Better Builder Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

For our second outdoor episode of the Better Builder podcast, we are on location in Mangawhai with architect Tim Dorrington, founder of Dorrington Atcheson Architects. Tim sits down to share the realities of running a modern practice, his mid-century design philosophies, and how a close shorthand with local builders creates a massive competitive advantage for clients.  

We dive deep into how early builder collaboration keeps complex, seven-figure residential projects strictly on budget, the art of reading micro-expressions to figure out how a client actually lives, and his disruptive "Pocket House" and "Basic Batch" initiatives designed to give everyday Kiwis access to premium, architectural design licenses for a fraction of the cost.

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we welcome back a returning favourite to the Better Builder podcast as we sit down on location in Mangawhai with Nick Smith, founder of Smith Construction. Nick has built an incredible reputation across Greater Northland for executing complex, high-end architectural homes.

In this episode, Nick pulls back the curtain on the business reality of scaling to 15 staff, the mental hurdles of stepping off the tools, and how he turned a steep, intimidating "ugly duckling" forestry site into a seven-figure architectural masterpiece. He also shares critical insights on navigating harsh coastal building environments and why early builder involvement is a game-changer for keeping projects on time and on budget

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Andrew joins us fresh off a lecture tour in the US to discuss his incredible career and what it takes to design world-class structures. From winning a major national housing award three times early in his career to running a premium 25-person practice, Andrew pulls back the curtain on the real relationship between architects, clients, and builders.  

We dive deep into why New Zealand is an architect's ultimate playground, how Patterson Associates uses a "reverse brief" to guarantee project success, the future of AI in architecture, and why the best builders are moving away from cold emails to physically demonstrating their value.

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

This month on BBA, we chat with Luka Noad, a third-year building apprentice with Builders Academy NZ. After leaving school in Year 12 and cold-emailing over 50 companies to land his first role, Luka knows better than most how hard it is to break into the trades.

In this episode, Luka talks about the reality of getting your first apprenticeship, what separates good apprentices from bad ones, and why he's tuning out the "escape the trades" noise on social media.

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

This month on BBA, we chat with Adrian Ferguson, a 23-year-old building apprentice who transitioned from plumbing to high-end residential construction. Based on the North Shore and nearing qualification through Builders Academy, Adrian highlights the benefits of frequent assessments and a strong connection with his mentor to accelerate his career.  

In this episode, Adrian discusses why his generation is choosing tangible trades over digital "crypto" dreams and the importance of an outdoor "hustle mentality". He shares insights on avoiding the "broom" stage, the value of artisan finishing work, and his strategy for hiring to cover weaknesses. We also explore navigating on-site culture, the importance of asking questions, and his long-term goal of running his own crew.

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

How do you balance early fatherhood, a growing business, and architectural excellence? Rory Burnett, founder of RB Builds, joins us to share his journey from farm life to business owner.

Beyond his own story, Rory dives into the importance of giving back to the trade. We discuss his star apprentice, Aidan, and how the support system at Builders Academy is changing the game. Learn why frequent six-week check-ins are the secret to fast-tracking an apprentice’s journey and mastering the craft.

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

This month, we sit down with Sam Paauwe, Massey High School Building Academy Prefect, to discuss the fast track to a building career. Sam explains how the Building Academy helped him gain nearly a quarter of his apprenticeship credits by building Kāinga Ora houses. He emphasises that the academy acts as a critical support system, giving students who struggled academically a chance to excel in a practical field they genuinely love. Listen as he shares his confidence on site and challenges builders to hire based on genuine motivation, not just academic background.

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

As 2025 draws to a close, Brad is joined by Dan (Producer of Better Builder) to reflect on a landmark year. From the adrenaline of the podcast tour to the prestigious Better Builder Awards, they dive deep into the highs, the lows, and everything in between that defined the year for the community."

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

This special compilation episode features the best business insights from our recent Brisbane Builder Tour, highlighting five of the city's top custom builders: Seb Toscano, Charlie Mylne, Jarryd Duffy, Matt Grieve, and Caleb Adams. Hear how leaders stress the critical importance of setting firm boundaries with clients and maintaining a 12-14% net profit margin to avoid financial burnout. Jarryd Duffy and Matt Grieve detail how rigorous systems provide unparalleled project control and quality, including the implementation of a 4-day work week. Caleb Adams shares his powerful perspective on building mental fortitude, defining success through internal integrity, and finding the courage necessary to navigate constant business pressures. Tune in as these experts reveal the strategies needed to shift from a hands-on tradesman to a profitable, scalable, and resilient business owner.

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

Send us Fan Mail

This week, we sit down with Jeremy Chapman, founder of JCA STUDIO, an award-winning Auckland-based practice committed to authentic and considered design. Drawing on his diverse background as a builder and furniture designer, Jeremy passionately argues that architectural plans are a graphic, artistic process that fundamentally dictates a house's final outcome. He dives into the complexity hidden within simplicity and why precision is non-negotiable when creating refined, trim-less spaces, and critiques how profit-driven development often results in poor quality, urging the industry to prioritise beautiful design that truly benefits the community.

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 acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...