October 05, 2025

#43 Carpentry Roots, Team Culture & Real-World Builds with Chris Cahill & Timothy Greenham - Part 1

36 minutes

The theory is one thing. Making it work on site is where it gets real. In this builder’s panel, we dive into the journeys, wins, and hard lessons shaping how great homes actually get delivered.

Live from Circa Studio at Bowens Port Melbourne, hosts Luke Callery and Dean Backman sit down with Chris Cahill (Primebuilt Constructions) and Timothy Greenham (Emerald Building Services). From carpentry beginnings to leading teams, they unpack culture, communication, and the decisions that keep projects moving. You’ll hear how a “Focus 30” check-in builds buy-in, why renovations still sharpen a builder’s edge, and what it takes to navigate a tougher market without losing momentum.

Tim shares his Passive House lens, along with a personal reason for chasing healthier homes, plus the story behind a Scandinavian-style subdivision he’s building for his own family. Chris lifts the lid on a 40-metre hallway rural residence with stables and a painstaking 12-sided ceiling over a pool. He also explains how clarity, pre-cons, and honest client education keep complexity under control. It’s practical, candid, and full of on-site wisdom.

What you’ll learn

• How carpentry foundations shape decision-making as a builder

• Practical ways to keep culture strong when you’re off the tools

• Using quick “Focus 30” check-ins to spot issues early and support your team

• Renovations vs new builds: where the real problem-solving happens

• Staying resilient through a challenging 18 months: pipeline, pricing, and mindset

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & live from Circus Studio (Bowens Port Melbourne

00:40 – Meet our guests: Chris (Primebuilt) & Tim (Emerald Building Services)

02:10 – Carpentry beginnings and family trade stories

05:05 – From apprentice to registered builder: early milestones

07:10 – Staying connected with the crew when you’re off the tools

10:05 – Culture in practice: go-karts, BBQs, and the “Focus 30” check-in

13:20 – Project mix: renovations, extensions, and custom new builds

16:00 – Clients, life stages, and designing for health (Passive House)

18:15 – Tim’s Scandinavian-style Passive House subdivision (personal project)

21:10 – Chris’s large-scale rural residence & stables: lessons from complexity

25:00 – Market reality check: the last 18 months and buyer confidence

28:20 – Leading through uncertainty: transparency, CRMs, and team comms

31:00 – Tools & teamwork: sharing models, job channels, and growth paths

Hosts: Dean Backman & Luke Callery

Guest: Chris Cahill - Primebuilt Constructions

Timothy Greenham - Emerald Building Services

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