On this episode we sit down with Doc Cash Robinson Owner of Dirt Guy Excavation LLC out of Whitesboro, Texas. We talk about estimating, contract language, winning jobs rising costs of materials, fuel and labor and how to navigate these trying times in 2024 as we head into the election in November. Doc's Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doccashrobinson/ Dirt Guy Excavation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirt_guy_excavation_llc/ Doc's Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@docrob...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 9
On This Episode Brandon Sits down with Christopher Ballance a Mechanic with GH Cranes out of Terrell, Texas. They talk about Chris's background and how he got into the blue-collar world. They also talk about the Crew Collab and the mission it provides to the blue-collar world where Chris is an ambassador for the group. Chris's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.ballance?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Crew Collab's Social's https://linktr.ee/CrewColla...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 8
On this Episode we sit down with Halston Holcomb, owner of TCX Land Management out of Dallas, Texas. We discuss getting ready for the summer with buying the right gear for the jobsite. We then discuss Halston's background and how he got into business for himself. We then talk about contracts and how to build a business in the construction industry. Halston Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halston_holcomb/ Facebook: (2) Holston Holcomb | Facebook TCX Land Management Socials: (2)...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 7
On This Episode Brandon Sits down with Houston Garner who is a Safety and Fleet Coordinator at Lonestar Electric Supply and C130J Loadmaster in the Texas Air National Guard. They talk about Houston's story growing up, his journey to become a pilot in the Texas National Guard and how is helping grow the culture at the company he works for in his civilian career. On Grade's Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ongrade...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 6
On this episode Brandon sits down with Chad Porteck Owner of Circle P Excavation in Overton, Nebraska. He is also a member of the crew collab. They talk about Chad's background and how he got into the excavation business, and they talk about ways of bidding jobs and finding niches. They also discuss payment terms and how to negotiate jobs and how to set you and your company up for success. Circle P Excavation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CirclePExcavation/ Chad's Social Media: Instagram: h...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 5
On this Episode Brandon sits down with Bryan Furnace the Host of Diesel and Iron Youtube Channel and Co Host of Sweat and Grime Podcast. They discuss Bryan's background of starting in the landscape buisness in Texas and changing into Excavation. Bryan now lives in Michigan and is part owner of a small excavation company. We hope you enjoy the show. Bryans Socials: Diesel and Iron Website: https://www.dieselandironproductions.com/ Diesel And Iron YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/diesela...
May 08, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 4
On this Episode James Devinney Joins Brandon as a fill in Co Host. They talk about state governments, business and how to be a good construction manager/ project manager. James is the host of the Dirty and Driven Podcast. Dirty and Driven Link tree: https://linktr.ee/dirtyanddriven?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=915b67e7-89a9-4866-bf98-07e707df78ff On Grade Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ongrade?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=e9ee6447-34db-41c3-b765-26fc3b020c05 Recommend...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Season 2Ep. 3
On this Episode Brandon sits down with Colton McCormack from the @certifiedwrenchpodcast . They talk about construction, wrenching, podcasting and growing as a leader. Certified Wrench's Socials https://linktr.ee/Certifiedwrench?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c479e458-42ae-4355-b673-9fecca1d6665 On Grades Social Media https://linktr.ee/ongrade?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f696e4f7-b59b-48e2-b7e5-e46638e8e351
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 2
On this Episode we sit down after a 6 month hiatus. Devon and Brandon talk about the reason for the delay in recording a show. Changes to their businesses and how to constantly adapt in the constantly volatile environment the Construction Industry is going through currently. They also talk about taking care or your company and you're clients at the same time. They talk about rebuilding culture and relationships to help you move forward in 2024. Ongrades Social Media https://linktr.ee/ongrade Rec...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 1
On This Episode Brandon sits down with Erik Struebig from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They talk about Erik's how Erik's time in the military helped shaped the mechanic he would become for Manitowac Crane. They talk about mindset, grit and how to be a man when handling life and the business of construction. We also talk about Erik being a board member of the crew collab. Erik's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e_struebig/?hl=en Crew Collab: https://linktr.ee/CrewCollab?utm_source=linktree_profile...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 23
On This Episode Brandon and Devon sit down with Christian Birker from CMB Excavation in Toronto, Ontario Canada. They talk about how Christian started CMB, employees, mental health, buisness and how to be a leader. On Grades Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ongrade Donate to Truth Excavation cleaning up and doing search and rescue in Hawaii after the fires. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-clark-family-truth-excavation-keep-servi?member=28686059&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-shee...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 22
On This Episode Brandon and Devon sit down with James Deviney host of the Dirty and Driven Podcast and Colton McCormack of the Certified Wrench Podcast. We talk about the other shows and how we are going to help build a group of podcasts to help the industry move forward in the right direction. We hope you enjoy the show. We also have a great time cutting up and catching up. Certified Wrench's Social Media: https://linktr.ee/certifiedwrench Dirty and Driven Social Media: dirtyanddriven | Instagr...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 21
On this Episode Devon and Brandon sit down with Daniel Villanueva Vice President of Pre- Construction for Moss Utilities in Dallas, Texas. Daniel talks about his background in the industry and how to grow your estimators and project managers and take your business to the next level of better clientele and contracts. We hope you enjoy this episode, also in the link is to two books we highly recommend that you read. Daniels Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-villanueva-40924a33/ Recommen...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 20
On this Episode Devon and Brandon sit down with Ryan Killingsworth who is an Estimator with Franklin's Earthmoving in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They talk about where to start with estimating from software's, techniques, figuring hourly rates and how to estimate a project correctly and not leave money on the table. Ryan currently works remotely for them in Texas. We hope you enjoy the show as much as we did. ON GRADES LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/ongrade...
Aug 02, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 19
On this episode Brandon and Devon sit down with Matt Morrison Owner of MJM Utilities in Rockwall, Texas. Also a special Producer for the show Colton McCormack Host of the Certified Wrench Podcast. We talk about the utility industry and how Matt has grown from a one-man operation to running 3 full crews in the span of 4 years. We also discuss the importance of finding the right people, equipment and tools. We also talk about how to estimate and grow a utility company successfully and in a healthy...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 18
On this episode Brandon sits down with Colton McCormack Host of the Certified Wrench Podcast. We talk about Colton's Career, maintaining equipment, rising prices with parts and labor. Hearing from the other side of the fence and hearing what Mechanics deal with to make our equipment work. Certified Wrench Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/certifiedwrench Website: https://www.certifiedwrenchpodcast.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ab3ouQzGIgHYlGuhwnKds Instagram: https://www.instagr...
Jul 12, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 17
On this Episode Brandon and Devon sit down with Scott Friend the Host of The Construction Veteran Podcast. Scott Discusses his early career in the US Navy and his 2 deployments as a Seebee. We then talk about his career in the construction industry and how he is helping veterans get into construction with his volunteer work and also his help being in the construction industry as a general contractor superintendent. Scotts Social's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-friend-a8a05723/ The...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 16
On this episode Brandon and Devon sit down and talk about starting their companies from Scratch and how they have grown them into successful businesses. They discuss the things people need to succeed in business and how to grow your business to be successful in Excavation and the Construction Industry. Devon and Brandon also discuss the key things you will need to take your business to the next level. They talk about leadership and the key it plays in making good decisions. On Grades Patreon: ht...
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 15
On This episode we sit down with Joseph Villareal owner of Villareal Civil Group. We talk about Villarreal's story and Villarreal Civil Groups story of in just over 2 years in Business, growing from a one man operation to having over seventeen Machines Operating in the San Antonio Area. We also discuss how to grow your employees and mold them into team players. We discuss leadership and ideas to help grow your business to the next level. Villareal Civil Group: https: https://www.villarrealcivilg...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 14
On this episode we sit down with Brian Mingus who is currently a superintendent with Flour Companies and is planning on going out on his own. We sit down with Brian to give him ideas on how to estimate jobs and set yourself up for success. We talk about best practices when you first get going and of course the most important which is winning that 1st project. We hope you enjoy the episode. On Grades Patreon: patreon.com/OnGradePodcast YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWjNpmeDXP0P...
May 18, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 13
On This episode we sit down with Bryan Peters owner of Advance Trac Equipment and COO of Moss Utilities. We talk about the best equipment and ways to buy equipment when starting a construction company. We also discuss the pros vs cons of renting vs buying. We also talk about Bryans childhood and how he got started in the equipment business and how he helps run the day to day for Moss Utilities. Advance Trac's Website: https://www.advancetrac.net/ Moss Utilities Website: https://www.mossutilities...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 12
On this episode Brandon and Devon sit down with Kenneth Barkhuff a project manager for local General Contractor here in the DFW Metroplex. Ken brings over 20 years of experience as a operator for CAT in their proving grounds and also working for Kiewit and several other major civil contractors all over the country. He talks about the best practices and what equipment you should consider looking at when starting up a company or growing a company to the next level. Equipment is the biggest piece i...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 11
On this Episode we sit down with Joey Palomo Vice President Of Sales for AGS ( Advanced Geodectic Surveys). We talk about what are some of the good systems for contractors looking to make the switch over to GPS, Robotic and Laser. We also discuss Sales and Marketing Techniques to help people succeed in growing their business. Joey talks about how he has helped grow AGS and his background working initially as an estimator for a home builder and switching over to sales. We hope you enjoy this epis...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 10
This is episode 2 in our series about starting and growing a construction company. On This episode, we sit down with Devon Bordeau who now is on the show as a co host, we talk about what it takes to be a leader and how to grow a construction culture inside your company. We also talk about the hard decisions and what it takes to succeed and build a brand. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. Please Follow us on YouTube: @ongrade5384 Facebook: Ongrade88 Instagram: on_gradetx...
Mar 22, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 9
On this episode we sit down with Devon Boudreau from Rueben Excavation out of Princeton, Texas. We discuss how Devon started his Construction Career in Canada. We talk about how he started Rueben in 2019 and then brought it down to Texas. We talk about the struggles we both faced starting a excavation company and what we would recommend to the next generation wanting to take that leap into running their own company. We also discuss equipment, how to build a company slowly but successfully and ho...
Feb 08, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 8
On this episode we sit down with Cliff Fetner and talk about his company that he founded after having issues moving material off of a project that he was developing a few years ago. Cliff and his team are building a brand and product that are helping to revolutionize the Trucking and Earthwork industries. We talk about how Soil Connect was formed, what products it currently offers and what are some future things that Cliff and his team are working on to help build a amazing product for clients a...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 7
On this Episode we sit down with Doc Robinson from Dirt Guy Excavation LLC in Whitesboro, Texas. Dirt Guy services DFW and North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. We talk about Doc growing up working for his Dad at Robinson Construction. He began running a paddle wheel scraper as a toddler and helped his dad bring the company into the modern area by renaming it and Doc doing the marketing and helping build his family's company. We talk about future technology, clients and where we see 2023 going. Hop...
Jan 07, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 6
On this episode we sit down with Cole Myre from Armor Site Services in Lavon, Texas. We talk about him being a 3rd generation civil, erosion control and saw cutting contractor. We talk about 2023 and what the future looks like, Payment Terms, Contracts, Change Orders and how to protect yourself and how to build a brand and a great company in today's turbulent climate. Check it out and we hope you enjoy the show as much as Brandon and Cole did. Armor Site Services Company Links Linkedin: (7) Armo...
Dec 28, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 5
On this episode we sit down with Luke Eggebratten and Luke Payne. They run a podcast called The Dirtbags Podcast. Luke & Luke both have successful businesses. We talk about the podcast, what the business is becoming, what is going on with the economy and also just good old fashioned conversation. Check out their podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4HqjEyafEk7rXCGLFcX232 Dirt Bags Podcast Website: https://dirtbagspodcast.com/ DirtBags Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtbagspodcast1...
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 4
On this Episode Brandon has Apollo Hesser on the show from Florida. He is an equipment operator who recently got into the business and is learning the ropes of excavation and the construction business. Apollo and Brandon served in the army together. Watch the interview on YouTube: (14) On Grade - YouTube Check out our Instagram: On Grade (@on_gradetx) • Instagram photos and videos Follow us on Facebook: On Grade | Facebook...
Dec 15, 2022•11 min
