Hard Hat Talks Podcast

Hard Hat Talks Podcast

by Samuel Velasco & Chris Greiner
Season 2
From Construction to Multiple Streams: How Zach Burick Is Expanding Beyond the Jobsite
Hard Hat Talks | Featuring Zach Burick In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, we sit down with Zach Burick to dive into his journey through the construction industry. Zach shares how he’s built his career, the lessons learned along the way, and what it really takes to grow in a demanding industry. He also opens up about his other ventures, giving insight into how he’s expanding his impact outside of his core business. From business growth and industry challenges to opportunities beyond construction, this episode is packed with real perspective from someone who’s actively building on multiple fronts. Topics include: Building and growing in the construction industry Lessons learned from real-world experience Expanding into other ventures Balancing multiple opportunities The mindset required to keep pushing forward 🎙 Hard Hat Talks — Real conversations with the people building our industry.
Jesus Ruiz - Building Concrete Business In Todays Market
Today, Show Host Chris Greiner is joined with our special guest: Jesus Ruiz In this episode, Jesus talks to us on how he got started in concrete and how his business has grown over the past years.
Thomas Skeen - Insider Knowledge on Concrete Equipment Sales
Today, show Host Chris Greiner is joined with our special guest: Thomas Skeen. In this episode, Thomas shares how he got into concrete equipment sales and best practices for customers / dealers.
Kenny Niemitalo - Concrete, Family, and the Ninja Warrior Mindset
Today, Show Hosts Samuel Velasco & Chris Greiner is joined with our special guest: Kenny Niematelo In this episode, Kenny shares his family’s story — how they got into the concrete business and made their way to Trinity, North Carolina, He talks about how, over the years, American Concrete has grown to specialize in large-scale warehouse construction and what it takes to retain talent. Kenny also opens up about his experience competing on American Ninja Warrior — and what that journey taught him.
Jason Speer - Reality of Building A Concrete Ready Mix Business
Today, Show Host Chris Greiner is joined with our special guest: Jason Speer In this episode, Jason shares his story — how he got into the ready mix concrete business and how he overcame the industry challenges. He talks about how, over the years, Forsyth Redi Mix has grown to 3 plants and a solid operations team.
Pablo Romero & Cale Rivers - What it takes being in Concrete Equipment Sales
Today, Show Host Chris Greiner is joined with our guests: Pablo Romero & Cale Rivers In this episode, Pablo and Cale share how they got their start in the concrete equipment sales world and what it’s taken to build a reputation for exceptional customer service. They also dive into the lessons they’ve learned along the way — the kind that have helped them serve their customers better.
Season 1
Luis & Julissa Torres with LTR Concrete | Journey on running a successful concrete business in the LA area.
In this episode, we sit down with Luis and Julissa Torres, the powerhouse duo behind LTR Concrete, to uncover the grit, vision, and strategy it takes to run a successful concrete business in the heart of Los Angeles. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in their area, the couple share their journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges they faced breaking into a competitive industry, and how they’ve built a brand grounded in integrity, craftsmanship, and community.
How EZ Footings Helps Concrete Contractors Save Time + Money With Their Forming Systems
In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, I sit down with Ernie Jessop from EZ Footings to discuss how their innovative concrete forming solutions are making foundation work faster, easier, and more efficient. We dive into the benefits of their system, how it compares to traditional methods, and why contractors are making the switch. Whether you're in the concrete industry or just curious about the latest in construction innovation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
Building a Career in Concrete: Insider Tips from a Specialty Foreman
In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, we sit down with a seasoned specialty foreman Peter Pekkela with Ace Avant Concrete Construction to break down what it takes to build a successful career in the concrete industry. From learning the trade to leading crews on complex projects, he shares real insights on the skills, mindset, and work ethic needed to move up in the field. We cover the realities of the job, the challenges of leadership, and how to take advantage of career opportunities in concrete construction. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, this conversation delivers practical advice from someone who’s been there.
Video Marketing Basics for Concrete Contractors
Episode Title: Video Marketing Basics for Concrete Contractors In this episode of Hard Hat Talks, we break down the essentials of video marketing for concrete contractors. From showcasing your craftsmanship to building trust with potential clients, video is one of the most powerful tools in the construction industry.
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