Are you playing it safe in your business? Taylor challenges the conventional wisdom of saying "no" to opportunities that seem too big or too risky, revealing the game-winning mindset that separates stagnant businesses from those experiencing explosive growth.

Many entrepreneurs believe caution is key, carefully avoiding projects that stretch their capabilities. But what if that hesitation is the very thing keeping you from your next breakthrough? Taylor breaks down a real-life case study where he took on a commercial job his team was completely unprepared for. The lessons learned from that single decision to say "yes" transformed his company's trajectory and can reshape your approach to risk and opportunity. Don't miss the powerful insights on how to push your team, build unwavering client trust, and master the art of being a leader who drives action.

⛔ THE COMFORT ZONE TRAP [01:40]:

"I had a friend… he's like, ‘I wouldn't go. I don't need to go. I don't see the value in going.’"

This common mindset of seeing opportunity as an obligation is a trap. Learn why turning down new experiences and connections out of comfort is the biggest risk you can take for your career growth.

🔑 THE DELEGATION DILEMMA [13:32]:

"Most importantly, I need to understand how the business makes money before I can delegate and hand it off."

This is the critical mistake entrepreneurs make when trying to scale. Before you hand off the reins, discover the one thing you must master to avoid losing control and profitability, a lesson Taylor learned the hard way.

⚡ THE RESPONSE HACK [15:50]:

"You know how many times answering an email late at night actually sped up a process?"

Struggling with project delays caused by slow responses? Taylor shares a counter-intuitive communication hack that gets you to the top of the inbox and accelerates your project timeline by working outside of normal hours.

00:00 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: Discount Code & Details

01:15 - The Success Mindset

02:28 - Case Study: The "Too Big" Commercial Job

05:06 - The Power of 'Yes'

07:52 - Dealing with ‘Slowness’

10:01 - Pushing Your Team

13:19 - Learning Important Business Lessons

15:30 - Finding People Who Drive Growth

16:33 - Client Trust: The Key to Construction Management

19:38 - The Utility Expo

20:17 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Hype: Let's Connect in Vegas

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#BusinessMindset #Construction #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-30

Is the construction boom over? As the market tightens, new competitors are driving down prices, and cash flow is becoming a daily battle. For many owners, the strategies that created massive growth are now creating massive risk. But what if you could pivot your approach to not only protect your profits but also strengthen your company for the long term?

In this episode, Australian construction leader Jimmy Starbuck joins Taylor to pull back the curtain on the harsh realities of today's market. They reveal the critical mindset shifts and strategic pivots you must make in cash flow, team management, and personal leadership to navigate this downturn. This isn't just theory; it's a playbook forged from decades of experience scaling a company from one machine to an industry giant.

💸 THE HIDDEN CASH FLOW KILLER [23:20]:

"Why do some people not send their invoices? I had a...truck driver working for me for a month, he didn't invoice me once. We're calling him saying 'please invoice'...it's bad for us, too."

This is a critical lesson in cash flow liability. Letting invoicing slide doesn't just delay your pay; it creates a massive, unexpected financial hit that can cripple your business when it finally lands.

🧠 THE CONTRARIAN FINANCING STRATEGY [29:20]:

"I've gone over the years to the banks when I've been flying high and said, 'Listen, I need money.' And they're like, 'What do you need money for? You got plenty of money.' I'm like, 'Well, when I need it, you're not going to give it to me. So what can you give me now that I don't need?'"

This changes everything about how you should approach financing. Secure your lines of credit and capital when your business is strong, not when you're desperate. The bank wants to lend to winners.

🚀 THE 80% RULE FOR SCALING [46:44]:

"If I hire somebody and they can do my job 80% as good as I think that I can do it, I'm winning."

This is the single biggest mindset shift for an owner stuck in the operator trap. Letting go of perfection allows you to scale, focus on high-level strategy, and ultimately grow the business beyond what you could ever do alone.

00:00 - Introduction and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

02:07 - Schedule Workouts Like Meetings to Stay Consistent

05:04 - Turn Slowdowns Into Brand Building (Podcasting & LinkedIn)

10:41 - Rates, Policy & Housing Headwinds Impacting Demand

13:14 - Structure Teams Beyond Friends-and-Family With Clear Roles

18:56 - Build Scalable Systems for Growth and Downturns

21:48 - Cash Is King: Invoice Fast, Follow Up Faster

26:31 - Finance Smart: Match Debt, Depreciation & Revenue (Keep a Credit Cushion)

33:17 - Win on Authentic Personal Brand vs. Flashy Edits

38:55 - Navigating Content Fatigue and Standing Out Online

46:14 - Leadership, Delegation & Building Scalable Culture

55:04 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

• Website: https://starbuckgroup.com.au/
• 
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starbuckexcavation/
• 
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-starbuck-13336546/

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

Frustrated with the relentless demands of the construction industry eating into your family time? As a dad and business owner in the trades, Taylor today pulls back the curtain on the tough realities and incredible rewards of balancing a thriving career with intentional fatherhood.

Many parents in demanding industries face the challenge of unpredictable schedules and the heavy mental load of entrepreneurship, often feeling torn between career success and being a present parent. This episode reveals how rethinking your approach to work and family, viewing your children as reflections of your own drive, and prioritizing self-care can transform this struggle into a powerful synergy. Discover how to excel as both a business owner and a devoted father, building a legacy that truly matters.

🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🧠 THE "MIRROR EFFECT" OF PARENTING [2:31]:

Concerned about the example you're setting for your kids?

“Your kids are essentially a mirror. You know, everything's like a mirror."

Taylor reveals how children reflect the values and attitudes they observe, offering a powerful perspective on mindful parenting. Must-watch segment 👀

✨ THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN PROVIDER [14:54]:

Seeking powerful motivation for business and life?

“That would be my biggest motivator, being able to provide wealth for my family, number one overall.”

Discover how tapping into your desire to provide for your loved ones can become the ultimate driving force for your success and well-being. This changes everything about how you view your ambition.

⚡ RESILIENCE MEETS PERSPECTIVE [23:33]:

Looking for the ultimate mindset to conquer life's toughest challenges?

“Construction teaches resilience, but fatherhood gives you perspective."

Taylor shares the profound lesson that resilience from work combined with the perspective gained from fatherhood creates an unstoppable force for life and business. Game-changing insight 🎯

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Welcome & Episode Focus: Parenting in Construction

00:44 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Registration (Save 30% with PODCAST30)

01:28 - Why This Topic Now: Parenting Chaos & Pool Story

03:04 - Bring Your Kid to Work & Pass Down the Trade

04:07 - Long Hours & Mental Load in Construction

06:46 - Kids Are a Mirror: Model a Positive Work Mindset

09:31 - Be Present at Home: Set Phone Boundaries

11:03 - Big 4 Challenges: Time, Energy, Presence, Sacrifices

13:22 - Wins & Values: Pride in Providing + Blue-Collar Respect

18:28 - Schedule Non-Negotiable Family Time & Health Habits

23:31 - Resilience vs. Perspective: Construction & Fatherhood

25:08 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Reminder + Sponsor Shoutout

Thank you to our good friends over at John Deere Power Systems for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.deere.ca/en/engines-and-drivetrain/

https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-30

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026: conexpoconagg.com

CONEXPO-CON/AGG Newsletter: https://www.CONEXPOconagg.com/industry-news#sign-up

#ParentInConstruction #WorkLifeBalance...