<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>