In this episode of The ToolShed, I chat with builders Luke Davies and Kyle Zanetto about overcoming burnout and the power of community. They share their personal journeys, common mistakes builders make, and how shifting their mindset transformed their businesses. We also discuss Future Builder, a platform they co-created to help other builders succeed. Key Takeaways: Breaking Builder Burnout: Luke and Kyle share how they overcame burnout by changing their mindset and delegating...

Get ready for an insightful conversation with negotiation expert Nicole Davidson! In this upcoming episode, we’ll be diving into how builders can strengthen client relationships and avoid costly disputes through effective negotiation. 🛠️ If you’ve ever faced challenges with miscommunication, team conflicts, or tricky client situations, this episode is for you. Nicole shares practical strategies for setting clear expectations, addressing problems early, and using negotiation as a powerful...

In this episode of The Toolshed Podcast, I sit down with Richard Armstrong from ProCalc for a deep dive into how professionalism can make or break a building business. They discuss actionable strategies that builders can implement to elevate their reputation, build trust with clients, and stand out in the competitive construction industry. From the small details that matter most to clients to the importance of clear communication, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you...

In this episode of The ToolShed, I sat with the experts from Aspire Projects, Jordan and Scott, about how builders can truly unlock the full potential of Buildertrend. With so many builders using only a fraction of their software's capabilities, Aspire Projects specializes in helping residential builders implement Buildertrend efficiently to streamline their operations, boost profitability, and save time. If you’ve been paying for Buildertrend but haven’t had the time or knowledge to fully...

Hey folks, welcome back to The Toolshed! In this episode, I’m excited to sit down with Mel Davis, the Chief Operating Officer of Empowering Women in Trades. We’re diving deep into how women are breaking down barriers in the building industry, and it’s not just talk—we’re talking real, tangible change. Mel shares her incredible journey, the challenges women face in the trades, and how a little kindness and a lot of determination can truly transform the industry. We also explore the power of...

In this episode of The Toolshed, Mick Hawes sits down with Erik Cofield of BuilderChain to explore how AI is transforming the construction industry. Erik shares his journey from building his first house for a dog to becoming a leader in AI solutions for builders. They discuss how AI can help reclaim time, increase profitability, and streamline operations for builders. Erik also shares valuable lessons learned from his fascination with Viking history and how they apply to today’s business...

In this episode of The Toolshed, we’re unpacking one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of running a construction business—marketing. Many builders experience feast-or-famine cycles, and it all comes down to how well you’re marketing your business. If you’ve ever found yourself with too much work or, even worse, none at all, this episode is for you. We’re tackling how to keep the projects flowing, avoid costly marketing mistakes, and build a steady stream of quality leads....

Hey folks, welcome back to The Toolshed! Today, we’re diving into something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough in the building industry—mental health. If you’ve been in the game long enough, you know it’s not just about physical endurance; the mental toll is just as demanding. And that’s why I’m sitting down with Bill Carson from Inspire Learning to talk about mental health first aid and why it’s so crucial for builders. Bill’s story is remarkable. He’s faced personal challenges...

In this episode of The Toolshed podcast, I sit with Ahmed Yusuf from Wunderbuild to explore how client feedback is shaping the future of builders' software. Discover how Wunderbuild’s client-first approach has helped solve critical challenges in the construction industry, from project management to financial integrations. Ahmed shares insider stories about the evolution of Wunderbuild, offering a rare look at how listening to builders has driven innovation and success. Get ready to dive into...

Unlock the key to better client relationships and smoother projects by closing the communication gap in your building business! In this episode of The ToolShed, we dive into one of the biggest challenges facing builders today—communication. Whether you’re running a small residential building business or managing larger projects, poor communication can lead to unnecessary costs, delays, and frustration. That's why I’m sitting down with Ron Nussbaum, the CEO of Builder Comms, to uncover the...

How to strengthen client relationships and lead effectively in your building business. In this episode, I sit down with Angela Heise for an enlightening conversation on how mastering the art of intentional listening can revolutionize leadership in the residential building and construction industry. Angela dives deep into how builders and business owners can use listening and self-leadership to strengthen client relationships, build trust, and lead their teams effectively. Whether you're...

Take Charge of Your Mental Well-being in the Trade Industry Mental health and personal development are crucial topics that every tradie should be paying attention to. In this episode, we’re focusing on equipping yourself mentally for the long haul in your trade. We discussed strategies like box breathing, the importance of goal setting, and why self-care is crucial for business success. It's all about making small but impactful changes that lead to a better work-life balance and thriving in...

Transform your building business with the right mindset and strategies. The shift from working in your business to working on your business. If you’re a builder who’s felt like the day-to-day grind has you stuck, you’re going to want to listen in. We’re talking about the mindset shift, the strategies, and the systems that can completely transform the way you run your building business. No more constantly feeling behind or putting out fires. Instead, you’ll hear about how to get on top of your...

Learn how to use collective buying power to secure better pricing and reliable suppliers for your building business. Today, we will explore the significant advantages of collective buying power for builders, focusing on how joining a trade alliance can drastically improve your business's efficiency and profitability. We’ll delve into the benefits of aligning with a group like the Trade Alliance Group, which offers builders access to competitive pricing, reliable suppliers, and valuable...

How to Attract the Right Clients and Boost Your Construction Business In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most crucial aspects of running a successful construction business—marketing. Now, marketing might sound like a bit of a buzzword, but when it comes down to it, knowing who you’re trying to attract and having the right strategies in place can make or break your business. We’re talking about avoiding time-wasters, attracting the right clients, and ultimately, boosting your...

Lady Tradies Revolution In this episode of The ToolShed podcast, I host three inspiring young women from Future Lady Tradies (FLT): Aleah, Taleah, and Kayla. We dive into their journey of creating a charity to support and encourage female apprentices in male-dominated trades. We cover the origin of FLT, their mission to attract, connect, and retain women in the trades, and their innovative programs designed to make the industry more inclusive. Future Lady Tradies (FLT) is an established...

High-Performance Leadership In this episode , we discuss the essential mindset shifts and strategies needed to build and lead high-performing teams in the building industry. I sit down with Jerome Lemarque, a mindset management coach. He shares his expertise on mental fitness, overcoming repetitive challenges, and fostering trust and consistency within your team. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate...

BuiltGrid's Game-Changing Supply Chain Solutions Imagine a world where you can manage your entire supply chain with just a few clicks, automating those tedious tasks that eat away at your time and profits. BuiltGrid is not just a tool, but a revolution in how builders interact with their suppliers, from trades to materials and services. We’re talking about how this revolutionary system is connecting builders with their supply chains, automating processes, and driving efficiencies to save time...

Simplify Construction Projects with NextMinute If you're a builder looking to streamline your projects, keep track of schedules, quoting, costs, invoicing, and profits, then this episode is a must-listen. NextMinute is designed specifically for residential construction, offering seamless two-way integration with popular cloud accounting platforms like Xero, MYOB, and QBO, and it's all accessible through a robust mobile app for both Android and iOS. We'll discuss how this tool can save you...

Tech Advancement in Construction With so many software options for builders, it can be a real head-scratcher figuring out which one suits your business best. We're talking tools that save you time, money, and a heap of frustration. Whether you're jotting down specs on a beer coaster or wrestling with outdated spreadsheets, there's a better way, and we're here to show you how to find it. BuildXact a revolutionary software transforming the building industry. Integrating technology into...

Crafting Memorable Client Experiences The way you make your clients feel is just as important as the structure you build for them. From the initial planning stages to the final handover, it’s all about creating a positive and memorable experience. We discuss how to align design visions with budget realities and foster strong collaborative relationships between builders, designers, and clients to ensure project success. Joining us for this chat is Adrian Ramsay, an acclaimed designer from New...

Hidden dangers in our homes We spend so much time worrying about our diets, exercise routines, and overall wellness, but how often do we consider the very environment we live in? From mold to building materials and electromagnetic fields, these unseen factors can have a profound impact on our health and well-being. It's high time we shone a light on these hidden hazards and understood how our homes might be undermining our health. Today, we'll explore practical steps to ensure our living...

Streamlining Trades Business with AroFlo Softwares are essential in trades businesses as it streamlines processes, reduces errors, and improves efficiency, leading to cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction. In this episode, we discuss the innovative solutions AroFlo offers for trades and construction businesses. We'll talk about Peter’s extensive industry experience, the unique features of AroFlo, and how it can improve efficiency on your business workflow. Our guest, Peter Darley,...

Creating a Stronger Construction Community We all know the construction industry can be a pressure cooker. It's a massive issue that we can't afford to shy away from, especially given the challenges we've all faced over the past few years. We'll be exploring some powerful tools, philosophies, and community-driven techniques that can help us build not just better businesses, but a better industry overall. Our guest today is Adrien Mamet. Adrien has seen it all, from towering commercial...