Podcast Summary: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
Episode: From Small Town MS to Building the Southeast w/ Aaron Gregory – DT 328
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In Episode DT 328 of Dirt Talk by BuildWitt, host Aaron Gregory sits down with Mike [Last Name], a successful construction company owner who has expanded his business from a modest operation in Columbus, Mississippi, to a thriving enterprise with over 400 employees across eight states. This episode delves into Mike’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of scaling a construction business, the implementation of systems like EOS and Traction, and the critical importance of company culture and employee engagement.

Guest Background and Business Genesis

Mike begins by sharing his roots in the construction industry, having grown up working alongside his father who owned a local construction company. In 2007, at the age of 21, Mike took the initiative to found his own company with his then-fiancé, leveraging the solid reputation his father had built over 20 years.

Mike [01:33]: “2007, founded the company with my fiancé at the time... realizing there's always a lot to learn.”

He emphasizes the foundational skills he acquired, including drafting, design, and accounting, which were instrumental in managing and growing his business.

Mike [06:10]: "Studied drafting and design... also accounting, which has benefited me a lot throughout the years."

Scaling the Business: Challenges and Strategies

Transitioning from a small-town operation to a multi-state enterprise posed significant challenges. Initially, Mike attempted to handle every aspect of the business, which led to inefficiencies and a lack of clear structure.

Mike [01:18]: “It’s a lifetime for others... 400 today. That's a lot of folks to shepherd and care for.”

Realizing the need for departmentalization, Mike implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and the Traction model to define clear roles and responsibilities within the company. This strategic move allowed for smoother operations and prevented the chaos that often accompanies rapid growth.

Mike [12:12]: “The concept for us was figuring out where I, as the owner, needed to be in the organization to help make it work... we departmentalized, and it works so smooth.”

Leadership Dynamics: Visionary vs. Integrator

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the balance between being a visionary and an integrator. Mike identifies his role as the visionary, constantly seeking new opportunities and ways to grow the business, while delegating operational tasks to a competent integrator.

Mike [18:03]: “Understanding the key roles of the visionary and the integrator... being able to set both of them free and go, man, here’s your lane and here’s what you do.”

This division of responsibilities has allowed Mike to stay connected with the front lines of construction, ensuring that the company remains grounded and responsive to on-site challenges.

Building a Strong Company Culture

Aaron and Mike delve into the importance of fostering a positive company culture. Mike underscores the significance of hiring for character and cultural fit rather than solely focusing on technical skills.

Mike [38:03]: “Hiring for character and culture, not competency... building a family-like atmosphere.”

By creating an environment where employees feel valued and part of a larger mission, Mike has successfully increased employee retention and satisfaction.

Mike shares an inspiring anecdote where a consultant reported that 95-98% of employees expressed a desire to retire with the company, highlighting the effectiveness of their cultural initiatives.

Mike [40:31]: “They took a strata of the company from top to bottom and interviewed them all... 95-98% said, ‘We want to retire here.’”

Addressing Labor Market Challenges in the South

The Southern labor market presents unique challenges, including lower wages compared to other regions and high competition from large conglomerates. Mike discusses strategies to attract and retain talent despite these hurdles.

Mike [102:56]: “You have to compete on a national scale... figuring out how to make it work.”

He emphasizes the importance of offering competitive wages, per diems, and travel benefits to make positions more attractive. Additionally, Mike highlights the company's commitment to supporting employees' personal growth and well-being.

Mike [104:03]: “Take care of the guys... pay sufficiently to attract them wherever we need to go.”

Tenure vs. Transitory Workforce

Balancing long-term, tenured employees with a transitory workforce is another critical topic. Mike advocates for a dual approach where the company nurtures long-term employees while also providing opportunities for short-term workers who may bring fresh perspectives.

Mike [115:03]: “While we have the guys that are tenured bought in... we also have the transitory workforce that’s in their season of life.”

Using examples like Chick-fil-A, Mike illustrates how companies can thrive by embracing both stable and rotating staff, fostering a dynamic and resilient workforce.

Implementing Mission, Vision, and Values

Aaron and Mike discuss the iterative process of defining and refining the company's mission, vision, and values. Mike stresses the necessity of collaborative input from the executive team to ensure these elements resonate throughout the organization.

Mike [57:35]: “Collaborative process... top brass isn’t involved, it can only go so far.”

They highlight the ongoing effort required to embed these core principles into everyday operations, ensuring that every team member understands and aligns with the company's overarching goals.

Personal Reflections and Leadership Lessons

The conversation also touches on personal growth and the importance of humility in leadership. Mike shares his journey of understanding his strengths and the need to remain connected with his team despite personal challenges.

Mike [85:39]: “Having that connection is crucial... reciprocal encouragement.”

Aaron reflects on his own experiences, emphasizing the necessity of visible and engaged leadership to foster trust and motivation among employees.

Aaron [68:16]: “Leadership that is visible is extremely important... seeing what the heck we're doing.”

Looking Forward: Industry Insights and Future Plans

As the episode concludes, Mike and Aaron contemplate the future of the construction industry. They discuss the potential for technological advancements, the necessity of sustainable practices, and the ongoing need to prioritize people over processes.

Mike [94:05]: “We get to provide an atmosphere for people to solve problems... that's beautiful.”

Aaron shares his passion for the construction industry as a human-centric field that still holds promise for the American dream, highlighting the unique opportunities it offers compared to more impersonal corporate environments.

Aaron [105:03]: “Construction... offers people such an extraordinary sense of purpose...”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mike [01:33]: “2007, founded the company with my fiancé at the time... realizing there's always a lot to learn.”

• Mike [12:12]: “The concept for us was figuring out where I, as the owner, needed to be in the organization to help make it work... we departmentalized, and it works so smooth.”

• Mike [38:03]: “Hiring for character and culture, not competency... building a family-like atmosphere.”

• Mike [40:31]: “They took a strata of the company from top to bottom and interviewed them all... 95-98% said, 'We want to retire here.'”

• Mike [103:04]: “You have to figure out how to make it work... as a company, we've got to compete on a national scale.”

• Mike [115:03]: “While we have the guys that are tenured bought in... we also have the transitory workforce that’s in their season of life.”

• Mike [57:35]: “Collaborative process... top brass isn’t involved, it can only go so far.”

• Aaron [68:16]: “Leadership that is visible is extremely important... seeing what the heck we're doing.”

• Mike [85:39]: “Having that connection is crucial... reciprocal encouragement.”

• Mike [94:05]: “We get to provide an atmosphere for people to solve problems... that's beautiful.”

• Aaron [105:03]: “Construction... offers people such an extraordinary sense of purpose...”

Conclusion

Episode DT 328 of Dirt Talk offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of growing a construction business from the ground up. Through candid dialogue, Mike and Aaron highlight the indispensable role of leadership, the necessity of robust systems like EOS and Traction, and the profound impact of fostering a strong, people-centric company culture. For listeners aspiring to scale their own businesses, this episode provides invaluable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the challenges of the construction industry while maintaining a dedicated and motivated workforce.