Kait Burds joins the Dirt Bags Podcast to talk about what actually works in the trades—and what doesn’t.

A 2024 CAT Women’s Operator Skills Challenge Champion, Kait’s built her name in the dirt and snow while helping push the industry forward. In this episode, she breaks down why nonstop grinding can hold you back, how to level up smarter, and what it takes to stand out in a blue-collar world.

Real experience. Real perspective.

Today we invite Kyle Brady of J-AAR to the show! J-AAR is experienced in a variety of services, such as earthwork and excavation, site servicing (sewer & water), road reconstruction, asphalt paving, concrete forming, aggregates, ready-mix & electrical utilities!

This week, we welcome Arnaud Hild, Co-Owner of NPA Specialty Equipment, a badass company crushing it in the specialty equipment game (check them out at npaspecialtyequipment.com). Arnaud, alongside his business partners Nico and Pierre, is bringing serious value to the dirt world, and as a happy client of Phaser Marketing, he’s got the digital presence to prove it! Luke and Arnaud will dig deep into what makes NPA Specialty Equipment stand out, from their hands-on approach to their game-changing gear. No corporate fluff here—just real talk from two dirt bags who get it.

Plus, we’re shouting out Jon and Morgan VanZee from 641 Excavating, the lucky winners of our $500 cash giveaway! And a massive thank you to our growing crew—Dirt Bags Podcast just hit 400 YouTube subscribers!

npaspecialtyequipment.com

IG - @arnaudhild

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaud-hild-38b2a320b/

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: 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!

This week, we welcome Doug Casscles of BlackRock Excavating! They specialize in sewer and septic system installations and repairs for residential and commercial clients throughout the Hudson Valley in New York. Their excavation company also provides an array of other services and has worked on a multitude of project types throughout the region! This episode isn't for the weak as we dive into an unedited rant between the Dirt Bags and Doug Casscles. CHEERS

In this episode of the Dirt Bags Podcast, we are diving deep into the intricate dynamics of company culture, structure, and relationships. Join us as we uncover the hidden layers that make organizations tick and explore the nuances that define their success or failure.

In this episode of The Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten welcomes Jaden Robison, the visionary founder behind Blue Collar Future, a brand and movement dedicated to empowering the next generation of skilled workers. If you’re in construction, the dirt world, or simply believe in the value of hard work and dedication, this episode will fire you up. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to see the future of blue collar through a brand-new lens.

Jaden's IG - @jadenrrobison

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadenrrobison

Website: bluecollarfuture.com

Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: 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!

In this episode of The Dirt Bags Podcast, we delve into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of business sustainability: Owner's Pay. Join us as we explore why Owner's Pay isn't just about personal income but plays a pivotal role in the health and longevity of a company!

You bring in the questions, and we bring in the answers! Big shoutout to all our Dirt Bags listeners as we welcome them in Episode #4 of the Dirt Bags Q&A.