Tradies In Business

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn’t your pricing, team, or strategy.. but your mindset? Nic chats with mindset coach Di Russell about the real reason many tradies feel stuck even when they’re doing all the “right” things. Di shares her personal story of rebuilding after loss, running a multi-state business, and the lessons she’s learned about se...

After four decades in the trade, Miles knows a thing or two about building a business that lasts. Nic chats with Miles about his journey from apprentice to owner of Astley Electrical , and the lessons learned along the way, from business partner breakups to leading a values-driven family team. They unpack the systems, culture, and mindset that make up “The Astley Way,” and why professi...

If you’ve ever felt like your brain’s a chaotic mix of too many ideas, unfinished tasks, and caffeine-fueled energy bursts, you’re not broken. You might just be wired differently. And that can be a massive advantage. Skye Waterson from Unconventional Organisation knows this first hand. Diagnosed with ADHD while completing her PhD, she’s since helped business owners across t...

Struggling to make sense of online marketing for your trade business? In this episode, Nic chats with Brandon Willington, from Where U , who breaks down his no-fluff approach to digital marketing using his 3Cs method—Clicks, Conversion, and Conversation. From setting up ads on Meta and Google to building landing pages that actually convert, Brandon shares practical tips for tradies who want...

Nic and Waz sadly see too many couples who are disconnected, join them as they explore how this happens and share their tips on finding your way back TWL038 re-run See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nic and Waz talk through how a job title can help your parnter begin to understand how much you do within your tradie wife role. TWL036 re-run See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running a niche trade business comes with its own set of challenges, and Dan Boscolo from Timeless Staircases knows this firsthand. From starting as an apprentice to leading his own stair-building business, Dan shares how he grew his business while staying true to his craft. He also shares how support from the TIB community helped him tackle cash flow issues and why keeping his passion for skatebo...

Leadership can be tricky for trade business owners trying to guide their teams. Nic chats with Dani Ferrier, founder of Lead Like a Legend , about how to tackle leadership and tough conversations in the workplace. With years of experience in hospitality and wilderness guiding across 8 countries, Dani brings a fresh take on communication and leadership as she explains why we often avoid difficult c...

We're introducing a new weekly episode where Nic will be joined by Waz to discuss the difference of opinions we all have in relationships!  TWL032 re-run See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just on 5 years a couple of chippy mates, Ed Ross and Dan Allen, have built a small empire in the workwear space. Perhaps more impressively, they've also set up and run their own mental health organisation that delivers free counselling and support to blue collar workers around the country. With more than $700,000 of free counselling services rolled out to over 4,000 tradies through their not-f...

This instalment of Real Tradie Guys is a cracker. Not only is our guest a Kiwi, a heavy diesel fitter, a West Australian and a TiB Tradiepreneur... he's also a competitive wood chopper! Ben started his business recently like so many other tradies, after deciding he wanted the freedom, flexibility and financial rewards of being self employed. Ben has done things different to many though and he shar...

Amii Jones epitomises many 'tradie wives'. She's incredibly humble about her role in her family and business and tends to understate how much she contributes to the smooth running of both. We had a fantastic chat to one of our rock star Drawing Board members about how she's managed to 'feel the fear and do it anyway', influence her husband to make positive change, overcome her self-doubt, harness...

Mar-kuh-ting... that's how Waz sounds it out anyway. While marketing is done to DEATH on just about every podcast known to man, Waz and Nic find a bloke who's got it down to just one page! Although he wrote a whole book on the subject, Allan Dib reckons the best marketing plan fits on a page. We think that's a good way to keep it simple and get it done. See if you agree! See omnystudio.com/listene...

Feedback is just information...right? Sometimes it's just not that easy. Waz and Nic give each other some feedback and discuss whether and when it's ok to give feedback to others. Oh, and how to (maybe) accept it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the year rushes toward its end, Waz & Nic chat about the power of timing and how it plays a key role in business and life. With the holiday season fast approaching, they share insights into why waiting for the “perfect moment” often leaves you further behind. Whether it’s team morale, client relationships, or your own wellbeing, they explore how doing nothing can lead to bigger challenges....

If you’ve ever thought about bringing an apprentice on board but felt a bit lost in the process, you're not alone. Jeff Cooke from Apprenticeship Support Australia is here to clear up the confusion and myths around hiring apprentices. He breaks down the process, addressing common concerns like the initial learning curve, wages, and legalities, and provides clarity on the evolving financial incenti...

Looking to buy a home but feeling blocked by strict bank requirements? Ryan Gair, founder of Rate Money , shares how his team helps self-employed tradies overcome the obstacles banks often set. Ryan reveals why traditional banks’ rigid loan requirements can be tough for people with variable incomes and explains how Rate Money’s tailoured lending solutions, like low doc loans, are designed to meet...

As the holiday season approaches, trade business owners face the challenge of avoiding the dreaded Christmas hangover. In part 2 of this Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic shares how to keep your marketing game strong amid the pre-Christmas rush. Discover the importance of staying connected with clients through emails and social media while others may go quiet. Plus, learn simple strategies to ke...

Christmas is around the corner, and with it comes the typical chaos that can catch trade business owners off guard. In this first part of the Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic share some practical tips to help you prepare for the rush and avoid common pitfalls, like cash flow gaps that hit hard in the new year. From handling last-minute jobs to creating a cash flow forecast that actually works,...

Ever faced issues because you didn’t have a written agreement with your clients? Alex Solo from Sprintlaw shares practical tips on securing your business structure, locking in key contracts, and protecting your brand name from the start. He talks about how clear, written contracts can save you from headaches down the line—whether it's dealing with non-paying clients or unfinished jobs. Alex encour...

How do you balance growing a trade business with family life and long-term goals? Rhys and Renee from Functional Air share their story of building a successful business while juggling the demands of parenting and personal aspirations. They talk about the importance of getting the right advice early, avoiding bad habits, and how hiring additional support transformed their work-life balance. Plus, t...

Can a business really grow too fast or too big? Waz and Nic take on the question of whether it’s possible to expand too fast or get too big for your own good. They challenge the common fears around growth, pointing out that the real issue usually lies in shaky systems and lack of preparation. They also share why it's important to set clear boundaries, stay aligned with personal goals, and avoid ta...

Running a trade business can feel chaotic, but it’s not always about needing more systems—it’s about improving the ones you’ve already got. Waz and Nic are breaking down how refining your existing processes can lead to more efficiency and less stress. From sales and operations to managing clients, they are sharing practical tips for streamlining your business without feeling overwhelmed. Whether y...

When it comes to hiring, focusing on leadership and soft skills can make a real difference in building well-rounded and effective teams. Do you agree? Leah Mether, a Communication & Soft Skills Specialist, joins Waz & Nic to chat about communication, leadership, and the importance of soft skills in today's workplace. Leah shares her insights on courageous communication, owning up to mistak...

Ever find yourself puzzled by why your profit doesn’t match your bank balance? Or wonder why there never seem to be enough hours in the day? Waz & Nic are answering the top three questions trade business owners ask the most. Plus they clear up the difference between profit and cash flow, share practical tips on managing your time, and discuss the common feeling of being on your own with busine...