Podcast
Jimmy Talks Construction
Hosted by James Starbuck · EN
Jimmy Talks Construction is an Australian construction podcast focused on real conversations with builders, contractors, tradies, and business owners across the construction industry.
Each episode dives into construction business growth, civil construction, earthmoving, excavation, leadership on site, hiring subcontractors, scaling trade businesses, and the real challenges of running a construction company in Australia.
From infrastructure projects and heavy machinery to cash flow, management, and lessons learned the hard way, this podcast shares honest insights from people building successful construction businesses from the ground up.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From $600 to 18 Machines: Rhys Cooper’s Story | Cooper Civil
1w ago01:01:14Tap to summarizeIn Episode 52 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Rhys Cooper, Managing Director of Cooper Civil, a southeast Queensland civil excavation business known for GPS excavation, Cat Next Gen gear, late-model machines and high-quality operators.Rhys shares his story from growing up in New Zealand, working in forestry, travelling across Australia operating machinery, spending years in the mines, and eventually starting Cooper Civil with almost nothing behind him. From buying his first excavator to growing into a fleet of machines, Rhys opens up about the highs, lows, pressure and reality of building a civil construction business.This episode gets into the real side of excavation and plant hire: wet hire versus contract work, GPS systems, tilt rotators, Cat gear, pricing pressure, operator quality, tough markets, the Queensland pipeline, and why growing bigger does not always mean making more money.Jimmy and Rhys also talk honestly about success, reputation, mental health, vulnerability in construction, working with good clients, and what young operators need to understand if they want to build a proper career in the industry.If you are in civil construction, excavation, plant hire, GPS machine control, earthmoving, or you are trying to grow a construction business, this episode is packed with real-world lessons.Connect with Rhys:🌐 Website: https://www.coopercivil.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coopercivil/?hl=en💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rhys-cooper-688430164?originalSubdomain=au📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coopercivil.com.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/ Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.comSend in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
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The Construction Margin Trap Killing Builders | Garath Vella
2w ago01:19:02Tap to summarizeIn Episode 51 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Garath Vella from Lorden Vella to talk about the real business of building: margins, risk, hiring, subbies, COVID, cash flow, and what it actually takes to start and grow a construction company in Melbourne.Garath shares his path from plumbing, site supervision and project management into co-founding Lorden Vella during one of the most unstable periods the construction industry has seen. He opens up about starting with no work lined up, navigating COVID, dealing with shut-down businesses, and building a company from the ground up.This episode digs into why builders take on work at low or even negative margins, how subcontractor pricing changed after COVID, why relationships matter more than contracts alone, and why culture, communication and good people can make or break a construction business.They also cover hiring in construction, why resumes don’t always tell the full story, the difference between site-based and tertiary-trained project managers, education and childcare projects, apartment work, government work, and the pressure builders face when the market gets tight.If you’re a builder, subcontractor, project manager, site manager, developer, apprentice, or anyone trying to understand the commercial construction industry, this episode is packed with honest lessons from inside the game.Connect with Garath:🌐 Website: https://lordenvella.com.au/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lordenvella/?hl=en💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lordenvella/?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/ Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.comSend in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
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Carpentry, Cash Flow & Rebuilding After Losing $1M | Joel Griffs from Heidi Build
3w ago01:09:56Tap to summarizeIn Episode 50 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Joel Griffs from Heidi Build for a brutally honest conversation about carpentry, construction business, insurance work, and why scaling isn’t always the answer.Joel shares how Heidi Build has carved out its place by taking on custom carpentry, structural steel, excavation, concreting and insurance repair work, rather than following the usual online advice to “niche down” or remove yourself from the business. The conversation covers the reality of running a trade business in Australia, why margins are getting tighter, how equipment costs have changed, and why simply answering the phone and doing what you say you’ll do is still one of the strongest business models in construction.Joel also opens up about losing more than $1 million after COVID through fixed-price building contracts, price escalations, labour shortages and cash flow pressure. He explains how he rebuilt from the ground up, starting with a $180 insurance job, and why cost control, reputation and long-term relationships matter more than ego, awards or Instagram-perfect projects.This episode also dives into Japanese carpentry, craftsmanship, old-school building skills, apprenticeships, motorsport, property investing, and the difference between looking successful online and actually running a profitable construction business.If you’re a builder, carpenter, subcontractor, tradie, construction business owner or anyone trying to grow a business in the Australian construction industry, this episode is packed with real-world lessons.Connect with Joel:🌐 Website: https://www.heidibuild.com.au/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joel_heidibuild/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidibuild/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/Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.comSend in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
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Mitchell Stokoe (Founder of Slimline Excavations) | Jimmy Talks Construction
Jun 200:58:23Tap to summarizeJimmy sits down with Mitch from Slimline Excavations to talk about leaving underground coal mining, buying a 1.7T digger and building an excavation business. They cover coal mining, subdivisions, mountain bike trail projects, helicopters in construction, training operators, hiring the right crew, pricing mistakes, business mentors and why you cannot be half-in when running a construction company.Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.comSend in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com Connect with Mitch:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slimline_excavations/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slimlineexcavatins/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/
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Nash, Stelo, and Jesse (Arrow Civil) | Jimmy Talks Construction
May 2601:08:22Tap to summarizeIn Episode 48 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with the three directors of Arrow Civil to talk about starting a new civil construction company in Melbourne, leaving a major contractor the right way, building a business with integrity, and backing yourself in a tough market.A great episode for anyone in civil construction, earthmoving, subdivisions, infrastructure, project management, estimating, subcontracting or anyone thinking about starting their own construction business.Connect with Arrow Civil:🌐 Website: https://arrow-civil.com.au/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrow-civil/?originalSubdomain=au💼 Nash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nash-conhyedoss-17a7ba37/ 💼 Jesse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-deas-0850b7166/ 💼 Stelo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stelios-gunella-370834356/ 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/ Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.comSend in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
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Daniel Alizzi (Operations Manager at Complex Facade Install) | Jimmy Talks Construction
May 1901:10:39Tap to summarizeIn Episode 47 of Jimmy Talks Construction, James Starbuck sits down with Daniel from Complex Facade to talk high-rise construction, facade installation, scaling a subcontracting business, labour productivity, and the brutal reality of growing from apprentice to operations manager in the tier one construction space.This episode dives into Daniel’s journey from being the boss’s son and a self-described ordinary apprentice, to becoming Operations Manager inside a serious construction business. The conversation covers the pressure of installing glass hundreds of metres in the air, the evolution of prefab facade systems, importing windows from China, labour productivity, rework, site systems, and the brutal lessons that come with growing a construction company.Jimmy and Daniel also unpack one of the biggest challenges in construction business: scaling without losing standards. From family and friends on the tools, to managing 50–100 workers, to knowing your numbers, this episode is packed with practical insight for builders, subcontractors, tradesmen, project managers, and anyone trying to grow a construction business properly.If you are interested in construction business, high-rise construction, facade installation, subcontractor growth, construction leadership, labour productivity, or the reality of running a trades business, this episode is well worth a listen.Daniel’s Podcast | Behind The Facade:https://www.youtube.com/@BehindTheFacadeShow Connect with Daniel:🌐 Website: https://www.complexfacade.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complexfacadeinstallptyltd/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-alizzi-867595376/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/ Sponsorships + Guest Enquiries: louis@lj-media.comSend in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
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Emmanuel Al-Jinavo (Founder of Feed4Ward) | Jimmy Talks Construction
May 1200:59:59Tap to summarizeJames Starbuck sits down with Emmanuel Al-Jinavo, founder of Feed4Ward, for a raw construction business conversation about tradies, subcontractors, cash flow, unpaid invoices, and bad clients in the Australian construction industry.Emmanuel shares his journey from running a plumbing business to building Feed4Ward, a platform designed to help tradesmen review clients, avoid serial non-payers, and protect small trade businesses from cash flow pressure.This construction podcast episode covers late payments, debt collection, 45, 60 and 90-day payment terms, the reality of running a trade business, subcontractor stress, business growth, client relationships, and why getting paid on time is one of the biggest challenges in construction.Connect with Manny:🌐 Website: https://www.feed4ward.com.au/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feed4wardapp/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Feed4Ward/💼 LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-al-jinavo-68658a17bConnect 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/
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Brian Hayden: World’s Best Operator? | Dirty Business Bonus Episode
May 800:17:46Tap to summarizeDirty 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 you’re into construction, excavation, earthmoving, heavy equipment, Caterpillar machines, operator stories, and real industry conversations, this is a fun short episode you’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: 🌐 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/
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Toby Bowman (Director of C&N Plumbing Services) | Jimmy Talks Construction
May 501:10:44Tap to summarizeIn Episode 45 of Jimmy Talks Construction, James Starbuck sits down with Toby, Managing Director of C&N Plumbing Services, a South Australian commercial plumbing contractor celebrating 10 years in business.Toby shares his journey from apprentice plumber to commercial plumbing business owner, including the hard lessons learned through domestic plumbing, commercial projects, remote work, civil drainage, tendering mistakes, cash flow pressure and growing a team.This episode gets into the real issues construction business owners face every day — unpaid variations, “you’ll get paid when we get paid,” pipe shortages, labour challenges, culture, leadership, and the mental weight of being the person everyone looks to for answers.Jimmy and Toby also discuss why C&N Plumbing Services moved further into design and construct work, the problem with consultants and delayed approvals, and why lived experience matters more than theory when it comes to running a trade business.A must-listen for plumbers, builders, subcontractors, civil contractors, apprentices and anyone trying to grow a construction business in Australia.
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Melbourne Chippy Chick - Steph Apostolides (Founder of Trady Lady Hire) | Jimmy Talks Construction
Apr 2801:12:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, James Starbuck sits down with Steph Apostolides (Melbourne Chippy Chick) — carpenter, content creator, and founder of Trady Lady Hire.Steph shares her journey from working with her dad on-site to becoming one of the most recognised female tradies in Australia. The conversation dives into the realities of working in construction, the challenges women face on-site, and why initiatives like Trady Lady Hire are reshaping the industry.They also break down:The truth about trade school vs real on-site experienceWhy most “qualified” operators aren’t actually skilledThe rise of female tradies in AustraliaWorkplace culture, equality, and what actually needs to changeHiring issues in construction (and why honesty matters)The fuel crisis and its impact on contractorsBuilding a business and brand in the construction industrySteph also explains how Trady Lady Hire connects homeowners with qualified female tradies - solving a major gap in the market.If you’re in construction, thinking about getting into the trades, or running a business in the industry — this episode is packed with real, unfiltered insights.Be sure to leave a 5 star review!Connect with Stef:🌐 Website: www.tradieladyhire.com.au www.tradieladyclub.au 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melbournechippychick/ https://www.instagram.com/tradie.lady.club/ https://www.instagram.com/tradieladyhire/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melbournechippychick/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melbournechippychickConnect 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/
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