Kait Burds joins the Dirt Bags Podcast to talk about what actually works in the trades—and what doesn’t.

A 2024 CAT Women’s Operator Skills Challenge Champion, Kait’s built her name in the dirt and snow while helping push the industry forward. In this episode, she breaks down why nonstop grinding can hold you back, how to level up smarter, and what it takes to stand out in a blue-collar world.

Real experience. Real perspective.

Happy 4th of July! We're back with another awesome episode, and this one is packed with purpose. We're joined by Dervin Witmer as guest host, and we sit down with Drew Nickoli — a U.S. Army Veteran and now a Technical Specialist at Eljen Corporation.

This episode means a lot — and if you’re a veteran looking for support, please check out saveawarrior.org. You’re not alone.

Learn more about Eljen at eljen.com

Drew's email: dnickoli@eljen.com

Follow on IG: @digitexcavating @pumpthatseptic @eljencorporation

Need to upgrade your online presence? Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing:

https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05

Huge Thanks to our sponsors:

Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie’s already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you’re a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you’re covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/

Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater Management

Backed by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems.

Learn more at: eljen.com

SludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced Microbiology

By introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recycling

without the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.

Discover the details at: sludgehammer.net

Thanks for listening — hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s keep diggin’

Sit back, grab a drink, and relax as the Dirt Bags interview James Doyle of Innovative Lawn & Landscape. Shoutout to our guy James, as this is his second time on the show! He's the man!!

Check out James' new website built by the crew at Phaser Marketing!

Innovative Lawn & Landscape Website

Tune in as we welcome in Travis Gemmell, owner of Walnut Grove Excavating! Guest hosting with Luke is James Stiksma from Canadian Septic, bringing even more expertise to the table. It’s a no-holds-barred conversation packed with insights, stories, and a few laughs along the way. If you’re in the business—or just curious—this one’s for you! IG: @walnutgroveexcavating

In this episode of The Dirt Bags Podcast, we’re digging into the world of landscaping with none other than Hunter Eisenbath, the founder and owner of Eisenbath Landscapes LLC. Hunter’s company is setting new benchmarks for quality, creativity, and sustainability in the landscaping game. Whether you're in the industry, a small business owner, or simply someone who loves a great outdoor space, this episode is loaded with practical tips, entrepreneurial insights, and a whole lot of inspiration. Tune in as we get our hands dirty with Hunter and talk shop!

@eisenbathlandscapes on Instagram

Shoutout to our friends over at Kinetic Leasing for their support on the Dirt Bags University partnership!! Reach out to them for any questions on leasing or financing equipment. Make sure to let 'em know you found them through the Dirt Bags!

Link to order a copy of Luke's new book on Amazon, The Digital Dirt World: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW23B1ZY

Link to order a pair of the one and only BUMZ sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3Z4Kc1l

Welcome to the first episode of Dirt Tales! Typically, our show features both of our dirtbags, Luke and Luke. In this episode, Luke 2.0 is taking over to share some wild, offbeat stories with Canadian Septic's James Stiksma. Sit back, relax, and tune in as we dive into the newest segment of the Dirt Bag's Podcast!