The Dirt: Perspectives on life & leadership from the people of RPD

Episode 32: ”Far Behind” - The Steve Chavira Story

Join "The Dirt" on an exciting journey through the life and career of The Greatest Pipelayer Ever. Steve Chavira is as "OG" as they get at RPD and his journey of healing, heart change, and reconcilation has made him the humble leader and team player that he is today. Joined by co-host and long-time friend, former roommate, and "partner-in-crime", Todd Rickabaugh, their "work hard, play hard" motto included all the vices - alcohol, smoking, gambling, and rock-and-roll music. But those days have been left far behind.
 
**DISCLAIMER**
Despite the apparent reminiscent humor...
RPD DOES NOT CONDONE DRINKING AND DRIVING

Episode 31: Terry ”Skeeter” Mann

You probably don't know him as Terry (no one does), but you'll have to listen to the episode to find out if Skeeter got his nickname in prison or not. One of RPD's most "seasoned" veterans, Skeeter's experience helps enable his super chill demeanor. "Called" to RPD after the recession of '08, he's been an integral part of cultivating our culture and core values for half the life of the company, and we couldn't be more thankful! And though he's forever banned from snow machines, Skeeter is still one of the most fun guys to have around!
We dedicate this episode to Skeeter's late daughter - Kayleen Marie Mann

Episode 30: Matt (NOT Papa Bear) Fullmer - ”Racing for Rent”

Not all stories that start the way Matt Fullmer's does, end as well as Matt Fullmer's does. But Matt is a very unique individual who has learned from his "travels" and lived to share his experiences with others. Don't let his tough "biker dude" façade fool you, he's a teddy bear at heart (but just do NOT call him "Papa Bear") and not only does he want to be the best leader he can be, he wants everyone else around him to succeed as well. Matt's story defies the odds in a lot of ways and he's got something that we all can take from it. Enjoy The Dirt's 30th episode, "Racing for Rent"!

Episode 29: Fred

They say "timing is everything". For Adam "Fred" Fredericks' arrival on the RPD scene ten years ago, nothing could be more true. Thankfully for RPD, this "No-Cal" transplant decided that farming wasn't for him and he took an interest in construction instead. After cutting his teeth in the "Bigs", Fred and his wife Melissa decided to settle down near her family in Puyallup, and the rest is history. Call it "coincidence" or "Providence", the addition of Fred to the RPD team as Senior Project Manager was a game-changer. While managing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of work at RPD, Fred found that delicate balance between profit and people and has become an integral component to RPD's success. 

Episode 28: Sonny ”Mr. Happy Pants” Bamer

Some guys just make you smile, no matter what. That is definitely the case for Sonny (Double N) Bamer. By his own admission, he has a "unique, happy" personality and he is not wrong! Although he's not the most experienced employee on the team, Sonny has earned his place for his great attitude, reliability, work ethic and genuine impact on those around him. Hailing from the small town of Pe Ell, Sonny has surprisingly been around the block and probably has more life experience than most of our guys. Given that his experiences haven't always been positive, the fact that Sonny still is, is what makes him "Mr. Happy Pants".

Episode 27: Jeremy ”Old Soul” Gilderoy

Don't let his age or his normally semi-reserved demeanor fool you. Despite having generally avoided the school of "hard knocks", at the ripe old age of 21, this "old soul" has some wisdom beyond his years and some tastes that resonate well with his "older" co-hosts. Join us as we pick and prod and press into the young mind of pipelayer Jeremy Gilderoy. You just might learn a thing or two!

Episode 26: Chad Brymer - ”Overcoming Adversity” with Lee Walch

In some ways, the unlikeliest of leaders make the best ones. There is no doubt that Chad Brymer has a natural gift - he can figure out how to do just about anything. And he can visualize a finished landscape before even a spoonful of dirt is moved. After 16 years of hard work at RPD, "OG" status has been well-earned, but perhaps what makes Chad so valuable is his ability to overcome adversity. Join special guest and co-host Lee "The General" Walch as Chad takes us on a journey to the "end of his rope" and back!

Episode 25: Neil ”Born to Dirt” Glaser

It's not very often that you're "lucky" enough to work with someone as talented as Neil Glaser (hard "s" sound), who is himself "lucky" to be alive. Don't let the labored gait or the mountain-man beard fool you, Neil is still younger than the relatively young average age at RPD.
When it comes to dirt, there is literally nothing Neil can't do - he was "Born to Dirt". But when someone like Neil "gets" the culture and enjoys Investing in People, it's a game-changer for the company and for everyone he comes in contact with. 

Episode 24: Aaron ”Tough Guy” Martin - Next Man Up!

Former brawler turned leader, you could say that Aaron "Tough Guy" Martin is kind of like an "RPD M&M", with a hard outer shell, but soft chocolatey goodness on the inside! Rumor has it he was once known as the "Soul Crusher", but listen for yourself as our tough guy shares his story of growth and maturity and even gets a little vulnerable. Aaron not only embodies what RPD is all about, but he and his leadership are an integral part of who we are and what makes us so successful. 

Episode 23: Chad ”I Love Change” Schraeder - OG Mechanic

When you've been around RPD as long as Chad Schraeder has, you've seen a lot of change. But as the OG field mechanic who just  "loves" change, even Chad realizes that change is required for growth. But that doesn't always mean it feels good!