Develop your Construction Business Podcast

Hosted by Greg Wilkes

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Navigating the difficulties of running a construction business can be challenging, but you're not alone. "Develop Your Construction Business" brings you bi-weekly insights on best business practices, marketing strategies, operational efficiency, and much more, tailored specifically for construction business owners. Whether you're a general builder, electrician, plumber, or carpenter looking to grow profitably, this podcast is your blueprint for success. Greg Wilkes is an award-winning construction business coach who has successfully grown his own construction business and wants to help you. Learn more about our Mastermind Course designed to help construction businesses grow - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/courses/mastermind-course/ Schedule a 10 Minute Scale Session - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

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60 recent

August 12, 2026Episode 838 min

Sell Better Than Anyone with Simon Hazeldine

In this episode, Greg Wilkes speaks with sales expert Simon Hazeldine about how builders can improve their sales process and win more of the right projects. Whether you’re selling a £50k extension or a £1m build, the principles are the same: clients need to feel safe, understood and clear before they will make a decision. Simon shares how the brain responds during a sales conversation, why clients often hesitate, and how builders can guide people through the decision without being pushy or manipulative. 🔹 Key topics: ✅ Why improving your conversion rate means you need fewer leads to hit your revenue targets. ✅ Why clients are often nervous when spending their own money on a big project. ✅ How to build trust quickly during the first meeting. ✅ The importance of asking better questions and uncovering the client’s real pain points. ✅ Why “comfortable brains buy” and “confused brains don’t buy.” ✅ How to handle couples or multiple decision-makers during a sales meeting. ✅ What to do when a client says, “I need to think about it.” ✅ How to respond when someone says you’re too expensive. ✅ Why builders need to explain value clearly, not just send a price. If you want to stop being judged purely on cost and start selling with more confidence, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use on your very next client meeting. Website: www.simonhazeldine.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonhazeldinesalestransformationsalesperformance/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yoursellingcoach https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

May 22, 2026Episode 752 min

What I learned about Profit working with Big Tech- with The Profit Doctor

In this episode, Greg Wilkes speaks with Ben, The Profit Doctor, about one of the biggest mistakes business owners make: chasing revenue while profit quietly leaks out of the business. Ben shares what he learned from working with big tech companies like Dell and Microsoft, and how those lessons apply directly to construction business owners who want stronger margins, better cash flow, and a business that actually rewards them. If you’ve ever felt busy, fully booked, or growing fast but still not seeing enough money at the end of the month, this episode will help you look at profit in a completely different way. 🔹 Key topics: ✅ Revenue is not the goal — why growing turnover means very little if profit is flat or falling. ✅ The danger of “profititis” — how businesses can look healthy on the outside while the bottom line is quietly weakening. ✅ Find your profit leaks — why certain clients, projects, services, or team members may be costing you more than you realise. ✅ Stop doing unprofitable work — how cutting the worst-performing jobs can lift profit faster than chasing more sales. ✅ Project reviews that actually matter — why every completed job should be reviewed to see what made money and what didn’t. ✅ Cash flow vs profit — why having money in the bank doesn’t always mean the business is healthy. ✅ Think like a CFO — why business owners need simple, clear financial reports they can actually use. ✅ Lessons from Big Tech — what construction businesses can learn from the financial discipline of companies like Dell and Microsoft. ✅ AI and your numbers — how AI can help you think through financial decisions, without blindly trusting it to run the business. This episode is a practical guide for builders and contractors who want to stop guessing, tighten their numbers, and build a business with stronger profit. If you want more than just a busy company, and want to keep more of what you earn, this is a must-listen. Website: Profit Doctor Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhansen https://www.instagram.com/profitdoctorben/ https://www.youtube.com/@profitdoctorben https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

May 6, 2026Episode 635 min

How to Stop Being the Bottleneck in Your Own Business with Kurt Uhlir

Are you the reason your construction business can't break through that glass ceiling? In this episode, Greg sits down with Kurt Eller, serial entrepreneur, scaling specialist, and veteran of 60+ exits and funding rounds to unpack why so many builders hit a wall between £1M and £10M, and exactly how to push through it. Kurt started his first business at 14 (and accidentally hired two of his friends' dads). Since then, he's helped companies scale from £2M to £200M, and now coaches business owners on the leadership shifts required to grow without burning out. In this episode, you'll learn: The two leadership styles every owner must master Servant leadership vs. authoritative leadership When to switch styles (and why most owners get it wrong) Hiring for outcomes, not tasks Why your business can't outgrow your team's skills Smart profit-sharing that motivates everyone The "shiny new thing" trap that kills growth Controlled-risk expansion done right How to avoid burnout at every revenue level The accountability group every owner needs Whether you're stuck doing it all yourself or sitting on the edge of your next growth phase, this episode delivers honest, practical wisdom from someone who's been there and failed enough times to know what actually works. Company Website: https://www.ezhomesearch.com Personal Site: https://kurtuhlir.com The Business Case for Servant Leadership: Why It Outperforms Traditional Leadership https://kurtuhlir.com/definitive-guide-to-servant-leadership/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtuhlir Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kurtuhlir Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurtuhlir/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/KurtUhlir Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kurtuhlir/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kurtuhlir https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

April 15, 2026Episode 523 min

One Trick That Stops Clients Ghosting Quotes with Greg Wilkes

In this episode, Greg Wilkes breaks down one of the biggest hidden leaks in most construction businesses: time and money lost on quotes that were never going to convert in the first place. Greg shares a simple but powerful shift that can instantly reduce wasted estimating time, improve conversion rates, and help you win better projects without chasing more leads. If you’ve ever been ghosted after sending a quote or feel like you’re working hard but not winning the right jobs, this episode will change how you approach your entire sales process. 🔹 Key topics: ✅ The £14k problem most builders ignore — how much time and money is lost each year pricing jobs that were never serious to begin with. ✅ The one question that saves hours — why asking “what’s your budget?” upfront filters out time-wasters and protects your pipeline. ✅ Why most quotes get ignored — and how poor qualification leads to ghosting, price shopping, and wasted effort. ✅ The 5-step “conversion engine” — a simple system to move from enquiries to signed jobs with more control and higher conversion rates. ✅ Stop competing on price — how interviewing the client uncovers what they actually value so you can sell on trust, not just cost. ✅ Professional estimates win work — why your quote is a sales tool, not just a number, and how presentation builds confidence. ✅ The second meeting strategy — the simplest way to eliminate ghosting and dramatically increase your chances of winning the job. ✅ Follow-up done right — how consistent, structured follow-up keeps you front of mind and converts more opportunities over time. This episode is a practical guide for builders who are tired of wasting time on the wrong jobs and want a more predictable way to win work. If you want to stop being ghosted, improve your conversion rate, and build a sales process that actually works, this is a must-listen. https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

February 18, 2026Episode 446 min

Why More Leads Won’t Fix Your Business with Matt Jones

In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with Matt from The Tradie Web Guys, a former plumber turned marketing strategist who now helps trades and construction businesses build scalable, systemised marketing engines. Matt shares why most builders and trades are solving the wrong problem when they chase more leads — and why better systems, not bigger ad spend, are usually the real answer. 🔹 Key topics: ✅ Why leads aren’t the real issue — most businesses don’t need more enquiries, they need better systems to convert the ones they’re already getting. ✅ The DEAF framework (Define, Establish, Act, Feedback) — a practical roadmap for setting clear goals, building strong foundations, taking action, and continuously refining strategy. ✅ From enquiries to closed jobs — why marketing should focus on outcomes (revenue), not vanity metrics like clicks or impressions. ✅ The missing middle in most businesses — the gap between a lead coming in and becoming a project in Buildertrend or your job management software. ✅ Why fulfillment becomes the real bottleneck — once lead flow is fixed, recruitment and delivery capacity quickly become the constraint. ✅ Recruitment is marketing — your next great employee likely already has a job, and attracting them requires positioning, creativity, and brand strength. ✅ B2B vs B2C strategies — why commercial builders shouldn’t rely on ads, and how creative outreach beats generic LinkedIn messages. ✅ CRM done properly — the importance of tracking the full sales pipeline, not just generating enquiries, and why automation changes everything. ✅ AI and the future of search — how ChatGPT and large language models are shifting discovery away from traditional Google search, and why useful, relevant website content now matters more than ever. This episode is a grounded, practical conversation for builders and trades who want predictable growth, stronger systems, and a business that scales beyond referrals and word of mouth. If you’re serious about building a marketing engine that produces real jobs — not just enquiries — this episode is a must-listen. https://tradie.wiki/mattmedia http://TheSiteShed.com http://TradieWebGuys.com.au https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

January 28, 2026Episode 325 min

From Pipeline Panic to Multi-Million Pound Projects with John Eastwood

In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with John Eastwood, founder of a high-end residential building company operating in London’s prime and super-prime market. John shares an honest account of what it really takes to move from steady but fragile growth into a controlled, multi-million-pound business. From nearly running out of work while self-funding his own home build, to becoming a go-to contractor for £2m–£4m projects, this conversation unpacks the mindset shifts, systems, and decisions that changed everything. 🔹 Key topics: ✅ The danger of a shallow pipeline — how relying on a handful of architects nearly stalled the business, and why consistent outreach matters even when things feel “fine”. ✅ Why building your own house can expose cracks in the business — cash flow pressure, stress, and the wake-up call it creates. ✅ Winning bigger work without racing harder — why scaling project value is often smarter than scaling volume. ✅ Positioning and proposals that convert — how changing the way prices were presented dramatically improved win rates, without being the cheapest. ✅ Stepping off the tools properly — the real impact of hiring a project manager and building a leadership layer that protects quality and sanity. ✅ Systems that protect profit — tracking jobs properly, spotting issues early, and why knowing your numbers weekly changes decision-making. ✅ Software at the right stage — lessons from using Buildertrend, Procore, and PlanRadar, and when these tools actually make sense. This is a grounded, real-world episode for builders who want fewer jobs, better clients, stronger margins, and a business that doesn’t rely on them firefighting every day. If you’re serious about moving into higher-value work and building something sustainable, John’s story will hit home. Instagram: @Karringtons_ltd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-eastwood-b97597243/?originalSubdomain=uk https://www.karringtons.co.uk/ https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

January 21, 2026Episode 241 min

From Apprentice Finalist to running a trades and marketing business with Richard Woods

In this episode, Greg Wilkes is joined by Richard Woods, former finalist on The Apprentice, marketing agency founder, and someone who’s seen both sides of the fence — from scaling a marketing business to running a trades company under real pressure. Richard shares the unfiltered reality of growth, visibility, and leadership. From life inside the Apprentice boardroom to Christmas Day boiler breakdowns, this conversation exposes what business owners don’t see until they’re in it — and what actually matters if you want a business that works without owning you. 🔹 Key topics: ✅ Building profile and leverage — how Richard used visibility, positioning, and a clear message to create opportunity long after TV fame faded. ✅ The harsh reality of trades businesses — why small, high-volume work is brutally hard to scale, and how recalls, clients, and cash flow quietly drain energy and profit. ✅ Growth without control is dangerous — what happens when you can generate leads but don’t have systems, structure, or margins to support them. ✅ Marketing that actually converts — why LinkedIn is still one of the most underused platforms for builders, especially when targeting architects, developers, and commercial work. ✅ AI and the future of construction businesses — what will get disrupted, what won’t, and why builders who understand marketing and systems will pull further ahead. ✅ Practical LinkedIn plays — daily actions builders can take to build relationships, authority, and inbound opportunities without spending on ads. This is a straight-talking episode for builders who want better work, fewer headaches, and a business that doesn’t collapse the moment they step away. If you care about control, visibility, and building something that lasts, this one’s worth your time. www.linkedinForBreakfast.com www.sprintva.co Biography https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

January 14, 2026Episode 143 min

The Rise of Women in Construction- with Aileen Andrews and The Builder Chick

In this episode, Greg Wilkes is joined by Felicity (Sydney Builder Chick) and Aileen Andrews, two women who are not just working in construction; they’re actively reshaping what leadership, culture, and opportunity look like across the industry. From apprenticeships and site leadership to business ownership and mindset, this conversation cuts through stereotypes and gets honest about what it really takes to succeed in construction as a woman — and why the industry desperately needs more of it. 🔹 Key topics: ✅ Breaking into construction — Felicity’s journey from school-based construction to carpentry and a builder’s licence at just 22, and Aileen’s transition from teaching and corporate project management into high-end construction and development. ✅ Confidence on site & unconscious bias — how age, gender, and experience intersect on site, how to earn respect without shouting, and why confidence and competence beat confrontation every time. ✅ Leadership that actually works — coaching vs commanding, setting standards without ego, and why great leaders create safety, clarity, and accountability — not fear. ✅ Mental health & wellbeing in construction — why “toughing it out” is outdated, how small actions on site make a big difference, and why work should be a safe place to speak up. ✅ Why women are an untapped advantage — from organisation and process thinking to communication and client relationships, this episode highlights why mixed leadership teams build stronger businesses. ✅ Fixing the pipeline problem — what schools, employers, and government are getting wrong about apprenticeships, and how better support could unlock the next generation of talent. This is an honest, inspiring conversation for women considering construction, men leading teams, and business owners who want a stronger culture, better people, and a future-proof industry. If you care about leadership, mindset, and building something better, this episode is essential listening. https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/sydneybuilderchick/%3Fhl%3Den&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwim-r699PiQAxWZdvUHHSwZBj4QFnoECAwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2hiHujeBkwO-1e0vtk42kG https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileen-andrews-andrewsconstruction/?originalSubdomain=uk https://www.instagram.com/andrews_constructionltd/ https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

October 1, 2025Episode 151 hr 5 min

Low Testosterone Ruins Business Performance with Dave Lee

In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with hormone educator Dave Lee to make testosterone practical for builders and business owners — how it affects stress, decision-making and day-to-day performance, and when TRT helps (and when it doesn’t). 🔹 Key topics: ✅ Symptoms & testing done right — why “normal range” can still feel awful, what comprehensive bloods should include, and Dave’s “pop the bonnet” approach to finding root causes before touching hormones. ✅ TRT isn’t a silver bullet — it lays the foundation, but habits build the house. Expect side effects if you try to “supercharge the engine” without learning to drive. ✅ Why younger men are struggling — from puberty-era obesity to endocrine disruptors (plastics, pesticides), the modern environment is hitting male hormones hard. ✅ Performance & stress resilience — how optimised testosterone and DHT support reward processing, buffer stress (via GABA pathways), and help you show up as a steadier leader under pressure. ✅ Mindfulness that actually works — eight weeks of daily practice measurably strengthens focus (prefrontal cortex) and quiets the brain’s stress alarm (amygdala) — a high-ROI tool for owners in the thick of it. If you’re running low on energy, battling poor sleep or motivation, or just feel “off”, this episode gives you a clear, no-nonsense roadmap: dial in habits, get proper labs, and make smart decisions about TRT with the right specialist. Tune in and take notes. Your health is a growth lever. Business Masterclass TRT Academy: https://youtu.be/WjzcF74OneU Join the TRT Academy: https://tr.ee/G24u_jEIIx Book a Coaching session: https://tr.ee/MP-bUXjG6N Website: https://tr.ee/KSQz0LlPY5 E-books: https://linktr.ee/imdavelee Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/daveleecoaching YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@imdavelee Partner Clinics Primal Zone AUS: http://www.primalzone.com.au Marek Health: http://www.marekhealth.com/davelee https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator

September 3, 2025Episode 1432 min

Fire Regs Made Easy with Andrea White

In this episode, Greg Wilkes sits down with fire engineer Andrea White to make Part B practical for builders and developers, so you can design once, build once, and get signed off first time. 🔹 Key topics: ✅ Part B made simple — what B1–B5 actually mean on a live job (escape, linings, structure, external spread, fire-service access) ✅ When to involve a fire engineer — planning, Gateway checks, and avoiding redraws at RIBA 3/4 ✅ Open-plan layouts that pass — workable routes for ground-floor kitchens, loft conversions and flats over shops ✅ Compartmentation done right — doorsets, cavity barriers, fire-stopping, and the photo evidence building control expects ✅ Detection, alarms and sprinklers — myths busted (no, they don’t all go off at once) and where systems make or break approval ✅ Smoke control basics — AOVs vs. manual vents, protected stairs and keeping travel distances sensible ✅ Regulation 38 handover packs — what must be in your client’s fire information at completion ✅ Common pitfalls — the details that trigger refusals, redesigns and costly delays (and how to avoid them) If you’ve ever had plans knocked back, juggled contradictory advice, or burned time on late-stage fire fixes, Andrea’s guidance will help you plan earlier, de-risk your design, and move through building control with confidence. Tune in and take notes—this episode could save you weeks and thousands. LinkedIn profile: Andrea White | LinkedIn Website: www.awfire.co.uk https://developcoaching.co.uk For more episode please visit: https://developcoaching.co.uk/construction-podcast/ If you'd like to discuss fast-tracking your results, book in a free call - https://www.developcoaching.co.uk/schedule/ If you'd like help growing your business join my private Facebook group - https://m.facebook.com/groups/constructiontradesaccelerator