Ep 147: Aaron Witt: Putting People First to Transform Construction

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

Aaron Witt: Putting People First to Transform Construction

Taylor welcomes self-proclaimed “Chief Dirt Nerd”, Aaron Witt, to the podcast today for an insightful discussion on construction, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Currently the CEO of BuildWitt - a services, media, and software business focused on the infrastructure and mining industries - Aaron's incredible journey to this role, as shared here today, highlights such pertinent themes as consistency, personal branding, and the balance between authenticity and professionalism in the digital age.

Aaron shares his humble beginnings in construction and the pivotal moment when he decided to share his experiences on social media, leading to the creation of BuildWitt. He also delves into challenges he has faced along the way, emphasizing the importance of daily habits, gratitude, and self-reflection amidst rapid growth and success. Together with Taylor, he explores critical topics within the construction industry, such as mental health, workforce development, and personal responsibility. They stress the need for leadership in addressing workforce challenges, the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and how businesses can support employee well-being for improved overall success. The episode also previews the upcoming Dirt World Summit, an event focusing on leadership and workforce development in construction, promising valuable insights and networking opportunities. Listen in today, ‘nerd out’ with Aaron, and learn about the profound impact this inspiring pioneer is having upon the combined worlds of social media and construction.

Topics:

• The chance encounter that sparked Aaron's passion for construction
• BuildWitt's evolution and its impact upon the construction community
• How consistency and daily habits drive Aaron's success
• Balancing authenticity and professionalism in social media
• Self-reflection and gratitude amidst rapid growth
• Leadership and workforce development in construction
• Breaking the stigma attached to mental health in construction
• Personal responsibility and business impact on wellness
• The Dirt World Summit: Empowering Construction Professionals

Quotes:

"I know I'm on the right path. I just need to take it one step at a time. I don't need a home run. I just need base hits."

"I don't know what I'm doing on social media. I don't find myself all that good at it. But I think, if nothing else, the only secret, the only principle I've adhered to for seven years now is just consistent storytelling every single day for seven years."

"It's monotonous, it's boring a lot of days, but it stacks up and creates something so extraordinary."

"They would get a significant return on investment for whatever they spend on helping their people be healthier."

"It's going to be a good time, dude. I'm excited. I know a bunch of people that are going... It's going to be a good time. It's going to be awesome."

"Leadership is not exclusively reserved for business. It is about your family, your friends, your community... it applies to your entire life."

Links:

• Taylor White on LinkedIn
• To see highlights from the 2023 show, go to: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/show-experience/show-highlights
• BuildWitt
• Dirt World Summit