Ever wonder what it really takes to build a multi-seven-figure construction company from the ground up? Many who dream of launching their own business encounter a landscape filled with immense risk, financial pressure, and operational chaos. The path from skilled operator to successful owner is rarely a straight line.

But what if you could learn the unfiltered truth from someone who navigated that exact journey in just three years? In this episode, Dylan Mercier of D2 Contracting returns to pull back the curtain on his rapid rise, revealing the critical mindset shifts and strategic decisions that fueled his growth. He shares the hard-won lessons on managing high-risk projects, the art of saying "no" to the wrong jobs, and the humble realization that sustainable success is about more than just aggressive expansion. This is a masterclass in grit and strategy, packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to not just survive, but thrive in the competitive construction world.

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

⚠️ THE GROWTH TRAP AVOIDED [06:25]:

"I'm glad I didn't get some of those bigger jobs because I would have screwed up royally."

The biggest fear for any new owner is growing too fast and crashing. Hear Dylan explain why turning down seemingly great opportunities was crucial for his long-term survival and how to identify the risks that can sink your business before it's too late.

✨ FLEET SCALING UNLOCKED [13:13]:

"That's kind of when I make that decision to pull the plug... I call whoever we're getting the piece of equipment from and I'm like, 'Hey, send this out. We're going to have it till November. I want it on an RPO.'"

Scaling your fleet without crippling debt is the ultimate desire. Dylan reveals his exact strategy for using Rental Purchase Options (RPOs) and negotiating with dealers to acquire the machinery he needs.

⚡ AUTHENTICITY OVER ALGORITHMS [25:08]:

"You have to include personality... Something people can actually relate to. That same kind of stuff happens on their job sites, just nobody gets it on video."

Tired of your social media posts falling flat? Dylan shares the practical shift from generic drone shots to showcasing authentic company culture and personality - the key to attracting top talent and building a brand that stands out in a crowded market.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Registration and Event Preview

00:50 - D2 Contracting’s Growth and Lessons from Three Years in Business

03:48 - Balancing High-Risk Projects, Pricing Strategy, and Saying ‘No’

08:27 - Staying Focused by Blocking Out Industry Noise

10:22 - Equipment Strategy: Renting, Buying, and RPO Deals

16:49 - Motivation, Leadership, and Defining the Owner’s Role

22:16 - Hiring a CFO and Strengthening the Business Structure

24:01 - Trends and Opportunities in Construction Social Media

27:46 - Social Media’s Impact on Hiring vs. Client Acquisition

31:55 - Solidifying Client Relationships and Controlled Growth Plans

35:07 - Networking and Community at CONEXPO-CON/AGG

🔗 CONNECT WITH DYLAN MERCIER:

• D2 Contracting: https://digd2.com/
• Dylan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmercier69

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: