The ToolShed Podcast

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/

The trades industry is evolving, and empowering women is at the heart of that change. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I talk with Hacia Atherton leadership speaker, culture reformer, and founder of Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) about how building an inclusive culture leads to stronger teams, safer worksites, and more profitable businesses. Connect with Hacia Atherton: Website: https://www.haciaatherton.com/  Company: https://ewitrades.com/  EWIT LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ewitrades/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haciaatherton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hacia.atherton/ 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/BpyECQQN3o4 Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard  

I sit down with Aaron Ng to pull back the curtain on the parts of the building we rarely say out loud silent margin leaks, "helpful" yeses that turn into scope creep, vague discovery that invites wrong-fit jobs, and the stress that starts long before the slab is poured.  ▶ Rewatch: https://youtu.be/iVsYD3sCV_4 What you'll learn – How one early "no" can save your week – A discovery flow that filters wrong-fit jobs  – Variation rules & update cadence – Practical ways to talk about price rises – Why community beats isolation Connect with Aaron Ng: Website: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoodbuilderco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodbuilder_au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-ng-41609089/ 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. Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard  

Most builders don't fail because of their trade skills, they fail because their sales process is broken. If you've ever wondered why clients ghost you, why quoting feels like wasted time, or why you keep discounting just to win jobs, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with John Blake, a sales strategist who has helped builders grow from $3M to $16M by fixing one thing: their sales process. Connect with John Blake: Website: https://john-blake.com.au/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnBlakeSalesBreakthroughSolutions/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-blake-sales-breakthrough-solutions/ Twitter: https://x.com/John_blake  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/wyv8Rf_5uKk Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard  

Most builders start their business chasing freedom—more time, more money, more control. But the reality? Many end up trapped in long hours, low margins, and constant stress. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick Hawes sits down with Bruce Poling (The Joinery Coach) to unpack why so many builders fail, the fatal assumptions that keep them stuck, and the exact steps to escape the trap. You'll learn: – Why being great on the tools doesn't guarantee business success – The hidden numbers you must measure to stay profitable – How small, consistent improvements can create real freedom If you've ever felt like your business owns you instead of the other way around, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a roadmap forward. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jYFfogqn8_c Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard

Safety gear is supposed to protect us but for many women in construction, trades, and beyond, it's doing the opposite. In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick Hawes speaks with Amy Rooser, founder of The Safety Rack, about the widespread problem of ill-fitting PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and why it's putting women at risk every single day. You'll hear: – Why most women lack properly fitting PPE – Injury stories from loose vests, gloves, and boots – How poor fit causes accidents and strain – The wider impact across multiple industries – What's being done to drive change This episode is a wake-up call for builders, tradies, site managers, and anyone who cares about workplace safety, women in trades, and the future of the construction industry. Resources: – The Safety Rack → https://thesafetyrack.org – Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard → https://bit.ly/Builder-Freedom-Readiness-Scorecard 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.