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Ep 669. Rolling Forward

⏱️ 39:02 🎀 Caleb Auman, Dan Mclee
AUDIO EPISODE
Ep 669. Rolling Forward
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Leanscaper Intensive Event
    Caleb announces the upcoming Leanscaper Intensive event in January 2026, highlighting the impressive speaker lineup and opportunity for professionals to grow their companies.
  • 2:44
    Introducing Dan Mclee
    Caleb introduces his guest, Dan Mclee, owner of Bohr Hog Diamond Tools, who shares his professional background and the types of specialty tools his company provides to contractors.
  • 10:24
    Top Hardscape Tools
    Dan and Caleb discuss essential tools for beginner hardscape contractors, including clamps, dead blow hammers, and dustless saws, emphasizing their benefits for efficiency and safety.
  • 28:09
    Industry Economic Trends
    Dan provides an economic pulse check on the hardscape industry, noting a shift from the post-COVID boom but continued optimism and investment in equipment due to labor challenges.
  • 32:37
    Adapting to New Tools
    Caleb and Dan discuss the differing receptiveness of younger and older generations of contractors to adopting new tools and technologies for improved efficiency.
  • 42:55
    The Grabo Lifter
    Dan and Caleb highlight the versatility and affordability of the Grabo high-flow paver lifter as a recommended tool for various hardscaping tasks.
  • 44:57
    Protecting Your People
    Dan emphasizes the importance of protecting the greatest resource: people, introducing the concept of exoskeletons to reduce physical strain and extend careers for experienced workers.
  • 50:42
    Self-Employment Insights
    Dan shares insights on self-employment, discussing the challenges of starting a business during a recession and the importance of fearlessness and passion for success.
  • 58:11
    Contact Bohr Hog Tools
    Dan provides contact information for Bohr Hog Tools, emphasizing their personalized service and commitment to helping contractors find the right equipment.

Speakers

C
Caleb Auman
Host
D
Dan Mclee
Owner, Bohr Hog Diamond Tools

Key Takeaways

✦

Prioritize investing in tools that eliminate back-breaking work and improve efficiency, budgeting 10-20k annually for new equipment.

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For new hardscape contractors, start with versatile and economical tools like clamps and quality dead blow hammers before investing in more expensive equipment.

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Adopt dustless cutting solutions or dust-capturing funnels to protect worker health and reduce the risk of silicosis.

✦

Embrace new technologies and tools, as the younger generation of contractors is more open to these advancements for increased productivity and less physical strain.

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Understand that investing in tools is a long-term strategy to preserve your crew's health and maintain productivity throughout the day and week, rather than just focusing on immediate task completion.

✦

Develop a robust budgeting system, like LMN, to properly account for overhead and equipment costs, enabling you to afford and integrate new tools into your operations.

✦

Consider advanced solutions like exoskeletons to protect your experienced crew members from physical wear and tear, extending their careers and preserving your valuable human resources.

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