Contractor Tip of the Month: A Contractor’s Amazon Adventure: Heat, Teamwork, and Thrills in the Rainforest

Words: Damian Lang

Pressure has a way of exposing your habits. It shows how you respond when comfort fades away, and the work starts fighting back. For contractors, those moments come on jobs that test your energy or force decisions when the margin for error disappears. They also reveal how much you lean on the people beside you when conditions shift.

I didn’t expect to feel that same push on a weeklong fishing trip in the Amazon. I was there with a group of well-respected contractors, men known for their steady performance and clear judgment: Heath, Mason, and Chase Holdaway, along with Alan Johnson of IMS Masonry; Ed Davenport of Davenport Masonry; Andy Sneed of Wasaco; and Calvin Brodie of Brodie Contractors.

One image I’ll never forget: Calvin Brodie stepping onto his boat each morning, dressed with precision and style more fitting for an evening gala than a rugged Amazon fishing expedition. It was remarkable; his sharp attire wasn’t just about looking good, it reflected his unwavering commitment to quality and meticulous organization. Watching him, I could tell Calvin approaches every challenge, no matter how wild or unpredictable, with a mindset that elevates standards and sets him apart.

We came for the challenge, and the Amazon delivered. We had all heard about the famous piranha, barracuda, and peacock bass, but nobody warned us about the real opponent: the environment itself. The moment we stepped off the floatplane, the rainforest announced its terms. The air hit with brutal heaviness. I own a home in Florida and thought I understood heat and humidity, but the Amazon carried a weight that clung to me the moment I stepped into it. Even in the coolest hours, temperatures sat in the low 80s. By midday, with the sun burning overhead, the mercury climbed into the 90s, and sweat poured before we could even grab the first piece of gear.

Then came the grind. Hours on the water with the heat pressing in on all sides, hands gloved, sweat dripping from beneath our hats as we cast again and again, hoping to catch the fish of the week. The heat is its own opponent, making each hour on the water a test of endurance and grit. The Amazon doesn’t give up its prizes easily.

The river never stopped moving. It splashed and shifted around us while we talked through tactics and kept one eye on each other’s lines. A group of leaders does not turn off its drive just because the setting changes. Everyone wanted the top catch. Fatigue pressed in, but pride kept us sharp. The tension built with each small twitch of a line, each subtle pull that made you wonder if someone else was about to get ahead.

Each cast carried more determination than the last. Hours slipped by with only a few fish to show for our work. Just as our attention began to wane, I felt a sudden, powerful tug on my line that sliced right through the humid air. What started as a slow grind turned into an intense battle, and the Amazon made sure I fought for every inch.

The strike was fierce, the rod bent sharply, and the river responded with a surge that traveled up my arms. My hands went numb inside my gloves, each crank of the reel heavier than the last. The boat fell silent, the kind of quiet only competitors know, as my boat partner and guide watched.

This fish wasn’t going to give up easily. It darted from side to side, draining what little energy I had left. I kept at it because the moment demanded persistence: no shortcuts, no letting up. I maintained steady pressure until, at last, the river released its grip. When I finally landed the fish, and we saw its size, the boat erupted with excitement. It was the biggest catch of the trip. My exhaustion vanished, replaced by pure adrenaline. Achieving victory when you’re pushed to your limits means more than any trophy.

Catching that massive fish felt like the perfect ending to our adventure, yet the Amazon had another challenge in store for us. Just when you think you’ve settled in, the river can shift unexpectedly.

After long flights to Manaus, Brazil, we began our journey in a floatplane over vast green landscapes. The 90-minute flight was filled with anticipation. We peered out at the winding rivers below, wondering where we’d land. As the pilot guided us down, the pontoon skids kissed the river’s surface, and the rainforest seemed to reach out in welcome and warning. There are no second chances in the wild.

Our return trip was anything but routine. As we prepared to depart, we watched another crew load up and taxi out onto the river. Their floatplane sped toward the tree-lined bank, engines straining. At the last second, the plane lifted, barely, over the highest branches. We glanced at each other, wondering: if they had hardly managed to clear the trees, how could we succeed with even more weight and supplies?

As we boarded the plane, I noticed sweat trickling down the pilot’s face, a sign that I wasn’t the only one concerned about whether we’d successfully lift off the water. He started the engines and accelerated across the river, skimming the surface in a determined push for takeoff. Yet, just as we were about to take flight, the pilot abruptly cut the engines and brought us to a halt. The reality was clear: too much weight and not enough lift.

We tried again. Same result. Then a third time. Each failed attempt ratcheted up the tension. Nobody said a word, but the questions were obvious. What if the plane couldn’t get off the water? Would we have to leave gear, or even a person, behind?

After a hard look at the numbers and the river’s length, the pilot made the call: split the group. Half would go first, and the rest would wait for a second trip. Everyone was eager to leave, but we knew it was the right decision, a testament to teamwork and clear-headed problem-solving under pressure.

Once we were airborne, the relief was immediate. The first group landed at a nearby airport, where a real runway waited, solid ground, and plenty of room for takeoff. The pilot circled back for the rest of us. Finally reunited, we left the rainforest behind with a safe, smooth takeoff. In the end, it wasn’t just about catching fish or making the flight; it was about working together, trusting each other, and overcoming every obstacle.

Conclusion: Lessons for Contractors
This Amazon adventure is more than a wild story; it’s a contractor’s tip for life. In our work, just like in the rainforest, we’re tested by heat, fatigue, and unexpected challenges. We often take beatings on projects and even lose money. The key is perseverance: digging deep when things get tough and relying on your team to make good decisions under pressure. Whether you’re laying brick or landing a floatplane, success is about pushing your limits and refusing to quit because that’s when the greatest victories happen.

So, as you tackle your next big project, remember the Amazon: plan ahead, trust your crew, and when the moment comes, don’t be afraid to split the load and try a new approach. That’s how you fish out the best results, even in the hottest, wildest environments.

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Damian Lang is CEO of Lang Masonry Contractors, Wolf Creek Construction, Buckeye Construction and Restoration, 3 Promise Labor Services, FlexCrew, Malta Dynamics Fall Protection and Safety Company, and EZG Manufacturing. To view the products and equipment his companies created to make job sites safer and more efficient, visit his websites at ezgmfg.com or maltadynamics.com. To receive his free e-newsletters or to speak with Damian about his management systems or products, email dlang@watertownenterprises.com or call 740-749-3512.

Contractor Tip of the Month: A Contractor’s Amazon Adventure: Heat, Teamwork, and Thrills in the Rainforest

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