Podcast Summary: Christmas Break…and You Should Too (Building BuildWitt #37) – DT 411

Podcast: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
Host: Aaron Witt
Date: January 27, 2026

Episode Overview

In this solo episode, Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt, passionately makes the case for construction and related companies to take a two-week break over the holidays. Drawing from personal and organizational experience, Aaron breaks down why he believes this is not only good for employees but a sound business decision, contending with industry norms and outlining the tangible benefits of time off.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of BuildWitt’s Christmas Break ([00:00–07:30])

• Aaron reflects on his early days in 2018, working relentlessly with no thought of slowing down—only to realize the industry was largely inactive during the holidays:
  • “I smashed the ball over the net, but then there’s nobody on the other side… it was crickets.” (A, 03:02)
• In 2019, with a growing team, he experimented with a two-week break around Christmas and New Year’s after observing wasted effort and industry downtime.

2. Unanticipated Benefits of an Extended Break ([07:31–13:00])

• The main surprise: productivity in January skyrocketed, with employees coming back “rested and enthusiastic.”
  • “Our productivity in January was bananas, absolutely wild. It was as if everybody returned rested and enthusiastic. What a concept.” (A, 07:54)
• As BuildWitt grew to almost 50 people, the break became easier to implement, not more difficult, despite higher costs. It’s now “just automatic because it’s good for our people…If it’s good for them, it’s good for our business.” (A, 09:32)
• Aaron emphasizes that the holidays are not truly restful for many people unless time off is protected, due to family obligations, travel, and pressure.

3. The Case for a Break: Cultural Comparisons and American Norms ([13:01–17:15])

• European and Australian companies widely observe extended holiday shutdowns:
  • “If you try to get anything done with a European company over the holidays, dude, you’re not even gonna get a single email back.” (A, 13:23)
  • Australia typically shuts down for 2–3 weeks; everyone expects holiday downtime.
• In America, many companies cling to requiring staff to work “December 24, December 26, December 31,” but Aaron challenges the true presence and productivity of staff (and notes that bosses often give themselves time off regardless).

4. Safety, Rest, and Industry Logic ([17:16–21:05])

• Aaron links rest and safety: “If safety really is number one, do you think somebody is mentally with it, fully aware on December 26th or December 24th?”
• Calls for the industry to recognize that rest should be a right, not a reward, for those who “build and maintain our world.”
• Argues that the boost in productivity before and after a break can more than compensate for the downtime.

5. Earning the Break & the “Run into and Out of the Break” Mindset ([21:06–25:00])

• BuildWitt’s philosophy: Break time is a privilege earned by running hard into and out of the break—not slowing down early and ramping back up late.
  • “We run into the break, and then come January, we run out of the break. And guess what? We do our best work.” (A, 22:43)

6. Industry Pushback, Realities, and Standing Up for Workers ([25:01–29:55])

• Acknowledges that some critical services (utilities, plants) can’t stop, and expresses appreciation for those workers.
• Pushback from some contractors: “the GCs [general contractors] don’t allow us [to take time off].”
• Aaron challenges industry inertia and calls for contractors to “stand up for our people.”
  • “When are we going to stand up and say, hey, we take this week off, that’s it. Stand up for ourselves.” (A, 28:30)

7. Personal Reflections and The Value of the Break ([29:56–35:00])

• Aaron’s candid: “It’s my favorite two weeks of the year. It’s my best two weeks of the year. I love it.”
• Draws on insights from Ed Mylett (“separation season”) and Ray Dalio (“pain plus reflection equals progress”) to reinforce the value in stepping back, cleaning up, and strategic thinking.
• The break isn’t just rest—it’s time for deep reflection, catching up, and building momentum for the new year:
  • “I go into January with far more clarity, far more hunger than I would otherwise. And it’s a huge competitive edge. Huge competitive edge” (A, 34:12)

8. Call to Action and Vision for the Industry ([35:01–End])

• If you have the authority and a business structure that permits it, Aaron “could not recommend it more.”
• Frames this advocacy not as “some silly millennial saying, ‘employers need to offer two weeks off and vacation every other week and nap pods.’ That’s not it. It’s just good business.” (A, 35:35)
• Hopes for an industry-wide shift toward proper breaks: “Give the people that are building the United States of America the time they need to rest… so that they can come back and do it all over again for another year.” (A, 36:35)
• Ends with enthusiasm for BuildWitt’s mission and upcoming plans, reinforcing their commitment to the industry’s well-being and readiness for a great 2026.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |---------------|-------------|--------------------| | 03:02 | Aaron | “I smashed the ball over the net, but then there’s nobody on the other side… it was crickets.” | | 07:54 | Aaron | “Our productivity in January was bananas, absolutely wild. It was as if everybody returned rested and enthusiastic. What a concept.” | | 09:32 | Aaron | “It’s just automatic because it’s good for our people…If it’s good for them, it’s good for our business.” | | 13:23 | Aaron | “If you try to get anything done with a European company over the holidays, dude, you’re not even gonna get a single email back.” | | 17:20 | Aaron | “If safety really is number one, do you think somebody is mentally with it, fully aware on December 26th or December 24th?” | | 22:43 | Aaron | “We run into the break, and then come January, we run out of the break. And guess what? We do our best work.” | | 28:30 | Aaron | “When are we going to stand up and say, hey, we take this week off, that’s it. Stand up for ourselves.” | | 34:12 | Aaron | “I go into January with far more clarity, far more hunger than I would otherwise. And it’s a huge competitive edge. Huge competitive edge.” | | 35:35 | Aaron | “That’s not me being some silly millennial saying, ‘employers need to offer two weeks off and vacation every other week and nap pods.’ That’s not it. It’s just good business.” | | 36:35 | Aaron | “Give the people that are building the United States of America the time they need to rest… so that they can come back and do it all over again for another year.” |

Key Takeaways

• A well-implemented, company-wide year-end break is both a humane and strategic business choice.
• Rest increases productivity, safety, and morale—Aaron views it as a competitive advantage, not a cost.
• The challenge for the construction and dirt world industries is to overcome cultural inertia, prioritize people, and advocate for industry-wide rest.
• BuildWitt’s commitment to supporting and developing the next generation in the dirt world includes fighting for healthier work rhythms.

For Those Who Haven’t Listened

Aaron Witt’s episode offers an unfiltered, spirited challenge to construction companies: rethink the holiday work grind, make rest a priority, and see the returns for your people and your bottom line. He mixes personal storytelling with actionable arguments, making this a compelling listen (and read) for leaders and workers alike looking for an edge and a healthier workplace.

Stay Dirty, and here’s to a well-earned break—if not this year, then next!