What does the future of construction look like with AI, automation, and intelligent systems?

In this episode of The Profitable Estimator Podcast, Joey sits down with Shane Hodgkins — Co-Founder & CEO of Matrak Industries — to dive deep into the future of construction technology, estimating, supply chains, automation, and agentic AI.

Shane shares the incredible journey behind building Matrak Industries, how the company evolved from solving real jobsite frustrations into a global construction tech platform, and why the next decade will completely reshape how the construction industry operates.

This conversation covers:
✅ AI in estimating and takeoffs
✅ The future of construction jobs
✅ Agentic AI systems
✅ Construction supply chain automation
✅ Startup lessons and founder mindset
✅ Why human expertise still matters
✅ How Matrak Industries is transforming construction workflows globally

One of the biggest insights from this episode:

“AI won’t replace great estimators. But estimators who embrace AI will outperform those who don’t.”

If you’re in construction, estimating, tech, or business leadership — this episode is packed with valuable insights about where the industry is heading.

👇 COMMENT BELOW:
How do you think AI will impact construction over the next 5 years?

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🔗 Connect with Matrak Industries:
https://matrak.com/
linkedin.com/company/matrak-industries?originalSubdomain=au

🎙️ Hosted by:
The Profitable Estimator Podcast
  / themeasuringcompany  

Why builders should stop giving free quotes and why price is NOT why you lose jobs.

In this episode of The Profitable Estimator Podcast, Joey Hidalgo sits down with Mick Hawes, founder of Builders Business Black Belt, to break down why so many builders struggle with time, money, and freedom in their business, and what to do about it.

With over 35 years of experience coaching builders and small business owners, Mick shares powerful insights on leadership, mindset, systems, and the hidden reasons builders burn out or fail to scale.

One of the biggest myths Mick challenges is the industry obsession with free quotes. He explains why giving away quotes for free damages builders, subcontractors, and the entire construction industry — and how professionally prepared proposals can transform the builder-client relationship.

If you're a builder, estimator, contractor, or construction business owner, this conversation will change the way you think about pricing, value, leadership, and running a profitable building business.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:
• Why builders should stop giving free quotes
• The mindset shift from “winning the job” to becoming the prize
• The Triple S Method: Stabilise → Systemise → Scale
• Why most builders fail to achieve time, money, and meaning in business
• How builders can escape the price competition trap
• Why outsourcing estimating can dramatically improve profitability
• The importance of mindset and leadership in construction businesses
• How strong communities and mentorship transform builders’ success

About Mick Hawes
Mick Hawes is the founder of Builders Business Black Belt, a coaching community dedicated to helping residential builders build better businesses and lives.

For more than three decades, Mick has helped builders improve their leadership, systems, profitability, and personal effectiveness, while building stronger teams and businesses.

Connect with Mick Hawes
Website: https://buildersbusinessblackbelt.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com
Podcast: The Toolshed Podcast

About The Profitable Estimator Podcast
The Profitable Estimator Podcast helps builders, estimators, and construction professionals improve profitability through better estimating, systems, and business strategy.
Hosted by Joey Hidalgo, the show explores real-world insights from leaders across the construction industry.

Subscribe for More

If you're serious about building a more profitable construction business, subscribe for weekly insights on:
• Construction estimating
• Builder profitability
• Remote estimating teams
• Construction leadership
• Systems for builders

The Profitable Estimator Podcast – Featuring Lawrence Petruzzelli

In this episode of The Profitable Estimator Podcast, Joey sits down with Lawrence Petruzzelli, a leading accountant and business advisor from Queensland. Lawrence shares his journey in accounting, why financial education matters more than ever, and how builders and estimators can protect their margins in today’s challenging environment.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Lawrence’s background in accounting and business advisory
• How MDB Accounting supports businesses beyond tax compliance
• The role of financial education and why most businesses struggle without it
• Insights into content creation and street interviews that spark financial awareness
• Practical advice for builders and business owners to improve financial outcomes

Timestamp
00:00 – Opening thoughts: the accountant’s view on estimating 
00:48 – Introduction: Joey welcomes Lawrence Petruzzelli 
01:30 – Lawrence’s background and MDB Accounting 
05:00 – Estimating costs, risk, and profitability challenges 
10:00 – Inflation, labour shortages, and cost pressures 
15:00 – Business advisory vs. traditional accounting 
20:00 – Financial education and content creation 
25:00 – Advice for builders and estimators under pressure 
30:00 – Final thoughts and key takeaways  

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next conversation.

#Estimating #ConstructionBusiness #Builders #Profitability #BusinessAdvisory #Accounting #Tradies #ConstructionEstimating #SmallBusinessFinance #TMC

What does it take to raise the standard in the trades?
In this episode of The Profitable Estimator, Corey Pont - Managing Director of Top Coat Painting, shares the mindset, systems, and lessons that helped him build one of Wyndham’s most in-demand painting crews.

We talk about the real reason apprentices struggle, where most tradies lose profit, and what it looks like to train a team that turns up on time and gets the job done right.

If you run a trade business, manage quoting, or want to grow with less chaos, this one’s for you.

Guest:
Corey Pont
Top Coat Painting, Melbourne VIC
25+ years of experience | Dulux Accredited | Committee Leader, Wyndham BizNet

Timestamps:
0:00 Opening remarks / cold open
0:18 Podcast intro — Meet Corey Pont of Top Coat Painting
2:34 What pulled a Kiwi-trained painter across to Australia?
6:45 What’s the main focus for Top Coat Painting in 2025?
8:44 What practical fix are we still missing for the trade shortage?
10:41 Where do painting businesses lose the most profit — and how do you stop it?
12:10 What systems keep your crew punctual and sites spotless?
13:44 What’s the biggest construction growth sector by 2030?
14:29 What's the most overhyped tech in the painting industry?
16:44 What advice would you give to new tradie business owners?

Subscribe for more episodes on estimating, trade business strategy, and building remote teams that work.

#TheProfitableEstimator #TradeBusiness #PaintingIndustry #Estimating #RemoteTeams

She was mistaken for the secretary. Now she’s running the industry.

Kate Raymond, CEO of Master Electricians Australia, joins Joey Hidalgo for Episode 1 of The Profitable Estimator Podcast – CounterMeasure Series. With 25+ years in construction law, regulation, and industry leadership, Kate’s story is a masterclass in challenging trade bias, embracing innovation, and building sustainable businesses.

In this episode:

• The quiet gender biases still happening on job sites
• How to lead with equity—no matter your trade or team size
• Why skilled migration isn’t a debate—it’s a necessity
• What estimating tools and AI sparkies should actually use
• The MEA resources every electrical business owner needs to protect their license and price profitably

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
🔗 Links + free bonus checklist in the show notes below.
👇 Subscribe to never miss a margin-boosting episode.