The ToolShed Podcast

Even experienced builders can lose big when they step into property development without the right strategy. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Chandler as we talk about the financial traps, mindset gaps, and planning mistakes that catch so many builders off guard. If you've ever thought about developing your own projects or scaling beyond construction, this is a must-listen. What You'll Learn:...

Most builders think scaling means more jobs, more blokes, more stress. But what if there was a better way? In this episode, I chat with Richard Armstrong from Procalc about a smarter growth strategy—scaling your profit margin, not your workload. We dig into: – Why more jobs ≠ more profit – How to raise your prices without losing quality clients – The power of delivering a great experience—not just...

Builder coaching isn't all systems and success stories, this is the real deal. In this honest conversation, builder Matthew Auld shares how he lost over $100K on a project, battled burnout, and nearly quit his business. We talk through the mindset shifts, hard-earned lessons, and the game-changing value of being surrounded by a community that truly gets it. If you're a residential builder feeling...

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I spoke with Steph Apostolidis—better known as the Melbourne Chippy Chick—about her journey into the trades and how she's reshaping the culture for women in construction across Australia. Steph shares the origin of the Tradie Lady Club, a growing community supporting female tradies through connection, events, and mentorship. From tackling isolation on job s...

I interviewed Nick Daffy from Styck Construction Software to discuss how builders can boost their business profits by streamlining project management and finances. We covered tools that prevent cost overruns, simplify subcontractor management, and improve budget tracking. Discover essential features and integrations like Xero that can transform your construction business and increase efficiency. E...

If you're a builder or tradie struggling to get consistent, high-quality leads, you're not alone—and you're probably focusing on the wrong problem. In this episode of The ToolShed , I sit down with Matt Jones from The Site Shed to reveal the one change that can dramatically increase your leads without spending more on ads or chasing clients. We break down: • The #1 marketing mistake tradies make •...

Cash flow problems, tax headaches, and surprise expenses—sound familiar? Most builders struggle with managing their finances, but the right accountant can literally save your business. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with Bryn Harwood from Tradies Accountant to discuss why builders NEED a specialist accountant who understands the industry inside and out. What You'll Learn in Th...

Most builders know they need systems, but why do so many struggle to implement them? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with James Hickey of JHC Consulting to uncover the biggest roadblocks that keep builders stuck—and the proven strategies to fix them. If you're overwhelmed with admin, struggling with cash flow, or feel like your business is running you instead of the other way a...

The construction industry is undergoing a major cultural shift, and it's time to talk about it. In this episode, Angela Hucker shares how bullying, harassment, and outdated workplace behaviors are being addressed and what builders can do to create safer, stronger teams. 🔹 What You'll Learn: ✔️ How construction culture is evolving ✔️ Why toxic workplace norms are costing businesses ✔️ The role of...

Hiring the right people can make or break your building business—but why is it so hard to find good talent? In this episode, I talk with Martin Preece from Building Environs, a specialist in construction recruitment, about the biggest mistakes builders make when hiring. We explore: ✔️ Why builders struggle to hire the right people ✔️ How to position your business to attract top talent ✔️ The diffe...

Running a building business is tough, but community is the game-changer you need. In this episode, I chat with Colleen Sinclair from Building Connections about the power of networking to tackle stress, staffing, and business growth. Key Topics:  The biggest struggles builders face  Why community matters Mental health in construction Follow & Share! If you're a builder, contractor, or business owne...

Repetitive mistakes are draining time, energy, and profits from builders and trades businesses. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I talk to Luke Canham from Multiply Me about how video training and AI-powered automation can transform how businesses communicate, train teams, and eliminate recurring mistakes. You'll learn: • The real cost of repetitive mistakes and how they impact your bottom...

Most tradies don't realize their workwear is holding them back. Every day, thousands of builders and tradies wear gear that does nothing to support their energy, focus, or well-being—and it's costing them more than they think. In this episode, Duncan St. Baker from Anthem Workwear joins me to discuss how the right workwear can boost performance, improve mindset, and help tradies feel stronger, sha...

Tired of spending hours on quotes and still missing the mark? In this episode of The Toolshed, I chat with Jacob Campbell from Campbell's Estimating Services about how smarter estimating and systems can save time, increase profits, and eliminate pricing mistakes. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why most builders lose time and money on estimates ✅ How outsourcing estimating boosts accuracy and efficiency ✅...

  Tired of wasting time and money on the wrong hires? You're not alone. In this no-nonsense episode of The Toolshed Podcast, Mick Hawes and hiring expert Fletcher Wimbush tackle the aggravating reality of bad hires and share the exact steps to avoid them. Discover why most builders get hiring wrong, how to clarify roles, and why tools like DISC are game-changers for finding the right people. If yo...

Tired of drowning in paperwork, chasing defects, and managing site chaos? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I chat with Matt Perrott, founder of BuildPass, to reveal how AI-powered tools are revolutionizing construction site management. Learn how to automate defect tracking, simplify safety compliance, and save valuable hours every week. Discover why builders are turning to BuildPass to str...

It's not your business—it's you. Feeling stuck in your business? In this episode of The ToolShed, I talk with hypnotherapy expert Karim Bokhtor about how subconscious patterns shape your decisions and results. Discover how the Bokhtor Method helps business owners overcome internal blocks, gain clarity, and transform both life and business. 🎙️ What you'll learn: • Why self-awareness is the key to b...

Women in trades face significant challenges—lack of hygiene facilities, unequal treatment, and being overlooked in a male-dominated industry. Why are these basic issues still unresolved? In this episode of The ToolShed, I sat down with Logan and Jazz, founders of The Go Company, who are leading the charge to address these problems. From creating innovative hygiene solutions like the Go Bag to fost...

"Burnout doesn't announce itself—it sneaks in quietly and takes a toll on your body, mind, and business." In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, we dive into the all-too-common challenges of burnout, stress, and exhaustion that builders and tradies face daily. I sat down with Luke Shipley, the creator of Boost Fuel for Tradies, to uncover practical strategies that can transform your energy and r...

Overwhelmed by constant admin and missed follow-ups? Let's fix that. In this episode, I sat with CRM expert Elena Korolkova from Kik Consulting to tackle the top frustrations builders face: scattered project details, endless client questions, and lack of time. They discuss how using a CRM tool like monday.com can simplify your workflow, automate tasks, and keep you organized so you can deliver on...

"Running a business together can either build you up or break you down—it's all in how you handle it." - Verity Hare Feeling the strain of balancing family and business? Mick sits down with Verity Hare, founder of Tradie Wives, who turned her frustrations with co-running a trades business into actionable solutions for thousands of partners. Verity shares practical strategies to reduce stress, set...

"Eight men take their lives every day in Australia. It's time to break the silence." Many men in high-stress fields like construction are silently battling mental health struggles, feeling the pressure to "tough it out." In this episode of The ToolShed, Geraldine from Alchemy of Men joins us to confront this issue. We dig into why men hesitate to seek support and explore practical tools to reduce...

"Your biggest bottleneck is you. Let a VA take tasks off your plate so you can focus on growth." Overwhelmed by tasks? In this episode of The Toolshed, Mick Hawes talks with Devang Parikh from 24-7 Direct about how Virtual Assistants (VAs) can help builders delegate, save time, and boost efficiency. Learn how outsourcing can improve your systems and client experience, allowing you to focus on grow...

Are you constantly finishing projects only to find out you've lost money? Builders often struggle with tracking costs mid-project, leading to profit loss and financial stress. In this episode of The ToolShed, Liam Cook, co-founder of JackApp, shares how their software helps builders fix this problem. With real-time cash flow forecasting, variation tracking, and budget management, Jack puts you bac...

"You don't need fancy equipment. Start simple, be authentic, and the results will come." – Gideon In this episode of The Toolshed, I chat with video expert Gideon about simplifying video marketing for builders. They discuss avoiding common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating your gear and focusing on perfection, and instead highlight the importance of keeping things simple and authentic. Gideon als...