Too many builders are going to the wall — not because they can’t sell, but because they don’t know their numbers. In this eye-opening episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron sits down with Mark from BuildMentor to unpack the simple but devastating margin mistake that can cripple even a busy builder.

In today’s Daily Dose, we sit down with Kim Allen — newly appointed Chairperson of the AWCI — to unpack her latest achievement, her passion for building the future of the industry through apprenticeships, and the real-world challenges that come with managing and mentoring apprentices.

Kim shares candid insights into what’s working, what still needs to change, and how she personally approaches the critical role of training and retaining young talent in today’s construction landscape.

If you’re a builder, contractor, or industry leader looking to strengthen your apprenticeship program — this is one you won’t want to miss.

In today’s Daily Dose from The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with Jamie from Stiebel Eltron — a true innovator in sustainable home technologies and a champion for smarter building.

We cover a lot of ground in this one:

• The growing demand for healthy, high-performance homes
• Why the future is all-electric (and what builders need to know)
• Lessons from the Level Up Experience event and Jamie’s own Future of Building event
• The importance of skilled craftsmanship in an evolving industry
• How connected, positive communities like The Good Builder are helping shift the culture of construction

It’s a great chat with one of the industry’s sharpest thinkers — grab your coffee (iced latte for Jamie!) and enjoy.

👉 If you have a story to share or want to join the conversation, reach out to us at thegoodbuilder.com.au.

Jake Green the GM of Maaken sat down with Az to talk his history, the Maaken story, how they help builders in quite a phenemonal way and a few war stories from builders who doo it well in partnership with Jake and the team.

There's a few gems in this one so home builders, take a listen, especially those in the Tier 1 game!

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with renowned communication coach Rik Rushton at the Level Up Experience to talk about one of the biggest blind spots in building — communication.Rik shares practical advice on how better conversations lead to better builds — and why in today’s market, builders need to see themselves as being in the trust business, not just the construction business.We cover:

• Why jobs often derail due to mismatched expectations — not workmanship
• Simple strategies to build trust through proactive communication
• How the best builders are getting ahead by mastering this skill

If you want fewer client headaches and more referrals — this is a must-listen.🎧 Tune in now and take your client relationships to the next level.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with renowned communication coach Rik Rushton at the Level Up Experience to talk about one of the biggest blind spots in building — communication.

Rik shares practical advice on how better conversations lead to better builds — and why in today’s market, builders need to see themselves as being in the trust business, not just the construction business.

We cover:

• Why jobs often derail due to mismatched expectations — not workmanship
• Simple strategies to build trust through proactive communication
• How the best builders are getting ahead by mastering this skill

If you want fewer client headaches and more referrals — this is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now and take your client relationships to the next level.

From the Tools to the Top: Real Talk with Kenny ‘The Big Kransky’ from MyCladders

In this episode, Az sits down with Kenny from MyCladders—aka The Big Kransky—to cut through the noise and talk about what really matters when running a construction business.

From client consent and cash flow to navigating the QBCC and stepping into ownership, this conversation is packed with practical gold. Kenny opens up about the shift from subcontractor to business owner, the importance of being smart with your payroll, and why building strong relationships (not just strong homes) is the key to long-term success.

They also get into real estate as a stepping stone, managing your margins, and how to avoid the trap of looking successful while going broke.

If you’re a builder trying to stay ahead of the game, this one’s worth your time.

From cabinetry to code, few have walked the decades of building with as much craftsmanship, insight, and humility as Craig Stuart. Affectionately known as “The Godfather,” Craig joins us live from the Level Up Experience to unpack 40+ years of real-world lessons, leadership in the Master Builders Association, and why educating both clients and carpenters is non-negotiable in today’s industry.

We explore:

• His dual apprenticeships and early start in the trade
• The evolution from tradesman to business owner (and the hard lessons in between)
• Preconstruction processes that protect both builder and client
• Healthy home building, material performance, and why the little details matter
• Why if you’re only building to code… you’re building the bare minimum

This one’s packed with practical wisdom, humour, and a masterclass in setting standards—so much so, it’s sparked a new benchmark for quality: “Is it Craig Good?”

If you’re a builder, mentor, or young gun trying to do things right—this episode is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most switched-on young builders we’ve come across — Jayden Martello, founder of JMar Building Co.

At just 28, Jayden is setting a new benchmark in the industry — not just for the quality of his work, but for his leadership, honesty, and drive to do things the right way. From his early obsession with construction after watching his family home get extended, to launching his own building company, Jayden shares the highs, the mistakes, and the moments of growth that have shaped him.

We talk about:

• The job that changed everything for him
• Learning to lead trades and build trust with clients
• The value of systems and processes (and why he finally ditched pen and paper quoting)
• Why asking questions is a builder’s superpower
• Doing the hard inner work to grow — both as a business and a person

Jayden’s story is one every young builder should hear — and a reminder that humility, curiosity, and consistency are what truly make a good builder.

Building Shirts. Saving Lives with Ed Ross of TradeMutt and TIACS

Ed Ross didn’t set out to create a mental health movement—he just wanted to start a conversation on-site.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with Ed to unpack the journey from a simple idea—funky work shirts—to a full-blown industry-wide movement tackling mental health in construction.

We talk about the founding of TradeMutt, the early days of TIACS, and how two tradies from a building site became leading voices for suicide prevention and early intervention.

From peer-led support to new training programs, Ed shares what’s next—and how better understanding yourself can help you become a better mate, partner, and team member.

This episode is more than a story. It’s a reminder that real change starts with a conversation.