:00 Intro 1:15 Dirty dream job 2:33 Dirt machines 3:56 Dirt operators 5:58 Track machines 10:00 Buying a new machine 17:54 Wish list item 21:10 What does an excavator do 24:17 Bidding excavation work 29:29 DIY excavating 32:50 Brian's background 46:56 Brian buys excavating company 57:48 Buying existing co. vs starting own co. 1:00:06 Working for self vs for someone else 1:07:06 Working with cameras on 1:08:00 Advice for up and coming
Dirt Work and Excavation: Brian Reynolds ECP 53EC22020-12-10 | Nate and Scott interview Brian Reynolds, who has done concrete work and excavating on the spec house.
:00 Intro 1:15 Dirty dream job 2:33 Dirt machines 3:56 Dirt operators 5:58 Track machines 10:00 Buying a new machine 17:54 Wish list item 21:10 What does an excavator do 24:17 Bidding excavation work 29:29 DIY excavating 32:50 Brian's background 46:56 Brian buys excavating company 57:48 Buying existing co. vs starting own co. 1:00:06 Working for self vs for someone else 1:07:06 Working with cameras on 1:08:00 Advice for up and coming
EC spec house videos in which Brian has appeared: youtu.be/Ld6PgBhTH2k youtu.be/7xXfZo7a7hA youtu.be/1Rvkf8vy7hc youtu.be/4hWrkaIQhyE youtu.be/-JOSM02cVT4What Happened to the PodcastEC22024-09-09 | The podcast is back! Nate & EC's video producer, Brady, are sharing why the podcast was put on hold & what we're excited about for the future. Stay tuned!Industrial Design, Plumbing, and Spotting Trends: Katie Hayes from GerberEC22024-08-26 | Huge thanks to Gerber for working with us on this video! They are great people making fantastic products. Learn more about their plumbing fixtures here:
Handmade Boots and the American Dream | JK Boots Factory Tour youtu.be/tfaNuXF6G_s Instagram: @jkboots Website: jkboots.com Podcast: Walking with JK Boots
JK Boots interview with EC: youtu.be/ileZoGFFljMDealing with Risk as a Contractor: Dean Kilgore ECP 125EC22022-12-09 | Nate and Scott met Dean in the Essential Craftsman Academy twice monthly zoom chat. Dean is an attorney in Texas with decades of experience in litigation and is now working in mediation. He works with many general contractors and people in the trades and was willing to share a lot of information and tips for staying out of the court room.
0:00 Intro 2:20 Litigation & mediation 4:53 Handshake not enough 9:10 Details & quality matter 10:31 GC owns the risk 13:45 Sense when it feels risky 17:50 Spouse A & Spouse B 21:20 Lawyer advice on the front end 25:29 Documentation 28:18 Guessing & clarity 32:00 Job delay claims 36:08 Nate learns lessons 37:51 Protecting against the bad ones 39:54 Skilled insurance broker 41:53 Best time to pull payments 44:38 This makes me uncomfortable 46:40 Ultimate honesty & trust 51:55 Know these 3 things 56:01 In your wheel house 57:57 The process of mediation 1:04:30 Commercial detailed contracts 1:09:50 Evolution of your business risk 1:11:22 Do you have question for Dean? 1:13:44 Dean's blacksmithing projectsSome of the Great Blacksmiths Who Kept The Craft Alive with Bob Bergman & EC: ECP 124EC22022-11-30 | Scott and Nate talk with Bob about his 52 years blacksmithing and running a sawmill. Scott and Bob have been friends for years and share many common interests. They discuss blacksmithing mentors and so much more.
0:00 Intro 2:00 Currently blacksmithing 3:10 VIP blacksmiths 27:37 Bragging rights 32:30 Sharing knowledge 36:44 Woodpecker sawmill 1:02:31 Forging an anvil 1:05:05 Visiting British blacksmiths 1:15:48 Where to find
youtu.be/dK13UFZ9xPQGrass is Greener, and Worms: Natalie Argo ECP 123EC22022-09-26 | Nate shares some thoughts about career paths and paradoxes, and changing seasons. Nate also chats then Natalie, and expert on worms, about worm castings, composting and all things garden.
0:00 Career Paradoxes 5:48 Change of Season 8:44 Worm castings 10:12 Composting components 12:07 Vermicomopost 13:13 Screening the castings 15:23 Natalie's background 16:26 Small spaces 17:43 Mass production 19:13 Worm species 20:41 Increasing food yields 22:23 Why worm castings? 24:41 Worm maintenance 26:20 Wood chips & soil 29:57 Worm myths & characteristics 32:28 Where to find
Instagram: @heyyitsagoodlife YouTube: Hey It's a Good Life Website: heyitsagoodlife.com The Gardener's Guide To Worm Farming Course: receive 30% off by using the code ESSENTIAL30 at check out.Making A Living From Blacksmithing: Ryan Sanden ECP 122EC22022-08-30 | Nate and EC chat with Ryan about Stagecoach Farm and Forge (Ryan's blacksmithing business) the cookware he makes and how Ryan and EC both turned their blacksmithing hobbies into something much more.
0:00 Intro :43 Background 4:12 Cookware & gambling 7:36 Billable work 9:30 Cy & installation 10:55 Bidding iron work 14:18 Custom v repeat work 17:28 Creating & branding 19:32 High end work 23:40 Priceless & timeless 33:22 Hobby into business 40:32 Buying tools 45:07 Marketing 53:32 Wrap up
Instagram: @stage_coach_farm_forge Website: stagecoachforge.com/home-page EC videos mentioned in podcast: Making a Carbon Steel Pan with Stagecoach Farm and Forge youtu.be/DtrVC2i9yM4 Forged Pan and Blacksmith Course Giveaway youtu.be/bLeexhJweGkEngineering in the U.S. Coast Guard: Jeff Zamarin ECP 121EC22022-08-23 | Nate met Jeff during a Live Chat inside the Essential Craftsman Academy. In this interview they chat about engineering, the pros and cons of serving in the Coast Guard and much more.
0:00 Intro 3:22 Background 8:33 Merchant 9:44 Responsibilities 14:12 Agreements 15:41 Academy & training 19:13 Types of engineering 26:16 Overlap with trades 30:27 Ship operations 37:58 Pros & cons 45:23 Career now 48:20 Resources & advocacy 52:55 Naval architecture 55:36 Fork in the road 57:38 Craftsmanship & mentor 1:01:42 gocoastguard.com
gocoastguard.comInterior Design - Making Beautiful Rooms: Kaitlyn Wolfe ECP 120EC22022-08-10 | Nate talks with Kaitlyn about some basic advice for interior design, how to avoid trends and much more.
0:00 Intro 2:30 Copy cat 3:35 Contractors & design 5:31 Outdated 6:47 Photos 8:12 Opinions 11:42 Basic advice 15:38 Balance 17:59 Trendy v classic 23:43 When to hire 27:38 Trial & error 30:17 Aesthetic 32:00 Having favorites 34:41 Current projects
@LightDwell @amberinteriors @cailtinwilsondesign @the_fox_groupMassive Career Changes - Blue Collar to White ECP 119EC22022-08-05 | My apologies to Sam and EC for my blunder is losing the audio to this interview. I will work on getting them back in here to try again!Tearing Out and Replacing a PatioEC22022-08-02 | ...Epic Gardening: Kevin Espiritu ECP 118EC22022-07-26 | Nate talks with Kevin about the ins and outs of gardening in any climate with any skill level.
IG: @epicgardening Website/blog: epicgardening.com YouTube: Epic Gardening Podcast: Epic Gardening Daily Tips & AdviceExcavators Munching on A HouseEC22022-07-21 | ...Understanding Drainage: Shawn Villalpando ECP 117EC22022-07-20 | Nate talks with Shawn about water drainage and the efficiency of french drains.
YouTube: Gate City Foundation DrainageHigh-end contracting and working for wealthy clients: Ted Bainbridge ECP 116EC22022-07-05 | Nate chats with Ted about Build Magazine and the opportunities he has to photograph trade work all over the world.
0:00 Intro 2:00 Print industry 6:49 High end mindset 10:45 Portfolio 12:33 Jobsite photos 15:29 The Wealthy 18:14 Luck/preparation 20:34 American dream 23:19 Success mindset 26:02 Reading & optimism 28:05 Travel & water 38:18 Architectural Impact 40:11 European cabinetry 43:37 Tool narratives 47:22 Construction trends 50:54 Where to find
Podcast: Friends of Build Magazine IG: @buildmags_official
members.essentialcraftsman.com/academyDiesel Creek- Fixing and Filming Heavy Equipment...Career, YouTube, and More... ECP 115EC22022-06-28 | Nate talks with Matt about how from the time Matt was a child, he loved to fix everything he could get his hands on and how that led to the success of his YouTube channel Diesel Creek.
0:00 Intro 0:53 Craftsmanship 2:31 Part of the job 4:20 Background 5:50 Kindergarten 7:14 Strategy 11:33 Career path 14:28 Pipeline 20:21 YouTube 25:13 Introvert 27:01 Equipment 31:17 Restoration mindset 39:29 Next projects 40:19 New Shop 49:59 Where to find
YouTube: youtube.com/c/DieselCreekInnovation for Pouring Concrete Footings: Dwight Lamm ECP 114EC22022-06-21 | Nate talks with Dwight, the inventor of the Accu Footing, a concrete brace footing. They talk about the tool, how it's used, and Dwight's career.
0:00 Intro 2:48 Background 4:02 ICF forms 10:14 Redi mix 13:13 Confidence in Styrofoam 15:48 Training wheels 17:05 Distribution 27:38 Customer service 32:43 Process/ wet set 35:07 Competition 40:11 How to order 43:36 Slinger trucks 48:50 Where to find
Website: www.accufooting.comFun Family Chores at Playground 🔨😄EC22022-06-18 | ...Do Contractors Need A Website: Tim Brown ECP 113EC22022-06-14 | Nate talks with Tim about the possible unknown advantages for contractors to have a website.
0:00 Intro & ECA 3:28 Growth hacking 7:02 Purpose of websites 13:46 Outsourcing 16:36 'How To' content 18:22 More than referrals 25:17 Build your own website 32:49 Not about you 38:17 Size of contractor 40:42 Website craftsmanship 45:28 Pride in work 48:07 Costs 52:41 Customize/Call to action 55:01 Finding employees 1:01:23 Opportunities
IG: @HookAgency Free help: hookagency.com/audit tradesindemand.orgHow to Not Get Screwed as a Contractor: Karalynn Cromeens ECP 112EC22022-06-07 | Nate talks with Karalynn about the obstacles contractors face legally and what they can do to stay out of trouble.
0:00 Intro 1:27 Craftsmanship 2:31 Front end lawyer 4:21 Contract modification 6:10 Flat fee 6:41 Scope & bid 8:17 Res vs commercial 10:46 Background 12:15 Not getting paid 14:13 Filing liens 15:54 Automated 18:15 Subcontractor institute 22:42 Covid & contracts 24:30 Legal customers 25:38 Cool your jets 28:57 Mediation 33:24 Satisfaction 34:51 Successful transition 36:34 Negotiating 41:27 Local lawyer 45:22 Where to find
0:00 Intro 2:11 Current projects 5:37 Take it apart 10:46 Learning in public 13:46 Risk 16:42 YouTube 20:34 Satisfaction level 23:30 Bigger better 28:52 Behind the scenes 31:29 Uncertainty 33:32 Philosophy of work 36:28 Family business 39:30 Hire out 42:01 Log cabin 45:53 Idaho 52:34 Evolution 59:19 Where to find
0:00 Intro 7:07 Batteries vs gas 8:54 Efficiency & durability 12:30 Restoring 14:28 Beginnings 24:18 Growth & debt 26:23 Economic cycles 28:37 Hustle 30:20 Competition & loyalty 32:27 Brands 38:12 Custom designed building 42:15 Shop niches 45:33 Do what you love 50:23 Supply chain 55:54 New parking 57:58 Zoning issues 1:03:52 Mow Power
mowpoweraz.comCommercial Diving, Career, and Unions: Joe Cadwell ECP 106EC22022-04-04 | Nate interviews Joe about his experience doing underwater construction/commercial diving while in the Navy, and his current involvement with the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute union, the local branch of UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpentry).
UBC: carpenters.org Applications: pnci.org Podcast: www.gritnationpodcast.comCreative Fabrication with Eric Cup of Bridgewater Studios ECP 105EC22022-03-21 | Nate talks with Eric Cup of Bridgewater Studios, a one-of-a-kind fabricating company using 3D printing and many of the skills that people in the trades use. Fabrication meets craftsmanship meets art. "If you need something weird, that's what we do."
0:00 Intro 1:14 Real world scenery 3:45 Problem solving 5:22 Interactive products 9:18 Digital work flow 10:55 Hiring & bidding 15:37 Clean slate 17:20 3D printing 30:09 Quality control 33:42 Big customers 37:35 Current projects
Instagram: @bridgewaterstudio Website: bridgewaterstudio.netThe Silversmith of the American West: Scott Whitaker ECP 104EC22022-03-14 | Nate chats with Scott about his 20 years experience making custom jewelry, where he gets his inspiration and his current projects.
0:00 Intro 1:00 Industry 3:07 Metal prices 5:24 Trends v timeless 7:32 Metal clay 9:34 Current projects 12:23 New life 14:21 Beginnings 19:20 Topographical 23:32 Social Media 25:37 Cultural 30:03 Workshop 31:03 Beginners 34:46 Where to find 35:42 Found
IG: @scottjamesjewelry Website: scottjamesjewelry.comMaking Contractors More Profitable: Andrew Houston ECP 103EC22022-03-07 | Nate chats with Andrew Houston and Jay Carter about their efforts to help contractors and people in the trades get into a mindset that helps build their business.
0:00 Intro 0:59 Automation 4:12 Decade of Hell 8:13 Jay's story 10:47 I'm the only one 15:56 Systems mindset 24:19 Possible growth 32:03 New tools 36:35 Remote 39:10 Social media 44:41 Deficits 50:03 The Process 54:42 Time frame 59:43 Where to find
Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1504320346 Facebook: facebook.com/groups/contractortipsUltimate Modern Blacksmith: Alec Steele ECP 102EC22022-03-03 | Nate and Scott chat with Alec about his start in blacksmithing at a very young age, the confidence, knowledge and skill he exhibits, and the future of his brand.
0:00 Intro 0:42 Background 5:44 ECs background 8:37 Quitting school 11:11 No doubts 13:19 Other skills 24:25 Reading & speaking 29:37 Forged in Fire impact 33:14 Projects 36:26 Arrowhead story 40:00 Architectural design 43:26 Punching axe eyes 46:29 Drilling a pilot 53:38 Touch marks 56:19 Impressed
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCWizIdwZdmr43zfxlCktmNw IG: @Alec Steele Forged in Fire: netflix.com/title/81226053?source=35Improving the Circular Saw: New Product Alert with Bob May ECP 101EC22022-02-28 | Nate chats with Bob about his new product, the Skate Plate, how he developed it, the benefits of using it, and the patent, manufacturing and distribution of the product.
0:00 Intro 3:40 Trade shows 9:13 Russia 16:13 Skate plate 19:49 Worm drive v side winder 21:50 Pros & benefits 26:11 Getting word out 30:01 Awareness 32:32 Upgrades 33:18 Inventing 34:52 Granite 36:30 Water flow 38:16 Patent expectations 46:02 Discount code!
Website: skateplate.com Use discount code: podcast15 at check outThe Artist Craftsman: Jimmy Diresta ECP 100EC22022-02-24 | Nate and Scott chat with Jimmy Diresta about how he discovered his creative talents at a young age, how he has made a living using them, and what's going on with his backhoe.
0:00 Intro 3:09 35 years clean 6:15 Family 7:15 Artistic background 14:16 Los Angeles 16:33 Free-lance life 18:43 Hunter gatherer 23:49 Interior Design 27:32 Content v project 32:06 Cameras & shots 35:18 Jimmy's shop 38:56 EC's shop 41:11 Restoring bandsaws 47:07 14" Delta 51:17 Auctions 53:23 Backhoe 55:12 Public speaking 1:09:15 Branding 1:19:05 Saturated 1:20:56 Wrap up
0:00 Intro 1:01 Graphic design 5:24 Content 6:53 Hobby v job 10:20 Creating a record 11:57 Shop talk 14:04 Passion & trends 17:18 Tools 19:30 Lean back experience 21:40 Dove tail v box joint 26:48 Barriers 29:07 Feedback 30:02 Deep dive 36:50 Drying process 39:00 Dust collection 45:23 Evolving media 48:54 YT shorts 50:04 Behind the scenes 56:55 Labor
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCBB7sYb14uBtk8UqSQYc9-w Podcast: thewoodworkingtalkshow.libsyn.comCompetitive Chickens and Mastering Bees: Frederick Dunn ECP 98EC22022-02-17 | Nate chats with Fred about his extensive knowledge of chickens and bees and of the massive amounts of information on his YouTube channel since 2008.
YouTube: youtube.com/c/FrederickDunnPhoto Website: http://fredsfinefowl.comYosemite and Climbing El Capitan: Calder Stratford ECP 97EC22022-02-14 | Nate talks with Calder about climbing El Capitan in Yosemite. Calder has accomplished this fete 15 to 20 times since the 1980's.
0:00 Intro 1:29 Yosemite age 16 6:11 Bailing 8:19 Communicating 9:09 Team work 10:33 Gear 12:22 Gear & rocks 17:10 Overnight 17:56 New routes 18:41 Traffic 20:47 Community 21:55 Regulations 24:13 Wild West 26:20 15-20 times 27:13 Fear 29:33 Tour Yosemite 33:59 Inspiring 36:54 Sail boats 40:50 Designed to work
IG: @colderstratfordUpdates and Advice ECP 96EC22022-02-10 | Nate reflects on advice he's been given and shares some updates about the podcast.Chainsaws, Risk, YouTube, and Positivity: Buckin Billy Ray Smith ECP 87EC22022-01-25 | Scott and Nate chat with Buckin Billy about his how he left the corporate world and made his dreams come true while getting his hands dirty.
0:00 Intro 1:54 Buckin's background 7:43 Awakening 10:00 Becoming a man 12:20 Bushing & learning 18:46 Aware of danger 25:54 Listening to wisdom 32:36 YouTube 38:36 Commitment 44:25 Mentors 48:52 What's next 59:52 I'm a wood man 1:02:16 For young men 1:09:36 Positivity 1:14:18 Future BBQ
youtube.com/channel/UCsIFvStf9Oz99GMitW4vD_gBeing Prepared for Anything Jake Jordan ECP 86EC22022-01-17 | Nate and Scott chat with Ken and Jake Jordan about the house Ken built, Jake's time training at West Point, and how Jake's experiences in life and the military have shaped his decisions to prepare for the future.
0:00 Intro 5:12 Dads built houses 10:05 West Point 15:28 Exposure 21:38 Kens' house 23:53 Preppers 26:00 Benefits 30:14 Weather 37:08 Self reliance 47:17 Urban v rural 51:26 Community 58:46 Financial prep 1:02:13 Building resilience 1:05:39 Risk assessment 1:06:57 Investing/inflation 1:12:40 Win either way
twitter.com/fnpreparedness?s=11Installing an Asphalt Driveway with Clean Equipment in Great Weather.EC22022-01-10 | ...Consulting for Contractors: Doug Howard ECP 85EC22022-01-03 | Nate chats with Doug of Remodelers Advantage and his job consulting for remodeling contractors. They talk about the benefits of consulting, having a Round Table and much more.
0:00 Intro 1:12 Background 4:52 Tradesman mindset 8:19 Business size 11:25 Duty distribution 16:28 Remodeling or GC 18:04 Round Table 24:34 Exit strategy 25:33 Sale of company 32:30 Lean description 40:25 Hiring 46:46 Social Media 49:03 Where to find 49:51 Reluctance
0:00 Peek :45 Intro 4:15 Background 6:40 High stress 8:05 Addicted 10:00 Getting clean 16:52 YT concrete community 18:15 YT education 21:05 Editing process 30:30 Families of addicts 32:47 Drugs & construction 35:20 Creative 37:40 Trades on YT 38:50 Where to find 39:05 Making it "out" 41:15 Nate's editing story 43:10 YT & helping others
Linked videos: youtu.be/RKnMFR_QUb0 youtu.be/b4SPPxKD0fkMaking Pans - Stagecoach ForgeEC22021-12-10 | ...Improving Communication with Armanitalks ECP 82EC22021-12-04 | Nate talks with Arman from Armanitalks.com about communication, charisma, introverts and more.
0:00 Intro 1:33 Public Speaking 3:54 One On One 7:45 Cultures & Communication 11:13 Nerves 14:25 Introverts 18:04 Charisma 22:01 Humor 23:53 1% mindset 25:53 Writing 29:10 Twitter 30:25 Private 32:35 Body of Work 34:54 Creating in all forms 38:10 Emotional Connection 42:22 Great Speakers 45:32 Where To Find
armanitalks.com twitter.com/armanitalksSaving Wounded Vets with Craftsmanship: Rob Cosman ECP 81EC22021-11-04 | Wow! If you want to feel inspired, take the time to listen to this podcast.
Rob Cosman, a 4th generation carpenter, finds his calling in life helping vets recuperate using woodworking with his Purple Heart Project. For audio listeners, there are a few long pauses for emotion, nothing is wrong with you audio feed.
0:00 Intro 1:38 Childhood & education 9:06 Starting business 23:58 Purple heart project 39:54 Processing pain 42:32 Finding the vets who need this 44:52 What they build 49:58 Where to find 50:40 Manifesting the difference
robcosman.com YouTube: RobCosman.comLosing and Finding Fathers...Also Trusts and Estate Planning: CJ Eagar ECP 80EC22021-10-23 | Nate chats with this friend CJ about the unexpected passing of CJ's father, the role father figures played in his life and CJ's current work as an estate planner.
0:00 Intro 1:31 CJ's dad 5:08 Framing career 9:11 Unexpected passing 26:40 Adopted fathers 29:50 Estate planning for contractors 36:05 Do this one thing 42:00 Facing Mortality 52:15 Cost of estate planning 59:46 Timing matter
Coppercanyonlaw.comTile Setting Myths, Tips, Tricks: Phil Hu ECP 79EC22021-10-14 | Nate and Scott chat with Phil Hu, the tiler for the spec house. They talk about how he got started in the business, working with his dad, tile and grout methods and more.
0:00 Intro 1:07 Customers & cameras 4:11 Porcelain & natural stone 7:40 Grout & tile size 10:36 Family business & curses 20:30 Systems & Schluter 39:01 Uncoupling membrane 41:58 Wall tile first? 47:03 Detailing with razor? 53:42 Epoxy grout 1:01:21 Phil's dad Dave 1:04:42 Wrap upImpulsively Attempting Watch Battery ReplacementEC22021-10-08 | ...