Aaron Witt: Why Contractors Are Losing the War for Talent

The construction labor shortage isn’t just a market problem—it’s a leadership problem.

In this episode of Contractor Evolution, Danny Kerr sits down with Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt and host of Dirt Talk, to unpack a hard truth most contractors don’t want to hear: the industry has played a role in creating its own workforce crisis.

Aaron has spent years traveling job sites across North America and beyond, working closely with contractors who are either thriving—or constantly scrambling for people. The difference between the two groups isn’t wages, benefits, or luck. It’s how seriously they take culture, leadership, and storytelling.

If you’re frustrated by constant turnover, empty job postings, or a disengaged crew, this conversation is a wake-up call.

The Real Reason Young Talent Isn’t Choosing the Trades

Aaron challenges the common narrative that “young people just don’t want to work.” In reality, many have watched older generations burn out, sacrifice family life, and grind through chaos with little support. From the outside, construction often looks disorganized, exhausting, and unrewarding—no matter what the paycheck says.

And if that’s the picture your business paints every day on the jobsite, no recruitment campaign can fix it.

The contractors winning the talent war aren’t complaining about generational shifts. They’re adapting to them.

Key Takeaways Contractors Can Apply Immediately

Your workforce is your responsibility.

The best contractors don’t blame schools, culture, or “kids these days.” They take ownership of creating an environment people actually want to join—and stay in.

Jobsite details matter more than you think.

Clean sites, organized materials, well-maintained equipment, and leaders who show up in the field send a powerful message about pride and professionalism.

Employer brand isn’t a logo—it’s a lived experience.

A polished website won’t save a toxic culture. If the reality doesn’t match the image, new hires will figure it out fast.

Storytelling needs to be authentic.

Contractors who attract talent consistently don’t try to oversell in their recruitment campaigns. They simply show what they do, why it matters, and who their people are. The right people will be drawn to this, and the wrong people will run the other way.

Stop waiting for the “perfect” message.

Authentic, imperfect, real employer brand content builds more trust than staged photos and scripted slogans ever will.

The Biggest Opportunity Most Contractors Miss

Aaron makes it clear: this isn’t about recruitment tactics. It’s about leadership.

The companies pulling ahead are the ones willing to challenge “how it’s always been done,” invest in their people, and evolve with the world instead of resisting it. That shift attracts better talent, stronger teams, better margins, and a business that can actually scale.

If you want a different result in hiring, you need a different approach to leadership.

Want Help Building a Team That Actually Wants to Be There?

At Breakthrough Academy, we help contractors systemize leadership, culture, and operations so they can grow without burning out their people—or themselves.

Book a discovery call to explore how these insights can be applied inside your business and start building a team that sticks.

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