Dirt Talk Podcast Summary
Episode: Helicopters, Switcheroos, and Team Updates (BuildWitt Update #6) - DT 349
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Hosted by Aaron from BuildWitt
1. Introduction and Listener Appreciation
Aaron opens the episode by expressing gratitude towards the listeners for their positive feedback and continued support. He encourages audience engagement by inviting questions and comments via his email, setting a welcoming tone for the episode.
"I've heard great feedback from everybody so far. Appreciate you all listening. I'm glad people are enjoying these updates."
[00:30]
2. Travel Adventures and Project Insights
Aaron delves into the week’s travel experiences undertaken by the Influence team, comprising himself, Jack, and TJ. The team embarked on a journey to Albuquerque, followed by a drive to New Mexico’s Sun Zia Project.
a. Sun Zia Renewable Energy Project
The Sun Zia Project stands as America's largest renewable energy initiative, focusing on wind turbine construction and extensive transmission lines spanning over 500 miles from New Mexico to Arizona. Despite facing unfavorable windy conditions that halted turbine construction, the team adapted by switching their plans.
"We pulled the old switcheroo and drove an additional three hours to visit another Quanta services company, Winco, who is performing aerial work on the Sun Zia transmission line."
[02:15]
They observed Winco’s aerial operations, where workers utilized helicopters for line placement, highlighting the project's immense scale and complexity.
b. Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Top Out
The following day brought better wind conditions, allowing Blattner Energy to proceed with the turbine top out—a significant milestone marking the erection of the final shaft section, nacelle, and turbine blades using large cranes.
"It was spicy, spectacular. So very happy about that."
[03:10]
Aaron mentions an upcoming video that will showcase this impressive achievement, emphasizing the project's monumental nature.
c. Unexpected Project Switch to Aspen
Originally planning to fly to Loveland, Colorado, the team encountered another sudden change when the paving schedule was moved from Thursday to Friday. Demonstrating flexibility, they opted to drive to Aspen to meet Shay Stutzman, a leading civil contractor in the area.
"We went from the middle of nowhere New Mexico to hundred million dollar homes within 24 hours, which is totally a classic buildwood move."
[04:00]
This swift transition underscores BuildWitt’s agility in handling project alterations seamlessly.
3. Chimney Hollow Reservoir Progress
On Friday, the team visited the Chimney Hollow reservoir project to witness the final asphalt placement. This reservoir is a remarkable undertaking, involving the creation of one of the largest temporary quarries in the United States—a precursor to the reservoir's filling later in the year.
"The scale and scope's amazing and we'll have a video on that project as well coming soon."
[05:00]
Aaron highlights the project’s significance and the team’s ongoing commitment to documenting and sharing their progress.
4. Build with Improve Platform Enhancements
Aaron provides an update on the “Build with Improve” platform, detailing the resolution of major bugs that previously hindered performance. The internal usage of the platform has proven successful, leading to enhanced functionality and positive feedback from customers.
"We can start to get into more functions, features, et cetera, making it better rather than just fighting fires."
[06:25]
He assures listeners that while further work remains, the recent improvements mark significant progress towards a more robust and efficient platform.
5. Team Expansion and Business Development
Addressing organizational growth, Aaron announces the formation of a new business development team aimed at increasing booked meetings and expanding the sales pipeline. This team will engage with construction companies to demonstrate how “Build with Improve” can aid in upskilling employees and maintaining comprehensive training records.
"We're getting them interested, we're booking them for a time for then our sales reps to... see if it is indeed a good fit."
[07:10]
Additionally, to strengthen customer relationships, the company has reassigned a team member from support to account management. This strategic move is intended to foster deeper connections with existing clients and support the development of learning cultures within their organizations.
"Now that we do, we can at least start to establish some of those processes we've been lacking."
[07:50]
6. Dirt World Summit Planning and Testimonials
Looking ahead, Aaron shares exciting developments regarding the Dirt World Summit. While the 2026 summit is slated for Phoenix and the current year’s event in Dallas, the 2027 location remains a surprise, though the team has secured a challenging yet promising venue capable of accommodating 1,500 to 2,000 attendees.
"It's a lot harder than you'd think to find a venue that fits your event that has enough space for 1500, 2000 people."
[08:30]
To enhance event promotion, BuildWitt is now leveraging testimonials from past attendees rather than relying solely on self-promotion. Aaron cites a testimonial from Herb Sargent of Sargent Corporation to illustrate the summit’s value:
"We made more great industry connections in one summit than at a dozen Con Expo events... It's now a must attend for our company."
[09:00]
This approach aims to authentically convey the summit’s benefits through the voices of satisfied participants.
7. Conclusion and Final Remarks
Aaron wraps up the episode by reiterating the week’s highlights and expressing appreciation to the listeners. He maintains his open invitation for audience interaction, fostering a sense of community and ongoing dialogue.
"That is everything this week. I appreciate you all tuning in as always."
[09:50]
He signs off with his signature encouragement:
"Stay dirty everybody."
[10:00]
Final Thoughts
This episode of the Dirt Talk podcast offers a comprehensive update on BuildWitt’s recent projects, team developments, and future events. Aaron’s detailed recounting of travel experiences, project challenges, and organizational growth provides valuable insights into the company’s operations and strategic direction. The emphasis on customer relationships and authentic event promotion underscores BuildWitt’s commitment to fostering a strong industry community.
For more information or to engage with Aaron, listeners are encouraged to reach out via email at Aaron@buildwit.com.