#211- AEMA: Troy Hawkins

Recorded at the 2025 American Exploration and Mining Association Annual Meeting, this Mining Minds episode features Walsh Reclamation Operations Manager Troy Hawkins. Troy shares his background as a ninth-generation miner and reflects on how his father—a self-described "tramp miner"—was his hero and shaped his values around respect, hard work, and character over credentials. He discusses growing up in a small mining town, leaving school early, and entering the mining industry alongside his family. Troy reflects on his 23-year career at one operation, where he began as a haul truck driver and advanced through multiple operational and leadership roles. Once a rebellious young operator, he evolved into a people-focused leader who prioritizes morale, respect, and personal connection—building high-performing crews through trust and genuine care. Please help us welcome Troy Hawkins to The Face. We would like to thank the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for hosting Mining Minds at the event and for their ongoing dedication to advancing and amplifying voices throughout the mining industry.   Episode Sponsors:  American Exploration and Mining Safety First Training and Consulting JSR Fleet Performance Motor Mission Machine and Radiator    Episode Chapters:  05:05 Feral Mining-Town Childhood & How Kids Are Different Now 12:18 School Struggles, Sports Dreams, and Learning Outside the Classroom 33:34 "Your long hair will never make you successful" — proving them wrong 39:14 When leadership gets personal 47:22 How he builds trust 55:40 Hiring without the script: real interviews, real people 01:01:27 Marriage & support system 01:12:04 First Date at Carver's 01:16:20 Stepping into Walsh 01:22:54 Scaling Up with Trust 01:24:18 Why People Take a Pay Cut to Work for Good Leaders 01:33:10 Pucker Factor Stories