I'm The Gaffer

Welcome to a new episode of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

If you're a construction business owner trying to scale but constantly feel like stress, staff problems, and chaos increase as the business grows — this episode explains why your current thinking is holding your company back.

In this episode, Anil Gupta, international mindset mentor and business advisor, breaks down why the thinking that gets a construction business to £1M turnover will never get it to £10M, £50M, or beyond — and how poor leadership awareness creates stress, poor decisions, and expensive operational mistakes.

You’ll learn:

- Why construction businesses collapse when owners keep solving every problem themselves

- The real reason growth from £1M to £10M requires completely different thinking

- How poor communication and emotional reactions damage teams and client relationships

- The simple leadership rule that reduces stress by up to 80% when running projects and teams

- Why most construction businesses become unsellable because the owner is the entire system

- The delegation framework that stops managers bringing you problems all day

Sponsored by Hustro.com

Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Spend 75% less time on inspections and reports and streamline your construction documentation.

Start and claim 2 months free using code “GAVIN”

→ https://hustro.com/gavin

Episode Highlights (Timestamps / Chapters)

00:16 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com

01:01 Introduction – Gavin Coyle and Anil Gupta

03:39 The promise of the podcast: less stress and better results

05:20 Why planning your future matters in business

07:10 Awareness, clarity and focus in leadership

10:07 Why the thinking that builds a £1M company won’t build a £10M company

10:42 Using AI tools like ChatGPT for business planning

12:27 A simple technique to reduce stress as a business owner

16:17 Communication strategies when dealing with clients and teams

17:35 “Be so amazing you cannot be ignored” – leadership mindset

19:59 Anil shares his story of losing everything in 2008

21:16 A powerful lesson about relationships and priorities

23:36 Perspective, gratitude and handling adversity

28:10 Why many leaders struggle with self-worth

29:35 The “50 pound note” lesson about personal value

30:10 Why business owners must stop solving every problem themselves

31:07 The three areas leaders should focus on to grow a company

33:18 Why leadership mindset determines whether businesses succeed or collapse

36:18 One thing Anil wishes he had done differently in life

37:05 Favourite travel destination and personal insights

38:53 How to connect with Anil Gupta

Connect with Anil Gupta

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilgupta-lovedoctor/

Website: https://meetanil.com

Book: Immediate Happiness https://www.amazon.com/Immediate-Happiness-Practical-Proven-Results/dp/1935989030

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by construction professional Gavin Coyle, brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs and experts to share insights, experiences and strategies for success in the construction industry.

Listen on

Apple Podcasts

https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify

https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website

https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionIndustry #Leadership #Mindset #Communication

Welcome to Episode 106 of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

Gavin Coyle is joined by Steve Dell'Orto, Founder & CEO of Concentric, to explore one of the most overlooked — yet most strategic phases in construction: pre-construction.

Too often in construction, the focus goes straight to building. But the reality is that the success or failure of a project is usually decided long before the first shovel hits the ground.

Steve brings 26 years of experience in major general contracting, having worked on projects ranging from hundreds of thousands to multi-billion dollar developments. In this episode, he explains why the construction industry leaves huge opportunities on the table by not investing enough time, systems, and data into pre-construction planning.

The conversation dives into how data, collaboration, and modern technology are transforming how teams plan projects, manage risk, and deliver more predictable outcomes.

If you're involved in construction leadership, project delivery, or improving profitability in your business…this conversation will resonate.

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start and claim 2 months free using “GAVIN” code → https://hustro.com/gavin

Episode Highlights (Timestamps / Chapters)

00:16 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com

01:44 Introduction: Gavin Coyle + Steve Dell'Orto

02:11 Why pre-construction is the most strategic phase in construction

03:13 Steve’s 26-year career in general contracting

04:51 The creation of Concentric before COVID

06:05 Why pre-construction is similar across projects of all sizes

06:52 Are construction companies getting pre-construction wrong?

08:40 The challenge of fewer experienced workers entering construction

08:59 Using historical project data to improve planning

10:04 AI and technology as a force multiplier for construction teams

10:51 Why Concentric focuses specifically on pre-construction

12:12 Predicting project cost and certainty of outcomes

14:20 Why the cheapest mistakes happen in pre-construction

15:37 Platform vs point solutions in construction software

18:22 How better pre-construction planning improves profitability

19:16 Using technology to increase project win rates

22:00 Why data improves collaboration and communication

24:01 Breaking down silos between contractors and designers

26:25 Giving owners real-time visibility into project costs

27:48 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com

28:24 Beyond estimating: scheduling, risk and resource planning

30:01 Designing construction software that is simple to use

32:03 Why simplicity increases adoption of technology

33:33 When does construction actually start?

35:47 Why the line between pre-construction and construction is blurry

37:24 Why many companies still rely on spreadsheets

38:02 How customers shape the evolution of Concentric

39:09 Subscribe and support the podcast

41:55 Knowing what you know now… what would you do differently?

42:23 Book recommendation: Freedom’s Forge

45:02 Steve’s passion for building and carpentry

46:27 Favorite travel destination

47:30 How to connect with Steve Dell'Orto

Connect with Steve Dell'Orto

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedellorto/

Website: https://concntric.com

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction professionals — bringing insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint success in the building industry.

Available on:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #PreConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionTechnology #ConstructionManagement #ConstructionIndustry

Welcome to Episode 105 of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

Gavin Coyle is joined by Michaela Anderson, Founder of LoyaltyOps™, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing construction businesses today: people, performance, process, and communication.

As companies grow, most owners focus on the visible side of growth — sales, marketing, leads, and winning more work. But what often gets overlooked is what happens inside the business once that growth arrives.

Michaela shares why so many companies struggle to scale, why communication standards matter more than most leaders realise, and how purpose, accountability, and clear expectations can transform team performance.

This conversation is especially valuable for construction business owners, small to mid-sized companies, and leaders trying to build stronger teams without losing control of the business.

– Why operations break growing companies

– Michaela’s background in scaling businesses

– The leadership dynamic behind LoyaltyOps™

– Why younger workers think differently about work

– The communication problems causing friction in teams

– Why empathy matters in leadership

– The hiring mistakes small businesses often make

– Why purpose is essential for attracting and keeping great people

– The role of planning in building a business that lasts

– A simple flywheel for communication, accountability and improvement

– Why culture should be seen as performance

– How leaders can set clear standards across the business

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start and claim 2 months free using “GAVIN” code → https://hustro.com/gavin

00:16 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com

00:26 Why growth breaks without operations

00:52 Intro: Gavin Coyle + Michaela Anderson

03:40 Michaela’s background in marketing and transformational growth

04:13 The real bottleneck in scaling companies

04:31 The birth of LoyaltyOps™

04:41 Michaela’s husband’s Special Forces background

06:09 High performance, psychology and leadership styles

06:48 Are younger workers really less resilient?

08:09 The biggest challenge in teams: communication

09:39 Performance vs money: what leaders over-focus on

10:05 Why empathy matters in leadership

10:46 “A good shepherd smells like sheep”

10:50 Why construction owners struggle to attract labour

11:47 The hiring myth small businesses believe

12:17 What great people actually want from work

13:14 Why sustainability and long-term thinking matter

14:04 Why purpose is essential for attracting talent

14:29 The “clear intent” framework

15:47 Why so many businesses still have no real plan

17:03 A business plan vs a job you work forever

18:23 The pros and cons of an agile contractor-based business

19:16 Why loyalty is a two-way street

20:27 Why some owners resist change

21:01 Michaela’s four-step flywheel

24:15 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com

25:00 What happens when systems are broken

26:38 Policies vs standards: what companies miss

27:26 A simple one-page source of truth

27:47 Why most core values are useless

28:33 How language shapes behavior

28:49 Using catchphrases and heuristics to guide teams

29:47 Turning values into real behaviors

30:54 Culture as performance

31:24 Why this process is easier than it sounds

31:33 The mistake of turning culture into committee work

32:15 Why systems must fit the business

33:07 Leaders as amplifiers of culture

34:46 How to create standards people can speak up in

36:01 The problem with dominant old-school A players

37:10 Why leadership must address toxic behavior directly

38:07 Undercover Boss and the gap from leadership to the ground

39:12 Why leaders need clarity on who they are and where they’re going

40:30 Why chasing profit can distract from purpose

41:53 How long implementation takes

42:39 Why Michaela recommends 90-day sprints

43:49 The kind of growth leaders can expect

45:17 Curveball: Michaela’s international background

46:13 Knowing what you know now…

46:18 Michaela’s biggest life/business lesson

47:01 Go-to destination: Disney cruises

49:00 Book recommendation: Big Little Breakthroughs

49:33 Favorite movie: The Princess Bride

50:06 How to contact Michaela

51:53 Final thoughts on contraction, resilience and opportunity

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heymickeyanderson/

Website: https://loyaltyops.com/

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people — bringing insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint success in the building industry.

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube: /@imthegafferpodcast

Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #ConstructionBusiness #Leadership #TeamCulture #BusinessGrowth #Communication #ConstructionIndustry #SmallBusiness #PeoplePerformanceProcess #Hustro

Welcome to Episode 104 of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

Gavin Coyle is joined by Avi Kaufman, Co-Founder and Chief Real Estate Officer of FutureLot, to unpack one of the most overlooked (and most expensive) parts of any build: zoning + pre-planning.

Zoning bylaws can be 50 to 2,000 pages long, layered over decades, and different in every municipality. Avi explains how FutureLot is using AI (with human review) to turn that complexity into a fast, address-based feasibility read—so builders can qualify projects in minutes, not weeks, and spot red flags before trust (and budgets) get blown up.

We cover:

– Why zoning research is broken (and why it slows housing everywhere)

– How AI can read bylaws + codes at scale (with a human review layer)

– “Type in the address → get a report”: what builders actually see

– Hazard layers that change the deal: wetlands, fire zones, sinkholes, slopes, etc.

– Why builders win when they can have an intelligent first call with homeowners

– The ADU opportunity: backyard cottages, infill, and “missing middle” housing

– How faster qualification improves conversions + reduces costly surprises

– What FutureLot is building next (zooming out to identify opportunity areas)

– Pricing + who it’s for (builders first, homeowners can run a few reports free)

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start and claim 2 months free using “GAVIN” code → https://hustro.com/gavin

Episode Highlights (Timestamps / Chapters)

00:16 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com

00:27 The zoning reality: 50–2,000 page bylaws + 20k–30k municipalities

01:03 AI + human review: how FutureLot creates an “early read” report

01:29 Intro: Gavin Coyle + Avi Kaufman (FutureLot)

02:20 What FutureLot helps answer: what you can build + key constraints

03:04 Why projects fail: long planning cycles + missed details (surveys, permits)

04:18 Avi’s background: army, real estate, business school, learning to code

09:31 The lightbulb moment: housing access + ADUs (backyard cottages)

10:05 The promise: “type your address” and get only the relevant rules

11:36 What builders get: instant report + map + setbacks + hazard layers

12:03 Builder advantage: smarter first call + faster trust + fewer surprises

13:34 Who uses it most: ADU-focused builders (pipeline + qualification)

15:51 Permit timelines: 30 days in some places, months in others

17:29 Future vision: market-wide filters to find ADU-eligible lots

18:03 Competition + positioning: granularity for “missing middle” projects

29:22 Growth: current coverage + expansion plans

33:46 Builder economics: saving 4–20 hours per lead qualification

34:26 Pricing: starts at $199/month; 3 free reports available

37:14 State government project teaser: ADU accelerator + pipeline insights

38:05 Curveball: “Knowing what you know now…”

38:19 Favorites: Back to the Future, Edge of Tomorrow; book recommendation

41:06 How to contact Avi + FutureLot

Connect with Avi

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinkaufman/

Website: https://www.futurelot.com/

Email: [email protected]

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people—bringing insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint success in the building industry.

Available on:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube: /@imthegafferpodcast

Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #Zoning #PreConstruction #Feasibility #ADU #Housing #Builders #ConstructionBusiness #ProjectPlanning #Hustro

Welcome to Episode 103 of I’m The Gaffer 👷‍♂️

Gavin Coyle is joined by Liz Chism, a construction coach and business expert, to break down how contractors can stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that runs with systems, standards, and the right hires.

If you’re stuck doing everything, working insane hours, and feeling like quality will drop if you let go, then this episode gives you a practical roadmap to step into leadership and build a team that performs without you.

1. Liz’s story: from 100-hour weeks to building a team that could run the business
2. The first step before hiring: simplify your business
3. Why “organizing clutter” is a band-aid (and what to do instead)
4. The project audit: focusing on the 20% of jobs that drive 80% profit
5. “Recapture + reallocate”: cutting waste to free cash fast
6. Why marketing agencies fail contractors and how to market smarter
7. The best first hire for small contractors: a Virtual Assistant
8. Hiring sequence: VA → Project Coordinator → Field Labor → Project Manager
9. Why hiring managers too early creates friction (they end up managing you)
10. Cost control: project managers owning job cost + KPIs
11. SOPs that work: start with outcomes, then build the process backwards
12. Liz’s daily routine, leadership mindset, and long-term vision
13. Book recommendation: The 6 Types of Working Genius + assessment

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start and claim 2 months free using “GAVIN” code → https://hustro.com/gavin

00:16 Podcast sponsor: Hustro.com

01:04 Intro: Gavin Coyle + Liz Chism

02:07 Liz’s background in construction + QuickBooks at 14

02:46 Brewery journey + becoming the bottleneck

03:42 100-hour weeks → learning to build a team

04:31 Turning phone off for 2 weeks (test of systems + team)

05:41 Where do we start? (not hiring first)

06:28 Step 1: Simplify your business (Liz’s 5S framework)

07:07 Project audit: which jobs are most profitable?

08:07 “Say no more” + profit margin jump example

08:31 Recapture + reallocate: cutting waste to free cash

10:31 Gavin on marketing agency frustrations

11:41 Liz: why most agencies waste money + how to market smarter

13:21 Key hires in construction teams

13:35 First hire: Virtual Assistant (admin leverage)

14:29 VA cost breakdown + bonuses approach

15:52 “$5/hour is illegal?” (context + fair pay by country)

17:45 Next hire: Project Coordinator (coordination + client comms)

18:46 Is the project coordinator virtual? (usually on-site)

20:40 Follow-up example: VA = revenue growth opportunity

22:05 Hiring shift: hire experts, not warm bodies

24:41 Hustro.com sponsor segment

25:26 Bookkeeper + forecasting importance

26:08 Field labor and job-site admin role

27:31 When to hire a project manager (after team foundation)

29:38 Cost control: who owns job costing?

30:20 PM + estimator alignment before sending estimates

31:13 Weekly KPIs: on time + on budget accountability

33:03 SOPs that work: start with outcomes, build backwards

34:26 Subscribe + community message

35:08 Trends Liz sees: 80% mindset, 20% tactics

35:48 Video marketing + contractor camera confidence

37:48 Social proof + posts showing up in AI search

38:53 Liz’s book: “SOPs Suck”

39:45 Day in the life: 4am routine + family + business

41:38 Can the business run without Liz? (2026 goal)

42:25 Liz’s plan: coaches + leadership focus

43:48 Curveball: what would Liz do differently?

44:40 Book recommendation: Six Types of Working Genius

46:50 Assessment cost + why it matters

47:32 How to contact Liz + website + socials

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-chism-coaching/

Website: https://lizchism.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz_chism/

I’m The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people—bringing insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint success in the building industry.

Available on:

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube: /@imthegafferpodcast

Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #Leadership #ConstructionBusiness #ProjectManagement #ContractorLife #Operations #SOPs #ConstructionManagement #Hustro

Welcome to Episode 102 of I'm The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle is joined by Darren Barden, Founder and CEO of iTalk MH Ltd, for a powerful and sensitive conversation on suicide prevention in construction and how businesses can build psychologically safe workplaces.

If you’re a construction leader asking, “How do we spot the signs?” or “What can we actually do beyond awareness?” then this episode is a practical starting point.

We cover:

– Why Darren believes most suicides are preventable (and what that really means)

– The concept of a psychologically safe site, like the cultural shift we saw in health and safety.

– The real business impact: one suicide can cost ~£1M on a large site (shutdowns, absence, disruption)

– Why awareness isn’t enough: “now it’s time for action”

– Why one-off talks don’t work (and what sustained culture change looks like)

– iTalk’s approach: working top-down + ground-up with leadership and teams

– Tools like the Help Hub (Samaritans access, Shout text support, and vetted services)

– Darren’s personal story: trauma, PTSD, depression, and how he found support.

– The risks of mental health first aid without proper support for the first aiders themselves

– The “small win” that can save lives: check in on your mates

– Signs to watch: isolation, attendance patterns, mood changes, withdrawal from the group

– Why this affects everyone in construction, from site teams to executives.

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start and claim 2 months free using “GAVIN” code → https://hustro.com/gavin

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

01:18 Guest intro: Darren Barden (Founder & CEO, iTalk MH Ltd)

01:50 Sensitive topic notice + Samaritans support reminder

03:38 Can suicide be prevented in construction? Darren’s answer

05:10 Prevention over cure + “psychologically safe workplace”

08:31 The business risk: financial impact + mental health absenteeism

09:47 UK stats + why construction figures are a “grey area”

13:20 Why one-off awareness doesn’t work (sustained action matters)

15:45 iTalk’s Help Hub + Shout text support + vetted specialist partners

18:30 Darren’s personal story begins (trauma → PTSD → depression)

26:20 Medication stigma + why early support matters

28:05 Recognizing signs early + therapy support

29:00 Mental Health First Aid: benefits + risks for the first aiders

33:00 Spotting early signs in teams + “well-being grid” idea

35:05 Workplace suicide prevention standards + learning without blame

40:40 Key signals employers can watch for

42:05 How to ask the hard question (suicidal thoughts) + why it saves lives

48:45 One action to start this next week: “Check in on your mates”

49:47 Knowing what you know now—what would you do differently?

50:40 Book recommendation + Darren mentions writing his own book

52:00 How to contact Darren + iTalk MH

UK SUPPORT (SAMARITANS)

If you’re struggling or feeling suicidal, Samaritans are available 24/7.

📞 Call free: 116 123

🌐 More ways to get help: https://www.samaritans.org/

CONNECT WITH DARREN

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-barden-a6673156/

Company Website → iTalk MH Ltd https://italkmh.com/

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people—bringing insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint success in the building industry.

I'm The Gaffer, available on

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube: / @imthegafferpodcast

Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #Construction #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #PsychologicalSafety #ConstructionLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #ConstructionPodcast

Welcome to Episode 101 of I'm The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle talks healthcare strategy & employee benefits with Donovan Pyle – Founder & CEO of Health Compass Consulting, author of "Fixing Healthcare," and the expert who's helping construction companies save millions while delivering better care to their teams.

If you're a construction owner wondering "How do I keep good employees?" or "Why is healthcare so expensive?" – this episode is your blueprint.

We cover:

– Why healthcare plans are your secret weapon for attracting and retaining talent in competitive labor markets

– The rigged system: how brokers misalign incentives and make MORE when your costs go up

– Donovan's journey from the music industry to healthcare consulting

– The $4,000 per employee you're wasting on healthcare (25% of total spend is pure waste)

– Pre-tax benefits advantages: why benefits beat salary increases dollar-for-dollar

– Employee Benefits Voice: the survey tool that reveals what your team actually values

– Pet insurance to concierge doctors: surprising benefits employees want

– Building fiduciary committees for smarter healthcare governance

– The shocking connection between employee turnover and workplace safety incidents

– How to budget for benefits: $500-$3,000/month per employee explained

– Free resources to optimize your healthcare plan and eliminate waste

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software.

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start and claim 2 months for free→ https://hustro.com/gavin

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:26 “The Game Is Rigged” — why healthcare lacks transparency

01:02 Welcome to the show + guest intro: Donovan Pyle

02:20 Donovan’s journey: music → insurance → healthcare consulting

04:40 Why healthcare plans matter in construction businesses

05:25 Using benefits to attract & retain talent post-COVID

06:20 The real cost of employee turnover

07:10 Why benefits can outperform salary (tax advantage explained)

08:21 Understanding what employees actually value

10:18 Surprising benefits employees care about (pet insurance)

11:35 Designing flexible benefits for diverse teams

13:08 Global perspective: healthcare taxation & policy differences

15:11 Why traditional brokers are misaligned

16:20 Unbiased consulting model & fiduciary responsibility

18:40 Hustro sponsor message (construction productivity)

19:25 Healthcare transparency laws & disclosure requirements

21:06 Hidden waste in employer health plans

22:23 Role of HR, CFO & leadership in benefits decisions

23:41 Fiduciary committees & governance frameworks

24:30 Innovative benefits: concierge primary care

26:45 Keyman insurance & cyber risk protection

29:33 What employee benefits really cost (US benchmarks)

31:31 Benefits as a strategic & exit-planning advantage

33:05 Maturity model: aligning incentives & shared-savings caution

34:43 Conference workshop: measuring benefits value

36:12 Final insights, mindset lessons & how to contact Donovan

FREE RESOURCES FROM DONOVAN

Download the free executive summary of "Fixing Healthcare"

→ https://fixinghealthcare.com

CONNECT WITH DONOVAN

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanpyle/

Website → https://donovanpyle.com

Company → Health Compass Consulting

Book → "Fixing Healthcare" (available on Amazon)

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still 'on the tools', just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I'm The Gaffer, available on

Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify: https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website: https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #ConstructionBenefits#HealthcareForConstruction #EmployeeRetention #ConstructionBusiness #HealthInsurance #ConstructionPodcast #EmployeeBenefits

Welcome to Episode I’m The Gaffer Gavin Coyle sits down with Melinda Colon expert in helping 6–7 figure businesses (and beyond) win government contracts globally.

If you want consistent, stable revenue, guaranteed payments (as long as you price right), and a hedge against private-sector volatility, government contracts are the answer most construction owners overlook.

We cover:

Why government contracts = stability (not just “nice to have”)

The 5-step Gavin Coyle sales strategy (prepare → target → strategize → submit → track)

How to find buyers & register BEFORE the tender drops

Why “no time to bid” is actually an opportunity (rebids & expressions of interest)

Building relationships with procurement officers (no bribes needed!)

The mindset shift: stop chasing → start positioning

Melinda’s journey: corporate burnout → $5.79B+ in client wins

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:26 Melinda’s story – corporate burnout to full-time Gavin Coyle success

04:43 Why winning a contract feels better than the money

07:40 The 20–30% government revenue sweet spot

13:18 Government contracts stimulate the economy – your piece is waiting

17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad

20:13 Money flow: follow the budget before it becomes a contract

26:30 How to find the real buyer (procurement/purchasing contacts)

31:18 Expressions of Interest – your unfair advantage

36:50 The interview/presentation: speak to every person in the room

43:27 Re-bids & “no one responded” = second chance

50:13 Knowing what you know now… Melinda’s biggest regret

52:09 Melinda’s fun fact + how to connect

SPONSOR

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports

Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple → https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify → https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website → https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction #constructionbusiness #governmentcontracts #govcon #constructionrevenue #business #podcast #Construction #constructiontechnology

What would the top construction leaders change if they could go back in time? We asked 6 incredible guests on I’m The Gaffer the toughest curveball question: “Knowing what you know now… what would you do different?”

Raw, honest, no-BS answers from real builders who’ve been through the fire.

Featured Guests & Their Biggest Lessons:

00:00 Intro – The Curveball Question

00:13 Lucy Clarke – Ask for help sooner – don’t be a lone ranger

01:43 Wally Adamchik – Save money earlier, don’t drink it away

03:13 Ray Mellor-Pike – Spend less time in investment banking burnout

05:34 Tom O’Toole – Learn detachment earlier – stop emotional decisions

07:16 Ciaran Brennan – Be fairer & speak up when it mattered

09:55 Hustro.com sponsor & final thoughts from Gavin

If you’re running (or dreaming of running) a construction business, these lessons will save you years of pain.

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software. 75 % less time on inspections & reports → https://hustro.com

Which answer hit you hardest? Drop it in the comments! Full episodes → Search “I’m The Gaffer” on YouTube/Spotify/Apple Podcasts.

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, and offer invaluable lessons and tips, allowing you to have a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast #construction #constructionbusiness#business #podcast

Welcome to Episode of I’m The Gaffer

Gavin Coyle discusses talent attraction, culture & mental health in construction with Tom Prendergast, HSE Director UK at H&MV Engineering.

If you’re struggling to find good people, keep them, or build a culture that doesn’t burn people out –this episode is your wake-up call.

We cover:

– Why schools & parents still push university over trades

– The “Mayo Mafia” & Irish influence on UK construction

– H&MV’s in-house academy – the conveyor belt of talent

– Mental health, addiction & the nomadic lifestyle problem

– Buddy systems, work-life balance & supporting the whole person

– Celebrating unsung construction heroes

– Why “get Paddy on the shovel” culture is dead

– Tom’s journey: electrician → North Sea → HSE leader

Sponsored by Hustro.com – the simplest construction management software

Episode Highlights

00:00 Intro + Hustro sponsor

00:26 Innovative employee packages (virtual shares, financial coaching)

03:22 Tom’s 30-year journey – apprentice to HSE Director

05:34 Schools grading on university places = the real problem

11:19 The nomadic lifestyle – the hidden mental health trigger

17:43 Hustro.com mid-roll ad

21:22 5-a-side football & house shares – fixing isolation on site

28:23 Light duties & supporting the whole person

36:31 Bucket list questions every leader should ask

40:21 Seasons of life – why one-size-fits-all fails

45:44 The power of mentoring & legacy

51:16 Tom’s imposter syndrome story

53:26 How to contact Tom

CONNECT WITH TOM

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-prendergast-84927a18/

Company— hmveng.ie

Hustro.com – 75% less time on inspections & reports 

Start free → https://hustro.com/gavin

I'm The Gaffer, hosted by industry expert Gavin Coyle, is the essential podcast for construction people, offering insider insights, expert interviews, and actionable strategies to blueprint unprecedented success in the dynamic world of construction. Whether you are still ‘on the tools’, just getting started, a seasoned site manager focused on large-scale project management, or a fast-growth building industry entrepreneur/developer, this podcast is for you.

Gavin's guests, ranging from influential thought leaders to boots-on-the-ground practitioners, share their stories, successes, and failures, offering invaluable lessons and tips that provide a 360-degree view of the construction landscape. This podcast is a must-have shared learning space for any person looking to achieve success in the building industry.

As a construction person, this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the complexities of the construction industry, where success is not just built; it's crafted with precision, passion, and the right knowledge.

I’m The Gaffer, available on

Apple https://bit.ly/ImTheGaffer

Spotify https://bit.ly/ImTheGafferSpotify

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@imthegafferpodcast

Website https://www.imthegaffer.com/

#ImTheGaffer #constructionpodcast  #construction #constructionbusiness#business #podcast