Dirt Bags Podcast

Hosted by Luke Eggebraaten

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Episodes

140

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Oct 2026

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About the show

The Dirt Bags Podcast is the go-to podcast for real conversations, actionable insights, and a damn good time. Hosted by Luke Eggebraaten , this podcast is built for those who want to grow their business, sharpen their skills, and hear from industry leaders—all while enjoying a laid-back, no-nonsense atmosphere. Whether an operator, contractor, business owner, or entrepreneur, the Dirt Bags Podcast delivers raw and unfiltered insights. No corporate fluff, no B.S.—just real talk from people who have been in the trenches, built successful businesses, and know what it takes to win in this space. Luke Eggebraaten is the founder of Phaser Marketing and the author of Digital Dirt World . Since 2019, he has been helping excavation companies scale their online presence through web design, SEO, and paid ads. His team has worked with businesses doing $500K to $100M in revenue, offering tailored marketing solutions that drive real growth. With a passion for connecting the construction industry to the digital age, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every episode. The biggest names in excavation, septic, snow removal, landscaping, outdoor services, and more share their insights, lessons, and strategies, giving listeners direct access to the minds of industry leaders who are making waves and building empires. The Dirt Bags Podcast covers everything from marketing and branding, to leadership, business growth, equipment talk, and job site war stories. Industry experts, business owners, and hardworking professionals bring real experiences and hard-earned wisdom to every episode. This isn’t a typical business podcast—it’s organized but laid-back, full of uncensored, real-world advice from people who get it. New episodes drop first thing in the morning, 2-3 Fridays a month, so listeners can tune in on the way to the job site or while working on the job. Construction, business, and success—Dirt Bag style! LETS GO

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60 recent

October 23, 202658 min

#138: Battlefield Leadership - Steve Smythe

This week on episode #138 of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke sits down with Steve Smythe from Storm Equipment to talk snow removal, leading from the field, and preparing your crew for winter. Steve shares stories from 35+ years in the industry, takes us behind the scenes of Storm Chasin’, and breaks down the Phantom wing plow, Storm Academy, and making time for family through the busy season. https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-smythe-93532b95/ https://www.instagram.com/smythe3163/ https://stormeq.com Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: Book your free strategy call Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG 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 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!

October 16, 20261 hr 20 min

#137: All Gas No Brakes - Gurney Excavation

In Episode 137 of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten sits down with Austin Gurney of Gurney Excavation to talk about his journey from working a full-time union job to starting and growing his own excavation company. Austin shares how he started with borrowed equipment, took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, and grew his business through hard work, calculated risks, and building strong customer relationships. From financing equipment and managing cash flow to landing commercial contracts, hiring his first employee, and overcoming imposter syndrome, Austin breaks down the real challenges and lessons of building an excavation business from the ground up. 📲 Connect with Austin & Gurney Excavation: Website: https://gurneyexcavationllc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gurney_excavation_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561960127117 Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG 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: https://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: https://sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

October 9, 20261 hr 17 min

#136: Lean Dirt, AI, and Operations - Zack Estes

Zack Estes of Lean Dirt joins Luke Eggebraaten to break down how construction business owners can improve their operations, eliminate waste, and build systems that actually work. From identifying bottlenecks and understanding profit margins to using AI, improving communication, and holding teams accountable, Zack shares practical strategies to help contractors run more efficient and profitable businesses. 📲 Connect with Zack & Lean Dirt: Website: https://www.leandirt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zdestes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zdestes/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG 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: https://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: https://sludgehammer.net Thanks for listening!

October 2, 20261 hr 22 min

#135: The Grind, The Growth, & The Exit - Zech Strauser

Zech Strauser joins Luke Eggebraaten to break down his journey from starting a landscaping company with a push mower to building a multi-market operation and eventually selling the business. Zech shares what he learned about growth, cash flow, debt, building a strong team, preparing a business for an exit, and the reality of life after selling. He also dives into his next chapter with Urture and why he’s continuing to bet on the green collar trades. 📲 Connect with Zech & Urture: Website: https://urture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urtureworkwear/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zechstrauser/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG 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!

September 25, 20261 hr 7 min

#134: Built for the Long Haul - Parkway Construction

Jordan Klassen of Parkway Construction joins Luke Eggebraaten to talk about growing up in the family business and the lessons he’s learned after more than a decade in the industry. From working alongside his dad and the future of Parkway to excavation, septic, equipment, social media, and building relationships in the industry, Jordan shares what life looks like inside a 25-year construction company built for the long haul. 📲 Connect with Jordan & Parkway Construction: Website: https://parkwayconstruction.ca/ Parkway Construction: https://www.instagram.com/parkway_construction/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jord_klassen/ https://www.instagram.com/kklassen1974/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG 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!

September 18, 20261 hr 30 min

#133: Phasing Out Your Bottom 10% - Forge Site Solutions

After more than a decade in business, Benjamin Johnson realized playing it safe was only going to take him so far. Ben, owner of Forge Site Solutions, joins Luke Eggebraaten to talk about getting outside his comfort zone, building relationships with competitors, pricing work correctly, and making smarter decisions around growth. They also dive into equipment, perfectionism, family, and why sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply putting yourself out there. 📲 Connect with Ben & Forge Site Solutions: Website: https://forgesitesolutions.net/ Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/benjamin-johnson-b1031a181_forgesitesolutions-propertymaintenance-activity-7459393594156593152-X3Ns/ Forge Site Solutions on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forge-site-solutions/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgesitesolutions/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG 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!

September 11, 20261 hr 22 min

#132: Never Forget 911 - BlackRock Excavating

Doug Casscles of BlackRock Excavating joins Luke Eggebraaten to reflect on 25 years since 9/11, sharing what he remembers from that day, how his community was impacted, and the incredible response that followed. They also dive into Doug’s biggest lessons from the last few years in business, including employees, equipment, cash flow, and learning to let go of ego and emotion. 📲 Follow BlackRock Excavating: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrockexcavatingcorp Website: https://blackrockdigs.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 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 Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!

August 28, 20261 hr 37 min

#131: Breaking through Financial Barriers in Construction - Michael King

In Episode 131 of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten sits down with Michael King of Civil CFO to break down the biggest financial barriers construction companies face as they scale. From cash flow and bidding to profit margins, equipment, bonding, and working capital, Michael explains what contractors need to understand to grow without putting their business at risk. If you want to build a stronger, more profitable construction business, this episode is for you. 📲 Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelking/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG 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!

August 14, 20261 hr 21 min

#130: Building a Tiered Career Path for your Employees - Christian Schloegel

Christian Schloegel started mowing lawns in fifth grade. Today he runs C+I Services LLC (C And I Services), a full-service landscape, design/build, and snow management company crushing it in Chicago’s western suburbs. Connect with Christian: Website: https://www.candiservicesllc.com/ Instagram: @candiservicesllc Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website 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 Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!

July 31, 20261 hr 32 min

#129: How to Remove Owner Dependency - Bryce Harem

In this episode, Luke sits down with Bryce Harem of BTG Services. Bryce and his team provide professional coaching and training for contractors and leaders in the construction industry while running their own multi-million-dollar asphalt and concrete business. Check out BTG Services on Facebook for more. BTG Services: https://www.facebook.com/people/BTG-Services/61585996206524/ Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing : https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05 Or give Joe a call at (775) DIRT-BAG 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!

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