Ep. 143: Social Media in Construction Can Be Done Differently with @diggerbry

CONEXPO – CON/AGG Podcast: Construction Business Insights For Contractors

Excavator operator extraordinaire, Liam Bryan, better known as @diggerbry on social media, joins Taylor for a very special episode of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast. Starting out as a bricklayer and eventually becoming an expert excavator who captivates online audiences with his finesse in asphalt fine grading, Liam’s journey within the construction industry is a truly remarkable one. Today, he shares details of this journey, highlighting his dedication and determination, as well as the thrill of creating engaging content on social media.

Liam’s tale is one of breaking barriers, defying skepticism, and proving that age and background are no hindrance to achieving excellence, all while advocating for better opportunities for future excavator operators. With unparalleled enthusiasm, Liam’s online presence showcases his exceptional excavator operating skills, leading him to become a beacon for the next generation of excavator operators, encouraging them to follow their dreams in the field. Delving into the camaraderie and pride within the construction industry, Liam's captivating videos celebrate the joy and passion of his work, promoting construction careers to a broader audience through the power of social media. Listen in today and prepare to be inspired by Liam’s journey of self-discovery, as he proves that social media in construction can, indeed, be done differently, and that personal growth and success know no bounds in the construction world.

Topics:

• Liam Bryan's unique journey from bricklayer to social media sensation in the construction industry.
• Embracing the challenge of fine grading asphalt
• Overcoming skepticism and age-related obstacles
• Showcasing the camaraderie and pride within the construction industry
• The impact of social media in promoting construction careers to a broader audience
• Liam's pursuit of excellence and determination to break barriers
• His journey of self-discovery, from laborer to esteemed excavator operator
• The importance of finding mentors and support
• Harnessing social media to promote a positive image of construction careers

Quotes:

"I just want to inspire everyone around the world to be a machine driver because, myself, it wasn't an easy way to get in. And I just want to show everyone it can be easy.”

“For laborers now to see where I am, they just can't believe it. And obviously, I just want to show them that it is possible."

"I am really shocked the amount of people it has wowed, really.”

"I've always had things come in my path to push me. I could have easily just said, “I'll leave it,” but I've always taken it as motivation and that's why I feel like I am where I am now because I've just never given up."

"I thought right then, ‘I'm going to start posting my work on LinkedIn.’ And ever since I had done that, it was just crazy, the comments and all the support I had, and it really showed me that I was doing a good job."

"I did a Tarmac video. So this Tarmac video, I got 7 million views, and it was probably my 8th video I posted…It took me about six months to gain 9000 followers. And then after that video, I gained 30,000 followers just off the bat in about three weeks."

"I just want to really showcase to people how it can be and how fun it can be.”

Links:

• Taylor White on LinkedIn
• To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights
• Komatsu Homepage
• Diggerbry
• Liam on LinkedIn