Marti sits down with Kylie Gardner from Gardner Homes, a new build specialist on the Kapiti Coast. Kylie shares her journey from a finance background to running the business side of a 12-person building company with her husband.

They discuss the dangerous trap of feeling like you have to "win them all" to keep the crew busy, and how that mindset kills profitability. Kylie reveals the "stay in your lanes" rule that saved their working relationship, how she stopped seeing herself as "just the admin" to become the Business Development Manager, and the systems they used to stop competing on price. This is a blueprint for couples in construction who want to build a business, not just a job.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [01:38] Falling into the family business from finance
• [02:47] The golden rule for husband/wife teams: "Stay in your lanes"
• [04:12] Separating business talk from family time
• [05:39] Keeping a team of 12 busy through economic ups and downs
• [06:58] Using Rapid QS for accurate estimating
• [11:24] The trap of trying to "win every job"
• [13:06] The power of environment: Being around "millionaires"
• [18:20] Point of difference: Customer experience & testimonials
• [20:39] Changing her email signature to "Business Development Manager"
• [25:09] Advice: "You're not a tree, you're not stuck"

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

 

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• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
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• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

 

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Marti sits down with Glen Stevenson from Stevenson Construction, a renovation specialist based in Healesville, Melbourne. Glen shares his journey from apprentice to civil site supervisor, and finally to starting his own residential building company. Despite being consistently busy with word-of-mouth work and hitting $1.2M-$1.3M in revenue, Glen realized he had plateaued.

They discuss the subtle but expensive profit leaks that happen in the "gaps" between projects, where overheads keep running but income stops. Glen reveals how getting clarity on his financials helped him identify a $75k loss on a single project and how shifting his mindset from "doing it all" to delegating has been the key to his recent growth. This episode is perfect for builders who are busy but feeling stuck at the same revenue level.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [01:36] From civil site supervisor to residential builder
• [04:35] Hitting the $1.2M revenue plateau
• [05:45] Clarity on what they weren't doing (marketing)
• [06:29] Leaking money in the "gaps" between projects
• [07:39] Doing the program before the build starts
• [08:20] The $75k loss on a single project
• [11:40] Working the wife out of the business (or not?)
• [13:37] Using BuildExact for 10 years
• [15:13] Mindset shift: "You can't do it all yourself"
• [16:51] Advice: Don't be afraid to ask for help

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

 

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• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
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• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

 

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Marti sits down with Dylan Mansell, a second-generation builder from Moonta Bay, South Australia. Dylan shares his journey from working on site with his dad to navigating the "absolute chaos" of the building boom, where revenue tripled but systems broke.

They discuss the dangerous trap of "busyness doesn't equal profitability" and how Dylan had to stop being a "reactive builder" constantly putting out fires. Dylan reveals how he refined his sales process with a strict qualifying questionnaire to stop wasting time on free quotes, and how shifting his focus from "pleasing everybody" to "working on the top 20%" allowed him to finally get off the tools and lead his team of nine effectively.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [03:05] Starting Next Step Construction in 2019 with his dad
• [03:38] Realizing he had to get off the tools to handle the boom
• [04:40] The "absolute chaos" of scaling without systems
• [07:45] "I was just so burnt out"
• [11:40] Fixing the sales process with a qualifying questionnaire
• [14:25] Point of difference: Customer experience & quality
• [16:12] Advice to younger self: "Slow down" & stop people-pleasing
• [17:57] Expensive lesson: "Busyness doesn't equal profitability"

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

Follow TPB for more:

• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
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• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

 

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Gareth sits down with Chris (Founder) and Hugo (Carpenter/Site Manager) of Marvel Concept Building. Chris shares his raw story of starting the business in 2016, hitting a "really really bad time," and being stuck on a "knife's edge" in "survival mode" for years.

The overwhelm became so "draining" that Chris was ready to "just going to quit". This episode is a deep dive into their turnaround. They discuss Hugo's "massive learning curve" from being on the tools to managing sites , how they stopped information "falling between the cracks" , and how Chris's focus on "becoming a better leader has just changed everything". Now, Chris is able to take his first holiday without being "worried about cash flow or management".

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [01:22] On a "knife's edge": The "really bad time"
• [01:50] "We've done nothing but survive"
• [02:49] Coming from a "toxic company"
• [03:18] The "massive learning curve": From tools to computer
• [04:08] The plan: Giving Hugo a buy-in option
• [05:30] What was "falling between the cracks"
• [06:03] The breaking point: "If I don't do this, I'm just going to quit"
• [06:49] The biggest win: "Becoming a better leader has just changed everything"
• [07:35] The power of accountability and maintaining standards
• [11:27] The result: Going on holiday and "not going to be worried"

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

Follow TPB for more:

• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
• 🖥️ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here – https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com
• 🚀 Head to https://tpb.tools/pod-call to book your FREE strategy session.
• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

 

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Owen sits down with Arch, a 33.5-year military veteran (Marine Aviation & MARSOC) and founder of a commercial and residential general contracting business in Tampa, Florida. Arch shares how he applies the "irreplaceable" leadership and systems experience from his military career directly to his construction company.

They discuss the power of "victorious warriors win first, then go to war"—using military-style "backwards planning" and robust checklists to prevent errors before breaking ground . Arch also shares the "significant loss" he took on his very first job from unsigned change orders, and how that expensive lesson shaped his "contracts are in stone" mindset . This is a masterclass in building a scalable company through systems, leadership, and a plan to win.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [02:46] Why his first partnership didn't work out
• [04:16] 33.5-year military background: leadership & project management
• [04:31] Hiring a bilingual PM (Carlos) was the key to working ON the business
• [06:21] Background in masonry: "Marine Corps was easy" compared to it
• [10:07] Transferable skill: Using aviation checklists to guarantee results
• [10:25] Debriefing: Figuring out "what worked, what didn't work"
• [12:33] "Victorious warriors win first, then go to war" (pre-con planning)
• [17:31] The $25,000 mistake from 3 different plan datums
• [21:11] The "bitch session" that built office/site collaboration
• [26:31] Expensive lesson: "Learned it the hard way on job one"
• [27:21] Taking a "significant loss" from unsigned change orders
• [35:31] Next hires: 3 full-time superintendents & 1 construction admin
• [37:05] The goal: Scaling to the $25M-$30M range

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

 

Follow TPB for more:

• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
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• 🚀 Head to https://tpb.tools/pod-call to book your FREE strategy session.
• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

 

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Crystal sits down with Simone (Majority Shareholder) and Brooke (Operations Manager) from Core Refurbishments, a company specializing only in retirement living refurbishments . Simone shares her raw, vulnerable journey from taking over the business to facing imminent closure just 12 months ago, when she was losing "hundreds of thousands of dollars a month" and felt hopeless.

They discuss the pivotal moments that turned everything around: the "brave" decision to get builder-specific coaching, firing "dead wood" staff , hiring Brooke as a key operational leader , and finally implementing proper margins. This is a powerful story of resilience, honesty ("the numbers don't lie" ), and the strategic decisions that resulted in a massive shift to profitability, rapid client growth from 1 to 7 , and a major contract to expand interstate.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [01:24] Niche: Refurbishments only in retirement living
• [03:36] 12 months ago: "looking at shutting the doors"
• [03:46] The low point: In tears, "I can't do this anymore"
• [04:22] Coach's advice: "get rid of your dead wood"
• [04:29] First change made: Hiring an Operations Manager
• [06:48] Being "brave": Firing staff & fixing margins
• [07:07] The payoff: A 12-month QLD expansion contract
• [07:40] Rapid client growth: 1 to 7 in four months
• [07:56] The turnaround: From losing $100k+ monthly to profit
• [09:17] The hard truth: "Simone, the numbers don't lie"

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

 

Follow TPB for more:

• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
• 🖥️ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here – https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com
• 🚀 Head to https://tpb.tools/pod-call to book your FREE strategy session.
• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

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Owen sits down with Ben Milgate, a carpenter of 18 years who has successfully transitioned into running his own building company, recently acquiring his builder's license. Ben shares his journey from being a "glorified carpenter" focused on weekly pay to becoming a business owner with a holistic view of annual profitability and systems.

They discuss the critical mindset shift required, the importance of truly understanding business numbers (like operating costs vs. margins) , and how implementing specific tools like a WOW pack and project plan doubled his conversion rate almost overnight (from 20% to 40%). Ben also details his expensive lesson learned from not having a robust variation process and how he's strategically using marketing to transition into higher-end architectural builds under his new brand, Arc.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [01:17] 18 years as a carpenter
• [01:55] Joined TPB as carpenter, got license 6 months later
• [02:43] Mindset shift: From weekly pay to annual profit focus
• [03:36] Understanding numbers: Operating costs vs. margins
• [04:22] Raised prices by 12% based on numbers
• [07:00] Using WOW pack/Project Plan doubled close rate (20% to 40%)
• [08:22] Getting off the tools: Now 80% off
• [14:43] First architectural build underway
• [15:24] New brand "Arc" (ARKH) targeting architects
• [29:56] Expensive lesson: The variation process leak

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

Follow TPB for more:

• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
• 🖥️ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here – https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com
• 🚀 Head to https://tpb.tools/pod-call to book your FREE strategy session.
• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

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John Beshay sits down with brothers James Colbert (Director) and Luke Colbert (Site Manager/2IC) of Culbert Constructions. With 17 years in business, they share their journey from small renovations to specializing in high-end new builds and major renovations.

The Culberts discuss how a genuine care for people drives their high standards, communication, and strong referral base. James opens up about overcoming the limiting beliefs of being a "chippy" to step into a leadership role. They also touch on recent learnings from joining TPB, including the need for targeted marketing even when busy and the importance of systemizing accountability through site meetings and follow-ups as the team grows.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [01:04] 17 years in business: From small renos to high-end builds
• [01:28] Working together as brothers for 15 years
• [02:34] Driving force: Genuinely caring about people
• [03:14] How care shows up: Communication and high standards
• [04:57] Recent TPB learning: Need for targeted marketing
• [05:34] Recent TPB learning: Systemizing accountability
• [06:50] Project highlight: Unique parametric brickwork in Paddington
• [08:57] Biggest lesson: Overcoming limiting personal beliefs
• [10:43] Future goal: Grow the business and elevate the team
• [11:03] Wife involved and invested due to TPB

 

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

 

Follow TPB for more:

• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
• 🖥️ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here – https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com
• 🚀 Head to https://tpb.tools/pod-call to book your FREE strategy session.
• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

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Owen sits down with Suman Cherry, founder of Cherry Talent Group, a recruiting firm specializing in the construction industry, particularly custom home builders. With 25 years of experience, Suman shares why finding the right people is the critical first step before implementing any process.

They dive deep into the practicalities of hiring for roles like Superintendents, Project Managers, and Estimators. Suman explains her consultative approach, emphasizing the importance of a structured interview process, identifying core values, asking behavioral questions ("Tell me about a time you failed") , and looking beyond the resume to find candidates who are solutions to specific business pains. She also tackles why money isn't the main reason top talent leaves and how a strong company culture becomes your biggest recruiting advantage.

 

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [01:43] Specializing in construction and custom home builders
• [03:19] Why your people are your business
• [04:40] Hire candidates who are solutions to your pain
• [06:59] Hire slow, fire fast: The intentional process
• [08:50] Asking behavioral questions to reveal core values
• [15:37] Where to source applicants: Passive headhunting
• [16:46] Why top talent really leaves (it's not just money)
• [20:11] The hardest role to fill: Estimators
• [23:59] First steps: Identify what you hate doing & hire for it
• [25:51] Why you need clear SOPs for effective onboarding

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

 

Follow TPB for more:

• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
• 🖥️ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here – https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com
• 🚀 Head to https://tpb.tools/pod-call to book your FREE strategy session.
• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

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Gareth sits down with Michael Pilcher of Michael Pilcher Builders, a custom home builder in Central Victoria. Michael shares his journey from tradesperson to leading a professional building company, focusing on the rapid growth his business has experienced since 2020.

They discuss the impact of identifying "holes and cracks" in business systems before scaling further and how working with a selections expert elevated their brand to the boutique market. Michael emphasizes the shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive management and the critical role of strong leadership in developing his team. He also shares insights gained from multiple coaching experiences, highlighting why builder-specific support was crucial.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [00:53] Starting 14 years ago at age 23
• [01:19] Growing the team to 9 members
• [01:37] How a selections expert elevated their brand
• [02:54] Identifying system "holes and cracks" before scaling
• [03:17] Using higher margins for fewer, better projects
• [03:58] The shift from reactive to proactive building
• [06:11] Personal learning: The power of strong leadership
• [06:30] A good leader makes good leaders
• [07:54] Building trust and security with clients
• [09:12] Advice: Back yourself and invest in coaching early

 

-

Our construction business coaching has helped 2,500+ building companies succeed.

Subscribe to The Builder’s Ladder Podcast for weekly, actionable insights — tailored to help you grow a profitable construction business.

 

Follow TPB for more:

• 👥 FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalbuilder
• 📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theprofessionalbuilder/
• 🖥️ Get your business health audit + free resources (including website audit) here – https://www.theprofessionalbuilder.com
• 🚀 Head to https://tpb.tools/pod-call to book your FREE strategy session.
• 📈 Resources For Builders – https://tpb.tools/resources

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