Jimmy Talks Construction

In the grand finale of Dirty Business, live and recorded during Conexpo week in Las Vegas, Jimmy Starbuck sits down with David Nicoll, CEO of SANY America, to discuss the future of construction equipment, global manufacturing, and the rapidly evolving heavy equipment market.David shares his journey through nearly three decades at Caterpillar before joining SANY and leading the company’s expansion in North America. The conversation dives into the challenges of breaking into established equipment markets, building strong dealer networks, and delivering reliable machines and support to contractors.Recorded during ConExpo in Las Vegas, the discussion also explores SANY’s growing presence in the United States, the introduction of new machines, and the company’s long-term strategy to compete with established industry brands.Jimmy and David also talk about global supply chains, tariffs, infrastructure investment, and how emerging technologies such as AI, telematics, and automation are shaping the future of construction equipment.Topics include:David Nicoll’s career at Caterpillar and transition to SANYSANY’s expansion in North AmericaManufacturing equipment in the United StatesConExpo and new machine launchesDealer networks and product supportTariffs and global supply chainsAI and new technology in construction equipmentThe future of infrastructure and heavy equipment marketsConnect with David:🌐 Website: https://www.sanyamerica.com/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanyamerica7669📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanyamerica/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-e-nicoll/Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

Episode 4 of the Dirty Business podcast series was recorded live during ConExpo in Las Vegas and features a panel of construction industry leaders sharing their real experiences running businesses in the heavy civil and excavation industries.Jimmy sits down with:Devin Dyer (@dirtgearco)Matt Stanley (@mttstanley)Eric Jumper (@eric_jumper)Missy Scherber (@missyscherber)Powered by SANY (https://www.instagram.com/sanyoceania/)The group discusses the pressures of running a company, managing crews and equipment, balancing family life with business growth, and the mental challenges that come with leadership.The panel also explores branding in construction, the rise of social media in the industry, and why documenting the people behind the work matters. From starting companies with nothing to managing dozens of employees and millions of dollars in projects, this conversation highlights both the struggles and the successes behind modern construction businesses.This episode is part of the Dirty Business series filmed during ConExpo, bringing together some of the most influential voices in construction, heavy equipment, and contracting.Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

Dirty Business continues in Las Vegas with another construction industry roundtable hosted by Jimmy Starbuck.In Episode 3, Jimmy sits down with:Stephanie Dailey (@stephaniebuildsit) Dane Cotten (@dcexcavation) Caleb Auman (@aumanlandscapellc) Sean Coghlan (@shamrockseanj)Powered by SANY (https://www.instagram.com/sanyoceania/)Powered by Each guest brings a unique perspective from across residential construction, landscaping, and excavation. From building luxury homes and outdoor living spaces to running excavation companies, the panel discusses what it actually takes to operate successful contracting businesses while also building a presence online.Filmed during CONEXPO week in Las Vegas, the conversation dives into the reality of balancing multiple roles as modern contractors — running companies, building teams, managing projects, and increasingly creating content that represents the industry to the outside world.Topics discussed in this episode include:• The reality of running construction businesses while creating content • Social media and its impact on the construction industry • Legitimacy and credibility in the age of construction influencers • Growing contracting businesses and managing teams • Attracting the next generation into the tradesDirty Business brings together influential voices across construction for honest conversations about the challenges, opportunities, and future of the industry.No scripts. No corporate spin. Just real discussions from people building businesses every day.Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

Dirty Business continues in Las Vegas with another roundtable hosted by Jimmy Starbuck.In Episode 2, Jimmy sits down with:Taylor White – https://www.instagram.com/kwc2000/ EJ Herron – https://www.instagram.com/dig_it_digital_gps/ Zach Taylor – https://www.instagram.com/_taylorthings/ Tom Gardocki – https://www.instagram.com/the_dirt_ninja/Powered by SANY (https://www.instagram.com/sanyoceania/)Filmed during CONEXPO week in Las Vegas, the panel dives into the real challenges contractors face — from scaling companies and building strong teams to navigating risk, reputation, and the responsibility that comes with running construction businesses.Each guest brings a different perspective from across the construction world, creating an honest conversation about what it actually takes to succeed in this industry.Topics discussed in this episode include:• The reality of running construction companies • Leadership and building strong teams • Lessons from growing businesses in construction • Reputation and credibility in the industry • Opportunities and challenges facing contractors todayDirty Business brings together some of the most influential voices in construction for unfiltered conversations about the industry.No scripts. No corporate spin. Just real discussions from people who are building businesses every day.Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

Dirty Business, powered by SANY, launches in Las Vegas with a powerhouse construction roundtable with: Aaron Witt – https://www.instagram.com/aaronwitt/ Amy Underwood – https://www.instagram.com/the_digger_girl/ Ryan Goodfellow – https://www.instagram.com/rockstructures/ Brian Dietz – https://www.instagram.com/bob_dietz_and_sons_inc/Powered by SANY (https://www.instagram.com/sanyoceania/)Releasing through CONEXPO week, this episode dives into the real impact of social media, leadership, growth, and building modern construction companies in today’s market.In this episode, we discuss:• How social media transformed our construction businesses • The difference between personal brand and company brand • The dark side of online exposure (and what people don’t see) • Growing too fast vs growing right • Leadership, delegation, and hiring better people than yourself • Market conditions across the US, UK, and Australia • Why people — not equipment — are the future of construction • Charging properly for transport, mobilisation, and overhead • Family businesses and balancing work with lifeFrom underground diamond mines in Canada to $60M homes in Utah, this conversation covers what’s really happening inside the construction industry.This is not a scripted panel.This is Dirty Business.If you’re a contractor, operator, business owner, or industry leader — this episode is for you.Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.

In Episode 40 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Jesse Campbell, Construction Manager at City Circle — one of Australia’s largest demolition and recycling companies.This episode dives deep into the reality of modern construction, from the shift away from traditional builders to project management-driven companies, through to the challenges of scaling large infrastructure projects across Victoria and Australia.Jesse shares insights from over 20 years in the industry, including his transition from tier-one building into demolition, and how City Circle has scaled to process nearly 2 million tonnes of concrete annually through demolition, recycling, and material reuse.The conversation covers:Why the construction industry has become more transactionalThe biggest mistakes in construction management todayHow large-scale demolition projects are actually deliveredThe pressure of major infrastructure projects and unrealistic timelinesWhy businesses can grow fast but still underperformThe real role of middle management in construction companiesHow collaboration between subcontractors can improve outcomesIf you’re in construction, civil, earthmoving, or running a contracting business, this episode gives a raw and honest look at what’s really happening on-site and behind the scenes.Listen if you want real-world insights into: construction management, demolition, recycling, infrastructure projects, subcontractor relationships, and scaling a construction business.Connect with Jesse:🌐 Website: https://www.citycirclegroup.com.au/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citycirclegroup/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citycirclegroup/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-campbell-a302398a/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-circle-group/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

In Episode 39 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Jake Gorry, founder and director of Proline Group — one of Australia’s fastest-growing cladding and façade contractors.Jake shares his journey from starting as a young carpenter working with his dad, to building a multi-division business delivering large-scale commercial cladding projects across Melbourne.The conversation dives deep into how Proline identified an opportunity in architectural metal cladding, mastered a niche skillset, and scaled from small residential jobs into working with Tier 1 builders on major projects.Jake breaks down the realities of building a construction business from the ground up — from cash flow challenges and early mistakes, to hiring, culture, and managing rapid growth across multiple sites and teams.Jimmy and Jake also discuss:How Proline grew from small jobs into major commercial projectsThe importance of cash flow and getting paid fastWhy culture is everything when scaling a construction businessThe risks and rewards of backing yourself in businessLessons from hiring, firing, and working with friends and familyWhy delivering bad news quickly builds long-term trustThe transition from on-the-tools to running a large operationHow systems, training, and leadership drive sustainable growthThis episode is packed with insights for contractors, business owners, and anyone looking to scale within the construction industry.Connect with Jake:🌐 Website: https://www.prolinemetalcladding.com.au/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheFacadeShow📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prolinegroupau📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prolinemetalcladding/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proline-aus/Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

In Episode 38 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Shane Coleman, founder of Coleman Earth Industries and a former top-tier mining excavator operator.Shane shares his journey growing up in North Queensland, learning to operate machinery from a young age, and eventually working his way through Australia’s mining industry operating some of the largest excavators in the world.The conversation dives deep into the mindset required to become an elite digger operator, the importance of work ethic on mine sites, and how performance and reputation follow you throughout the industry.Shane explains how he walked away from a high-paying mining job to start his own excavation business, buying a 30-ton excavator and beginning the difficult process of finding work from scratch. From cold messaging companies on LinkedIn to door knocking civil contractors, he shares the realities of starting an earthmoving business with no guaranteed work.Jimmy and Shane also discuss:What separates elite operators from average onesThe techniques used to maximise production on large mining excavatorsWhy work ethic is the most valuable currency in the industryThe transition from employee to business ownerThe realities of building a reputation in construction and civil contractingWhy some operators move over 100,000 tonnes in a single shiftThis episode is packed with insights for anyone working in mining, civil construction, or looking to start their own earthmoving business.Connect with Shane:🌐 Website: https://colemanearth.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleman_earth/💼 LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/shane-coleman-376219103Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Martyn Matenga, mining project manager and third-generation earthmover, to unpack what it takes to operate at the highest level in the mining industry. Martyn has driven everything from 1.5-ton excavators to 1,400-ton rope shovels, commissioned some of the first 60-15 and 60-20 machines in Australia, and held documented production records on Liebherr 996 shovels — moving over 66,000 BCM in 24 hours. This episode covers: – Breaking world production records in mining – What separates elite shovel operators from average ones – Fuel burn, bucket wear and why bad operators cost millions – Leadership lessons from supervising 300–900 personnel – Why modern mining rosters have softened the industry – Building MESA: Mining Shovels & Excavators Australia – The viral 395 excavator leak before ConExpo – Growing up in a third-generation earthmoving family Martyn shares honest insights into operator culture, mentorship, discipline, and how to build production without destroying machines, morale, or teams. If you’re in mining, heavy equipment, earthmoving, project management, or leadership, this episode is packed with real experience from the top end of the industry. Connect with Martyn: 🌐 Website: https://www.raywell.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martynmatenga/?hl=en 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raywell_contracting/?hl=en 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raywell-contracting/ Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday! https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing Use code STARBUCK20 to save 20% (valid through to March 2).

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Corey Tomkins from Ideal Group Australia (Brisbane) to break down what it really takes to scale a contracting business without losing your mind, your margins, or your family time.Corey runs a carpentry contracting business working with Tier 1 and Tier 2 builders across Southeast Queensland, with around 26 staff. He shares the full story — starting his apprenticeship with his old man, learning painful business lessons early (ATO debt, unpaid super, and old-school realities), then building his own company through the chaos of COVID and the pressure of growth.This episode dives into the real stuff construction business owners deal with:Pivoting during COVID from renovations to contractingScaling aggressively (to ~16 guys fast), then nearly burning outThe personal load behind business stress (family, cancer diagnosis, marriage, first child)The late payment reality and “45 days end of month” terms that crush contractorsBuilding systems and admin support so the business isn’t held together by the ownerManaging risk as jobs get bigger (scope, responsibility, and decision-making)Leadership lessons: letting go of control and empowering people to do their jobEmployee entitlement, labour shortages, and what the next generation needs to understandIf you’re a contractor, builder, carpenter, business owner, or you’re trying to scale beyond a small crew, this one is full of lessons on growth, cash flow, leadership, and staying in the game long enough to win.Connect with Corey:🌐 Website: https://idealgroupaustralia.com/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnsiteInsightPodcast📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ideal_aus/?hl=en💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ideal-group-3b3a67182/ Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricingUse code STARBUCK20 to save 20% (valid through to March 2).

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Ben Graham, Director of Civil Contracting Solutions QLD, for a brutally honest conversation about building a civil construction business in Queensland.Ben shares his journey from working on tier one basement projects in Brisbane to being told he couldn’t work in the city for 12 months — and what it actually took to start again from scratch with a 5.5-tonne excavator and tipper combo while raising young kids.This episode gets into the realities most contractors only talk about off camera: – Walking away from tier one work and starting over – Finding work with no following (door knocking, noticeboards, and flyers) – The expensive lessons that come with bad finance decisions – Why rates in QLD can destroy margins if you’re highly leveraged – Wet weather planning, build pads, and selling solutions instead of just machines – The difference between being busy and actually making moneyIf you’re in civil construction, earthmoving, excavation, plant hire, subdivisions, or thinking about going from PAYG to running your own gear, this episode is packed with real-world lessons you can actually apply.If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast - it helps bring bigger guests and better conversations to the channel.Connect with Ben:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/civilcontractingsolutionsqld/?hl=en📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Civil-Contracting-Solutions-QLD-PTY-LTD-100086025881406/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-graham-2a11347b/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 tickets now and don’t miss the small business workshop. https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing Use code STARBUCK20 to save 20% at checkout (valid through to March 2).

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Jeremy Trengove, founder of Dirt Cartel, to unpack what it actually looks like to go out on your own in earthmoving — when you buy a machine first and worry about work later.Jeremy shares the real story behind buying a 36-ton excavator with no confirmed contracts, having a major job pulled at the last minute, and making thousands of phone calls just to keep the machine working. From mining to civil, wet hire vs dry hire, equipment finance panic, and the brutal learning curve of hiring your first operator — nothing is sugar-coated.This episode dives into the realities most operators don’t talk about:Buying big gear before you’re “ready” — and the debt pressure that comes with itLosing work after contracts get undercut by bigger playersThe mental stress of repayments when the phone stops ringingWhy versatility (wet hire, dry hire, regional work) keeps small operators aliveMining vs civil: freedom, lifestyle, and why Jeremy walked awayThe truth about Chinese machines vs Tier 1 brands (and what actually matters)Why effort, attitude, and adaptability matter more than machine colourHiring operators, site politics, and how one bad fit can lose you a jobIf you’re an excavator owner-operator, earthmoving contractor, civil operator, mining operator thinking about going solo, or anyone considering buying machinery, this episode is a must-watch. It’s an honest look at risk, resilience, and backing yourself when there’s no safety net.If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. These conversations only happen because operators are willing to speak honestly about the hard parts of the job.Connect with Jeremy:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedirtcartel/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.trengove/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-trengove-99ba10318/Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricingUse code STARBUCK20 to save 20% at checkout.Valid through to March 2nd

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Daniel O’Callaghan, Director of Nature Build in Bendigo, to unpack a raw and honest story of growth, pressure, passion, and resilience in the construction industry.Daniel shares how a regional Australian builder ended up building a world-class pond for Aquascape in Georgia, USA — for Shaquille O’Neal, the reality of scaling a business to seven staff, and the moment the pressure nearly led to a nervous breakdown.This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a real conversation about what happens behind the scenes when things go right — and when they go very wrong.This episode covers:- How a Bendigo-based builder landed an international Aquascape project in the US- What scaling a construction business to 7 staff actually feels like (mentally and financially)- Loving the work — but nearly burning out from the responsibility- Losing $100,000 on a single job and the lessons that came with it- Why mistakes, stress, and hard conversations are part of building something meaningfulIf you’re a builder, landscaper, contractor, or construction business owner, this episode will hit close to home. It’s about ambition, pressure, mistakes, and why some people keep going — because they genuinely love what they do.If you enjoyed this chat, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Follow James and Daniel for more real conversations about building businesses, careers, and lives in construction.Connect with Daniel:🌐 Website: https://www.naturebuild.com.au/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturebuild_insta/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturebuildau/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naturebuildau/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricingUse code STARBUCK20 to save 20% at checkout.Valid through to March 2nd

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Toby Glass, Director of Tascon Civil Construction, who’s flown over from Wellington, New Zealand, to talk business, growth, and the realities of surviving in the Tier 1 civil space. Toby breaks down his journey from growing up around concrete and infrastructure work, studying construction management, walking away from uni frustration, and eventually buying into the family business at just 23 years old. Now six years in, Tascon operates in a tight niche delivering specialist structural concrete, retaining walls, and complex civil packages for Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors. This episode dives deep into the real conversations contractors are having right now: - Taking over a family business young and navigating leadership with family involved - Surviving economic slowdowns and managing uncertainty in the forward pipeline - Why niche, “fiddly” civil work can be more profitable than chasing volume - The brutal reality of Tier 1 contracts, variations, delays, and liquidated damages - Why marketing and LinkedIn content suddenly matters when work dries up - Soft skills on site, dealing with engineers, and why attitude can cost (or save) serious money - Hiring, labour shortages, generational differences, and why effort still wins every time If you’re a civil contractor, subcontractor, site manager, engineer, or business owner trying to grow in the Tier 1 space — or just stay alive during tougher cycles — this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons, no-BS insights, and stories every contractor will recognise. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Follow Jimmy and Toby to stay up to date with more real conversations from inside the construction industry. Connect with Toby from Tascon: 🌐 Website: https://www.tascon.co.nz/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasconcivil/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/toby-glass-51971117a 💼 LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/company/tascon-2019-ltd Connect with Jimmy: 🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW Don’t miss Jimmy’s small business workshop on the Friday. 👉 https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing 💥 Use code STARBUCK20 to save 20% Valid through to March 2nd

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Brenton Davey, Managing Director of Control Tech Solutions, to unpack a no-BS story of how a business scales from shovels and a trailer to running vacuum excavation trucks on major projects.Brenton explains how working in NBN fibre rollout led to his first opportunity, why new safety requirements pushed the industry toward NDD / vacuum excavation, and the moment unreliable subcontract trucks forced a make-or-break decision: buy the first vac truck or stop moving forward.This episode dives into the real stuff construction business owners deal with:Buying equipment before you have work lined up (and the panic that comes with it)The truth about equipment finance and why “just sell it” isn’t a real exit planScaling into bigger projects and the one question clients always ask: “How many trucks can you supply?”Cash flow chaos, tax surprises, and the brutal lesson Brenton learned after discovering $600,000 in work that wasn’t invoicedIf you’re a contractor, plant owner, vac truck operator, civil crew, or construction business owner, this is packed with lessons on growth, invoicing systems, cash flow management, and surviving the scaling phase.If you enjoyed this chat, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Follow James and Brenton to keep up with more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes of building successful businesses from the ground up.Connect with Brenton:🌐 Website: https://www.controltechsolutions.com.au/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/controltechsolutions/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042535813715💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/controltech-solutions-pty-ltd/about/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenton-davey-34ba65121/?originalSubdomain=au Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricingUse code STARBUCK20 to save 20% at checkout.Valid through to March 2nd

In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Phil Yates, founder of Versatile Plant Hire & Contracting, to talk about what it really takes to build and operate a successful plant hire and contracting business in regional Western Australia.Operating out of Kalgoorlie, Phil shares insights from the frontline of civil construction, mining support, and heavy equipment hire, where reliability, reputation, and resilience matter more than hype.If you enjoyed this chat, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Follow James and Phil to keep up with more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes of building successful businesses from the ground up.Connect with Phil:🌐 Website: https://vphc.com.au/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VersatilePlantHire/💼 LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/phil-yates-8919697bConnect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricingUse code STARBUCK20 to save 20% at checkout.Valid through to March 2nd

George Passas (Founder of Pascon & Builder Elite) - Jimmy Talks Episode 29In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with George Passas, founder of Builder Elite and Pascon, for an honest, no-BS conversation about the realities of running a construction business when everything goes wrong.George opens up about being locked into high-risk construction contracts during COVID, how poor contract structures nearly destroyed his business, and the brutal reality of losing over $1,000,000 in a single year. He breaks down what that period taught him about risk management, cash flow, leadership, and why trust is everything in the construction industry.If you enjoyed this chat, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Follow James and George to keep up with more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes of building successful businesses from the ground up.Connect with George Passas💼 LinkedIn (George): https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgepassas/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/george.passas/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgepassasofficial/ Facebook🌐 Personal Website: https://georgepassas.com/ Million Dollar Days Podcast🌐 Official Site: https://milliondollardays.com.au/ 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/million-dollar-days/id1716294586 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MillionDollarDaysPod/featured 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milliondollardayspod/Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricingUse code STARBUCK20 to save 20% at checkout.Valid through to March 2nd

In this episode, Jimmy has a chat with Colm Phibbs, the MD at Cono Services. Colm talks about first moving from Ireland to Australia during the Global Financial Crisis, and building his business from then, to now being a large company which offers bulk excavations, civil, and plant hire services in some of Sydneys biggest projects. If you enjoyed this chat, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Follow James and Colm to keep up with more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes of building successful businesses from the ground up.Connect with Colm:🌐 Website: https://conoservices.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conoservices/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conoservices/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colm-phibbs-cono-services/?originalSubdomain=au💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cono-services/posts/?feedView=all Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricingUse code STARBUCK20 to save 20% at checkout.Valid through to March 2nd

In this episode, Jimmy has a chat with Mark Kelly. They first met at CONEXPO a few years ago, where Mark was trying to kick start some small business education for himself. They also dive into culture behind business’, especially the importance of manners. If you enjoyed this chat, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Follow James and Mark to keep up with more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes of building successful businesses from the ground up.Connect with Mark:💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kelly-27427223a/ Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricingUse code STARBUCK20 to save 20% at checkout.Valid through to March 2nd

In this episode, Jimmy has a chat with Jim Penman. An Aussie icon founder of Jim’s mowing, and the wider Jim’s group. Jim discusses why he chose the franchise model and how he built a business that has created more millionaires in Australia, than any other. He also touches on politics and his most recent research project he has been funding. If you enjoyed this chat, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Follow James and Jim to keep up with more stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes of building successful businesses from the ground up.Jim’s New Book!https://jimpenman.com.au/books/ Connect with Jim:🌐 Website: https://jimpenman.com.au/📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thejimpenman/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimsGroupAUS/💼 LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/jimsgroup📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimsGroup Connect with Jimmy:🌐 Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/