Dirt Bags Podcast
di Luke EggebraatenStagione 1

#128: Don't Take No for an Answer- DK Excavating
#128: Don't Take No for an Answer- DK Excavating James Stiksma from Canadian Septic is stepping in as guest host while Luke is home with his newborn! And he brought a great one. Kevin Cox runs DK Excavating out of Ontario and has been featured on HGTV with Mike Holmes three times. But the real story here is what he went through to still be standing. In 2022 Kevin was diagnosed with a rare form of melanoma. A nine and a half hour surgery rebuilt his face using tissue from his own arm and thigh. He thought he had it beat. It came back. By early 2023 he was down to 155 pounds with a tumor the size of a baseball on his face. Canadian doctors wanted to do the same surgery again. His wife said no. She found an experimental dendritic cell treatment in Mexico. Kevin scraped together $85,000 USD, laid off his crew, and flew to Mexico. By September of 2023 he had a clean scan. Kevin's perseverance through all of it is nothing short of incredible. 📲 Connect with Kevin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkexcavating/ Website: https://www.dkexcavating.com/ Huge thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management. Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: http://eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology. By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: http://sludgehammer.net Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!
#127: Dirtbikes and Dozers - Cole Morse
Episode #127: Dirtbikes and Dozers | Cole Morse Cole Morse taught himself to run equipment on a dirt bike track his dad built him out of 96 free loads of clay. Today he runs M&M Earthwurx, the More Dirt YouTube channel, and More Dirt Pro, a mentorship app helping blue collar guys across the country build something real. In this one Cole gets raw about starting with nothing, buying a foreclosure to fund his business, raising autistic twins, walking off a job site and eating $4,000 in profit, and why purpose matters more to him than money ever will. God first. Family second. Work third. This one is worth every minute. 📲 Connect with Cole: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/more.dirt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Morse359 More Dirt Pro: https://www.moredirtpro.com/event/bulldozer-class?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnrdNz_mcCUC0foFYQBuKzIOEdlF0nF1DjbGtAE_21RkC_93knK6lBZ5BXcY8_aem_97fw2_KenWiRPiHhbvUiOg Huge thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management. Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: http://eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology. By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: http://sludgehammer.net Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LET'S GO!
#126: Before Storm was Storm - Jordan Smith
1,500 days ago Jordan Smith sat down on the Phaser Friday podcast as a guy building something cool. Today he's lost 200 pounds, sold a company to Boss Snowplow, launched Storm Equipment, started a docuseries that's become the most viewed snow media ever created, and is scaling multiple companies simultaneously. In this episode Jordan gets raw about all of it. The ego trip that cost him everything he built, the doctor's visit that changed his life, how 75 Hard rewired his brain, selling VSI to Boss Snowplow, and building Storm from the ground up with purpose at the center of everything. We also get into fatherhood, work life integration, shiny object syndrome vs real innovation, and what it actually means to be the product of your last 1,000 days. This one hits different. Don't skip it. 📲 Connect with Jordan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordansmith9922 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-smith-bb997173 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management. Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: http://eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology. By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: http://sludgehammer.net Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!
#125: Dirt Bag of the Year - Mack Lipka
Episode #125: Dirt Bag of the Year | Mack Lipka He quit his job in November of 2022, sold a piece of property, borrowed from his retirement fund, bought a 2012 pickup, and went all in. Today Mack Lipka owns Black Diamond Landworks out of Kalispell, Montana and is the first ever Dirt Bags Podcast Dirt Bag of the Year belt holder. In this episode Mack breaks down how he bootstrapped his excavation and land company from the ground up, what it really takes to go out on your own with no guarantees, and how keeping it simple has been the key to everything. We talk equipment, hiring, scope creep, contracts, managing customers, and what he would tell anyone thinking about jumping into the excavation or land space today. Mack is the real deal and this one is worth every minute. 📲 Connect with Mack: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_diamond_landworks/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mack-lipka-633147257/ Website: https://blackdiamondlandworks.com/ Dirt Bags University Sign-Up Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1FDMN9b7S5azg-EZ44KgMg#/registration Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management. Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: http://eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology. By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: http://sludgehammer.net Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!
#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn
#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn Marc Kuhn started pouring concrete at 21, got fired, had a mortgage and a fiance making $12 an hour. Today he runs four companies doing close to 50 million in total revenue with 80 million in assets under management. In this episode Marc breaks down how he scaled from a one man concrete crew to a multi company operation, what glass ceilings actually look like when you hit them, the panic attack that changed everything, and why you are always the bottleneck in your own business. Raw, real, and loaded with stuff you can act on today. 📲 Connect with Marc: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc.kuhn.mak/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-kuhn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marckuhnmak Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management. Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: http://eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology. By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: http://sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Screenshot this and tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and we reshare every single one. And if you haven't yet, drop us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It means the world! LETS GO!
#123: Win At Home First - Cory Carlson
Episode #123: Win At Home First | Cory Carlson You guys have been asking for this one. If you recognize the name it's because you've probably already got his book on your shelf. Cory is a business coach who has worked with over 300 business owners, a two-time author, keynote speaker (120+), dad, husband, and host of the Win At Home First Podcast sitting in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally. In this episode, Cory drops serious wisdom on what it means to truly win, not just in business, but at home first. We dig into leadership, family, faith, and what it really takes to build something that matters in every area of your life. If you haven't read his books Win At Home First and Rise and Go, go grab them on Amazon now. You won't regret it. 📲 Connect with Cory: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlsoncory/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlsoncory/ Rise Community: https://rise-community.com/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management. Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: http://eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology. By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: http://sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Screenshot this and tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and we reshare every single one. And if you haven't yet, drop us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It means the world! LETS GO!
#122: Failing Forward - Kristina McMillan
Episode 122 – Failing Forward with Kristina McMillan. Kristina McMillan has 15+ years in construction, founded Crew Collaborative, and has lived a life full of gut punches — divorce, bankruptcy, cancer, and more. But she's still standing, and she's not shy about any of it. In this episode, Kristina gets real about failing forward, financial literacy, faith, and why the industry's workforce problem might be closer to home than you think. Raw, honest, and full of gold. Don't miss it. 🔗 Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mcmillan/ 🔗 Support Crew Collaborative: http://crewcollab.org Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management. Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: http://eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology. By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: http://sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!
#121: Profit First for Contractors - Shawn Van Dyke
Shawn Van Dyke, author of Profit First for Contractors and battle-tested operations expert, steps into the Dirt Bags studio for episode #121. Most contractors grind nonstop only to watch the money vanish before it ever hits their pocket. This episode flips the script completely. Shawn lays out the exact Profit First system built for construction businesses—how to pay yourself and the company first, crush cash flow chaos, kill the feast-or-famine cycle, and finally build real, sustainable profit without working harder. Shawn Van Dyke IG - @shawnvandyke Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnvandyke/ Website: shawnvandyke.com Shawn Van Dyke's Bookkeeping Services info.datamule.agency Shawn Van Dyke's Built to Build Academy - Free community, includes PFC training for free: www.builttobuildacademy.com Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!
#119: Building the Next Generation in the Trades - Erik Struebig
This episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast features Erik Struebig – heavy equipment technician and technical communicator at MGX Equipment Services. Erik came up turning wrenches on John Deere ag equipment before jumping to yellow iron and Manitowoc cranes. With eight years as a U.S. Army infantryman and boots-on-the-ground experience across the trades, he brings the real perspective that actually moves the needle in this industry. No fluff, no BS – just straight talk and actionable insights from a guy who lives this life every single day. Connect with Erik: IG - @e_struebig LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-struebig-770aa0393/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!
#118: The State of the Snow Industry - Mr. Executive
Luke Eggebraaten and Anthony Mann Jr. dive deep with Bill Moore, the powerhouse behind Executive Ground Maintenance. Bill drops hard-earned wisdom on contracts, crews, and we even get to meet Mrs. Executive! Bill Moore IG: https://www.instagram.com/executivegroundmi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-moore-3a178231/ Website: https://www.executiveground.com/ 4/24 - 4/25 https://www.storksplows.com/events Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Huge Thanks to our sponsors: Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/ Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems. Learn more at: eljen.com SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications. Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!