Hops & Highways S3 E01: LIVE FROM CONEXPO 2023

Brandon Noel, Editor of Asphalt Contractor Magazine, and Evan Triggs, VP Earthwave Technologies, have a Sierra Nevada pale ale at CONEXPO 2023, and discuss the post COVID construction tech-boom, and some possible futures for the industry.

March 22, 2023

Earthwave Technologies

On the second day of CONEXPO 2023, Brand Noel and Evan Triggs got together at the official ACBM interview booth to catch up and discuss all-things technology for the road building and asphalt industry. During the show, which turned out to be the largest and most well-attended CONEXPO in history, there was a lot of new technology on display for the construction industry to see.

In this episode of Hops & Highways, the two discuss how these might be approached by contractors and business owners who are looking to either acquire their first piece of new technology (hardware or software), and where to start if you're somewhere wanting to add new services.

“I’ve been using Bobcat equipment for years on my farm in Waco, and I can’t imagine working without it. My Bobcat machines have empowered me to bring some of my biggest ideas to life,” said Gaines.

Bobcat Hires Magnolia Co-founder Gaines

From tending gardens to managing goats, pigs, and horses, Gaines is already sharing the work he is accomplishing with his Bobcat equipment.

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Taking Off On A Runway Revamp at Albert J. Ellis Airport

Strategic planning and teamwork create smooth landing pad for $10.4 million pavement maintenance job.

Building Trades Recovery Week - Breaking Down Stigma and Creating Hope

Recovery Week: Breaking Down Stigma & Creating Hope

Hope, help, and healing come through recovery. The story behind Building Trades Recovery Week, how it started in Boston, and is now spreading throughout the New England construction industry.

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Dynapac North America has BIG Plans for PAVE/X

The live equipment demos in San Antonio, January 30-February 1 2024, will feature 14 different manufacturers in the paving and pavement maintenance space.

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Hops & Highways: Planning for the Future of Your Business

Matt Slawson has worked with many companies throughout his career and knows what it takes to see continued success. On this episode of Hops & Highways, he talks industry and business growth through the help of events

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Hops & Highways: Industry Involvement Key to Business Growth at Royal Pavement Solutions

Kenny Roy with Royal Pavement Solutions visits Hops & Highways this week and talks about how he chooses to give back to the industry by attending and speaking at events, getting involved with education and helping to inspire the next generation

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Hops & Highways: The Education You Need to Ready Your Business for Any Situation

As the industry continues to face challenges, Guy Gruenberg adapts his education sessions for PAVE/X to help contractors be prepared for what's happening now and what might come next. Hear his tips for today and a preview of his classes in San Antonio

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Hops & Highways: How Young Women Can Find a Path to Careers in Construction

Mary Schwandt, Project Manager at ACHA Construction, has leveled up at every level since starting her career in construction and encourages other women to do so as well, taking her experience to the stage for attendees of IGNITE.

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Hops & Highways: Mark Estrada Talks Tips for Striping Success

From technology to liability, there is a lot striping contractors can learn to grow their business. At PAVE/X, Mark Estrada will share his 20+ years of hard-earned industry knowledge with attendees in two sessions spanning all facets of the industry

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Hops & Highways: Talking PAVE/X with Industry Legend Brad Humphrey

From the most well-known speakers, to the up and coming industry leaders, PAVE/X is bringing the knowledge contractors need to succeed in business. Join us in San Antonio January 30-February 1 2024 and watch this episode with Brad to learn more.

Hops & Highways S2 E18: What You'll See at World of Asphalt 2022

With the biggest tradeshow for the road building industry just a few days away, Jess & Dormie share the equipment trends manufacturers will be unveiling on the showfloor.

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Hops & Highways S2 E17: Partnering with Schools to Attract Construction Workers

Tradeworthy Jobs partners those actively seeking careers in construction with those who are hiring through their app. The company is also working closely with high schools to raise awareness of the trades and the careers that await students

Hops & Highways: How to Create Your Own Career Opportunities in Construction

During Women in Construction Week, Jess sits down with three ladies from Kent Companies to learn more about how they are changing the employment landscape within their organization and how the industry can adapt as well

Hops & Highways S2 E15: Leaders Discuss the Changing Industry Image

Jess sits down with four industry leaders to discuss what we can do to help attract and retain workers in the asphalt industry. They share tips for finding and keeping workers by shining a positive light on what we do every day.

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Hops & Highways S2 E14: How to Apply for Asphalt Plant Permits & How to Stay Compliant

Join Jess & Dormie as they dive in to the asphalt plant permitting process. Their guests this week are Mike Devine, President of Asphalt Drum Mixer & Jim Euler, President of DECA Environmental.

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Hops & Highways S2 E13: BIL Guidebook, Deficient Bridges & Asphalt Paver Maintenance Tips

This week, The White House unveiled a "step by step" playbook for implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and ARTBA unveiled their latest bridge report. Spoiler alert, it's not pretty. Finally, we share some tips for maintaining your asphalt paver.

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Hops & Highways S2 E12: The Pittsburgh Bridge Collapse & Asphalt's Pledge to be Net-Zero by 2050

Jess & Dormie talk about the Pittsburgh bridge collapse and the ramifications of delaying funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We also share news from the NAPA annual meeting, including the asphalt industry's pledge to be net-zero by 2050.

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Hops & Highways S2 E11: Five Things We Know About the BIL + The Importance of Proper Job Costing

We have a new giveaway opportunity to share with you this week, plus contractor optimism is up 44%, we have five things we know for sure about the bipartisan infrastructure law and we share some tips for getting job costing right. Thanks for joining us!

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Hops & Highways S2 E10: Progress on BIL, Biden's Vaccine Mandate Blocked + Five Keys to a Successful Bid

Wondering what Washington has done to implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill since it was signed 60 days ago? Jess & Dormie break down that news and more this week on the show

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Hops & Highways S2 E9: Welcome to 2022!

In the first Hops & Highways episode of the year, Jess & Dormie discuss FHWA's memo stating that funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL) should go to fix existing road assets before building new. Thanks for joining us!

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Hops & Highways S2 E8: OSHA's Vaccine Mandate, How to Winterize Construction Equipment

This week, Jess & Dormie give you the latest updates on where the vaccine mandate stands in the courts. We also give you some tips on how to get your equipment ready for the cold months ahead

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Hops & Highways S2 E7: Implementation of the Infrastructure Bill & Focus on Bridge Repair

Now that President Biden has signed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure investment and jobs act into law, the hard work really begins.Take 10 minutes to hear Jess & Dormie talk about the implementation of the bill and the bridge projects that might be funded

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Hops & Highways S2 E6: Infrastructure Bill Passes, Importance of State Asphalt Pavement Associations

The IIJA finally passed! After Jess & Dormie talk about the benefits of joining your State Asphalt Pavement Association with Brandon Strand, they share details of the bill and how your company can find the workers you need to do the work.

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Hops & Highways S2, E5: Infrastructure Bill Delayed Again, Work Zone Safety & Build America Friday

Jess & Dormie discuss the latest delay to passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment & Jobs plan, talk about how Pennsylvania is cracking down on Work Zone Speeding and show some awesome video of the paving happening at the Atlanta Speedway

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Hops & Highways S2 E4: Update from Washington, New Climate Resiliency "RoadMap" Released & The Importance of Training

Jess & Dormie as they share the latest news on the Infrastructure Bill, the 10 ways we can improve the resilience of our roadways, reasons to send your crew to training classes and salute one hard-working crew for Build America Friday!

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Hops & Highways Season 2 Episode 3: Updates on the Infrastructure Bill from Washington

House Democrats are scrambling to break the weeks-long stalemate on the bipartisan infrastructure package. President Biden just traveled to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers to move his agenda forward.

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Hops & Highways S2 E2: Gallagher Asphalt Creates a Culture of Innovation

Jess & Dormie chat with the team at Gallagher Asphalt about their drive to implement technology to grow in a very competitive market. We also hear from the experts at WEM Automation who helped Gallagher update their plant controls.