Join Mack Plovie In The Dirt with featured industry guests as they discuss, dissect, and explain trending topics in the construction & mining industries. If you like learning about new technology, industry hot topics, business, heavy equipment, and anything dirt related for that matter. This podcast is worth a listen. Find Mack on social media @earthmovers_media and check out our website for more! https://earthmoversmedia.com
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Telling a Story with Construction Dioramas & Boardroom Tables w/ Ryan Haasen
34:58
34:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:58
On this episode Mack sits down with Ryan Haasen of Civil Craft Studio to talk all about how Ryan designs, builds, and delivers the incredible board room table dioramas he is most well known for. Ryan has a long history in both construction and building things with his hands, originally starting wood working he soon found himself building constructi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Clearview Demolition Grows the Fleet with Link-Belt Excavators w/ Brad Morrison & Mark Williams
51:26
51:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:26
Clearview Demolition has a long history clearing the way for tomorrow demolishing buildings, bridges, pulp mills, and more. They recently began to acquire Link-Belt excavators, and now operate the largest fleet in Western Canada at 17 machines. Mack sits down with Brad Morrison of Clearview Demolition, and Mark Williams of Inland Group to talk all …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Buying, Selling, and Renting Heavy Equipment in the Mining Industry w/ Cody Harman
47:11
47:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:11
When most people think of renting equipment, they think mini excavator or bobcat, not many people know mining companies rent large haul trucks, dozers, wheel loader, excavators, and more! Mack sits down with Cody Harman, President and Founder of Harman Energy LLC, a large equipment rental outfit based in Bluefield West Virginia. Mack and Cody talk …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Shattering Stereotypes & Breaking Barriers, Women in Canadian Construction w/ Amanda Duong
38:47
38:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:47
The construction industry is changing, while it is still a male populated industry, more women are entering at all levels as operators, trades, managers, even CEO's. On this episode Mack sits down with Amanda, grader operator, to talk about her career, barriers she faced when entering the industry, what she enjoys about heavy equipment operation, a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Powering our World, Cat® Industrial Diesel Engines w/ Allen Chen
51:26
51:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:26
Cat diesel engines have a long histroy powering our world whether it be in heavy equipment, on highway trucks, generators, and more. On this episode Mack sits down with Allen Chen, product manager for the new Cat C13D engine, they talk all about the new C13D engine design, testing the engine, applications for the engine, and much more! As you’ll he…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Autonomy, AI, & Heavy Equipment. The Jobsite of the Future w/ Bibhrajit Halder
42:14
42:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:14
Autonomous equipment operation has been widely used in Mining since the 2000's, whether on haul trucks or dozers, its become a popular business practice to help miners be better miners. Lately, autonomous technology has been deployed in the construction industry to help contractors/companies be safer, more efficient, and more productive in certain …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Komatsu Surface Mining Hybrid Wheel Loaders w/ Michael Fleet
1:04:11
1:04:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:11
The history of the Le Tourneau large wheel loader product is well known in the global mining industry, today the Le Tourneau product is now Komatsu's surface mining wheel loader product line. Mack sits down with Michael Fleet, product manager for Komatsu electric wheel loader (EWL) line to discuss everything large Komatsu/Le Tourneau wheel loaders!…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Deploying Technology in Landfill Applications w/ Shaun MacIntosh
51:23
51:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:23
Landfills are an important part of modern day society, and successfully managing a landfill comes down to optimizing equipment in the field and managing the flow of waste materials. Mack sits down with Shaun MacIntosh of Propeller to talk about how propeller is helping landfills with technology, from measuring compaction to maximize density (minimi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Moving Dirt & Managing People, The MacKay Story w/ Rob & Brandon
56:01
56:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:01
Starting with a 988B wheel loader loading out railcars with ballast, to multi million dollar civil and mining projects throughout Western Canada, the story of MacKay Contracting is one worth hearing about. Mack sits down with Rob MacKay, President & CEO, alongside Brandon Pighin, General Manager for MacKay to talk about how MacKay started, the proj…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Deep Excavation in Downtown Vancouver w/ BelPacific Excavating & Shoring LP
44:11
44:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:11
Mack sits down with Steve, Mike, and Jeff from BelPacific Excavating & Shoring LP to talk all about deep excavation and shoring work in downtown Vancouver. Starting as a Limited Partnership, BelPacific has contributed to the Vancouver skyline working on projects such as Shangri-La tower, The ButterFly, and more. We discuss how BelPacific started, w…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
45+ Years of Excellence, the Cat D10 Track Type Tractor w/ Dave Gleissner
45:32
45:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:32
The Cat D10 track type tractor has been a staple of the mining and heavy civil construction industries since introduction back in 1977, it is arguably one of the most iconic dozers on the market. Mack sits down with Dave Gleissner to talk all about this legendary tractor, from first prototype where the high drive sprocket made an appearance, throug…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Big Blades & Big Horsepower, Komatsu D375/475 Dozers w/ Chad Perrault
47:26
47:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:26
Big Komatsu dozers have been a staple in the mining and heavy civil construction industry for a long time, and their new dash 8 (-8) series D375 and D475 dozers are a testament to Komatsu listening to customer feedback. Mack sits down with Chad Perrault, technical specialist with SMS Equipment for D375/D475 dozers, to talk about what's new with the…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Making Buildings Disappear, the Career of a High Reach Operator w/ Matt Baker & Rob Morrison
55:14
55:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:14
Ever wondered what it takes to be a high reach demolition operator? Or how buildings are demolished? Mack sits down with two of Priestly Demolition's finest high reach operators, Matt Baker and Rob Morrison, to talk all about their careers in the demolition industry, how buildings are demolished, Priestly's new SK1600 high reach, and more! Find Pri…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Becoming an Owner-Operator, the Mattco Excavating story w/ Matthew Antifay
1:00:14
1:00:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:14
From running equipment as an employee to buying 325 excavators and feller bunchers for land management projects throughout BC, I sit down with Matthew Antifay of Mattco Excavating to chat about his story becoming an owner operator. We dive into what it takes to become an owner operator, the ups and downs of owning heavy equipment, the pain 10 cent …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Investing in People With Training w/ Doug Ruddick
38:18
38:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:18
Investing in your people with training is becoming an incredibly important component of the modern day construction company, and Wilco's in house training program is a fine example. Mack sits down with Doug, H.E.O Training Manager to talk all about Wilco's heavy equipment training program, why training is important, the results they are seeing, and…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Building Company Culture and Close Proximity Drilling & Blasting w/ Sam Visona
44:08
44:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:08
From getting out of school and starting as a driller helper/laborer to now being one of the managing partners of T&A Rock Works Inc, Sam is an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to the drill & blast industry. Sam sits down with Mack to talk about his story in the industry, drilling & blasting in urban (close proximity) settings, how T&A is …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Driving Better Business Decisions with Trimble Technology
1:03:04
1:03:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:04
This time In The Dirt, Mack sits down with Chad Kyllo of Acres Enterprises as well as Remo Scalzo and Stantton Pallister of SITECH Western Canada for a panel discussion about how Acres is using Trimble Technology in their business. We dive into the Acres story from their first piece of technology to where they are today as one of the market leaders…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Using Cat Simulators to Train Your People w/ Jonathan Laberdia
57:54
57:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:54
Whether you are training your existing workforce or the workforce of tomorrow, Cat Simulators are an effective way to train your equipment operators on all types of equipment without downing equipment on a jobsite to do so. Mack sits down with Jonathan of Cat Simulators to chat all about the types of simulators, what a new or experienced operator c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Q&A - Scooptrams, Photography, Getting Started, Do's and Don'ts w/ Mack Plovie
39:37
39:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:37
You asked, I answered? After people requested some Q&A podcast episodes, Mack answers questions submitted by followers on this episode. From underground scoop tram designs, how to get started in the industry, how he got started in photography, to a quick look at some Do's and Don'ts in equipment operating. Submit your questions to Mack on Instagram…
…
continue reading
Getting your career started in the industry, going to school for operating, seeking opportunities to run equipment, skillsets to adopt as an operator, placer mining, and how moving dirt in the Yukon is different. Mack sits down with Sam Inskip, heavy equipment operator from the Yukon, to talk about her career adventures after 10 years in the indust…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mining More with Komatsu Hydraulic Shovels & Excavators w/ Bryce Short
1:13:43
1:13:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:43
Komatsu has been a well known name in the mining world for decades, and their hydraulic shovels & excavators are a fine example of what their mining class equipment offers. Mack sits down with Bryce Short of Komatsu/SMS Equipment to talk everything Komatsu shovels, from PC2000 up to PC8000 in front shovel and backhoe configuration. They get into se…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Deploying Technology in Underground Mining w/ Gary Smolik
35:22
35:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:22
Underground mining is part of the mining world you have never heard about, often out of sight, these mines produce the critical raw minerals civilization needs to sustain itself. And Technology is helping underground miners, mine better. I chat with Gary Smolik of Finning Canada on this episode to discuss the different technology solutions from Cat…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Education & Training for the Next Generation of Loggers w/ Ryer Becker
59:07
59:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:07
As loggers retire, the industry is now facing the challenging task of recruiting and training the next generation to continue operating an industry that makes civilization as we know it, possible. I sit down with Ryer Becker, part of the research faculty in the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Forest Sciences at The University of Idaho, to talk…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Addressing the Industry Wide Workforce Issue w/ Kristina McMillan
57:15
57:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:15
Mack and guest Kristina sit down to chat addressing the industry wide workforce issue in construction. While there isn't a list of answers to the industry wide problem, Mack and Kristina do their best to talk about some of the solutions out there currently. From how to attracting, retain, and train people, to initiatives Crew Collab has to help sol…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Optimizing Payload With The Right Dump Body w/ Kerry Blettner
28:49
28:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:49
Ever been curious what it takes to design, build, and select the right dump body for large rigid frame haul trucks like Cat 793 or 797? Mack sits down with Kerry from GroundForce worldwide to talk all about Groundforce's dump body products for large rigid frame haul trucks. From design to end user application, Mack and Kerry cover everything about …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Growing Your Business With Technology w/ Kris Troppmann
33:24
33:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:24
GPS machine control technology is changing the way contractors do business and move dirt. On this episode Mack sits down with Kris Troppmann, manager of smart construction at SMS Equipment, to talk Komatsu's new retrofit GPS machine control system, how technology is helping contractors move dirt more efficiently by saving money and time on earthwor…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Making the Best, Better. Cat Undercarriage w/ Tim Nenne
59:02
59:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:02
Mack sits down with Tim, undercarriage specialist with Caterpillar, to talk everything undercarriage on track type tractors. From what causes wear, selecting undercarriage for your dozer, to Cat's new HDXL product line, Mack and Tim get granular on undercarriage to answer your questions and hopefully help your earthmoving business. To learn more ab…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Western Grater Contracting Story w/ Jared Wells
1:02:43
1:02:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:43
This time In The Dirt Mack talks with Jared Wells, general manager for Western Grater Contracting, about who Western Grater is, what they do, and how they do it. From shotcrete work for high rises in downtown Victoria to drilling and blasting to create aggregate resources to build the infrastructure we all rely on, Western Grater is a key contracto…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Aggregate Mining & Recruiting Great People w/ John Scepaniak
47:01
47:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:01
Aggregate is arguably one of the most important ingredients to civilization as we know it today. Mack sits down with John Scepaniak of WD Scepaniak to talk growing a family mining contracting business, importance of mining and aggregates in the modern day world, and recruiting great people. John is a project manager with WD Scepaniak, contracting t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Powering the Future with Uranium w/ John Cash
51:09
51:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:09
Uranium is often left out of the conversation when people think of ways to power the world of tomorrow. On this episode, Mack sits down with John Cash, CEO of Ur-Energy to talk all about Uranium mining, producing Uranium fuel, to how nuclear power will answer the global energy demand in the coming decade(s). Join us for an educational and fun discu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Redeveloping the Farmland of California w/ Zach & Garrett Fowler
46:12
46:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:12
Starting the business in their early 20's, Zach and Garrett Fowler have worked their way up from small agricultural jobs to redeveloping some of the largest agricultural projects in California with the biggest equipment. From deep ripping to break hardpan to removing orchards and recycling the mulched organic matter, the brothers business is focuse…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Building a Family Legacy w/ Denis Carriere & Ryan Andre
43:51
43:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:51
Mack sits down with Denis Carriere, president, and Ryan Andre, rentals manager for Alberta's largest privately own equipment rental company, NC Equipment. From how NC Equipment began, family legacy in the business, how the equipment rental business works, when renting equipment is favourable over owning, to where the equipment rental industry is at…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Rebuilding Equipment, The J.J. Scheckel Way w/ Josh Scheckel
48:11
48:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:11
Starting out fixing diesel engines in his parents house at a young age, to building a world renown heavy equipment rebuild and rental business. Mack sits down with Josh Scheckel of J.J. Scheckel Equipment Corporation to talk about how J.J. Scheckel started and has grown as a business, what it takes to rebuild equipment like D11 track type tractors,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Autonomous Haulage & Dozing In Mining w/ Taylor Agnew
53:41
53:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:41
Technology is helping mining companies and the mining industry adapt to and overcome challenges faced on the modern-day mine site. Autonomous haulage and dozing are a few examples of technology helping mining companies find solutions to challenging mining applications, improve safety, and reduce their costs. On this episode, Mack talks with Taylor …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Business of Renting Heavy Equipment w/ Paolo Di Giovanni
1:08:25
1:08:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:25
This time In The Dirt host Mack sits down with Paul, owner of Heavy PDG Equipment, on location to talk everything about equipment rental to how he has built Heavy PDG into the business it is today serving customers with a rental fleet of heavy equipment. Paul not only shares his story, but talks about what it takes to successfully run an equipment …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Becoming a Cat Mechanic w/ Adept Ape (Josh)
1:05:08
1:05:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:08
Interested in becoming a mechanic? Curious what a career path with a Cat dealer looks like and what they offer? Is post secondary education necessary? Mack sits down with Josh, a well known Cat mechanic from his youtube channel, to talk about Josh's story becoming a mechanic, his career working for Cat dealers, what tooling you need to get started,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Front Flips & D6XE Dozers w/ Kyle Demelo
1:01:29
1:01:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:29
From an incredibly successful career in Motocross travelling the world, to dirt and heavy equipment in the Okanagan Valley. Kyle Demelo's name is well known in not only motocross and action sports, but around the world as the Canadian who holds world record of the only successful front flip on a snow bike! That's right, a snow bike! Mack sits down …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Making Buildings Disappear w/ Brad Morrison
1:06:13
1:06:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:13
Demolition contractors are arguably the best recyclers on planet earth, making way for the buildings of tomorrow by deconstructing and recycling the buildings of yesterday. Host Mack sits down in person with Brad Morrison, general manager for Clearview Demolition to learn about Clearview's story, gain insights into the demolition industry, discuss …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Manufacturing GET & Building a Brand w/ Craig Harder
36:19
36:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:19
On this episode of the podcast host Mack talks with the CEO of Raptor Mining, Craig Harder, about the Raptor Mining story, manufacturing GET, robotic welding, and more! Raptor is the leading manufacturer of GET and other wear parts for nearly all shapes and sizes of heavy equipment. Craig tells us about how Raptor started and its current product of…
…
continue reading
Having a great attitude is arguably one of the most important pieces you can bring to the workplace. Guest Dylan Taylor tells his story working in construction with a prosthetic leg and missing arm. Dylan is a remarkable young man who speaks to the importance of attitude, willingness to learn, and having a relentless approach. Host Mack and guest D…
…
continue reading
This time In The Dirt Justin Ward, float driver for Priestly Demolition Inc, and host Mack talk heavy haul in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). From bridge demolition on the major thoroughfares in Toronto to demolition in the downtown Toronto Core, Justin has hauled hundreds of pieces of heavy equipment all over the Greater Toronto Area. If you are c…
…
continue reading
Learn all about undercarriage on heavy equipment this time In The Dirt! Mack and guest Greg, Vice President of Equipment with Whissell Contracting, talk everything undercarriage from total cost over a machine's life, what causes wear, to how undercarriage affects resale value of a machine. If you have questions about undercarriage, chances are we a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mentoring the Workforce of Tomorrow w/ Troy Karevski
1:21:28
1:21:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:28
This time In The Dirt, Mack talks mentoring the next generation of people with dirt artist/grader operator Troy Karevski. From adopting the right attitude to becoming a proficient operator, Troy and Mack talk all about younger people rising up in the industry and finding fulfilment in their careers. The two address the pressing matter of mentoring …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Company Culture & Core Values w/ Dave Reynolds
46:23
46:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:23
Building a culture and crafting core values is an often overlooked yet incredibly important part of any company. Mack and guest Dave Reynolds, President & CEO of NorLand Limited talk company culture and core values on this episode. From how NorLand created their core values, how the company hires for people based on these core values, to how NorLan…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Diesel Engine Emission Aftertreatment Systems w/ Adept Ape (Josh)
1:00:32
1:00:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:32
From DPF to DEF and everything in-between, Josh and Mack talk diesel engine emission after treatment systems on this episode. They break down what emissions are regulated, the different types of emission after treatment systems, how each system works, and what it accomplishes in terms of reducing diesel emissions. If you have ever been curious what…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Uranium Mining & Nuclear Power Plants w/ Daniel Major
1:12:44
1:12:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:44
Energy (electricity) production from Uranium seems to be lost in today's narrative about providing energy for the developing world. Daniel Major, CEO of GoviEx Uranium, and Mack talk everything Uranium from how it is mined, refining of fuel, to creating electricity in nuclear power plants this time on the podcast. Uranium will play a key role in pr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Retaining People in a Dynamic Industry w/ Wally Adamchik
50:08
50:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:08
Attracting and retaining employees in a dynamic industry is becoming increasingly important for companies in the modern-day. How do you attract more people to grow your company? How do you retain great people? What do employees value most in the workplace? Guest Wally and Host Mack sit down to discuss the many issues construction companies are faci…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Becoming an Owner Operator w/ Damion Lake
48:25
48:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:25
Starting a business is one of the most challenging yet rewarding endeavours one can take on in life. Damion Lake, owner of Newton Valley Excavating, shares his story of starting his excavation company , becoming an owner operator, finding a niche and serving your customers, and more! To learn more about Newton Valley Excavating or talk with Damion,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Priestly Demolition Story w/ Ryan Priestly
51:33
51:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:33
Insights into the demolition industry with none other than Ryan Priestly, president of Priestly Demolition. This time In The Dirt host Mack and guest Ryan talk demolition in Toronto, company culture, the Priestly Demolition story, and heavy equipment. If you have ever been curious about demolition, Ryan and Mack do their best to answer your questio…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Secret of EZ Street Asphalt w/ Drew Mohatt
23:50
23:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:50
Drew Mohatt of Colorado Asphalt Services Inc joins us again to talk paving. However, this time Mack and Drew talk about paving in cold, wet, snowy weather when conventional hot asphalt paving is not feasible. Drew tells us all about EZ Street Cold Mix, a solution for paving in less favourable conditions. Learn more about CASI here https://coloradoa…
…
continue reading