The Power of Storytelling: How Communication Shapes the Construction Industry with Dan Briscoe

Ever wonder what it takes to fix the people problem in the industries that quite literally build our world? 

 

In this episode of Leadership Blueprints, we sit down with Dan Briscoe, President of BuildWitt, a company on a mission to transform the "dirt world,” from heavy civil construction to infrastructure and more. 

 

Join us as we unpack the leadership, recruitment, and retention challenges facing the construction industry and explore how BuildWitt is innovating with creative solutions like microlearning platforms and leadership summits. Dan also shares invaluable insights from his journey through the Marine Corps, healthcare, and construction, offering actionable leadership lessons that resonate beyond the dirt world, and touches on the vital importance of caring for employees. 

 

If you want to find out how tackling these challenges can elevate your leadership, inspire your team, and secure a thriving future for the construction industry, be sure to tune in now!

 

Key Points From This Episode:

•   BuildWitt’s focus on improving recruitment, training, and engagement in the dirt world.

•   Unique challenges and hidden opportunities in the construction industry.

•   The importance of caring for employees while building sustainable business models.

•   Rethinking work-life balance to attract the next generation to the construction industry.

•   Addressing systemic issues like mental health, safety, and professional development.

 

Quotes:

“There's so much of this industry that people don't know, don't see, take for granted.” — Dan Briscoe

 

“You’ve got to have a good business that's profitable so that you can lead and care for people. That's got to be first.” — Dan Briscoe

 

“To attract the next generation [to the construction industry] and make it somewhere where people want to come work, they want to have a life and they want to work hard – We've got to think differently as leaders.” — Dan Briscoe

 

“We've got to be better companies to our current employees so that they don't leave and that they're fulfilled – We've got to take care of them not only with a paycheck, but look at their health and mental health.” — Dan Briscoe

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

BuildWitt

Dan Briscoe on LinkedIn

Dan Briscoe on Instagram

Aaron Witt

Dirt Talk Podcast

BuildWitt Training

BuildWitt Connect

Ariat DirtWorldSummit

Echelon Front Field Training Exercise (FTX)

Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family

Landman

Banana Ball: The Unbelievably True Story of the Savannah Bananas

Reset: How to Change What's Not Working

Leadership Blueprints Podcast

MCFA

MCFA Careers

BJ Kraemer on LinkedIn

What is Leadership Blueprints?

Leadership Blueprints is a podcast dedicated to helping leaders align teams, navigate chaos, and accomplish the mission. Hosted by BJ Kraemer—West Point graduate, combat veteran, and President & CEO of MCFA—this show dives into the principles, stories, and strategies behind effective leadership.

With a background in military service and experience leading teams in business, infrastructure, and complex projects, BJ understands that success comes down to execution, adaptability, and leading people well. Through in-depth interviews with accomplished leaders across business, sports, the military, and beyond, Leadership Blueprints will help you bring your vision to reality on projects that shape communities and industries.

Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, on the field, in the military, or within your own organization, this podcast is designed to provide the tools and mindset needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Subscribe now and start building your Leadership Blueprint.