In this episode of the Starbuck Sargent Podcast, Jimmy and Herb break down one of the biggest challenges in construction: setting clear expectations and holding people accountable without killing morale.

They unpack real job-site stories to explain the difference between skill gaps, knowledge gaps, and attitude problems, why operators can “drive the machine” but still struggle on site, and how job-site tempo and rhythm impact productivity and culture.

The conversation also covers leadership lessons that stick for life, bonuses and profit-sharing, why company parties often miss the mark, and how good leaders correct problems without turning it into an arse-kicking exercise.

If you’re a contractor, operator, foreman, or construction business owner, this episode delivers practical, hard-earned insights from decades in the industry — no buzzwords, no hype.

📩 Send in questions: starbucksargent@gmail.com

In this episode of the Starbuck Sargent Podcast, Jimmy and Herb break down one of the hardest challenges in construction: scaling a business without blowing up cash flow, culture, or capability.

From moving 800 cubic metres a day as a one-man operator to watching production fall as teams, systems, and processes grow, Jimmy and Herb unpack the uncomfortable truths of scaling construction companies.

This episode dives deep into the real issues contractors face when growth accelerates:

Why scaling construction is nothing like scaling software

The hidden productivity drop that comes with adding people and layers

Cash flow, tax shocks, and why growth can bankrupt “successful” companies

Knowing when to say no to big clients — even when the work is there

Accountability, standards, and why culture breaks faster than systems

The difference between winning jobs and building a sustainable business

If you’re a contractor, plant owner, business owner, foreman, or anyone trying to grow beyond a small crew, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons from decades in construction — no buzzwords, no hype.

Send in questions to:

starbucksargent@gmail.com

What happens when your business grows faster than you ever planned?

In this episode, Jimmy and Herb break down the realities of rapid growth in construction and contracting — from cashflow pressure and leadership risk to accountability, culture, and surviving downturns. They share hard-earned lessons from scaling from one machine to multi-million-dollar operations, why cash is king, how poor standards quietly lower performance, and why defining what “success” actually looks like is critical at every level of a business.

This is a practical, honest conversation for business owners and leaders navigating growth, uncertainty, and the responsibility that comes with it.

Have a question you want answered on a future episode? Send it through to starbucksargent@gmail.com

In this episode of the Starbuck & Sargent Podcast, James and Herb discuss the different challenges they face, particularly weather, and working with different levels of contractors.

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In this episode of the Starbuck & Sargent Podcast, James and Herb dive into the modern world of construction branding — from tricking out machines with custom decals, lights, cameras and attachments, to understanding the real value behind social media sponsorships.

They break down what’s worth investing in, what’s just for show, and how construction companies can actually get ROI from influencers, creators, and digital branding in 2025. If you’ve ever wondered whether “making gear look good” actually pays off, this is your episode.

SEND IN QUESTIONS: starbucksargent@gmail.com

Episode One of the Starbuck Sargent Podcast brings Melbourne and Maine together for a raw, unfiltered look at the construction world.

James Starbuck (Starbuck Excavations, AUS) and Herb Sargent (Sargent Corporation, USA) kick off the series by sharing the lessons, leadership challenges, and industry stories that shaped their careers on opposite sides of the world.

From running crews to navigating risk, growth and the realities of modern civil construction, this episode sets the tone for a podcast built on honesty, experience, and straight talk.

SEND IN QUESTIONS: starbucksargent@gmail.com