The ToolShed Podcast

Most builders think scaling means more jobs, more blokes, more stress. But what if there was a better way?

In this episode, I chat with Richard Armstrong from Procalc about a smarter growth strategy—scaling your profit margin, not your workload.

We dig into:

– Why more jobs ≠ more profit

– How to raise your prices without losing quality clients

– The power of delivering a great experience—not just a great home

– How to reduce team size and boost productivity

– What real purpose and energy can do for your business

If you're a residential builder who's tired of the hustle and ready to work smarter—not harder—this one's for you. To connect with Richard, check all the links below:

Website: https://procalc.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076206650142

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/procalc.au/?hl=en

Twitter: https://x.com/procalc_au

Want to call? +61 405 327 949

More profit, less grind? Take the 2-minute Builder Freedom Scorecard to see what's holding you back: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard 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.

#builderscoach #scaleyourbusiness #buildingindustry #residentialbuilder #businessgrowth #profitfirst #builderpodcast #constructionbusiness #toolShedPodcast

Builder coaching isn't all systems and success stories, this is the real deal. In this honest conversation, builder Matthew Auld shares how he lost over $100K on a project, battled burnout, and nearly quit his business. We talk through the mindset shifts, hard-earned lessons, and the game-changing value of being surrounded by a community that truly gets it. If you're a residential builder feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure if coaching is worth the investment, this episode gives you the truth most people won't. To connect with Matthew Auld, Check all the links below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.auld.builder/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capital.sheds/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capital.sheds Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100034819557003 More profit, less grind? Take the 2-minute Builder Freedom Scorecard to see what's holding you back: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard 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.

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I spoke with Steph Apostolidis—better known as the Melbourne Chippy Chick—about her journey into the trades and how she's reshaping the culture for women in construction across Australia.

Steph shares the origin of the Tradie Lady Club, a growing community supporting female tradies through connection, events, and mentorship. From tackling isolation on job sites to empowering women to start their own businesses, this is a story of resilience, passion, and community-driven change. What You'll Learn:

– How Steph got into carpentry and built her career

– Why she created the Tradie Lady Club

– Common challenges women face in the trades

– How community can transform confidence and opportunity

– Inspiring stories of female-led trade businesses

– The importance of support networks in the building industry If you're a woman in trades, a builder passionate about inclusivity, or looking to understand how culture impacts performance on-site, this episode is a must-listen.

To connect with Stefanie, Check all the links below:

✅ Follow Melbourne Chippy Chick on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/melbournechippychick

✅ Join the Tradie Lady Club (Facebook Group)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/tradieladyclub

✅ Check out the Tradie Lady Club Website & Merch

https://www.tradieladyclub.com.au

📌 Want to identify and fix the ONE issue holding your business back? Take the Builder's Scorecard in just 90 seconds and get personalized insights on how to improve your business. 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.

I interviewed Nick Daffy from Styck Construction Software to discuss how builders can boost their business profits by streamlining project management and finances. We covered tools that prevent cost overruns, simplify subcontractor management, and improve budget tracking. Discover essential features and integrations like Xero that can transform your construction business and increase efficiency.

Episode Highlights:

– Maximize construction business profits.

– Prevent cost overruns and improve project efficiency.

– Simplify subcontractor management and financial tracking.

– Integrate with Xero for seamless accounting.

– Utilize easy-to-use construction project management software.

Call to Action:

• Get a 14-day free trial: https://styck.com.au/

More profit, less grind? Take the 2-minute Builder Freedom Scorecard to see what's holding you back: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard 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.

If you're a builder or tradie struggling to get consistent, high-quality leads, you're not alone—and you're probably focusing on the wrong problem. In this episode of The ToolShed, I sit down with Matt Jones from The Site Shed to reveal the one change that can dramatically increase your leads without spending more on ads or chasing clients.

We break down:

• The #1 marketing mistake tradies make

• Why most builders don't have a lead problem—they have a follow-up problem

• How to build trust and authority using simple content

• Why video marketing is a powerful tool for builders

• How AI tools can automate lead handling and improve client experience

• The key to turning leads into booked projects

To connect with Matt Jones, check all the links below:

Tradie Web Guys: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/

The Site Shed Podcast: https://www.thesiteshed.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-site-shed/

Whether you're in renovations, residential building, or any trade-based business, this episode gives you practical, real-world strategies to improve your marketing system, boost your conversion rates, and grow a profitable, stress-free business.

More profit, less grind? Take the 2-minute Builder Freedom Scorecard to see what's holding you back: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard

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.

Cash flow problems, tax headaches, and surprise expenses—sound familiar? Most builders struggle with managing their finances, but the right accountant can literally save your business. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with Bryn Harwood from Tradies Accountant to discuss why builders NEED a specialist accountant who understands the industry inside and out.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

– The biggest financial mistakes builders make (and how to avoid them) – Why a general accountant isn't enough for a construction business – How AI and automation are revolutionizing accounting for tradies – The hidden risks in construction finance that could cost you BIG – Invoice fraud in the industry—how to protect your business

To connect with Bryn Hardwood, check all the links below: Website: https://www.tradiesaccountant.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradiesAccountant/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiesaccountant/ Email: [email protected] Are you a small to medium business owner? Call Tradies Accountant at 1300 775 048 Still working hard but not getting ahead? Take the 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard to spot what's holding you back and get clear steps to earn more, work less, and build real freedom: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard 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.

Most builders know they need systems, but why do so many struggle to implement them? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with James Hickey of JHC Consulting to uncover the biggest roadblocks that keep builders stuck—and the proven strategies to fix them.

If you're overwhelmed with admin, struggling with cash flow, or feel like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

– Why builders resist systemizing their business

– The three key pillars of a successful construction company

– How WorkflowMax improves job profitability and financial control

– The biggest cash flow mistake builders make

– How to balance automation with human relationships

Why JHC Consulting Recommends WorkflowMax

– (Leads → Quotes → POs → Invoicing → Xero Sync)

– Eliminates cash flow blind spots and reduces admin overload

– Affordable, scalable, and integrates with leading BI and payment tools

– API integrations with EzzyBills, RDI, and AirWallex for financial efficiency

Exclusive Offer for ToolShed Listeners

📌 Get 50% off WorkflowMax for 6 months + a 14-day free trial → http://www.workflowmax2.com/start (Use code ToolShed50OFF6)

📌 Work with James Hickey – Free 1-hour business strategy call → https://jhc.consulting/contact/ (Reference ToolShed)

Still working hard but not getting ahead? Take the 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard to spot what's holding you back and get clear steps to earn more, work less, and build real freedom: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard 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.

Have thoughts on this episode? Leave a review and share your biggest system challenge.

The construction industry is undergoing a major cultural shift, and it's time to talk about it. In this episode, Angela Hucker shares how bullying, harassment, and outdated workplace behaviors are being addressed and what builders can do to create safer, stronger teams.

🔹 What You'll Learn:

✔️ How construction culture is evolving ✔️ Why toxic workplace norms are costing businesses ✔️ The role of psychological safety & leadership ✔️ New workplace safety laws & compliance risks ✔️ How EPIC is helping builders improve workplace culture

To connect with Angela, check out all of the links below: Website: https://epicservices.group/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicservicesau/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epicservicesau Podcast: https://epicservices.group/latest-podcast/ Looking to improve your hiring process? Take the Builder's Scorecard to find the ONE issue holding your business back: 🔗 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.

#Construction #Builders #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #PsychologicalSafety #EPIC #TheToolShedPodcast

Hiring the right people can make or break your building business—but why is it so hard to find good talent? In this episode, I talk with Martin Preece from Building Environs, a specialist in construction recruitment, about the biggest mistakes builders make when hiring.

We explore:

✔️ Why builders struggle to hire the right people ✔️ How to position your business to attract top talent ✔️ The difference between filling seats vs. hiring for growth ✔️ Why offering career growth is more important than salary ✔️ Insights from Martin's Building Talks podcast

🔨 Looking to improve your hiring process? Take the Builder's Scorecard to find the ONE issue holding your business back: 🔗 https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard

To connect with Martin, check all the links below: Website :https://www.buildingenvirons.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuildingEnvirons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingenvirons/ Podcast: https://www.buildingenvirons.com.au/podcasts/ 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. #ConstructionHiring #BuilderRecruitment #HiringMistakes #BuildingBusiness #MartinPreece #TheToolshedPodcast #RecruitmentTips

Running a building business is tough, but community is the game-changer you need. In this episode, I chat with Colleen Sinclair from Building Connections about the power of networking to tackle stress, staffing, and business growth.

Key Topics:

• The biggest struggles builders face

• Why community matters

• Mental health in construction

Follow & Share! If you're a builder, contractor, or business owner looking to improve team efficiency, training compliance, and profitability, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Follow, review & share to support other builders!

To connect with Colleen, check out the links below: Website: https://buildingconnections.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcbuildingconnections/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colleen.sinclair.77 Contact NO: 0408 1711 289 Follow their social events: https://shorturl.at/WovPX Become a Member: https://shorturl.at/14koQ Want to identify the biggest challenge in your business right now? Take the Builder's Scorecard—it only takes 90 seconds and will give you insights on where to focus next. https://bit.ly/BuildersSuccessScorecard The bottom line? You don't have to do it alone. Community is a builder's greatest asset, and tapping into the right support network could be the key to transforming your business. 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.