinctly titled "Articulated Trucks, Fox, and 401Ks," delves into new training initiatives, media appearances, upcoming industry events, backend infrastructure advancements, strategic planning using the EOS framework, and enhancements to employee retirement programs.

1. New Course with John Deere on Articulated Truck Operation

Timestamp: [00:00] - [05:00]

Aaron begins by announcing the launch of a new course in partnership with John Deere focused on articulated truck operation:

• Collaborative Efforts: Building effective training content in the construction and mining sectors poses challenges, but BuildWitt leverages its strong relationships with industry giants like John Deere to overcome these hurdles.

• Quality Production: Previously, training videos were produced under less controlled conditions at Thompson Machinery in Nashville, Tennessee, where BuildWitt borrowed space and equipment such as skid steers and excavators. While this arrangement was beneficial, it lacked the controlled environment necessary for high-quality content.

• Enhanced Facilities: Partnering with John Deere grants BuildWitt access to dedicated training facilities in Illinois and Arizona, equipped with a vast array of machinery and staffed by subject matter experts. This collaboration ensures structured and professional training modules.

Notable Quote:

"John Deere has allowed us to come to their facilities which are dedicated for training... They have an enormous bench of subject matter experts that can speak to repairing machines or how scrapers work, or in this case, how articulated trucks work."
— Aaron Witt [02:30]

2. Aaron’s Appearance on Fox Business' "Red, White and Blue Collar" Program

Timestamp: [05:00] - [12:00]

Aaron shares his experience appearing on Fox Business' "Red, White and Blue Collar" program:

• First Live Media Experience: This appearance marked Aaron's initial foray into live media outside of his usual podcasting and social media endeavors.

• Format Challenges: The segment was brief, lasting only 2-4 minutes, contrasting with the more flexible format of his podcast. Despite this, Aaron views the exposure on mainstream channels as a significant achievement.

• Future Media Engagements: Aaron expresses enthusiasm for future opportunities to discuss the "dirt world" on various platforms, aiming to broaden BuildWitt's reach.

Notable Quote:

"If any kind of mainstream channel were to reach out and say, hey, can you talk about the dirt world and the people you visit? I'd be like, absolutely."
— Aaron Witt [07:15]

3. Promotion of the Ariat Dirt World Summit

Timestamp: [12:00] - [16:30]

Aaron promotes the upcoming Ariat Dirt World Summit scheduled for November 5-7 in Dallas, Texas:

• Event Highlights: Now in its third year, the summit expects around 1,500 industry leaders from 500 companies to gather for learning, growth, and networking.

• Star-Studded Lineup: The event boasts speakers such as Jesse Cole from the Savannah Bananas, James Clear (author of Atomic Habits), Kim Scott (Radical Candor), Mark Miller (Chick-fil-A Leadership), and Tim Grover (Michael Jordan's trainer).

• Registration Details: Attendees can register at Dirtworld.com using code AARON10 for a 10% discount.

Notable Quote:

"You will not hear from a lineup like this anywhere else."
— Aaron Witt [14:50]

4. Backend Infrastructure Update for BuildWitt Improve

Timestamp: [16:30] - [23:00]

Aaron provides an update on the backend infrastructure of BuildWitt Improve, their new software product:

• Transition to In-House Management: Over the past year, BuildWitt relied on an external development partner to build the infrastructure. As of this week, the development team has successfully migrated the backend to BuildWitt’s own environment, granting full control over the product.

• Benefits of Control: This shift enables faster resolution of issues, quicker implementation of changes, and overall accelerated product development.

• Execution Strategy: The migration was meticulously planned over a weekend to minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition.

Notable Quote:

"This is a really big step from a software standpoint. I'm really excited about this and very appreciative of our team for making it happen over the weekend."
— Aaron Witt [19:45]

5. Strategic Planning Using the EOS Framework

Timestamp: [23:00] - [30:00]

BuildingWitt's executive team conducted Q3 planning using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS):

• Review of Previous Quarters: The team assessed Q1's focus on selling the creative business and Q2's efforts to solidify their identity as a software company.

• Q3 Objectives: The upcoming quarter centers on enhancing discipline and sophistication in their operations as a software entity.

• Implementation of EOS: Aaron advocates for the EOS framework, highlighting its effectiveness in organizing business operations, setting quarterly "rocks" (major goals), and fostering inter-departmental collaboration.

Notable Quote:

"If you are a company that has the ability to choose an operating system, I really recommend EOS... it's been a very helpful framework to just organize our business and organize our planning."
— Aaron Witt [26:30]

6. Weekly Toolbox Talk: Enhancing Employee Retirement Programs

Timestamp: [30:00] - [43:00]

Aaron discusses the latest Weekly Toolbox Talk, which focused on BuildWitt’s 401k retirement program with guest speakers from Assured Equity Management (AEM):

• Educational Initiative: The session aimed to demystify 401k plans, emphasizing the importance of financial planning for retirement. Aaron stresses the inadequacy of typical retirement program materials and the value of personalized guidance.

• AEM’s Role: AEM provided comprehensive support, offering employees direct access to advisors Sean, Shane, and Debbie, who are available for consultations and questions.

• Commitment to Employees: Aaron underscores BuildWitt’s dedication to ensuring employees are well-equipped for retirement, addressing his personal concern about inadequate retirement preparation.

Notable Quote:

"I have a huge problem with people working their whole lives and then ending everything with nothing and having to live off Social Security... If we can help people set themselves up for that retirement scenario, that’s a huge win for everybody."
— Aaron Witt [35:20]

Conclusion

Aaron wraps up the episode by reiterating the key highlights:

• Launch of the new articulated truck operation course in collaboration with John Deere.
• His inaugural live media appearance on Fox Business’ program.
• Promotion of the forthcoming Ariat Dirt World Summit.
• Significant progress in gaining full control over BuildWitt Improve’s backend infrastructure.
• Strategic Q3 planning aimed at evolving BuildWitt into a more disciplined and sophisticated software company.
• Enhancement of the employee retirement program through collaboration with Assured Equity Management.

Aaron encourages listeners to reach out via email for further discussions and feedback, emphasizing the continuous growth and commitment of BuildWitt to the construction and mining industries.

Closing Quote:

"Stay dirty everybody."
— Aaron Witt [42:15]

For More Information:

• Podcast: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
• Website: BuildWitt.com
• Event Registration: Dirtworld.com using code AARON10