In this episode of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Jeremy Trengove, founder of Dirt Cartel, to unpack what it actually looks like to go out on your own in earthmoving — when you buy a machine first and worry about work later.

Jeremy shares the real story behind buying a 36-ton excavator with no confirmed contracts, having a major job pulled at the last minute, and making thousands of phone calls just to keep the machine working. From mining to civil, wet hire vs dry hire, equipment finance panic, and the brutal learning curve of hiring your first operator — nothing is sugar-coated.

This episode dives into the realities most operators don’t talk about:

• Buying big gear before you’re “ready” — and the debt pressure that comes with it
• Losing work after contracts get undercut by bigger players
• The mental stress of repayments when the phone stops ringing
• Why versatility (wet hire, dry hire, regional work) keeps small operators alive
• Mining vs civil: freedom, lifestyle, and why Jeremy walked away
• The truth about Chinese machines vs Tier 1 brands (and what actually matters)
• Why effort, attitude, and adaptability matter more than machine colour
• Hiring operators, site politics, and how one bad fit can lose you a job

If you’re an excavator owner-operator, earthmoving contractor, civil operator, mining operator thinking about going solo, or anyone considering buying machinery, this episode is a must-watch. It’s an honest look at risk, resilience, and backing yourself when there’s no safety net.

If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. These conversations only happen because operators are willing to speak honestly about the hard parts of the job.

Connect with Jeremy:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedirtcartel/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.trengove/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-trengove-99ba10318/

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/

Buy CONEXPO 2026 Tickets NOW, and don’t miss my small business workshop on the Friday!

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