The Daily Dose #186 | Building With Heart: Mel & Darran Quade on Craftsmanship, Culture and the Hotondo Homes Way

On today’s episode of The Good Builder Podcast, we sit down with two people who have already made a genuine impact on the Sunshine Coast building community — and on The Good Builder itself.Mel and Darran Quade, the new owners of Hotondo Homes Sunshine Coast, share the story behind taking over the franchise, why they believe in craftsmanship over volume, and how a teacher and a former commercial operator built one of the region’s most trusted, people-first building businesses.This episode dives into what truly makes a good builder: honesty, clear communication, deep client relationships, strong systems, and a relentless commitment to doing things properly — even when it’s hard. The Quades talk openly about land shortages, tough sites, client education, moral standards, and why they treat every home as if they were building it for their own family.  You’ll also hear the story of their tight-knit trade network, how their Hotondo Homes community has supported them, and why they’re focused on sustainable, steady growth rather than chasing volume.This is an episode about heart, grit, and the kind of builders who are helping raise the bar across the Sunshine Coast.