CONEXPO – CON/AGG Podcast: Construction Business Insights For Contractors

CONEXPO-CON/AGG
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Perspectives from construction business owners, heavy construction equipment experts and construction technology providers.

  1. Matt Stanley Reveals Family Business Secrets

    JAN 12

    Matt Stanley Reveals Family Business Secrets

    Raised on Blacktop’s Matt Stanley returns to explain how a family paving business actually runs. Most people think a large fleet means the owner is comfortable, but the truth is that the work feels fragile when you are in the trenches every day, and you have to ‘keep the main thing the main thing’ to stay profitable. Matt reveals how to grow a public brand without losing touch with the job site. Explaining that you need to master the balance between field leadership and scaling systems, Matt reveals how to earn respect on the job while stepping back to let the company grow. He also talks about the mental toll of content creation and why he dropped his brand manager. Get ready for a very real conversation about the hard truth behind the highlight reels. 🎯KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: 📈 THE EXPANSION COST [05:50]: “For a paving company, the end-all be-all is like paving highways and airports… and the deeper we get into these city contracts and state work… you kind of see like, ‘Oh, this is why my dad kind of shied away from this stuff’…the paperwork…the restrictions and everything.” Every contractor wants to move into the biggest projects. But those contracts come with heavy restrictions and night work. Matt discusses how to pick a path that protects your family life. 🧠 THE HANDS-OFF METHOD [13:24]: "I see employees doing things sometimes where it's like, I would have done that differently. And now I'm like, ‘Don't say anything. Just let them do it.’ It's not like it's not coming out right. It’s still good. But you can't micromanage.” You cannot scale a company if you control every move. You must trust your operators to solve problems their own way. This shift is the only way to build a company that survives without you. 🛡️ THE REPUTATION TRAP [23:03]: "When we work outside of our regular radius, it's like, you know, you’ve got a target on your back going out.” The public eye adds a heavy layer of stress to every project. People are often just waiting for a mistake. Watch this part to learn how to manage the pressure when the world is watching your work. 00:00 - CONEXPO 2026 and PODCAST20 01:21 - The Fragility of Growth 03:38 - Scaling a Family Paving Business 05:31 - Finding the Right Company Size 08:17 - Hiring vs Retaining Crews 09:24 - Leading From the Jobsite 12:48 - Letting Go of Micromanagement 14:33 - Respect vs Likeability 17:53 - Creating Raised on Blacktop 21:14 - Managing Public Pressure 30:06 - Ops Before Social Media 35:06 - Redefining Success and Burnout Hear more from Matt Stanley at the Building a Construction Brand Online: Tips from Top Content Creators education session at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 🔗 CONNECT WITH MATT: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-stanley-738295183/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedonblacktop/Website: a href="https://raisedonblacktop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    40 min
  2. Building A Social Media Empire From Asphalt with Marvin Joles

    12/15/2025

    Building A Social Media Empire From Asphalt with Marvin Joles

    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 a href="https://www.conexpoconagg.com/attend-the-show/registration-and-pricing?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-20" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    35 min
  3. Family Values Built This Company with David White

    11/24/2025

    Family Values Built This Company with David White

    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...

    34 min
  4. Taylor's Leadership Mindset for Explosive Growth

    10/20/2025

    Taylor's Leadership Mindset for Explosive Growth

    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. KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:⛔ 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. CHAPTERS: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

    22 min
  5. Jimmy Starbuck's Playbook for Market Shifts

    10/06/2025

    Jimmy Starbuck's Playbook for Market Shifts

    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. 🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:💸 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. CHAPTERS: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 🔗 CONNECT WITH JIMMY STARBUCK: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/ a...

    55 min
  6. Taylor's Construction Parent Life Hacks

    09/22/2025

    Taylor's Construction Parent Life Hacks

    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...

    25 min
  7. CONEXPO-CON/AGG: A First Timer's Guide To Success

    09/08/2025

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG: A First Timer's Guide To Success

    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. 🎯 KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:🚀 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. CHAPTERS: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 - a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicparish/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    48 min
  8. D2 Contracting's Growth Secrets Revealed with Dylan Mercier

    08/25/2025

    D2 Contracting's Growth Secrets Revealed with Dylan Mercier

    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: a href="http://conexpoconagg.com"...

    36 min
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Perspectives from construction business owners, heavy construction equipment experts and construction technology providers.

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