Most construction business owners believe that doing quality work is the only marketing they need. The industry is shifting rapidly, and competitors now use digital tools to capture attention and market share before you even get a chance to bid. Marvin Joles explains why staying invisible is a risk you cannot afford to take in 2025.

You might worry that posting videos looks unprofessional or feels awkward to your peers. Silence and invisibility are far more dangerous to your long-term survival than a few early videos that lack polish. Marvin shares how he overcame the fear of judgment to build a brand that dominates his local market and secures his company's future.

Learn how visibility protects your business when Marvin reveals the harsh reality for contractors who refuse to adapt.

🔓 FEAR HACK [06:14]:

"My mentor told me, 'Keep them up there so you can see how far you've come.'"

See why your "cringy" early content is actually a valuable roadmap for your growth rather than a mistake to hide.

🤝 NETWORKING TRUTH [18:35]:

"We talk about work, the equipment and whatnot, maybe 20% of the time. But 80% of the time, we're talking about family."

Discover the real ROI of attending industry events like CONEXPO-CON/AGG and why relationships matter more than the equipment you buy.

⚔️ COMPETITIVE THREAT [29:54]:

"If you do not do this, a guy like me is going to come and pass you by."

Marvin explains why ignoring social media is no longer an option for generational businesses and how young talent can revitalize your marketing.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – CONEXPO 2026 Kickoff and Discount Code: PODCAST20

01:12 – Marvin’s Path From Asphalt Contractor to Media Voice

03:51 – How Social Content Built a Thriving Asphalt Community

04:05 – Creating Transparent, Trust-Building Contractor Content

07:36 – Embracing Cringe and Evolving as a Creator

10:38 – How In the Mix Strengthened His Brand and Business

14:26 – Tech, AI, and Automation Transforming Asphalt Workflows

17:28 – The Rise of Creator Culture in the Trades

18:07 – Why Networking at CONEXPO Outweighs Everything Else

21:39 – What First-Time CONEXPO Attendees Don’t Realize

24:59 – Using AI to Plan the Perfect CONEXPO Experience

29:26 – The One Thing Asphalt Contractors Must Stop Doing

33:08 – Marvin’s Final Advice on Connection, Mentorship, and Growth

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

🔗 CONNECT WITH MARVIN JOLES:

• Website and Social Media: https://marvinjoles.com/

• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/in-the-mix-with-marvin-joles/id1822864102

#InTheMix #SocialMediaMarketing #CONEXPO2026

Scaling a family business usually requires preserving tradition and maintaining the status quo. But in a high-stakes, low-trust economy, clinging to the old ways of handshake deals and unchecked hours can destroy a company rather than save it. Taylor White sits down with his father, David, to reveal the hard truths about modernizing a legacy construction firm into an eight-figure powerhouse.

The conversation gets raw as they revisit the friction of transitioning from a local operation to a modern enterprise. David explains why the era of doing business on a handshake is dead and shares the brutal reality of why he let Taylor reach a breaking point before stepping in to help.

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

📜 TRUST EVOLUTION [09:57]:

"I never had a signed contract up to like eight years ago... Your word was your word. Then it got to the point it was like, okay, your handshake is your... that's what seals the deal. But today, yeah, it's definitely different."

See why David finally agreed to rigid documentation to protect the company in a changing market.

🔥 NECESSARY FRICTION [25:01]:

"It's part of you being pushed to the limit that you step up, and it's like, ‘Okay, well, then show me what you can do”… If it was easy, that push wouldn't have happened."

David reveals why he allowed Taylor to struggle to the point of quitting, viewing it as an essential test of leadership rather than a failure of support.

🛑 THE FAMILY HIRING MANDATE [35:03]:

"Don't bring them into the business and think from day one they're going to be working for me... They’ve got to go work somewhere else first. By that time they'll know what it's like on the other side."

Watch as David breaks down the non-negotiable requirement for any family member joining the business.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 and Discount Code: PODCAST30

01:27 – Aggressive Leadership vs. Fear of Failure

03:51 – Generational Mindsets on Failure, Ego, and Risk

04:43 – Staying Profitable in a Recession Through Branding

06:03 – The One Lesson David Would Tell His Younger Self

07:02 – How Marketing Evolved From Yellow Pages to Social Media

08:54 – Why Documentation Protects Contractors Today

10:29 – Work Ethic Shifts: Old-School Grit vs. Modern Balance

15:50 – Scaling the Business Through Structure and Systems

17:54 – Navigating Conflict and Partnership in a Family Business

20:53 – The Hardest Moment Working Together and What It Taught Them

25:27 – How Family Values Shape Culture and Employee Support

27:30 – Blurred Lines Between Work and Family in a Family Business

30:34 – Defining Legacy in a Third-Generation Company

34:57 – Advice for Anyone Bringing Family Into Their Business

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

NEW at CONEXPO-CON/AGG! Hands-on maintenance training with industry-leading manufacturers, for those that want to:

✅ Reduce Downtime ✅Increase Equipment Reliability ✅Maximize ROI ✅Improve Efficiency

Learn more & register here, space is...

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...

Preparing for a massive trade show like CONEXPO-CON/AGG can feel like a monumental task. With millions of square feet and thousands of exhibitors, it's easy to get lost in the noise, but simply showing up without a plan is a surefire way to miss the game-changing connections and technologies that could redefine your business.

Today’s episode features a recent Customer Panel recorded at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Exhibitor Meeting in August, where a group of accomplished construction leaders - from seasoned veterans to first-time attendees - break down the exact strategies they use to turn their visit into a high-ROI investment. They also reveal how they plan their days, what tech they're looking for, and how they solve their biggest business challenges right at the show.

🚀 PRO SHOW BLUEPRINT [04:54]:

"The CONEXPO app, I've used that more and more as the show has grown to try to like map out my route... map out my day."

John McDonald shares the exact process for leveraging the show's app to filter exhibitors, plan your route, and maximize your time on the floor, ensuring you never miss a critical connection.

🧠 THE BUYER'S SECRET [12:22]:

"I'm not buying anything there. It's more education, research, kind of learning about the different products... What's the right fit for us?"

Amanda Kurt’s crucial insight for exhibitors: many attendees aren't there to make an instant purchase. Learn why focusing on education and helping buyers find the "right fit" for their specific scale is the key to long-term sales.

💡 EXHIBITOR GOLD [22:53]:

"I think for exhibitors it would benefit them... to obtain like influencers, someone that's going to kind of bring the idea that you have to life... we're in the age of social media, right?" -

Discover Ebony Jennings’ powerful strategy for creating buzz and driving traffic to your booth.

⚠️ FUTURE SHOCK [48:52]:

"The autonomous equipment that we are developing... are where we put entry-level operators. We are now displacing not the bottom rung on the ladder, but a gap in the middle."

Nic Parish offers a glimpse into the future of the construction workforce, highlighting the unintended consequences of automation.

00:00 - CONEXPO 2026 Launch & PODCAST40 Discount

00:31 - Panel Introduction & Industry Backgrounds

04:16 - How to Plan the Show With the App & Pre-Booking

06:18 - Education-First Strategy & Networking Insights

08:27 - Industry Challenges

09:45 - Sustainability & Equipment Life-Cycle Tradeoffs

11:24 - Reviews, Serviceability & Right-Fit Tech

13:16 - Practical Sustainability

18:23 - Brand Engagement

27:57 - Technology Trends

31:56 - Booth Engagement & Follow-Up That Actually Works

40:00 - Barter, Hashtags & Storytelling

42:04 - Show Planning Balance

46:45 - Future Outlook

🔗 CONNECT WITH OUR PANEL:

• Ebony Jennings - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-jennings-b11042142/
• Amanda Kurt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kurt/
• John McDonald II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcdonald-ii-003624102/
• Nic Parish -

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a multi-seven-figure construction company from the ground up? Many who dream of launching their own business encounter a landscape filled with immense risk, financial pressure, and operational chaos. The path from skilled operator to successful owner is rarely a straight line.

But what if you could learn the unfiltered truth from someone who navigated that exact journey in just three years? In this episode, Dylan Mercier of D2 Contracting returns to pull back the curtain on his rapid rise, revealing the critical mindset shifts and strategic decisions that fueled his growth. He shares the hard-won lessons on managing high-risk projects, the art of saying "no" to the wrong jobs, and the humble realization that sustainable success is about more than just aggressive expansion. This is a masterclass in grit and strategy, packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to not just survive, but thrive in the competitive construction world.

🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

⚠️ THE GROWTH TRAP AVOIDED [06:25]:

"I'm glad I didn't get some of those bigger jobs because I would have screwed up royally."

The biggest fear for any new owner is growing too fast and crashing. Hear Dylan explain why turning down seemingly great opportunities was crucial for his long-term survival and how to identify the risks that can sink your business before it's too late.

✨ FLEET SCALING UNLOCKED [13:13]:

"That's kind of when I make that decision to pull the plug... I call whoever we're getting the piece of equipment from and I'm like, 'Hey, send this out. We're going to have it till November. I want it on an RPO.'"

Scaling your fleet without crippling debt is the ultimate desire. Dylan reveals his exact strategy for using Rental Purchase Options (RPOs) and negotiating with dealers to acquire the machinery he needs.

⚡ AUTHENTICITY OVER ALGORITHMS [25:08]:

"You have to include personality... Something people can actually relate to. That same kind of stuff happens on their job sites, just nobody gets it on video."

Tired of your social media posts falling flat? Dylan shares the practical shift from generic drone shots to showcasing authentic company culture and personality - the key to attracting top talent and building a brand that stands out in a crowded market.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Registration and Event Preview

00:50 - D2 Contracting’s Growth and Lessons from Three Years in Business

03:48 - Balancing High-Risk Projects, Pricing Strategy, and Saying ‘No’

08:27 - Staying Focused by Blocking Out Industry Noise

10:22 - Equipment Strategy: Renting, Buying, and RPO Deals

16:49 - Motivation, Leadership, and Defining the Owner’s Role

22:16 - Hiring a CFO and Strengthening the Business Structure

24:01 - Trends and Opportunities in Construction Social Media

27:46 - Social Media’s Impact on Hiring vs. Client Acquisition

31:55 - Solidifying Client Relationships and Controlled Growth Plans

35:07 - Networking and Community at CONEXPO-CON/AGG

🔗 CONNECT WITH DYLAN MERCIER:

• D2 Contracting: https://digd2.com/
• Dylan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanmercier69

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:

What is a lineman's life really like during a storm? While the 7,200 volts are dangerous, the greatest threat is far more surprising. 21-year veteran power line technician Aaron LeBlanc (from the YouTube channel Bobsdecline) pulls back the curtain on this high-stakes trade, revealing why public perception of storm recovery is often wrong.

Ever wonder if the most lethal danger isn't the electricity, but something far more common? Aaron shares the chilling truth about the #1 threat linemen face - a hazard that has tragically caused fatalities. This episode is a crucial look into the unseen challenges, intense brotherhood, and life-saving knowledge of one of the world's most demanding professions.

STORM CHAOS VS. PUBLIC PERCEPTION [10:26]:

"The public sees us roll in... They're like, 'Oh good, the power company's here. We're gonna get our power back soon.' But we could have hundreds of similar calls... We're just there to make sure everybody's safe."

Get a rare look into the real priorities during a storm. Aaron explains why crews often secure a hazard and leave, a procedural necessity that the public often mistakes for inefficiency.

A LINEMAN'S #1 FEAR [16:03]:

"One of the things that scares me the most is actually traffic... There's been some very, very serious incidents. There's been a few losses of life within the last few years related to traffic."

This is a must-watch segment. Aaron exposes why the most unpredictable and lethal threat to a lineman isn't a high-voltage line, but distracted or impatient drivers near a worksite.

CAREER CROSSROADS: MONEY VS. LIFESTYLE [26:02]:

"If you're a guy that wants to start a family or you like consistency... municipality is the way to go... If you're young and you want to work on the road, contracting work, I highly recommend it. You'll learn a lot."

Considering a career as a lineman? Aaron breaks down the crucial decision between municipal and contractor work, helping you choose the path that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.

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

00:31 - Aaron LeBlanc's Introduction

01:31 - Becoming a Power Line Technician

04:17 - A Day in the ‘Trouble Truck’

09:52 - The Unseen Reality of Storm Work

12:36 - Understanding Step Potential

15:03 - The Unseen #1 Danger for Linemen

18:43 - The Brotherhood of the Lineman Trade

22:10 - How to Get into the Lineman Trade

25:34 - Municipal vs. Private Sector Lineman Work

28:36 - Underrated vs. Overrated: Lineman Edition

30:56 - The Utility Expo

35:29 - The ‘Bobdecline’ Name Origin Story

38:11 - Aaron’s Discount Code for The Utility Expo

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bobsdecline
• 
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobsdecline
• 
  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobsdecline/
• The Utility Expo: