The Money Behind The Machines

Too Big To Fail: Season 2 Episode 4 | From Staff Sergeant to Fleet Manager with Justin Storie

In the latest episode of Too Big To Fail, we sit down with Justin, Fleet Operations Manager at Moss Utilities, to pull back the curtain on what it takes to keep a massive utility construction operation moving smoothly. Justin brings nearly 12 years of Army experience to the team, finding a natural crossover between military precision and the hard-working, tight-knit culture of the construction industry. Fleet operations might not always look flashy, but they are the backbone of the field. If a critical machine goes down, the entire job slows down. Justin shares how his team supports our field crews every single day.

The Money Behind The Machines

Behind every massive excavator tearing up the field is a financial engine keeping the gears turning. In this episode of Too Big To Fail, we sit down with Moss's own Accounts Payable Manager Michelle to pull back the curtain on the financial heartbeat of the company. From financing massive excavators to fiercely protecting the weekly cash flow of "mom and pop" subcontractors, Michelle breaks down why AP is the ultimate unsung hero of the field. Plus, she shares her journey into the booming DFW construction market and why the unique, family-first culture at Moss is a total game-changer.

Too Big To Fail: Season 2 Episode 1 | The Making of Moss Built

This episode of the "Too Big to Fail" podcast features a conversation with Wes Esquivel, the Craft Development Manager who is focused on one of the most critical challenges in construction today: developing the next generation of talent. Sitting down with host Angel Tavera, Wes breaks down what it really means to build a company that doesn’t just grow, but scales. Wes makes it clear Moss Utilities isn’t just hiring to keep up, it’s intentionally creating future leaders. In an industry where companies often try to “buy” experienced superintendents and foremen, Wes explains why that model falls short. Moss is focused on developing its own people, training them, investing in them, and preparing them to lead the company forward the Moss way. Wes challenges employees at every level to take control of their growth, encouraging them to speak up, ask for more responsibilities and adopt a true growth mindset. He contrasts the traditional construction mentality of “wait your turn” with a more intentional, accelerated approach: clear development plans, defined timelines, and measurable progress toward leadership roles. When a company is growing as fast as Moss, the demand for leaders can’t wait. Wes shares real examples like needing to hire multiple foremen on the spot and explains why having trained, ready-to-go leaders internally is a game changer. The goal is simple: have people lined up saying, “Put me in the game, coach. I’m ready.” At its core, this episode of Too Big To Fail is about building people. Wes emphasizes that true development goes beyond technical skills it’s about growing both personally and professionally. Through structured programs, intentional mentorship, and a culture that pushes individuals to be better every day, Moss is creating a pipeline of leaders who are prepared not just to do the job but to lead teams, shape culture, and drive the company forward.

14. The Right-Of-Way Rodeo with April Seleska

This episode of Too Big to Fail features a detailed and inspiring conversation with host Angel Tavera and guest Senior Project Manager April Seleska, providing a raw look at her climb to leadership, the challenges of high-profile utility projects, and the dedication required to succeed as a woman in construction. April's journey is far from typical. It begins in the competitive world of Texas rodeo, where she was an active barrel racer until 2013, a background that forged her relentless work ethic. Her professional career saw her make significant pivots: from early jobs managing a barn and working in a cleaners, she transitioned into a plumbing business, then spent a decade in IT at AutoNation. When she returned to construction, she dove into utility work with a "baptism by fire" mentality, learning the complexities of the industry by sheer will and determination. Her ascent to Senior Project Manager at Moss Utilities is a testament to her capabilities. April details the extraordinary responsibility that comes with the role, which previously included not just project management but also overseeing billings, accounts receivable, collections, and even coordinating company events. She emphasizes that her success is built on humility—never being afraid to ask questions—and mutual respect, which is the foundation of her strong relationships with field superintendents like Julio and Jose. A key focus is the management of high-profile data center projects, which she is frequently trusted with. April explains the massive impact of these jobs, noting the unprecedented safety requirements and the operational challenges of handling plans that are "ever-changing." She stresses the need for constant, meticulous engagement, detailing her process of marking up plans daily based on field reports to avoid costly mistakes like installing the wrong-sized pipe. Ultimately, April's story is one of fierce dedication, setting an incredible example, and finding the necessary work-life balance after years of intense commitment.

13. Building Your Own Path with Chief Strategy Officer Kelly Roberts

This episode of Too Big to Fail delivers a gripping, no-holds-barred account of how Moss Utilities stared down catastrophe and emerged as a wet utilities powerhouse. Host Angel Tavera sits down with Kelly Roberts, the company's Chief Strategy Officer (and CEO of Moss Heating & Cooling), for an intimate look at the true cost of scaling a business and the ultimate commitment to its people. Kelly reveals the high-stakes reality of the company's near-collapse in 2020. She details the desperate financial situation where lenders and vendors had abandoned them, forcing the leadership team to confront the possibility of bankruptcy. Kelly recounts the crucial moment she implemented the Work In Progress (WIP) schedule, which exposed deep, previously hidden financial hemorrhaging. Her subsequent work, coupled with CEO Garrett Moss's unwavering, "crazy" positivity, secured government lifelines (PPP/EIDL loans) and a vital banking partnership, paving the way for one of construction's most impressive turnarounds. The podcast then shifts to the company's future vision. Kelly unpacks the philosophy behind the podcast's title, explaining that "Too Big to Fail" is a solemn vow: with 500 employee lives depending on Moss, failure is not an option. She provides the definitive explanation for the recent implementation of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), emphasizing that Garrett chose this path—despite advice to pick a more profitable exit—to ensure long-term retirement security for every single employee, especially the field crews. Finally, Kelly outlines her strategic vision, detailing new initiatives like the Talent Acquisition Manager and the Culture Index to ensure Moss continues its rapid, yet sustainable, growth toward its audacious $250 million goal by putting the right people in the right seats. This conversation is mandatory listening for anyone looking to understand the core values, relentless drive, and profound loyalty that defines Moss Utilities.