Lifting The Line

In this episode of Lifting the Line, Andy Shaw sits down with Toby Loft, CEO and co-founder of BuiltGrid, to talk about how technology is reshaping the way builders and bricklaying businesses find each other, price work, and manage projects. Toby founded BuiltGrid in 2020 with a clear vision. To create the first connected procurement network that links builders and their suppliers in one integrate...

In Episode 19 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Ross George, Managing Director and Mechanical Engineer at Austeng, to explore innovation in engineering and why collaboration between engineers and trades is critical to better project outcomes. Ross shares how practical design, leadership and real-world thinking have shaped Austeng into a leader in engineering solutions.

In this episode of Lifting the Line, Andy Shaw, founder of Brickies Network and the Bricklayers Association Australia, explains why the National Bricklayers Summit is being held in every capital city this February and why the future of the bricklaying trade depends on it. With the average age of bricklayers now close to 50 and workforce numbers having fallen by almost a third over the past 30 year...

In Episode 17 of Lifting the Line, Andy sits down with Andrew Crossin, owner of Crossin Bricklaying, to unpack his journey from apprentice to business owner and industry leader. Over 12+ years, Andrew has built Tasmania’s largest and most respected bricklaying business, setting the standard for quality, leadership and professionalism.

In Episode 16 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Keith Fagg OAM, long-time hardware retailer, community leader and former Mayor of Geelong. As part of the family behind Fagg’s Mitre 10, one of Australia’s longest-running hardware businesses, Keith shares how the construction hardware sector has dramatically evolved and what it takes to lead a multi-site regional business through cons...

In Episode 15 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Rebecca Hall, founder of Nine Dots Build Advocates, an independent client advocacy service helping home buyers and investors navigate the building process with confidence. Rebecca explains how building advocates bridge the communication gap between clients and builders, reduce risk and simplify the complex world of residential construc...

In Episode 14 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Ray Bedson, Director of RBSM Safety Management and a recognised OH&S expert across healthcare, manufacturing, mining and construction. Ray breaks down not only the obvious physical hazards on construction sites, but also the unseen and emerging risks — including respirable crystalline silica and the rapidly growing focus on psychos...

In Episode 13 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Richard Crane, former auctioneer, long-time real-estate agent, and now the founder of Estatier — a specialist service supporting families, executors and legal representatives in managing and finalising deceased estates. Richard brings decades of industry experience and deep insight into the emotional, legal and practical challenges of...

In Episode 12 of Lifting the Line, Elly and Andy sit down with Marc Magee, Managing Director and owner of MKM Bricklaying in Bendigo. With more than a decade in business and a team of six, Marc delivers high quality residential and commercial bricklaying across Bendigo and the Goldfields region. Marc shares his journey from migrating from Ireland to establishing himself in Australia, learning his...

Andy talks with Elly about the struggles and challenges within the residential bricklaying industry and his recent trip to Canberra, and his meeting with the Minister for Employment Workplace Relations. www.brickiesnetwork.com.au

A great discussion with Maree, helping us get our headsaround hiring and contracts. The Director of Harvest Talent Recruitment and People Solutions. She founded the company in 2009 when she returned to Geelong after 20 years abroad as she was keen to showcase best practice in recruitment locally and provide a complete HR offering to the region’s employers. https://www.harvesthr.com.au/ Connect wit...

Woon is an expert shares unmissable advice on how to negotiate under pressure. Pressure can either break people—or it can forge them into stronger and more capable leaders. Spending half his career navigating high-stakes situations, first as a hostage negotiator and now coaching executives, teams, and corporate athletes who operate in their own high-pressure environments. His advice is relevant to...

If you didn’t know, negative mindsets can steal your ability to see opportunities. Dr Simone Boer, author and a high-performance personal coach who helps professionals and business owners stop playing small and start achieving extraordinary results in their business and their life. On this episode, Simone shares about her award-winning book and illustrates the power of  mindsets and how they makea...

Leah Grant is a street artist, potter and educator-based Geelong, Victoria. Her work is bright, colourful and uplifting. She explores the textures and colours of various mediums, focusing most recently with aerosol and ceramics. Her approach is energetic yet emanates a peaceful, reflective mood. Connect with Leah: Leah Grant | Adelaide Street Artist www.instagram.com/leah.grant

Neo Intelligence The founder and CEO of Neo Intelligence isDaniel Ouliaris. He established the company with the goal of addressing industry challenges faced by construction businesses and empowering subcontractors. Neo Intelligence is a software company that helps construction businesses improve their operations and efficiency. https://neointelligence.com.au/ Connect with Daniel: linkedin.com/in/d...

If you don’t know Cathy, you need to. She’s an absolute powerhouse in the building and construction industry and it is an absolute pleasure to have her partnership for Brickies Network and Lifting the Line. Cathy Inglis AM is the Group CEO of Think Brick, she is also CEO for the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia and the Australian Roofing Tile Association. Cathy's experience has focused on...

Sean Parnell shares the challenges that come with running a business, acknowledging that setbacks are inevitable. However, he emphasizes the importance of resilience and always keeping an eye out for the next opportunity. Now a co-owner of The Shed Company, Sean’s strong business acumen has been a key driver of his success. His focus on problem-solving—rather than being overwhelmed by obstacles—de...

As the MD of The Global Marketing Group and CEO/Founder of Flintt, Anna Osherov dedicated her career to empowering visionary leaders to create a lasting impact—one successful event at a time. Hearty advice on marketing your business and getting your signature strengths recognised. Connect with Anna: https://theglobalbusiness.group/ linkedin.com/in/annaosherov www.instagram.com/theglobalbusiness.gr...

Andy tells his story! With over 35 years of experience in the construction industry—starting as an apprentice, working as a bricklayer, and eventually founding and growing my own business—I successfully ran and expanded my company for 15 years, achieving a net profit margin of over 20% year on year. This success afforded me the flexibility to retire early and pursue other roles within the construc...

Elly sees the challenges young people have with the options available to them. On this episode Elly, talks about the University vs Trade school route. She highlights the research from the Australian Industry (Ai) Group by touching on university vs trade school and the process of thinking through how to make decisions and select a career path that suits the aim that young people have.   Connect wit...