The Rise of Female Tradies in Australia
The ToolShed Podcast
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...
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Construction Software for Builders
The ToolShed Podcast
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...
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This ONE Change Will 10X Your Leads!
The ToolShed Podcast
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...
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Why Every Builder NEEDS a Tradie Accountant!
The ToolShed Podcast
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...
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Why Builders Struggle with Systems (And How to Fix It)
The ToolShed Podcast
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...
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This Will Change Construction Culture Forever!
The ToolShed Podcast
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,...
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Why Builders Struggle to Hire
The ToolShed Podcast
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...
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This SIMPLE Fix Could Save Your Building Business
The ToolShed Podcast
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...
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Stop Wasting Time: How Video & AI Fix Repetitive Mistakes
The ToolShed Podcast
Repetitive mistakes are draining time, energy, and profits from builders and trades businesses. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I talk to Luke Canham from Multiply Me about how video training and AI-powered automation can transform how businesses communicate, train teams, and eliminate recurring mistakes. You’ll learn: • The real cost of repetitive mistakes and how they impact your bottom line • Why traditional training methods are outdated and ineffective • How AI and video content can replace time-wasting meetings • The power of short, engaging videos in keeping teams...
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How This Workwear is Changing Tradies’ Lives
The ToolShed Podcast
Most tradies don’t realize their workwear is holding them back. Every day, thousands of builders and tradies wear gear that does nothing to support their energy, focus, or well-being—and it’s costing them more than they think. In this episode, Duncan St. Baker from Anthem Workwear joins me to discuss how the right workwear can boost performance, improve mindset, and help tradies feel stronger, sharper, and more motivated on the job. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How workwear affects physical and mental performance ✔️ Why tradies are shifting towards health, fitness,...
info_outlineHiring 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