Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
Episode: #374 – Tyler Serbus w/ Demo Plus
Host: Aaron Witt
Guest: Tyler Serbus, Owner of Demo Plus
Date: September 18, 2025
Duration: Approx. 1 hr 50 mins

Episode Overview

In this episode, Aaron Witt sits down with Tyler Serbus, the owner of Demo Plus, a growing demolition and earthwork contractor based in Nashville. The conversation covers the evolution and challenges of the civil construction industry, company culture, employee development, industry-wide issues like training and safety, and Tyler's story of buying and transforming Demo Plus. The episode focuses on innovation in the construction world, what it takes to attract and retain talent, and Tyler's unique approach to employee benefits and culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Generational Shifts in Construction, Safety, & Training

The industry’s approach to safety has changed rapidly, with “zero tolerance” replacing the former trial-and-error model. This has created a disconnect between how older and younger generations learn the trade and operate (00:00–01:47).
On-the-job training is largely a thing of the past, yet most companies lack formalized internal training programs, creating a knowledge gap for new entrants (91:38, 94:26).

Aaron Witt (A):

“The construction industry now has this zero tolerance for accidents, incidents, whoopsies… but ironically that's how the whole previous generation learned. But now that's not an option anymore.” (00:00)

Tyler Serbus (B):

“Trial and error, everybody… they were farm kids... I was 8 years old when I… got to drive a skid loader. Now I look at an 8-year-old kid and I would never trust you in my skid loader.” (00:40)

2. Advantages and Challenges of a Growing, Nimble Company

Tyler stresses the advantage of not being tied to legacy methods, being able to innovate, experiment with new technology (like OilQuick couplers), and promote quickly from within (01:49–05:04, 03:45).
Big companies have set ways—it's harder for them to change, while smaller ones can be agile and offer rapid career progression for ambitious younger workers.
Tyler’s Demo Plus is now majority focused on earthwork vs. demolition and strives to be a one-stop shop for clients (14:39–15:58).

“When you're a fresh company… you have the ability to try new technology, try new equipment… Whereas big corporations, they have a set way… but if you’re consistently buying equipment… the Delta [price difference] is minimal.” (03:45)

“As you grow, you need to say, hey, can you do this too? Older school companies, it’s like, you need to do your time, you need to do 12 years in the ditch, before you can… form. Maybe I do, but I don't want to.” (04:03)

3. Innovation and Technology Adoption

OilQuick and advanced couplers: Demo Plus is a local leader in adopting tool-changing hydraulic couplers, inspired by European efficiency.
- Adoption is easier for newer companies not burdened by legacy fleets (03:45, 64:22–65:17).
- Training is key to leveraging these systems without causing maintenance problems (61:34–62:08).

“There isn't that much innovation… You guys… questioning convention… it's simple: OilQuick. Once you see it, you’re just like, why would—Why aren’t more contractors doing this?” (58:43)

“When that tool works, that is the greatest tool in the world. There's nothing better than when you got to switch from a rock wheel to a hammer to a processor… it's all there.” (61:34)

4. Employee Retention, Benefits & Culture

Tyler discusses the struggles and solutions for employee retention in a market where workers often hop jobs. He emphasizes honest conversation about expectations and building a “sticky” culture (07:27–12:22).
Demo Plus is pioneering by offering an employer-funded pension plan—8% of earnings with a guaranteed 6% return, instead of a traditional 401k (34:47–46:41).
- The goal: give something valuable, make Demo Plus the place employees want to stay.

“We put in 8% of our employees’ gross earnings into a pension plan with a guaranteed 6% return... It comes at a huge cost to us, but… hopefully that’s retaining these employees.” (38:35)

“The more I learn about the market, the more I don’t believe in 401ks… It’s a whole racket.” (40:39)

“All I care about… just work hard, do a good job with the work, and take care of the equipment.” (41:00)

5. Market Sophistication & Regional Differences

Nashville’s market is “less sophisticated” compared to places like Minnesota, especially in demolition, but Demo Plus tries to raise the bar by cleaning up jobsites quickly and running multiple crews (21:39–25:55).
Cleanliness and equipment presentation are pointed out as key signals for excellence—drawing inspiration from top companies like Veit (67:08–68:33).

“There’s no great companies that have shit-looking equipment and shit-looking people... Buttoned up. Equipment is beautiful. Trucks are beautiful... The presentation matters.” (67:07)

“If you take care of [your equipment]… a $10,000 paint job goes a long way.” (68:59)

6. Buying and Transforming Demo Plus

Tyler details how he started as a PM, began his own small company, partnered, and then bought Demo Plus in 2023 through hard work and a seller-financed deal—not family connections or big money (29:46–40:24).
Dramatic growth followed as he shifted the business to be earthwork-centric and invested heavily into company culture and employee incentives.

“It’s all about working hard… I was making less than 100 grand a year… used everything I worked for, I put back into the business.” (38:35)

7. Training & The Next Generation

The lack of formal industry training is identified as a dangerous black hole, but existing solutions are either piecemeal (simulators, on-the-job) or require serious company investment (94:26–98:53).
Tyler runs "Day of the Dozer," an annual event inviting kids and clients to operate real equipment and get excited about the construction industry (103:05–107:17).

“When people talk about inspiring the next generation, I almost think it's as simple as that. Just get a kid in a bulldozer... we're overthinking this.” (107:06)

8. Safety—Culture vs. Compliance

Both critique the drift toward hyper-sterile, compliance-based safety that can eliminate the “fun” and camaraderie essential to the industry's appeal and retention (75:34–79:31).
Argue for a safety culture built on care, not fear, and question whether things like “stretch and flex” miss the broader goals of health.

“The safest operations I've been to... everyone's the safety manager... caring for one another... that's actually what makes it safe.” (79:15)

"Safety is about the culture. Safety is not about dictation." (79:31)

9. Future of the Industry — Retention, Health & Wellness

Physical and mental health get short shrift; the industry focuses on compliance, not underlying well-being. Food quality, sleep, and job site amenities come up as overlooked opportunities for improvement (84:30–88:21).
The hosts urge more holistic approaches to supporting worker wellness and happiness to retain quality people and attract new talent.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On Generational Change:
A (00:00): “The construction industry now has zero tolerance for accidents... but ironically, that's how the previous generation learned.”
On Career Progression:
A (04:03): “I understand doing your time, but... there's this overemphasis, I think, on doing your time. Like, ten years is not for you.”
On Employee Pensions:
B (38:35): “We put in 8% of our employees’ gross earnings into a pension plan with a guaranteed 6% return…”
On Training Gaps:
A (91:38): “The civil construction industry’s got a real big pickle right now... Everyone says there’s on-the-job training...but you can't afford on-the-job training.”
On Presenting the Industry:
A (67:07): "There’s no great companies that have shit-looking equipment and shit-looking people."
On Day of the Dozer:
B (103:09): “I was the kid obsessed with equipment… I wanted to enable kids to get infatuated about construction… invite 180 customers, families, all out… we'll have demo machines tearing up cars, dozers, kids get to run mini x's…”
On Safety Culture:
B (79:31): “Safety is about the culture. Safety is not about dictation.”
On Change & Risk:
B (55:24): “What do you got to lose to try something?... if it's internal, you know, financial mechanisms or equipment... Trying new things… there’s gonna be things we fail at, but we learn from those failures.”
On Industry Opportunity:
B (106:32): “Construction has a stigma that it’s super blue collar… but there is a lot of money to be made. It is a great career to get in.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:00: Generational safety/learning shift in construction
03:45: Access to new tech for smaller, nimble companies
07:27: Hiring, retention, and the challenge of job-hopping employees
14:39: Becoming a one-stop shop contractor; differences between regions
34:47: How Tyler bought Demo Plus; seller-financed deal, starting with nothing
38:35: Pension vs. 401k—innovative employee benefit
61:34: OilQuick: pros, employee training, and Euro-inspiration
67:07: Cleanliness, equipment presentation as sign of company quality
75:34: Safety culture—compliance vs. actual care & camaraderie
84:30: Worker wellness, health, and company responsibility
91:38/94:26: The problem with training in modern construction
103:05: Day of the Dozer—getting kids into construction
106:32: The industry as a place for career success and fulfillment

Tone & Style

The conversation is direct, candid, and often irreverent, filled with strong opinions, real-world anecdotes, and an undercurrent of humor. Both Aaron and Tyler are passionate about the construction industry and openly challenge conventional wisdom, making for a lively and insightful discussion.

Conclusion

This episode offers a window into the evolving world of construction through the eyes of an industry innovator and a passionate advocate for doing things differently. It’s a rallying cry for a more caring, engaged, and progressive dirt world—where employee well-being, innovation, and genuine culture drive success. Tyler’s story and Demo Plus's journey serve as a model for other companies looking to make their mark in a tradition-bound industry.

Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Generational Shifts in Construction, Safety, & Training

The industry’s approach to safety has changed rapidly, with “zero tolerance” replacing the former trial-and-error model. This has created a disconnect between how older and younger generations learn the trade and operate (00:00–01:47).
On-the-job training is largely a thing of the past, yet most companies lack formalized internal training programs, creating a knowledge gap for new entrants (91:38, 94:26).

Aaron Witt (A):

“The construction industry now has this zero tolerance for accidents, incidents, whoopsies… but ironically that's how the whole previous generation learned. But now that's not an option anymore.” (00:00)

Tyler Serbus (B):

“Trial and error, everybody… they were farm kids... I was 8 years old when I… got to drive a skid loader. Now I look at an 8-year-old kid and I would never trust you in my skid loader.” (00:40)

2. Advantages and Challenges of a Growing, Nimble Company

Tyler stresses the advantage of not being tied to legacy methods, being able to innovate, experiment with new technology (like OilQuick couplers), and promote quickly from within (01:49–05:04, 03:45).
Big companies have set ways—it's harder for them to change, while smaller ones can be agile and offer rapid career progression for ambitious younger workers.
Tyler’s Demo Plus is now majority focused on earthwork vs. demolition and strives to be a one-stop shop for clients (14:39–15:58).

“When you're a fresh company… you have the ability to try new technology, try new equipment… Whereas big corporations, they have a set way… but if you’re consistently buying equipment… the Delta [price difference] is minimal.” (03:45)

“As you grow, you need to say, hey, can you do this too? Older school companies, it’s like, you need to do your time, you need to do 12 years in the ditch, before you can… form. Maybe I do, but I don't want to.” (04:03)

3. Innovation and Technology Adoption

OilQuick and advanced couplers: Demo Plus is a local leader in adopting tool-changing hydraulic couplers, inspired by European efficiency.
- Adoption is easier for newer companies not burdened by legacy fleets (03:45, 64:22–65:17).
- Training is key to leveraging these systems without causing maintenance problems (61:34–62:08).

“There isn't that much innovation… You guys… questioning convention… it's simple: OilQuick. Once you see it, you’re just like, why would—Why aren’t more contractors doing this?” (58:43)

“When that tool works, that is the greatest tool in the world. There's nothing better than when you got to switch from a rock wheel to a hammer to a processor… it's all there.” (61:34)

4. Employee Retention, Benefits & Culture

Tyler discusses the struggles and solutions for employee retention in a market where workers often hop jobs. He emphasizes honest conversation about expectations and building a “sticky” culture (07:27–12:22).
Demo Plus is pioneering by offering an employer-funded pension plan—8% of earnings with a guaranteed 6% return, instead of a traditional 401k (34:47–46:41).
- The goal: give something valuable, make Demo Plus the place employees want to stay.

“We put in 8% of our employees’ gross earnings into a pension plan with a guaranteed 6% return... It comes at a huge cost to us, but… hopefully that’s retaining these employees.” (38:35)

“The more I learn about the market, the more I don’t believe in 401ks… It’s a whole racket.” (40:39)

“All I care about… just work hard, do a good job with the work, and take care of the equipment.” (41:00)

5. Market Sophistication & Regional Differences

Nashville’s market is “less sophisticated” compared to places like Minnesota, especially in demolition, but Demo Plus tries to raise the bar by cleaning up jobsites quickly and running multiple crews (21:39–25:55).
Cleanliness and equipment presentation are pointed out as key signals for excellence—drawing inspiration from top companies like Veit (67:08–68:33).

“There’s no great companies that have shit-looking equipment and shit-looking people... Buttoned up. Equipment is beautiful. Trucks are beautiful... The presentation matters.” (67:07)

“If you take care of [your equipment]… a $10,000 paint job goes a long way.” (68:59)

6. Buying and Transforming Demo Plus

Tyler details how he started as a PM, began his own small company, partnered, and then bought Demo Plus in 2023 through hard work and a seller-financed deal—not family connections or big money (29:46–40:24).
Dramatic growth followed as he shifted the business to be earthwork-centric and invested heavily into company culture and employee incentives.

“It’s all about working hard… I was making less than 100 grand a year… used everything I worked for, I put back into the business.” (38:35)

7. Training & The Next Generation

The lack of formal industry training is identified as a dangerous black hole, but existing solutions are either piecemeal (simulators, on-the-job) or require serious company investment (94:26–98:53).
Tyler runs "Day of the Dozer," an annual event inviting kids and clients to operate real equipment and get excited about the construction industry (103:05–107:17).

“When people talk about inspiring the next generation, I almost think it's as simple as that. Just get a kid in a bulldozer... we're overthinking this.” (107:06)

8. Safety—Culture vs. Compliance

Both critique the drift toward hyper-sterile, compliance-based safety that can eliminate the “fun” and camaraderie essential to the industry's appeal and retention (75:34–79:31).
Argue for a safety culture built on care, not fear, and question whether things like “stretch and flex” miss the broader goals of health.

“The safest operations I've been to... everyone's the safety manager... caring for one another... that's actually what makes it safe.” (79:15)

"Safety is about the culture. Safety is not about dictation." (79:31)

9. Future of the Industry — Retention, Health & Wellness

Physical and mental health get short shrift; the industry focuses on compliance, not underlying well-being. Food quality, sleep, and job site amenities come up as overlooked opportunities for improvement (84:30–88:21).
The hosts urge more holistic approaches to supporting worker wellness and happiness to retain quality people and attract new talent.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On Generational Change:
A (00:00): “The construction industry now has zero tolerance for accidents... but ironically, that's how the previous generation learned.”
On Career Progression:
A (04:03): “I understand doing your time, but... there's this overemphasis, I think, on doing your time. Like, ten years is not for you.”
On Employee Pensions:
B (38:35): “We put in 8% of our employees’ gross earnings into a pension plan with a guaranteed 6% return…”
On Training Gaps:
A (91:38): “The civil construction industry’s got a real big pickle right now... Everyone says there’s on-the-job training...but you can't afford on-the-job training.”
On Presenting the Industry:
A (67:07): "There’s no great companies that have shit-looking equipment and shit-looking people."
On Day of the Dozer:
B (103:09): “I was the kid obsessed with equipment… I wanted to enable kids to get infatuated about construction… invite 180 customers, families, all out… we'll have demo machines tearing up cars, dozers, kids get to run mini x's…”
On Safety Culture:
B (79:31): “Safety is about the culture. Safety is not about dictation.”
On Change & Risk:
B (55:24): “What do you got to lose to try something?... if it's internal, you know, financial mechanisms or equipment... Trying new things… there’s gonna be things we fail at, but we learn from those failures.”
On Industry Opportunity:
B (106:32): “Construction has a stigma that it’s super blue collar… but there is a lot of money to be made. It is a great career to get in.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:00: Generational safety/learning shift in construction
03:45: Access to new tech for smaller, nimble companies
07:27: Hiring, retention, and the challenge of job-hopping employees
14:39: Becoming a one-stop shop contractor; differences between regions
34:47: How Tyler bought Demo Plus; seller-financed deal, starting with nothing
38:35: Pension vs. 401k—innovative employee benefit
61:34: OilQuick: pros, employee training, and Euro-inspiration
67:07: Cleanliness, equipment presentation as sign of company quality
75:34: Safety culture—compliance vs. actual care & camaraderie
84:30: Worker wellness, health, and company responsibility
91:38/94:26: The problem with training in modern construction
103:05: Day of the Dozer—getting kids into construction
106:32: The industry as a place for career success and fulfillment

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Tyler Serbus w/ Demo Plus – DT 374

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Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Generational Shifts in Construction, Safety, & Training

2. Advantages and Challenges of a Growing, Nimble Company

3. Innovation and Technology Adoption

4. Employee Retention, Benefits & Culture

5. Market Sophistication & Regional Differences

6. Buying and Transforming Demo Plus

7. Training & The Next Generation

8. Safety—Culture vs. Compliance

9. Future of the Industry — Retention, Health & Wellness

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

Conclusion

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Generational Shifts in Construction, Safety, & Training

2. Advantages and Challenges of a Growing, Nimble Company

3. Innovation and Technology Adoption

4. Employee Retention, Benefits & Culture

5. Market Sophistication & Regional Differences

6. Buying and Transforming Demo Plus

7. Training & The Next Generation

8. Safety—Culture vs. Compliance

9. Future of the Industry — Retention, Health & Wellness

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Style

Conclusion