The Good Builder Podcast

Not every good business needs to scale.Some just need to care.In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with Ryan O’Leary, a Bribie Island tiler known for his craftsmanship, straight talk, and unapologetic belief that “average is the enemy.”Ryan shares what it really looks like to build a sustainable trade business without chasing size, volume, or hype — and why pride in the finished product still matters more than growth metrics.We talk about:Why staying small and selective has worked better than scalingHow culture, humour, and banter keep teams engaged long termThe danger of rushing jobs just to stay busyWhat builders do that makes a trade’s job easier — or harderWhy caring about details is as much about self-respect as it is qualityThis is not a polished success story.It’s an honest conversation about enjoying the work, backing your standards, and building a reputation that lasts — even if it means saying no to growth.Who this episode is for:Builders and trades who want to do great work, enjoy their days on site, and build a business that fits their life — not the other way around.

Builders don’t struggle because they lack skill.They struggle because capacity gets stretched.In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with Anisha and Nayan from Scale Up Smart to break down the five roles builders are most commonly delegating — and why those roles matter more than most realise.Drawing on real data from builders across Australia, we unpack where time is actually being lost day to day, and how poor delegation quietly creates stress, errors, and stalled growth.This conversation covers:Why estimating is often the first and most critical role to delegateHow admin and drafting quietly drain momentum and headspaceThe real impact of weak customer service and communication on trust and reputationWhy marketing and CRM systems fail when builders don’t have supportHow delegation isn’t about “outsourcing everything”, but protecting focus and cash flowThis episode is practical, grounded, and based on what builders are actually experiencing on the ground — not theory.If you’re busy, capable, and still feeling stretched, this conversation will help you see what to let go of first so you can focus on building, leading, and growing sustainably.Who this episode is for:Residential builders who are busy, under pressure, and want to scale without burning out.Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.USE code: GOOD20T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb#TheGoodBuilder#BuildingLeadership#AustralianConstruction#ResidentialBuilding#HomeBuilding#ConstructionIndustry#BuilderLife#HousingSupply#IndustryLeadership#ConstructionInsights#BuiltEnvironment#PropertyDevelopment

Peter Wood has spent more than four decades inside Australian residential construction, from carpentry and site management through to senior leadership across large-scale housing delivery.In this episode, Peter shares the lessons that have shaped his career, why integrity still matters more than systems, and what it really takes to deliver housing at scale in today’s market.We cover land supply constraints, infrastructure delays, the pressure this places on builders and trades, and why reputation still travels faster than any CV. Peter also gives a clear-eyed view on growth, acquisitions, lifestyle communities, and the realities of operating across Queensland and New South Wales.This is a grounded conversation for builders and industry leaders who want to understand how leadership, planning, and delivery actually intersect on the ground — without spin, and without shortcuts.Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.USE code: GOOD20T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb#TheGoodBuilder#BuildingLeadership#AustralianConstruction#ResidentialBuilding#HomeBuilding#ConstructionIndustry#BuilderLife#HousingSupply#IndustryLeadership#ConstructionInsights#BuiltEnvironment#PropertyDevelopment

This week on The Good Builder Podcast, we break down five key headlines shaping the reality for builders right now.From new social and affordable housing opportunities in Western Australia, to plumbing skills investment in regional Queensland, to what NSW workers compensation reform means for cost certainty.We also look at:Why government housing pipelines matter for builder planningWhat new training infrastructure could mean for future labour supplyThe role mature age apprentices may play in easing skills pressureHow builders are rethinking cash flow and payment systemsThis episode is about understanding what’s happening, why it matters, and how builders can respond in practical ways.Clear, calm, and builder-first. No noise. Just the headlines that matter.Find all the latest headlines and more at:https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.USE code: GOOD20T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

Everyone talks about building trust, picking platforms, and “doing marketing properly”.Very few show you what that actually looks like in the real world.In this Monday episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron Ng breaks down the real-life case study behind Avondale Homes – a Southeast Queensland builder that went from a standing start to $20–24 million turnover by year three.No theory. No buzzwords. No agency spin.Just five practical rules that shaped every decision:Being brutally clear on the offerKnowing the customer better than anyone elseBuilding trust and attention before spending on adsFocusing on fewer platforms and executing properlyGetting creative and leveraging suppliers instead of big budgetsAt the start, Avondale had one landing page, Google Ads, and Instagram – and still generated 120–150 leads per month.If you’re a builder who wants growth without fluff, this episode ties together weeks of podcast lessons into one clear, real-world blueprint you can actually use.Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.USE code: GOOD20T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron sits down with Drew from Increase Construction to tackle a problem nearly every builder faces — chasing more work instead of the right work.They unpack why flooding your inbox with leads is rarely the answer, how starting with a clear revenue target changes everything, and why capacity, people, and positioning matter just as much as marketing spend.This conversation cuts through the noise around ads, software, and quick fixes, and instead focuses on practical fundamentals: understanding where your business is in its lifecycle, attracting better clients, building trust through smarter communication, and putting systems in place that support long-term growth.If you are a builder feeling stretched, stuck, or unsure what to say yes or no to, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and build with confidence.Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.USE code: GOOD20T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

Australia is under pressure to build more homes, faster.But speed alone is not the answer.In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron Ng sits down with Dayne Hutchinson, founder of Nordic Construction Systems, to explore what Australia can learn from Sweden’s construction model.Dayne has spent years working in northern Sweden, building homes in some of the harshest climates on earth. In that environment, poor systems are not an option. Precision, prefabrication, and performance are built into the process.Together, they unpack:Why Sweden embraced prefabrication decades agoHow climate forced better systems, not shortcutsThe real differences between Australian and Nordic building cultureHow prefab and offsite construction can improve speed, quality, and marginsWhy better homes are not about trends, but systems and disciplineThis is not a sales pitch for modular building.It is a grounded conversation about productivity, quality, and what it actually takes to build better homes at scale.If you are a builder thinking about capacity, efficiency, or the future of residential construction in Australia, this episode will challenge how you think about delivery.Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.USE code: GOOD20T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb#TheGoodBuilder #AustralianConstruction #HomeBuilding #PrefabConstruction #OffsiteConstruction #BuildingSystems #ConstructionProductivity #ResidentialBuilders #BetterBuilding #HousingCrisis #ConstructionLeadership

Dwyer Quality Homes has been building on the Sunshine Coast for more than 40 years. In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with Alex Dwyer to unpack what it really takes to lead a multi-generational building business in today’s market.Alex shares his journey from growing up around the business to stepping into leadership, including how Dwyer Quality Homes has evolved its systems, culture, and decision-making to stay relevant while protecting its reputation.We talk openly about:What builders learn after delivering more than 2,000 homesWhy systems and internal processes matter as much as craftsmanshipHow transparency and communication build long-term trust with clientsThe reality of land constraints, rising costs, and changing buyer expectationsLeading a team with decades of experience while bringing fresh thinkingThis conversation is for builders who care about longevity, professionalism, and running a business that lasts beyond one market cycle.Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up. USE code: GOOD20T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

The building industry is operating under sustained pressure. Pressure on delivery timeframes. Pressure on cash flow. Pressure on the decisions builders are being forced to make earlier and earlier in the lifecycle of a project.In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Az steps back from the headlines to explain what is actually happening beneath the surface and why it matters for builders trying to run stable, long term businesses.The episode begins with proposed planning reforms in New South Wales, including the move to centralise state planning referrals through a new Development Coordination Authority. While the intent is to reduce delays and complexity, Az explores the practical question builders care about most. Will this change improve certainty around approvals, timeframes, and project risk, or will it simply reorganise existing friction inside the system.You can read the full article here: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/nsw-moves-to-centralise-planning-referrals-with-new-development-coordination-authority/Az then turns to the importance of longevity in construction, using the 43 year history of G.J. Gardner Homes as a case study. The discussion focuses on how local accountability, decentralised decision making, and strong fundamentals have helped some businesses remain resilient through changing market cycles. In an industry marked by volatility and builder failures, long term survival offers lessons that go well beyond brand or scale.You can read that article here: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/43-years-of-g-j-gardner-homes-a-builder-that-grew-without-losing-its-local-focus/The episode closes with a deeper look at financial strategy as building businesses grow. As operations become more complex, finance shifts from being a simple transaction to an operational decision that affects teams, trades, and client relationships. Az explains why understanding lender behaviour, communication, and flexibility often matters more than chasing the lowest rate, especially when programs move and conditions change mid project.This episode is supported by NoBnk, who work with builders to navigate construction finance in a way that better reflects the realities of delivery, risk, and real world decision making.You can learn more about NoBnk here: https://www.nobnk.com.au/Throughout the episode, the focus remains practical and grounded. What builders should be paying attention to right now. How systems and structure influence outcomes. And why long term thinking is becoming essential, not optional.This episode is for builders who value clarity over noise and want to make decisions that hold up over time.

Most clients decide whether they trust you long before they pick up the phone.In this solo episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron breaks down the three signals that consistently influence trust in a builder’s business — based on real market research, years inside builder marketing teams, and insights gathered from working with hundreds of construction businesses.You’ll hear why:Clear, honest visuals beat glossy hero shots every timeCalm, confident language builds authority without egoConsistency across your website, socials and messaging quietly does the heavy liftingThis episode is practical, grounded and immediately actionable — especially if you want to attract better-fit clients, avoid the wrong jobs, and build trust before the first conversation even starts.If you’re a builder, trade or supplier looking to raise your standards and stand out for the right reasons, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Az sits down with Will, founder of Core Painting, to unpack what it really means to raise standards in the trades — and why quality work alone is no longer enough.From his early years learning the trade in Northern England to building one of the Sunshine Coast’s fastest-growing painting businesses, Will shares how discipline, preparation, and customer experience have shaped his approach to business. The conversation goes beyond painting, diving into leadership, team culture, accountability, and why service before, during, and after a job is what separates good operators from great ones.Will explains how lessons learned from heritage restoration, family business, and hard-earned failures influenced his belief that trades are service businesses first — and how owning mistakes, respecting clients’ money, and communicating properly builds long-term trust with builders and homeowners alike.This is an honest, grounded conversation about building teams people want to be part of, creating systems that scale without losing quality, and why the future of the construction industry depends on lifting standards across trades, not cutting corners.A must-listen for builders, trades, and business owners who care about reputation, culture, and doing the job properly — every time.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron Ng sits down with Brendan Welsh, founder of HavaChat, to unpack how real-world sales frustrations led to the creation of one of the most practical AI tools emerging in the construction and supplier space.Brendan shares his journey from senior leadership roles in manufacturing and sales to building HavaChat from scratch, without a coding background. The conversation dives into why most salespeople hate admin, how poor follow-up damages relationships, and why technology should remove friction rather than add complexity.They explore how simple tools can dramatically improve communication, note-taking, and accountability across sales teams, builders, and industry professionals who spend their days moving between meetings, sites, and conversations.This episode also looks beyond the app itself, touching on where AI is heading in construction, why admin—not jobs—is the real target, and how builders and suppliers can start using technology to save time, improve client experience, and stay competitive.A practical, honest conversation for builders, suppliers, and sales professionals who want less admin, better communication, and tools that actually fit how the industry works.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron Ng breaks down what The Good Builder really is and, more importantly, how builders, trades, suppliers and industry partners can actually use it to get ahead.With thousands of new followers and subscribers joining the community, this episode is a practical walk-through of how The Good Builder supports the industry through trusted journalism, builder stories, podcasts, video, events and the Community Directory.Aaron shares why the platform was created, the problems it is trying to solve in a fragmented industry, and how both builders and suppliers can tap into education, exposure, partnerships and community without the hard sell.If you have ever wondered how to get value from The Good Builder, this episode is for you.This episode is proudly supported by New Home Electrical Specialist, 2025 Protrade Innovative Business of the Year and trusted partners of The Good Builder.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we take a step back and look at the real forces shaping life for builders as 2026 gets underway — not just what’s happening on site, but what’s happening around the industry that quietly stacks pressure on businesses every day.We unpack three key stories that, when viewed together, explain why building can feel harder than it should right now.First, we explore the growing trust gap in housing, sparked by renewed backlash over misleading property marketing. While the criticism is aimed at listings and agents, builders are often left carrying the fallout, managing heightened expectations, sceptical clients, and tension that starts long before construction begins.👉 Read the full article:https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/misleading-listing-images-spark-renewed-calls-for-tighter-regulation-in-real-estate-marketing/We then turn to the industry’s call for a $12 billion cut in red tape, and what stalled productivity actually looks like on the ground. From duplicated approvals to inconsistent council processes and rising holding costs, this is a story about uncertainty, not just compliance — and why smaller and mid-sized builders feel it the most.👉 Read the full article:https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/housing-industry-calls-for-12-billion-cut-to-red-tape-as-productivity-stalls/Finally, we look at a rare example of long-term certainty being done properly, with South Australia releasing six regional plans that map housing, land use and infrastructure over the next 15 to 30 years. For builders, suppliers and trades, this is a clear signal about where future work will sit, what types of homes will be needed, and how growth is expected to occur — not reactively, but deliberately.👉 Read the full article:https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/south-australia-sets-a-30-year-blueprint-for-regional-growth/This episode is about connecting the dots between trust, regulation and planning — and why builders who understand the bigger picture are better placed to protect margins, manage expectations, and build more resilient businesses over the long term.Less noise. More clarity. Conversations that actually help.

On this Australia Day episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron Ng breaks down three of the most effective marketing campaigns he has personally been involved in across Australia and New Zealand — not because they looked clever, but because they genuinely worked.From G.J. Gardner Homes’ Most Trusted campaign, to Avondale Homes’ Open Homes Under Construction, and Stonewood Homes’ The House New Zealand Built, this episode unpacks what made these campaigns successful and why trust, positioning and real customer insight matter more than flashy ads or quick leads.Aaron explains how each campaign helped builders earn trust, attract the right clients, and create long-term brand value — and why builders should stop chasing tactics and start building credibility instead.For members of The Good Builder Community Directory, a deeper “how-to” breakdown and resources are available. For everyone else, this episode delivers the principles you can apply immediately in your own building business.If you want marketing that delivers real outcomes, not just noise, this one’s for you.

What if success is not about working harder, but about mastering your mind?In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron Ng sits down with Dr Yannick Van Heirden, mindset and performance specialist and founder of Impaktr, for one of the most practical and honest conversations we have had on leadership, discipline and sustainable success.Yannick shares his personal journey from being directionless and self-sabotaging to completing a PhD and coaching high-performing leaders across Australia. Together, they unpack why so many builders and business owners feel constantly behind, stressed, and burnt out and what actually needs to change.This episode dives into:Why your mind can be your greatest asset or your worst enemyThe biggest leadership trap builders fall into without realisingHow behaviour change beats motivation every timeWhy taking care of your body is non-negotiable for business performancePractical habits builders can use immediately to regain control of their time and energyWhy success is self-mastery, not a finish lineHow combat sports like jiu-jitsu build resilience for business and lifeThis is not theory. It is practical, grounded advice for builders, tradies and leaders who want to perform at a high level without sacrificing their health, family or sanity.If you feel busy but not effective, motivated but exhausted, or successful but stretched, this conversation will hit home.For More:Peak Performance Quiz: https://peak-performance.scoreapp.com/Yannick's meditation session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBXK71dxsZc&t=7s3 steps to peak performance: https://youtu.be/P1bylWWDjps#TheGoodBuilder #ConstructionLeadership #BuilderLife #MindsetMatters #HighPerformance #BuilderWellbeing #SustainableSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalFitness #EntrepreneurMindset

What makes a good builder isn’t just the quality of the home. It’s the values behind it.In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron Ng sits down with Jimmy Gray, founder of Penelope Homes and 2025 Master Builders Queensland Rising Star, for a deeply honest conversation about building homes, building teams and building a life that actually works.Jimmy shares the story behind the Penelope Homes name, why his first dog still defines his brand, and how family, trust and authenticity shape everything he does as a builder. From starting out as a chippy to running a growing custom home business, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities young builders face and the lessons that matter most.In this conversation, we cover:Why Penelope Homes was named after Jimmy’s dog and what that says about valuesThe transition from carpenter to builder and the mistakes that nearly cost him earlyPricing, cashflow and the hard lessons no one warns young builders aboutHow automation and systems transformed communication and client trustWhy team culture matters more than growthThe importance of builder networks and sharing knowledge, not guarding itWhat success looks like when family and work are both prioritiesJimmy’s simple but powerful definition of what makes a good builderThis episode is practical, emotional and real. It’s for builders who care about their craft, their people and the legacy they are creating, not just the next job.If you are building a business, a team or a family alongside your work, this one will hit home.

What if the construction industry had a place where builders, trades, suppliers and professional services could actually find people they trust?In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Az Ng sits down with Renae Ng, the creator of the Good Builder Community Directory, to unpack why the directory exists, who it is built for, and how it is already changing the way the industry connects.They cover:Why the directory is not just another listing siteHow trust and reputation are built through community, not algorithmsThe real value of visibility, backlinks and industry credibilityHow builders, trades and suppliers can use the directory to create real opportunitiesThe bigger vision behind The Good Builder and restoring positivity in constructionThis is a behind-the-scenes look at the thinking, intention and long-term vision behind one of The Good Builder’s most important initiatives — and why early adopters are already seeing value.If you believe the industry works better when good people work together, this episode is for you. 

Welcome to Headline Tuesday on The Good Builder Podcast.In this episode, we break down four major stories shaping the construction industry right now — the ones worth keeping your finger on the pulse of as we head into 2026.We cover:• Why reputation is now a legal assetConstruction lawyer Damon from Odyssey Legal explains how builders are increasingly being targeted by false or misleading online claims — and what to do if it happens to you.For more: https://www.odysseylegal.com.au/ • From tents to turnkey housingWhy Australia may need to rethink disaster recovery housing, and how permanent, compliant modular homes could shorten the path from disaster to dignity.• Bradfield City officially moves into deliveryWhat this NSW Government-backed mega project signals about the future of large-scale precinct delivery, planning reform, and state-led housing supply.• The quiet site change that can make a massive differenceHow something as simple as what your team wears on site can open conversations, reduce stigma, and potentially save lives — featuring TradeMutt and TIACS.For more: https://trademutt.com/https://www.tiacs.org/ Support Line 0488 846 988This episode is about risk, responsibility, leadership, and people, from legal protection and housing delivery to mental health on site.If you want to understand where the industry is heading, and what you can control right now, this one is worth a listen.#news #thegoodbuilder

In this solo episode of The Good Builder Podcast, Aaron breaks down three practical platforms every builder should be seriously considering in 2026 — not to chase more leads, but to attract better, more qualified clients.Most marketing conversations focus on impressions, clicks and volume. This episode flips that thinking on its head and looks at what really matters at the front end of a building business: buyer readiness, feasibility, transparency and qualification.Aaron shares real-world experience from his time working with national builders and growing building brands, and explains how these tools help:Filter demand instead of flooding your inboxQualify clients before they waste your time (or theirs)Improve customer experience before the first meetingReduce risk long before a contract is signedThe episode covers:Why too many leads can actually hurt your businessHow live chat can act as a real-time qualification engineFast pricing and feasibility tools that set clear expectations earlyA bonus platform that protects builders after the client says yesIf you are building homes in 2026 and want fewer tyre-kickers, cleaner processes and better outcomes, this is a must-listen.