Tradies In Business

Joel Pritchett, from The Property Tradies, is a former plumber turned property investor and buyer's agent who built a 5-property portfolio before the age of 25. In this episode, Nic sits down with Joel to talk about how tradies can start building wealth through property, the common mistakes they make when choosing where to buy, why location does 80% of the heavy lifting, and how to find and use a good buyer's agent. Joel also shares how his business Property Tradies is helping tradies and FIFO workers get into the market with the right strategy, and what the recent budget changes could mean for investors going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Rooney is no stranger to the Tradies in Business podcast, but this time he's back with a plot twist nobody saw coming. Fourteen years of running his own landscaping business, a community of mates, hard lessons in business partnerships, and a whole lot of head noise led Steve to one of the biggest decisions of his life. What he chose next will surprise you, and the reasoning behind it might just make you rethink what success in business actually looks like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running a trade business 700km from home while raising a young family on the coast is no small feat, but for Nick Allen of NJA Electrical, it's exactly what he built over 13 years in remote Western QLD. Nick shares what it's really like earning trust and loyalty in a town of just 200 people, where your reputation follows you everywhere and relationships run far deeper than just a job and an invoice. From flying in and out of Blackall to working a two-week on, two-week off roster, to taking on his first employee so the business could keep running while he's home, Nick walks through how he structured his work around his life. He also opens up about the eventual move inland to Dalby, trading coastal living for more space, lower cost of living, and a lifestyle that finally matched where his heart had always been.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal budget has landed and for most tradie business owners, the news is not good. Nic brings in Angus Gasbarri, founder of Earnt Advisory, an accountant who has built his career working closely with trade and construction businesses, rounding out his expertise with a background in mortgage broking. Together they talk about the biggest budget changes affecting tradies and small business owners, covering negative gearing, capital gains tax, and the new minimum tax on trusts. What these changes mean in real terms and why now is the time to pick up the phone and call your accountant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HR mistakes don't always look like mistakes; sometimes they look like efficiency. Nicole sits down with Kristy-Lee Billett, CEO of People Powered Business and founder of People Powered HR, who brings 20 years of experience helping small businesses build great teams without the chaos, the confusion, or the crippling contracts. Together they unpack the growing risk of using AI for people management, why ChatGPT confidently quoting fictional legislation is more common than anyone wants to admit, where AI can genuinely help in your business, and what tradie business owners are quietly getting wrong with employment contracts, award compliance, and conditions of employment, often without realising it until it's too late.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting a trade business can feel like a massive leap, especially when you’re not sure if you’re ready or where to begin. This week, Nic sits down with one our our Tradiepreneurs, Josh Prineas from Ecostream Plumbing, a plumber who backed himself and went from side jobs to running his own business in just two years. They talked about Josh’s journey into the trades, the moment he decided to go all in, and what those early stages of business actually looked like. From pushing through fear with marketing and networking, to learning the hard lessons around perfectionism, hiring, and setting boundaries, it’s a real look at building a business from the ground up and what actually moves the needle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avoiding your numbers doesn’t make the pressure go away, it quietly makes it worse. Daniel Palmer from Bold Wealth talks about why so many tradies put off getting on top of their finances, how that avoidance impacts long-term wealth especially super, and what actually changes when you face it head-on. Daniel also shares why having the right people around you matters, how to protect your income, and how to make clear financial decisions that support where you actually want to go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moving from being on the tools to leading a team is where many tradies start to feel the pressure, and it’s often the people side of the business that creates the biggest challenges. Nic Stephen from You Who shares what effective leadership actually looks like in a trade business, and why most “people problems” come back to how leaders show up. The conversation covers adaptive leadership, building trust through vulnerability, and how curiosity and better questioning can shift conversations and outcomes with a team. It also breaks down passive-aggressive behaviours, avoiding tough conversations, and how to create healthy conflict that strengthens relationships rather than breaking them down, along with practical ways to reflect, reset, and lead with more clarity day to day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most tradies don’t need more marketing.. They need clarity on what actually works. This week, Nic is joined by Rhys Clay, Partner and Head Geek at Kaha Digital, to strip digital marketing back to the essentials for service-based trade businesses. They unpack vanity metrics, overpriced packages, and the common traps that keep tradies stuck, while highlighting what genuinely drives results: a strong Google Business Profile, the right kind of reviews, trustworthy photos, and in many cases, a simple one-page website. If you want more phone calls, better-quality inquiries, and a clear online plan without the fluff, this episode will reset how you approach your digital presence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s growing trade deficit isn’t just a headline, it’s something business owners are feeling every day. Nic chats with tradie turned Workex founder Ian Cooper to unpack the real pressure on the ground, from a 48% apprenticeship churn rate to ageing workforces and stretched safety systems. With experience spanning trade school, food and beverage manufacturing, project management and entrepreneurship, Ian shares how those frontline challenges led him to build Workex Solutions, a digital compliance and reporting platform designed specifically for tradies. The conversation talks more about smarter safety processes, streamlined SWMS and permits, and how practical technology can reduce admin while protecting crews on site.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling stuck on the business hamster wheel, working hard but never quite getting ahead is where Daniel from Dreamscapes Landscapes & Garden Solutions found himself before he took the leap, asked for help, and started seeing real change. Nic sits down with Daniel about his first 12 months in business, the early grind of taking any job to make payroll, learning pricing and systems the hard way, and moving from solo operator to confident leader. Daniel shares what finally pushed him to seek support, how vulnerability and community changed everything, and why building a business that supports your life (not consumes it) matters more than ever, with plenty of honest lessons for tradies at any stage of the journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solar installs get all the attention. But what happens after the panels go on the roof is where many trade businesses are quietly leaking opportunity. In this episode, Nic sits down with Daniel Lazarus from Industrias to unpack the overlooked role of solar maintenance and why it’s becoming one of the most stable, scalable business models in the industry. They talk about recurring revenue, labour-based growth challenges, white-label services, and how maintenance creates long-term client relationships instead of one-off transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paperwork alone does not keep people safe on site. Systems do. Nic sits down with Gareth Davies, Managing Director of SafeAssure, to break down what practical and effective safety really looks like in a trade business. They explore why so many safety documents fail once the work starts, and how to build simple systems that tradies actually understand and follow on site. Drawing on real world incidents and decades of industry experience, Gareth explains how the right safety foundations reduce risk, clarify expectations, and create consistency across teams and subcontractors. The focus stays on what genuinely keeps people safe and what protects a business when something goes wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, Nic invites you for a stroll down memory lane, sharing how the TIB podcast began, the unexpected moments that shaped it, and the evolution from early guest chats to Real Tradie Stories, F#ck It Friday, and the daily TradieRonaCast episodes. It’s a warm and honest look at the journey and the community that has grown around it, wrapped up with a little nostalgia and a reason to stick around right to the end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When December starts piling on the pressure, most tradies slip straight into survival mode. Nic digs into why the lead-up to Christmas feels so chaotic for so many business owners and offers simple, real-world shifts you can make right now to steady your cashflow, set clearer boundaries, get your crew aligned, and protect your energy heading into shutdown. The goal is to help you finish the year feeling more in control and far less overwhelmed. REGISTER HERE for the free workshop to turn chaos into control before Christmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really mean to be a man today? Nic sits down with John Broadbent, author of Man Unplugged, to unpack the pressures, confusion, and disconnection many men face. From business collapse to personal rebuilding, John shares his own story and the lessons learned through men’s groups, rites of passage, and connection. This is an honest chat about self-worth, leadership, and legacy—and why understanding “men’s business” might just change the way you show up at work, at home, and in life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Real change starts when you stop performing and start unbecoming. Nic sits down with Dr. Ash Moreland, neuroscientist and founder of the Re-MIND Institute, to unpack the hidden programming that keeps tradies stuck half on the tools and half in business. They explore identity, purpose, and the cost of hustle on marriages, kids, and mental health, then map a simple path forward: awareness, education, transformation. You’ll hear how to spot imposter syndrome, let go of control so you can delegate, and replace numb-out habits with healthy boundaries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think running a race team is hectic? Try rebuilding a 10,000-horsepower engine between rounds while managing a plumbing crew back at work. In this episode, Nic chats with Adam Wright from Snap-On Tools and drag racer and business owner Phil Read. Together, they reveal how Snap-On’s national initiatives and Phil’s multi-generation racing legacy collide in the fast lane. From balancing business and burnout to supporting a greater cause, they share the story behind Snap-On’s partnership with the McGrath Foundation, and how pink tools, pit-side fundraising, and teamwork are helping fund vital cancer care nurses across Australia. You can donate by buying pink Snap-On tools and merch from your local van or visiting the Snap-on Tools Fundraising page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think you need to grind 80-hour weeks to keep your business afloat? Nic chats with builder Brendan Wyllie from Str8Edge Construction about his leap from apprentice to business owner, and the mindset shift that took him off the tools and into true leadership. He shares honest lessons on tricky clients, the power of documenting everything, and why consistent quoting keeps work flowing. You’ll hear how coaching, systems, and trusting his “mini-me” tradie helped him build a reliable team, steady cash flow, and more time for family (and a few triathlon sessions).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rock bottom moments and honest conversations aren’t just character building, they are game changers. Nic is joined by her son Blake, whose journey from freezer warehouses to million-dollar eCommerce sales and back again shaped the lessons behind his current venture, Wispix AI. They chat about what happens when ego gets in the way, why community matters, and how tradies can use AI to streamline admin, automate calls, and boost profits. From turning site voice notes into job reports to building consistency in quoting, Blake shows how practical AI can be. You’ll hear how a “generalist plus AI specialist” combo protects profit and frees up family time. Learn more about Wispix AI & connect with Blake here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rats in the office? That’s one thing. But running your trade business with the wrong structure? That could cost you everything. Nic is joined by Dan and Tim from the Two Drunk Accountants to talk about something every trade business owner needs to get right: your business structure. Whether you're a sole trader just starting out or you're eyeing off a company setup, they break down the pros, cons, and hidden traps you need to know. They also share their now-infamous “Ratgate” office saga, which turns out to be a perfect reminder of what happens when you ignore the warning signs. You can also catch Dan & Tim in their podcast: Two Drunk Accountants PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the thing holding your business back isn’t your team, but how you’re leading them? Mick Scotney, ex-sparky now CEO & Founder of Awakened Business, shares what it really takes to build a team that runs without you doing all the thinking. He unpacks how to step out of the daily grind and into true leadership, from letting go of control to building systems that support growth. Mick scaled his business from two to over eighty staff by focusing on people, culture and structure, creating a team that could thrive without him in every detail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From chemistry labs to high-vis on-site, Reece’s path into the trades was anything but typical. Now running one of Australia’s most unique trade businesses, Wardrobe Refractories, he’s navigating emergency breakdowns, tight compliance, and the challenge of building trust with casual crews. With a clear focus on shifting from self-employed to true business owner, Reece shares how systems, structure, and mindset are helping him lead with more clarity and control.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Tyson Blanch bought the business, he knew it had potential, but he didn’t expect it to grow so fast. In this episode, Nic and Tyson talk through the journey from solo tradie to team leader, building a thriving workshop with multiple staff and more freedom at home. Tyson reflects on the power of asking for help early, leading with vulnerability, and learning to step back so others can step up. It’s an honest look at what it really takes to grow a business that works for you, not the other way around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance broker Anthony Hopson from Urban Broker brings a unique perspective to money management, blending his background in banking with breathwork to help tradies shift how they think and feel about money. Nic chats with Anthony about why brokers can offer more flexible options for self-employed clients and how unspoken beliefs about money, often formed in childhood, can lead to stress, poor decisions or conflict. They talk about breathwork as a tool for emotional regulation, especially in business, and how grounding yourself can lead to clearer thinking, better lending outcomes and healthier money habits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn’t your pricing, team, or strategy.. but your mindset? Nic chats with mindset coach Di Russell about the real reason many tradies feel stuck even when they’re doing all the “right” things. Di shares her personal story of rebuilding after loss, running a multi-state business, and the lessons she’s learned about self-worth, identity, and success. This episode will challenge and encourage you to rethink what success actually looks like and how to build a trade business that brings more joy, not just stress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After four decades in the trade, Miles knows a thing or two about building a business that lasts. Nic chats with Miles about his journey from apprentice to owner of Astley Electrical, and the lessons learned along the way, from business partner breakups to leading a values-driven family team. They unpack the systems, culture, and mindset that make up “The Astley Way,” and why professionalism, respect, and continual learning matter just as much as technical skill. Whether you're stepping off the tools or planning for your legacy, this one’s full of real-world wisdom for every tradie in business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever felt like your brain’s a chaotic mix of too many ideas, unfinished tasks, and caffeine-fueled energy bursts, you’re not broken. You might just be wired differently. And that can be a massive advantage. Skye Waterson from Unconventional Organisation knows this first hand. Diagnosed with ADHD while completing her PhD, she’s since helped business owners across the world turn that chaos into clarity with tools that actually work for neurodiverse brains. In this episode, you’ll learn how to spot the signs of ADHD (even without a diagnosis), why traditional advice often fails business owners with ADHD, and how to build focus, routines, and team systems that actually stick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling to make sense of online marketing for your trade business? In this episode, Nic chats with Brandon Willington, from Where U, who breaks down his no-fluff approach to digital marketing using his 3Cs method—Clicks, Conversion, and Conversation. From setting up ads on Meta and Google to building landing pages that actually convert, Brandon shares practical tips for tradies who want real results without wasting cash. They also chat about CRMs, AI tools, and why you don’t need a big agency—or even your face on camera—to succeed online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nic and Waz sadly see too many couples who are disconnected, join them as they explore how this happens and share their tips on finding your way back TWL038 re-runSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nic and Waz talk through how a job title can help your parnter begin to understand how much you do within your tradie wife role. TWL036 re-runSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running a niche trade business comes with its own set of challenges, and Dan Boscolo from Timeless Staircases knows this firsthand. From starting as an apprentice to leading his own stair-building business, Dan shares how he grew his business while staying true to his craft. He also shares how support from the TIB community helped him tackle cash flow issues and why keeping his passion for skateboarding alive has been key to his work-life balance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leadership can be tricky for trade business owners trying to guide their teams. Nic chats with Dani Ferrier, founder of Lead Like a Legend, about how to tackle leadership and tough conversations in the workplace. With years of experience in hospitality and wilderness guiding across 8 countries, Dani brings a fresh take on communication and leadership as she explains why we often avoid difficult conversations and shares her “Pace Pace Lead” framework to handle them better. Dani also talks about giving positive feedback and how cultural factors like tall poppy syndrome can make it challenging. Her advice encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability, improve communication, and build stronger, more motivated teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're introducing a new weekly episode where Nic will be joined by Waz to discuss the difference of opinions we all have in relationships!  TWL032 re-runSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just on 5 years a couple of chippy mates, Ed Ross and Dan Allen, have built a small empire in the workwear space. Perhaps more impressively, they've also set up and run their own mental health organisation that delivers free counselling and support to blue collar workers around the country. With more than $700,000 of free counselling services rolled out to over 4,000 tradies through their not-for-profit, TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), these lads are taking massive action when it comes to the mental health of tradies everywhere. We chat with Ed about their journey and some of the challenges they've faced behind the scenes of this very eye-catching business!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This instalment of Real Tradie Guys is a cracker. Not only is our guest a Kiwi, a heavy diesel fitter, a West Australian and a TiB Tradiepreneur... he's also a competitive wood chopper! Ben started his business recently like so many other tradies, after deciding he wanted the freedom, flexibility and financial rewards of being self employed. Ben has done things different to many though and he shares his secrets to being profitable and balanced just 3 months after kicking off his new venture!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amii Jones epitomises many 'tradie wives'. She's incredibly humble about her role in her family and business and tends to understate how much she contributes to the smooth running of both. We had a fantastic chat to one of our rock star Drawing Board members about how she's managed to 'feel the fear and do it anyway', influence her husband to make positive change, overcome her self-doubt, harness her strengths, embrace the title of Business Manager and more. Amii also gives some insight into the power of community and the Tradies In Business Drawing Board (now Tradiepreneur Program) with Waz and Nic. Finally, we celebrate her and husband Brendon achieving the massive goal of buying their first house! This is a cracking episode with one of our favourite tradie wives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar-kuh-ting... that's how Waz sounds it out anyway. While marketing is done to DEATH on just about every podcast known to man, Waz and Nic find a bloke who's got it down to just one page! Although he wrote a whole book on the subject, Allan Dib reckons the best marketing plan fits on a page. We think that's a good way to keep it simple and get it done. See if you agree!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feedback is just information...right? Sometimes it's just not that easy. Waz and Nic give each other some feedback and discuss whether and when it's ok to give feedback to others. Oh, and how to (maybe) accept it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the year rushes toward its end, Waz & Nic chat about the power of timing and how it plays a key role in business and life. With the holiday season fast approaching, they share insights into why waiting for the “perfect moment” often leaves you further behind. Whether it’s team morale, client relationships, or your own wellbeing, they explore how doing nothing can lead to bigger challenges.  If you’re feeling the pressure or just ready to stop stalling, this is a nudge to take action and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever thought about bringing an apprentice on board but felt a bit lost in the process, you're not alone. Jeff Cooke from Apprenticeship Support Australia is here to clear up the confusion and myths around hiring apprentices. He breaks down the process, addressing common concerns like the initial learning curve, wages, and legalities, and provides clarity on the evolving financial incentives. Jeff’s advice makes it easy to see how apprenticeships could benefit your trade business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking to buy a home but feeling blocked by strict bank requirements? Ryan Gair, founder of Rate Money, shares how his team helps self-employed tradies overcome the obstacles banks often set. Ryan reveals why traditional banks’ rigid loan requirements can be tough for people with variable incomes and explains how Rate Money’s tailoured lending solutions, like low doc loans, are designed to meet the unique needs of self-employed borrowers. Get practical tips on building good credit, using family pledge loans, and finding a trusted financial advisor to help make homeownership a reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the holiday season approaches, trade business owners face the challenge of avoiding the dreaded Christmas hangover. In part 2 of this Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic shares how to keep your marketing game strong amid the pre-Christmas rush. Discover the importance of staying connected with clients through emails and social media while others may go quiet. Plus, learn simple strategies to keep you top-of-mind, especially in industries that keep rolling during the holidays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is around the corner, and with it comes the typical chaos that can catch trade business owners off guard. In this first part of the Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic share some practical tips to help you prepare for the rush and avoid common pitfalls, like cash flow gaps that hit hard in the new year. From handling last-minute jobs to creating a cash flow forecast that actually works, there are valuable strategies to keep your business—and your sanity—on track through the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever faced issues because you didn’t have a written agreement with your clients? Alex Solo from Sprintlaw shares practical tips on securing your business structure, locking in key contracts, and protecting your brand name from the start. He talks about how clear, written contracts can save you from headaches down the line—whether it's dealing with non-paying clients or unfinished jobs. Alex encourages business owners to be proactive about legal protections—after all, it’s easier to prevent problems than to fix them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you balance growing a trade business with family life and long-term goals? Rhys and Renee from Functional Air share their story of building a successful business while juggling the demands of parenting and personal aspirations. They talk about the importance of getting the right advice early, avoiding bad habits, and how hiring additional support transformed their work-life balance. Plus, they reveal the hard lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the surprising ways they've kept their business moving forward without burning out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a business really grow too fast or too big? Waz and Nic take on the question of whether it’s possible to expand too fast or get too big for your own good. They challenge the common fears around growth, pointing out that the real issue usually lies in shaky systems and lack of preparation. They also share why it's important to set clear boundaries, stay aligned with personal goals, and avoid taking on too much too soon. You can also book a free chat with Waz & Nic to know how to grow your business sustainably, boost profits, and free up more of your time. --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcast, you can connect with us on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube, explore our website and join our Facebook Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Running a trade business can feel chaotic, but it’s not always about needing more systems—it’s about improving the ones you’ve already got. Waz and Nic are breaking down how refining your existing processes can lead to more efficiency and less stress. From sales and operations to managing clients, they are sharing practical tips for streamlining your business without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking to tweak small tasks or revamp your entire workflow, they’ll guide you through making changes that actually stick. Plus, they offer a free session to help you take the next step toward a more organised and balanced business life.   --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcast, you can connect with us on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube, explore our website and join our Facebook Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to hiring, focusing on leadership and soft skills can make a real difference in building well-rounded and effective teams. Do you agree? Leah Mether, a Communication & Soft Skills Specialist, joins Waz & Nic to chat about communication, leadership, and the importance of soft skills in today's workplace. Leah shares her insights on courageous communication, owning up to mistakes, and the impact of genuine apologies. She emphasises self-awareness and emotional regulation, especially for leaders, and shares inspiring stories about hiring for human skills over technical know-how. Tune in as we explore the essential soft skills that set true leaders apart and learn how investing in these abilities can boost success both personally and professionally.   --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcast, you can connect with us on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube, explore our website and join our Facebook Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever find yourself puzzled by why your profit doesn’t match your bank balance? Or wonder why there never seem to be enough hours in the day? Waz & Nic are answering the top three questions trade business owners ask the most. Plus they clear up the difference between profit and cash flow, share practical tips on managing your time, and discuss the common feeling of being on your own with business challenges.   --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcast, you can connect with us on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube, explore our website and join our Facebook Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.