Episode Details

In Episode 38 of Jimmy Talks Construction, Jimmy sits down with Shane Coleman, founder of Coleman Earth Industries and a former top-tier mining excavator operator.

Shane shares his journey growing up in North Queensland, learning to operate machinery from a young age, and eventually working his way through Australia’s mining industry operating some of the largest excavators in the world.

The conversation dives deep into the mindset required to become an elite digger operator, the importance of work ethic on mine sites, and how performance and reputation follow you throughout the industry.

Shane explains how he walked away from a high-paying mining job to start his own excavation business, buying a 30-ton excavator and beginning the difficult process of finding work from scratch. From cold messaging companies on LinkedIn to door knocking civil contractors, he shares the realities of starting an earthmoving business with no guaranteed work.

Jimmy and Shane also discuss:

• What separates elite operators from average ones
• The techniques used to maximise production on large mining excavators
• Why work ethic is the most valuable currency in the industry
• The transition from employee to business owner
• The realities of building a reputation in construction and civil contracting
• Why some operators move over 100,000 tonnes in a single shift

This episode is packed with insights for anyone working in mining, civil construction, or looking to start their own earthmoving business.

Connect with Shane:

🌐 Website: https://colemanearth.com.au/

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

💼 LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/shane-coleman-376219103

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/