The ToolShed Podcast

What if the real reason you feel overwhelmed in your business isn't discipline… But design? In Part 2 of this conversation on The ToolShed Podcast, I continue my discussion with ADHD strategist Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation. We dig deeper into the patterns that many business owners experience, burnout, last-minute pressure, and the constant feeling of being busy but not moving forward. Skye explains that for many entrepreneurs, the issue isn't laziness or lack of motivation. Instead, it's operating a business in a way that works against how their brain naturally functions. When systems and structures are built properly, those same tendencies can become strengths rather than obstacles. Connect with Skye:Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/ Podcast: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/theadhdskillslab This episode explores the connection between ADHD tendencies, executive functioning, leadership awareness, and founder burnout, and why understanding your strengths and weaknesses can transform how you operate your business More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

Most business owners think their biggest challenge is discipline. Work harder. Focus more. Push through. But what if the real issue isn't motivation at all? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick Hawes sits down with ADHD strategist and academic Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, to unpack how ADHD actually shows up in business. Many entrepreneurs struggle with time blindness, working memory challenges, and executive function, which can lead to missed deadlines, forgotten tasks, and constant frustration despite knowing exactly what needs to be done. This conversation is particularly relevant for construction business owners, builders, and entrepreneurs who often juggle multiple responsibilities, site demands, and constant decision-making. Connect with Skye:Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/ Podcast: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/theadhdskillslab Instead of forcing your brain to work harder, this episode explores how to design systems that work with the way your brain naturally operates. More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

What happens when someone stops accepting "that's just how it is" and decides to fix it? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick Hawes sits down with Kym O'Leary, founder of COgear Industrial Workwear and inventor of the HMZ tear-away hemming system. With nearly two decades of experience in mining and manufacturing, Kym saw firsthand how women in industrial and construction environments were forced to wear poorly designed workwear built for men. Instead of waiting for change, she created it. Connect with Kym: Company: https://www.cogear.com.au/ & https://hmz.design/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COGearAU Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cogearau/ & https://www.instagram.com/hmz.hemming/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hmz.design/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@kym.oleary If you're a builder, business owner, or leader in construction looking to improve culture, inclusion, and practical outcomes on site, this episode will give you perspective. More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ 

What if modern success is the very thing making people miserable? In Part 2 of this conversation, Jim Penman shares the deeper philosophy behind building one of the largest franchise networks in the Southern Hemisphere and why long term thinking matters more than ever. We explore why short term rewards and dopamine driven habits are quietly eroding fulfillment, how comfort can weaken discipline, and why responsibility remains the foundation of lasting success. Jim challenges the idea that more money, speed, and stimulation automatically lead to a better life. Connect with Jim Penman: Website: https://jimpenman.com.au/Jim's Group: https://jims.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejimpenman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimpenman/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thejimpenman Tiktok: tiktok.com/@jimsgroup  Twitter: twitter.com/jimsgroup Jim's Podcast: www.youtube.com/@JimsGroup Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/3bHnSxYzGx4 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast  Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

What does it really take to build a franchise empire that lasts decades, not just a business that burns bright and burns out? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with Jim Penman, founder of Jim's Group, the largest franchise network in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 5,500 franchisees across 50+ service divisions. In Part 1 of this conversation, we unpack the foundations that allowed Jim to scale a simple service business into a household name, without sacrificing relationships, values, or long-term thinking. Connect with Jim Penman: Website: https://jimpenman.com.au/Jim's Group: https://jims.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejimpenman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimpenman/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thejimpenman Tiktok: tiktok.com/@jimsgroup Twitter: twitter.com/jimsgroupJim's Podcast: www.youtube.com/@JimsGroup Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/3bHnSxYzGx4 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast  Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

What does it really take to build a successful business when there are no guarantees? In this episode, Mick sits down with Mark Deacon to unpack the often unseen side of growth resilience, uncertainty, discipline, and the long stretches where effort comes long before reward. This is not a story about overnight success or shortcuts. It's a practical conversation about staying in the game when outcomes aren't guaranteed, and why that mindset matters deeply for builders and business owners navigating pressure, risk, and responsibility. Connect with Mark Deacon: Website: https://archix.ai/en & https://www.canibuild.com/en-us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canibuildapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canibuild/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@canibuild2020 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Pr0nKE7kzho Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast  Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

In this episode, Mick Hawes is joined by Rebekah Tucker, CEO of Sandler Training Australia & New Zealand, to unpack why sales feels so difficult for builders — and why it's rarely about price, confidence, or closing techniques. This conversation explores a powerful shift: builders don't struggle with sales because they lack skill, but because they've been taught to pitch instead of listen. Rebekah explains how buyer psychology, trust, and better questions lead to calmer conversations, less price resistance, and better-fit clients. Connect with Rebekah Tucker: Website: https://sandler.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandlertraining/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandlertraining/ Twitter: https://x.com/SandlerTraining Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sandlerworldwide  Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/hbNVIboC05M Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast  Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Mick dives deeper into the real mechanics of pricing with globally respected business author and advisor Andrew Griffiths. You'll hear why holding prices steady while costs rise is one of the fastest ways to silently destroy profit, and how small, well-explained pricing adjustments can actually increase trust, not reduce it. Andrew breaks down why customers don't resist price increases — they resist poor explanations, inconsistency, and a lack of perceived value. Through practical examples (including restaurants, professional services, and construction), he shows how builders can reposition their business around experience, professionalism, and certainty rather than price. Connect with Andrew Griffiths: Website: https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.griffiths.165 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agauthor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffithsandrew Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AndrewMarkGriffiths1 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/WQSHEaf91MA Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast  Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Mick Hawes sits down with Andrew Griffiths to unpack one of the most uncomfortable and misunderstood topics in the building industry: pricing. This episode dives into why so many builders stay busy yet financially stretched, how fear-based pricing quietly erodes profit, and why being "competitive" often does more damage than good. Andrew challenges long-held beliefs around price, value, and confidence, revealing why the best clients aren't chasing the cheapest quote — they're looking for certainty, professionalism, and belief. Connect with Andrew Griffiths: Website: https://www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.griffiths.165 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agauthor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffithsandrew Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AndrewMarkGriffiths1 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/evAWDqCDOLc Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast  Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

Most builders think they've got first aid covered, until something actually goes wrong on site. In this episode, Mick Hawes sits down with Nick White, Co-Owner of Trade Aid Kits, to uncover why so many first aid kits used by tradies are outdated, poorly designed, and not fit for the real risks faced on construction and mining sites. Nick shares what he's learned supplying first aid kits to thousands of Aussie tradies and why "tick-the-box" compliance often creates a false sense of security. From eye injuries and deep cuts to burns and remote-site emergencies, this conversation highlights what first aid should look like in 2026 and why upgrading your kit is really about protecting your people, not just meeting regulations. This is a must-listen for builders, tradies, and construction business owners who want safer sites, stronger teams, and a more professional operation. Connect with Trade Aid Kits & Nick White: Website:https://tradeaidkits.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tradeaidkits/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradeaidkits/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-white-b07907171/ Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/JPoTDtSvsI8 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard:https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

Most builders don't fail because they're bad at marketing — they fail because the construction industry has changed, and the old way of showing up no longer works. In this episode, Mick Hawes sits down with Jordan Skinner, one of Australia's leading voices in construction branding, to unpack why builders struggle with visibility, trust, and attracting the right clients… and what to do differently in 2025. With a decade in his family's civil contracting business and years helping builders build trusted personal brands, Jordan explains exactly how builders can stand out, communicate better, and win work without competing on price. Connect with Jordan Skinner: Website: https://moonshotmedia.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanaskinner/ Podcast: https://moonshotmedia.com.au/crushing-it-in-construction/  📊 FREE RESOURCES: ✅ Personal Brand Scorecard → https://constructingaleader.com/quiz ✅ Builder's Freedom Scorecard → https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/CVMcriXt-_E Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast  Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

Waterproofing failures and compliance issues are costing builders thousands of dollars every year not because they don't care, but because the industry has become too complex to manage on memory and habit alone. In this episode, we sit down with Byron Landeryou to uncover why these problems continue to show up on sites across Australia and how a smarter system can eliminate most of them before they start. Connect with Byron Landeryou: Website: https://complibuild.com.au/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566831471416  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complibuild/#  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byron-l-b1a95414/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Complibuild  If you want fewer call-backs, less rework, and more confidence in how your jobs are delivered, this episode gives you practical solutions you can apply immediately. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/rEGVQasLCno Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast  Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

What if winning clients had nothing to do with convincing, persuading, or pushing? In this episode, I sat down with Ari Galper, the world's number one authority on trust-based selling, to unpack a breakthrough idea that transforms the way builders and business owners sell: how to sell without selling. Ari reveals the moment that changed everything for him, a moment that exposed why traditional sales tactics fail and why trust has become the most valuable currency in business today. Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/CUluutHtj14  Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast     Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ 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.  

Most tradies work hard but still feel like the money slips away. In this episode, we uncover why that happens and how the right tax specialist can help you take control of your cash, avoid costly mistakes, and finally build a financially stable business. Michael Gallagher breaks down the common traps builders fall into, the risks of mixing personal and business money, when to shift from sole trader to company structure, and the money habits that protect your profit long-term. Connect with Michael Gallagher: Website: https://www.taxfortradies.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taxfortradies Phone: 1300 263 260 Email: ross@taxfortradies.com.au michael@taxfortradies.com.au melissa@taxfortradies.com.au  Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/FhkJxz_pP1Y Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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. If you want clarity, confidence, and a business that actually rewards your hard work, this conversation will point you in the right direction.  

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sat down with marketing expert Sam McEwin to unpack how smarter, more intentional marketing can completely transform a building business. With over 15 years of experience helping companies grow, Sam shares how most builders misunderstand marketing, confusing it with advertising or social media noise when in reality, true marketing is about trust, clarity, and connection. Connect with Sam McEwin: Website:https://www.bizwisdom.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BizWisdomAgency/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizwisdomagency/ Twitter: https://x.com/bizwisdomagency?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/biz-wisdom/ Industry report: www.bizwisdom.com.au/builders2025/ SEO spreadsheet: www.bizwisdom.com.au/builderseo2025/ SEO audit page: www.bizwisdom.com.au/builderseoaudit/ Sam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammcewin/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EaJ48rhcHEc Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  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.  

Most builders don't fail because they can't build, they fail because they don't understand their numbers. In this powerful episode, Victor Zhou joins us, as we expose the hidden financial mistakes that are silently destroying construction businesses from the inside out. Connect with Victor Zhou: Website: https://www.yourcfopartner.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorzhou-ycp/  This episode dives deep into the Profit First approach, showing you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and finally start keeping more of what you earn. 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. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6iSfuOwwl54 Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/  

What does it take to build a $70 million construction business and make a lasting impact on the planet? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sat down with Daniel Morton, founder of Adelaide Green Homes and JackApp, to explore how sustainable design and smart business systems are reshaping the future of residential construction in Australia. Whether you're a custom home builder, construction business owner, or just curious about how green homes can reduce costs and increase client satisfaction, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Connect with Daniel Morton: Website: https://adelaidegreenhomes.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideGreenHomes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelaide_green_homes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adelaide-green-homes/ 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. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6iSfuOwwl54 Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

Are you tired of spending hours on quotes that go nowhere or worse, win the job and realise you've underpriced it? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sat down with Haydn Simmons from PriceAPlan, one of Australia's leading estimating companies, to unpack why builders lose money on estimates and the simple 3-step process to fix it. We dive into the growing pressures of the building industry, rising costs, client expectations, and emotional stress and reveal how smart builders are systemising their estimating process to protect their time, sanity, and profit. Connect with Haydn: Website: https://www.priceaplan.com.au/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Building.Estimates  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priceaplan Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@priceaplan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarasaxon_/  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. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9FRAF6XCVR4 Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

Most builders are working harder than ever but with outdated systems and old-school processes that slow everything down. In this episode, Mick Hawes sits down with Shilpa Mohan, Head of Operations at ProcurePro and TEDx Sydney speaker, to unpack how one of the world's least digitised industries is finally catching up. Connect with Shilpa: ProcurePro AI Demo: www.procurepro.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justshilps/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohanshilpa/ Twitter: https://x.com/justshilps  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. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UPiZiqFK5fY Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ 

Money problems rarely start with maths. They start with a mindset. In this ToolShed session, we unpack how early "money scripts," status spending, and the "I deserve it" loop quietly block wealth for builders and what to do instead. Connect with Tara Saxon: Website: https://tarasaxon.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saxontara  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarasaxon/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tarasaxon_  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarasaxon_/  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. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CcAi3nx5eb0 Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/