Lifting The Line

In this episode of Lifting the Line, Andy Shaw sits down with Toby Loft, CEO and co-founder of BuiltGrid, to talk about how technology is reshaping the way builders and bricklaying businesses find each other, price work, and manage projects.Toby founded BuiltGrid in 2020 with a clear vision. To create the first connected procurement network that links builders and their suppliers in one integrated system, replacing endless emails, phone calls and paperwork with real-time pricing, quoting, ordering and scheduling. The aim is simple. Reduce admin, improve productivity, cut cost blowouts and save weeks of wasted time on every project.Before launching BuiltGrid, Toby spent more than a decade working at a national level across the hardware and trade supply sector, including senior leadership roles with Mitre 10 and Independent Hardware Group. He led trade strategy across a $1.2 billion network, built relationships with national builders, suppliers and industry bodies, and developed technology-driven systems to better connect trades, stores and manufacturers. His career has been built around one core idea. When the network is connected properly, everyone performs better.In this conversation, Andy and Toby discuss:• Why the current way bricklayers are sourced and quoted is broken• How digital platforms can help bricklaying businesses win the right work, not just more work• The importance of matching quality trades with quality builders• How integrated pricing and scheduling can reduce downtime and cash flow stress• What the future looks like for subcontractors in an increasingly data-driven construction industry• Why better systems mean stronger businesses and more sustainable careers in the tradeFor bricklaying business owners, this episode goes straight to the heart of one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Finding consistent work with good builders, fair pricing, and less wasted time on quoting and chasing information. Toby explains how BuiltGrid is designed to support exactly that, creating transparency, efficiency and better long-term working relationships across the supply chain.This is a practical, forward-looking conversation about where the industry is heading and how bricklayers can position themselves to be part of a more professional, connected and profitable future.

In Episode 19 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Ross George, Managing Director and Mechanical Engineer at Austeng, to explore innovation in engineering and why collaboration between engineers and trades is critical to better project outcomes. Ross shares how practical design, leadership and real-world thinking have shaped Austeng into a leader in engineering solutions.

In this episode of Lifting the Line, Andy Shaw, founder of Brickies Network and the Bricklayers Association Australia, explains why the National Bricklayers Summit is being held in every capital city this February and why the future of the bricklaying trade depends on it.With the average age of bricklayers now close to 50 and workforce numbers having fallen by almost a third over the past 30 years, the industry is facing a serious skills and business sustainability crisis. At the same time, brickwork is shifting back toward high-end architectural and face brick construction, requiring higher levels of skill and experience, just as many of the most experienced tradesmen approach retirement.Andy unpacks how the industry has changed, from increased compliance and employment obligations, to rising costs, tighter margins and the growing pressure on small bricklaying businesses compared to larger crews. He also explains why each state faces different challenges, from infrastructure-driven labour shortages in Queensland, to boom-and-bust cycles in Western Australia, to pricing pressure and alternative cladding in South Australia, and the skills gap in architectural brickwork across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.The conversation explores why the National Bricklayers Summit is focused not only on technical skills, but on business systems, compliance, contracts, marketing, employment, apprenticeships and long-term sustainability. Andy also outlines how Brickies Network is working alongside major industry stakeholders to support bricklaying business owners with education, documentation, systems and buying power, so they can build profitable, compliant businesses that can train the next generation and keep the trade alive for decades to come.

In Episode 17 of Lifting the Line, Andy sits down with Andrew Crossin, owner of Crossin Bricklaying, to unpack his journey from apprentice to business owner and industry leader. Over 12+ years, Andrew has built Tasmania’s largest and most respected bricklaying business, setting the standard for quality, leadership and professionalism.

In Episode 16 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Keith Fagg OAM, long-time hardware retailer, community leader and former Mayor of Geelong.As part of the family behind Fagg’s Mitre 10, one of Australia’s longest-running hardware businesses, Keith shares how the construction hardware sector has dramatically evolved and what it takes to lead a multi-site regional business through constant change.

In Episode 15 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Rebecca Hall, founder of Nine Dots Build Advocates, an independent client advocacy service helping home buyers and investors navigate the building process with confidence.Rebecca explains how building advocates bridge the communication gap between clients and builders, reduce risk and simplify the complex world of residential construction. Nine Dots now supports clients across Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, the Geelong corridor, Adelaide, Sydney and even the USA.In this episode, we cover:• What building advocates do and why the role is growing• The biggest risks facing home buyers and investors• How independence and industry relationships work together• Clear communication and setting expectations in the build process• The growth of Nine Dots across Australia and beyondA practical, insightful episode for anyone in residential construction - from home buyers seeking clarity to builders wanting to understand the client journey.

In Episode 14 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Ray Bedson, Director of RBSM Safety Management and a recognised OH&S expert across healthcare, manufacturing, mining and construction. Ray breaks down not only the obvious physical hazards on construction sites, but also the unseen and emerging risks — including respirable crystalline silica and the rapidly growing focus on psychosocial hazards.We explore:• Ray’s career across multiple high-risk industries• The most common physical and mechanical dangers on site• Why crystalline silica remains one of the biggest threats to tradies• The rise of psychosocial risk and its impact on mental health• Practical steps to improve safety, compliance and culture• The future of safety standards and proactive risk controlA must-listen for bricklayers, supervisors and business owners who want to protect their teams, strengthen their business, and stay ahead of changing safety requirements.Tune in and Lift the Line on how you approach safety.

In Episode 13 of Lifting the Line, Andy and Elly sit down with Richard Crane, former auctioneer, long-time real-estate agent, and now the founder of Estatier — a specialist service supporting families, executors and legal representatives in managing and finalising deceased estates.Richard brings decades of industry experience and deep insight into the emotional, legal and practical challenges of handling estate administration. As an estatier, he assists with securing, documenting, assessing, appraising, valuing and distributing assets on behalf of executors.In this episode, we discuss:• What an estatier is and why the role is growing in Australia• The legal and practical steps involved in managing a deceased estate• Common mistakes families make with property and valuables• Why early planning and documentation matter• What trades, business owners and property investors must know• Richard’s journey from auctioneer to estate specialistA clear, practical and rarely-discussed look at what really happens when an estate is settled — invaluable for families, business owners, and anyone wanting to protect their affairs.Listen and lift the line in your life and business.

In Episode 12 of Lifting the Line, Elly and Andy sit down with Marc Magee, Managing Director and owner of MKM Bricklaying in Bendigo. With more than a decade in business and a team of six, Marc delivers high quality residential and commercial bricklaying across Bendigo and the Goldfields region.Marc shares his journey from migrating from Ireland to establishing himself in Australia, learning his craft as a master bricklayer, and building a successful business from the ground up in regional Victoria.This episode explores:• Marc’s journey from Ireland to Bendigo• The craftsmanship, discipline and pride behind master bricklaying• How to grow and maintain a bricklaying business in regional Victoria• Balancing clients, crew and family life• Lessons learned from more than ten years on the tools and onsite• Leadership, quality and building a strong reputationAn honest, practical and grounded look at what it really takes to run a bricklaying business today — and the personal sacrifices and wins along the way.Tune in and take something valuable back to your own path in the trade.

Andy talks with Elly about the struggles and challenges within the residential bricklaying industry and his recent trip to Canberra, and his meeting with the Minister for Employment Workplace Relations.www.brickiesnetwork.com.au

A great discussion with Maree, helping us get our headsaround hiring and contracts. The Director of Harvest Talent Recruitment and People Solutions.She founded the company in 2009 when she returned to Geelong after 20 years abroad as she was keen to showcase best practice in recruitment locally and provide a complete HR offering to the region’s employers. https://www.harvesthr.com.au/Connect with Maree:maree.herath@harvesthr.com.au

Woon is an expert shares unmissable advice on how to negotiate under pressure. Pressure can either break people—or it can forge them into stronger and more capable leaders.Spending half his career navigating high-stakes situations, first as a hostage negotiator and now coaching executives, teams, and corporate athletes who operate in their own high-pressure environments.His advice is relevant to negotiating price and payments for businesses - a not-to-be-missed episode.https://headtohead.net.au/Connect with Woon:linkedin.com/in/woon-ooi-10451a126

If you didn’t know, negative mindsets can steal your ability to see opportunities. Dr Simone Boer, author and a high-performance personal coach who helps professionals and business owners stop playing small and start achieving extraordinary results in their business and their life. On this episode, Simone shares about her award-winning book and illustrates the power of  mindsets and how they makeall the difference.Life Coaching & PersonalDevelopment in Geelong & Melbourne | A Fresh Approach with Dr. Simone BoerConnect with Dr. Simone Boer:www.linkedin.com/in/drsimoneboer/

Leah Grant is a street artist, potter and educator-based Geelong, Victoria. Her work is bright, colourful and uplifting. She explores the textures and colours of various mediums, focusing most recently with aerosol and ceramics. Her approach is energetic yet emanates a peaceful, reflective mood.Connect with Leah:Leah Grant | Adelaide Street Artistwww.instagram.com/leah.grant

Neo IntelligenceThe founder and CEO of Neo Intelligence isDaniel Ouliaris. He established the company with the goal of addressing industry challenges faced by construction businesses and empowering subcontractors. Neo Intelligence is a software company that helps construction businesses improve their operations and efficiency. https://neointelligence.com.au/Connect with Daniel:linkedin.com/in/daniel-ouliaris

If you don’t know Cathy, you need to. She’s an absolute powerhouse in the building and construction industry and it is an absolute pleasure to have her partnership for Brickies Network and Lifting the Line. Cathy Inglis AM is the Group CEO of Think Brick, she is also CEO for the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia and the Australian Roofing Tile Association. Cathy's experience has focused on the development of new products and systems to meet the future challenges of sustainable building with innovations including Certified Carbon NeutralBricks, solar roof tiles, non-combustible lightweight façades and bricks incorporating waste materials. Join the stimulating conversation as we talk all things brick related!Think Brick:https://www.thinkbrick.com.au/Connect with Cathy:linkedin.com/in/cathy-inglis-am-0b351ab

Sean Parnell shares the challenges that come with running a business, acknowledging that setbacks are inevitable. However, he emphasizes the importance of resilience and always keeping an eye out for the next opportunity. Now a co-owner of The Shed Company, Sean’s strong business acumen has been a key driver of his success. His focus on problem-solving—rather than being overwhelmed by obstacles—demonstrates a mindset that turns adversity into growth.

As the MD of The Global Marketing Group and CEO/Founder of Flintt, Anna Osherov dedicated her career to empowering visionary leaders to create a lasting impact—one successful event at a time. Hearty advice on marketing your business and getting your signature strengths recognised.Connect with Anna:https://theglobalbusiness.group/linkedin.com/in/annaosherovwww.instagram.com/theglobalbusiness.group

Andy tells his story!With over 35 years of experience in the construction industry—starting as an apprentice, working as a bricklayer, and eventually founding and growing my own business—I successfully ran and expanded my company for 15 years, achieving a net profit margin of over 20% year on year.This success afforded me the flexibility to retire early and pursue other roles within the construction field. I've since dedicated my time to understanding building companies, traveling to teach others, and founding Brickies Network, the Bricklayers Association of Australia.Connect with Andy:www.brickiesnetwork.comhttps://www.brickiesnetwork.com/linkedin.com/in/andy-shaw-b37b29292

Elly sees the challenges young people have with the options available to them. On this episode Elly, talks about the University vs Trade school route. She highlights the research from the Australian Industry (Ai) Group by touching on university vs trade school and the process of thinking through how to make decisions and select a career path that suits the aim that young people have.  Connect with Elly:www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-broadbenthttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-26/tradies-happier-than-university-graduates/102266290www.instagram.com/elly_broadbent