Dirt Talk by BuildWitt – Episode Summary: BuildWitt Update #2 – DT 341
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction
In the second installment of the BuildWIT Update series on the "Dirt Talk" podcast, host Aaron from BuildWitt delves into the latest developments within the company. This episode provides listeners with an in-depth look at the company's infrastructure upgrades, European tours, upcoming events, software platform enhancements, sales team expansions, and internal performance management strategies.
Reevaluating Server and Media Storage Solutions
Aaron kicks off the episode by addressing the company's ongoing efforts to optimize their server and media storage systems. Reflecting on their initial setup in Nashville back in 2021, he shares the challenges faced with the existing local server and cloud backup system amidst the exponential growth in content generation.
“[05:30] 'We have all this footage we need to maintain and then we have all this additional footage coming that we need to add. The tricky thing with footage is that it's bulky, it takes up more space and you have to have it backed up.'” – Aaron
He emphasizes the necessity for a more streamlined solution that balances local storage with robust cloud-based backups to ensure data safety and accessibility.
“[07:15] 'The goal is to have multiple copies of everything you have, and the bigger we get, the more files we have, the more work it is to make it all organized.'” – Aaron
Influence Team’s Europe Tour
Transitioning to the Influence team’s recent activities, Aaron highlights the successful completion of their 2025 Europe tour, which included insightful site visits to leading construction operations in the Netherlands and Italy.
“[12:45] 'We visited the world's most comprehensive battery-powered construction operation, a remarkable Dutch marine construction equipment company, and Europe’s biggest demolition machine outside of Rome.'” – Aaron
He teases a forthcoming dedicated podcast episode featuring detailed recaps of their experiences, including impressive machinery like the Despe demolition machine and advanced dike reinforcement projects.
Additionally, Aaron recounts a personal highlight from the trip:
“[16:20] 'I went to the Pope's funeral which was very unexpected. We were coincidentally there when all of that was happening. So I went to the Vatican, saw all that, and it will be something I will never forget.'” – Aaron
Ariat Dirt World Summit Announcement
Aaron announces the upcoming Ariat Dirt World Summit, slated for November 5th through 7th in Dallas, Texas. This event is positioned as a premier gathering for industry leaders aiming to elevate their teams and skills.
“[20:10] 'We have about 1500 hungry industry leaders from about 500 companies looking to learn, grow, teach. It's going to be fantastic.'” – Aaron
He highlights the stellar lineup of speakers, including:
- Jesse Cole from the Savannah Bananas
- James Clear author of Atomic Habits
- Kim Scott of Radical Candor
- Mark Miller from Chick-fil-A Leadership
- Tim Grover, renowned trainer of Michael Jordan
Aaron encourages listeners to register early using a special discount code:
“[24:50] 'Check out details now at Dirtworld.com and use code AARON10 for 10% off any registrations.'” – Aaron
BuildWit Improve Platform Update
Shifting focus to the company's software initiatives, Aaron provides an update on the BuildWit Improve platform. Since its launch in April, the development team has been diligently addressing bugs and enhancing performance.
“[28:30] 'We're releasing new versions of the platform to make the performance better and then we're adding more that we find.'” – Aaron
He acknowledges the challenges of scaling the platform with an increasing number of users but remains optimistic about the progress made over the past month.
“[31:05] 'We are in the trenches right now working through those, but we've made good progress since launch.'” – Aaron
Expanding the Sales Team
Aaron discusses strategic hires aimed at bolstering the company's sales efforts. They are in the process of recruiting three Business Development Representatives (BDRs) whose primary role will be to secure meetings with target companies and individuals.
“[34:20] 'Our business development reps are looking through the market in all different ways... They are finding out who the best people are within those target companies.'” – Aaron
He underscores the importance of the BDRs as the "tip of the spear" in their sales strategy, facilitating meaningful engagements that align with BuildWit’s mission to solve industry challenges.
“[37:45] 'We're building this to solve what I think is their biggest problem or help them overcome it.'” – Aaron
Implementing Scorecards for Performance Management
Internally, BuildWit is enhancing its performance management through the adoption of scorecards, inspired by a model from a notable book Aaron references. These scorecards are designed to define each team member’s role and measurable objectives for 2025.
“[41:10] 'The scorecard is really for hiring. So before you hire a role, you want to define what the role is, what's the function of the role.'” – Aaron
By establishing clear metrics and deliverables, the company aims to facilitate effective performance reviews and provide constructive feedback. Aaron shares his enthusiasm for this structured approach, highlighting its role in fostering growth and accountability within the team.
“[45:00] 'Setting aside a time quarterly to reflect upon each person within your team and to offer them feedback to help them perform better, be better. Everybody wants to be better.'” – Aaron
Conclusion and Future Updates
Aaron wraps up the episode by summarizing the multifaceted progress at BuildWit and invites listeners to engage with the company through future updates and by attending upcoming events. He encourages questions and feedback, reinforcing the community-driven spirit of the "Dirt Talk" podcast series.
“[49:20] 'If you have questions or discussion points about any of these, feel free to email me at Aaron@buildwit.com.'” – Aaron
Listeners are assured of more weekly updates, promising continued transparency and insight into BuildWit’s evolving journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Transitioning to a more efficient server and media storage solution to handle growing content needs.
- Global Engagement: Successful European tour with plans for detailed recaps and future content.
- Industry Leadership: Upcoming Ariat Dirt World Summit with a high-profile speaker lineup aimed at industry leaders.
- Platform Development: Ongoing enhancements to the BuildWit Improve platform despite scaling challenges.
- Sales Expansion: Recruitment of Business Development Representatives to drive targeted sales initiatives.
- Performance Management: Implementation of scorecards to define roles and measure team performance effectively.
For more insights and updates, listeners are encouraged to stay tuned to upcoming "Dirt Talk" episodes and engage with BuildWitt through provided contact channels.