Ep.13: John Deere Technician of the Year, John Shondelmyer

IronCast Ep. 14 | Construction Angels

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500950/fan_mail/new] Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/TsSibmrsssw?si=8BOkkn8cq05dT3SZ In this episode of the IronCast, we go live with Kristi Ronyak, CEO, Founder, and National Executive Director of Construction Angels—the nonprofit providing immediate support to families after a construction‑site tragedy. We’re on location at the GT&E Annual Golf Classic, where this year’s event raised an incredible $159,000 to directly support families right here in Pennsylvania. Kristi breaks down how Construction Angels responds within hours when the unthinkable happens, and how their team steps in to help the families left behind. If you work in construction, support the trades, or care about making an impact in your community, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to help spread awareness for Construction Angels and the families they serve.

Ep.13: John Deere Technician of the Year, John Shondelmyer

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500950/fan_mail/new] EP 13 — John Deere Technician of the Year: John Shondelmyer In this episode of The IronCast, we sit down with a true heavyweight in the world of field service: John Shondelmyer, John Deere’s 2024 Technician of the Year and a 35-year veteran of the industry. From Doyle Equipment to Murphy Tractor to GT&E, John has seen it all... the evolution of machinery, the rise of advanced diagnostics, and the changing expectations of customers and technicians alike. John shares stories from the early days of mechanical linkages and dry steering clutches, all the way to today’s computer‑driven machines and remote diagnostics. He opens up about the lessons learned from decades in the field, the importance of communication, and why patience is one of the most underrated skills a technician can have. We also dive into: * The moment he thought he’d be fired on day three * How technology has transformed the technician’s role * Why younger techs need accountability and mentorship * His unexpected adventures on tugboats, racetracks, and even a near‑cult recruitment * What winning Technician of the Year meant to him * His passion for cooking * The legacy he hopes to leave behind John’s humility, humor, and hard‑earned wisdom make this one of our most insightful and entertaining episodes yet. Whether you’re a technician, a customer, or someone who loves a good story, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the people who keep the machines, and the industry, moving. “Keep plugging along. Be patient. Good things will happen.” — John Shondelmyer

IronCast: Ep 12 | Cindy Miller, President of BERO Equipment | Women in Construction

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500950/fan_mail/new] Celebrating Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to feature Cindy Miller, President of BERO Equipment Rental Options, in our latest podcast episode. Cindy leads a valued partner of our Harmony branch, providing essential equipment rental solutions to customers across the region. Three years ago, she purchased the company’s assets and has since driven a remarkable transformation—earning WBE certification, expanding operational capabilities, and adding John Deere equipment to the fleet. Her leadership story reflects strategic growth, resilience, and the importance of elevating women in the construction industry. This episode explores Cindy’s journey, the evolution of BERO, and the impact of women-owned businesses in shaping the future of construction.

IronCast: Ep. 11 | Eric Jumper - From Dirt to Drones

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500950/fan_mail/new] Eric Jumper’s drive to document the construction world runs far deeper than posting videos. His work connects with veterans who’ve spent 30+ years in the dirt and, at the same time, pulls younger generations toward a trade they might’ve never considered. He’s not chasing influence, he’s chasing understanding.  Don’t call him an influencer; call him a foamer, an enthusiast, a translator, and a bridge between eras of the industry.  We sat down with Eric to unpack a rare 360-degree view of construction—field, media, and management—and how that mix points to what’s coming next. Listen to this episode on your way to ConExpo, and you might see Eric walking around Vegas when you're there. Eric explains why the “labor shortage” might quietly flip to an oversupply at the entry level, and how automation is the reason. When a $30k kit can run a roller all day from a phone and autonomous haul systems are within reach for repetitive sites, the classic ladder of roller to truck to seat time disappears. That shift doesn’t end careers—it demands new ones. We talk concrete skills that make people irreplaceable: GPS and rover proficiency, reading and building 3D models, drone-based topo and production tracking, field troubleshooting, and the judgment you only get by staying present long enough to learn. We dig into the rise of construction on social media: why billion‑dollar owners now ask for content, how authentic sound and simple edits can teach better than flashy cuts, and where platforms like TikTok go off the rails with unsafe stunts. Eric’s “Tier Zero” love letter to old iron sparks a candid look at reliability versus electronics, manufacturing fragility after COVID, and why moves like Deere’s plan to build excavators from plate in the U.S. could tighten supply chains and support faster parts and better uptime. On site, the biggest ROI isn’t hype—it’s drones flown daily, models done right, and GPS that eliminates rework. We also challenge whether “blue collar” still fits when cabs are quiet, seats are cooled, and joysticks do the heavy lifting. In the end: capture moments, build a personal library of knowledge, and invest in kids earlier than high school so the next generation sees building as creative, technical, and worth their time. If this conversation sharpened how you think about work, tech, and time, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more people in the construction industry can find it.

IronCast: Ep. 10 | Tyler Schollenberger - Connected Support's Unsung Heroes

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2500950/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The IronCast, we sit down with Tyler Shollenberger — GTE’s Connected Support Specialist and the man keeping fleets running long before problems ever hit the jobsite. Jason pulls back the curtain on the tools, tech, and teamwork powering GT&E’s connected ecosystem, from Expert Connect to JDLink to the ever‑evolving Operation Center. Tyler shares how he went from farm life to sustainable agriculture to becoming the go‑to guy for machine telematics, diagnostics, and proactive customer support across every GT&E branch. He breaks down what JDLink really does, why Operation Center is a game‑changer (and free), how cross‑brand machine tracking works, and the surprising trends he sees before failures happen, including the most common codes and the expert alerts that help prevent costly downtime. This conversation dives into the real-world value of connected support, the behind‑the‑scenes teamwork that keeps customers moving, and the future of machine data in construction. If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening inside your equipment — or how GT&E stays one step ahead — this episode delivers the answers.