Tim Sparsis, founder of The Attic Company, shares an honest account of what it really takes to grow a trade business from the ground up — from arriving in Ireland with an old van and borrowed money to building a company that now delivers hundreds of projects every year.

Tim talks openly about the early days of doing everything himself, the fear of hiring when cash was tight, and the moment he realised that staying “on the tools” was holding the business back. He explains why scaling meant going backwards to go forwards, how systems and people unlocked growth, and why letting go was the hardest — but most important — leadership shift he made.

The conversation also explores the human side of building a business: mental health, burnout, and the role running and fitness play in helping Tim switch off, think clearly, and build something sustainable over the long term.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
– How Tim moved from doing everything himself to leading a scalable business
– Why most founders think they can’t afford their next hire — and why that mindset holds them back
– What “going backwards to go forwards” really looks like in practice
– How systems and operations enable growth in a trade business
– Why stepping away from the tools was the turning point
– The importance of balance, mental health, and sustainability as a founder

Whether you’re building a trade business, scaling a service company, or navigating the transition from operator to leader, this episode offers practical, hard-earned insights into what sustainable growth really requires.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
👇 Full episode link in the comments.