Dirt Talk by BuildWitt: Monday Q&A – DT 301 Summary

Release Date: January 6, 2025

Sponsor Highlight: Ariat Footwear and Workwear

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic endorsement of Ariat, the official sponsor of the Dirt Talk podcast. Host Aaron emphasizes the importance of quality workwear, especially during cold winters. He shares his personal endorsement, stating:

“I've worn Ariat boots on every job site I visited over the years, traveling in them across five continents. More importantly, I have yet to find a single project where working folks, unlike me, are not wearing Ariat boots and workwear in every condition imaginable.” (00:00)

Aaron highlights Ariat's extensive range of outerwear designed to keep workers warm without compromising on functionality. He also announces an exclusive offer for Dirt Talk listeners:

“Ariat is offering Dirt Talk listeners 10% off their next Ariat order at ariat.com/dirttalk.” (01:33)

Episode Overview

In this Q&A episode, Aaron addresses four listener-submitted questions, offering insights into industry partnerships, career development, and personal growth. The session provides valuable advice for professionals in the Dirt World, blending practical strategies with motivational guidance.

1. Industry Partnerships and OEM Relations

Listener Question: Dave P. inquires about BuildWitt’s partnership with John Deere for training videos and whether this collaboration has affected their relationship with Caterpillar (Cat), especially after restrictions on accessing Cat facilities.

Aaron's Response:

Aaron delves into BuildWitt’s strategic shift towards developing a comprehensive training software platform, Training 4.0, set for release in Q4 2024. He explains the platform's growth, aiming for 30,000 users by year-end, and its extensive library of over 1,500 training videos covering various aspects of machinery operation and management.

“The future of our business is software. It's training software... we aim to significantly grow over the next few years and make it the premium training offering within the dirt world.” (03:07)

He acknowledges the vital investments from heavy civil contractors and Cat dealers, emphasizing BuildWitt’s commitment to neutrality by not aligning exclusively with any single OEM. Aaron highlights the collaborative relationships with multiple manufacturers, including John Deere, Komatsu, Hitachi, and Volvo.

Addressing the setback with Caterpillar:

“As of now, I'm not permitted at Tanaha. And however, that has nothing to do with our work with John Deere.” (21:50)

Aaron reassures listeners that the partnership with John Deere remains strong and underscores BuildWitt’s openness to collaborating with other manufacturers to ensure comprehensive and unbiased training content.

2. Career Development After Injury

Listener Question: Dave W. shares a recent severe injury—a torn bicep—and seeks advice on certifications or qualifications to pursue during his 6 to 9-month recovery period to advance his career as a mechanic, welder, or fabricator.

Aaron's Response:

Aaron empathizes with Dave's situation and offers a dual approach focusing on physical recovery and personal development:

1. Physical Health:

   “I would look at that as an opportunity to get healthier while you're out... spend time on your feet, moving around, so that when you do go back to work, you're in a better position.” (14:39)

2. Mental and Leadership Skills: Emphasizing the importance of leadership and communication, Aaron recommends leveraging downtime to enhance these skills through reading and learning.

“You can be the world's best fabricator, welder, mechanic... but you'll be stuck if you can't effectively communicate, influence others, and lead.” (14:39)

He encourages developing traits that support career advancement, drawing inspiration from individuals like Nick Lavery, who utilized challenging times to strengthen mentally and professionally.

3. Book Recommendations for Leadership and Personal Growth

Listener Question: Dylan Kaelin on Instagram asks for five book recommendations and the reasons why Aaron values them.

Aaron's Recommendations:

1. "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

   “It is absolutely gold and will completely change your life and how you view your life and how you view personal responsibility.” (14:54)

2. "Leadership Tactics and Strategies" by Jocko Willink

   “It's a book that's way more tactical than Extreme Ownership and is not really a book you read cover to cover. It just gives you a bunch of stuff to think about and apply.” (15:20)

3. "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie

   “It is so simple and so powerful... it's probably one of the best books ever written on the subject.” (16:00)

4. "It's Your Ship" by Michael Abrashoff

   “He talks about how he took over a destroyer that was a miserable place to work and made it a great place to work. It has a bunch of great examples.” (16:45)

Reading Habit Emphasis: Aaron underscores the significance of making reading a daily habit, sharing his personal regimen of reading 10 pages every day to continuously build knowledge and apply lessons learned.

“If you're not reading, you are missing out on just so much.” (17:10)

4. Strategies for Advancing to Higher Positions

Listener Question: An Instagram query asks for advice on how to find promotions or new job opportunities to move up within the industry.

Aaron's Advice:

Aaron outlines a comprehensive strategy to secure promotions and new roles:

1. Assess and Enhance Performance:

   “Am I promotable?... Take inventory and make it a goal to be... absolutely everything you can.” (24:36)

2. Seek Feedback:

   “I would ask my leader... what can I focus on to perform better?” (24:37)

3. Express Intentions:

   “You have to ask for what you want and you have to earn what you want.” (24:40)

4. Patiently Pursue Opportunities: Recognize that career advancement may take time and persistence.

5. Network and Research:

   “Find those key people... reach out to them. If you're not taking initiative, you're leaving a lot on the table.” (24:45)

Aaron also advises leveraging social media and platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and gather insights about desirable companies.

“A lot of the companies we have on this podcast are led by the leaders I have on this podcast. Probably a good place to start.” (24:55)

He offers to personally assist listeners in identifying reputable companies, emphasizing the importance of aligning with organizations that value growth and leadership.

Closing Remarks

Aaron wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of proactive personal and professional development. He encourages listeners to continue submitting questions and engaging with the Dirt Talk community for ongoing support and insights.

“If you have anything that you would like me to answer in the future, I don't think anything's off limits, honestly. Send me the question.” (25:15)

Key Takeaways:

• Quality Partnerships: Building and maintaining diverse OEM relationships is crucial for comprehensive industry training solutions.
• Personal Growth: Overcoming setbacks involves focusing on both physical recovery and enhancing leadership and communication skills.
• Continuous Learning: Regular reading and learning are vital for personal and professional development.
• Career Advancement: Proactive performance, seeking feedback, expressing career intentions, and strategic networking are essential for moving up the career ladder.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ariat Footwear and Workwear: ariat.comdirttalk
• Training 4.0 Platform: Upcoming release in Q4 2024
• Recommended Books:
  • Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
  • Leadership Tactics and Strategies by Jocko Willink
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  • It's Your Ship by Michael Abrashoff

For more information or to submit questions, visit BuildWitt's Website or email Aaron at aar@buildwitt.com.

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Follow the Dirt Talk podcast on social media for updates, additional resources, and community engagement.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this summary are based on the content provided in the podcast transcript and do not reflect the endorsements or positions of the summarizer.