Built In Boots

EP17 Training the Future Workforce: Inside Broome Tioga BOCES Heavy Equipment Program

This high school program has a waitlist every year. Here's why. In this episode of the Built In Boots Podcast, we welcome Dan and Josh Coleman from the Broome-Tioga BOCES Heavy Equipment Program. Dan, a veteran instructor with 16 years of experience, shares the inner workings of a program that’s building the future of the construction industry—literally. With a fully immersive two-year hands-on curriculum, high student demand, and real job placement success, this is more than just a school program. It’s a pipeline into the trades. Mark Payne and Griffin Haley sit down with Dan and Josh to explore how BOCES creates real-world readiness for students—many of whom find their careers before even graduating high school. From fifth-grade excavator camps to co-op partnerships with local contractors and even Peterbilt dealerships, this episode is packed with powerful takeaways for educators, employers, and future tradespeople alike. What we cover in this episode: * How BOCES built a program that now has a consistent waitlist * Their annual Skills Rodeo and its impact on student engagement * Why early exposure—starting in 5th grade—is a game changer * The two-year curriculum: hands-on equipment operation and repair * Why some students discover they’re mechanics, not operators * CDL training, GPS tech, and what’s next for the program * Real-world job placement: students working at Peterbilt, paving crews, and family farms * Culture fit and co-op success stories (and failures) that helped shape careers * The impact of instructors who double as mentors and role models * The power of visual learning—why drones are now part of the classroom If you’re in education, construction, or just care about building the next generation, this episode offers a powerful look at what works—and why. Keywords: Heavy equipment training, construction careers, BOCES, trades education, underground utilities, civil construction, CDL, vocational education, job placement, co-op programs, GPS training, youth in trades, equipment operator, diesel tech, safety, drone training At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive. Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers [https://ddscompanies.com/careers/] to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!

EP16 Building Smarter: How the Hillstrom Brothers Are Revolutionizing Construction with Software

You Can’t Automate Culture: Leadership Lessons from Construction Software Xeratec’s Founders What happens when a former Army Ranger with a passion for people and a seasoned software developer with deep industry chops team up to serve the construction industry? In this episode of Built In Boots, co-hosts Griffin Haley and DDS’s Mike Fallat sit down with Jordan and Brett Hillstrom, the founding brothers behind Xeratec, a software development firm laser-focused on solving real problems in the trades. Jordan Hillstrom, a combat veteran and Chief Revenue Officer at Xeratec, brings boots-on-the-ground leadership and a disruptor’s mindset to the table. Brett Hillstrom, Xeratec’s President and senior developer, leads product strategy with over two decades of experience in building agile, custom solutions that evolve with the companies they serve. Together, they’re redefining how construction companies think about technology—not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a tool to unlock efficiency, improve culture, and elevate the trades. Here’s what you’ll learn: * Why Brett and Jordan believe culture readiness is more important than tech readiness * How DDS and Xeratec first connected through a 5 AM workout at the Dirt World Summit * The surprising story of how their father founded Xeratec after teaching himself to code * What “start at the end” means—and why you shouldn’t adopt new tools until you define the real problem * How simple field tasks create ripple effects across the entire organization * What companies get wrong about custom software (and what to do instead) * The critical link between ownership, storytelling, and high-performing field teams * Why the Hillstroms prioritize servant leadership and mentorship through programs like Fire Pit Ranch * Why every team—from five people to 500—needs to invest in systems that reflect their unique workflows Whether you’re a project manager tired of clunky field reports or a company owner looking for your next strategic move, this conversation is full of honest insights, real-world lessons, and the kind of leadership that makes the trades better for everyone. Listen now to discover why the future of construction is built on questions—not just code. At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive. Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers [https://ddscompanies.com/careers/] to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!

EP15 Field Precision - Powering The Natural Gas Workforce of Tomorrow Part 2

In Part Two of our powerful two-part conversation, host Mark Payne returns to sit down with the Field Precision crew—Cruz Gonzalez, Mark Todd Wiggins, and Matt Peterson—to go deeper on what it really takes to lead underground in today’s utility and construction trades. Field Precision OQ & Training is renowned for their mobile Operator Qualification evaluations, hands-on safety training, and field-first mentorship model that empowers natural gas crews nationwide. In this episode, we explore the responsibilities and rewards of mentorship, the challenges of scaling leadership, and how to leave a lasting legacy in the trenches. Whether you’re a foreman, safety director, or trades apprentice, this episode delivers candid insights on how to grow your team, sustain high standards, and own the weight of leadership in high-stakes environments. Key Takeaways: * Why mentorship is the cornerstone of sustainable field leadership * Strategies for scaling crew performance without sacrificing quality * How to balance accountability with empathy as a field leader * Real-world examples of passing on culture and standards to the next generation * Lessons on owning your legacy every time you step into the trench Perfect For: * Construction managers aiming to develop next-level mentors * Utility supervisors responsible for crew development and safety compliance * Safety directors and OQ coordinators seeking fresh field perspectives * Aspiring field leaders and tradespeople hungry for practical leadership advice Stay tuned through the end—because the lessons from Field Precision continue to set the standard for leadership underground. At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive. Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers [https://ddscompanies.com/careers/] to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!

EP14 Field Precision - Powering The Natural Gas Workforce of Tomorrow Part 1

In Part One of this powerful two-part conversation, host Mark Payne sits down with the crew from Field Precision—Cruz Gonzalez, Mark Todd Wiggins, and Matt Peterson—to explore what real leadership looks like on the ground in today’s construction and utility trades. Field Precision OQ & Training is known across the natural gas and underground utility industries for their hands-on Operator Qualification training and field-first approach to workforce development. In this episode, the conversation focuses on the values that drive performance in the field, including pride in your work, building strong crews, and leading by example. Whether you're a foreman, superintendent, or new to the trades, this episode delivers raw insights on how to earn respect, build trust, and maintain high standards in high-stakes environments. Key Takeaways: * The importance of accountability, brotherhood, and real relationships on the jobsite * How Field Precision builds leadership from within, starting with humility and consistency * What “taking pride in the pipe” means and how it shapes their standard of quality * Why field leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about your actions when nobody’s watching * Behind-the-scenes stories from underground gas crews raising the bar in the field Perfect For: * Construction leaders looking to elevate their crews * Utility professionals navigating gas distribution projects * Safety directors and OQ compliance managers * Field-level tradespeople seeking mentorship and growth Stay tuned through the end—because Part Two takes the conversation to another level. At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive. Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers [https://ddscompanies.com/careers/] to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!

EP13 Behind The Numbers: How The Finance Team Drives Operational Excellence at DDS

In this episode of the Built In Boots Podcast, we dive deep into the world of finance at DDS with Patrick Climie and Jackson Parker from the Viper Squad—an integral team that connects the dots between operations and financial management. Whether it's translating operational data for accounting or ensuring financial information is actionable for project managers, the Viper Squad plays a crucial role in keeping DDS’s projects on track and profitable. Why listen to this episode? In this candid conversation, Patrick and Jackson share their career journeys, from unexpected beginnings to landing at DDS, and provide valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, data, and service in the construction industry. Here’s what you’ll gain by tuning in: * A behind-the-scenes look at the Viper Squad's role in bridging finance and operations at DDS * The impact of data-driven decision-making in construction finance and operations with tools like Power BI * Personal stories of Patrick and Jackson’s career paths—how they transitioned from completely different industries into finance roles at DDS * The value of being humble and curious: Why asking the right questions can lead to career growth and innovation * How DDS fosters a service-first culture and what it’s like to work in a team that is dedicated to adding value across departments * Real-world lessons on handling challenges, from project tracking to financial reporting, and how they impact DDS’s bottom line * The role of finance in shaping DDS's growth, with an emphasis on managing project performance and profitability * Why safety and teamwork are core values: How the Viper Squad integrates financial management with safety, payroll, HR, and project performance Patrick and Jackson also discuss their experience at DDS’s Leadership Summit, where they interacted with foremen, supervisors, and GMs, gaining valuable insights into the field that influence their work behind the scenes. Whether you’re in finance, operations, or the field, this episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of all these roles. Key Takeaways: * The importance of financial visibility: How data and finance play a huge role in running construction projects efficiently and profitably * Working with Power BI: How this tool provides real-time data and enables better decision-making for project managers, GMs, and team leaders * The power of collaboration and trust: How the Viper Squad builds relationships across departments to ensure everyone has the information they need to succeed * Humility and learning: Why it’s essential to stay humble and open-minded, especially when starting out in a new industry or role If you’ve ever wondered how financial and operational data come together in a construction company, or if you want to hear firsthand how a finance team can impact both the field and the office, this episode is for you. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation with two of DDS’s most dedicated team members. ➡️ Hit play and learn how the Viper Squad makes it all come togethe At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive. Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers [https://ddscompanies.com/careers/] to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!