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The Building Talks Podcast

The Building Talks Podcast

Hosted by Martin Preece

BusinessSocietyCulturePersonalJournalsInterviews guests
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Episodes

116

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

A fortnightly podcast showcasing conversations with professionals across Australia’s Built Environment—spanning Construction, Property Development, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Consulting (and much besides). In each episode, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the industry, while hearing the stories, insights, and experiences of the people behind the projects. From architects and engineers to builders, project managers, quantity surveyors, researchers, and business leaders, our guests offer valuable perspectives from across the sector. Whether you're curious about industry issues or want to better understand the people driving Australia’s built environment, The Building Talks Podcast brings you authentic conversations with those ‘in the know.’

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 3, 2026Episode 131 hr 22 min

Talking with Callum Cryans about AI, Quantity Surveying and the Future of Construction

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!If AI still feels like something for later, this episode is a good reminder that later has probably already arrived. In this episode of The Building Talks Podcast, I sit down with Callum Cryans, originally from South Africa and a trained and qualified Quantity Surveyor. Callum has worked across a broad mix of projects, including tunnels, rail, roads, water infrastructure, buildings and schools, giving him a sharp view of how construction really works across different sectors. The main focus of this chat is AI in construction, and how quickly it is starting to change the way the industry operates. We talk about how AI is already reducing admin, contract workload, procurement pressure and commercial management tasks. Callum also shares why businesses and individuals who learn to use AI properly could move ahead fast, not just in productivity, but in culture, collaboration, mental health and work-life balance. Takeaways: ✅ How AI is already changing construction workflows✅ Why admin, contracts and procurement are ripe for improvement✅ The impact of AI on quantity surveying and commercial management✅ Why learning AI early could create a serious career advantage✅ How AI may help reduce stress and improve work-life balance✅ Whether smarter tools can make construction more collaborativeChapters: 03:54  Callum’s Path into Quantity Surveying06:28  Moving to Australia and Shifting from QS to Contract Administration14:53  Why Site Experience Matters for Commercial Professionals22:01  Building a Diverse Career Across Tunnels, Roads, Rail and Water27:26  Starting CMC Contracts and Preparing for the AI Shift36:47  What AI Can and Cannot Do in Construction Today41:47  Learning to Use AI and Automating Repetitive Admin47:57  Levelling the Playing Field for Smaller Subcontractors51:38  Contract Reviews, Departures and Risk Negotiation53:50  Reducing Conflict and Improving Project Outcomes with AI58:25  How AI Could Reshape Contract Administration and Construction Careers1:05:43  Training Future Professionals, Accountability and Human Oversight1:14:58  The Future of AI, Collaboration and Mental Health in ConstructionTune in for a sharp and practical conversation about AI, productivity and what the next few years could look like for construction. Hope you enjoy the podcast! #AIinConstruction #QuantitySurveying #ConstructionTechnology #CommercialManagement #Procurement #ConstructionInnovation #BuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionProductivity #FutureOfConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectDelivery #ConstructionLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #AustralianConstruction The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

July 20, 2026Episode 121 hr 26 min

Talking with Sean Ryan about Built to Rent, Backing Yourself and Starting Delatite Projects

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!This one takes us back to have another look into the built-to-rent market and how it's evolving.  We hear what it's like to step out from a senior position in a large corporate property business and start up your own property business, or anyone trying to understand what is actually getting projects moving right now.In this episode of The Building Talks Podcast, I sit down with leading Build to Rent and property sector expert,  Sean Ryan, who joins us on the pod for a second time. Since his last appearance, Sean has stepped away from a senior role at Greystar, right in the middle of the built-to-rent boom, and launched his own business, Delatite Projects. We unpack that decision, the risk behind it, and what changes when you leave the structure of a corporate role and suddenly have to back yourself.We also dig back into the built-to-rent sector and hear how the first wave of projects have performed, where the market is shifting, and the opportunities emerging across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Sean shares clear insights on development, capital, finance, risk, and what is actually helping deals stack up in the current market. A sharp, practical conversation for developers, investors, builders, consultants and anyone interested in where residential property is heading.Takeaways:✅ Why Sean left a senior role at Greystar to start Delatite Projects✅ The reality of backing yourself and going out on your own✅ What the first wave of built-to-rent projects has taught the market✅ Where the next opportunities may sit across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane✅ How the next phase of build-to-rent projects will evolve✅ How capital, finance and risk are shaping development decisions✅ What is actually getting deals moving in the current marketChapters:04:15  Career Transitions and Personal Growth07:15  The Build-to-Rent Landscape10:05  Community and Culture in Build-to-Rent12:58  Operational Insights in Build-to-Rent16:20  Amenities and Market Trends20:00  The Future of Build-to-Rent23:02  The Impact of Build-to-Rent on Housing Affordability 40:55  Creating Community Spaces in Built-to-Rent Developments44:10  The Evolving Built-to-Rent Market in Australia49:08  The Importance of Networking in Construction54:54  Navigating Growth and Client Relationships1:06:10  Opportunities and Challenges in Property Development1:15:05  The Role of AI in Construction and Development1:18:41  The Meaning Behind Delatite ProjectsTune in for a practical conversation about built-to-rent, development risk and what it really takes to step out and build something of your own.Hope you enjoy the podcast! #BuiltToRent #PropertyDevelopment #DelatiteProjects #Greystar #BuildingTalksPodcast #AustralianProperty #DevelopmentFinance #ResidentialDevelopment #MelbourneProperty #SydneyProperty #BrisbaneProperty #ConstructionIndustry #BuiltEnvironment #PropertyInvestmentThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

July 6, 2026Episode 111 hr 4 min

Talking with Dave Woolsey about Construction Leadership, Career Growth and Resilience

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Here’s one for the construction leaders, the career builders and anyone who knows resilience is built long before the hard moments arrive.Returning guest Dave Woolsey, General Manager of Renascent Victoria, joins the show after his incredible 14-day charity ride from Cottesloe in Perth to Melbourne, raising awareness and support for brain cancer. Many listeners will remember Dave from his special episode during the ride, but this time we dig deeper into his career, leadership journey and the lessons that have shaped him both on the bike and in business.We talk about Dave’s path into construction, the fit-out and refurbishment market, leading teams, building culture, career growth and resilience under pressure. There are plenty of insights here for anyone in construction, leadership or business, especially those interested in what it takes to stay grounded, lead well and keep pushing forward when things get tough.Takeaways:✅ The story behind Dave’s Cottesloe to Melbourne charity ride✅ Lessons in resilience from the bike and the boardroom✅ Dave’s path into construction and fit-out leadership✅ Leading teams in the fit-out and refurbishment space✅ Why culture, people and consistency matter in business✅ Career growth lessons from one of the industry’s good operatorsChapters:03:39  Career Path and Construction Background07:10  Reflections on the Ride Experience13:17  Mental Challenges During the Ride19:00  Leadership and Team Dynamics24:54  Evolving Leadership Skills30:30  Industry Changes and Relationships35:01  Navigating Challenges in Leadership36:20  Current Trends in the Fit-Out Market39:20  Evolving Fit-Out Designs Post-COVID41:11  Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Industry42:16  Leadership Lessons from the Pandemic48:09  Expectations of Early Career Professionals51:15  The Dynamics of Career Progression52:40  The Fast-Paced Nature of Fit-Out Projects54:15  Personal Growth Through Challenges1:02:55  Empowerment Through Focus and DeterminationTune in for an honest and grounded chat about leadership, resilience and the lessons that carry from personal challenges into construction and business.Hope you enjoy the podcast! #DaveWoolsey #Renascent #FitOutConstruction #Refurbishment #ConstructionLeadership #BuildingTalksPodcast #BrainCancerAwareness #LeadershipLessons #Resilience #CareerGrowth #BuiltEnvironment #AustralianConstruction #ConstructionCultureThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

June 22, 2026Episode 1059 min

Talking with Brad Duggan and Rob Pradolin about Housing All Australians, Housing Affordability, Homelessness, and Compassionate Capitalism

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!This one matters, because housing is no longer just a policy issue, it is a community issue, an economic issue and an industry issue.In this episode of The Building Talks Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Rob Pradolin from Housing All Australians, alongside Brad Duggan, CEO of Metricon Homes, Australia’s largest home builder. We get into the growing challenge of housing affordability, homelessness and what happens when everyday Australians are slowly priced out of safe, stable accommodation.This is not just a conversation about the scale of the problem, it is about practical action. We talk about the role the private sector can play, the work Housing All Australians (with the support of companies like Metricon) are already doing to create short-term accommodation from vacant buildings, and why the stigma around social and affordable housing needs to shift. We also look at why property is tied so closely to security and identity in Australia, how more people are being pushed further from stable housing, and where the construction and property sector can step up with practical solutions.Takeaways:✅ Why housing affordability is now everyone’s issue✅ The growing divide between property owners and those locked out✅ How vacant buildings can become short term accommodation✅ Why the private sector has a major role to play✅ Challenging the stigma around social and affordable housing✅ What Housing All Australians and Metricon are doing in practice✅ Why property sits so deeply in the Australian mindsetChapters:04:05  The State of Homelessness in Australia09:50  Metricon's Involvement in Housing Solutions17:09  Awakening to the Homelessness Issue21:42  Barriers to Housing Solutions23:27  Urgent Housing Needs and Support Mechanisms25:53  Engaging Private Sector Partners27:08  Repurposing Buildings for Housing29:18  Skills and Services Needed in Housing Projects32:34  Corporate Responsibility in Housing39:57  Stigma and Perception of Social Housing46:54  Bridging the Housing Divide50:04  Future of Housing Initiatives56:53  Call to Action for Community InvolvementTune in for a thoughtful and practical conversation about housing, community and what the property and construction industry can do to help.#AustralianHousingCrisis #HousingAllAustralians #Metricon #AffordableHomesAustralia #SafeHousingForAll #HomelessnessSolutions #PropertyAndConstruction #BuiltEnvironmentAustralia #HousingSolutions #SocialImpactProperty #CommunityHousing #IndustryLedChange #BuildingTalksPodcastThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

June 8, 2026Episode 91 hr 21 min

Talking with Andrew Sparks about Founder Dependency, Scaling Construction Companies Smarter and Building Business Value

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Pull up a chair for another episode of The Building Talks Podcast, this one is for construction business owners (or insights for anyone who aspires to set up their own construction business in the future) who feel like they have become the engine, the brake and the decision-maker all at once.In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Sparks, who works with business owners to help them better understand, scale and increase the value of their companies. We dig into a challenge many construction, property and consulting businesses eventually face, the founder becomes the bottleneck.Andrew shares practical insights on founder dependency, leadership, culture, hiring and recruitment, and what it takes to build a business that can grow beyond the owner. We also talk about why strong systems, high performers and clear decision making have such a major impact on business value, especially if you want more freedom, stronger performance or a business that can one day run, grow or sell without everything relying on you.Takeaways:✅ Why founder dependency can quietly hold a business back✅ Building a company that scales beyond the owner✅ The link between leadership, culture and business value✅ Why hiring the right people can lift performance and valuation✅ How high performers help stop businesses from hitting a ceiling✅ Creating more freedom without losing control✅ Building a business that does not rely on every decision running through youChapters:07:14  Understanding Business Exits: Lifestyle vs. Payday10:20  The Importance of Planning for Business Exit11:00  Building Value in Construction Businesses12:31  The Role of Business Owners in Valuation13:45  Maturity and Growth in Business15:52  Identifying Bottlenecks in Construction Businesses19:11  Leadership Challenges in the Construction Industry22:16  Attracting and Retaining Talent26:48  The Role of Culture in Business Success29:59  Understanding Roles and Responsibilities33:02  Performance Management and Clarity37:04  The Importance of Onboarding42:28  Learning Through Experience46:15  Hiring Process and Best Practices51:55  Adapting Leadership Styles55:23  The Choice Between Complaining and Improving57:55  The Evolving Role of Leadership1:01:18  Addressing Business Bottlenecks1:04:48  Navigating Growth and Complexity1:09:39  The Impact of AI on Business Efficiency1:14:56  Common Mistakes in Scaling BusinessesTune in for a practical conversation on building a stronger, smarter and more valuable business that can grow beyond the founder.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#BusinessGrowth #FounderDependency #ConstructionBusiness #PropertyDevelopment #BuildingTalksPodcast #Leadership #BusinessValue #ScalingABusiness #Recruitment #HighPerformanceTeams #ConstructionLeadership #BuiltEnvironment #BusinessOwners #CultureAndLeadershipThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit: www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

May 25, 2026Episode 81 hr 20 min

Talking with Mark O'Mahony, about Quantity Surveying, Costs and Escalations, the role of the QS and the Construction market

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast. This one gets right into one of the biggest pressure points in construction right now, cost certainty.In this episode, I sit down with Mark O'Mahony, quantity surveyor and Co-founder of Cohaven, and all-round top bloke! We first recorded this chat around Mark’s career journey, his move from Ireland to Melbourne, and what it takes to build a QS consultancy in the local market. But with construction costs shifting so quickly, we jumped back on to record an updated section on what’s happening in the market right now.We get into rising construction costs, global supply chain pressure, procurement shifts, and what’s actually increasing versus what the market is absorbing. Mark also shares his take on how quantity surveying has evolved, what good cost advice looks like, and why managing risk, value and certainty has never been more important.Takeaways:✅ What’s really driving construction cost movement✅ How global events are flowing into local projects✅ The evolving role of quantity surveyors✅ Why procurement models have shifted over time✅ Managing cost, risk and value in a changing market✅ What good QS advice actually looks like       Chapters:04:24  The Pathway of Quantity Surveying in Ireland10:41  Transitioning to Australia: Mark’s Journey16:26  Shifts in Procurement Models in Construction23:17  Founding A2M Consulting: The Journey Begins29:06  The Importance of Personal Branding in Business35:17  Project Aspirations and Business Growth Strategies41:42  Key Functions and Responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor47:45  The Importance of Early Involvement in Design52:46  The Ripple Effect of COVID on Construction Costs1:06:17  Keeping Up with Market Changes and Cost Data1:11:14  Rebranding as 'Cohaven' for Future GrowthTune in for a timely, practical chat on construction costs, market pressure, and how to make better project decisions in uncertain conditions.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#QuantitySurveying #ConstructionCosts #BuildingTalksPodcast #CostManagement #CommercialConstruction #Procurement #Cohaven #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionLeadership #ProjectDelivery #ConstructionMarket #RiskManagementThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/ The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

May 17, 2026Episode 742 min

SPECIAL EPISODE: Talking With Dave Woolsey, about resilience, mindset and commitment, as he cycles 3,500km from Perth to Melbourne, to raise money for the Brain Cancer foundation

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast. This one is a little different......and honestly, a little mad.In this special episode, I sit down with Dave Woolsey, General Manager of Renascent in Victoria, who is currently in the middle of riding a push bike (like, a real bike, on the road) from Perth to Melbourne over just 14 days, covering more than 3,500km, all to raise money and awareness for Carrie Bickmore’s Beanies for Brain Cancer foundation.What makes this challenge even more ridiculous is that Dave hadn’t seriously ridden a bike in almost six years before deciding to commit to it.This conversation goes well beyond cycling. We get into mindset, discipline, suffering, resilience, fatherhood, purpose, and the mental battle that comes with voluntarily putting yourself through discomfort for something bigger than yourself.Dave speaks openly about the emotional driver behind the challenge, particularly the impact brain cancer has on Australian families and children, and why this cause hit home hard enough for him to dedicate months of training and two weeks of pain to raising money for it.We also unpack the psychology behind endurance challenges, the conversations you have with yourself when your body wants to stop, and how leadership, pressure, and resilience from the construction industry strangely prepares people for challenges like this.There are some laughs in there too, including discussions around lycra, saddle soreness, mental breakdowns in the Nullarbor, and the reality of trying to train for elite endurance while balancing work, leadership and family life.More than anything though, this is a conversation about perspective, purpose, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you think.Takeaways:✅ Why Dave committed to riding 3,500km for brain cancer research✅ The mental side of endurance and suffering✅ How purpose changes your ability to push through pain✅ Leadership, resilience, and mindset under pressure✅ The emotional impact of brain cancer on families✅ Why ordinary people are capable of extraordinary thingsChapters:00:00  The Journey Begins: A Brother's Challenge05:17  The Route and the Goal: Riding Across Australia08:15  The Physical and Mental Challenge: Overcoming Obstacles14:05  Mindset and Motivation: The Importance of Goals16:36  Breaking the Routine: Finding Balance in Life22:33  Managing Stress Through Physical Activity30:04Mental Resilience and Emotional Support34:48  Raising Awareness for Brain Cancer ResearchIf you’d like to support Dave’s ride and help raise money for brain cancer research, head to:p2m4bc.COM  - to follow his journey,And if you're keen to donate, head to:https://fundraise.carriesbeanies4braincancer.com/fundraisers/davidw/perth-to-melb-4-bcEvery donation genuinely helps!The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

May 11, 2026Episode 61 hr 12 min

Talking with Alastair Blenkin and Tim Rogers about ProcurePro - Procurement, Protecting Margin, and Using Tech to Reduce Risk in Construction

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Building Talks Podcast. This one digs into where margin and risk really sit in construction. In this episode, we're joined by Alastair Blenkin and Tim Rogers, the team behind ProcurePro.  There’s plenty of talk in the industry about productivity, but this conversation gets into something often overlooked, procurement, and why it plays such a critical role in project success.On the surface, procurement doesn’t sound that exciting, but scratch beneath it and you’ll find where margin is protected, risk is managed, and a lot of project stress quietly builds.We unpack how ProcurePro came to life, Tim’s experience on the contractor side with Hutchinson Builders, and Alastair’s background in tech and law. From spreadsheet-heavy processes and quote levelling to scope clarity and the impact of COVID, this is a proper look at one of the most manual parts of the industry.There’s also a great discussion around AI, productivity, and why good systems shouldn’t replace people, they should free them up to focus on higher-value work.If you’ve ever wondered why construction struggles to adopt new tech, and why implementation is often harder than the idea itself, this will be an eye-opener for you.Takeaways:✅ Why procurement is the frontline for protecting margin✅ The risks of spreadsheet-driven processes✅ How quote levelling and scope clarity reduce project stress✅ Where AI fits into construction workflows✅ Why implementation is harder than innovationChapters:10:10  Understanding Procurement Challenges16:54  The Evolution of Procurement Solutions21:23  Building the Minimum Viable Product29:07  The Importance of Scope in Construction35:57  Streamlining Procurement with ProcurePro40:45  The Visibility Revolution in Construction43:46  AI’s Role in Transforming the Construction Process 54:42  Implementing Change: Overcoming Resistance in Construction Tech1:00:28  Future Aspirations: Saving a Billion Construction HoursTune in for a smart, practical conversation on how better procurement can drive performance across every project.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#ConstructionTech #Procurement #BuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #AIinConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectManagement #ConstructionInnovation #CommercialConstructionThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

April 27, 2026Episode 51 hr 18 min

Talking with Ethan Chittick about The Reality of Running a Subcontracting Business in Construction

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Back with another episode of The Building Talks Podcast, this one’s a deep dive into how smart subcontractors actually build successful businesses.I sit down with Ethan Chittick, carpenter and co-founder of B&E Built and Commercial Carpentry. Over the past decade, he’s built a serious subcontracting operation, with a sharp focus on the numbers and how the business really runs.We get into cash flow, margins, retention, and why many tradies don’t fully understand their numbers. Ethan shares the risks of scaling too fast, how to choose the right builders, and why a production-line approach often beats being a jack of all trades. We also unpack the shift from the tools to leading a team, and why doing what you say you’ll do is still a key differentiator.Takeaways:✅ Why most subcontractors struggle with margins and cash flow✅ The risks of growing too fast in construction✅ How to choose the right clients and builders✅ Moving from the tools to running a business✅ Building systems that scale, not just surviveChapters:06:46  Navigating the Subcontractor Landscape09:38  Transitioning from Residential to Commercial12:38  The Journey of Entrepreneurship19:10  Understanding Contracts and Financial Risks22:13  Qualifying Leads and Building Relationships27:20  Identifying Good Clients32:54  Learning and Growth as a Business Owner36:25  Understanding Margins and Risks44:27  Designing Efficient Workflows49:20  Navigating Competition in the Market56:19  Nurturing Talent: The Importance of Apprenticeships1:02:40  Assessing Project Management: The Key to Successful Collaborations1:03:55  Market Insights: Current Trends in Melbourne’s Construction1:10:53  Future Growth: Aiming for $20 Million Revenue1:13:07  Passion for Building: The Heart of Business SuccessTune in for a practical, straight-talking conversation about building a subcontracting business that actually works.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#ConstructionBusiness #SubcontractorLife #BuildingTalksPodcast #CommercialCarpentry #ConstructionLeadership #CashflowManagement #TradeBusiness #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionCareers #BusinessGrowthThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

April 13, 2026Episode 41 hr 21 min

Talking with Brian Donovan about Risk, Resilience and Building a Business from Scratch

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!In this episode, we hear from Brian Donovan, who built an enviable career through his time at Multiplex and Mirvac where he rose to Project Director, before taking the leap in 2018 to launch Jardon Group. We unpack what it’s really like stepping away from Tier 1 construction and leading $400M projects, to setting up and growing a construction business.Brian shares the reality of starting just before COVID hit, the uncertainty, pressure, and what failure feels like when you’ve got a young family depending on you. It’s an honest conversation about his experiences setting up a construction business: risk, resilience, mindset and people. Plus why trust, early engagement, and doing ECI properly can completely shift a project’s outcome and act as a great foundation to deliver great projects.Takeaways:✅ Leaving Tier 1 construction to start your own business✅ The reality of launching a company only  for COVID to rock up just as you get going✅ Managing risk when you’ve got family and responsibility✅ Building resilience through uncertainty and pressure✅ Why trust and early contractor involvement matterChapters:05:32  Early Influences and Entry into Construction06:56  Navigating Early Career Challenges09:49  Opportunities and Growth in the Industry12:29  Cultural Differences in Work Environments15:17  Mentorship and Professional Development18:31  International Experience and Career Progression25:41  The Journey to Independence32:01  Embracing Failure and Taking Risks38:05  The Reality of Starting a Business44:58  Navigating Challenges During Covid-1947:49  Growth and Evolution of Jardon Group53:30  Navigating Market Entry Challenges56:17  The Evolution of Land Lease Communities59:25  Understanding D&C Contracts and Client Engagement1:04:51  Building Trust in the Construction Industry1:15:29  Looking Ahead: Growth and Market OpportunitiesTune in for a real-world conversation about risk, resilience, and what it takes to build something from the ground up.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#ConstructionLeadership #BuildingTalksPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ConstructionBusiness #JardonGroup #ECI #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionCareers #Leadership #Resilience The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland.  For an overview of our service, visit: www.buildingenvirons.com.au Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA) and The Building and Construction Foundation. Check out their websites and join the movement!www.housingallaustralians.org.auhttps://www.buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au/The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.Contact The Building Talks PodcastFollow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and InstagramVisit us on our websiteEmail us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

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