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.
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: 🌐 Website: https://www.plotjoinery.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plotjoinery/?hl=en 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plotjoinery/?originalSubdomain=au 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plotjoinery/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@plotjoinery 🎙️Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitetostudio/?hl=en 🎙️ Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sitetostudiopodcast8482 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
Mathew Ryan from Ryan Developments joins Jimmy to explain how turning over approximately $3.5 million forced him to confront the difference between running a busy building company and running a profitable one. Mathew shares his journey from completing his carpentry apprenticeship in Whittlesea to building Ryan Developments into a specialist custom-home and knockdown-rebuild company operating across Melbourne. Jimmy and Matt discuss: Why high turnover does not guarantee profit The true hourly cost of employing a tradie Margin versus markup in construction Why underquoting is sending builders broke Losing a major project to a builder who quoted $200,000 less The risks of pricing your own labour below industry rates Difficult clients, unpaid claims and VCAT disputes Losing tens of thousands of dollars on completed work Why builders need to investigate their clients Finding a profitable niche in construction Why scaling a business is not always the right decision Creating a strong culture and looking after your employees Work ethic, apprentices and expectations on site Mathew also explains why challenging sites, steep blocks, custom homes and knockdown rebuilds became the right niche for Ryan Developments—and why knowing your numbers is just as important as being a skilled tradesman. This is an honest conversation about construction pricing, builder profitability, cash flow, leadership, employees and the realities of running a building business in Australia. Subscribe to Jimmy Talks Construction for more conversations with Australian builders, contractors, tradies and construction business owners. Connect with Mathew: 🌐 Website: https://www.ryandevelopments.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandevelopments/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ryandevelopments/ 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, James sits down with Michelle Cirson, founder of Subcontractor Legal and The Subbies’ Toolbox, to unpack the contractual and commercial traps costing Australian subcontractors millions. Michelle explains why retentions are often used to support builder cash flow, how Security of Payment legislation works, why being the “good bloke” can leave subcontractors exposed and when suspending work may be the only way to bring a builder to the negotiating table. They also discuss: • A formworker pressured into taking on three high-rise projects with one builder • How payment claims can be deliberately delayed or reduced • Why subcontractors need an accounts receivable escalation procedure • Protecting machinery and equipment through PPSR registrations • An excavator being withheld after a subcontractor entered liquidation • Directors’ guarantees, secured creditors and preference payments • Fixed-price contracts and rapidly increasing fuel costs • Variations, acceleration claims, delay costs and contractual time bars • Why relationships alone will not protect your construction business This is essential listening for subcontractors, civil contractors, trades, plant hire companies, commercial managers, contracts administrators and construction business owners. This podcast contains general information and discussion only and should not be treated as legal advice. How to Claim Costs Increases Under Fixed Price Contracts: https://www.subbiestoolbox.com.au/cost Connect with Michelle: 🌐 Website: https://www.subcontractorlegal.com.au/ 🌐 Website: https://www.subbiestoolbox.com.au/ 🎙️Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/68whpTaxxcmIDhWXNdXIu5 🎙️Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-subbies-toolbox-podcast/id1663062832 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecirson/ 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
Max Eagles, owner of X1 Plumbing, joins Jimmy Talks Construction to share how his first plumbing business failed—and what he changed before starting again. In this episode, Max and James discuss: The difference between being a good plumber and running a profitable plumbing business Quoting a $40,000 job when the next price was approximately $70,000 The apprentice mistake that flooded an entire basement Why verbal warnings were not enough during a Fair Work claim The risks of operating as a sole trader Calculating charge-out rates, overheads, efficiency and profit margins Whether taking lower-priced work is better than leaving employees at home Losing money on a job to protect an important client relationship Moving from residential maintenance into larger commercial plumbing work Rebuilding after failure and launching X1 Plumbing Hiring, leadership and maintaining company culture while growing Subscribe to Jimmy Talks Construction for honest conversations with the people building Australia’s construction industry. Connect with Max: 🌐 Website: https://www.x1plumb.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x1plumb/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/X1-Plumb-61568419870480/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/x1-plumb-pty-ltd/?originalSubdomain=au 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-eagles-5248822a8/ 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Andrew Deveson, co-founder and director of Kapitol Group, for one of the biggest conversations we’ve had on the podcast. Andrew shares the full story behind Kapitol Group’s rise — from starting with zero employees, zero revenue, and putting everything on the line, to building one of Australia’s most talked-about construction companies with 550 full-time staff and a projected $1.5 billion in turnover. This conversation goes deep into what actually separates high-performing construction businesses from the rest: customer obsession, losing tenders the right way, managing variations, fixing productivity, dealing with COVID and inflation, controlling waste, building better systems, using data properly, and why AI could completely change the future of construction. Andrew also breaks down the early days of Kapitol, their first $160,000 job, the discipline required to survive during the construction inflation period, why training became mandatory across the business, and why productivity may be the biggest challenge facing the entire industry. This is a must-watch for builders, subcontractors, construction business owners, project managers, engineers, developers, and anyone interested in how a construction company can scale fast without losing sight of quality, culture and execution. Connect with Andrew: 🌐 Website: https://www.kapitol.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kapitolconstruction/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kapitol-groupau/posts/?feedView=all 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-deveson-a76995147/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUJjjId5sDGMdo-h3jceq8g 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
In 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
In 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=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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
In 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
Jimmy 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.com Send 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/
In 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
In 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.com Send in Business Problems: jimmytalksconstruction@gmail.com
James 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-68658a17b 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/
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 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/
In 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.
In 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 experience Why most “qualified” operators aren’t actually skilled The rise of female tradies in Australia Workplace culture, equality, and what actually needs to change Hiring issues in construction (and why honesty matters) The fuel crisis and its impact on contractors Building a business and brand in the construction industry Steph 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/@melbournechippychick 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/
Jordan Chivers runs WL Chivers Plumbing - a 17-man Melbourne maintenance and emergency plumbing business that turns up in under an hour, 365 days a year. From a 14-year-old operating a Takeuchi TB108 to running one of Melbourne's go-to emergency plumbing outfits, Jordan has been on the tools since before he was out of Year 9. In this episode, Jimmy sits down with him - Managing Director of WL Chivers Plumbing - to talk about the reality of running a reactive, no-BS trade business: being raised by his old-school maintenance plumber dad Wayne, talking his way into an excavator at fourteen, digging sewers before he had a driver's licence, and how a handshake operation turned into a team doing 150–200 jobs a week for the RACV Emergency Home Assist program. It's a wide-ranging, operator-to-operator chat about the trade shortage, the fuel crisis, the PVC pipe shortage hitting the whole industry, and why the phone will always dictate the day. What we cover: • The trade shortage — how Melbourne went from graduating 1,000 plumbers a year to 200–300 • Why young tradies are choosing lollipop sticks on government infrastructure over apprenticeships • The fuel crisis, the PVC shortage, and the ripple effect through construction • Politicians, payroll tax, fuel excise and the Victorian business environment • Compliance, the "TikTok Inspector," and the new Building Plumbing Commission • Women in construction — pink trucks, pink excavators, and female managers • Why neither Jimmy nor Jordan has a written business plan • Showing up: the Australia Day call for a $1.5M job • Why AI will never install a toilet — and why trades are the most future-proof career going If you got something out of this one, drop a review — five stars, three thumbs up, whatever your platform lets you leave. It genuinely helps the show get in front of more tradies and operators. Subscribe for a new episode every week. Connect with Jordan: 🌐 Website: https://chiversplumbing.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chivers.plumbing/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plumbcast.au/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wlchiversplumbing/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chivers-51a71395/ 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 this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction , James Starbuck sits down with David “Alfie” Alford, Managing Director of DBA Haulage and one of the most experienced operators in Australia’s heavy haulage industry. Alfie shares the raw reality of building a business from scratch, losing everything early on, and fighting back through some of the toughest lessons in construction and transport. From running trucks at a young age to being buried under debt, dealing with liquidation, and working his way back into major heavy haulage projects — this episode dives deep into what it actually takes to survive in business. The conversation covers: The truth about business partnerships (and why they fail) Losing everything and rebuilding from zero Heavy haulage at scale (1000-ton modules, tunnel boring machines & major infrastructure) Working with family in construction Lessons from failure that most people never talk about Why “luck” in business is misunderstood Alfie also shares stories from some of Australia’s biggest projects, including work on major infrastructure jobs and extreme heavy transport operations. If you’re in construction, transport, or running a business — this episode is packed with real, unfiltered insight. Connect with Alfie: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbaheavyhaulage/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbahaulage/ 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/
Episode 41 of Jimmy Talks Construction features Illan Samuel, Managing Director of Samuel Property Group, breaking down the reality of property development in today’s market. From running multi-residential projects worth hundreds of millions to navigating rising costs, delays, and financing challenges, Illan shares what it actually takes to survive — and grow — in the development game. This episode dives into the real pressures developers face, including interest rates, construction escalation, red tape, and why time is the biggest cost in any project. The conversation covers: Why development is harder now than ever The reality of cost blowouts and delays How developers manage risk and cash flow The importance of hiring the right people Why most people shouldn’t become developers Lessons from scaling to $100M–$300M projects If you’re in construction, property, or business, this is a raw and honest look at how large-scale developments actually get done. Listen if you want real-world insights into: construction management, demolition, recycling, infrastructure projects, subcontractor relationships, and scaling a construction business. Connect with Illan: 🌐 Website: https://www.samuel.com.au/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuel.property/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illan_samuel/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuelproperty/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samuel-property-pty-ltd/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/illansamuel/ 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 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 transactional The biggest mistakes in construction management today How large-scale demolition projects are actually delivered The pressure of major infrastructure projects and unrealistic timelines Why businesses can grow fast but still underperform The real role of middle management in construction companies How collaboration between subcontractors can improve outcomes If 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=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/
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 projects The importance of cash flow and getting paid fast Why culture is everything when scaling a construction business The risks and rewards of backing yourself in business Lessons from hiring, firing, and working with friends and family Why delivering bad news quickly builds long-term trust The transition from on-the-tools to running a large operation How systems, training, and leadership drive sustainable growth This 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/
