The ToolShed Podcast

"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.

"If you're spending more time on admin than on building, you're working harder, not smarter." – Greg Smith

In this episode of The Toolshed, I sat with Greg Smith from Admins The Answer about how builders can save time and reduce stress by outsourcing admin tasks like invoicing, client communication, and chasing payments. Learn how delegation can improve cash flow, boost client satisfaction, and free up hours in your day.

Key Topics:

• Admin tasks that drain time

• The benefits of delegation work

• How outsourcing improves cash flow and client relations

To connect with Greg Smith, check the links below: Website: https://www.adminstheanswer.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adminstheanswer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adminstheanswer/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7A2TnrEqat38ky39YcgZ2Q

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.

In this episode of The ToolShed, I chat with builders Luke Davies and Kyle Zanetto about overcoming burnout and the power of community. They share their personal journeys, common mistakes builders make, and how shifting their mindset transformed their businesses. We also discuss Future Builder, a platform they co-created to help other builders succeed.

• Breaking Builder Burnout: Luke and Kyle share how they overcame burnout by changing their mindset and delegating responsibilities.

• Building a Supportive Community: Learn how Future Builder helps builders share resources and improve their businesses.

• Common Builder Mistakes: Discover actionable strategies to avoid burnout and grow your business sustainably.

To connect with Future Builder Co., check out all of the links below:

Website: https://www.futurebuilder.co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/future.builder.co?_rdc=1&_rdr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/future.builder.co/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwEnfbn3jgmpB0prxUdHpA

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.

Get ready for an insightful conversation with negotiation expert Nicole Davidson! In this upcoming episode, we'll be diving into how builders can strengthen client relationships and avoid costly disputes through effective negotiation. 🛠️

If you've ever faced challenges with miscommunication, team conflicts, or tricky client situations, this episode is for you. Nicole shares practical strategies for setting clear expectations, addressing problems early, and using negotiation as a powerful tool to protect your business.

🔑 Here's a quick glimpse of what's to come:

• How clear communication can prevent conflicts before they start

• The importance of early intervention with team and client issues

• When and why mediation might be your best option

• Legal tips every builder should know to avoid disputes

Make sure to tune in and get ready to strengthen your negotiation game! 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 Nicole, check out all of the links below: Website: https://www.nicoledavidsonnegotiation.com.au/

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

Podcast: https://www.nicoledavidsonnegotiation.com.au/podcast

Book your session with Nicole - https://www.nicoledavidsonnegotiation.com.au/book-a-session

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

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.