The Good Ole Days: Tailgate Talks and the Heart of Construction

There was a time not too long ago when the construction site wasn’t just a place to earn a paycheck—it was a home away from home. After a long day of sweat-soaked shirts, aching muscles, and the satisfaction of a job well done, we’d gather around the back of a tailgate. The sun would be sinking low, painting the sky in streaks of amber and red, and for a few moments, it wasn’t about deadlines, schedules, or the next big project. It was about us.

Some of us stayed in those KOA campgrounds, where our trailers were parked like a tiny village of wanderers brought together by the craft we loved. Others found rooms in a local hotel or parked their trailer at a worker’s backyard plugging into the nearest garage outlet. Those hours spent together weren’t planned—they were earned. And in those hours, we built something as valuable as the buildings we worked on. We built camaraderie.

The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the Trade

It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from. At the end of the day, when you sat on the tailgate, you were one of us. We laughed about the crazy things that happened on-site—like the time someone’s apprentice thought a chalk line was just a fancy string. We debated whose foreman was the hardest to work for and swapped advice about tools, techniques, and the best roadside diners.

There was a sense of unity back then, forged through hard work and mutual respect. Everyone earned their place at that tailgate, whether they swung a hammer, read the plans, or coordinated the chaos. It wasn’t about gender, age, or title. It was about showing up, doing the work, and being there for each other.

Home Away from Home

During the week, the job site and those tailgates became our second family. Sure, we missed our loved ones. We missed bedtime stories, family dinners, and the warmth of home. But we also knew that the sacrifices we made were for them. And in those moments of laughter and shared struggles, we found a different kind of home—a brotherhood and sisterhood that kept us going.

We were there for each other in ways that mattered. Whether it was sharing tools, covering for someone who needed an extra hand, or just lending an ear to someone who had a tough day, those connections were the glue that held it all together. It wasn’t just about working hard; it was about living hard and appreciating the people who walked beside us.

Bringing the Tailgate to Today

These days, the back of the tailgate isn’t as common a gathering spot as it once was. Times have changed, and with them, the ways we connect. But the spirit of those tailgate talks—the stories, the advice, the sense of belonging—hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s just waiting for us to bring it back in a way that fits today’s world.

That’s where LinkedIn Audio Tuesday Tailgate Talks comes in. Every Tuesday at 8 AM PST, we’re recreating that sense of camaraderie in a new way. It’s a space for all of us—construction workers, managers, apprentices, and veterans alike—to come together, share our stories, and support each other. Whether you’re looking for advice, wanting to share a laugh, or just needing to feel like you’re not alone in this, Tuesday Tailgate Talks is your virtual tailgate.

Share Your Stories, Build the Future

Every story shared on those LinkedIn Audio calls carries the power to inspire. Maybe it’s the time you nailed a project deadline against all odds or the lesson you learned from a mistake that changed how you approach your work. Maybe it’s just a funny moment that reminds us why we love what we do.

When we share those moments, we’re not just reminiscing. We’re teaching. We’re mentoring. We’re giving the next generation of construction workers the kind of knowledge and encouragement that accelerates careers and builds confidence.

Tuesday Tailgate Talks isn’t just about looking back; it’s about using the lessons of the past to move forward. It’s about making sure that the camaraderie, wisdom, and passion that defined those good old days continue to thrive in our industry.

Be the Connection

So, I’m inviting you—no, I’m challenging you—to show up this Tuesday at 8 AM PST. Be part of the experience. Be the voice that someone else needs to hear. You never know; your story might be the one that inspires someone to take the next big step in their career or gives them the push they need to keep going through a tough time.

Together, we can bring back that tailgate spirit, even if we’re sitting at a desk, in a truck cab, or on a job site miles apart. We can be the connection, the mentorship, and the encouragement that keeps this industry alive and thriving.

I’ll see you there. Bring your stories, your questions, and your laughter. Let’s make Tuesdays the day we remind each other why we love this work and why we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.

TUESDAY TALKGATE TALKS

DECEMBER 3

8AM PST

SEE YOU SOON!!!!