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In this week’s episode of the Better Builder Podcast, we welcome Seb Toscano from Toscano Construction for a revealing look at the building industry. Seb shares his journey from hands-on carpentry to company leadership, discussing the financial realities of early career days and the true meaning of success: time with family.

He highlights the "immigrant mentality" that fueled his resilience and the transition from physical labour to management amidst increased bureaucracy. Seb delves into his approach to team leadership and client relations, emphasising transparency and building projects that are practical and lasting. Join us for an honest conversation about building a successful business and a meaningful life.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

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Welcome back to a bonus episode of Better Builder Apprentice! This month, we're joined by Paul Carter, a workplace apprenticeship educator. Join us as we delve into his high-intensity journey, from the pressures of career progression to navigating personal challenges.

Paul shares insights from his upbringing and how a competitive sports background shaped his unexpected path into building. He also discusses the innovative approaches of Builders Academy in enhancing apprentice engagement through practical, industry-led training. Tune in for Hunter's inspiring story of resilience and dedication within the building industry.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

Send us a text

This week, we sit down with Adam Harrison, a builder passionate about tackling challenging sites, finding immense satisfaction in overcoming complex construction problems. Adam's unique journey, shaped by an adventurous upbringing and a non-traditional learning path, highlights his hands-on approach. This episode delves into how his background influenced his perspective on life and work, alongside his insights into the evolving building industry.

Adam shares his philosophy on redefining success, emphasising demand over material wealth, and his crucial realisation that he himself was his biggest obstacle to growth due to a desire to control everything. He candidly discusses managing stress, underscoring the absolute need for the right team to mitigate it, and the strategic decision to scale back and rebuild for greater efficiency. We also explore his conscious efforts to prioritize work-life balance and family presence in an increasingly digital world, highlighting the personal responsibility required to achieve goals.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

Send us a text

This week, we sit down with Don Cotterill, Director of Sanctuary 28, a Gold Coast-based builder known for providing a personal service and ensuring exceptional quality in every home. With over 30 years in the region, Don's extensive career trajectory, from an apprenticeship to General Manager at Dixon Homes, provided him with a unique "back of house" understanding of running a construction company. He founded Sanctuary 28 in the early 2000s, named for the Gold Coast's Latitude 28 and the concept of "home," evolving from personalised project homes to high-end architectural custom builds.

In this episode, Don delves into the high-risk nature of the building industry, candidly sharing his fears about "dragging people down" and discussing current challenges like skyrocketing labour costs contributing to a "nonprofit boom." He offers insights into the future of home building, predicting a rise in multi-generational and prefabricated housing. Don also elaborates on Sanctuary 28's operational philosophy, including their reliance on skilled subcontractors, their team structure overseeing multi-million dollar projects, and his personal passion for crafting architectural designs uniquely tailored to the land.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

Send us a text

This week, we're joined by Troy Bannan from Bannan Construction, a company renowned for its specialized, high-end concrete work, including intricate "million-dollar staircases." Troy's immense passion and drive for the construction industry are contagious, stemming from a busy childhood and early exposure to building sites through his father (Ross). This strong family influence instilled a relentless work ethic, which drives him to work long hours, fueled by a genuine love for his craft.

In this episode, Troy shares invaluable insights on continuous learning, emphasising the importance of being a "sponge" and actively seeking mentorship from experienced builders, such as his father and other specialists. He highlights the unique openness within the concrete industry, where information sharing benefits everyone by pushing quality and popularity. We also delve into Bannan Construction's innovative approach to concrete construction, advocating for its strength and cost-effectiveness in residential developments, and the crucial role of effective delegation within a family business structure.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

Send us a text

This week, we chat with Luke Jackison, Founder & Director of Constrkt, a team fueled by a passion for perfection and a culture of excellence. With over 12 years of diverse industry experience across Auckland, Queenstown, and London, Luke has spearheaded high-end residential, commercial, heritage, and masonry projects. His extensive background brings a breadth of knowledge and a commitment to ensuring clients enjoy the construction process as much as his team does.

In this episode, Luke shares invaluable insights on achieving greater efficiency and profit, alongside critical advice on how to select clients and identify potential red flags. He delves into his personal journey, revealing how he navigates stress when challenges arise and the mindset needed to continuously push ahead. Luke emphasises that builders are ultimately "master problem solvers", a skill that transcends the industry, and discusses how his unique upbringing shaped his drive and resilience in facing life's difficulties.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

Send us a text

This week, we sit down with Gary Saraf, diving into his personal journey and the pivotal decision to risk his life savings to buy a fit-out business. From a tough upbringing, Gary shares how he turned his path around and transitioned into the commercial interiors world. He offers crucial insights on the mindset required for entrepreneurship, how to spot red flags when acquiring a business, and the immense value of having the right people by your side.

The episode unpacks Gary's key business lessons, including the evolution of charging for design services and the strategic necessity of being well-capitalised to navigate financial pressures. We explore entrepreneurship as a mental game, focusing on sustaining pressure and outlasting competition. Gary also highlights the vital strategy of recognising and hiring to fill personal skill gaps, building a team for long-term success rather than just quick wins.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

Send us a text

This week, we are revisiting an oldie but a goodie episode. Ollie Tuck from Oliver Tuck Construction shares his wisdom in this reupload episode. If you haven’t checked out this episode yet, then it’s one to watch.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

Send us a text

This week, we speak with Ben Gommers from Gommers Construction, a trusted service focused on quality and efficiency in all projects. Ben's path to building went from graphic design to the 'rollercoaster' of construction.

In this episode, Ben shares being 'thrown in the deep end' and learning to 'put his big boy pants on.' He reflects on early worries about work and his view that 'architecture is design.' We also discuss the risks of solely relying on architect leads, the value of collaboration, building a good team culture by hiring to fill gaps, and the challenges of quoting and pricing confidently.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...

Send us a text

This week, we chat with Bryn Williams from Tiny Pools, a Mount Maunganui company transforming backyard pools. Founded by landscapers with the belief everyone deserves a pool, they offer accessible precast concrete kit sets.

In this episode, Bryn shares Tiny Pools' incredible growth from landscaping roots to a multi-million-dollar business facing huge demand. Discover how they're tapping into a 'wave of people,' leading to significant profits and their drive to transform the industry. Bryn also touches on his background and guiding principles.

Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte

Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners

Social Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast

Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects.

Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisser

Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency

Gro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vsl

Disclaimer
This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowled...