From Oil Fields to Entrepreneurship: Building a Construction Business

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When Dayton Rivera looked around at his colleagues in the oil and gas industry, he noticed something troubling – out of thousands of workers, only a handful maintained solid relationships with their families. That observation changed everything, propelling him from a traveling heat treatment specialist at nuclear plants to the founder of his own construction business, Leaf and Lumber.
Dayton's entrepreneurial journey breaks all the conventional rules. With no formal business education, he turned to YouTube to learn everything from creating an LLC to generating invoices. "YouTube is the number one tool I have at my disposal," he explains, highlighting how accessible knowledge has transformed career possibilities for anyone willing to learn.
His resourcefulness extends to creative business strategies – like using his ice fishing trailer (from his Two Scoops podcast) as both a construction materials storage unit and mobile office, allowing him to legitimately write off expenses. While building decks and fences throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota, he's developed a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and clear communication with clients.
The conversation explores practical wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs in the trades: the importance of calling Diggers Hotline before excavation, navigating building permits across state lines, managing seasonal transitions from construction to snow removal, and knowing when to walk away from jobs that don't feel right. "Trust your gut, trust your judgment, trust yourself," Dayton advises, highlighting why proper insurance and business structure are non-negotiable from day one.
Whether you're considering starting your own construction business or simply appreciate authentic conversations about entrepreneurship, Dayton's story demonstrates how success comes from balancing technical expertise with smart business practices while never losing sight of what matters most – family and relationships.
Have you been thinking about starting your own business? What's holding you back? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments!

0:06 Introduction to Dayton Rivera

5:31 Tax Write-Offs and Ice Castle Uses

14:40 Diggers Hotline and Utility Safety

24:20 Starting a Construction Business

38:10 The Art of Deck Building

47:48 Working With Permits and Inspectors

54:20 Trade Rivalries and Concrete Work

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Chapters

1. From Oil Fields to Entrepreneurship: Building a Construction Business (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Dayton Rivera (00:00:06)

3. Tax Write-Offs and Ice Castle Uses (00:05:31)

4. Diggers Hotline and Utility Safety (00:14:40)

5. Starting a Construction Business (00:24:20)

6. The Art of Deck Building (00:38:10)

7. Working With Permits and Inspectors (00:47:48)

8. Trade Rivalries and Concrete Work (00:54:20)