Jimmy Talks Construction

Jimmy Talks Construction

por James Starbuck
Temporada 2
Brian Hayden: Worldโ€™s Best Operator? | Dirty Business Bonus Episode
Dirty Business Bonus Episode, live from Las Vegas. In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Brian Hayden, winner of the CAT Global Operator Challenge, to talk all things operating, heavy equipment, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. Brian breaks down how he got started in the industry from a young age, growing up in the family business at Hayden Excavating in Maine, before working his way through the local dealer event, the regional competition, and finally the global finals in Vegas. The conversation covers: How Brian got into operating What the CAT Global Operator Challenge actually involves The machines used in the competition, including excavators, loaders, and dozers The pressure of timed events, penalties, and precision Using GPS and grade control technology in the challenge Residential excavation work in Maine Machine versatility, operator skill, and what separates great operators from average ones If youโ€™re into construction, excavation, earthmoving, heavy equipment, Caterpillar machines, operator stories, and real industry conversations, this is a fun short episode youโ€™ll want to watch. Links: Watch the CAT Global Operator Challenge: https://www.cat.com/en_AU/campaigns/event/operator-challenge.html Follow Brian Hayden: https://www.instagram.com/brian_h01/ Connect with Jimmy: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/
Dirty Business FINALE with David Nicoll (CEO of SANY America) | Episode 5
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 companyโ€™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 SANYโ€™s growing presence in the United States, the introduction of new machines, and the companyโ€™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 Nicollโ€™s career at Caterpillar and transition to SANY SANYโ€™s expansion in North America Manufacturing equipment in the United States ConExpo and new machine launches Dealer networks and product support Tariffs and global supply chains AI and new technology in construction equipment The future of infrastructure and heavy equipment markets Connect with David: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.sanyamerica.com/ ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanyamerica7669 ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanyamerica/ ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-e-nicoll/ Connect with Jimmy: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.
Dirty Business with Devin Dyer, Matt Stanley, Eric Jumper & Missy Scherber | Episode 4
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: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.
Dirty Business with Stephanie Dailey, Dane Cotten, Caleb Auman & Sean Coghlan | Episode 3
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 โ€” running companies, building teams, managing projects, and increasingly creating content that represents the industry to the outside world. Topics discussed in this episode include: โ€ข The reality of running construction businesses while creating content โ€ข Social media and its impact on the construction industry โ€ข Legitimacy and credibility in the age of construction influencers โ€ข Growing contracting businesses and managing teams โ€ข Attracting the next generation into the trades Dirty 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: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.
Dirty Business with Taylor White, EJ Herron, Zach Taylor & Tom Gardocki | Episode 2
Dirty Business continues in Las Vegas with another roundtable hosted by Jimmy Starbuck. In Episode 2, Jimmy sits down with: Taylor White โ€“ https://www.instagram.com/kwc2000/ EJ Herron โ€“ https://www.instagram.com/dig_it_digital_gps/ Zach Taylor โ€“ https://www.instagram.com/_taylorthings/ Tom Gardocki โ€“ 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 โ€” 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: โ€ข The reality of running construction companies โ€ข Leadership and building strong teams โ€ข Lessons from growing businesses in construction โ€ข Reputation and credibility in the industry โ€ข Opportunities and challenges facing contractors today Dirty 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: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.
Dirty Business with Aaron Witt, Amy Underwood, Ryan Goodfellow & Brian Dietz | Episode 1
Dirty Business, powered by SANY, launches in Las Vegas with a powerhouse construction roundtable with: Aaron Witt โ€“ https://www.instagram.com/aaronwitt/ Amy Underwood โ€“ https://www.instagram.com/the_digger_girl/ Ryan Goodfellow โ€“ https://www.instagram.com/rockstructures/ Brian Dietz โ€“ 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 todayโ€™s market. In this episode, we discuss: โ€ข How social media transformed our construction businesses โ€ข The difference between personal brand and company brand โ€ข The dark side of online exposure (and what people donโ€™t see) โ€ข Growing too fast vs growing right โ€ข Leadership, delegation, and hiring better people than yourself โ€ข Market conditions across the US, UK, and Australia โ€ข Why people โ€” not equipment โ€” are the future of construction โ€ข Charging properly for transport, mobilisation, and overhead โ€ข Family businesses and balancing work with life From underground diamond mines in Canada to $60M homes in Utah, this conversation covers whatโ€™s really happening inside the construction industry. This is not a scripted panel. This is Dirty Business. If youโ€™re a contractor, operator, business owner, or industry leader โ€” this episode is for you. Connect with Jimmy: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Subscribe for the full Vegas series.
Temporada 1
Aaron Witt: How BuildWitt Is Changing the Construction Industry | Jimmy Talks Construction
Aaron Witt - the man behind BuildWitt and one of the biggest names in the โ€œDirt Worldโ€ - joins Jimmy for a wide-ranging conversation about construction, business, leadership, social media and where the industry needs to go next. Aaron takes us back to working on the railroad, launching BuildWitt in 2017 and turning a passion for construction photography into a business and brand recognised across the industry. He explains why authentic content cuts through, why construction companies are struggling to attract people, and why better leadership, training and technology will be critical to moving the industry forward. Jimmy and Aaron also get into the less glamorous side of business - running out of money, making bad decisions, managing people, building trust, staying consistent when motivation disappears and learning from things that simply didnโ€™t work. Aaron shares how Dirt World Summit grew from around 700 attendees to 1,500 and sold out six months ahead of time, why real relationships still matter more than scalable marketing tactics, and why sometimes the most valuable things in business are the things that donโ€™t scale. They also discuss construction influencers, brand deals, authenticity, BuildWittโ€™s growing software ambitions and Aaronโ€™s latest Australian trip through the Pilbara, Bowen Basin, Gladstone and Snowy Mountains. If you work in construction, run a business or are trying to build something for the long term, thereโ€™s plenty in this one. Subscribe to Jimmy Talks Construction for more conversations with the people shaping the construction industry. Connect with Aaron Witt https://www.instagram.com/aaronwitt/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwitt BuildWitt https://buildwitt.com/ Dirt Talk Podcast https://megaphone.link/IDWOO2325207760 Connect with Jimmy: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
From $120 in the Bank to 100+ Employees | Angus Walker, ANA Asphalt
Angus Walker started ANA Asphalt in his early 20s with a mate, a bobcat, a couple of rollers and a plan to make some extra cash. Today, the business employs more than 100 people, runs multiple paving and profiling crews, a sizeable fleet of trucks and equipment - and is taking its next step into asphalt manufacturing. In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Angus to unpack what actually happens between starting small and building a serious construction business. They talk about scaling too quickly, going backwards to go forwards, building the right team, the nightmare of middle management, vertical integration, why good people are worth holding onto and learning to let others solve problems better than you can. Angus also shares some of the brutal lessons along the way - including a three-night stretch that cost the business around $170,000 - and why those moments eventually forced him to stop trying to do everything himself. They also get into asphalt logistics, paving in the rain, trucking, building an asphalt plant, technology and AI in construction, incentivising staff, working from home, leadership and why staying curious has remained one of Angusโ€™ biggest drivers. No textbook business advice. Just two construction business owners comparing notes on what it actually takes to build, scale and keep the wheels turning. Subscribe to Jimmy Talks Construction for more conversations with the people actually building Australiaโ€™s construction industry. Connect with Angus: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.anaasphalts.com.au/ ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anaasphalts/?hl=en ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/ana-asphalts ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/angus-walker-6a066719a Connect with Jimmy: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
From 3 Cranes to 12: How Blue Dog Cranes Built a Business Differently | Samantha
Samantha from Blue Dog Cranes joins Jimmy for a conversation about building a crane business, creating a strong team culture and what it actually takes to maintain high standards as a company grows. Before cranes, Samantha worked in event management, running major e-commerce conferences and events in Australia and Las Vegas. Then, after her husband Ben saw an opportunity to do things differently in the crane industry, they went all in. They purchased a small crane business with three cranes, battled through finance issues, built their team and eventually grew Blue Dog Cranes to a 12-crane operation across two Melbourne yards. Subscribe to Jimmy Talks Construction for more conversations with the people building, running and changing the Australian construction industry. GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE CONSTRUCTION EXCHANGE: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1612879 Connect with Sam: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://bluedogcranes.com.au/ ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluedogcranes/ ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-dog-cranes/?originalSubdomain=au ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluedogcranes/ ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthajind/ ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-charlton-006ba123/ Connect with Jimmy: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
How Plot Joinery Compressed 20 Years of Growth Into 6 | Charley Li
Can content compress a 20-year reputation-building journey into just six? Charley Li, founder of Plot Joinery, joins Jimmy to unpack how brand, trust and operational discipline helped a young architectural joinery business compete against companies with decades of experience. Charley shares how he went from studying construction management and failing to win a single client with his first business idea, to launching Plot Joinery with $20,000, progressively building an approximately 14-person team and moving into an 800-square-metre manufacturing facility. The conversation goes well beyond joinery. Jimmy and Charley discuss why marketing can accelerate both a great reputation and a terrible one, whether every construction business should be creating content, and how long-form media can build the trust required to win higher-margin work. Connect with Charley: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.plotjoinery.com.au/ ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plotjoinery/?hl=en ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plotjoinery/?originalSubdomain=au ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plotjoinery/ ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plotjoinery ๐ŸŽ™๏ธPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitetostudio/?hl=en ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sitetostudiopodcast8482 Connect with Jimmy: ๐ŸŒ Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTalksConstruction ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starbuckexcavation ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/ Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
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