Better Builder Podcast

Hosted by Better Studios

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

105

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-NZ

About the show

Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcast Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudio LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcast Linktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcast Better Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders convert higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bradvisser01/?hl=en Gro's Socials Gro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agency Gro's Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@groagency Gro’s website https://groagency.co/ + https://www.gro.video/ Disclaimer: This podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this podcast. Any third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of this podcast, and no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any content contained in any third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this podcast.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 14, 2026Episode 8959 min

When a Building Business Outgrows the Builder | Nick Smith #89

Send us Fan MailThis week, we welcome back a returning favourite to the Better Builder podcast as we sit down on location in Mangawhai with Nick Smith, founder of Smith Construction. Nick has built an incredible reputation across Greater Northland for executing complex, high-end architectural homes.In this episode, Nick pulls back the curtain on the business reality of scaling to 15 staff, the mental hurdles of stepping off the tools, and how he turned a steep, intimidating "ugly duckling" forestry site into a seven-figure architectural masterpiece. He also shares critical insights on navigating harsh coastal building environments and why early builder involvement is a game-changer for keeping projects on time and on budgetSocial Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

June 7, 2026Episode 8857 min

How New Zealand’s Top Architect Separates Himself from the Pack | Andrew Patterson #88

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Andrew joins us fresh off a lecture tour in the US to discuss his incredible career and what it takes to design world-class structures. From winning a major national housing award three times early in his career to running a premium 25-person practice, Andrew pulls back the curtain on the real relationship between architects, clients, and builders. We dive deep into why New Zealand is an architect's ultimate playground, how Patterson Associates uses a "reverse brief" to guarantee project success, the future of AI in architecture, and why the best builders are moving away from cold emails to physically demonstrating their value.Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

May 28, 2026Episode 1654 min

Why the Trades Are Hard to Break Into | Luka Thomson BBA #16

Send us Fan MailThis month on BBA, we chat with Luka Noad, a third-year building apprentice with Builders Academy NZ. After leaving school in Year 12 and cold-emailing over 50 companies to land his first role, Luka knows better than most how hard it is to break into the trades.In this episode, Luka talks about the reality of getting your first apprenticeship, what separates good apprentices from bad ones, and why he's tuning out the "escape the trades" noise on social media.Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

April 30, 2026Episode 1541 min

Plumbing Versus Building Apprenticeship | Adrian Ferguson BBA #15

Send us Fan MailThis month on BBA, we chat with Adrian Ferguson, a 23-year-old building apprentice who transitioned from plumbing to high-end residential construction. Based on the North Shore and nearing qualification through Builders Academy, Adrian highlights the benefits of frequent assessments and a strong connection with his mentor to accelerate his career. In this episode, Adrian discusses why his generation is choosing tangible trades over digital "crypto" dreams and the importance of an outdoor "hustle mentality". He shares insights on avoiding the "broom" stage, the value of artisan finishing work, and his strategy for hiring to cover weaknesses. We also explore navigating on-site culture, the importance of asking questions, and his long-term goal of running his own crew.Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

March 26, 2026Episode 1450 min

Starting A Building Business At 22 | Rory Burnett BBA #14

Send us Fan MailHow do you balance early fatherhood, a growing business, and architectural excellence? Rory Burnett, founder of RB Builds, joins us to share his journey from farm life to business owner.Beyond his own story, Rory dives into the importance of giving back to the trade. We discuss his star apprentice, Aidan, and how the support system at Builders Academy is changing the game. Learn why frequent six-week check-ins are the secret to fast-tracking an apprentice’s journey and mastering the craft.Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

January 1, 2026Episode 1250 min

How This Builder Fast Tracked His Apprenticeship | Sam Paauwe BBA #13

Send us Fan MailThis month, we sit down with Sam Paauwe, Massey High School Building Academy Prefect, to discuss the fast track to a building career. Sam explains how the Building Academy helped him gain nearly a quarter of his apprenticeship credits by building Kāinga Ora houses. He emphasises that the academy acts as a critical support system, giving students who struggled academically a chance to excel in a practical field they genuinely love. Listen as he shares his confidence on site and challenges builders to hire based on genuine motivation, not just academic background.Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

December 24, 2025Episode 871 hr 14 min

Christmas Awards Special 2025 | Better Builder Podcast #87

Send us Fan MailAs 2025 draws to a close, Brad is joined by Dan (Producer of Better Builder) to reflect on a landmark year. From the adrenaline of the podcast tour to the prestigious Better Builder Awards, they dive deep into the highs, the lows, and everything in between that defined the year for the community."Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

December 14, 2025Episode 861 hr 1 min

How To Build A Successful Construction Business In Brisbane | (2025 Highlights) #86

Send us Fan MailThis special compilation episode features the best business insights from our recent Brisbane Builder Tour, highlighting five of the city's top custom builders: Seb Toscano, Charlie Mylne, Jarryd Duffy, Matt Grieve, and Caleb Adams. Hear how leaders stress the critical importance of setting firm boundaries with clients and maintaining a 12-14% net profit margin to avoid financial burnout. Jarryd Duffy and Matt Grieve detail how rigorous systems provide unparalleled project control and quality, including the implementation of a 4-day work week. Caleb Adams shares his powerful perspective on building mental fortitude, defining success through internal integrity, and finding the courage necessary to navigate constant business pressures. Tune in as these experts reveal the strategies needed to shift from a hands-on tradesman to a profitable, scalable, and resilient business owner.Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

December 7, 2025Episode 851 hr 12 min

What Architects Want In A Builder | Jeremy Chapman #85

Send us Fan MailThis week, we sit down with Jeremy Chapman, founder of JCA STUDIO, an award-winning Auckland-based practice committed to authentic and considered design. Drawing on his diverse background as a builder and furniture designer, Jeremy passionately argues that architectural plans are a graphic, artistic process that fundamentally dictates a house's final outcome. He dives into the complexity hidden within simplicity and why precision is non-negotiable when creating refined, trim-less spaces, and critiques how profit-driven development often results in poor quality, urging the industry to prioritise beautiful design that truly benefits the community.Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...

November 30, 20251 hr 2 min

How to Design a Good Home | Craig Moller #84

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Craig Moller, Director at Moller Architects, to discuss the deeper meaning behind design. With three decades of experience and a passion for crafting enduring spaces, Craig shares his wisdom on creating structures that truly "resonate" with occupants. This episode is a masterclass in architectural philosophy, emphasising the crucial connection between structure, design, and materiality. Don't miss Craig's invaluable perspective on managing the delicate balance of client expectations, budget, and a builder's passion for the final, successful result.Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcastTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuilderpodcastFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbuilderstudioLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-builder-podcastLinktree - https://linktr.ee/betterbuilderpodcastBetter Builder is hosted by Brad Visser. Brad is the CEO and founder of Gro, a builder centric agency that helps custom home builders attract higher quality projects. Brad’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterbradvisserGro’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gro.agencyGro’s Offer https://builder.groagency.co/vslDisclaimerThis podcast does not constitute professional advice (financial, legal or otherwise) and you should seek your own professional advice where required. By listening to and/or accessing this podcast you acknowledge this, and you acknowledge that no warranty, guarantee or representation is made as to the accuracy of any information featured in this ...