7. The Long Haul: From Flowers to Excavators and Finding Sobriety

In this episode of "Too Big To Fail," host Angel Tavern sits down with Moss Utilities' Matthew Castillo, offering listeners a candid look at his remarkable journey. Matthew shares how he transitioned from the fast-paced world of dispatching flowers for a small company to managing the massive fleet of heavy machinery for Moss Utilities. He opens up about the personal battles that defined his past, including his struggles with depression and a significant alcohol addiction.

Matthew’s story is one of profound change, highlighting how the supportive, family-like culture at Moss Utilities was instrumental in his recovery. He recounts the pivotal moment he went "cold turkey" and the challenging week he spent in the hospital, a wake-up call that put his life on a new trajectory.

Now two years sober, Matthew speaks with immense pride about his role in the company. He details the complexities of his job, from coordinating the right machines for the right jobs to handling high-pressure "911" calls that demand immediate action. His work is far more than logistics; it's a critical function that ensures the safety of his team and the success of every project. Matthew emphasizes the company's "family first" motto, underscoring his commitment to getting his drivers home safely and on time, allowing them to enjoy their lives outside of work.

The episode also delves into the operational side of the transportation department, revealing the intricate dance of working with superintendents, managing vendors, and maintaining a high level of efficiency that is vital to the company's reputation. Matthew’s story is a powerful testament to personal resilience, the importance of a strong workplace culture, and the critical, often unseen, work that keeps a company like Moss Utilities running.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Dispatching Heavy Haul Industries: Garrett Moss
• (00:02:52) - Dispatching Flowers: One Employee's Fight to Get Clean
• (00:08:55) - The Transportation Department's 911
• (00:14:46) - Supervisors: Make Sure Our Guys Are
• (00:21:59) - "I'm Pretty Well-Known"
• (00:22:15) - Pipe Installers: The Hard Part of My Job
• (00:24:57) - What's one of your favorite things about working at Moss?
• (00:30:43) - Heavy Duty: Driving a RGN