Aaron Witt

“MORE MONEY,” US infrastructure leaders say, as the record-breaking infrastructure act spending ends. But what did we get for the $1.2 TRILLION (1/2 the cost of the original US Interstate System inflation-adjusted)? Is life for Americans any better?

I saw an ad for “effortless recruiting” for the trades. Effortless recruiting is the easy button most are looking for. Yet there’s one group that doesn’t need to look, as they know it doesn’t exist—any great company.

Do adults in the workforce behave like children because they are immature? Or is it resentment from companies often treating them like children, imposing excessive health and safety rules well beyond legal and reasonable standards?

Any Dirt World company we feature deserves HUGE credit for investing in the next generation. Despite our proven record and billion views a year, companies often tell me no to visits for what’s rarely a good reason. HUGE props to those saying YES.

Genuine pro tip for those seeking employment—LOOK before asking questions. You're out before you begin if you can’t demonstrate simple effort and critical thinking. Laziness may work at corporations, but small businesses can’t afford it.

Legacy Businesses: The next generation of workforce is entitled. Also Legacy Businesses: We’re entitled to the next generation of workforce.

“We have a strategic plan. It’s called doing things.” — Herb Kelleher, Southwest Airlines Founder

Choose ONE: Unstructured “on-the-job” training. Zero tolerance for accidents, equipment damage, and rework.

The Dirt World companies investing the most in workforce development are the only ones not complaining about workforce development. But this must be a coincidence…

Everyone in the construction industry either works in the field building things or serves those who do. I’ve learned to avoid anyone who lacks a firm grasp of this hierarchy.

Instead of talking about mental health, what if we asked why so many people in the Dirt World are struggling? Why are so many unhealthy, abusing substances, dying by overdose and suicide (#1 in America for both), and getting divorced? And what can leadership do about it?

“We need to talk about mental health” is as helpful as telling an alcoholic to stop drinking. We need ACTION. Leaders must seek to understand, invest, provide legitimate tools (outside of horrible insurance programs), and, most importantly, model healthy behavior.

Safety through culture will always beat safety through iron-fisted enforcement. But culture is hard (especially at scale), which is why the latter is most common.

Scroll social media or watch the news, and the world is ending. But how are the most accomplished people I know reacting? They’re not. They’re as cool as cucumbers, watching everything unfold with curiosity. Noted.

Employers: Where is the next generation? Also Employers: Five years experience required for ANY position. Next Generation: But how do we get the experience? Employers: Not our problem!

When I started a business, I thought I understood cash flow. Then I ran out of cash. Ohhh… So THAT’S cash flow… Touching the hot stove can be quite effective in early innings!

Within 48 hours, everyone is an economist. They may not understand how to calculate a 20% tip at their local Chilis, but they have a firm grasp of macroeconomics and global trade.