"Burnout doesn’t announce itself—it sneaks in quietly and takes a toll on your body, mind, and business.”

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, we dive into the all-too-common challenges of burnout, stress, and exhaustion that builders and tradies face daily. I sat down with Luke Shipley, the creator of Boost Fuel for Tradies, to uncover practical strategies that can transform your energy and reduce stress without gimmicks or quick fixes.

Luke shares his journey from burnout to vitality, using herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques to create a sustainable, balanced lifestyle.

“Small changes lead to big results when you’re consistent and intentional about caring for yourself.”

 Key takeaways from this episode include:

• The dangers of relying on caffeine and energy drinks.

• How herbal supplements can replenish energy naturally.

• The benefits of yoga and meditation for builders.

• Breathing techniques that calm your mind and body.

• Why sustainable habits are essential for long-term success.

To connect with Luke, check all the links below: Website: www.boostfuelfortradies.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Boostfuelfortradies 

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

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boostfuelfortradies?_t=8kxgsZW09W3&_r=1

“Your body is your most important tool—look after it, and it will look after you.”

 If you’re ready to take back control of your energy, improve your health, and work smarter (not harder), this episode is for you. It’s time to fuel up the right way and leave burnout behind.

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here - https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

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

Overwhelmed by constant admin and missed follow-ups? Let’s fix that.

In this episode, I sat with CRM expert Elena Korolkova from Kik Consulting to tackle the top frustrations builders face: scattered project details, endless client questions, and lack of time. They discuss how using a CRM tool like monday.com can simplify your workflow, automate tasks, and keep you organized so you can deliver on time, every time.

Listen to learn:

• How CRM tools can streamline your daily operations

• The benefits of automating client updates and project tracking

• Tips for taking control of your business and freeing up your time

Tune in to start building a business that works for you, not the other way around.

To know more about Elena, check all her links below:

• Website: https://www.kickconsulting.com.au/ & https://monday.com/ 

• Instagram: instagram.com/mondaydotcom

• Facebook: facebook.com/mondaydotcom

• Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/mondaydotcom/ 

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mondaydotcom 

• Twitter: twitter.com/mondaydotcom

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard  

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

"Running a business together can either build you up or break you down—it's all in how you handle it." - Verity Hare

Feeling the strain of balancing family and business? Mick sits down with Verity Hare, founder of Tradie Wives, who turned her frustrations with co-running a trades business into actionable solutions for thousands of partners. Verity shares practical strategies to reduce stress, set boundaries, and build a support system that makes both life and business easier.

Highlights:

• Setting boundaries in family business

• Finding a support network

• Simplifying business challenges

To connect with Verity Hare, check all the links below:

Website: https://tradiewives.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TradieWives 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TradieWives/ 

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard  

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

"Eight men take their lives every day in Australia. It’s time to break the silence." Many men in high-stress fields like construction are silently battling mental health struggles, feeling the pressure to "tough it out." In this episode of The ToolShed, Geraldine from Alchemy of Men joins us to confront this issue. We dig into why men hesitate to seek support and explore practical tools to reduce stress, manage anxiety, and build resilience.

In This Episode:

• Why men often avoid asking for help

• Simple, actionable techniques to manage stress

• How community can break the isolation

Don’t wait until it’s too late—start building real support today.

Toconnect with Geraldine, check out all the links below: Websites: https://www.heartconnection.com.au/ and https://www.alchemyofmen.com.au/ 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartConnection01 and https://www.facebook.com/AlchemyofMEN  

Start your healing journey, book an online today: https://www.heartconnection.com.au/bookonline

Join the 8-week personalized program for growth and development for men: https://www.alchemyofmen.com.au/onlineprogram 

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

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.

"Your biggest bottleneck is you. Let a VA take tasks off your plate so you can focus on growth."

Overwhelmed by tasks? In this episode of The Toolshed, Mick Hawes talks with Devang Parikh from 24-7 Direct about how Virtual Assistants (VAs) can help builders delegate, save time, and boost efficiency. Learn how outsourcing can improve your systems and client experience, allowing you to focus on growth.

Key Points:

• Why builders resist hiring VAs

• How VAs streamline your business

• Common outsourcing mistakes and fixes

• Finding the right VA for your business

• Builder success stories with VAs

To connect with Devang, check out the links below: Website: https://www.24x7direct.com.au/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/24x7Direct/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/24x7direct/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@24x7direct8 

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. Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

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.

Are you constantly finishing projects only to find out you’ve lost money?

Builders often struggle with tracking costs mid-project, leading to profit loss and financial stress. In this episode of The ToolShed, Liam Cook, co-founder of JackApp, shares how their software helps builders fix this problem. With real-time cash flow forecasting, variation tracking, and budget management, Jack puts you back in control of your profits.

Key Takeaways:

• Builders often lose profit due to poor cost tracking during projects.

• Jack software offers real-time cash flow forecasting and variation tracking.

• It helps you manage budgets and prevent profit loss before it’s too late.

• Builders using Jack have reported saving up to $30,000 annually.

• Jack simplifies project management by consolidating multiple tools into one platform.

To know more about Liam, check all his links out:

Website: https://jackapp.io/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackapp.io Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackapp_ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jack_app 

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

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.

"You don’t need fancy equipment. Start simple, be authentic, and the results will come." – Gideon

In this episode of The Toolshed, I chat with video expert Gideon about simplifying video marketing for builders. They discuss avoiding common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating your gear and focusing on perfection, and instead highlight the importance of keeping things simple and authentic. Gideon also introduces two of his platforms, Splashio and Vubli, which make video editing and publishing easier for busy builders. If you're looking to up your video marketing game without the overwhelm, this episode is packed with practical tips and resources.

• Keep It Simple: Start with your smartphone—no need for fancy equipment.

• Focus on Audio: Clear audio is more important than perfect visuals.

• Authenticity Matters: Show your real self to build trust with your audience.

• Leverage Tools: Use Splashio to create social media clips and Vubli to automate video publishing across platforms.

To know more about Gideon, check all the links below:

Websites: https://www.splasheo.com/ and https://vubli.ai/ 

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

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

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

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@splasheo 

Twitter: https://x.com/GideonShalwick 

Blog: https://www.gideonshalwick.com/ Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

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, I chat with Sonia Bottern and Greg from Jesuit Social Services about how genuine connection and listening can change lives—whether by supporting mental health or building stronger business relationships. We dig into how being present and having meaningful conversations help prevent isolation and foster deeper connections with everyone around us.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference in someone’s life or how to run a more connected business, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of connection in supporting mental health

• Practical steps to be present and listen effectively

• How these skills can improve your business relationships

To know more about Sonja & Gregs, check all the links below:

About Sonja:

Phone - 0447 630 823

Web - https://botternconsulting.com.au 

Email: [email protected] 

TIACS - https://www.tiacs.org 

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 

About Greg: Website: https://grieftraumasupport.com/index.html

Email: [email protected]

Phone - 0415 132 302

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grieftraumasupport/ Reach out to them to learn more and bring this transformative experience to your community. This is something we all need in today’s world: https://linkedin.com/company/connect-listen-be-with/posts/?feedView=all Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

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.

"The moment you find clarity, everything changes—your business, your life, and your future. Purpose is the key to unlocking it all." - Mitchell Fragar

In this episode, I sat down with Mitch Fragar, a BlackBelt builder who has completely transformed his business and life by finding and embracing his purpose. Mitch talks about the challenges of running a business without clear direction, how burnout almost got the better of him, and how focusing on purpose turned everything around. If you’re stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. It’s all about getting clear on your "why" and using that clarity to drive your business forward.

Key Takeaways:

• The Real Cost of Burnout: Mitch reveals how his business without purpose led to exhaustion and missed opportunities in his personal life.

• Finding Your Why: The moment Mitch began asking the right questions, his entire approach to business changed.

• Transparency Equals Engagement: By opening up his business’s financials to his team, Mitch fostered trust and grew his business exponentially.

• Purpose-Driven Success: Aligning his business with personal values led to significant improvements in both his professional and personal life.

To connect with Mitch, check all the links below: Website: https://nextgenbuilding.com.au/ 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/next.genbuilding/ 

Most building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

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

"What if freeing up your team’s time could unlock a whole new level of growth for your business?"

In this episode of The ToolShed, I sat down with Kody Thompson from WrkPod to explore how virtual assistants (VAs) can revolutionize your building business. We dive into the myths around outsourcing, how VAs can actually create jobs locally, and the significant impact they can have on your team's productivity. If you're looking for ways to scale your business, streamline tasks, and let your team focus on what really matters, this episode is for you.

Key Points Discussed:

• Myths vs. Reality: Why hiring VAs doesn’t take away local jobs.

• Boosting Productivity: How VAs can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your team for high-value work.

• Kody’s Story: How WorkPod was born and its approach to placing skilled VAs in businesses.

• Building the Right Systems: The importance of proper systems to get the best results from your VAs.

• Common Mistakes: Why some businesses fail with VAs and how to avoid those pitfalls.

To connect with Kody, check out the links below:

Website: https://www.wrkpod.com/ 

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

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

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

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkpodcareers 

Most Building businesses have one major roadblock. Find it and fix it, and a heap of other annoying issues go away, too. The secret is to know what to fix first. Take the Builders Success Scorecard, and find out where to focus your efforts. Take The Scorecard Here: https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard 

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.