Episode #099 | Richard Green

Lots to unpack today!

In this ep, we're joined by Richard Green of GSQ Brickwork for a very open & honest conversation about his journey from aspiring footballer to bricklayer, life in construction, surviving a heart attack & being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Alongside discussions on training bricklayers, working with the NHBC, witnessing robots on the tools, and whether construction is facing a recession - Rich bravely talks about what life is really like when struggling with health battles.

🔵 Connect with Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-green-26a6731a8

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/Lophz6sSxOM

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6El6mKVqbmTGZAlKWOqZxU?si=OKG8TGPoTQWKg9AiYoMBAA

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/construction-sport-podcast/id1778487912?i=1000791271871

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro: Finding Bricklayers & Rich’s story from Professional Football to Construction

11:42 How competitiveness makes a difference + Encouraging construction to young people

23:50 Rich & GSQ’s training methods + Life operating a brickwork business

34:05 What it’s like working with the NHBC + Female Bricklayers..!

41:43 How Rich’s Granddaughter's birth almost led to a divorce! Importance of family.

50:35 Surviving a Heart Attack &Living with Prostate Cancer + Biopsy Story

01:04:49 Steve’s anecdote: Ulcerative colitis + More on Richard’s Current Health

01:14:46 Construction is in a recession? + What it’s like working with Robots

01:23:41 Has the quality of brick actually changed over time? + Suppliers

01:28:38 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #098 | Dean Holliday & Bret Martin

Today, long-time friends & supporters of Construction Sport, Dean & Bret from Tribuild Solutions, are here to chew the fat on classic construction chat.

From shortage concerns to tendering, client relationships, payment issues and how the collapse of certain major contractors affected them, Dean and Bret give their perspective on some of the biggest challenges facing the industry.

The trio also discuss why & how Tribuild uses golf and sport to build relationships, the barriers to entry in construction, the rail industry and what young people entering construction today are up against.

🔵 Connect with Dean on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dean-holliday-513b7b14

🔵 Connect with Bret on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bret-martin-09638010

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/wtatUTm03bA

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Oo8GucPT52zGX82gq5Onv?si=9579d6bb017943e4

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/construction-recruitment-golf-days-the-realities/id1778487912?i=1000790016663

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro: What is Tribuild Solutions? & Backstory + Close to home: Rettendon Explosion

04:18 The pair’s Golf League setup with clients + How & Why they utilise Sport

12:16 What does a recruiter actually do? Negative connotations, Engagement, Payments

18:24 Buckingham Group: Knock-on effect of going bust + Withholding funds…

26:34 How the pair operate & navigate tendering + "Unconscious bias”

32:04 Has the construction barrier of entry gone too far? + Going through PPE

36:49 What is Driver’s Golf Society? + Addressing your wellbeing

47:34 Dean’s & Bret’s 2nd Business: Project Services + Preparing for Christmas…

54:07 What is it that customers want from employees? + Thoughts on rail industry

01:00:48 Is the shortage of labour noticeable? Apprenticeships & is life tough for youngsters?

01:07:55 Final comments: Papyrus in administration & Going to Millwall vs West Ham

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #097 | Vicky O'Toole

In today's ep, Steve sits down with former frontline MET Police Officer, Victoria O'Toole.

With almost 18 years of experience in the police, Vicky now works in construction as a wellbeing and mental health specialist through Build Better Training.

From understanding why people commit crimes and how the police approach suicide, to exploring new employee laws, stress, mental health, lifestyle choices, workplace culture & reporting - Vicky doesn't hold back on common issues & similarities she has spotted between the two industries & what needs to be done.

🔵 Connect with Vicky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-o-toole-354697298

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/mM52MrC0uxE

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pXGg5iS9bmKhRiS5UJxba?si=kwls_YKiQwSyp-zu463suQ

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! -https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ex-officer-reveals-what-construction-can-learn-from/id1778487912?i=1000788664299&l=en-US

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro: What is Build Better Training?

04:58 Vicky’s experiences as a frontline officer with the MET - Can construction learn?

08:26 Vicky’s Career in the Police: Fundamental reasons for people committing crimes

12:42 Transferring skills into Construction Mental Health + Exploring lifestyle choices

20:10 How do the police look into suicides? + New Employee Welfare Law coming in 2027

25:16 How Construction Sport has been uniquely supporting the workforce.

32:10 Reporting: How wellbeing, stress & other issues are tackled - MET vs Construction

43:02 Personal anecdote on how Mental Health in Construction still has a long way to go…

45:17 Build Better Training: How is Vicky funded? + What is our Joint Venture Golf Day

49:32 Are there more women getting involved in male-dominated industries?

51:56 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #096 | Steve Macfarlane

The Cotswold Painter is on today!

Steve Macfarlane joins us to get into many many topics - his military background, Strongman experience, his experience in construction not to mention running a business, what living with bipolar disorder really entails and industry mental health issues & purpose.

Steve is preparing for an incredible challenge in Nepal next month: trekking around 180 miles over approximately 25 days, visiting multiple renowned peaks and taking on the journey to Everest Base Camp in order to raise money for the Lost City Campaign. We wish Steve all the best on his mega-journey, and also listen out for a never-done-before Guinness World Record that Steve is attempting next year...

⚪ Follow Steve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotswold_painters

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/4MHQeWPA3xU

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Dr2cGKOZhMoUhBb0T4A5x?si=f53948bdab154f74

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/painter-soldier-strongman-tackling-everest-mental-health/id1778487912?i=1000787399748

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! What Steve does + What it’s like living & working in the Cotswolds

02:55 Steve’s military background + Guinness World Record attempt across the UK

09:41 How the pair met + Steve’s Upcoming month-long Challenge in Nepal…

20:35 Why Steve wants to fundraise for us + How we’re tackling Construction Mental Health

26:14 Steve’s thoughts on Mental Health + Why does getting paid have to be such a pain?

32:48 What is bipolar disorder? Steve opens up. + How to do what's morally right?

41:29 Life as a painter in the Cotswolds + Reasons why dogs are the best & Banned BBQs?

59:46 Getting work & creating your own opportunities + Apprentices aren’t worth it.

01:10:03 Steve’s previous Strongman Competition & Martial Arts Experience

01:23:07 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #095 | Jack Dawson

How do you turn a bricklaying competition into one of Europe’s biggest construction events?

This week, Jack Dawson, 1/3 Directors of Super Trowel, joins us to take us behind the scenes of the annual event - from its beginnings, to sponsors, mental health, funding, competition, teaching bricklaying and what it takes to keep growing year after year.

Jack answers burning questions about the most recent 2026 event, & the pair also look back at the inaugural UK’s Strongest Builder event, discuss Construction Sport’s role in supporting the industry, and find out what the future could look like for Super Trowel.

🔵 Connect with Jack on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jack-dawson-62a744153

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/rLGaM0PcTfw

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Juk4C1Ts6YEzZs73TwPgM?si=18d86ddc94d24c9c

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-super-trowel-became-europes-biggest-bricklaying/id1778487912?i=1000786036698

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Mr Super Trowel being follically challenged + American vs Suffolk Cowboys…

03:05 Recapping 4 years of Super Trowel! + What it takes to make the events (Funding)

16:20 Keep Mental Health Simple: How a bit of competition goes a long way

19:47 Super Towel's answer to “What if it rains on event day..?” + Learning Lessons

24:00 Jack’s background & career: What it’s like teaching bricklaying

28:22 How (and which) sponsors power the events

33:40 Recapping this year's inaugural Strongest Builder Event! + How will it look next year?

42:28 Jack’s praises to Construction Sport - and why. + Different Therapeutic Support.

58:00 Final Comments: Sponsors & When will next year's regionals begin?

01:02:44 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #094 | Danny Walton

Don't worry! We're back to having guests!

This week Danny Walton, Managing Director of Skyline Mechanical Services, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about HVAC, construction, business, apprenticeships, SMEs vs big contractors - and one hell of a World Cup road trip.

Danny talks openly about his journey through the construction industry, working with ISG before its collapse, setting up his own venture, and shares his thoughts on retentions, college schemes and getting young people into the trades before then giving us the inside scoop of what travelling around America for 4 weeks for the World Cup really entails!

🔵 Connect with Danny on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danny-walton-710aa079

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/uXHNfio74bw

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/78UMzNLUOQtZBi7MaqtYaN?si=Tx1xHZkgT8ylXZ5j18xHdg

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-smes-avoid-big-contractors-building-a-hvac/id1778487912?i=1000784331295

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Skyline Mechanical: Aircon becoming a necessity - not a luxury.

03:17 Working with ISG before its collapse + How Danny set up his solo venture

08:28 Dan’s work experience & background: How do you get into Aircon..?

12:45 Thoughts on the College & Apprenticeships system…

19:26 What a road-trip around America for the World Cup is really like!

32:34 Why SME’s avoid working for the ‘big’ companies + Retentions Ban

34:57 What’s coming up! + 2 young men complain about their old bodies + Strongest Builder

39:56 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #093 | Steve's Solo Pod #2

What actually goes into creating a brand-new national competition for the construction industry?

In this special episode, Host Steve is flying solo to look back at UK’s Strongest Builder, which made its debut at Super Trowel 2026 at Hertfordshire Showground.

From the behind-the-scenes planning and hosting, to the competitors, sponsors, supporters and everything that happened on the day, Steve takes you through how we put the event together - and why the response from competitors and spectators meant so much.

Most importantly, this episode is a massive THANK YOU to everyone who helped make UK’s Strongest Builder happen.

🔵 Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kerslake-650183174

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/ieZfqObrIFo

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6xMzPoGGuCIFQ3aF7nv5PX?si=f34944af7319453e

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uks-strongest-builder-behind-the-scenes-at-super/id1778487912?i=1000782947341

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Why Steve’s alone & What’s coming up

00:33 Behind The Scenes of Hosting UK’s Strongest Builder + Super Trowel RECAP

06:30 How we put together Strongest Builder + Extremely Grateful Thank Yous.

14:48 Finding out more about our 10 Competitors - Thank You.

23:07 Final shoutouts to 1 or 2 companies…

25:10 Final Comments - Why events like this are absolutely crucial.

26:52 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #092 | Alex Robertson

Next up - Steve sits down with Alexander Robertson, CEO of RM Media, to discuss marketing, business, relationships, mental health, suicide awareness, branding, purpose and why the future of construction depends on understanding people.

Alex shares lessons from building brands across the UK, growing RM Media, working with businesses across multiple industries and why authentic relationships matter more than ever.

Whether you're on the tools, running a construction company, managing projects or building your own business, this episode is packed with practical insights.

🔵 Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-robertson-97640813b

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/4rMjsTS5FvM

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Vcs7GFUnMEKDzP8F1GV32?si=P-3RMbMhSBOwiP78WHreVQ

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-construction-needs-better-relationships-marketing/id1778487912?i=1000780041459

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! What is RM Media + Resilience & Relationships in Construction

08:17 Discussing suicide & feeling heard in Construction.

12:21 Being a member at The Queens Club & what is ‘real’ Tennis?

16:00 Understanding people: What is The Sonder Podcast?? + Construction Voices

22:47 More on RM Media: Building Brands & Future Plans + Disney & Harry Potter

32:59 Hope & Purpose + Rugby Centurions: Meeting Rugby’s Biggest Stars

37:53 Outro & Final Comments

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #091 | Dean Pearson

Britain's strongest bricklayer? Meet Dean Pearson.

Dean holds the British bench press record for a man under 90kg and is taking part in our UK's Strongest Builder Competition this Friday 31st July at Super Trowel.

Today, Dean is on the pod to share what it takes to win strongman competitions, a devastating bicep injury, failed drug tests and most importantly his deeply personal reason for why he's competing in our event this Friday...

Dean's youngest daughter, Ella, was born with one of the rarest gene mutations in the world. There are believed to be only around 25 known cases globally, with Ella being the first diagnosed in the UK. Dean explains why he's using his strength to help raise money for her ongoing physiotherapy and specialist support.

If you can, please donate to support Ella's growth here:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/hopeforella

⚪ Follow Dean on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deanpearson_u80kg

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/5Ee6q3WlP9Q

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GUoJw83AUGv9d8oeFgYg7?si=qXVgJv3RQGuox6rerFz5hg

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-strongman-bricklayer-fighting-for-his-daughter/id1778487912?i=1000778884175

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Bricklayer Dean’s Competing Background & Taking part in Strongest Builder

09:52 How Dean got the British Bench Press Record + Bicep snap injury…

20:58 Dean’s Daughter’s Story: Personal Reasons for taking part in Strongest Builder.

32:57 The role that Training plays in Dean’s life + How to win a Strongman Comp

39:02 Best way to shred + Getting into Bricklaying & Final Comments

45:04 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #090 | Brad Lucas

Brad Lucas join us today! Founder & Managing Director of Seen Services - a specialist contractor delivering electrical, mechanical, fire, security and critical infrastructure projects across the UK.

Bradley shares his journey from working on the railways to building a successful construction business working across National Grid, rail, aviation, prisons and major infrastructure. The pair then discuss Mental Health & being surrounded by pointless negativity, as well as the consequences of always chasing a high...

🔵 Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-lucas-/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/26kNi_nx4ns

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LJI8OyB5igQ7uJjZYYc54?si=WnI5NaIQTmqwFRD1JB7bdg

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/running-a-multi-million-pound-business-national/id1778487912?i=1000777867481

----------------------------------------------------------

⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Seen Services: How they operate, big jobs + benefits of not working as main contractor

06:22 Stories from Brad & Steve’s railway background

15:40 Working on National Grid projects & How Brad takes on Apprentices

30:49 Chasing a feeling - Mental Health reality check: Pointless Negativity

45:36 Working on The Eurotunnel, Prisons, Aviation + Advancement of Ai

54:37 Final Comments: Good vs Bad Golf Days

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.