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?

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#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.
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