From the Editor

Taylor White is a busy guy these days. I spoke with him earlier this year about Ken White Construction, and we discussed the way in which he has used popular social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to build knowledge and spread the word about his company. Through those outlets, the message has reached not only people in construction, but beyond, and provides a new way of recruiting employees.

Now, White has taken on a new role: host of the revived CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast, another platform through which he hopes to connect with a broader audience, sharing stories about the construction industry from the professionals who are part of it.

When I connected with White about his new role, he explained that the concept of the podcast is to speak with leaders in the industry who have insights that can be beneficial to people both in construction and those who are considering it, or listeners who are just interested in construction. The goal, he says, is to draw valuable information from his guests that can make his listeners more successful in their own lives.

Shows like the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast are excellent ways to learn in what feels like an intimate setting – it’s a conversation that you, the listener, can be part of, learn from, and use in your own ways. White expressly told me that he doesn’t like thinking of his shows as interviews – they really are just a chat with an industry expert that covers topics applicable to construction as a whole.

As I write, four episodes are out, and the guest list has covered both large companies and individuals who cover the industry online. For example, White’s third episode featured Ryan Priestly, president of Ontario’s Priestly Demolition, for a conversation that covered everything from the challenges and benefits of being featured on the Salvage Kings television show to ways that Priestly manages the stress of a busy industry.

Another episode featured Nick Drew, who produces the Digger Man blog and writes for construction magazines in the United Kingdom. This conversation covered some topics that have always been of interest to me, such as the ways in which Europeans use their machines that haven’t made it across to North America. Jeff Cavanagh, of Cavanagh Construction – a 1,200-employee-strong firm in the Ontario region – discussed

the challenges of running a business of that size, finding the right people to fill the right positions, and building a strong corporate culture.

Those are just a few of the topics that have come up and the unique perspectives that have been shared. There are sure to be many more as the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast releases new episodes twice monthly leading up to the show in March. And, White emphasized that many of his guests will be at the show in 2023 as well.

The CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast is an excellent opportunity to gain insight on key topics for the industry and connect with construction through the knowledge and experiences of these fascinating guests.

ltoop@baumpub.com heavyequipmentguide.ca