12. The "Moss U" Experience with Landon Huddleston

In this episode of the "Too Big to Fail" podcast, Assistant Project Manager Landon Huddleston discusses his experience as a candidate in the Moss U program. Landon shares his journey from high school, finding welding wasn't a fit due to health issues, to discovering the Moss U program via LinkedIn. He was working for his dad as a field engineer but felt "stagnant" with no room for growth.

Despite initial hesitation, a tour of the facility, its benefits, and seeing happy employees convinced him to join. The Moss U program, a new pipeline for people with little to no experience, is set up with rotations to explore different aspects of the company. Landon's first four-month rotation was in the field, starting at the massive Universal project. He was impressed by the project's scale and realized the job was "a lot bigger than just putting pipe in the ground". He praises Superintendent Cristian's dedication, noting Cristian's commitment to the project and his people, even jumping into an excavator to keep the crew on schedule . Landon was humbled seeing the field crews "bust their butt every day" and found a welcoming, family environment.

This experience proved invaluable, giving him a greater understanding of installation that can't be gained from computer plans alone. Landon's next rotation was in estimating. Despite having no prior experience, he was eager to learn. The rotation involved takeoffs and assisting estimators who taught him about key details that affect bids, like trench safety and inspections . Landon learned there were "a whole lot more moving parts" and costs involved than he previously thought.

He appreciated the perspective that estimators are the "hunter," project managers "cook the meal," and superintendents "serve the meal". He highlights the humility and willingness of senior staff like Edwin and John to teach and pour their knowledge into the Moss U candidates. The final rotation was in project management, where Landon "truly fell in love" with the work. Working with Ryan McBride, he learned the complex moving parts of the role, including permits, change orders, and RFIs . He found Ryan and others willing to confidently help him . The bi-weekly presentations, covering topics like bonds and contracts, also helped candidates digest information and ask questions . The Moss U program was ultimately "proven," and Landon successfully transitioned into a full-time Assistant Project Manager role, with his combined rotation knowledge being "super beneficial" . He views the program, which culminates in a full-time role, as "unheard of" and "truly special".

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Moss U: The Field Experience
• (00:01:14) - Moss Utilities: Too Big to Fail
• (00:02:19) - Nebraska State Community College Student Garrett
• (00:04:26) - How to transition out of welding into construction management
• (00:06:11) - The Process of Interviewing at Moss Construction
• (00:08:30) - Moss Utilities Recruitment
• (00:09:03) - What a Superintendent Did For Universal Studios
• (00:12:09) - MASI Program Participants on a Construction Job
• (00:15:24) - Working with Giovani on his first rotation
• (00:16:24) - Back in the Field With Jose Castillo
• (00:20:54) - Retired San Luis County Superintendents talk
• (00:22:03) - Do estimators need to work in the field?
• (00:26:22) - John and Edwin on Working With the Insiders
• (00:28:46) - Project Management Rotation
• (00:30:36) - Interviews: Moss U Presentations
• (00:36:58) - Moss U Project Manager Transition