The Trade Den

Revenue, gross profit, overheads, and net profit—four numbers that reveal the true story of a business. 

Hidden in plain sight on the profit and loss statement, they show more than what’s in the bank. They uncover what’s been earned, what’s been spent, and what’s really left over. 

In this episode, we break down each number, why it matters, and how it connects to the others. Because knowing them isn’t optional – it’s essential. These figures drive pricing, resourcing, and strategy. Ignore them, and the business runs blind. Master them, and decision-making becomes sharper, faster, smarter. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 

🔨 Know your gross profit percentage to guide pricing and scalability decisions. 
🔨 Overheads quietly grow – track them before they suffocate your bottom line. 
🔨 Net profit is the ultimate test of viability, not just survival. 
🔨 The P&L isn’t history – it’s a decision-making tool for the future. 
🔨 Ignoring numbers leads to chaos; understanding them drives control and clarity. 
🔨 Wages keep you working, while profits help you build wealth and fund freedom. 

We mention episode 58, another Money Matters episode, about sloppy spending killing your profits. Hear here: 
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0n8cY0VCyX3TG3XOxklUGn?si=pI7dQ7kyRCGqO2yY6DIpWg 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every trade business hits that moment – around the million-dollar mark. Suddenly the cracks show – time’s tight, you’re torn between the job and your family, and something’s got to give. 

It’s the fork in the road we see time and time again. One path keeps you on the tools — safe, familiar, in control. 

The other? You step back, build structure, lead a team, and grow something bigger than yourself. 

Neither path is wrong. But the danger is staying stuck in between. 

In this episode, we unpack both roads — the trade-off between certainty and scale, freedom and familiarity, and what it really takes to transition from doing the work to leading the business. 

Whether you’re ready to stay hands-on or take that next leap, the key is this: stop sitting on the fence. It’s time to decide — and then commit to building your future.

In this episode you’ll learn:

🔨 Staying on the tools offers control, but caps growth and freedom. 
🔨 Stepping off the tools demands new skills, identity, and leadership mindset. 
🔨 You can’t grow a business while stuck on-site every single day. 
🔨 Both paths are hard – you just need to pick one. 
🔨 Transitioning requires structure, margin, and the right ground crew beneath you. 
🔨 You can’t fake commitment – make your choice and back it fully. 

We mention our episode with Anthony Rentzis and his experience with coaching. Listen to Episode 9 on The Trade Den:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2t5zWDXSmGiV6MwUNDrm5S?si=nLX0x6zXSrCVjXje9q_8Jg 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a builder rediscovers his spark? In this episode, we unpack the five-year transformation of Andrew Debono – from running on fumes in a labour-hire grind to building a thriving, purpose-driven business in residential construction. 

Burnt out and losing passion, Andrew knew something had to change. With guidance, grit and a commitment to growth, he reshaped his business, rebuilt his team, and shifted into a leadership role that reignited his love for the trade. 

Along the way, he also reclaimed his health, his time, and his presence with family. 

Now leading a team of 13 with an eight-month pipeline, Andrew reflects on the power of saying no, the value of coaching, and how the right people can supercharge a business.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

🔨 Saying yes to everything nearly broke the business and burned Andrew out. 
🔨 Rediscovering passion meant leaving commercial work and returning to residential projects. 
🔨 Coaching showed Andrew how to transition strategically, not recklessly. 
🔨 Building the right team required letting go of the wrong people. 
🔨 Health, family time, and mindset shifted alongside business transformation. 
🔨 Clarity came from defining values and aligning the business accordingly. 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leadership isn’t just about running a business. It’s about how you show up – every day, through the chaos, the pressure, the wins and the setbacks. 

In this episode, we start with a mirror test. Because how you think you lead and how your team experiences your leadership can be two very different things. 

Are you bringing clarity or just adding commentary? Do your people feel supported or second-guessed? Energised – or constantly on edge? 

Three traits separate great leaders from the rest: clarity, consistency, and accountability. We’ll help you spot where the cracks might be showing, and give you simple ways to lift your standard – without adding more to your plate. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 
🔨 Great leadership starts with self-awareness and understanding how you truly show up. 
🔨 Mood swings and double standards are signs of weak, inconsistent leadership. 
🔨 Accountability begins with you before you can expect it from your team. 
🔨 A team mirrors the energy, standards, and tone set by its leader. 
🔨 Mixed messages lead to uncertainty and poor performance across the board. 
🔨 Leadership is a daily practice, not something you switch on and off. 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Difficult conversations are never fun. But they’re unavoidable if you’re running a business and leading a team. The real skill isn’t just having the conversation, it’s knowing how to have it without blowing things up, shutting people down, or leaving things unresolved. 

This is the second of a two-part series. While last episode focused on preparation, this one is all about execution.  We walk you through our CLIP framework, so that you know exactly what to say, how to say it, and how to make sure the message lands – whether it’s about safety, performance, attitude, or anything in between.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

🔨 Starting with intent helps lower defensiveness and builds trust early. 
🔨 Asking open questions draws people in and tests self-awareness. 
🔨 Avoid generalisations and focus on specific behaviours, not personalities. 
🔨 Let them speak – insight invites responsibility and encourages personal growth. 
🔨 Highlighting real-world consequences makes the issue tangible and memorable. 
🔨 Gaining commitment at the end ensures clarity, ownership, and forward momentum. 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s face it – no one starts a business dreaming of tough talks, awkward silences, or calling out bad attitudes. But as your team grows, so does the need for courageous conversations. 

Whether it’s pulling someone up on poor performance, tackling toxic behaviour, or confronting safety breaches head-on –this is where real leadership shows up. 

We dive into the art and science of difficult conversations – why they matter, what’s at stake if you avoid them, and how to handle them without torching your culture or losing sleep. 

These aren’t the skills you learned on the tools, but they’re the ones that will make or break your business. They’re so important that we’ve broken this into two episodes. 

In this episode you’ll learn:
🔨 Poor performance must be addressed early to prevent long-term cultural damage. 
🔨 Behaviour and attitude issues can quickly undermine team morale and standards. 
🔨 Safety breaches demand immediate, well-handled conversations to protect everyone involved. 
🔨 Avoidance creates resentment, confusion, and a toxic workplace environment over time. 
🔨 Preparation is key—gather facts, remove emotion, and clarify your desired outcome. 
🔨 Choosing the right place sets the tone for a productive conversation. 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Copp is your classic trades business owner story – working long hours, managing a small team, juggling jobs, admin at night, until burnout kicked in.

Mitch knew something had to give. That’s when he swapped long hours for long-term thinking – and started the real work: becoming a business owner.

Fast forward to today – Mitch leads a thriving team, has moved out of his home office and into a full functioning warehouse, and is setting the pace in high-end residential construction.

Because as Mitch discovered, it’s not just about getting off the tools – it’s about building something that works without you. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 
🔨 You can’t grow if you’re stuck on the tools every day. 
🔨 Saying no to work is sometimes the smartest move you’ll make. 
🔨 Leadership isn’t natural – it’s built through discomfort, practice, and accountability. 
🔨 Working from home is convenient – until it holds your business back. 
🔨 Burnout isn’t a badge of honour, it’s a business model failing. 
🔨 Habits, not hacks, are what changes how you lead and live. 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: 

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

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grit is a word that gets thrown around a lot. But what does it really mean? Is it about pushing harder, grinding longer, or just stubbornly refusing to quit? Not exactly. In this episode, we break down two types of grit—one that propels you forward and another that drags you into the ground. 

True grit is sustained passion, perseverance, and consistent action toward long-term goals. But there’s a dark side – what we call “dumb grit”. That’s the exhausting cycle of pushing forward without strategy, ignoring feedback, and mistaking stubbornness for strength. 

If you’re feeling stuck, it might not be a lack of grit – it may well be the wrong kind. We’ll unpack what smart grit looks like, how to recalibrate after a setback, and why courage is the missing ingredient.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

🔨 Grit isn’t just about pushing harder – it’s about pushing smarter. 
🔨 Passion fuels the fire, but perseverance and action keep it burning. 
🔨 Without smart grit, you’re just taking hits without making progress. 
🔨 Stubbornness isn’t strength if it keeps you stuck in the same place. 
🔨 Success isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s about acting despite it. 
🔨 Hard work alone won’t cut it – strategy and adaptability matter.

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stepping off the tools and into management? It’s a whole new game. Suddenly, you’re not just a tradie – you’re a leader. And that means handling an avalanche of calls, decisions, and problems, all while keeping your ground crew productive and your business moving. 

Today, we’re giving you a simple playbook to cut through the chaos. It’s all about three words: Wins, Flags, and Roadblocks. This system helps you process information fast, make decisions with clarity, and keep momentum high without drowning in problems. 

This approach will transform how you manage your team – and your time. Because the bigger your business gets, the more overwhelming it can feel… unless you’ve got the right tools to handle it. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 
🔨 Celebrating wins boosts morale, reinforces progress, and strengthens a positive team culture. 
🔨 Flags act as early warning signs to prevent small issues from becoming major problems. 
🔨 Identifying, addressing, and preventing roadblocks ensures smooth operations, productivity, and business growth. 
🔨 Training and mentorship help teams handle solution roadblocks with confidence. 
🔨 Anticipating resource needs prevents last-minute delays and keeps projects on track. 
🔨 Empowering teams with clear processes reduces roadblocks and improves overall business efficiency. 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a fine line between building your business and jeopardising the relationship with your loved ones. We see two extreme habits that can quietly wreck your personal life when business talk follows you home. 

On one end, there’s the Withdrawal Reflex – shutting down, bottling up stress, and leaving your partner completely in the dark. She starts feeling disconnected, and before you know it, her silence speaks louder than words. 

On the other end, there’s Open All Hours Syndrome – where every dinner, every car ride, and even quiet moments in front of the TV turn into a never-ending business meeting. 

We’ve been guilty of both, and we’ve coached countless business owners through the same struggles. We unpack how to avoid these traps and find a healthy middle ground, so your business thrives without your relationship paying the price. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 

🔨 Running a business can create tension at home if conversations aren’t managed well. 
🔨 Small, intentional updates help maintain open communication without emotional overload. 
🔨 Asking for permission before discussing business can prevent unexpected stress for your partner. 
🔨 Being clear on whether you need advice or just a listening ear makes conversations more effective. 
🔨 Reading the room and choosing the right time for business talk improves how discussions are received. 
🔨 A business should enhance your family life, not come at its expense. 

… Book a free Strategy Session to start your journey toward building a sustainable business and balanced life: www.strategysession.com.au 

And if you’re not already part of The Trade Den please come over to our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetradeden 

Find out more about Pravar Group at www.pravargroup.com or https://www.instagram.com/pravargroup 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.