Dirt to Dollars Bootcamp
Set up your construction business in the morning. Run a skid steer and a mini excavator in the afternoon. Leave ready to take your first grading, demo, or land clearing job.
- Date
- Sat, Dec 5
- Hours
- 9 AM to 4 PM
- Site
- Blakeney Farm
- Seats
- 30 max
Two things most people never get shown
Most people who want to start a trade business get stuck in one of two places: the paperwork or the seat time. This day covers both.
Set up the business
- Pick your business name and check that it is available
- Register with the Georgia Secretary of State as an LLC, step by step
- Get your EIN from the IRS, free, in about 15 minutes
- Open a business bank account and keep job money separate
- Know your insurance: general liability, equipment coverage, commercial auto, workers' comp
Run the equipment
- Safety first: walkaround, seat belt and lap bar, swing radius, call before you dig
- Daily maintenance: grease points, oil and hydraulic checks, tracks and teeth
- Move the machine on and around a site with control
- Move rock and material with the bucket and grapple
- Level dirt and dig a clean trench, with real seat time on both machines
How the day goes
Check-in and site safety
Gear check, site rules, meet the crew.
Business setup
Name, state registration, EIN, bank account, insurance.
Lunch and Q&A
Ask Antwon anything about starting out.
Walkaround and maintenance
Grease points, fluids, pre-start checks.
Seat time
Rotate between the skid steer and mini excavator.
Next steps
Getting licensed in your trade and landing job one.
Wrap up
Final questions before you head out.
The afternoon runs in three stations: skid steer, mini excavator, and the maintenance walkaround. Groups of 10 rotate so everyone gets time on both machines.
The two you need to get started
Small grading, concrete prep, demo, and land clearing all start with these. Learn them here before you rent, buy, or sit in one on someone else's job.
Compact track loader
Also called a skid steer. Your all-purpose machine for moving, grading, and loading.
- Leveling dirt
- Moving rock
- Loading trucks
- Grapple work
Mini excavator
The digging machine. Trenches, footings, stumps, and tight spaces.
- Trenching
- Digging footings
- Stump removal
- Backfill with the blade
Reserve your seat
Seats are limited so everyone gets real time on the equipment.
Before you sign up
Do I need any experience?
No. Most people come in having never sat in a machine. You'll start with the controls at idle and work up from there.
What should I bring?
Closed-toe work boots (steel toe if you have them), work gloves, sunglasses, and clothes you can get dirty. We provide water, lunch, hearing protection, and safety vests.
Where is it?
Blakeney Farm in Georgia. The exact address and directions go out in your confirmation email.
What if it rains?
Light rain, we still run. If it's unsafe to operate, the day moves to the rain date and your seat moves with it.
Will I get a license or certification?
No. This is a hands-on intro, not a licensing course. You'll leave knowing the next step to get licensed in your trade, whether that's general contractor, plumbing, or electrical.
Can I get a refund?
Full refund up to 7 days before the event. After that, you can transfer your seat to someone else or to the next date.