The ToolShed

In this episode of The ToolShed, I sat with the experts from Aspire Projects, Jordan and Scott, about how builders can truly unlock the full potential of Buildertrend. With so many builders using only a fraction of their software's capabilities, Aspire Projects specializes in helping residential builders implement Buildertrend efficiently to streamline their operations, boost profitability, and save time.

If you’ve been paying for Buildertrend but haven’t had the time or knowledge to fully implement it, this episode is for you! We discuss the common challenges builders face, the process Aspire uses to optimize the software, and why the right tools and systems can transform your building business.

Takeaways for Builders:

• Maximizing Your Tools: Learn how to unlock the full potential of Buildertrend, making it a tool that drives profit, efficiency, and professionalism in your business.

• Time and Process Management: Aspire Projects shares their approach to saving builders countless hours by setting up the platform and training teams for success.

• Financial Clarity: Discover how Buildertrend can provide builders with a clearer view of their financials, project costs, and budgeting.

• Tailored Solutions for Every Builder: Whether you’re a small residential builder or managing large-scale operations, Aspire offers custom strategies to suit your unique needs.

To know more about Aspire Projects, check all the links below:

Website: https://www.aspireprojects.co/ 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspireprojectsau/ 

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed 

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Hey folks, welcome back to The Toolshed! In this episode, I’m excited to sit down with Mel Davis, the Chief Operating Officer of Empowering Women in Trades. We’re diving deep into how women are breaking down barriers in the building industry, and it’s not just talk—we’re talking real, tangible change. Mel shares her incredible journey, the challenges women face in the trades, and how a little kindness and a lot of determination can truly transform the industry.

We also explore the power of diversity—how bringing different perspectives into a male-dominated field makes businesses better, smarter, and more efficient. Whether you’re a business owner, a tradie, or someone who wants to make a difference, this episode has a ton of value packed into it. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

• Mel’s inspiring story from a stable TAFE job to Empowering Women in Trades.

• How women are overcoming limiting beliefs and finding their place in the trades.

• The real benefits of diversity in a male-dominated industry—this isn’t just a trend, it’s the future.

• Building supportive communities and safe spaces for women in the trades.

• Why kindness, authenticity, and determination are the keys to empowering women.

• Steps businesses can take to create more inclusive workplaces.

I loved having this chat with Mel, and I’m sure you’ll find it just as inspiring. Tune in, and let’s keep pushing the industry forward together!

To know more about Mel, check all her links:

Website: https://ewitrades.com/ 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Empowered-Women-in-Trades-EWIT-100093530114710/ 

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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In this episode of The Toolshed, Mick Hawes sits down with Erik Cofield of BuilderChain to explore how AI is transforming the construction industry. Erik shares his journey from building his first house for a dog to becoming a leader in AI solutions for builders. They discuss how AI can help reclaim time, increase profitability, and streamline operations for builders. Erik also shares valuable lessons learned from his fascination with Viking history and how they apply to today’s business world. Whether you're a builder looking to future-proof your business or just curious about how AI can change the game, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

• How AI is helping builders work smarter, not harder

• The practical applications of AI in construction

• Why builders need to embrace technology to stay ahead

• Lessons from Viking history on planning and resource management

• The future of AI in the construction industry

Listen now to discover how AI can revolutionize your building business and help you lead the industry into the future. To connect with Erik, check out all of the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erik.cofield.58/ 

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

In this episode of The Toolshed, we’re unpacking one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of running a construction business—marketing. Many builders experience feast-or-famine cycles, and it all comes down to how well you’re marketing your business. If you’ve ever found yourself with too much work or, even worse, none at all, this episode is for you.

We’re tackling how to keep the projects flowing, avoid costly marketing mistakes, and build a steady stream of quality leads. Whether you’re a one-person operation or managing a growing team, having a solid marketing strategy in place is essential for long-term success.

Joining me is Stephanie Campanella, founder of Tradies Go Online, a company dedicated to helping tradies and builders like you level up your digital marketing. From her roots helping her brickie dad to leading one of the top marketing agencies for tradies, Steph knows exactly what it takes to keep builders visible, relevant, and profitable.

• Why you need consistent marketing even when your schedule is full.
• The dangers of stopping and starting your marketing efforts—and how to avoid them.
• The importance of automating your lead nurturing to capture clients before they slip away.
• How to position your business as the go-to builder, no matter the size of your team.
• Why shifting your mindset from "builder" to "marketer' is a game changer.
• The role of paid ads, SEO, and content marketing in creating a sustainable pipeline.
• Practical tools and systems to streamline your marketing and save time.

Get ready for a deep dive into strategies that will transform the way you approach marketing—and boost your business in the process. All this and more, on this week’s episode of The Toolshed. To connect with Stephanie, check out all of the links below:

Website: https://www.tradiesgo.com.au/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tradiesgetonline

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradiesgo/

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

Hey folks, welcome back to The Toolshed! Today, we’re diving into something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough in the building industry—mental health. If you’ve been in the game long enough, you know it’s not just about physical endurance; the mental toll is just as demanding. And that’s why I’m sitting down with Bill Carson from Inspire Learning to talk about mental health first aid and why it’s so crucial for builders.

Bill’s story is remarkable. He’s faced personal challenges head-on, and now he’s turned that experience into something that can genuinely help people like you and me. We’ll be talking about how recognizing mental health issues early can not only improve your well-being but can also elevate your entire business. Imagine what happens when your team feels supported, understood, and valued—productivity goes up, stress goes down.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why mental health first aid is just as important as physical first aid on-site.
• The practical steps you can take to support your team’s mental well-being.
• How dealing with mental health head-on can make your building business more efficient.
• Bill’s personal journey and why he’s so passionate about helping others in this space.

If you’ve ever felt like the weight of the job is more than just physical, this episode is for you. It’s time to start talking about mental health, and Bill’s here to show us how to do it right. To connect with Bill, check out the links below:

Website: https://inspirelearning.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspireLearningAustralia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirelearningaus/

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

In this episode of The Toolshed podcast, I sit with Ahmed Yusuf from Wunderbuild to explore how client feedback is shaping the future of builders' software. Discover how Wunderbuild’s client-first approach has helped solve critical challenges in the construction industry, from project management to financial integrations. Ahmed shares insider stories about the evolution of Wunderbuild, offering a rare look at how listening to builders has driven innovation and success.

Get ready to dive into the importance of communication, trust, and technology in building a more efficient and profitable business. Whether you're a residential builder or involved in construction project management, this episode will provide valuable insights into how a collaborative approach to software development is transforming the industry.

Tune in to learn:

• How feedback has shaped Wunderbuild’s key features.
• The role of communication in improving builder-client relationships.
• What’s next for Wunderbuild and the future of construction technology.

To connect with Ahmed, check the links below. Enjoy the episode!

Website: https://www.wunderbuild.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@wunderbuild

E-mail: [email protected]

Want more resources to help build your building or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed - https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

Unlock the key to better client relationships and smoother projects by closing the communication gap in your building business!

In this episode of The ToolShed, we dive into one of the biggest challenges facing builders today—communication. Whether you’re running a small residential building business or managing larger projects, poor communication can lead to unnecessary costs, delays, and frustration. That's why I’m sitting down with Ron Nussbaum, the CEO of Builder Comms, to uncover the impact of communication breakdowns and how addressing them can dramatically improve client relationships and leadership in your construction business.

Ron brings his extensive experience in residential construction and shares how Builder Comms, a communication platform specifically designed for the building industry, helps eliminate common communication issues. We discuss how clear, effective communication is the foundation of strong client relationships and a smoother workflow for your team. If you’re ready to simplify how you manage projects, improve client satisfaction, and lead your team more effectively, this episode is for you.

• Discover how poor communication can cost your business thousands of dollars each year.
• Learn how Builder Comms acts as the "air traffic control" for construction projects, keeping your team and clients on the same page.
• Explore the direct link between great communication and stronger client relationships, ensuring trust and satisfaction.
• Understand how leadership and clear communication are intertwined, creating a better experience for both your team and clients.
• Get practical tips from Ron on how to streamline project management and improve client interactions using simple but powerful communication tools.
• Dive into the power of simplicity in software solutions and why focusing on what matters most can make all the difference.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for builders who want to eliminate the chaos caused by poor communication, build better client relationships, and become stronger leaders. Whether you're a small business owner or running larger construction projects, these strategies will help you take your building business to the next level.

To connect with Ron, check the links below. Enjoy the episode! Website: www.buildercoms.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@BuilderComs Instagram: www.instagram.com/buildercoms Podcast: Construction Champions Podcast

Want more resources to help build your building- or trades-based business? Join us in the ToolShed: https://bit.ly/JoinTheToolshed

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Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

How to strengthen client relationships and lead effectively in your building business. In this episode, I sit down with Angela Heise for an enlightening conversation on how mastering the art of intentional listening can revolutionize leadership in the residential building and construction industry. Angela dives deep into how builders and business owners can use listening and self-leadership to strengthen client relationships, build trust, and lead their teams effectively. Whether you're managing a building business or leading a team in construction, this episode provides valuable insights to help you stand out and create lasting success.

In This Episode, You Will:

• Learn how to use intentional listening to build trust and improve client relationships.
• Discover how to identify clients’ true needs and separate them from their wants, ensuring project success.
• Understand the role of self-leadership and why self-care is crucial for effective leadership in your building business.
• Explore the power of empathy and curiosity in leading teams and enhancing decision-making in construction projects.
• Find out why single-tasking boosts productivity and how it can lead to better business results.
• Get practical tips on stress management to maintain peak performance and well-being in the high-pressure construction industry.

All this and more, on this week’s episode of THE TOOLSHED.

To connect with Angela, check the links below: Website: www.angelaheise.com Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/intopossibilities Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/angela.emotionalproductivityexpert Spotify: Emotions Are Everywhere Podcast Join the toolshed - thetoolshedpodcast.com

Stay tuned next week when we talk about . So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

Mental health and personal development are crucial topics that every tradie should be paying attention to. In this episode, we’re focusing on equipping yourself mentally for the long haul in your trade. We discussed strategies like box breathing, the importance of goal setting, and why self-care is crucial for business success. It's all about making small but impactful changes that lead to a better work-life balance and thriving in your role.

Joining us today is Aaron WD Huey, a former tradie turned coach. Aaron's journey from carpenter to mental health advocate is inspiring. After facing personal challenges, he learned the importance of mental well-being and now dedicates his life to helping other tradies do the same. Through Hustle Talk Coaching, Aaron empowers men in the trade to take control of their mental health and live more fulfilling lives. His story is a powerful example of how personal development can transform not just your career, but your entire life.

Key takeaways of this episode:

• Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be a top priority for tradies.
• You need to take care of yourself first to perform at your best and avoid burnout.
• Personal development provides you with the tools to tackle challenges and improve your life and work.
• Having someone to hold you accountable helps you stay on track with your goals.
• Techniques like box breathing can effectively manage stress and anxiety.
• Talking openly about mental health helps break down stigma and encourages others to seek help.
• Setting clear, actionable goals is crucial for making progress in your life and career.
• Being part of a supportive community or network can provide the motivation and encouragement you need.

All this and more, on this week’s episode of THE TOOLSHED.

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Stay tuned next week. So, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

• https://www.hustletalkcoaching.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-wd-huey-6803341ab/

The shift from working in your business to working on your business. If you’re a builder who’s felt like the day-to-day grind has you stuck, you’re going to want to listen in. We’re talking about the mindset shift, the strategies, and the systems that can completely transform the way you run your building business. No more constantly feeling behind or putting out fires. Instead, you’ll hear about how to get on top of your projects, manage budgets, and handle the chaos that often comes with running a building company. This is going to be a deep dive into what it takes to start getting real results without the burnout.

Today’s guest, Anthony Tarquinio. Anthony is not just a builder; he’s a director of Evve Group and someone who’s built his business from the ground up in both residential and commercial construction. From managing tier 1 civil projects across the country to overseeing multi-million-dollar high-end residential builds, Anthony’s experience is unmatched. Since starting his own construction company in 2019, he’s taken it to eight-figure annual revenue, running multiple projects at once. He’s a guy who understands both the technical and business sides of construction, and today, he’s going to share how he’s grown his company, the lessons learned, and what’s made all the difference.

Coming up in this episode:

• Why shifting your mindset is key to growing a successful building business.
• How implementing effective systems can save you time and boost profits.
• The importance of being open to learning and letting go of "knowing it all."
• How Profit First principles can give you better control over your finances.
• Why building a strong team is critical for scaling and managing projects.
• Understanding that client experience is your real product, not just the builds.
• The power of surrounding yourself with the right support and community.

All this and more, on this week’s episode of THE TOOLSHED.

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