The Built to Last Show

Lee Flanagan - Bigger Isn’t Always Better in BusinessIn this episode, we chat with Lee Flanagan, a heating business owner who scaled up fast—then scaled back for more profit and a better life.Lee built a 14-person team, taking on contracts with landlords, care homes, and schools. On paper, it looked like success. In reality, he was stressed, stretched thin, and not making the money he expected. Over time, he realized that a smaller, more controlled business model was the key to higher profits and a better quality of life.We discuss:The challenges of managing people in the trades.Why growing too fast can be riskier than staying small.The impact of diversification—offering multiple services like heating, drainage, and renewables.The importance of personal happiness over chasing arbitrary business targets.Lee shares how he redesigned his business to work for him rather than the other way around, proving that success isn’t about how many vans you have—it’s about the life you build.📢 If you're wondering whether you should grow, scale back, or pivot, this episode is full of real-world insights!

Steve Judge - Don’t Lean on Your Excuses!In this episide, we welcome Steve Judge, a motivational speaker and former world champion paratriathlete, to talk about the mindset needed to succeed in business and life.Steve’s story is nothing short of inspirational. After a near-fatal car accident left him unable to walk, he defied the odds, setting goals to rebuild his strength, walk again, and ultimately become a world champion. Now, he applies the same goal-setting mindset to helping business owners overcome obstacles and stop leaning on excuses.In this powerful episode, Steve breaks down:How to turn barriers into challenges and keep moving forward.The importance of tenacity and resilience in business.How to define what success really means to you.The power of routine, accountability, and peer support.If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure how to push forward, this episode will give you the tools to reignite your drive and make things happen!🎧 Listen now for a motivational boost!

Michael Paini - Building a Business with PurposeIn this episode, we sit down with Michael Paini, founder of Option Energy Solutions, to explore his journey in the heating industry. Starting as a plumbing and heating engineer in 2012, Michael has built a business that prioritizes both technical excellence and environmental responsibility.Michael shares how his early career in traditional heating evolved into a passion for heat pumps and renewable energy, influenced by eye-opening documentaries and growing consumer awareness. He discusses the delicate balance between customer service and sustainability, the challenge of competing with large-scale national firms, and his commitment to 1% for the Planet, ensuring that his business gives back to environmental causes.With 60% of his business now focused on heat pumps, Michael explains why consumer education is key to industry progress and why peer-to-peer training could help solve the industry's growing skills shortage.If you're a heating engineer considering a shift to renewables or a business owner interested in balancing profit with purpose, this episode is for you!

Becky Lacey - Running a Business with Your Other HalfThis episode features Becky Lacey, the non-engineer behind a successful heating business, who proves that running a plumbing company isn’t just about being great on the tools—it’s about having the right systems, mindset, and team.Becky shares her journey of accidentally falling into business, how she and her husband have grown their company, and why defining success beyond just being “busy” is the key to long-term stability.We discuss:Balancing work and family life when running a business as a couple.The importance of systems and processes to avoid burnout.Why tracking data and setting clear financial goals is vital for success.How to take calculated risks to grow sustainably.Becky’s story is relatable, insightful, and packed with real-life lessons for anyone in the trades—whether you’re running a family business, considering growth, or just trying to get more control over your time.📢 Listen now to hear how Becky turned a chaotic start into a thriving, well-structured business!

Tom Arlow - Life Leverage & Business GrowthJoin us as we chat with Tom Arlow, a heating engineer and business owner who has transformed his approach to work, time, and personal development.Tom started out as an apprentice, but quickly set his sights on owning his own business. However, like many tradespeople, he found himself working long hours with little financial reward. In this episode, he shares the pivotal moment when he realized working harder wasn’t the answer—working smarter was.We discuss: The power of systems and automation in running a heating business. How the book Life Leverage changed his mindset on time management. The importance of networking and surrounding yourself with the right people. How defining your own version of success can transform both your work and personal life.Now focused on heat pumps and property investment, Tom shares how he’s reshaped his business to earn more while working less—without sacrificing quality or customer service. Want to take control of your business and your time? This episode is a must-listen!

Tommy Lee Zmuda - The Expansion Trap & Scaling SmartIn this insightful episode, we sit down with Tommy Lee Zmuda, a heating business owner who has seen the highs and lows of scaling a business.We talk about the Expansion Trap—the all-too-common cycle of growing too fast, hiring too quickly, and losing control of profitability. Tommy shares his own experience of rapidly expanding his team, only to realize that more people didn’t mean more profit—it just meant more problems.In this episode, we cover:How to grow strategically without sacrificing profitability.The biggest mistakes tradespeople make when hiring.Why systems, marketing, and financial planning are key to sustainable growth.How to define success on your own terms—whether that’s a large team or a lean, efficient operation.If you’re thinking about growing your business—or wondering whether bigger really is better—this episode is packed with insights to help you avoid the common pitfalls and build a business that works for YOU.🎙️ Tune in now for expert advice on smart scaling!

Welcome to Built To Last - the podcast that talks to trade business owners and the people behind the tools.We share real stories of success, failure, learning and what it's really like BUILDING A TRADE BUSINESS.Join us with other trade business owners.We talk marketing, systems and how to BUILD a business that is built to last.