DirtStories is all about sharing the stories behind the men and women who build up the construction industry. From CEOs of large companies to independent contractors, trades workers and industry members, DirtStories is challenging the way the world views construction by sharing the stories of the people who build and feed our world.

Why is soil so important for the industry? Why should project owners and contractors care about how their dirt gets moved?  These are the questions we talk about in episode 28 of DirtStories. Kevin Goldberg, CEO and Co-Founder of SoilFLO shares his DirtStory. Learn all about the soil management aspect of construction and the world of dirt that surrounds us all. You can learn more about SoilFLO on their website soilflo.com or social media, @SoilFLO.

Ep 28: The Dirt on Dirt

Kurtis Samchee from MGI Construction shared his DirtStory, how he's grown his career at MGI Construction and we explore the value of people in construction. Kurtis shares his insight for how putting company values first can help to build successful organizations and win bids. Kurtis Samchee, @KurtisJSamchee, on social, has grown within MGI since 2010. He’s studied business admin, public policy and sociology – an eclectic mix of knowledge that he uses to help drive his own person-focused mindset for the industry.

Ep 27: Balancing Company Values with Winning Bids

Kendall Ansell from Belle Construction joins DirtStories as a guest in this episode. She shares her story of starting an all-female construction company and the changes she’s seen for women in construction over the years. Belle Construction is a unique example of the female construction revolution because Kendall was granted an exception from the Canadian Human Rights Commission to only advertise towards and hire women. From the daughter of a contractor to a female leader and trailblazer for women in the industry, Kendall has a number of stories to share of how she experienced small forms of sexism while working in the industry and starting her business. Her passion for challenging these stereotypes and helping women to view construction as a great career opportunity is contagious. With women like Kendall leading the charge the future for women sure looks bright in the labour industries.

Ep 26: The Female Construction Revolution

woman in the construction industry working

This episode of DirtStories covers an extremely important and hot topic in the labor industry: women in construction and the value of making room for women in the industry. Angela Cacace from Move Over Bob guests to explore this topic further. She shares her own experience in the labor industry and the story of Move Over Bob.

Ep 25: Making Room for Women in the Labour Industries

excavator and dump truck digging dirt and earth

Ryan Priestly of Priestly Demolition is a guest on the DirtStories podcast to share his story. From Miley Cyrus swinging on a wrecking ball to the Salvage Kings TV show and blowing up a building in downtown Toronto, Ryan has so many stories to share. Priestly Demo has been globally recognized as an innovative and reliable demolition company. Their ability to “walk on water” and blow away customers with their work has established them an excellent reputation across Ontario and the world. Learn more about Priestly Demolition and the world of innovative demoing in this episode of DirtStories

Ep 24: Making Demolition Innovative

construction workers on a boom lift doing work

Getting paid for the work you do should be simple. Unfortunately in the construction industry, payment can be complicated - more complicated than it should be. With so many moving parts, legal hoops to jump through, different regulations in different areas and the added complexity of sub, and sub-subcontractors, getting paid can be a real pain point for contractors. In Episode 23 of DirtStories, Alex Dunn from Levelset joins us to break down this complicated issue, to shed some light on why it is a pain point for contractors and what is happening in the payment world to help simplify this process. Communication and technology are two key focuses of this episode. 

Ep 23: Getting Paid: A Pain-Point for Contractors

tractor with plow attachment clearing snow

In the construction and landscape industries, its time to start thinking about snow. Brent Giles from DOZR joins us again to chat about snow removal equipment, how to streamline communication between snow removal teams and how technology is already being seen in the snow removal industry. One of the passion points for Brent is the need to declare snow removal as an essential service. COVID-19 has changed how we look at essential services and what we need to keep our communities running. The ability to drive and move freely after a snow storm is an underappreciated service that should be recognized. Hear Brent's thoughts on this topic and others in this episode.

Ep 22: Winter Season & Snow Removal 

construction worker with techy background overlay

Welcome to Episode 21 of DirtStories. Both on the DOZR Hub and in DirtStories we talk a lot about "construction technology". It's a buzzword you'll hear in any construction magazine or newsletter, on any construction project or website. But what is construction technology? We wanted to break down the topic of construction tech and really get to the basics of what it is and why it matters in the industry. Is construction really just slow to adopt new technology? Can technology solve all our problems? How does a company even begin to embrace construction technology? To answer these questions, we chatted with Mallorie Brodie from Bridgit. As a co-founder and CEO of a construction tech company, Mallorie was able to provide insight into some of these questions and give her perspective on the topic of construction tech.

Ep 21: Construction Technology Explained

Ardron Landscapes logo in black and white

Keith Ardron from Ardron Landscapes INC. joins us to talk about the rise of the outdoor living space and other landscape trends. Explore everything about landscaping, including the latest trends, social media in the industry and Keith's Dirt Story. In this episode Keith talks about how he wasn't encouraged to go into landscaping and wishes that more people viewed landscaping as a career choice. He has built his business to help create spaces for people to connect with each other and with nature. Some of the latest industry trends include electric equipment, outdoor living space and kitchens and using local flora and fauna in landscape design. Keith also explains how social media channels are changing the industry. Channels like Pinterest and Instagram have created a more informed consumer base for the landscape industry. This creates both unique opportunities and challenges for landscapers and business owners.

Ep 20: The Rise of the "Outdoor Living Space"

Welcome to Episode 19 of DirtStories. Hear from David Broomhead, CEO and Co-Founder of Trade Hounds about how his company is using technology to help contractors work smarter. The labour industry had continued to struggle to find new employees. Every year, the number of open positions in construction grows. Trade Hounds was created to help contractors connect with each other, to share their work and - as of this summer - start to connect those looking for work with those looking for employees. Often described as "LinkedIn for the Construction Industry", Trade Hounds is just one example of how much of an influence technology is having on this industry. It's changing the way contractors organize jobs, work safely and operate equipment. Dive into how technology is changing all aspects of the industry and how Trade Hounds is bringing contractors together like never before. 

Ep 19: Tech To Connect Contractors During a Labour Shortage

tractor loading bales of hay on a cart on a farm

COVID-19 has changed a lot about our world. It's changed how we work, how we play, how we socialize and even how we think and plan for the future. Every industry and business out there has had to adjust to the new world we're living in. Farming is included in this, too. A year ago, we sat down with Sarah Winney from The Rise Farm. We chatted with her to learn about her experience starting a small farm with her husband, Rob, in Godfry, Ontario. This podcast follows up with her and Rob a year later to check in again! We wanted to see how their farm has grown, what has changed in the past year and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them and the small farm industry in general. This podcast covers everything from the rise in demand of local food to the Farm-To-Table movement. Dive into the world of small farming in an uncertain world with this episode of DirtStories. Follow along with their story at @TheRiseFarm. 

Ep 18: How COVID Has Impacted Small Farming

two construction workers looking at construction plans with construction equipment in the background

Welcome to Episode 17 of DirtStories. Becca Grieb chats with Paul Pacheco - the coordinator of Conestoga College's Heavy Equipment Operators program - about becoming an operator. Paul takes Becca through the basics of the heavy equipment operators training program at Conestoga College. He also shares his insights into what makes a good operator. In this DirtStories episode, learn the benefits of taking a college-level trades course and how this program sets graduates up for success. The program currently has employment rate of 85%-95% within the first 3 months after graduation. It's great that there are programs like this to help train the next generation of operators. 

Ep 17: Becoming an Operator

Tony DiGiovanni has been the Executive Director at Landscape Ontario for over 30 years. With such a long history in the industry, he has a unique perspective on the role of associations in the 21st century. In this episode of DirtStories, Becca Grieb and Tony DiGiovanni dive into his Dirt Story. They also talk about what Landscape Ontario does, the current labor shortage and how technology is changing the role of associations. Tony shares some of the ways that Landscape Ontario advocates for its members. As you'll hear in the podcast, this is true during a crisis like COVID or for everyday challenges. As Tony says in the podcast episode, the heart of an association is to help its members to grow themselves and their businesses. You'll never look at associations the same after this episode of the DirtStories podcast.

Ep 16: Associations in the 21st Century

cross laminated timber building by jackman ltd

Jackman LTD is a construction company located in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Since DOZR's headquarters are also in Kitchener, we were happy to chat with another local company. We first became interested in Jackman Construction because we saw their signs on a unique construction site in Downtown Kitchener. What made this project so interesting is that it was being built out of wood. This is what drove this episode of DirtStories. Becca Grieb chats with Chris Loftin - VP of Construction at Jackman Construction - about sustainable construction trends and their unique cross-laminated timber project in Kitchener, Ontario. We also get to learn about him and his history in the industry. 

Ep 15: Sustainable Construction and Building With Wood

construction worker planner working over blue prints

graphic of bid signs at an auction in black and white

We were thrilled to have Bryan Wickson on as a guest on DirtStories. Bryan chatted with Becca Grieb about the world of heavy equipment auctioning and how technology is changing the construction industry. They also talked about using social media for business in the construction industry. Using a variety of social media platforms for his business, Bryan is growing his following. The platforms he uses include Tik Tok and Instagram. The reason for this is that he finds them valuable for sharing videos about his daily life as an operator and auctioneer. Find Bryan on Instagram @teddywickson. Listen to this episode of DirtStories to learn how he got started in construction and equipment auctioning. You can also get a peek at how Bryan believes that the future of equipment operating is entrepreneurial. 

Ep 14: An Inside Look at the World of Heavy Equipment Auctioning

In this episode, Becca Grieb chats with Joe Jackson from Floatr about what it means to float equipment and what his experience has been like running his business during a global pandemic. What's amazing about Joe's story is how he has leaned on innovation and grit to not only keep his business going during COVID but to grow his business while continuing to put his customers first. Speaking about his drive for self-discovery and education while dealing with a personal loss, Joe said it best when he said that no one can plan for the future. The best you can do is try to give yourselves the tools to tackle whatever comes your way. 

Ep 13: Floating Equipment in the COVID-19 Pandemic 

construction worker sitting with head in hands

Canadian mental health association logo in black and white

Mental illness and mental health is often referred to as the “silent epidemic” in the construction industry. With one of the highest suicide rates compared to any other industry, construction needs to be having these conversations and to do so more often. In this episode, Stephanie Jones and Jack Veitch from the Canadian Mental Health Association chat with Becca Grieb about what mental health is, why it matters and what resources there are for those who may need some help. We are honored to have had these guests on DirtStories to talk about mental health and to dive into the topic further. We hope that by starting these conversations, we can challenge the stigma and encourage others in the industry to do the same. As Jack says in the podcast, “everyone has mental health the same way everyone has physical health.” It’s never too early or too late to ask for help.

Ep 12: Mental Health in Construction

In this episode of DirtStories, Brent chats with Becca Grieb about his favourite trends in landscaping, the value of relationships in the landscaping and construction industries, and how he followed his passion for the outdoors to find a career he loves. Brent Giles is the Director of Customer Success at DOZR. Before he joined the DOZR team, Brent worked in landscaping and in operational management roles for over 20 years, including running his own business. Learn about Brent’s Dirt Story and more in this episode. 

Ep 11: Landscaping and Heavy Equipment Industry Trends

front loader digging dirt with dirt pile and city in background

Becca Grieb chats with Cliff Fetner from Soil Connect. Soil Connect is an app that connects those who have excess soil, dirt or aggregate to those who need it. Cliff tells us about using technology to solve an industry problem, adapting to the construction tech world after being a builder and developer for over 30 years, and making the transition from builder to business owner.

Ep 10: Builder to Business Owner

construction worker operating a construction machine

Ryan Kunisch is Vice President of Corporate Development and Partnerships at Assignar. Assignar is a company that develops technology to help contractors and subcontractors with their workforce, assets and compliance management. Collect digital timesheets and forms and manage documents in real-time. In this episode, Ryan chats with DOZR’s Becca Grieb about how technology, data collection, and proactive resource management can help make construction sites safer and more productive. 

Ep 9: Tech Tools for On Site Productivity

headshot of Chad Hollingsworth in black and white

Chad Hollingsworth is recognized as an industry leader in IoT – or Internet of Things. In this episode of DirtStories, DOZR’s own Becca Grieb and Chad dive into what Internet of Things is, how it can be applied in construction and what it means for the future of the industry. 

Ep 8: Internet of Things for the Construction Industry 

excavator with thumb attachment in Alberta, Canada

In episode 7 of DirtStories, Becca Grieb chats with Devcon Inc VP Devan Rosluk about how the company was founded, how he got started in the construction industry and how Devcon is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Becca and Devan also discuss construction technology tools, different roles in the industry and who Devan looks up to in the industry. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like being a contracting company in Alberta in this episode of DirtStories. 

Ep 7: Life as an Alberta Contractor in 2020

construction worker shaking hands with planner

Tim Forestell headshot in black and white

Welcome to Episode 6 of DirtStories. Tim Forestell is one of the co-founders and Chief Client Officer at DOZR. His specialty is in relationship building: developing authentic connections with new customers while maintaining relationships with longterm customers. In this episode of DirtStories, Becca Grieb and Tim Forestell discuss how relationship building between companies and customers has changed with the digital advancements of today. Learn about the latest CRM tools, how Tim recommends building authentic connections with customers, and how a company’s mission, vision and values play a role in everyday tasks. 

Ep 6: Building Customer Relationships in a Digital Era

Trees blowing while truck drives through flood

Desi Matel Anderson headshot in black and white

Desi Matel-Anderson is the Chief Wrangler at the Field Innovation Team. Throughout her career, Desi has helped communities both in Canada, the US and around the world respond to crises. Her team has led on-the-ground disaster relief for a variety of crises, from hurricane and windstorms to floods and fires. 

In this episode of DirtStories, Desi chats with Becca Grieb about how she got involved in crisis management and innovation, the importance of community, and how global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic can help communities come together and make each of us stronger. Desi and Becca discuss the role of technology in crisis management and how every single one of us can be empowered to be decisive in times of uncertainty. 

Ep 5: Crisis Management and Innovation for the Construction Industry 

Construction worker working with face mask on

computer generated image of COVID-19 virus in black and white

In this episode of DirtStories, we are taking COVID-19. COVID-19 has changed the world. From quarantines to border closures, the world is reacting to the global pandemic in many ways. The construction industry is not exempt from these effects. In this episode of DirtStories, DOZR CEO Kevin Forestell and Becca Grieb discuss how the COVID-19 global pandemic is impacting the construction industry and what kind of impact COVID-19 could have on construction in the future. From increasing technology in the construction industry to the push for greener construction practices in the future, COVID-19 already has and will continue to impact the construction industry.

Ep 4: COVID-19 and Construction

Two construction workers looking at a tablet with front loader behind them

Kevin Forestell headshot in black and white

 Kevin Forestell – DOZR CEO – chats with Becca Grieb about what to expect at ConExpo and which trends in the industry he’s most excited about. Construction technology, new equipment, and solving problems in the construction industry are all explored in the third episode of DirtStories.

Ep 3: Construction Trends and CONEXPO 2020

Boom lifts with blue sky and clouds in the background

Cindy McCree Bodine from McCree Construction in Black and White

DOZR CEO Kevin Forestell chats with Cindy McCree-Bodine from McCree General Contractors and Architects to learn all about McCree, being a woman in the construction industry, and how company culture and family fit into the makeup up McCree.

Ep 2: Building Up Orlando with McCree

Person mapping construction plans with hard hats on a table

We are so excited to welcome you to the DirtStories Podcast! The only construction-technology podcast featuring interviews, trends, insights, behind-the-scenes info and conversations with those working in the field. This episode explores what the DirtStories podcast is, what the DOZR executive team thinks of DirtStories, and what you can expect from future podcasts.

Ep 1: Welcome to DirtStories

DirtStories is a construction podcast produced by DOZR. Hear the stories behind the men and women who build up the construction industry. 

Explore DirtStories episodes below or find DirtStories wherever you get your podcasts from. DirtStories is the must-listen construction podcast for anyone who loves the industry or is interested in the latest trends in construction technology. 

Listen Now

Ep 28: The Dirt on Dirt

Ep 27: Balancing Company Values with Winning Bids

Ep 26: The Female Construction Revolution