The Value of Hands-On Leadership in Construction and Manufacturing
Wed Feb 04 2026
On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Roggen Frick, who started operating heavy equipment at just three years old and turned hands-on skills like welding into a thriving business. Roggen shared his journey from college decisions to launching Bare Iron Works, the challenges of project management in construction, and the critical leadership lesson of listening to experts on the ground. We also took a closer look at prevailing wages in construction, breaking down what it really means for workers and companies. If you're passionate about leadership and the realities of building a business from the ground up, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 From Welding Hobby to Business
04:17 Dirt Bike Crash Alters Path
09:36 Endless Dirt Relocation Tale
12:47 Understanding Leadership Through Listening
16:27 Prevailing Wages and Labor Costs
17:51 Construction Laws and Industry Impact
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Top three takeaways:
Embrace Hands-On Learning
Roggen Frick's practical experience—from operating machinery as a child to welding in high school—shows the power of learning by doing. Sometimes, hands-on skills are just as valuable as what’s learned in the classroom!
Adaptability Drives Growth
Whether it was pivoting from running a college business to finishing his degree and working in commercial construction, or navigating complex project challenges, adaptability was key in Roggen Frick's success.
Leadership is Listening
Managing projects with diverse teams taught Roggen Frick to listen to experts in each trade—recognizing that strong leadership means valuing your team’s expertise and fostering a collaborative approach.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
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Book Recommendation
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On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, we sat down with Roggen Frick, who started operating heavy equipment at just three years old and turned hands-on skills like welding into a thriving business. Roggen shared his journey from college decisions to launching Bare Iron Works, the challenges of project management in construction, and the critical leadership lesson of listening to experts on the ground. We also took a closer look at prevailing wages in construction, breaking down what it really means for workers and companies. If you're passionate about leadership and the realities of building a business from the ground up, you won’t want to miss this conversation. ------ Download your free episode guide here! ------ 00:00 From Welding Hobby to Business 04:17 Dirt Bike Crash Alters Path 09:36 Endless Dirt Relocation Tale 12:47 Understanding Leadership Through Listening 16:27 Prevailing Wages and Labor Costs 17:51 Construction Laws and Industry Impact ------ Top three takeaways: Embrace Hands-On Learning Roggen Frick's practical experience—from operating machinery as a child to welding in high school—shows the power of learning by doing. Sometimes, hands-on skills are just as valuable as what’s learned in the classroom! Adaptability Drives Growth Whether it was pivoting from running a college business to finishing his degree and working in commercial construction, or navigating complex project challenges, adaptability was key in Roggen Frick's success. Leadership is Listening Managing projects with diverse teams taught Roggen Frick to listen to experts in each trade—recognizing that strong leadership means valuing your team’s expertise and fostering a collaborative approach. ------ Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode. ------ Links LinkedIn Website Book Recommendation