You Can’t Automate Culture: Leadership Lessons from Construction Software Xeratec’s Founders

What happens when a former Army Ranger with a passion for people and a seasoned software developer with deep industry chops team up to serve the construction industry?

In this episode of Built In Boots, co-hosts Griffin Haley and DDS’s Mike Fallat sit down with Jordan and Brett Hillstrom, the founding brothers behind Xeratec, a software development firm laser-focused on solving real problems in the trades.

Jordan Hillstrom, a combat veteran and Chief Revenue Officer at Xeratec, brings boots-on-the-ground leadership and a disruptor’s mindset to the table.
Brett Hillstrom, Xeratec’s President and senior developer, leads product strategy with over two decades of experience in building agile, custom solutions that evolve with the companies they serve.

Together, they’re redefining how construction companies think about technology—not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a tool to unlock efficiency, improve culture, and elevate the trades.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why Brett and Jordan believe culture readiness is more important than tech readiness
• How DDS and Xeratec first connected through a 5 AM workout at the Dirt World Summit
• The surprising story of how their father founded Xeratec after teaching himself to code
• What “start at the end” means—and why you shouldn’t adopt new tools until you define the real problem
• How simple field tasks create ripple effects across the entire organization
• What companies get wrong about custom software (and what to do instead)
• The critical link between ownership, storytelling, and high-performing field teams
• Why the Hillstroms prioritize servant leadership and mentorship through programs like Fire Pit Ranch
• Why every team—from five people to 500—needs to invest in systems that reflect their unique workflows

Whether you’re a project manager tired of clunky field reports or a company owner looking for your next strategic move, this conversation is full of honest insights, real-world lessons, and the kind of leadership that makes the trades better for everyone.

Listen now to discover why the future of construction is built on questions—not just code.

At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!

In Part Two of our powerful two-part conversation, host Mark Payne returns to sit down with the Field Precision crew—Cruz Gonzalez, Mark Todd Wiggins, and Matt Peterson—to go deeper on what it really takes to lead underground in today’s utility and construction trades.

Field Precision OQ & Training is renowned for their mobile Operator Qualification evaluations, hands-on safety training, and field-first mentorship model that empowers natural gas crews nationwide. In this episode, we explore the responsibilities and rewards of mentorship, the challenges of scaling leadership, and how to leave a lasting legacy in the trenches.

Whether you’re a foreman, safety director, or trades apprentice, this episode delivers candid insights on how to grow your team, sustain high standards, and own the weight of leadership in high-stakes environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Why mentorship is the cornerstone of sustainable field leadership
• Strategies for scaling crew performance without sacrificing quality
• How to balance accountability with empathy as a field leader
• Real-world examples of passing on culture and standards to the next generation
• Lessons on owning your legacy every time you step into the trench

Perfect For:

• Construction managers aiming to develop next-level mentors
• Utility supervisors responsible for crew development and safety compliance
• Safety directors and OQ coordinators seeking fresh field perspectives
• Aspiring field leaders and tradespeople hungry for practical leadership advice

Stay tuned through the end—because the lessons from Field Precision continue to set the standard for leadership underground.

At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!

In Part One of this powerful two-part conversation, host Mark Payne sits down with the crew from Field Precision—Cruz Gonzalez, Mark Todd Wiggins, and Matt Peterson—to explore what real leadership looks like on the ground in today’s construction and utility trades.

Field Precision OQ & Training is known across the natural gas and underground utility industries for their hands-on Operator Qualification training and field-first approach to workforce development. In this episode, the conversation focuses on the values that drive performance in the field, including pride in your work, building strong crews, and leading by example.

Whether you're a foreman, superintendent, or new to the trades, this episode delivers raw insights on how to earn respect, build trust, and maintain high standards in high-stakes environments.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of accountability, brotherhood, and real relationships on the jobsite
• How Field Precision builds leadership from within, starting with humility and consistency
• What “taking pride in the pipe” means and how it shapes their standard of quality
• Why field leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about your actions when nobody’s watching
• Behind-the-scenes stories from underground gas crews raising the bar in the field

Perfect For:

• Construction leaders looking to elevate their crews
• Utility professionals navigating gas distribution projects
• Safety directors and OQ compliance managers
• Field-level tradespeople seeking mentorship and growth

Stay tuned through the end—because Part Two takes the conversation to another level.

At The DDS Companies, we don’t just build projects—we build careers. From field workers to office staff, every role contributes to our mission of excellence in the civil construction industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your journey, DDS offers the opportunities, support, and culture you need to thrive.

Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!