Behind the Tools

Alex Van Dam, co-founder of New Zealand-based workwear company, Queens Workwear, joins the show this week! Alex discusses how personal mental health struggles drove her to find success and go out on her own, alongside her partener.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact a helpline:

UK (Samaritans) - 116 123

AU (Lifeline) - 13 11 14

NZ (Lifeline) - 0800 543 354

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].

Mental health is an ongoing issue in the trades industry. With the stigma and closed-off attitude toward finding help, it can be hard to give a hand to those who need it or even to find personal support. 

For Mental Health Awareness week, Rob talks us through his own struggles with mental health and offers advice to anyone who wants to fight against mental illness and the stigma surrounding it.  

If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact a helpline:  

UK (Samaritans) - 116 123 

AU (Lifeline) - 13 11 14 

NZ (Lifeline) - 0800 543 354  

The Lighthouse Club, who runs the UK construction industry helpline, can be contacted on:   

Phone: 0345 605 1956 

SMS: Text HARDHAT to 85258 

Or, visit: lighthouseclub.org  

They are there 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.  If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].

Worried your insurance premiums might be too high? Jennifer joins us to talk through the best ways to keep your premiums low, avoid risk in the workplace, and share why she thinks insuring your business is a non-negotiable.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].

Sophie joins us to talk about the process of building her own tiny house, making big career changes later in life, and how she’s promoting women in trades through podcasting.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].

Struggling to navigate the trade labour shortage? Whether you’re an employer or an aspiring apprentice, Kent Willis from Apprentice Recruit has you covered with his top tips for finding the right fit.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. In each episode, we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].

Feeling like your business could do with a boost? Listen to Lifestyle Tradie’s Angela and Andy as they share some tips for bringing a business back to life, setting yourself up for success, and believing in your ability to create a profitable business.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].

Struggling to quote with the unpredictable supply prices? You’ll want to tune in to this week’s episode with Jack Cutler from JRC electrical as he runs us through his quoting tips & tricks.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. In each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, email [email protected].

Do you come home feeling stiff and sore after working on the tools all day? Tune in to our latest podcast episode for tips on how to prime your body for your trade. Goodbye aches and pains! 👋

Zac Lowth from the Australian Physiotherapy Association explains it all.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].

Check out the Australian Physio Association Website for more tips for injury prevention - https://australian.physio/

This week on the Behind the Tools podcast, we welcome Harry Tyndall to the show. Harry is the CRO of Snap It, a fast-growing UK tech start-up that provides an on-demand delivery service for tradespeople. Join Harry and our host Michael as they talk about how tradespeople can save time with on-site parts delivery, the case for ditching pen & paper, and how tech is changing the trades.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. In each episode, we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].

This week on the Behind the Tools podcast, we welcome Anne Timpany to the show. Anne is a Tradify board member & businessperson who has owned successful trade businesses in both the UK and New Zealand. She currently runs White Star Property Services in Wanaka, New Zealand. Join Anne and our host Michael as they talk about what to watch out for when hiring new people, creating a better company culture, and winning commercial contracts to secure long-term business.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to [email protected].