This one isn't a normal budget. It's shaped by the global oil shock from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted fuel supply chains, pushed up fertiliser costs, and added inflationary pressure to almost every line in a builder's invoice.

In this episode, Az breaks down the budget calmly, clearly, and from a builder's point of view. Here's what's covered:

Housing

• The new $2 billion local infrastructure fund for water, power, sewerage, and roads to support up to 65,000 new homes
• The pro-housing supply reforms states have to commit to in order to access the funding
• Negative gearing limited to new builds only from 1 July 2027
• The capital gains tax discount replaced with an inflation-based discount

Small business tax

• The $20,000 instant asset write-off made permanent
• Loss carryback reintroduced from 26-27, with up to 85,000 companies expected to benefit
• The new $1,000 instant tax deduction for workers' work-related expenses

Fuel relief

• Fuel excise halved for three months from 1 April (52.6 cents down to 20.6 cents per litre)
• Heavy vehicle road user charge reduced to zero for the same period
• $1 billion in interest-free loans for manufacturing and logistics businesses
• The longer-term $14.8 billion fuel resilience package

Productivity and skills

• All Australian standards referenced in legislation now free to access (saving around $1,600 per small business per year)
• A commitment to remove barriers to modern methods of housing construction
• $85.2 million to accelerate skill assessments for migrant trade workers

Az also walks through what this all actually means for housing affordability, and ends with three practical questions every builder should be asking inside their business this week.

Over the coming days, TGB will be breaking down each of these measures in more detail at thegoodbuilder.com.au.

Sponsors

This episode is proudly brought to you by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders, by Australian builders. Jobs, clients, quotes, and contracts all in one place. Get your free 30-day trial at myconstruct.com.

Also supported by Pay.com.au — get rewarded on all of your business payments. Sign up at pay.com.au/tgb and use the code GOOD20 to receive 20,000 bonus points. Terms and conditions apply, available on the site.

#TheGoodBuilder #TheDailyDose #AustralianBuilders #FederalBudget #ConstructionIndustry #Tradies #HousingPolicy #SmallBusinessTax #FuelExcise #NegativeGearing #InstantAssetWriteOff #BuildersAustralia #ResidentialConstruction #TradieLife #ConstructionNews #HousingAffordability #BuildingIndustry #AustralianTradies #ConstructionBusiness #BudgetBreakdown

Lewis Italiano is one of those guests.

He's a carpenter from WA, still finishing his apprenticeship, and already has a resume most blokes twice his age don't come close to. Gold at the regional and national WorldSkills competitions. A Medallion for Excellence representing Australia on the international stage in Lyon. Training stints through China, Japan and France. Master Builders Apprentice of the Year for 2025. WA Training Awards winner. And in between all that, he's standing up in front of high school students and parents talking about why the trades are one of the most future-proof career paths in the country.

This is the first apprentice we've ever had on The Good Builder, and Az sat down with Lewis to unpack the mindset, the work ethic, and the standards behind a story that everyone in the industry should be paying attention to.

We get into where it all started on the family dairy farm, why woodwork class in year 11 changed everything, and the realities of starting an apprenticeship on $350 a week. Lewis breaks down what WorldSkills actually is, what it's like representing your country against 1,600 competitors from 60 nations, and why he believes Australia is still on the back foot when it comes to celebrating the craft.

We also talk about the stigma parents still carry around the trades, why mindset matters more than money in the early years, and what builders and supervisors can do to attract and keep the next generation of apprentices on their teams.

If you're a builder looking for the kind of apprentice you actually want on your crew, this is what one looks like.

If you're a young person sitting on the fence about which path to take, listen to this one twice.

What We Cover

• Growing up on a dairy farm and where Lewis's work ethic actually came from
• Falling in love with the craft through high school woodwork
• The reality of apprentice wages and why mindset beats money in the early years
• What WorldSkills is, how you get there, and what it's like competing internationally
• Representing Australia in Lyon, France against 1,600 competitors from 60 countries
• Winning Master Builders Apprentice of the Year 2025 and what it actually meant
• Speaking at Parliament House and why advocacy matters for the future of the trades
• The stigma parents still hold around the trades and how to shift it
• Why AI won't be replacing tradies any time soon
• What makes a good apprentice and what builders should look for in their next hire
• Lewis's plans to take on a second trade, build his own home, and keep mentoring the next generation

Sponsor Callouts

This episode of The Good Builder is powered by MyConstruct — the all-in-one construction management platform built for Australian builders. Quote, schedule, manage, and communicate with your clients from one place. Head to myconstruct.com and get your 30-day FREE trial.

We're also proudly partnered with Pay.com.au — the smarter way for builders to pay suppliers, subcontractors, and the ATO using your existing credit card. Earn points on every payment, improve your cash flow, and use the code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points when you sign up. Terms apply at pay.com.au/tgb.

#TheGoodBuilder #TheDailyDose #AustralianBuilders #Apprenticeship #WorldSkills #ApprenticeOfTheYear #Tradies #ConstructionAustralia #CarpentryLife #FutureOfTrades #MasterBuilders #LewisItaliano

Aaron and Emily unpack what is actually driving the search data, where the project home builder fits now that million dollar builds are becoming the new normal, and what builders need to think about when picking their lane. They get into granny flats and secondary dwellings, intergenerational living, the rise of cashed-up first home buyers in the under-million market, and the buyers agents pushing equity uplift promises that often do not stack up.

This is a real conversation about where the market is heading, what builders are seeing on the ground, and the gap between what the data says and what is actually happening in display villages and on building sites across Australia.

What We Cover

• The two ends of the market that are growing, and the middle that is going quiet
• Why people are searching for modular and prefab, and why it is not always cheaper
• What now actually counts as a high end build in Australia
• Why project builders are quietly moving into the million dollar space
• The granny flat and secondary dwelling boom, and why we should stop calling them granny flats
• Intergenerational living and the cultural shift happening in Australian housing
• What the under-million first home buyer market really looks like in 2026
• The buyers agent equity uplift pitch, and why Emily is over hearing it
• Where modular fits in display villages, estate covenants, and the future of housing
• Why builders need to pick their lane and stop racing to the bottom on price

Sponsors

This episode is proudly brought to you by MyConstruct, the construction software built by Australian builders for Australian builders. If you are still running your jobs, contracts and client comms across text messages and spreadsheets, there is a better way. Head to myconstruct.com for a 30 day trial.

This episode is also supported by Pay.com.au. Pay your business expenses, earn points on everything, and use the code GOOD20 to score 20,000 bonus points when you sign up. Head to pay.com.au/tgb

In this Friday wrap, Az covers three big stories breaking across the industry this week, then goes deep on the one thing every builder needs but most never sit down to define: their Unique Value Proposition.

He shares how UVP work drove $700 million in growth at GJ Gardner Homes, how it helped Avondale Homes hit $24 million in three years targeting a specific niche, and the five practical ways you can find yours this week.

Plus an honest look at the mental health stat we can't ignore, the NCC 2025 split that's just gone live in Victoria, and the lessons from Tom Sachs at Stroud Homes Lockyer Valley.

What We Cover

• The RBA rate move and what it could mean for builder enquiry over the coming weeks
• The Built and Bunnings modular construction deal and what it signals about affordability and speed
• NCC 2025 going live in Victoria on 1 May 2026, and why Master Builders called the timing extremely disappointing
• What Victorian builders need to action right now on lead-free plumbing and Class 2 waterproofing
• The compliance challenge for multi-state builders crossing the Vic and NSW border
• The peer-reviewed University of Melbourne research showing one construction worker still takes their own life every two days in Australia
• Why loneliness is the single strongest predictor of risk, and four practical things builders can do from the top down
• Why paying subbies on time is one of the most concrete mental health actions in your control
• Key lessons from Tom Sachs at Stroud Homes Lockyer Valley on coming through the side door of the industry
• Tom's three pillars of a good builder: leadership, knowing your numbers, then knowing how to build
• Markup versus margin and why most builders go under on the quote, not the build
• What a UVP actually is, and the brochure test that exposes whether yours is real
• Why "we care about clients" and "quality on time on budget" are commodities, not differentiators
• Three reasons UVP matters more in 2026 than ever before
• Five lenses to find your UVP: client, niche, process, proof, and personality
• The three places your UVP must live: website and socials, sales conversations, and operations
• Why UVP is a business exercise, not a marketing exercise
• Your Friday action item: don't write your UVP from your desk, mine it from your market

Support Resources Mentioned

• Mates in Construction: 1300 642 111 (free, 24/7)
• TIACS: 0488 846 988 (free phone and text counselling, Mon to Fri, 8am to 10pm)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)

Sponsors

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct — head to myconstruct.com to see how they're helping builders run better businesses.

And by Pay.com.au — pay your bills, invoices and banking through their platform and earn bonus points you can spend on travel, family, whatever you like. Head to pay.com.au/TGB and use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points to get you started. Terms and conditions apply.

#TheGoodBuilder #DailyDose #AustralianBuilders #ResidentialConstruction #BuilderBusiness #UVP #BuilderMarketing #NCC2025 #VictorianBuilders #ConstructionMentalHealth #MatesInConstruction #TIACS #BuilderMargins #StroudHomes #MyConstruct #PayComAU

In this episode, Az sits down with Tom to unpack the journey, the lessons, and the mindset that shaped the builder he is today.

What we cover:

• How tree lopping led to a passion for timber and eventually a building career
• The commercial construction apprenticeship that surprised him — and what he took from it
• What joining the Stroud Homes franchise system actually looks like from the inside
• Why knowing your numbers matters more than being the best person on the tools
• How Tom built a stable team from day one and why culture starts with the person at the top
• The role his wife plays in the business and why that partnership works
• What leadership, numbers, and knowing how to build all add up to — in Tom's own words

This episode is one of those conversations that pulls everything together. Practical, honest, and lived in. If you're a builder trying to figure out how to grow a business without losing your standards, this one's for you.

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Learn more at myconstruct.com.

Also supported by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb

#construction #building #StroudHomes #franchise #tradie #builder #thegoodbuilder #podcast #residentialbuilding #buildingbusiness

This week, Az and co-host Emily Pollard from Nesta Builder Brokers spent time in the trenches of Reddit and Facebook groups, reading what real clients are actually saying about building a home in Australia. What they found wasn't just a trust problem. It was an education problem, a marketing problem, and honestly, an industry honesty problem.

They talk about base price marketing and why display home tactics are fuelling consumer rage, the gap between what builders do and what clients understand, variations and why they keep blowing up relationships, the role of builder brokers in bridging that divide, and why the building experience itself has fundamentally changed for clients who can barely afford to get in the door.

Emily brings something rare to this conversation. She talks to builders and clients every single day, without being tied to one company. That perspective cuts through.

If you've ever wondered what your clients are reading before they even pick up the phone, this episode will change how you think about that first conversation.

What we cover:

• What real clients are saying on Reddit and Facebook right now
• Why base price marketing is destroying industry trust
• The gap between client expectations and builder reality
• Variations, contract confusion, and where communication breaks down
• How the housing affordability crisis has changed the emotional experience of building
• What builders can do right now to be more transparent and rebuild trust

Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct, construction management software built for Australian builders. Find out more at myconstruct.com.

And by Pay.com.au, use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for more

From next week, the Daily Dose is moving to three episodes a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

More room to breathe, deeper conversations, bigger guests, and more space for the research and data builders have been asking for.

In today's episode, Az unpacks:

— Why TGB is shifting to three days a week and what builders can expect
— A 900% uplift in search terms for both modular and luxury custom builders, and what it tells us about a market splitting in two
— Master Builders Australia putting the productivity case in front of the Senate, with construction productivity down 21.5% over the last decade and regulatory burden adding up to $327,000 per new home build
— A heads up from Ash Turner at Glenvill Homes on clients running tender packs and contracts through ChatGPT, and what builders need to think about
— The new MyConstruct and Billgrid integration that lets builders open up their trade and supply network instantly, all inside one workflow

Practical, timely, and built for builders.

Articles for every story are up at thegoodbuilder.com.au

Powered by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders, by Australian builders. Head to myconstruct.com.

Also sponsored by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 to get 20,000 bonus points when you pay your business bills through the platform. Head to pay.com.au/TGB.

Toby from BuildGrid flew up from Melbourne to visit us at The Good Builder Studio, and Jake from MyConstruct happened to be in town too. So we hit record.

What came out of it is one of the more practical conversations we've had on the podcast. Two of the country's most respected construction software founders sitting on the couch, explaining a new partnership that's now live and what it actually means for builders on the ground.

Here's the short version. If you sign up to MyConstruct, BuildGrid is now plugged in. That means when you're sending out a request for quote, you're not just emailing your usual trades and waiting. You can push that scope into BuildGrid's network and open up access to a much wider supply chain. No extra cost. No clunky workaround. Just better visibility on capacity, pricing, and compliance.

We dig into:

• Why both Jake and Toby believe collaboration beats the all-in-one approach
• How the integration helps solve one of the industry's biggest issues right now, capacity
• The compliance and licensing piece, and how it protects builders from risk
• What this means for franchise builders, regional builders, and anyone trying to scale
• Why pushing sales away because trades are stretched is a real problem in 2026
• The case study opportunity we're putting on the table for any builder who wants to use both platforms

This is not a sponsored ad read. MyConstruct is a long-time supporter of The Good Builder, and we genuinely back what Jake and Toby are doing. If you're a builder feeling the squeeze on capacity, productivity, or supply chain, this episode is worth fifty minutes of your time.

Sponsor mention: This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct, Australia's leading construction management software for residential builders. Get a 30 day trial at myconstruct.com.

Also supported by Pay.com.au. Use the code GOOD20 when signing up to receive 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for details

Calling all builders: We're looking for one builder using MyConstruct and BuildGrid to feature in a full case study. Videos, interview, the lot. If that's you, get in touch through thegoodbuilder.com.au.

Az opens up about the season he's in right now...fired up, frustrated, and questioning where all the money in the industry is actually going. Dan meets him there with a calm, grounded conversation about how leaders move through hard seasons without losing themselves or their business in the process.

This is a wide-ranging chat about leadership, team, culture, and the foundations that hold a building business together when the season shifts. Dan shares what he learned through COVID at GJ Gardner, why a strong mission gives you a backbone to measure problems against, and the three questions every leader should be asking themselves regularly: what do I need to drop off, what do I need to take up, and what do I need to move on from.

It also gets personal. Both Dan and Az speak openly about the baggage leaders carry from past seasons, the cost of trying to do it all alone, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is the difference between weathering the next storm and getting caught out by it.

In this episode:

The seasons mindset and why leaders need to be present in the now while preparing for what's coming. 
The COVID lesson about success having weight, and why foundations are exposed when the pressure ramps up. 
Why mission, vision and core values are not corporate fluff but the anchor that lets you right-size every problem you face. 
Leadership, team and culture as the only three things you can actually control, and why everything else (reputation, consistency, finances, communication) is a byproduct. 
Why builders going to coach after coach are often trying to fix problems that started with weak leadership foundations. 
The personal side of leadership, the scars we carry into the next season, and why healing matters before the next chapter.

Plus, Az floats a new idea: a living case study where The Good Builder backs one builder through the systems, leadership development and processes that we believe make a good builder. If that's you, get in touch.

To learn more about Dan and 1000 Feet Deep, head to: https://www.1000feetdeep.com.au/

Sponsors

This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct — construction management software built by builders, for builders. Fully customisable and locally owned. Start your 30-day free trial at myconstruct.com

Also proudly supported by Pay.com.au — use promo code GOOD20 to unlock 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for more.

In this episode, Az sits down with Toby Loft — co-founder of BuildGrid — for a wide-ranging conversation about what's actually holding the construction industry back, and what a smarter, more future-focused approach looks like.

Toby has spent years inside the industry, including a long stint at Mitre 10, watching how builders, trades, and suppliers operate, where the friction lives, and what happens when procurement gets done properly.

This episode covers:

• Why productivity — not labour or materials — is the construction industry's biggest problem right now
• How BuildGrid connects builders, trades, and suppliers in one place to cut duplication and reduce friction
• Why price isn't winning supply chain relationships — and what actually is
• The real cost of an inactive job site, and how locking in procurement early protects your margin
• What future-proofing actually looks like for a custom home builder in 2025 and beyond
• How a Brisbane custom home builder used technology to limit price rises to 10% when everyone else was copping 30–60%
• Why the apprenticeship crisis and the productivity crisis are connected — and what to do about it
• The upcoming integration between BuildGrid and MyConstruct, and what it means for the industry

BuildGrid is free for builders. If you're not using it, this episode will tell you why you should be.

Sponsors

This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct — construction management software built by builders, for builders. Fully customisable and locally owned. Start your 30-day free trial at myconstruct.com

Also proudly supported by Pay.com.au — use promo code GOOD20 to unlock 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for more.

Emily is the founder of Nesta Builder Brokers, a service that helps clients across South East Queensland find the right builder, assess contracts, and make smarter decisions before they sign anything. She works with a panel of 20 builders and pulls 135 data points on each one. She sees this process up close every single day.

In this episode, Az and Emily break down:

• Why clients still pick builders off the back of a display home and a good feeling
• What Nesta actually looks at when assessing builders — and why most clients have no idea how to read a QBCC licence
• The difference between how everyday clients choose versus how an educated, data-driven process works
• Why customer service and communication still win or lose the job — even when the product is solid
• The widening gap between volume builders and boutique custom builders, and what it means for the average Australian trying to build a home
• Why the mid-tier of the building market is quietly disappearing

This conversation is equal parts practical and honest. If you want to understand what clients are actually thinking — and what Nesta is teaching them to look for — this is worth your time.

Sponsors:

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Check them out at myconstruct.com.

Also supported by Pay.com.au — use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to https://pay.com.au/tgb to get your points and learn more..

Connect with Emily Pollard: Nesta Builder Brokers | South East Queensland - https://www.nesta.com.au/

Five of the most common questions coming in from The Good Builder community right now, answered in one hit. No fluff, just practical answers you can actually use.

In this episode we cover:

• Where to find quality trades and subbies, especially when you're moving into a new area or scaling fast
• What to post on social media as a builder, and the types of content that are actually getting cut through right now
• How to better qualify your leads so you're spending time on the right enquiries
• What to do about marketing when your budget is basically zero, including some genuinely underrated free strategies
• How to tap into supplier relationships to fund the marketing you need but can't currently afford

Whether you're a volume builder or doing a few homes a year, there's something practical in here for your business.

Sponsors

This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct — construction management software built by builders, for builders. Fully customisable and locally owned. Start your 30-day free trial at myconstruct.com

Also proudly supported by Pay.com.au — use promo code GOOD20 to unlock 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for more.

Ash doesn't.

In this episode, Az sits down with Ash, State Sales Manager at Glenvill Homes, inside their new Docklands headquarters in Melbourne. Glenville is one of Australia's quieter success stories. No marketing machine. No noise. Just a business built on sharp standards, deep trust, and a culture of doing things right.

Ash's path into construction wasn't straight. A computer games degree, a stint at Telstra and Apple, and a cold call from a recruiter eventually landed him inside a business he's helped grow from a small Brisbane office to a serious retail and wholesale player across Queensland.

In this conversation they cover:

Why saying no to a client is sometimes the smartest business decision you can make. How Glenville moved from wholesale into retail and what it took to get 42 deals done in six months without a billboard in sight. 
The trust problem at the centre of every builder-client relationship — and why it's only getting harder to earn. 
How AI is already changing the way buyers research and assess builders, and what you should be doing about it right now. 
Why referrals carry more weight than any marketing spend — and the responsibility that comes with them. What makes a builder genuinely worth trusting in a market full of noise.

Ash is exactly the kind of operator this industry needs more of. Thoughtful, transparent, and genuinely focused on getting it right. This one is worth the full listen.

Sponsors

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct, the all-in-one platform built for residential builders by builders. Try it free at myconstruct.com.

And by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to https://pay.com.au/tgb for more.

#TheGoodBuilder #GlenvilleHomes #AustralianBuilders #ConstructionPodcast #BuilderMindset #TrustInConstruction #BuildingBusiness #HomeBuilding #ConstructionAustralia #SalesStrategy #BuilderLife #ResidentialConstruction #AIInConstruction #MelbourneBuilder #QueenslandBuilder #WholesaleBuilder #BuildingIndustry #SmallBusinessConstruction #TradiesAustralia #GoodBuilding

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Zara D'Cotta, building biologist, EMF specialist, and founder of The Healthy Home. Zara spent years navigating her own cancer diagnosis, environmental illness, and the search for a safe place to live. That experience became the foundation for her work helping builders, architects, and designers across Australia and New Zealand understand the relationship between the built environment and human health.

This conversation covers ground most of the industry hasn't touched yet.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Zara's personal journey through cancer, melanoma, and environmental illness — and what it revealed about the homes we build
• What building biology actually is and why it was founded in post-war Germany
• The four areas that matter most in a healthy home: materials, moisture, air quality, and electromagnetic radiation
• Why low VOC doesn't automatically mean safe — and what builders and designers should be asking instead
• How moisture gets trapped in walls during construction and why mold appears in homes less than two years old
• What electromagnetic fields are, why the electrical code doesn't account for them, and how they can affect sleep, health, and wellbeing
• The difference between a genuinely healthy home and one with a sauna and a dog bath
• How builders can position themselves in the healthy homes space with integrity and transparency
• What makes a good builder — Zara's answer will stay with you

This is bigger than building. But it starts with builders.

Zara's work and upcoming workshops: https://www.thehealthyhome.com.au/

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct, the all-in-one platform built for residential builders by builders. Try it free at myconstruct.com.

And by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to https://pay.com.au/tgb for more.

The AI isn't broken. That's actually what makes it dangerous.

In conversations with Gavin Sloan from Live Chat Monitoring, one of the world's largest live chat and AI agent providers with over 4,500 clients, a clear pattern emerged. Builders who deployed AI agents on their websites found those agents happily recommending competitors, quoting prices, outlining timelines, and answering every question so thoroughly that prospects never felt the need to book.

The fix isn't expensive. It's not technical. It's guardrails, a few clear sentences that tell your AI what it can and can't say, who it works for, and when to hand the conversation to a real person.

In this episode, Az breaks down what guardrails are, why they matter, the five things your AI should never do, and the moment a conversation stops being an AI job and becomes a sales conversation.

Three practical actions you can take this week, starting with a test you can run in the next five minutes.

This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct. Go to myconstruct.com for your free 30-day trial.

Thank you to this month's monthly sponsor Pay.com.au — get 20,000 bonus points when you go to pay.com.au/tgb. Head there for terms and conditions.

This week on the Monday episode, Az is joined again by Emily Pollard from Nesta Builder Brokers — and she brings the heat. Emily has read hundreds of building contracts. What she finds inside them would surprise most builders. And what clients think when they read them? That might surprise you even more.

They cover the contract clauses that are quietly blowing up sales, how provisional sums are being used in ways that cost clients tens of thousands they never saw coming, why some special conditions may not even hold up in court, and how simply showing clients your contract early could save months of wasted time for everyone.

This is not about attacking builders. It's about understanding what's happening right now — with banks, with clients, with trust — and what a smarter approach to contracts actually looks like.

If you're signing jobs, chasing finance approvals, or wondering why clients are pulling out late in the process, this episode is for you.

Episode Co-Host Emily Pollard | Nesta Builder Brokers nesta.com.au

This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct. Go to myconstruct.com for your free 30-day trial.

Thank you to this month's monthly sponsor Pay.com.au — get 20,000 bonus points when you go to pay.com.au/tgb. Head there for terms and conditions.

Nicole Rosenthal is the Director of Foundation Solutions, a specialist screw pile underpinning company based in Southeast Queensland. With 31 years in the construction industry — starting as a receptionist at an engineering firm and working her way through operations, marketing, and business ownership — Nicole brings a depth of knowledge that's rare in this space.

In this episode, Nicole breaks down what underpinning actually is, why it's not always the builder's fault when foundations move, and what builders can do right now to protect themselves and their clients. She also calls out the misleading tactics being used by some operators in the underpinning market, advocates for proper documentation to stay with the home for its lifetime, and explains why screw pile underpinning is simply not comparable to the alternatives.

This is one of those conversations that fills a genuine gap. If you've ever had a client call you about cracks in a slab and not known what to say, this episode is for you.

What we cover: 
Nicole's 31-year journey from receptionist to business owner. 
What underpinning is and when it's actually needed. 
Why the builder is less often at fault than the media suggests. 
The difference between screw pile underpinning and alternatives — and why it matters. 
Misleading marketing in the underpinning space and what to watch for. 
Why foundation documents should stay with the home forever. 
Foundation Solutions' proprietary 
Lift Rig Max system. 
What makes a good builder — Nicole's answer.

Connect with Nicole: https://foundationsolutions.com.au/

Sponsors: 

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct, construction management software built for Australian builders. Visit myconstruct.com and get your 30-day free trial.

 Also supported by Pay.com.au — use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for more.

Matt spent 20 years working inside franchise building businesses. He grew his GJ Gardner group to 34 franchisees doing $800 million and became the largest in the national network. He's now applying everything he learned to build a different kind of franchise — one that's selective, values-driven, and built for the long term.

In this conversation, Matt and Az cover:

Why knowing your market matters more than knowing your product
How to read a balance sheet, not just a P&L, and why the difference nearly kills builders
The work in progress problem most builders and their accountants ignore
Why Wattle Court says no to franchisees more than it says yes
Margin protection during cost escalation — what worked during COVID and what builders need to do right now
Why Matt hosted a mental health and mindset retreat in Bali instead of a sales conference
Business should be enjoyed, not endured — what that actually means

If you're a builder carrying too much, knowing too little about your numbers, or wondering whether franchising is the right structure for your growth...this one is worth your full attention.

Check out Wattle Court at wattlecourt.com.au

This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders.
Visit myconstruct.com for your 30-day FREE trial.

Also supported by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for terms and conditions.

They talk about the real cost of defects, the difference between builders who think proactively and those who don't, and why protecting windows, benchtops, and flooring during a build isn't a luxury add-on — it's a margin decision.

Nick shares what he's seeing across residential and commercial builds nationally, from $800,000 window schedules on custom homes to the surge in commercial inquiries ahead of the 2032 Olympics in Southeast Queensland. They also get into the uncomfortable truth about builders who quote tight and then bleed profit through defects and repairs they never accounted for.

This one is practical, honest, and worth your time — whether you're a volume builder, a custom builder, or a tradie who cares about handing over a job you're proud of.

Topics covered:

Window protection on site | Defect rates in residential and commercial construction | The real cost of a build vs what you quoted | Commercial growth and the Olympics pipeline | Proactive vs reactive building culture

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct — visit myconstruct.com for your free 30-day trial. And by Pay.com.au — use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 BONUS points and head to pay.com.au/tgb for more.

First up, Emily Pollard of Nesta Builder Brokers is raising the alarm on something the industry has been ignoring. The people selling new homes to Australians, builder brokers, new home sales consultants, channel partners, are completely unregulated. No licence. No ethics board. No oversight of any kind. And every builder absorbing the cost of a failed prelim or a misled client is paying the price for it. Go back and listen to Monday's episode with Emily if you haven't already.

Next, a good news story out of regional Queensland. Sunshine Coast developer RM Capital settled a 19.8 hectare parcel in Gympie for $13.5 million and started construction the very next morning. 29 lots underway. 24 already pre-sold. This is what a professional development operation looks like, and it signals real pipeline opportunity for builders who have the right relationships in place.

Third, why the last 5 per cent of a build is where reputations are won or lost. Surface damage at handover costs more than most builders realise, and it is almost entirely preventable. The Goop Guys team breaks down what protecting your finish actually looks like and why it matters for every referral that follows.

And fourth, with costs still moving and the market where it is right now, a practical framework for having the over-budget conversation with clients. How to do it early, how to do it honestly, and how to come out of it with the relationship intact.

Plus a Public Service Announcement the industry needs to hear. Builders and estimators have been calling in. Do not use the conflict in Iran as your excuse to raise prices before your costs have actually moved.

This episode is powered by MyConstruct. Head to myconstruct.com and get your 30-day FREE trial. 

Also supported by Pay.com.au, use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for terms and conditions.

We'd like to introduce Emily Pollard, our first ever co-host, and someone who has been quietly doing some of the most important work in the Australian building industry.

Emily is the founder of Nesta Builder Brokers, a platform that bridges the gap between educated buyers and quality builders. She spent five years inside Stroud Homes developing a deep, practical understanding of the entire build journey — from first enquiry through to contract — and she brings that experience to every conversation.

In this episode, Az and Emily sit down for the first time on mic. They talk about how Emily found her way into the industry, what she sees going wrong in builder sales processes, why client education is the most underrated tool in a builder's business, and what it really means to be a good builder.

This is a conversation about the industry as it actually is, not as the marketing suggests.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Emily's story — from wanting to be a tradie, to running a trade business during COVID, to becoming one of the sharpest minds in new home sales
• What Nesta Builder Brokers does, and why Emily built it the way she did
• The real reason contracts fall over before they're signed — and why it usually traces back to the sales process
• Why chasing volume without fixing process is costing builders more than they realise
• What good client communication actually looks like — and why calling someone eight times in a day isn't the answer
• Why salespeople keep jumping ship, and what builders can do about it
• Emily's answer to the big question: what makes a good builder?

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct, construction management software built by Australian builders, for Australian builders. If you're still running jobs through spreadsheets and text threads, it's time to change that. Visit myconstruct.com and get started with a 30-day free trial.

Also supported by Pay.com.au. Use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points.

#GoodBuilderPodcast #EmilyPollard #NestaBuilderBrokers #AustralianBuilders #BuilderSales #NewHomeBuyers #ConstructionIndustry #HomeBuilding #BuilderCoHost #GoodBuilder

This episode is a different kind of conversation. Farah talks about what it was like to be a woman in construction 30 years ago — the comments, the dismissals, and pushing through anyway. She talks about why she chose the granny flat niche, what it means to build for people in the final chapter of their lives, and why she still calls it a privilege. She also breaks down the regulatory changes in Victoria that opened up the small second dwelling market, where tiny homes sit in the compliance picture, and what builders need to know before stepping into this space.

And she has big plans — Willow Grove is expanding into Queensland.

What we cover:

• Growing up in a family building business and how the industry shaped Farah from the start
• What it was really like to be a woman in construction 30 years ago — and how much has changed
• Why Willow Grove focuses on granny flats and multi-generational housing, and the deep client relationships that come with it
• The Victorian regulatory changes from December 2023 that opened up small second dwellings
• Tiny homes versus granny flats — the compliance gap and why it matters
• The challenge of stepping back from the tools to run the business
• What Willow Grove measures, how they retain their trades, and why some subcontractors have been with Farah for over 20 years
• The expansion into Queensland and what Farah is building toward
• What makes a good builder — in her own words

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct, construction management software built for Australian builders. Visit myconstruct.com and get your 30-day trial.

Also supported by Pay.com.au — use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. Head to pay.com.au/tgb for more.

Az and Peter cover the real pressures hitting builders right now, material surcharges, the administrative burden behind every price rise, and what it actually means to have 180 homes on the ground when costs are moving daily. They dig into the AV Jennings integration, the land crisis behind the housing crisis, and why trust with your suppliers and trades is the only thing that holds when everything else gets uncertain.

Peter also talks about what he found when he went back to Hervey Bay — a young workforce that proved attitude beats experience, and why the regions might be producing the next generation of great tradies. Plus how Villa World manages customer communication at scale, why they measure 18 points of supplier performance, and the question Peter sends himself every Friday at 8am.

What we cover:

• Why material surcharges are creating a hidden administrative crisis for builders
• The real story behind the AV Jennings integration and what Peter learned bringing two cultures together
• Land release in Australia — why Peter calls it a land crisis, not a housing crisis
• The Hervey Bay project and what a young workforce taught Peter about attitude and culture
• Customer communication at scale — portals, milestones, and Net Promoter Scores
• How Villa World measures supplier performance across 18 criteria — and what they do with the results
• Why integrity is a business strategy, not just a personal value
• The question Peter asks himself every Friday morning to stay on track

This is one of those conversations you will want to come back to.

#TheGoodBuilder #DailyDose #PeterWood #AvidPropertyGroup #VillaWorldHomes #AustralianBuilders #BuildingIndustry #ConstructionLeadership #LandCrisis #BuilderLife #HousingAustralia #ConstructionPodcast #BuilderMindset #TradesAustralia #ResidentialBuilding #IntegrityInBusiness #GoodBuilder #BuildingBusiness #AustralianConstruction #SupplierRelationships

Today, 30,000 of you are tuning in. And that changes everything about what comes next.

In this episode we want to talk directly to you about where The Good Builder is heading. Because this platform was never about us. It was always about giving this industry a voice.

We're opening the studio — in person and online — to builders, tradies, suppliers, and subcontractors who have something worth saying. We'll produce the episode. We'll publish it. And it will live on The Good Builder forever.

Over the coming weeks you'll start to meet some guest hosts. People doing real work in this industry who finally have somewhere to say it.

Renae and I will still be here. But we'll also be working in the background on things we genuinely believe will move this industry forward.

This platform is yours just as much as it is ours. That was always the point.

Email us on admin@thegoodbuilder.com.au to apply for a community episode.

Supported by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Visit myconstruct.com to get your FREE 30-day trial.

Also sponsored by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. T's & C's Apply. Head to https://pay.com.au/tgb/

#TheGoodBuilder #TheDailyDose #AustralianConstruction #BuildingIndustry #Builders #Tradies #ConstructionCommunity #BuilderPodcast #ResidentialBuilding #IndustryVoice

This week on Tuesday Headlines we unpack two of the biggest stories shaping the Australian building industry right now. First, the client confidence data every builder needs to understand before their next sales conversation. Then, a clear-eyed look at why the Middle East supply shock is not COVID 2.0 — and why that distinction matters for your business.

What we cover:

The key consumer confidence index has fallen more than 36 points below its long-run average. At the same time, price expectations sit near 15-year highs. Your clients want to build. They are just frightened. We break down what is driving that fear, what two consecutive RBA rate hikes have done to borrowing capacity, and why the sales environment differs dramatically state by state right now.

We also dig into the findings from 97,000 verified consumer reviews of Australian home builders — and the single biggest driver of a five-star review that most builders are not talking about.

Then we turn to the Middle East conflict. The COVID comparison is everywhere right now. We look at where it holds, where it breaks down, and what builders should be watching as petroleum-derived material costs and diesel prices move fast.

In this episode:

• Why client hesitation is a sentiment problem, not a pricing problem
• What two RBA rate hikes have done to first home buyer borrowing power
• The state-by-state confidence split and what it means for your pipeline
• 97,000 customer reviews: the seven pain points that keep appearing
• COVID vs. the Middle East conflict: a side-by-side comparison
• What the speed of this supply shock means for contracts and pricing

Links to Articles:
https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/your-clients-are-more-anxious-than-ever-here-is-what-the-data-tells-us-about-why/
https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/covid-did-not-break-australian-construction-but-it-left-the-industry-exposed-now-the-middle-east-conflict-has-arrived/

The Australian Building Industry Health Report Q1 2026 is free to download. Grab your copy here: report.thegoodbuilder.com.au/landing-page

Pages of data covering insolvencies, construction costs, consumer sentiment, workforce shortfalls, land supply, interest rates, government policy, and the full Iran conflict supply chain analysis. The most comprehensive picture of the Australian building industry in one place.

This episode is powered by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Manage jobs, communicate with clients, and cut the admin. Get your 30-daty trial at myconstruct.com

Also proudly supported by Pay.com.au — use promo code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points at pay.com.au/tgb

But data is only useful if you know how to put it to work.

In today's Daily Dose, Az walks through five practical ways builders can use the report right now — from pricing jobs in a cost environment being shaped by the Strait of Hormuz disruption, to understanding which developers control the land in your market, to knowing exactly what homebuyers are complaining about before they complain to you.

This is not a summary of the report. It's a guide to using it.

In this episode:

— Why gut feel is not a pricing strategy when material costs are moving this fast 
— The Top 30 developer rankings by state and what they mean for house and land in 2026 
— What 97,000+ homebuyer reviews tell us about where trust is breaking down 
— How to walk into any negotiation, client conversation, or deal assessment with something solid behind you 
— The forward-looking signals in the report that builders should be watching right now

Plus — the Mitre 10 competition, a heads up on an upcoming guest who is going to challenge a lot of what you think you know about the homes we build, news on the digital marketing workshop, and something very exciting on the horizon at The Good Builder.

Grab the report at https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/australian-building-industry-health-report/

Powered by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Get your 30-day FREE trial - myconstruct.com

Also sponsored by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points.
Head to pay.com.au/tgb for more and terms and conditions.

John's story spans Darwin in 1974, residential building in Queensland, a successful expansion into New Zealand, and launching a light gauge steel framing company in the United States before anyone else had done it. When he returned to Australia in 2012, he set his sights on solving one of modular construction's most expensive and persistent problems: chassis deflection and the skilled labour required to build them.

What came out of that was ModFloor, and then ModFloor Plus. A system assembled by unskilled labour in under three hours, with no welding, no cutting, and deflection figures that have transformed the economics of transporting modules to regional and remote sites."

In this episode John and Az cover:

- The real cost of chassis deflection and why modular builders are allocating up to $25,000 for remedial work on country jobs

- How MMC Modular's in-house roll forming machinery and online design portal removes the need for builders to employ engineers or experienced detailers in-house

- The case for a separate NCC code for modular and factory-built housing, and why the current system is holding the industry back

- Why modular construction is manufacturing, not building, and what that mindset shift means for operators who want to scale

- The land lease sector, litigation risk, and how MMC's relocatable system is solving a compliance problem most developers haven't faced yet yet

- How MMC's steel and insulated floor panel is helping builders eliminate concrete entirely in regional builds

John's answer to what makes a good builder, covering costing, product knowledge, and thinking laterally about new materials

John can be reached directly on 0412 918 297 or through the Steelfast website at www.steelfast.co

Sponsored by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Find out more and get your 30-day trial at myconstruct.com

Also sponsored by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. T's & C's Apply. Head to https://pay.com.au/tgb/

#TheGoodBuilder #BuildersOfAustralia #AIForBuilders #ConstructionTech #BuildingBusiness #IncreaseConstruction #AIAgents #ConstructionIndustry #SmallBusinessAustralia #BuilderLife #BusinessAutomation #ResidentialBuilding #DailyDose

These two aren't talking about AI. They're doing it. Live. On camera.

In this episode, Az gets a behind-the-scenes look at the AI agent system Increase Construction has built. One that replaces the equivalent of $1.5 million worth of specialist staff, works 24/7, and pulls all of a building business's data into one live dashboard. Marketing, operations, sales, and technology all in one place, constantly updated, ready for whoever needs to make a decision.

They walk through real use cases, show the backend of their setup, talk about what it actually costs, and explain why the construction industry is ripe for this kind of change.

Az shares what it looked like from the inside of a major franchise network and exactly what a tool like this would have been worth.

This one's not theory. It's happening now.

Sponsored by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Find out more and get your 30-day trial at myconstruct.com

Also sponsored by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. T's & C's Apply. Head to https://pay.com.au/tgb/

#TheGoodBuilder #BuildersOfAustralia #AIForBuilders #ConstructionTech #BuildingBusiness #IncreaseConstruction #AIAgents #ConstructionIndustry #SmallBusinessAustralia #BuilderLife #BusinessAutomation #ResidentialBuilding #DailyDose

That's the reality Josh Pierpoint has seen up close across 15 years in the industry, and across 56 builders in just the last 12 months through his business, Elevate Estimate.

In this episode, Az sits down with Josh for an honest conversation about what's really going wrong in building businesses right now. They talk about the wave of fuel levies and price rises hitting builders on fixed price contracts, why estimating is the function most likely to make or break your business, and what happens when builders try to wear too many hats.

Josh also opens up about the critical shortage of qualified estimators coming through the industry, why there's no real training pathway, and what that means for builders trying to fill that seat.

This one is timely, practical, and straight from the front line.

In this episode:

• Why estimating is the single highest-risk function in your business
• The price rise wave hitting builders right now — and what to do about it
• How Josh works with builders from sales estimate through to purchase orders and variations
• The estimator shortage no one is talking about
• What makes a good builder (Josh's answer might surprise you)

Connect with Josh and Elevate Estimate: https://elevateestimating.com.au/about/

Sponsors:

This episode is brought to you by MyConstruct, construction management software built for Australian builders. Check them out at myconstruct.com.

Thanks to this month's podcast sponsor Pay.com.au.

Our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up!

Also supported by Pay.com.au — use code GOOD20 for 20,000 bonus points. T&Cs apply. Head to pay.com.au/tgb.

In today's episode Az breaks down the Iran conflict and what it means for your supply chain in plain terms — which materials carry the most risk right now, why engineered wood and standard pine framing are two very different stories, which Australian-made alternatives are worth specifying, and three things you should do this week.

Plus — the TGB Australian Building Industry Health Report drops today. Thirty-plus pages of real data on where the industry sits. Brisbane land prices have exceeded Melbourne. Construction costs are up 47% since pre-COVID. And the number one driver of a five-star customer review isn't what most builders think.

And Az responds to two posts from the weekend that got the community talking: what Plantation Homes' communication to customers during price rises means for every builder regardless of size — and whether the people selling services to builders have actually been inside a successful building company themselves.

Free report download at thegoodbuilder.com.au. April 1 — and that's no joke.

This episode is proudly supported by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Jobs, clients, documents, and site management all in one place. Head to myconstruct.com to check it out and get your 30-day trial.

Thanks to this month's podcast sponsor Pay.com.au. 

Our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up — use code GOOD20. T&Cs apply. Head to pay.com.au/tgb.

Az sits down with Vicki Cooper from Tamworth Property Co, who also happens to be his mother-in-law. With nearly 30 years in real estate across Queensland and New South Wales, Vicki brings real insight into what's driving regional growth in one of Australia's most active inland markets.

Tamworth is moving. Commercial, industrial, residential — the development pipeline is stacking up. With land sitting around $200–$300 per square metre compared to Sydney's $2,000+, the numbers speak for themselves.

What we cover:

• What's driving Tamworth's residential and commercial expansion
• Key developments including Eagle View Estate and the Gunniganoo precinct
• Why the Maas Group (ninth most active developer in NSW) is going all-in on regional
• Land affordability compared to capital city and coastal markets
• The real estate–builder relationship and why it matters more than most think
• Why communication remains the number one factor in customer experience

Who it's for:

Builders, trades and professionals watching regional markets — or anyone thinking about where the next wave of opportunity sits outside the capital cities.

Brought to you by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Learn more at myconstruct.com

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

This episode is a pop quiz built from real data inside the report — land prices, shrinking blocks, customer sentiment, and the one factor that determines a five-star review more than anything else.

No headlines today. Just some numbers that genuinely surprised us when we were putting the report together.

Have a crack. See how close you get.

What we cover:

• The current national median residential lot price — and how fast it's growing
• Which capital city is now more expensive for land than Melbourne (hint: it's not Sydney)
• The capital city with the smallest median lot size in the country
• Why Australians feel it's the worst time to buy — even as they expect prices to keep rising
• The phase of the building journey that generates the most customer complaints by a wide margin
• What 97,000 customer reviews say is the single biggest driver of a five-star rating
• How much more a new home costs today compared to pre-COVID — and what's forecast for 2026

The full TGB Australian Building Industry Health Report is dropping very soon at thegoodbuilder.com.au.

Supported by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. myconstruct.com

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

This isn't opinion. It's the facts of what's happening across the Australian building industry, pulled together in plain English.

What we cover:

• What the report actually is and why nothing like it currently exists
• Building activity, approvals and how the numbers stack up against the National Housing Accord
• Builder insolvencies — the real numbers, what's driving them and what's coming next
• Construction costs, material pricing and regional cost escalation forecasts
• Workforce and skills — which trades face the most acute shortages and why the problem is structural
• Customer sentiment and experience — what tens of thousands of reviews reveal about what matters most
• Land supply, pricing, interest rates and borrowing capacity
• Government policy, incentives and industry risks on the horizon
• Subcontractor and supply chain health
• Mental health in construction

Who it's for: Builders, trades, suppliers, manufacturers, consultants, brokers, advisors — and homeowners thinking about building.

The TGB Australian Building Industry Health Report drops April 1. Head to thegoodbuilder.com.au to grab your copy.

#TheGoodBuilder #TGBReport #AustralianConstruction #BuildingIndustry #ConstructionAustralia #BuilderLife #ResidentialConstruction #BuildingApprovals #ConstructionCosts #WorkforceShortages #BuilderInsolvencies #HousingAccord #ConstructionData #BuildBetter #TradesIndustry #ConstructionNews #BuildingAustralia #HomeBuildingAustralia #ConstructionInsights #BuilderCommunity

What we cover:

• The Pointsbuild shoutout and how to enter our $500 Mitre 10 giveaway before 26 April
• The Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, and why diesel is up 67% since early March
• Why PVC, concrete, steel and plumbing materials are all repricing right now
• The fixed-price contract problem — and what your escalation clause position actually means
• The TGB Industry Health Report — one of the most comprehensive looks at the Australian building industry to date
• The Care-Factor event — Reboot Mindset Academy beneficiary, founded by Todd Carney and Mitch Pierce

Competition — Win a $500 Mitre 10 Gift Card Subscribe to The Good Builder eNewsletter for your first entry. Join the TGB Community Directory for a second. Both free. Closes 26 April 2026. 👉 thegoodbuilder.com.au/join-the-community-win

Care-Factor 2026 Event — Supporting Reboot Mindset Academy Tables, tickets and sponsorship available. Live entertainment, 350 guests, Todd Carney and Mitch Pierce attending. 👉 care-factor.com.au/2026event

Links:

• Pointsbuild: pointsbuild.com.au
• TGB Giveaway: thegoodbuilder.com.au/join-the-community-win
• Care-Factor Event: care-factor.com.au/2026event

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

This week: The Federal Government appoints Australia's first Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator as diesel supply chains come under pressure. Why the smartest builders are treating everyday site work as high-trust marketing. Goop Guys and the rise of low-risk specialist franchises expanding across Australia. Everyone's Place reaches 200 completed homes in Queensland. And why CPD done properly is one of the best investments you can make in your building business, featuring our Community Directory Member of the Week, PointsBuild.

PointsBuild is offering 20% off all courses for TGB Directory members. Check them out: https://bem.pointsbuild.com.au/bem/welcome or call 1300 892 829.

Powered by MyConstruct. Construction management software built for Australian builders. Visit myconstruct.com.

Join The Good Builder Community Directory: thegoodbuilder.com.au

What We Cover

• Federal Government appoints first Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator

• Why diesel price and supply pressure matters for construction

• How builders are turning everyday site work into powerful content

• Goop Guys and the rise of specialist service franchises in construction

• Everyone's Place housing program hits 200 homes in Queensland

• Why CPD is smart business, not just compliance (feat. PointsBuild)

• PointsBuild: TGB Community Directory Member of the Week

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

In this episode, Az shares a story from inside the industry, a lead response audit he ran in 2018 while working within a national home building franchise. Real enquiries were submitted to some of Australia's biggest residential builders, and the response times were tracked from the moment of submission.

The fastest response was 25 minutes.

The slowest was almost six days. And multiple national builders never responded at all.

That data is backed by some of the most respected lead management research in the world — including the MIT/InsideSales study, which found that responding within five minutes makes you 21 times more likely to qualify a lead. And a 2024 study showing more than 63% of businesses never respond to a lead at all.

If you're spending money on marketing and leads are coming through, this might be the most important ten minutes you hear this week.

What we cover:

• The 2018 lead response audit — what happened when real enquiries were submitted to major Australian builders
• Why the fastest response in the audit was 25 minutes and the slowest was nearly six days
• The MIT/InsideSales study: responding in 5 minutes makes you 21x more likely to qualify a lead
• Why 78% of customers go with the company that responds first
• The 2024 data showing 63% of businesses never respond at all
• A simple framework for getting your response time under two hours this week
• Why this pairs with last Monday's episode on follow-up

Powered by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Visit myconstruct.com for your 30-day trial.

Drew and Sean from Increase Construction are not. They went quiet, leaned in hard, and built something real. 

A team of AI agents running inside their business. A general manager. A marketing manager. Operations. Sales. Each one with a name, a role, and a job to do.

They deliberately stalled hiring staff for over a year because they had a gut feeling something was coming. They were right.

In this episode, Drew and Sean pull back the curtain on exactly what they've built, what it cost, what went wrong (including the 3am wake-up call from a $2,000 bill), and what it means for builders who are watching all the AI noise and wondering what's actually worth paying attention to.

This is one of the most practical conversations we've had on the podcast. No jargon for the sake of it. No selling a widget. Just two guys who broke the thing 40 times and came out the other side with something that works.

What we cover:

• What AI agents actually are — and why they're different from talking to ChatGPT
• How Drew and Sean built a virtual team that reports, learns, and checks its own performance
• The real cost — $5 to $10 a day to run the whole operation
• The $2,000 mistake at 3am and what it taught them about guardrails
• Why they chose to invest internally instead of hiring three full-time staff
• Practical use cases for builders — NCC compliance, defect manuals, trade sourcing, multi-channel marketing
• How AI removes the admin layer and gets better information to the decision-maker faster
• Why most AI products in construction are just repackaged widgets with a new label
• What "leaning in" actually requires — and why doing it half-hearted will burn you
• Where this is heading for builders over the next 12 months

If you've been sitting on the fence with AI, this episode will help you figure out where to start and who to trust.

Links and resources: Increase Construction — https://www.increaseconstruction.com/about

In this episode, Az sits down with the husband and wife team behind DA Bricklaying and DAT Tools, two businesses built from the ground up with no shortcuts, no outside funding, and no corporate playbook.

Damian has been laying bricks for 27 years. Tara has been right beside him through all of it. Together, they turned a sole trader operation into a professional crew, competed on the world stage at the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500 in the United States, and launched a self-funded tools business born from real pain points on the job.

This conversation is raw, honest, and full of lessons for anyone running a trade business or building something with their partner.

What we cover:

• How Damian went from laying bricks at 14 to running a respected crew in Melbourne
• Tara becoming the first female mason tender in the history of the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500
• The real challenges of scaling from sole trader to a full business with overheads, crews, and cash flow pressure
• Practical lessons on tracking your numbers, managing tax, and building a financial buffer
• What it takes to build a reputation through word of mouth alone
• Working as a couple across two businesses while raising two young kids
• The story behind DAT Tools and how on-site frustrations became real products
• What makes a good builder from a bricklayer's perspective

If you are a tradie thinking about starting a business, or you are already in one and wondering how to do it better, this is one to listen to.

🔗 Check out DAT Tools and support an Australian family business doing it the right way.

https://www.dattools.com/
https://www.instagram.com/damianamusobricklaying/

This isn't another listing site. It's a curated space built around reputation, trust, and the same standards The Good Builder has always stood for. Early members get the best positioning, and right now, the categories are wide open.

Az also puts a spotlight on JV Recruitment — a nationwide construction recruitment and labour hire provider — and shares a key piece of content they partnered on called From Apprentices to Supervisor: Building Career Pathways That Keep Talent. If retention is costing you, this one's worth your time.

What We Cover

What the Good Builder Directory is, and what it isn't.
Why curation matters more than reach when it comes to trusted referrals
What directory members get access to (profile, TGB badge, exclusives)

Spotlight: JV Recruitment and the people you need to know

Why retention is the new recruitment....and what builders are getting wrongThe five things builders who keep their best people do consistently

Links mentioned:

Good Builder Directory: thegoodbuilder.com.au/business-directory

JV Recruitment: jvrecruitment.com.au

MyConstruct: myconstruct.com

This week on Tuesday Headlines, Aaron breaks down what's happening across the global and local construction landscape, and why builders who aren't paying attention right now could get caught short.

What we cover:

• US-Iran conflict and your build costs — Oil prices have surged 12–20% in a short window. Fuel isn't the only exposure. Freight costs, imported materials, steel, glass, and electrical components are all in the firing line. And if inflation ticks back up, that's a problem for the RBA, interest rates, and buyer confidence.
• WA's fuel security roundtable — Western Australia's Premier Roger Cook called an emergency roundtable with fuel providers, logistics operators, and government officials. Supply is currently uninterrupted — but the fact that the meeting happened tells you something. Regional construction remains the most exposed.
• Concrete, aggregates, and the infrastructure pipeline — The Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia group has flagged that Australia may not have enough supply to deliver its own infrastructure commitments. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic wave and major freight corridors could outstrip local production capacity. If you're tendering on civil or major subdivision work in Southeast Queensland, start talking to your material suppliers now.
• HIA takes aim at the NCC — The Housing Industry Association has lodged a detailed submission calling out the National Construction Code for growing more than eight times longer than when it was first introduced, referencing double the number of Australian standards, many of which builders have to pay for separately just to understand. The HIA is pushing for simplified language, a five-year update cycle, freely available standards, and clearer pathways for modern construction methods.

None of this is sky-falling territory. But the builders who are reviewing their exposure, talking to their supply chain, and pricing properly right now will be the ones best placed when the pressure arrives.

Mentions this episode:

• Rebecca Askin, Adapt Modular (recent guest — NCC and modular construction)
• Damian and Tara (DA Bricklaying) — coming up this week
• Drew from Increase Construction and Sean — AI in construction, dropping this week

Sponsor: MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. One platform for jobs, communication, and contracts. 30-day free trial at myconstruct.com: https://myconstruct.com/signup/

This episode flips that thinking completely.

Az breaks down why builders aren't short on content — they're short on awareness. If you're on site every day solving problems, holding standards, and making decisions, you're already sitting on more material than you'll ever need. This episode shows you how to see it, capture it, and share it — without a studio, a strategy, or three hours spare.

What's covered:

• Why documenting beats creating for builders
• What you think is boring — and why your clients find it fascinating
• The one-minute daily habit that builds a content bank you can draw from all year
• Three content categories that consistently work for builders

Sponsor: MyConstruct - construction management software built for Australian builders. Scheduling, client communication, and document management in one place. Head to myconstruct.com

Christine is the driving force behind WoodSolutions' national timber campaign, a consultant with 35 years in the timber and forestry industry, and one of the most genuinely industry-focused people you'll meet. She sits on multiple boards, advocates for sustainability without the greenwashing, and has quietly been one of the most impactful behind-the-scenes voices in Australian residential construction.

In this episode, Az and Christine dig into why timber framing is more than a structural choice, it's a marketing asset, a trust signal, and increasingly, a point of difference builders aren't using.

What we cover:

• Christine's 35-year journey through timber, forestry, and construction
• Why the average Australian home stores the carbon equivalent of 126 Sydney-to-Melbourne flights
• The "150 seconds" stat that stops people cold at dinner parties
• WoodSolutions' new carbon calculator and how builders can use it with clients
• The "What's Behind the Wall" campaign and why it matters right now
• How timber framing fits into the customer journey — from display home to handover
• Why culture and brand are two sides of the same coin
• Gender diversity in construction and why Christine is still pushing hard for change
• What makes a good builder — and why Christine's answer is unlike any we've heard

This episode is proudly brought to you by: myconstruct.com

In this episode, I sit down with Bec from Adapt Modular (a division of Campbell Construction Co.) to talk about her 25 years in the industry, studying for her QBCC licence while raising two kids solo during COVID, and why she's now heading up a modular building division doing work that genuinely matters.

We talk about:

• How Bec went from admin to licence holder while doing it all on her own
• The barriers women still face on site (and why it's more about acceptance than it is about progress)
• What Adapt Modular is building and who they're building it for (including a disabled bathroom for a school two hours north of Birdsville)
• Why long service leave for admin workers is broken and needs fixing
• The NCC, modular building codes, and why the industry is fighting with itself over prefab
• What a good builder actually looks like (Bec's answer is one we've never heard before)

Bec is the kind of person who doesn't make a big deal of what she's done. I had to push her to tell the story properly.

Worth the listen.

#constructionindustry #builderlife #womeninconstruction #buildingbusiness

This episode is proudly brought to you by myconstruct.com

Az is joined again by Anisha and Nayan from Scale Up Smart — and this time, it's all about price. What does it cost to outsource estimating, project management, admin, design and drafting, or marketing coordination? What's the difference between part-time and full-time? Developing level versus mastery? And how does it all stack up against hiring locally in Australia?

Spoiler: the numbers are going to surprise you.

But this episode quickly becomes about more than cost. It's about what builders actually get — vetted staff, three layers of quality assurance, twice-weekly software training, seamless integration into your existing systems, and a structured 90-day onboarding process designed to give you clarity before it gives you results.

From a $330-per-week part-time estimator to a full-time mastery-level project manager at $700 per week, the team walk through every core role and what it delivers. There's also a sneak peek at an upcoming guaranteed marketing package from Scale Up Smart — one Az is very excited about.

What we cover:

• The real cost of outsourced estimating, project management, admin, design and drafting, and marketing coordination
• Part-time vs full-time and how to match the right level to your business size
• How Scale Up Smart vets, trains, and supports every team member before they touch your business
• Why clean books, clear schedules, and consistent marketing all point to the same outcome — peace of mind
• What the first 90 days actually looks like when you bring on a Scale Up Smart resource
• The upcoming guaranteed lead generation package — and why Az nearly started a building company again on the spot

Powered by MyConstruct.

What we cover:

• When success starts breaking things — why momentum without foundations creates problems inside your building business, and what Dan Urquhart from A Thousand Feet Deep says to fix first
• US-Iran conflict and your build costs — what rising oil prices, shipping disruptions, and unpredictable lead times could mean if you're running fixed-price contracts
• 133 workforce homes in Karratha — the WA government's Pilbara land release and why their model of tying housing directly to major projects is worth watching nationally
• Avia Homes' 4.9-star sales system — the key insight Hayden Ashton shared about why slowing down your sales process could be the smartest move you make
• Bec Askin's modular mission — a preview of Thursday's episode with the single mum, licensed builder, and head of Adapt Modular who's helping rebuild housing faster after disasters

All five articles are live at thegoodbuilder.com.au.

Links:
MyConstruct - myconstruct.com
The New Home Electrical Specialist - tnhes.com.au

Dan knows what it looks like when a building business starts to crack under the weight of its own success. He lived it. And now he helps builders understand the foundations they need before the cracks appear…not after.

In this episode, Az and Dan get into why success can actually be the most dangerous thing for a business without the right foundation underneath it. They talk about negative momentum, the worker vs. leader mindset, and why the phrase "I just can't find good people" is usually a leadership problem in disguise.

They also cover Dan's upcoming events — a webinar on March 11th and a one-day masterclass on March 19th in Newcastle — built around the three foundations every building business needs: leadership, team, and organisational structure.

If you've ever felt like things are rolling downhill and you can't stop it — this one's for you.

What we cover:

Why success has weight — and what happens when your business can't carry it
The difference between a worker mindset and a leadership mindset
Negative momentum: what it is and how to spot it before it takes over
Why "I can't find good people" is the wrong question
Dan's March webinar and masterclass — what they cover and who they're for

🔗 Links mentioned:

• A Thousand Feet Deep webinar (March 11) — https://www.1000feetdeep.com.au/event/webinar-foundational-performance-plan
• One-day masterclass Newcastle (March 19) — https://www.1000feetdeep.com.au/event/hand-head-heart-masterclass---thu-mar-19th-2026
• A Thousand Feet Deep socials — https://www.instagram.com/1000feetdeep_/
• 1000 Feet Deep Podcast: #15 Eric Grothe Snr | Skillset, Mindset & Character: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2592709/episode_players/18759107-15-eric-grothe-snr-skillset-mindset-character?client_source=large_player&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzzsprout.com%2Fadmin%2F2592709%2Fpodcast%2Fembed

#TheGoodBuilder #DanUrquhart #AThousandFeetDeep #BuilderLeadership #ConstructionBusiness #LeadershipFoundation #BuildingIndustry #BuilderMindset #BusinessForBuilders #GoodBuilder #ConstructionAustralia #LeadershipDevelopment

This one's less about product specs and more about the philosophy behind doing things properly. James and Jason talk about what it means to actually listen to builders, why they only bring products to market that solve a real problem, and how cutting corners on something as critical as a timber connector can cost a builder — and a homeowner — far more than the few hundred dollars saved.

They also get into the compliance issues quietly sitting in the market right now, the shift they're seeing toward custom builders who care about quality, and why peace of mind might be the most underrated thing a good builder can offer.

A genuine conversation with two blokes who are in the industry for the right reasons.

What we cover:

• How VuTrade was built on a builder's background and a family commitment to quality
• Why listening to the trade is baked into how they develop every new product
• The real cost of non-compliant or substandard timber connectors on site
• Stainless vs galvanised — using the right material in the right application
• The growing split between volume builders and quality-focused custom builders
• Why Australian-made matters beyond the tagline
• What makes a good builder, according to two people who work with them every day

For more on VueTrade head to: https://vuetrade.com/

#TheGoodBuilder #VuTrade #BellevueGroup #TimberConnectors #AustralianMade #BuildingCompliance #ConstructionAustralia #BuilderLife #QualityBuilds #AustralianBuilders #CustomBuilders #BuildingIndustry #GoodBuilder

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Gregg to unpack what a franchise model actually gives a builder that going it alone can't. The conversation covers the Homeye system that lets builders price and customise homes in real time, why the best builders still struggle with the business side, and how Stonewood is expanding across Queensland with the right people in the right places.

Gregg also shares what he genuinely believes makes a good builder — and it's not what most people expect.

If you're a builder doing five homes a year and thinking about how to reach twenty, this one's worth your time.

In this episode:

• Why builders who are great at their trade often run bad businesses — and what to do about it
• The Homeye system: real-time pricing, bill of materials, and 3D customisation in one tool
• What franchise fees actually pay for (and why it's often cheaper than going alone)
• How Stonewood approaches franchisee onboarding and due diligence
• The Queensland market and why Greg sees a long runway ahead
• What makes a good builder, in the eyes of the customer

Connect with Stonewood Homes: Visit stonewoodhomes.com.au and head to the franchise recruitment page to start a conversation with the team.

This one goes deep. We talk about what actually holds builders back when they try to scale...and it's rarely about skill. It's about systems, cost visibility, and the discipline to get the foundations right before chasing growth.

Sean brings the builder's perspective...someone who's seen businesses grow fast and fall apart, and is now applying every one of those lessons to build Stonewood Homes Sunshine Coast the right way. Jake brings the systems view, more than a decade of experience working with builders of every size, from two homes a year to hundreds.

What came out of this conversation was real. No fluff. No theory. Just honest talk about knowing your costs, tracking what matters, hiring at the right time, and building a business you'd actually want to work in.

In this episode:

• Why builders who can't take a week off haven't got the right systems in place
• The real cost of reactive supervision and loose material tracking
• Why software doesn't fix chaos — it just digitalises it
• How Sean is setting up Stonewood Homes Sunshine Coast for long-term success
• What MyConstruct is building next — live weather stamping, client portals, AI messaging cleanup, and more

If you're running two to five homes a year and thinking about what's next — this episode is for you.

This week on the pod: Wednesday — Jake from MyConstruct and Sean Hewitt (Stonewood Homes Sunshine Coast) on scaling a building business. Thursday — Gregg Sommerville, GM of Stonewood Homes Australasia, live from Auckland. Friday — James Renshaw and Jason Shedden from Bellevue Group and ViewTrade.

Powered by MyConstruct — construction management software built for Australian builders. Visit myconstruct.com.au.

• DCOH / Unlimited Commercial Constructions — thegoodbuilder.com.au

• Queensland Land Clearing Rule Changes — thegoodbuilder.com.au

• DARE Property Group / Saint David Fitzroy — thegoodbuilder.com.au

• Bunnings Flat-Pack Pods — thegoodbuilder.com.au

• GBCA 2026 Policy Snapshot — thegoodbuilder.com.au

And that research is happening before they ever pick up the phone.

In this episode, Aaron breaks down exactly what potential clients are finding when they search your name — and what you can do about it this week. From handling one-star reviews without losing your cool, to building a simple process that gets happy clients to actually leave feedback, this one is practical from start to finish.

You'll learn:

• Why your Google profile is your new front door
• How to respond to negative reviews in a way that builds trust, not damage
• The right way to ask for reviews without it feeling awkward
• Why staying silent on reviews is costing you jobs

Powered by MyConstruct — the software helping builders stay organised, deliver better experiences, and protect what they've worked hard to build.

🔗 Check out MyConstruct: https://myconstruct.com/

But this episode isn't just about industry.

Over the past year, Nicola has navigated a breast cancer diagnosis, a mastectomy, and the loss of her father — all within months of each other. In this conversation, she talks openly about what that period looked like, how the industry responded, and what it means to keep showing up when life gets heavy.

We also get into her career at Master Builders, what she sees changing across the industry, and why the relationships builders build matter just as much as the structures they put up.

This one is honest, warm, and a reminder that behind every role and every title, there's a person.

What we cover:

• Nicola's breast cancer diagnosis and recovery journey
• Losing her father nine weeks after her diagnosis
• The overwhelming support she received from the construction industry
• Her role at Master Builders Queensland and what it actually involves
• What she sees happening across the building industry right now
• Growing up in Humpty Doo — and working in a beer fridge at 12

Connect with Nicola Scott: Master Builders Queensland — Sunshine Coast Office LinkedIn: Nicola Scott

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

The Good Builder Directory: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/business-directory/packages/

MyConstruct: https://myconstruct.com/

Glenn is the head of Harnessed, a purpose-driven building business operating within the Mazzei Group. 

For over a decade, he and his team have been doing some of the hardest, most meaningful work in Australian construction — delivering inclusive, affordable, and social housing outcomes for people who genuinely need them. Indigenous communities. Domestic violence survivors. People with disability. The ones Az calls the "missing middle."

In this conversation, Glenn breaks down what inclusive housing actually means, why the building is often the easiest part of the problem, and how his business has built a model that is both commercially sustainable and deeply values-driven. We also get into modular construction, key worker housing, the challenges of remote builds, and why wraparound services matter just as much as the roof overhead.

It's a raw, honest, and genuinely moving conversation. One of the most important we've had on this podcast.

If you're a builder, developer, or supplier who wants to get involved — or if you just want to understand where the real pressure points in Australian housing actually are — this one's worth your full attention.

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

For more on Harnest: https://harnest.com.au/about/

The Good Builder Directory: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/business-directory/packages/

MyConstruct: https://myconstruct.com/

Kyle opens up about how he fell into building, what drove him to near-burnout juggling competitive bodybuilding and a struggling construction business, and how that rock bottom moment pushed him to rebuild smarter. They talk about what separates real builder coaches from flashy marketers, how technology is reshaping the trades, and why looking after yourself is the first thing you should do

If you're a builder wanting to grow a better business, and become a better human along the way — this one's for you.

For more on Kyle head to:
https://www.futurebuilder.co/
https://www.zanettobuilders.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: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

The Good Builder Directory: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/business-directory/packages/

MyConstruct: https://myconstruct.com/

Plus, the Green Building Council's 2026 policy priorities and a game-changing flat-pack modular system just approved for a five-storey project in Victoria.

If you build, develop, or trade in construction, this one's worth your time.

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

The Good Builder Directory: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/business-directory/packages/

MyConstruct: https://myconstruct.com/

Most builders are flat out on site.

Busy quoting.

Busy managing trades.

Busy solving problems.

But very few are stepping back to ask a simple question:

What is actually happening around me?

In this episode, Aaron walks through a practical “market pulse check” every builder should be doing regularly — not once a year, but consistently.

We break down three key platforms that give you real-time insight into:

• How your business is perceived online
• What competitors are saying and promoting
• What homeowners are genuinely frustrated about
• Where sentiment is shifting in your region

This is not about marketing tactics.

It is about awareness.

Because if you do not understand how the market sees you, someone else will define that narrative for you.

Simple steps.

No hype.

Just practical actions you can implement this week to stay informed and stay relevant.

If you build homes for a living, this episode is your reminder to check the pulse.

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

The Good Builder Directory: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/business-directory/packages/

MyConstruct: https://myconstruct.com/

From the outside, it can look like steady promotions, bigger titles and smooth growth.

In reality, it is harder than that.

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Dan Mulhern from Apollo Patios to talk about what leadership actually looks like inside a working construction business.

Dan shares his journey from BlueScope to business ownership, including the decision to step away from one of the most prestigious roles in the industry because it was not the right fit. They discuss reluctant leadership, commercial pressure, burnout, and the wake-up call that forced a reset.

But the real focus is culture.

Dan explains how culture is built through daily habits, not slogans.

Why one-on-ones should not look the same for every team member.

Why collaboration matters more than hierarchy.

And why a leader should see themselves as a coach, not a commander.

This conversation is practical.

It is grounded.

It is built on lived experience.

If you run a building company, manage a team, or want to build a business that people genuinely want to work in, this episode is for you.

Because getting the culture right is not a soft skill.

It is the cornerstone.

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

If you lead a team.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of responsibility sitting on your chest.

It moves through early exposure to business, the sudden loss of his father, a fast rise in property, stepping away from the industry entirely, and a year on the road busking to raise money for Make-A-Wish Australia.

Today, he is helping lead one of Queensland’s fastest growing residential building companies, AVIA Homes.

In this conversation, Hayden shares:

• How adversity shaped his mindset around ownership and responsibility
• Why chasing money nearly cost him everything
• What changed during his year travelling Australia with his young family
• Why he believes education, not pressure, drives better sales outcomes
• How slowing the sales process can actually build more trust and stronger pipelines
• What it really takes to scale a building company without losing perspective

This is not a conversation about tactics alone.

It is about identity, leadership, resilience, and what happens when you redefine success.

For builders, sales leaders, and business owners navigating growth, pressure, and responsibility — this episode offers perspective that goes beyond numbers.

It asks a simple question:

What are you building — and at what cost?

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

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Few talk about bravery.

In this episode, we sit down again with Candice — a state manager in the insurance building space who leads thousands of projects each year, often at the worst moment in a homeowner’s life.

This isn’t a conversation about policies or process.

It’s about leadership under pressure.

We talk about:

• Why her word for 2026 is bravery
• How to handle hard conversations without damaging culture
• Why leadership doesn’t have to be lonely
• The emotional load builders carry (and rarely speak about)
• What “healthy” really means in a building business
• Why preparation, mindset and humility matter more than ego

Candice shares openly about childhood adversity, self-doubt, mentorship, and the reality that even strong leaders have days where they are hanging by a thread.

If you run a building company.

This one will stay with you.

Practical. Honest. Grounded.

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

If you lead a team.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of responsibility sitting on your chest.

Nick from Goop Guys sees it differently.

In this episode, we unpack why protecting glass, frames, benchtops and baths during construction is not just a cost decision — it is a reputation decision.

Nick brings a rare perspective. He has worked in construction-adjacent industries, built his own homes, and experienced first-hand what damage and delays feel like from a client’s point of view. That experience shapes how he thinks about integrity, defects and the long-term impact of “small” oversights.

We cover:

• Why reactive repairs quietly erode profit

• The hidden cost of delays when custom materials are damaged

• How defects strain builder–trade relationships

• Why proactive protection should be built into job costings

• The link between maintenance focus and award-winning builders

• Sustainability, waste, and what the industry overlooks on site

There is a strong theme throughout this conversation: being proactive.

Not just to save money.

Not just to avoid defects.

But to protect trust.

For volume builders and custom builders alike, this episode is a reminder that the final 5 percent of a build often defines the entire client experience.

If you care about delivery, reputation, and long-term brand value — this one is worth your time.

For more head to: https://goopguys.com/

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

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They struggle because admin compounds as they grow.

In this solo episode, Aaron breaks down five practical automations that can save serious time each week and reduce unnecessary overhead as your business scales.

This is not about adding complexity.

It is about creating consistency.

You will hear:

• Why admin pressure compounds between five and twenty homes a year
• How lead nurturing automation prevents digital enquiries from going cold
• Why project management systems reduce trade friction and scheduling chaos
• How financial workflows improve clarity and cash flow control
• Why digital signing tools remove avoidable delays
• And how client communication automation can strengthen your reputation long after handover

This episode is for builders who want better systems, not bigger headaches.

If you are feeling stretched by admin, chasing trades, or constantly reacting instead of planning, this conversation will help you think differently about where your time is going.

Clear systems create better delivery.

And better delivery builds trust.

For more, head to: https://myconstruct.com/

Thanks to this month's Podcast sponsor Pay.com.au, remember our audience gets 20,000 bonus points when you sign up.

USE code: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

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 scaling
• How culture, humour, and banter keep teams engaged long term
• The danger of rushing jobs just to stay busy
• What builders do that makes a trade’s job easier — or harder
• Why caring about details is as much about self-respect as it is quality

This 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.

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 delegate
• How admin and drafting quietly drain momentum and headspace
• The real impact of weak customer service and communication on trust and reputation
• Why marketing and CRM systems fail when builders don’t have support
• How delegation isn’t about “outsourcing everything”, but protecting focus and cash flow

This 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: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

#TheGoodBuilder

#BuildingLeadership

#AustralianConstruction

#ResidentialBuilding

#HomeBuilding

#ConstructionIndustry

#BuilderLife

#HousingSupply

#IndustryLeadership

#ConstructionInsights

#BuiltEnvironment

#PropertyDevelopment

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: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

#TheGoodBuilder

#BuildingLeadership

#AustralianConstruction

#ResidentialBuilding

#HomeBuilding

#ConstructionIndustry

#BuilderLife

#HousingSupply

#IndustryLeadership

#ConstructionInsights

#BuiltEnvironment

#PropertyDevelopment

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 planning
• What new training infrastructure could mean for future labour supply
• The role mature age apprentices may play in easing skills pressure
• How builders are rethinking cash flow and payment systems

This 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: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

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 offer
• Knowing the customer better than anyone else
• Building trust and attention before spending on ads
• Focusing on fewer platforms and executing properly
• Getting creative and leveraging suppliers instead of big budgets

At 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: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

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: GOOD20

T&C's apply go to pay.com.au/tgb

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 ago
• How climate forced better systems, not shortcuts
• The real differences between Australian and Nordic building culture
• How prefab and offsite construction can improve speed, quality, and margins
• Why better homes are not about trends, but systems and discipline

This 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: GOOD20

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#TheGoodBuilder #AustralianConstruction #HomeBuilding #PrefabConstruction #OffsiteConstruction #BuildingSystems #ConstructionProductivity #ResidentialBuilders #BetterBuilding #HousingCrisis #ConstructionLeadership

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 homes
• Why systems and internal processes matter as much as craftsmanship
• How transparency and communication build long-term trust with clients
• The reality of land constraints, rising costs, and changing buyer expectations
• Leading a team with decades of experience while bringing fresh thinking

This 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: GOOD20

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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.

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 time
• Calm, confident language builds authority without ego
• Consistency across your website, socials and messaging quietly does the heavy lifting

This 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 enemy
• The biggest leadership trap builders fall into without realising
• How behaviour change beats motivation every time
• Why taking care of your body is non-negotiable for business performance
• Practical habits builders can use immediately to regain control of their time and energy
• Why success is self-mastery, not a finish line
• How combat sports like jiu-jitsu build resilience for business and life

This 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=7s

3 steps to peak performance: https://youtu.be/P1bylWWDjps

#TheGoodBuilder #ConstructionLeadership #BuilderLife #MindsetMatters #HighPerformance #BuilderWellbeing #SustainableSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalFitness #EntrepreneurMindset

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 values
• The transition from carpenter to builder and the mistakes that nearly cost him early
• Pricing, cashflow and the hard lessons no one warns young builders about
• How automation and systems transformed communication and client trust
• Why team culture matters more than growth
• The importance of builder networks and sharing knowledge, not guarding it
• What success looks like when family and work are both priorities
• Jimmy’s simple but powerful definition of what makes a good builder

This 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.

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 site
• How trust and reputation are built through community, not algorithms
• The real value of visibility, backlinks and industry credibility
• How builders, trades and suppliers can use the directory to create real opportunities
• The bigger vision behind The Good Builder and restoring positivity in construction

This 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. 

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 asset

Construction 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 housing

Why 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 delivery

What 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 difference

How 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 846 988

This 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

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 inbox
• Qualify clients before they waste your time (or theirs)
• Improve customer experience before the first meeting
• Reduce risk long before a contract is signed

The episode covers:

• Why too many leads can actually hurt your business
• How live chat can act as a real-time qualification engine
• Fast pricing and feasibility tools that set clear expectations early
• A bonus platform that protects builders after the client says yes

If you are building homes in 2026 and want fewer tyre-kickers, cleaner processes and better outcomes, this is a must-listen.

Phil spent decades helping grow one of Australia’s largest building businesses, overseeing thousands of homes, hundreds of staff, and multiple regional markets. But this episode isn’t about volume for volume’s sake, it’s about how that growth was achieved.

From succession planning and developing future leaders, to making unpopular decisions for the long-term health of the business, Phil shares the realities of leadership that rarely get spoken about.

At one point, he references a quote from The Sopranos that perfectly captures the role of a leader — smiling on the outside while carrying the weight internally. It’s a moment that sets the tone for a conversation grounded in humility, responsibility, and people-first thinking.

This episode covers:

• What real leadership looks like inside large building organisations
• Why succession planning is critical (and often ignored)
• How to scale without burning out your people or your culture
• The responsibility leaders carry for teams, trades, and customers
• What truly separates good builders and good leaders from the rest

If you’re a builder, business owner, or leader navigating growth, pressure, and legacy....this is a conversation worth your time.

Early starts. Long days. Constant pressure. And a quiet belief that if you are exhausted, you must be doing something right.

To kick off 2026, Az is joined by the first guest of the year, leadership coach and 1000 Feet Deep founder Dan Urquhart — setting the tone to get you off on the right foot for the year ahead.

This is not a motivation talk. It is a practical conversation about why driven builders burn out, how leadership style and personality play a bigger role than workload, and what actually needs to change if you want to build a business that lasts.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why burnout is not just about working too hard

• The difference between stopping work and actually resting

• How personality types (DISC) burn out in different ways

• Why great leaders often struggle the most

• The warning signs builders ignore until it is too late

• How poor systems, Groundhog Day problems and time chaos drain energy

• Why self-awareness is the foundation of leadership and culture

• Practical ways builders can reset and set themselves up properly for 2026

Dan also shares lessons from his own building journey, the near-breaking point that forced change, and why learning to manage time, energy and leadership is no longer optional.

If you want 2026 to be a better year — not just a busier one — this episode sets the foundation.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we break down the five things Australian home builders can actually control in 2026, regardless of market conditions.

From cashflow discipline and documentation, through to reputation, mental health, and the smart use of tools and technology, this is a practical, no-fluff conversation about running a stronger, safer building business.

No predictions.

No fear-based headlines.

Just clear thinking, real examples, and the fundamentals that keep good builders standing when the market tightens.

#cashflow #mentalhealth #construction #thegoodbuilder

This episode unpacks what the Directory really is and why we built it.

More than a list of businesses, the Directory is a curated ecosystem designed to connect builders, trades, suppliers and the professional services that support construction. It is about visibility, reputation and long-term relationships inside a trusted industry environment.

We talk through:

• Why trust and alignment matter more than ever in construction
• Who the Directory is for and how it supports good businesses
• What members receive beyond a standard listing
• Why early involvement matters as the platform continues to grow

We also cover the key headlines from the week at The Good Builder, including:

• What recent first home buyer deposit schemes are really doing to affordability and builder feasibility
• The human impact of recent bushfires and why rebuilding requires care, empathy and long-term thinking
• The suburbs and regions experts believe are positioned for sustainable long-term growth

This episode sets the tone for 2026: deeper conversations, stronger connections and a continued focus on lifting standards across the construction industry.

In this opening episode for the year, we talk about what is really happening on the ground for builders, trades and suppliers, beyond the headlines. Yes, the industry has faced pressure. But there is also momentum, clarity and opportunity for those willing to adapt.

We unpack why the old ways of operating are being challenged, why reputation and relationships matter more than ever, and why builders are rethinking how they choose who they work with.

We also introduce the next phase of The Good Builder, including the launch of the Good Builder Directory, a practical tool designed to reduce risk, highlight trusted operators and strengthen connections across the industry.

You can get involved in the community directory here: https://thegoodbuilder.com.au/business-directory/

This episode is about starting the year with intention.

Not noise.

Not fear.

But focus.

If you are a builder, supplier or trade looking to set your business up properly for 2026, this conversation is for you.

#TheGoodBuilder #ConstructionIndustry #HomeBuilders #BuildingBusiness #AustralianConstruction #TradesAndSuppliers #ConstructionPodcast #BuilderLife #IndustryLeadership

Sites slow down. Phones quieten. And for a brief moment, you can step back from the day-to-day and look at how your business actually runs.

In this episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with ScaleUp Smart to unpack the DAD Framework — Delete, Automate, Delegate — a simple, practical way for builders to reduce overload, protect margin, and set their business up better for the year ahead.

We talk through:

• Why most builders feel busy all year but still feel stuck
• Why deleting work comes before hiring or outsourcing
• What should be automated before adding people
• How to delegate properly without creating more stress
• The BOD model (Building, Operational, Day-to-Day) to decide what stays local and what can be supported offshore

This isn’t about working harder next year.

It’s about using the Christmas break to gain clarity, remove friction, and come back in January knowing exactly where your time creates the most value.

A practical episode for builders who want to build a better business — not just a busier one.

Phil opens up about partnership dynamics with co-owner Chris McNeil, how clear roles and trust underpin their success, and why customer experience has become the backbone of their operation. From slab parties and transparent leadership to handling mistakes with compassion, this episode lays out what five-star building businesses actually do differently.

The discussion also explores acreage building trends across Brisbane’s outer north, knockdown rebuild demand, franchise life, and why builders who focus on people — clients, staff, and partners — consistently outperform those who don’t.

If you want a practical blueprint for building trust, strong partnerships, and a reputation that lasts, this episode is worth your time

Phil shares how a strong sporting background shaped his discipline as a builder, why customer experience matters more than perfect builds, and how trust, transparency, and leadership underpin long-term success in construction. The conversation covers partnerships, franchise life, acreage building trends in Brisbane’s outer north, and the small one-percent decisions that separate average builders from great ones.

This is an honest, grounded discussion about what it really takes to build a sustainable business, earn five-star reviews, and leave a lasting reputation in the industry.

If you’re a builder, apprentice, or business owner wondering what “good” actually looks like in practice — this episode is for you.