Dirt Talk by BuildWitt: BuildWitt Update #1 – DT 339
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Aaron BuildWitt
Introduction and Podcast Evolution
In the inaugural episode of the updated Dirt Talk series, host Aaron BuildWitt reflects on the podcast's journey and outlines the strategic shifts moving forward.
"So Monday episodes, they have been a hodgepodge of stuff... I've thrown a bunch of shit at the wall. I've seen what sticks." [00:13]
Aaron acknowledges the experimental nature of past episodes, which included book readings, listener Q&As, trip reports, and project discussions. While these varied topics provided valuable insights, Aaron emphasizes a newfound focus on what resonates most with the audience.
Shifting Focus to Builds and Updates
Aaron announces a significant pivot in the podcast's format, dedicating Monday episodes to weekly BuildWitt updates. This change aims to provide listeners with in-depth insights into the company's operations, progress, and strategic direction.
"I thought, hey, I'm already doing these weekly updates for our investors... Why don't I do them for anybody else that wants to know what the heck is going on at BuildWitt." [04:30]
This new focus will offer a transparent view of the company's behind-the-scenes activities, fostering a stronger connection with the audience.
The Importance of Transparency
Transparency remains a core value at BuildWitt, as Aaron underscores the necessity of sharing information to prevent misinformation and maintain trust within the industry.
"That's our value, that is transparency wins... If you don't share information, people make shit up." [03:40]
By proactively communicating developments and challenges, BuildWitt aims to control the narrative and build credibility among stakeholders.
Mission and Vision of BuildWitt
Aaron delves into BuildWitt's mission to revolutionize the dirt world by nurturing the next generation of industry professionals and leaders. The company has evolved from a marketing business to a software-centric entity, complemented by the annual ARIAT Dirt World Summit.
"We're trying to build that workforce, help contractors build their most important asset, their people so that they can go build the critical infrastructure our society needs." [05:50]
This mission underscores BuildWitt's commitment to addressing workforce challenges through innovative solutions and comprehensive training programs.
Field Visits and Learning from Europe
Highlighting the importance of global insights, Aaron shares experiences from recent visits to construction and mining operations in Germany. He praises European contractors for their adaptability and innovation, suggesting that the U.S. can learn valuable lessons from their practices.
"I think Europe is best in class... The United States can learn a lot from how European contractors do things." [10:15]
These visits aim to incorporate best practices into BuildWitt's strategies, enhancing the company's offerings and operational efficiency.
Training Production Teams and Video Library
BuildWitt's commitment to education is evident in the expansion of their training production teams, operating in North Carolina and Florida. Aaron highlights the creation of nearly 2,000 BuildWitt Improve videos, positioning it as the most comprehensive training library in the dirt world.
"It's the biggest, most diverse, highest quality training library within the dirt world, period." [12:45]
The focus on high-quality training materials demonstrates BuildWitt's dedication to workforce development and industry excellence.
Product Updates: BuildWit Improve
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the evolution of BuildWit Training into the new BuildWit Improve platform. Aaron explains the challenges faced during the product launch, including bug fixes and feature enhancements.
"We released a new version of BuildWit Improve to solve bugs... It's really exciting to see some of the progress here on the product." [19:20]
The iterative approach ensures that the platform meets user needs effectively, with ongoing developments to enhance functionality and user experience.
Marketing Efforts and Customer Stories
BuildWitt is actively gathering and sharing customer stories to showcase the impact of their software solutions. With over 250 customers currently using their products, Aaron emphasizes the importance of deliberate storytelling to highlight successes and foster community trust.
"For a company that began in storytelling, we've struggled to tell the stories within our own world sometimes." [21:10]
These narratives will be featured on their new website, buildwit.com, and other mediums to bolster the company's market presence and reputation.
New Program Testing Approach
Aaron introduces a strategic shift in how BuildWitt tests new programs, adopting Jim Collins's "bullets before cannonballs" philosophy. This method involves small-scale testing with early adopters before a full-scale launch, minimizing risks and optimizing product-market fit.
"Instead of going full send right away... we're employing Jim Collins's bullets before cannonballs approach." [24:35]
This cautious yet proactive strategy aims to refine offerings based on real-world feedback, ensuring sustained growth and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion and Future Plans
As the episode wraps up, Aaron reiterates the commitment to transparency and invites listener interaction to foster a collaborative learning environment. He expresses enthusiasm for the future of the podcast and BuildWitt's ongoing initiatives.
"This is the first BuildWit Update that I am very excited about... Stay dirty." [28:50]
Listeners are encouraged to reach out with questions and engage with the content, ensuring a dynamic and responsive community around BuildWitt's endeavors.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus Shift: Transitioning Monday episodes to provide weekly BuildWitt updates for greater transparency and engagement.
- Transparency: Emphasizing open communication to maintain trust and control the narrative within the industry.
- Global Insights: Learning from European contractors to enhance BuildWitt's strategies and operational practices.
- Comprehensive Training: Expanding the BuildWit Improve video library to support workforce development.
- Product Development: Continuously improving the BuildWit Improve platform through iterative updates and feature additions.
- Strategic Marketing: Sharing customer success stories to strengthen market presence and community trust.
- Cautious Innovation: Implementing a measured approach to new program testing to ensure effectiveness and minimize risks.
Notable Quotes:
- "If you don't share information, people make shit up." — Aaron [03:40]
- "We're trying to build that workforce, help contractors build their most important asset, their people." — Aaron [05:50]
- "It's the biggest, most diverse, highest quality training library within the dirt world, period." — Aaron [12:45]
- "Instead of going full send right away... we're employing Jim Collins's bullets before cannonballs approach." — Aaron [24:35]
For more insights and updates, visit aaronbuildwit.com and stay tuned for future episodes of Dirt Talk by BuildWitt.