Today’s episode is relevant to anyone who drives a car, flips on a light switch, or flushes their toilet. That’s pretty much every single one of us, isn’t it? Today’s conversation is all about the trades. And no matter what you think about blue-collar careers, they are critically important for the future of our society. My guest today is Aaron Witt, self-proclaimed “Chief Dirt Nerd” and CEO of BuildWitt, a marketing and software business focused on helping the Dirt World (infrastructure and natural resources) solve its workforce challenge. During our conversation, Aaron shares his journey from high school, through college, to starting his own very successful business. We talk about the continuing need for trade workers and how parents can help their kids explore and pursue a lucrative career in the trades. Be sure to stay tuned to learn more about how a college degree might be helpful in the trade industry and why the “dirt world” is a cool place to work.
About Aaron Witt
Aaron Witt is the self-proclaimed “Chief Dirt Nerd” and CEO of BuildWitt, a marketing and software business focused on helping the Dirt World (infrastructure and natural resources) solve its workforce challenge.
He started the company five years ago after studying engineering and working for companies like Kiewit and Skanska.
BuildWitt’s mission to “make the Dirt World a better place” is ambitious, leading to the company’s recent growth beyond marketing. While storytelling is crucial to inspiring the next generation, BuildWitt’s also working to help companies effectively train and build a digital community for the industry. Aaron splits his time between leading BuildWitt’s team of over eighty wonderful humans and traveling across America and worldwide to visit job sites and meet the people of the Dirt World.
Episode Highlights
- Aaron’s journey to “Building BuildWitt”
- Aaron’s parents’ reaction to him charting his own course
- Ignoring the stigma around trade careers
- The challenge of filling available jobs in the trades
- The trades support society in so many ways
- Making the “dirt world” cool again
- Meeting young people where they are (on their phones)
- “Peeking under the hood of America”
- We need a clear entry point into the trades
- Advice for parents to help their kids pursue careers in the trades
- Trade schools may be a good entry point to getting started
- There are many trade jobs that use a college education
- Start with a shovel in your hand