In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Jesse Glascott from G-Lux Builders. 

In this episode we talk about: 

• Jesse was born and bred in Melbourne along with his brother – grew up with hard working parents.
• Always struggling to sit still, Jesse was an active child who, from a young age had his hands on the tools from the get-go.
•  Throughout school, Jesse has an architectural flair and at age 16 finished school and did a carpentry apprenticeship with a start-to-finish builder.  
• Jesse’s apprenticeship experience working, mostly, one on one.  
• At age 20 Jesse stepped out as a sub-contractor in the commercial market and ended up doing formwork where he learnt to read plans and understand design documentation.
• The history of the G-Lux Builders name. 
• Jesse defines ‘passive design and built homes’.   
• The current ‘certified passive house plus’ project  
• How Jesse’ came to this niche of the passive house market.  
• The increase of interest in passive homes and Jesse’s passion for innovative design. 
• The fundamentals Jesse learnt from the passive house tradesman course and the programs used to calculate the energy used and consumed by occupants.  
• The requirements of a passive home needs to meet the certification.  
• Using his own home to showcase sustainable products, like wood fibre, which is not yet available in Australia.  
• The passive house community and Jesse explains the Melbourne Ice-box Challenge.  
• The Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system and the long-term impacts of passive homes on future generations.  
• Design process of passive homes and the architects leaning towards these designs.   
• The balance of building your own home and Jesse’s passion outside of work.  
• The comparison of costs between a passive home and a standard build.  
• The future for G-Lux Builders and Jesse as a leader in his field.  
• The challenges of the early days of business for Jesse and his learnings from this time.  

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Jesse Glascott from G-Lux Builders 

Links: 

G-Lux Builders 

Connect with Jesse Glascott on LinkedIn 

Build Hatch 

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram  

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Karl Brown from Archclad.

In this episode we talk about:

• Archclad is a specialist cladding company who is focused on producing safe cladding. 
• Karl was born and bred in South Africa and describes his childhood as tough but fair as he had to be resourceful.
• Following his two years in the Navy national service, Karl joined a steel factory where he learnt every aspect of steel – from steelmaking to marketing and says it was a great start to his career. 
• One of the first steel jobs Karl completed was working out coils for flat sheets which were to be used in car manufacturing. 
• As the country of South Africa was in turmoil, Karl moved his family to Australia 21 years ago and was able to continue his work in the steel industry. 
• The systems and process’ involved in designing cladding.  
• How the challenges of the past motivated Karl to create a better life here in Australia and the opportunities he sees all around him. 
• The beginnings of Archclad.
• The structural differences and applications between Zinc, Alloy, Steel, Colourbond and Aluminium.
• On the wall of Karl’s workshop there is a quote by Henry Ford – ‘Quality means doing everything right when no-one else is looking.’ 
•  Archclad’s involvement in the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and some of the challenges that were involved in this project. 
• Karl was able to bring to Australia the supply of up to 150m length sheets of cladding.
• The advantage of longer sheets of cladding in both waterproofing and pest control. 
• Bringing a unique product to the marketplace can come with reservations from industry competitors.
• To be successful Karl says ‘you need to recognise the need and then work out a way to satisfy that need.’
• Karl’s approach to self-doubt is to say ‘I can’ instead of ‘I can’t’.
• Outside of work, Karl is a family man and shares the positive impact of Covid on his family life. 
• Managing ourselves as well as the people who work with us.
• The future for Archclad.
• Visual texture and the shadow cast of cladding. 
• Karl explains oil canning and visual distortion. 
• We get a rundown on the manufacturing and instillation process. 
• Karl’s tips for planning a cladding job for trades. 
• The safety protocols and testing involved in the production of all Archclad products.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Karl Brown from Archclad. 

Links:

Archclad

Follow @archclad on Instagram

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Luke Fry from Luke Fry Architecture

In this episode we talk about:

• Luke grew up in country Victoria in a family of builders who were constantly building and selling homes throughout his childhood which inspires him still today.
• An Architect’s critical role as a leader in the building and construction industry.
• Being busy and constantly on the hunt for the next creative project became part of Luke’s quest to serve the building and architecture industry.
• Luke wasn’t drawn to becoming a tradie. So, when he turned 17, he moved out of home and started his interior design course at University.
• Completing Interior Design, Luke moved onto Architecture and completed a total of 8 years of study, all while working on interior design projects.
• Luke has always aspired to step out on his own and after a friend asked him to design a penthouse project, he took the leap and started Luke Fry Architecture.
• How Luke knows when to take the next big steps in building up his firm.
• New architectural design vs the previous years and educating clients the difference.
• Luke’s tips for keeping up to date on trends and keeping design fresh and inspiring.
• Being a leader and the driver of inspiration amongst his family and colleagues.
• Growth in business and the feeling of contentment that comes with ‘the hunt’ for perfection.
• Prior to design, although obvious - a building project simply doesn’t exist by itself and always requires some design input.
• Luke’s distinguished difference which attracts people to him and the rest of the firm.
• The ‘Luke Fry DNA’ and how the business develops its own personality and leading culture.
• What an architect looks for when choosing a builder.
• The time, energy, and precision it takes to complete a project and leave a lasting legacy.
• Luke was recently selected as a Judge on the TV program ‘Australia's Best House’ on 9Life.
• ‘Torquay Beach House’ project and the memories that are built into the lifestyle of a home.
• A working relationship between client and architect can last for years and Luke’s tips for fostering these good relationships.
• Luke’s recent challenge including a custom, hand-built rendered and seamless bath inside and out.
• Working with the right trades people will have an invaluable input and drastically impact the outcome of a project.
• Outside of work, Luke is a father of two and he has started to build his own home in Melbourne.
• The mentors in Luke’s life and, the different ways they have input into his life and business.
• Fundamental design characteristics and sketching by hand.
• Luke Fry Architecture’s future as they move into the multi-residential space in Melbourne.
• Mixing residential spaces and workspaces.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Luke Fry from Luke Fry Architecture.

Links:

Luke Fry Architecture

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Credits:

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Build Hatch Podcast Soundtrack Title: “Ride It Like You Mean It”.

Artist Name: Kristian Leo.

Written By: Evert Zeevalkink.

Published by Soundstripe Productions.

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Adrian Cursio from Cursio Tiling. 

In this episode we talk about: 

• Adrian grew up in Melbourne, son of a tiler and grew up with two brothers.  
• During school Adrian was distracted, so his father encouraged him to join the family business in Grade 10. 
• Europeans have a legacy for family business and Adrian shares how witnessing his families work mentality has impacted his work ethic over the years even inspiring his own family values.
• Adrian’s experience of working for his Dad and the driver behind switching to commercial jobs. 
• The Chalets in Mount Buller and how Cursio Tiling landed this job, creating other work opportunities.
• The value of relationships and the rapport you build with clients and, what happens when it goes South.  
• If you want to get ahead – it simply takes hard work and good old fashioned grit and determination.
• Adrian is currently working on ‘The Block’ on his third season. He shares his experience, the value of hard work and the opportunities it creates.  
• Adrian is currently promoting women in the industry, particularly tilers and their attention to detail.
• A good tiler is patient, has attention to detail and uses the correct practices, some of which date back to generations.  
• The great debate of waterproofing - before or after the tile beds go in.
• Adrian’s favourite tile to work with being the Atlas Concorde – a huge Italian tile, and explains why they are the premier tile for tilers to use.
• So, are small tiles or large tiles better for your space? 
• The strangest thing Adrian has been asked to Tile.  
• The history of Cursio Tiling and the array of family members involved. 
• Stone and Oak was started by Adrian and his wife to supply top quality tiles to their clients and offer a premier service to their clients.
• Adrian explains the impact that a bad quality tile has on the outcome of a project.  
• The future for Cursio Tiling. 
• Tiling is a finishing trade and Adrian loves the transformation tiles make to a finished space.  
• Adrian explains a new configuration tool coming onto market for installing a tile, which Adrian has helped design.  
• Supporting small business and the importance of the good ol’ fashioned handshake.  
• Outside of work, Adrian is a family man and spends time with his three daughters trying some of Melbourne’s greatest restaurants.
• The difficulty in finding tiling apprentices – so if you are interested reach out to Cursio Tiling!

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Adrian Cursio from Cursio Tiling. 

Links: 

Build Hatch 

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram  

Cursio Tiling 

Credits: 

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts 

Build Hatch Podcast Soundtrack Title: “Ride It Like You Mean It”. 

Artist Name: Kristian Leo. 

Written By: Evert Zeevalkink.   

Published by Soundstripe Productions.  

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Chris Morgan from Accomplice Media.

In this episode we talk about:

• Chris explains his work at Accomplice Media as a speciality construction content creator. 
• Chris grew up in New Zealand and completed a Bachelor of Media Arts specialising in Photography and Film. 
• Starting his career in feature films as a ‘runner which’, he found was not his calling he then switched to TV broadcasting in NZ.
• His wife’s Hockey career brought them to Australia 10 years ago, however as the media industry is so cut-throat, he was unable to get a job in mainstream media and started work in milk delivery to make ends meet.
• Early mornings caused burnout for Chris, so he stepped out on his own as a freelancer right after the birth of his first child. 
• The first two years of business was tough for Chris, but he eventually connected with our good friend Matt from Elevate Building Group which led to a rise in success for Accomplice Media.
• Film and media is a trade, and we discuss the correlation between media and construction. 
• One of the pain points of construction business’ is regular, budget friendly content which led Chris to create a subscription-based model for ongoing content creation. 
• Chris’ favourite aspect of his role is bringing the story of construction together.
• Imagery shot on a phone vs Chris’ drones, professional camera’s, 360 cameras, go-pros and professional sound equipment, and the difference this can make to your social presence. 
• Chris dives deep into his camera equipment and shares the coolest aspect of creating content. 
• Finding the action, framing the action and editing to create a coherent story that is also unique for each construction client. 
• The trick to creating diverse video content when the subject matter may be similar. 
• Outside of work, Chris is a busy man with one year old twins at home, and although there is not much downtime, he finds so much joy in his work in the creative spaces. 
• Chris is a leader in a niche market and his subscription-based model is almost unheard of in his field. 
• As Chris regularly comes back to shoot video content, he is able to try new techniques and has the opportunity to become a leader in this creative field. 
• Chris shares one of his recent experimental shoots for Matt from Elevate Building group and the excitement of starting new trends and styles. 
• The influence of Chris’ business coach and how he has been able to re-shape his thinking to work within construction.
• For Chris, it is all comes back to listening to his client’s needs and establishing long-term relationships with his clients. 

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Chris Morgan from Accomplice Media. 

Links:

Accomplice Media

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

Credits:

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Build Hatch Podcast Soundtrack Title: “Ride It Like You Mean It”.

Artist Name: Kristian Leo.

Written By: Evert Zeevalkink.  

Published by Soundstripe Productions. 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Michael Rodgerson from MPR Design and Build.

In this episode we talk about:

• Michael grew up close to Bentley in VIC, the son of hard-working parents who were both chefs.
• After school, Michael moved to America to take a gap year and figure out what he wanted to do.
• Upon his return, he completed a commercial apprenticeship through a local footy club which eventually led him to a domestic building apprenticeship.
• The value of learning alongside a builder vs a sole trade, like carpentry.
• Working for a tough builder who ‘had the durry test’ and the value in detail driven teachers.
• By age 24 Michael was DBU certified and started out with smaller renovation projects before setting up an office in Bayside.
• Although Michael did not set out to work in the high-end areas of Victoria, over time it grew as he built his portfolio.
• ‘The big boys’ all started somewhere and Michael encourages young builders to be patient, as construction is a long-term game.
• The beginnings of ‘MPR Design and Build’.
• Michael’s point of difference is working with an architect at the concept stage, rather than tender, so that the design is based off a budget rather than concept.
• Don’t say ‘I think’ – know your numbers and be upfront with clients around budget and pricing.
• Approachability and personal relationships built on honesty and trust.
• You’re only as good as the homes you build, not the tenders you pitch.
• Michael’s approach is to donate his time to architects to ensure they can put forward a proposal to tender which is successful.
• Michael defines the difference between a tier one builder and a tier two builder.
• To be able to manage his business, Michael has put away this tool belt and now places trust in his team and sub-contractors.
• The jump in revenue may come with challenges and Michael’s tips for up-scaling.
• Managing not only the income into the business but outgoings and client payments.
• The restrictions from third parties on builders and the confines in which they need to work within.
• ‘You can be the best builder in Australia but, without a good team you are doomed.’
• The work MPR focus’ on now and the aspects of each sector that Michael enjoys.
• Making small adjustments in a quote can be the difference between landing a tender and losing it.
• Building a house is the biggest financial decision a client will make. Michael approaches them with logic and options to make it as smooth as possible.
• The future for MPR Design and Build.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Michael Rodgerson from MPR Design and Build.

Links:

MPR Design and Build

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Dave Maiolo from Roda Developments

In this episode we talk about:

• Dave grew up in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne born to Italian immigrant parents. He was surrounded by trades and always had aspirations to become a tradie.
• Straight out of school, Dave started his carpentry apprenticeship but it wasn’t until 10 years later that he really found alignment in his values for the industry.
• Dave’s experience as a carpenter and the natural progression into building when he stepped out with a friend to start his own business.
• Carpentry vs building and the process of attaining a building licence in Victoria.
• Being good at your craft vs the other side of business management.
• Knowing your contracts, staged payments and the numbers are all critical to a builder’s success.
• How the name ‘Roda Developments’ came about and the first renovation they completed, which led to the boom of their business.
• Every build and every contract is an opportunity to learn and develop.
• Dave is a problem solver – and always uses feedback from clients and staff to come up with solutions to move forward in business.
• A typical project for Roda Developments.
• Educational marketing and how this process works to bring in new clients.
• Design, yield and pricing.
• The challenge of 30% of all tenders coming to fruition and the work required to break ground on a site.
• Due-diligence within the construction industry and the changes Dave would like to see across the industry as a whole.
• The value in nurturing relationships between design and build with the client as this process can take up to two years.
• Outside of work, Dave is spoilt for choice when it comes to his free time and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
• The future for Roda Developments.
• The constant need to pivot in business and re-adjust, which has become evident for Dave post-Covid.
• A day in the life of Dave as the Director of Roda Developments.
• The law of attraction and trusting the team that you have built.
• Dave reflects on his business journey and the trust he has for his staff which, has become a core part of his business model.
• Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Dave Maiolo from Roda Developments.

Links:

Roda Developments

Follow @roda_developments on Instagram

Build Hatch

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from founding Director of PRDnationwide Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, Mark Kentwell.

In this episode we talk about:

• Mark’s parents are from humble beginnings and used the buying and selling of property to support their lifestyle – this sparked Marks interest in property from an early age.
• Mark graduated school in year 10 and started a mining career as an electrical fitter, industrial electrician and finishing up as an electrical engineer while also studying mechanical engineering.
• Buying his first property at age 19.
• Although there is money to be made in mining, Mark’s heart was not in it and his entrepreneurial spirit was being crushed.
• Attending a real-estate agent course, Mark realised how much he enjoyed the type of business opportunities and took a voluntary redundancy in the mines at age 22.
• Mark approached his mum and Dad and they went halves in PRDnationwide Newcastle.
• Mark shares how he grew to be a successful Real Estate agent in the midst of the financial crisis with the encouragement of many mentors from the industry.
• The real-estate market was a traditional format when Mark started, however this has drastically changed in the recent past.
• Mark explains the difference between entrepreneurs and freelancers and which category Mark fits into.
• Mark believes in systems and explains dollar productive time and why all builders should work on this model.
• Delegating to others when something is not your craft.
• Mark’s ‘Repeat, result and referral’ concept.
• Upfront outlay for long-term results.
• Mark gives his top tips for developers and shares some basic numbers to consider.
• The value of networking and hard work.
• Getting involved in the community gives builders (and all others involved in development projects) long term referral-based business.
• The 3 biggest risks of development.
• The value of your tribe and finding the right agent is like the middle man.
• Mark shares the ‘must haves’, ‘want to have’ and ‘won’t haves’ of business.
• Assembling your tribe, communication and the honest conversations with ‘selfish desires’ out on the table.
• The exciting East End Development Stage 1 Apartment project and the future for Mark Kentwell and his team.

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with Mark Kentwell from PRD Real Estate

Links: 

Connect with Mark

Check out Eastend Newcastle  

Events at UDIA 

Events at PCA 

Build Hatch 

Quest Associates 

Follow @buildhatch on Instagram

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from James Dickson from Somerville Plaster.  

In this episode we talk about: 

• James grew up in Somerville VIC and shares a typical day in the life of James as a plasterer, residing in the beautiful Mornington Peninsula of Victoria.
• Growing up James’ father (and grandfather) were also plasterers and he always had aspirations to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the family business.  
• At the end of grade 10, James received an apprenticeship with a carpenter mainly working on decks and pergolas.  Knowing he was going into a trade he finished his schooling at grade 10.  
• After finishing his carpentry apprenticeship James started to work weekends with his dad (who James refers to as Ronnie) hanging plaster and learning the craft. He fell in love with the work and the idea of being part of the family business.  
• The teamwork required to be a successful plasterer when you are hanging 6-meter sheets of plaster and gyprock.
• The difference between a ‘hanger’ and a ‘finisher’ in the world of plastering.  
• James has recognised the value of sticking to what you know. The delivery and hanging of his are subcontracted, and in doing this James can keep his costs low and consistent.  
• Working in the family business with Ron and mum Karyn, and value of the family dynamic.  
• When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life – this is true for James each day.  
• James’ passion for plaster is revealed as he describes how plastering transforms a house from a worksite to a home.  
• 3 years ago, James started an Instagram account and intentionally networked to create his own connections.  
• Now 4 years on, 80% of the work that comes through the door is from Instagram and James explains how this happened.  
• James gives his top tips for marketing on Instagram and why every trade should be doing it.  
• James has two skillsets - carpentry and plastering. This is a huge advantage as he can find (and resolve) issues prior to the plaster being hung.  
• Sommerville Plaster’s process of estimating a plastering job and the changes they have implemented.  
• James has a crew of 10 guys and shares his tips for managing staff and, knowing when to put on an extra set of hands.  
• Water and plaster do not mix, and James shares some horror stories.  
• Curves are in fashion and James explains the process of double wrapping on a curved wall.  
• The future for Somerville Plaster. 

Sit back and enjoy this helpful interview with James Dickson from Somerville Plaster. 

Links: 

Somerville Plaster 

Follow @somervilleplaster on Instagram.  

Build Hatch 

In this episode of the Build Hatch Podcast, we had the opportunity to sit down with Kribashini and Rebeka from BuildHer Collective.

In this episode we talk about:

• Rebeka started her career in project management and quantity surveying before becoming a registered builder.
• Kribashini started in construction project management when she made the shift to working on the client-side, guiding them through the building process.
• Kribashini has a broad family history and heritage and moved to Australia to establish her roots.
• Rebeka spent her childhood in her parent’s carpet store supplying quotes which gave her a good foundation for her career in construction.
• Quantity surveying and Rebeka’s learnings from this start to her career now.
• The beginnings of BuildHer Collective came when the girls were on holidays and realised the lack of support for women who wanted to manage their own builds.
• A typical design brief when working with BuildHer. Taking a step back and helping clients in a resolution process.
• BuildHer Collective works with their clients to help them understand everything in the process, from realistic budgets, expectations, working with trades and communication.
• With their individual skills, ‘BuildHer Collective’ empowers women with guidance and information to build, renovate or invest in the home of their dreams.
• Rebeka explains their bathroom and kitchen Kickstart Courses, Dream Home 10-week Course and Develop for Profit Course. 
• Bringing in a fortnightly Q&A session and lifetime membership to ensure clients are covered throughout the entire building process.
• Rebeka and Kribashini writing a book “BuildHer – A Practical guide to building” which has been released in 2021.
• Sharing knowledge has allowed BuildHer to create not only a strong community but is creating shared learnings, connection between builders and increasing value for all parties.
• Aaron explains common disputes in his line of work consulting with builders and mediating disputes.
• BuildHer’s contingency planning for clients to help lighten the financial blow when there are issues on site.
• Commercial vs residential frameworks and process’ and understanding the perspective around each item. 
• The BuildHer Internship.

Sit back and enjoy this collaborative interview with Kribashini and Rebeka from BuildHer Collective.

Links:

BuildHer Collective

Follow @buildhercollective on Instagram

Build Hatch

Credits:

Podcast Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Build Hatch Podcast Soundtrack Title: “Ride It Like You Mean It”.

Artist Name: Kristian Leo.

Written By: Evert Zeevalkink.  

Published by Soundstripe Productions.