Dirt Bags Podcast
Dirt Bags Podcast

Dirt Bags Podcast

Luke Eggebraaten

Overview
Episodes

Details

The Dirt Bags Podcast is the go-to podcast for real conversations, actionable insights, and a damn good time. Hosted by Luke Eggebraaten, this podcast is built for those who want to grow their business, sharpen their skills, and hear from industry leaders—all while enjoying a laid-back, no-nonsense atmosphere.Whether an operator, contractor, business owner, or entrepreneur, the Dirt Bags Podcast delivers raw and unfiltered insights. No corporate fluff, no B.S.—just real talk from people who have been in the trenches, built successful businesses, and know what it takes to win in this space.Luke Eggebraaten is the founder of Phaser Marketing and the author of Digital Dirt World. Since 2019, he has been helping excavation companies scale their online presence through web design, SEO, and paid ads. His team has worked with businesses doing $500K to $100M in revenue, offering tailored marketing solutions that drive real growth. With a passion for connecting the construction industry to the digital age, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every episode.The biggest names in excavation, septic, snow removal, landscaping, outdoor services, and more share their insights, lessons, and strategies, giving listeners direct access to the minds of industry leaders who are making waves and building empires. The Dirt Bags Podcast covers everything from marketing and branding, to leadership, business growth, equipment talk, and job site war stories. Industry experts, business owners, and hardworking professionals bring real experiences and hard-earned wisdom to every episode.This isn’t a typical business podcast—it’s organized but laid-back, full of uncensored, real-world advice from people who get it. New episodes drop first thing in the morning, 2-3 Fridays a month, so listeners can tune in on the way to the job site or while working on the job.Construction, business, and success—Dirt Bag style! LETS GO

Recent Episodes

#125: Dirt Bag of the Year - Mack Lipka
JUN 19, 2026
#125: Dirt Bag of the Year - Mack Lipka
<p>Episode #125: Dirt Bag of the Year | Mack Lipka </p><p>He quit his job in November of 2022, sold a piece of property, borrowed from his retirement fund, bought a 2012 pickup, and went all in. Today Mack Lipka owns Black Diamond Landworks out of Kalispell, Montana and is the first ever Dirt Bags Podcast Dirt Bag of the Year belt holder. In this episode Mack breaks down how he bootstrapped his excavation and land company from the ground up, what it really takes to go out on your own with no guarantees, and how keeping it simple has been the key to everything. We talk equipment, hiring, scope creep, contracts, managing customers, and what he would tell anyone thinking about jumping into the excavation or land space today. Mack is the real deal and this one is worth every minute. </p><p>📲 Connect with Mack:</p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/black_diamond_landworks/">https://www.instagram.com/black_diamond_landworks/</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mack-lipka-633147257/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mack-lipka-633147257/</a></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://blackdiamondlandworks.com/">https://blackdiamondlandworks.com/</a> </p><p>Dirt Bags University Sign-Up Link: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1FDMN9b7S5azg-EZ44KgMg#/registration">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1FDMN9b7S5azg-EZ44KgMg#/registration</a> </p><p>Huge Thanks to our sponsors: </p><p>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://trupointco.com/">https://trupointco.com/</a> </p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://eljen.com">http://eljen.com</a> </p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://sludgehammer.net">http://sludgehammer.net</a> </p><p>Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05">https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05</a> </p><p>🎙️ Tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. LETS GO!</p>
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87 MIN
#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn
JUN 5, 2026
#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn
<p>#124: Scaling and Breaking Glass Ceilings - Marc Kuhn </p><p>Marc Kuhn started pouring concrete at 21, got fired, had a mortgage and a fiance making $12 an hour. Today he runs four companies doing close to 50 million in total revenue with 80 million in assets under management. In this episode Marc breaks down how he scaled from a one man concrete crew to a multi company operation, what glass ceilings actually look like when you hit them, the panic attack that changed everything, and why you are always the bottleneck in your own business. Raw, real, and loaded with stuff you can act on today. </p><p>📲 Connect with Marc:</p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/marc.kuhn.mak/">https://www.instagram.com/marc.kuhn.mak/</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-kuhn/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-kuhn/</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@marckuhnmak">https://www.youtube.com/@marckuhnmak</a> </p><p></p><p>Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05">https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05</a> </p><p></p><p>Huge Thanks to our sponsors: </p><p></p><p>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://trupointco.com/">https://trupointco.com/</a> </p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://eljen.com">http://eljen.com</a> </p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://sludgehammer.net">http://sludgehammer.net</a> </p><p>Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Screenshot this and tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and we reshare every single one. And if you haven't yet, drop us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It means the world! LETS GO!</p>
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78 MIN
#123: Win At Home First - Cory Carlson
MAY 22, 2026
#123: Win At Home First - Cory Carlson
<p>Episode #123: Win At Home First | Cory Carlson </p><p>You guys have been asking for this one. If you recognize the name it's because you've probably already got his book on your shelf. Cory is a business coach who has worked with over 300 business owners, a two-time author, keynote speaker (120+), dad, husband, and host of the Win At Home First Podcast sitting in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally. In this episode, Cory drops serious wisdom on what it means to truly win, not just in business, but at home first. We dig into leadership, family, faith, and what it really takes to build something that matters in every area of your life. If you haven't read his books Win At Home First and Rise and Go, go grab them on Amazon now. You won't regret it. 📲 </p><p>Connect with Cory: </p><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/carlsoncory/">https://www.instagram.com/carlsoncory/</a> </p><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlsoncory/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlsoncory/</a> </p><p>Rise Community: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rise-community.com/">https://rise-community.com/</a> </p><p></p><p>Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05">https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05</a> </p><p>Huge Thanks to our sponsors: </p><p>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://trupointco.com/">https://trupointco.com/</a> </p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://eljen.com">http://eljen.com</a> </p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://sludgehammer.net">http://sludgehammer.net</a> </p><p>Thanks for listening! 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Screenshot this and tag us on Instagram @officialdirtbagspodcast and we reshare every single one. And if you haven't yet, drop us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It means the world! LETS GO!</p>
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76 MIN
#122: Failing Forward - Kristina McMillan
MAY 8, 2026
#122: Failing Forward - Kristina McMillan
<p>Episode 122 – Failing Forward with Kristina McMillan. Kristina McMillan has 15+ years in construction, founded Crew Collaborative, and has lived a life full of gut punches — divorce, bankruptcy, cancer, and more. But she's still standing, and she's not shy about any of it. In this episode, Kristina gets real about failing forward, financial literacy, faith, and why the industry's workforce problem might be closer to home than you think. Raw, honest, and full of gold. Don't miss it.</p><p>🔗 Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mcmillan/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-mcmillan/</a></p><p>🔗 Support Crew Collaborative: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://crewcollab.org">http://crewcollab.org</a></p><p>Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05">https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05</a></p><p></p><p>Huge Thanks to our sponsors:</p><p>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://trupointco.com/">https://trupointco.com/</a></p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://eljen.com">http://eljen.com</a></p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://sludgehammer.net">http://sludgehammer.net</a> Thanks for listening!</p>
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78 MIN
#121: Profit First for Contractors - Shawn Van Dyke
APR 24, 2026
#121: Profit First for Contractors - Shawn Van Dyke
<p>Shawn Van Dyke, author of Profit First for Contractors and battle-tested operations expert, steps into the Dirt Bags studio for episode #121. Most contractors grind nonstop only to watch the money vanish before it ever hits their pocket. This episode flips the script completely. Shawn lays out the exact Profit First system built for construction businesses—how to pay yourself and the company first, crush cash flow chaos, kill the feast-or-famine cycle, and finally build real, sustainable profit without working harder.</p><p>Shawn Van Dyke IG - @shawnvandyke</p><p>Linkedin - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnvandyke/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnvandyke/</a></p><p>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://shawnvandyke.com">shawnvandyke.com</a></p><p></p><p>Shawn Van Dyke's Bookkeeping Services <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://info.datamule.agency">info.datamule.agency</a></p><p></p><p>Shawn Van Dyke's Built to Build Academy - Free community, includes PFC training for free: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.builttobuildacademy.com">www.builttobuildacademy.com</a></p><p> </p><p>Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing (775) DIRT-BAG : <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05">https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05</a></p><p>Huge Thanks to our sponsors:</p><p>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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://trupointco.com/">https://trupointco.com/</a></p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://eljen.com">eljen.com</a></p><p>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: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://sludgehammer.net">sludgehammer.net</a></p><p>Thanks for listening!</p>
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71 MIN