How to get into the Construction Business

I know alot have asked about this video so here is some advice, sorry my face is dark the camera didnt adjust with the brightness outside

Пікірлер: 209

  • @paulriversred738
    @paulriversred7383 жыл бұрын

    Chris I know you probably wont see this cause its 5 years old but looking back at this look where you are now bud great job!..

  • @mattsrcchannel2511
    @mattsrcchannel25118 жыл бұрын

    My dad needed a pond built and I was standing there watching the operator dig and he waved at me told me to get in the cab and he let me dig out a small part of the pond. He was one of the coolest people I've met.

  • @jeeptk
    @jeeptk3 жыл бұрын

    Hopefully some young people see this and don’t mind hard work. We need more role models like you to show opportunities.

  • @victorzugibe6832
    @victorzugibe68327 жыл бұрын

    You described my life to a T. I'll be 29 in December, worked in the family business for fun as a kid and started working for real summer going into 7th grade. Went to college for civil engineering and hated it, transferred to construction management. Pretty cool to hear someone with just about the exact same story as me. All the people that come talk to me about jobs all get told the same thing. The best operators were laborers first. Take care and keep up the good work! -Victor

  • @wheelinndealin
    @wheelinndealin3 жыл бұрын

    This is very cool. At 16 I got my first job as a construction laborer, I worked there for about 2-1/2 years and by the end of my time there I was able to run machines and understood the basics of construction. Then from there I decided to venture into the plumbing world, I began my apprenticeship working for a residential plumbing company and about 6 months into that after waiting I finally got a spot at a large local commercial plumbing company where I got an even better understanding of the whole construction process start to finish on jobs very big and small. Now I have moved to utility work but much like he is saying is get as much experience in the field to get an idea of what you want to do and you’ll meet lots of people with good ideas. I’ve now been in the construction world for 8 years and still use the fundamentals I learned as a laborer when I started. The possibilities are endless in the construction world it’s just a matter of being willing to learn and finding what you enjoy then the work finds you after that. Good luck to everyone.

  • @angelafranklin8017
    @angelafranklin80176 жыл бұрын

    I've been doing plumbing for 9 months now I'm just 17 and I have watched your videos since I was 13 years old and I look up to you bc not many people work no more and I have respect for ya bud

  • @chrispy104k
    @chrispy104k6 жыл бұрын

    What a great video. Nice to hear the story about how you got to where you are. Puts it all into perspective. Great advice for anyone considering construction as a career path. I've always believed, as you said, that starting off at the grass roots level of a company gives you an appreciation of what is required at all levels as you progress over the years. Pride in all the work you do; attention to detail; take good care of the tools you work with and people notice that aspect. Word of mouth counts for a lot rather than an advertisement in the local paper. Well done.

  • @nevets7152
    @nevets71525 жыл бұрын

    You have great experience and that is gold, i started my apprenticeship in 1967 for 5 yrs and became a construction and controls electrical engineer now retired. Steve in Thailand.

  • @1herbert100
    @1herbert1003 жыл бұрын

    What a treat! It's great hearing you speak about yourself and the job. I knew when I saw how you worked that you must have a good head on your shoulders. You learned from the generations that knew how to get things done and do it the right way. That my friend was the greatest gift they could ever give you, excuse me, to make you earn it. Anything that's free or easy is most likely not worth having. I never understood how a person could run a job or a company if they could do the job themselves. I watch all your videos, thanks.

  • @JCastal
    @JCastal8 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I started much the same way in the welding/ metal fab trade. I was 9-10 years old sweeping the shop for my families business. Started driving trucks when I got my drivers license. Worked summers in the SC heat so I feel your pain. I would do all the crappy jobs nobody else wanted to do. I didn't care, I got a chance to learn and them old school guy would teach you but you had to earn there respect first. Now I'm 35, certified in all types of welding, have tons of experience in industrial metal fabrication, and I'm about to take over the business. I hope this video inspires young people to get out there and work hard, learn and grow. Great video!!

  • @rogerdrum5936
    @rogerdrum59367 жыл бұрын

    Great advice. I was 15 pushing a broom but I had on a tool pouch with speed square and a estwing. I pushed that broom for about a week and was promoted to carpenter helper. I have my own business now as a carpenter and love the freedoms associated with that. Attitude is the key. Thick skin and don't be afraid to ask. Most men will gladly show you how smart we are and how to do it "the right way!" Lmao.

  • @railroadman57
    @railroadman578 жыл бұрын

    Chris excellent video everything you said is the truth too , start at the bottom and work your way on up ,watch and learn take pride in your work and your machines , that is the best way to learn .

  • @toddkratzer7953
    @toddkratzer79535 жыл бұрын

    When I heard you say you spent your weekend with your grandpa at an early age to work and learn I knew you had good work ethic at that moment. You gave yourself a huge head start in life and it will pay off when you are older. Your life will be easier and more comfortable in your golden years compared to your classmates. I did the same thing, started working at 14 in a different line of work than you. I'm retired now with no money worries because I saved my money when I was younger. When it came time to buy a house I had large down payment that reduced my mortgage payments. I have rental property that gives me a good living. Thanks for the heart to heart talk with your followers. I always had a dream since I was a little boy to operate heavy equipment but that never happened, I was a Machinist for 45 years.

  • @eliteearthworksllc
    @eliteearthworksllc5 жыл бұрын

    Well said Chris! Definitely a great idea starting in the ditch, that way you learn what the operator is digging/looking for if working around utilities. I worked for an underground cable company for a few summers in high school as the ditch bitch, definitely makes it easier when you start running the equipment. Learn the job from the ground up. I started out doing this stuff with my grandpa as well at the age of 14. You can’t beat experience! Someone can tell you how to run the machine but the only way to really learn is jump on it. Thanks for sharing

  • @ADexcavating
    @ADexcavating8 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I am 33 been in business since I was 14 years. Love what I do. Started the same way you did going to work with my dad. Seems like not many kids want to get into trades.

  • @clydeacor1911
    @clydeacor19115 жыл бұрын

    I also started way young on our farm. I was driving cars and pickups at 4 or 5 and farm tractors at 7 and was driving 10 wheeler potato truck's at 9 and semi tractor trailers at 11 and was driving our semi's on the highways and freeways at 14 with a class D daytime only license because farmers were exempt for needing a CDL. we also had a lot of different construction machinery on our farm that I got to operate that's how I got started in construction.

  • @radioace318la
    @radioace318la2 жыл бұрын

    Great story, man. Most definitely something to be learned here. The route you took IMO is the best one. Sounds a lot like mine being the broadcast radio and tv engineering. When you love what you do for a living you never regret the path you took to get there. You have a gift that can't be faked and it comes across in your videos. Take care of your shit, work hard and do a good job for the customer. That will serve you well throughout your lifetime. Cheers from Louisiana.

  • @diggerdave51
    @diggerdave518 жыл бұрын

    Very good video, Chris. And what you have said is 100% true you have to start at the bottom and work your way up, you need to know every aspect of the job to make sure it is getting done right ! My family owned a Ready Mixed Concrete plant and we also where MDOT Pre-qualified contractors I spend many years in the winter chipping out the drums on the mixers and worked in the yard on summer vacations from school. Thanks, and again a great video !!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @youbuyweplant
    @youbuyweplant3 жыл бұрын

    You conveyed the words of a successful person, as you are, start from the bottom, learn and watch. Exactly what I did!

  • @sambrewer2216
    @sambrewer22168 жыл бұрын

    Good advice Chris well said starting at the bottom is better than falling from the top I'm lucky in the way that my father and grandfather had there own business to get a start on learning the ropes .... You have done very well for your self I have just turned 26 and your collection of gear far out does mine and my fathers though we both run machines for two other companies as well .

  • @stevebodas5106
    @stevebodas51064 жыл бұрын

    I love your way of thinking. I was 38 the first time I got into a piece equipment never have being in one before the company went out of business when I was 53 and since then I've been trying to get back into it what all they want is these Young bucks. So now I'm thinking about starting my own company

  • @TheWatchmen001
    @TheWatchmen0016 жыл бұрын

    Well, very good advice dude. I grew up on a farm running tractors and what not. My first away from home job was 15, I worked at a local ice plant. Starting out staking ice on pallets. After high school I went off to the city and found a job running tractors cutting gas lines and power lines (reclaiming) is what we called it. Now retired, but worked for CAT and was able to play with all sorts of equipment as a mechanic for them. Just as you said, I started at the bottom. Just takes the will, theres always a way...

  • @MrFrankturbo1
    @MrFrankturbo18 жыл бұрын

    been watching you for a long time , love what you do and you are good at what you do and enjoying it while you do it !

  • @glendahandley6266
    @glendahandley62662 жыл бұрын

    Proud of you beening around your granpa I never know my grandpa grandma that's great what you have done in life an had a great teacher best to you in life

  • @Dumplin42
    @Dumplin422 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your family history and your experience in the construction industry.

  • @fleagin
    @fleagin7 жыл бұрын

    Good advise Chris great video I think you are an awesome operator and doing great overall, keep up the great work.

  • @robfraley4210
    @robfraley42105 жыл бұрын

    Friction Cranes . . . That’s how I got started, 8 yard Draglines & Clamshells in the Rock Quarries in 1971.. Started as an Oiler, keeping the machine clean, greaced, fueled & oiled. Went right from that to running the crusher and CAT 966 front end loaders, then to the Link-Belt Dragline on top of the pile loading out the big crusher. Then to the Big Dragline making the pile... Yep you have to Work your way Up the Ladder... 🙄😎👍✅

  • @kalebmanuel9830
    @kalebmanuel98307 жыл бұрын

    Good video, I'm a company owner as well and I started when I was young and then went into the Seabees and was in 12 years. I started at the bottom but was yell worth it, learn a lot but time is where its at, as he stated get with a construction company and become friends with the old operators. I learned on old equipment with out the GPS systems and that's how I still operate to this day.

  • @canvids1
    @canvids18 жыл бұрын

    a great story. I got to operate farm machines as a young boy just like you started. My grandfather was a manager of a very large dairy farming coop sort of thing. He got me in to machines like you did. I moved from the country at the age of 15 to Toronto Canada. Did some different jobs that I didn't like over the years. I got a job at the CNR railway at the age of 24 started driving trucks and tractor trailers then kept going on up to the bigger stuff till I got on to heavy equipment. Did the Heaving equipment for may last 10 years there and retired. The railway was the best job and the best 30 years of my working life time. This is why I watch everything that you post because I still miss the years of doing something that I loved to do everyday.

  • @letsdig18

    @letsdig18

    8 жыл бұрын

    sounds like a fun experience

  • @ml2trick
    @ml2trick8 жыл бұрын

    Found this Channel and nice videos........I was a ditch digger first for grandpa and dad. But i had hard work and fun in those days in the Dirt & Concrete business. Learned a lot.

  • @jamesmiller5502
    @jamesmiller55024 жыл бұрын

    you are so bang on with everything you said there I started the exact way you said I do not own my own equipment but Im a darn good operator becouse of being in the trenches

  • @joybrosseau4355
    @joybrosseau43558 жыл бұрын

    Hey Chris great videos! Thanks for posting this video. I hear what your saying about getting a job and starting from the bottom to learn about the what, when and why's. The ma & pa businesses are few and far between and the larger ones want 2 yrs min. experience???? same old BS.. I am gong the school route. So far the in class has been a waste of time , but being on the machinery is working out great. The instructor said he could see I have an eye for grade and that my knowledge of construction and old farming experience shows. Bottom line, in the real world my certificates I get for this mean nothing ,,,so I have been told. It's a case of who you know to get your foot in the door.... I have a good instructor and hopefully I learn enough about the what, when and why's of the industry to land me a job until its time to go fishing!! Happy Digging! Goatboy

  • @Bearcats737
    @Bearcats7378 жыл бұрын

    Yes, taking care of equipment makes a big difference, our friend who has his own 1 man operation, wonders why he has to replace pins and bushings all of the time, he puts 2 strokes of grease in something ,like the 140, per joint, we got a hold of it to clear trees and I put 3 tubes of grease in it before I even started.

  • @jayphillips4058
    @jayphillips40587 жыл бұрын

    I've got thousands hours as an operator, have lots of miles on and off off road in trucks and heavy haulers, and seen the best and worst of days - thankfully the worst were someone else. It's rare to see guys who think equipment, especially not their own, should be kept clean and mechanically sound. I started out a farm kid, my Dad was also an IH mechanic, and I still think the best hands generally come off a farm background. First job digging I lied into, wound up doing a mile and a half of irrigation water line on an old JD 350 cat with a hoe. Screwed me up for SAE controls, but by the time I hit a half mile I could dig a decent trench! Enjoy watching your vids ~

  • @formhubfar
    @formhubfar4 жыл бұрын

    I started out in construction as a labourer in 1985 mate, back when labouring was labouring.., it taught me alot.

  • @ninjja9281
    @ninjja92816 жыл бұрын

    Brother another great video. You are correct about all you said. Unfortunately some times company just don't care. I work in a mine here in nc. Have about 3-4 years in now. As a laborer and now haul truck driver we work 6 day with 3 off then 6 nights with 3 off and I have wanted nothing more then to be trained on other equipment. But there hasn't been even a notion or hint to them even caring to ever train me on anything. Have been in a haul truck for close to 2years. And I don't see them even looking to put me in another piece of equipment. I have two dozer operators and 2 different excavator operators. That let me try it on on our 5 min breaks a few times. They all say for the first time being in the I done very great and if it was up to them the would have me trained. But my kids need food and a roof. So until I find another opertunity to learn somewhere else I'm stuck. If you ever decide to train or help some people get training you just let me know. It would be awesome to learn from such skills. And once again keep up the great NC work. Much love.

  • @69adrummer
    @69adrummer8 жыл бұрын

    We NEED MORE PARENTS to RAISE MORE MEN like YOU!

  • @davidsmyth9067
    @davidsmyth90678 жыл бұрын

    I am 13 now I go to work with my da.i have been going to work sense I was 10 and I have learned soo much more that I have in school.we have three diggers: hyundia 110-7 and kobelco 7 ton digger and a airman 2.5 ton. My da said that there's a little bit of work and we seem to do more work in the diggers than doing building. But it can be different in America than here in Northern Ireland but thanks for how you got in to it

  • @jonlowe8727
    @jonlowe87278 жыл бұрын

    good video man. I set out in life as a bricklayer , but that's just a qualification that allows you onto any site in the UK. look around you and ask people about their job. on a site people love explaining what they do. listen through the bullshit and learn and if you can have a go. I'm a general foreman now and achieved this by knowing enough about each trade to keep them happy.

  • @letsdig18

    @letsdig18

    8 жыл бұрын

    yeah its not fun somedays but if you look at the big pictures a few hard days here and there will sure be worth it in the long run to becoming successful

  • @janvandenbos7085
    @janvandenbos70858 жыл бұрын

    Good story Chris i think that's very true practice, and take care of your machine 👍✌👌

  • @f150bc
    @f150bc3 жыл бұрын

    I started at 15 as a full time Carpenters helper and I did try running machines but after I did I found it boring to me so I went into home building you have good advise we need more people in the trade ,and you have found your niche and you enjoy it ,that is the best job you can have .

  • @dustinpryde3121
    @dustinpryde31216 жыл бұрын

    We got some things in common sounds like. My grandpa had a construction company when I grew up and I went with him as soon as I could walk. We did septics and wells and all kind of digging. My dad helped out a few times with my grandpa when he did a couple path jobs in the asphalt after trenching through and it got my dad the idea in starting a paving company. I started paving with my dad when I was 12 and have been out there ever since. I run everything like yourself from grade work to the paver. I started with a shovel grunting and went from there. I miss the days with my grandpa from time to time because it was towards the end of his career and close to retirement and it was definitely a slower pace of work. I would love to stretch out and doing some excavating and maybe getting away from the stress of employees and moving to 3 to 4 different jobs a day. I wish people would listen to you about keeping care of the equipment but sadly if they ain't making the payment they run the dog shit out of it. Love watching your videos. Maybe one day I'll get the camera out with me laying some black gold.

  • @csnelling4
    @csnelling45 жыл бұрын

    Great advice and video Chris 👍🇬🇧 Look after your equipment and it will look after you !!!

  • @popsi50
    @popsi506 жыл бұрын

    Good advice. Find the thing you like and learn from the best. I thought I wanted to be a radio dj. I made friends with a small radio station, program director and broke into that end of the business. I progressed to engineering, working on equipment. Got my degree in Electronics and spent 28 yrs in TV Equipment mantenance. Now, at 70 I can watch what you do and enjoy your know-how in getting a job done right. Thanks.

  • @johnfurey6569
    @johnfurey65698 жыл бұрын

    I learned how to operate at the age 13 from my next door neighbor who's son is my best friend after school and weekends working and his father say get in there and dig this hole bacteria that dump truck up I leaned a lot now I have skills that not to many have I don't own a excavation company but I own a landscape company and still do a lot of the same work grading and drainage and work with my buddy that has a excavation company it in the blood love the hard and sweaty work

  • @sheldonbertram2206
    @sheldonbertram22066 жыл бұрын

    I love operating heavy equipment. Dad had me on a dozer with him from six months old up. It's all I ever wanted to do but the bottom fell out of the business here. It's all I ever wanted to do just never had the chance. I worked in the mines during the summers and week ends as a grunt loved it. I would jump one the dozer every chance I got and with time got to do it more and more. It is in my blood. It would be a life long dream to do it full time.

  • @wyldbladze
    @wyldbladze4 жыл бұрын

    Drove my first tractor when I was 9 years old running the disks thru the family garden on grandpa's ford tractor. The good ole days living in the country.

  • @randynewtonsr9659
    @randynewtonsr96596 жыл бұрын

    Great video Chris!!👍🙂 I go through that same s**t at work people leave their cups and food wrappers laying around in all the trucks and equip and there’s an inch of dirt in everything , it’s f-ing disgusting, but it’s hard to get people to care when they ain’t being taught it at home, and they get paid 9 bucks an hour!!😝😏

  • @A2ZGAMEGUIDESX
    @A2ZGAMEGUIDESX8 жыл бұрын

    exactly how I got started driving a truck - going with my granddad on saturdays, after a short while I started doing the manouvering the truck when off the road and then just helped out labourer mechanic basic welding etc basically if you're trying to get into it just get a job in the industry make your name known and work up

  • @Holbrooks_11
    @Holbrooks_117 жыл бұрын

    Sounds like me as a kid, waking up going to work with dad just watching. Later I just started digging holes. Lol love the videos!

  • @lfsheldon
    @lfsheldon5 жыл бұрын

    I've never been in an excavator and at nearly 80 I probably never will but I watch you every day because you have valuable things to listen to that are valuable to me, and very entertaining. You should write books, or hire a ghost to do it for us.

  • @MRSketch09
    @MRSketch098 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for taking the time to talk on this topic.

  • @davehoffman9767
    @davehoffman97675 жыл бұрын

    Great speech, and advise,,, so much truth!!!

  • @angusodea7893
    @angusodea78938 жыл бұрын

    I'm 15 now and I've been driving since about 5 and I work for my uncle on Saturday just like you did

  • @aprilshed1936

    @aprilshed1936

    6 жыл бұрын

    Angus O'dea cool

  • @mukymik6414
    @mukymik64148 жыл бұрын

    Well said, a nice level-headed approach with a no frills content, good onya!!

  • @brandonc.3935
    @brandonc.39358 жыл бұрын

    you know whats funny as i watch this. i was in school and got my engineering degree, but i still worked my job from high school as a carpenter. running track hoe for my boss when needed and for my own little jobs. but now looking to start my own business, thank you for sharing your experience it means a lot to me as i try and plan my next move into the industry

  • @TerryRawls
    @TerryRawls2 жыл бұрын

    I like you work and appreciate the videos. HOWEVER, not everyone is born into greatness or a family with a construction business. Fortunately, there is another path. Many Community Colleges have programs that can replace following granddad around, with training in many trades including equipment operator. I would love to introduce you to a college in North Carolina that is on the leading edge of this movement, because I'd love to see you add to this video the alternative path to greatness. Thanks for all you do!

  • @WillaHerrera
    @WillaHerrera6 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for putting up all your videos Chris.

  • @joetiller1031
    @joetiller10318 жыл бұрын

    Good advice get out and do the work and you will learn, like the saying if you love your job, you will never have to work a day in your life.

  • @regsparkes6507
    @regsparkes65078 жыл бұрын

    Yup,..that's how to do a good job. Start at the very bottom and grab every job you're given and make a good job of it. You learn by mistakes,..just don't make too many of them. If you want to learn, you will.

  • @chadwowclay2910
    @chadwowclay29106 жыл бұрын

    I’m going to be 11 and I’ve used lots of heavy equipment like 120 160 50 and my dad is happy to know that i can help use the heavy equipment

  • @Star_Gazer_77
    @Star_Gazer_776 жыл бұрын

    Great video bud, that is exactly true. I'm from Chicago and up here is all union. So unfortunately the only way to get experience is to join the Union's apprenticeship program and even after 2 applications and 3 years of waiting still no response. So I guess I'll have to find a different dream job. Keep the videos coming

  • @nohomenomad1427
    @nohomenomad14274 жыл бұрын

    I missed my calling in life...I always loved playing in the dirt with my Tonka trucks, backhoes, excavators etc. When I got older I applied to allot of contractors around town they told me I needed experience.....well hell if someone don't hire ya on to run a machine here and there to get the experience how you gonna get it...some even laugh in your face if you tell you went to a heavy equipment school. So I said fuck it....gave it up. But I sure would love playing in the dirt in the real deal. Good vid Chris

  • @jamesholtman6716
    @jamesholtman67163 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the very informative video. Well said!

  • @pat36a
    @pat36a3 жыл бұрын

    Back in Grandpa's day, it was alot easier to start a business. My Grandpa knew a guy that owned a Road Construction business. He needed a Welder. So Gramp's went to school, bought a used welder and went to work. This was during the Depression. Tramps worked everyday, but was on call 24/7 to go fix equipment.

  • @stevenmcgregor5199
    @stevenmcgregor51998 жыл бұрын

    man you just read my life lol I started out the same way passed my whole life watching playing till one day at 10 years old I was told carry salt to the top of the pile with a 94 644g went on to loading and stocking gravel in a pit

  • @jakeschisler7525
    @jakeschisler75258 жыл бұрын

    You were damm lucky to have had family that did that kind of work for you to learn from.

  • @soupy8181
    @soupy81818 жыл бұрын

    Well said man. I'm @grading_boss_101 and @shane_o_music on IG, had the 320d parked on plastic at duke power lol. We've spoke a few times on instagram. I'm going to send my labourer the link to this video to maybe give him a better understanding of why you just don't start with a big grading company and get to run a piece of equipment right off the bat. He doesn't want to do much physical labor and always wants to jump on something. I never ask him to do anything I wouldn't do myself and I'm constantly jumping off to grab a shovel or help him out. I'm going to send him this video and maybe he will get a better understanding of why you don't start out and operator. I completely agree with you about starting off in the ditch, watching an operator and how they go about doing different task. Thanks a lot man

  • @MrWhitcomb97
    @MrWhitcomb973 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Great advise

  • @dredre6663
    @dredre66638 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video! I'm going to start school here in less than a week for heavy equipment operating course. Over here in Canada most companies now asking for your certificate. Quick question: if you had to pick 2 equipment out of 4. I.E: Excavator, Bulldozer, Grader & Loader, which 2 would you pick ? Also which 2 would have job security better. Thanks in advance

  • @DaleDirt
    @DaleDirt4 жыл бұрын

    Very true , I feel like most Young people now don't have any problem solving skills . No discipline , You have to feel the pain to make the gains . I went to work for free for 6 months free . It was a risk more for them than me , but as long as I didn't cause trouble and break anything I learned a lot . So , Sometimes you get paid more for the things you do for nothing .

  • @BeastonWheels0
    @BeastonWheels08 жыл бұрын

    always check the oil too before running machine

  • @KevinJohnson-fx6wq
    @KevinJohnson-fx6wq5 жыл бұрын

    You have to have the desire to work and learn and don't moan and groan about everything. I'm not in the business per se, but I worked for a contractor and was always getting to know the guys and learn what I could. 2 guys took almost all day to dig out a sidewalk, I did about the same thing in an hour or so. Who would you want to pay? So you have to earn your way. One week there wasn't much to do so my boss had a backhoe he was trying to break up ledge with and told me to go ahead and see what I could do. I did for 40 hrs that week. I've run a couple machines since and I don't just hop on and work like this guy. It takes me about 1/2 an hour to get pretty proficient but I go very cautiously. I wanted to rent a pretty good size excavator. I hadn't actually run one but told the guy I had workd a backhoe and drove APC's in the army. You put the 2 together and you get an excavator. I got myself backed in a corner with a big rock trying to get it in the bucket and broke out the bottom window. Of course the next try the rock went right into the bucket. But when I called him to pick it up I made sure He knew about the broken window. I paid him and all was good. People tend to get pissed off when they get those kind of surprises not that he was happy, but being upfront saves a lot of grief.Every place I've worked at I try to learn as much about anything I could. Being diverse helps you keep your job. The last place I worked at I was 1 of only a handful allowed to work overtime. I had a friend who was in the meetings and heard my manager tell everyone that I didn't need to be supervised because I got the jobs done. Kinda funny because I probably took more cigarette breaks out back than anyone else. My job station was filthy so I literally took the air gun to it and cleaned it up. Keeping the equipment maintained is essential. But I think most important for your own business is being able to bid jobs competitively. I have AA degrees in Physics and Earth Science. Sometimes I don't think they helped but then again I really believe it does. I believe I have a better way of solving and working out problems. Its a tough world out there, you have to learn your basics. Thanks for sharing.

  • @alenay1719
    @alenay17196 жыл бұрын

    I went to equipment school it was a waste of money best way is join a crew start from the bottom and work up period. Learn quick take work serious you will succeed. Don’t be afraid of learning.

  • @gerlandkent6377
    @gerlandkent63772 жыл бұрын

    I just bought all of this Equipment just for a write off and I'll use some of it on the farm

  • @herberthoppe68
    @herberthoppe688 жыл бұрын

    nice clip. thank you for sharing it with us

  • @kennethblaisdell9376
    @kennethblaisdell93768 жыл бұрын

    You must be a power shovel before you get a power shovel!

  • @Construction_King
    @Construction_King4 жыл бұрын

    Hey Chris, where did you go to school for Construction Management? I'm in my first year in CM at Pratt Institute. I've been a fan since 2012 back when you had the Army dump truck. You're are the reason why I decided to study CM and to do my own excavating projects too. Keep up the great videos and stay healthy. Steven

  • @dennismarcus1752
    @dennismarcus17527 жыл бұрын

    Chris, right on brother!

  • @TimBeverly
    @TimBeverly8 жыл бұрын

    I'm 51 and just retired from Fire and Emergency Services. But I have run equipment all my life. I now work for a Construction Company in Fredericksburg Va. driving an off road dump truck. I want to move up. But that will be a while since I like the truck work right now. But I am certified by CAT to operate several types of equipment.

  • @johnnytesterink6944
    @johnnytesterink69448 жыл бұрын

    Chris there is local heavy equipment school here where I live (in Canada) that costs $15,000 per machine

  • @shackamerica8985
    @shackamerica89853 жыл бұрын

    Great video......next time ur "under cover", put some light on the subject. Those cheap led lights for cameras work perfect and last a long time. Neewer on Camera Video Light Photo Dimmable 176 LED Panel with 1/4" Thread for Canon, Nikon, Sony and Other DSLR Cameras, 5600K $25 bucks and that fixes underexposure since your background is "hot" with light.......I enjoy your vids!!

  • @46rambo49
    @46rambo497 жыл бұрын

    looks like a "Carlos the Jackal" crime lord video? good info, you can always tell when a guy likes his job

  • @johnm.evangelis693
    @johnm.evangelis6938 жыл бұрын

    Great video Chris, just for my curiosity what kind of work does your father do, or business?

  • @free_electron
    @free_electron8 жыл бұрын

    When and why did you get your CDL? Has it benefited you in any way non-commercially with regards to tow knowledge? Thanks for taking the time to create a video. We're the same age. Engineering student going onto a masters degree in the spring. I've done the hard labor and I much prefer the bookwork and studies. It all depends on your own life goals. Take care.

  • @concreteislife9411
    @concreteislife94113 жыл бұрын

    that really good man i’m reallly wanting to start my own concrete and excavation business cuz it’s what i love to do i’m only 26 but i have don’t concrete since i was 15 so i know what i’m doin but it the financial side that freaking me out so ya any advice on that

  • @Bergie-mm7uy
    @Bergie-mm7uy8 жыл бұрын

    Dig the videos, have been addicted to this stuff since I was a kid. My question is, what's your thoughts on hiring or companies that want to hire an operator with min. 3 years of experience? I'm trying to get back into the game of running equipment, my wife makes good money so this would just be extra. I ran this stuff for 2 years and got laid off. That was back in '08. My job now I work in the maintenance dept for a school dist. And run the equipment for them but can't seem to land a job with a construction company. They really seem to be stuck on that 3 yr experience. Any thoughts on how to stand out? Even offered to work for free to show my worth... What else can a guy do?

  • @bryanbrooks1460
    @bryanbrooks14604 жыл бұрын

    I am 55 now will be retiring from a state job here in a couple of years, but I looking to start small with a skid steer mulcher and mini excavator. Still feel fairly young. Gotta do something. Willing to listen to any suggestions anybody has

  • @bubblessamsquanch6478
    @bubblessamsquanch64788 жыл бұрын

    great video, i feel like im going to end up alot like you, started running small equipment when i was 6 and got to run some bigger stuff a little later on, my dad owns a construction company and a couple days every week, each summer id go to work with him when i was younger, and i still love running equipment, but im about to enter college for a civil engineering degree and im pretty sure im going to hate it... but ive always been told just like you were, to use your brain instead body for your job

  • @chrispy104k

    @chrispy104k

    6 жыл бұрын

    I hope you stick at the degree. Nothing wrong with having a qualification behind you. Some of the stuff you learn will be useful in some respect and even if some of it doesn't, it gives you an appreciation of engineering principles that you can apply to everything you do.

  • @jessjohnson5572
    @jessjohnson55723 жыл бұрын

    Just watched this. Good stuff.

  • @jfraz3570
    @jfraz35705 жыл бұрын

    Who will end up with the equipment when the Uncle retires. Really enjoy these videos

  • @benkeating307
    @benkeating3078 жыл бұрын

    Im 15 and ive been driving machines with my dad my hole life pretty much every weekend and thats how ye learn

  • @dillonwillbrant7704

    @dillonwillbrant7704

    7 жыл бұрын

    Irish Machines I am 13 and I have been doing that to but I can run every machine my dad owns

  • @catdieselpower193
    @catdieselpower1938 жыл бұрын

    Dam fine vid pard and if you just had anny idea lol of the exact same situ as this feller rite here! thank the good lord for our grandfather's and a good pick N shovel and stick N bubble! and look at our lives now! Great vid my freind and amen! to this story DITTO!! Rite here!! of your story

  • @jmwilson614
    @jmwilson6148 жыл бұрын

    I couldn't agree more about shutting the damn door on an excavator.. Most operators put more dirt inside the damn machine, than in the bucket or truck they're loading..

  • @dirtworks7511
    @dirtworks75115 жыл бұрын

    Apply for a job. Show up to work. Don't be afraid to work overtime. Improve your skills/gain experience. Show desire to move into whatever position you desire. WORK HARD (fairly). This is how to make a career in construction.

  • @ASCOTTY84
    @ASCOTTY848 жыл бұрын

    I done a demo job with D.H. Griffin a few years back taking down a old power plant in historic savannah they are a big outfit ...like u say a lot of people want to run the machine and tell u how to run it but don't know how to shovel curb or run hubs lol get in that trench box and learn what you are doing first that's the way it goes!

  • @jGoodloejr
    @jGoodloejr5 жыл бұрын

    Surprising what paint cans can due for excavator, right Chris ! Lol

  • @lifewithjack1607
    @lifewithjack16073 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video!

  • @JonathanKnighton961
    @JonathanKnighton9617 жыл бұрын

    Im Second Generation Carpenter. I started with my dad on a framing job when i was about 13 or so. I was the Water Boy. that was 15 years ago.

  • @soldierofdirt81
    @soldierofdirt818 жыл бұрын

    i always recommend a young kid out of high school start on the ground and learn to be a grade checker, grade checkers areas a dying group! 👌

  • @scotabot7826

    @scotabot7826

    5 жыл бұрын

    GPS killed those jobs!