The Site Shed | Systems, Strategy and Growth for Tradies and Contractors

Hosted by Matt Jones - Helping Tradies Build Smarter, Scalable Businesses

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

502

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

The Site Shed is a global podcast for tradies and contractors who want clearer systems, stronger strategy, and steadier business growth . Each episode is designed to educate and inform around the topics that matter most in running and scaling a modern trade business. Hosted by former plumber and digital agency owner Matt Jones, the podcast dives into real-world conversations on marketing, operations, apprenticeships, technology, hiring, leadership, finance, and more, all tailored to the trades and construction industry. You’ll hear practical insights, honest lessons, and expert perspectives from across the globe. Whether you work as a tradie, contractor, builder, electrician, landscaper, or run any service-based business, you’ll find ideas and experiences you can put into action straight away. If you're ready to work smarter, not harder, The Site Shed gives you the tools, frameworks, and viewpoints to help your business move forward with confidence.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 50243 min

You Don't Know Your Numbers; That's Why You're Broke | ft. Greg McElroy & Jon Fisk | Ep. 502

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytMore jobs, more staff, more revenue; and you're still growing broke?In Part 2 of our CrystalLIQ series, Matt sits down with Greg and John to expose why scaling without financial systems is the fastest way to destroy your trade business. Learn why your P&L is the only scoreboard that matters, how to spot the traps before they bankrupt you, and the accountability framework that separates profitable tradies from busy ones.KEY CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction01:57 - Growth Traps and the Scaling Dilemma04:42 - Case Study: High Revenue vs. High Debt07:41 - The Foundation: Accurate P&Ls10:48 - Financial Literacy for Business Owners14:03 - The Profit First Business Model17:41 - Dangers of Hands-off Bookkeeping21:02 - Building Truth in Numbers22:31 - Hiring and Strategic Capacity25:21 - Employee Scorecards and Outcomes27:54 - Accountability and the Business Entity30:34 - Example: Managing New Inquiries32:58 - The Reality of Rapid Growth35:22 - Key Takeaways and Margin Focus39:02 - Adjusting Pricing During Scaling41:22 - Strategic Outlook and Culture42:39 - Wrap-up and Next Episode Tease📲 Watch the video version! https://youtu.be/kEyXMAtLMg4🎙 About Our Guest: Greg McElroy and Jon FiskGreg McElroy and Jon Fisk, co-founders of CrystalLIQ, have each built and sold multiple trade-based businesses. Greg learned his hardest lesson as part-owner of a $48M-revenue business that went into liquidation because nobody knew their numbers. Together they help tradies install the financial systems and accountability frameworks that prevent growth from harming a business internally.CONNECT WITH GREG & JONGreg's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mcelroy-45aa90214/Jon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfisk/Website: https://www.crystalliq.com.au/CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

June 2, 2026Episode 50142 min

Your Business Is Running You (And You Don't Even Know It) | ft. Greg McElroy & Jon Fisk | Ep. 501

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytMost tradies think they own a business, but the business owns them, dictating every waking hour and every skipped family event. In this episode, Matt sits down with Greg and John from CrystalLIQ to unpack why your business is running you into the ground, how you became the bottleneck without realising it, and the exact moment you need to step out of the operator's seat and into the owner's chair. If you've ever felt like your business would collapse without you, that's not dedication, that's the problem. This episode tells you how to fix it.Key Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:52 - Meet the Guests: Greg and John02:22 - Overview of the Three-Part Series06:45 - The Reality of Running a Mid-Sized Business07:49 - Transitioning from a Job to a Business Mindset09:53 - The Importance of Systems as You Scale11:54 - Identifying When a Business Becomes Unstuck15:05 - Re-deploying Business Owner Time and Focus18:14 - Frameworks and Tools for Empowerment20:18 - Structural Mapping for Future Growth24:33 - The Owner’s Responsibility to Educate Themselves28:23 - Adapting Systems to Support Growth30:52 - Defining Success Based on Owner Goals33:14 - Creating a Happy and Professional Work Environment36:42 - Practical Tips for Reducing Burnout38:16 - Documenting Friction Points for Future Clarity40:12 - The Role of Technology and Proper Implementation41:45 - Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up🎙️ About Our Guests: Greg McElroy And Jon FiskGreg McElroy built his plumbing business from the ground up at 21, one ute, one apprentice, and spent 40 years scaling it into a sale-ready operation before exiting. Now a strategic advisor at CrystalLIQ and current president of the Master Plumbers Association of NSW, Greg brings a no-bullshit, been-on-the-tools perspective to helping tradies build businesses that actually work without them.Jon Fisk is a career entrepreneur who's founded, scaled, and exited companies across tech, solar, and engineering, including a renewable energy business recently acquired by a global investor, marking his fourth successful exit. As founder and lead consultant at CrystalLIQ, Jon specialises in pulling business owners out of the operator seat and into the CEO chair before they burn out completely.CONNECT WITH GREG & JONGreg's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mcelroy-45aa90214/Jon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfisk/Website: https://www.crystalliq.com.au/CONNECT WITH THE SITE SHED!Website: https://www.thesiteshed.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSiteShed?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesiteshedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesiteshed/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-site-shed/Matt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

May 26, 2026Episode 50034 min

The Lies Keeping Tradies Broke: What 500 Episodes Taught Me | Ep. 500 SPECIAL

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssyt500 episodes! Can you believe it? Since February 2016, this channel has been a journey, and it's clear that to truly achieve business success, you need more than just skill. This episode emphasises the critical role of visibility and effective business strategy in winning jobs, reminding us that the best tradie doesn't always win; the most visible one does.If your business runs on word-of-mouth, your memory, or manual processes, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about running a trade business. 00:00 - Introduction02:11 - Reflection on 500 Episodes03:54 - Host Background and Podcast Mission05:28 - Global Ranking and Industry Observations08:03 - Truth \#1: Visibility Wins Over Quality Alone11:10 - Truth \#2: The Owner as the Business Bottleneck14:10 - Truth \#3: Systems are for Survival at Any Size17:39 - Truth \#4: Hiring Issues are Leadership Problems21:54 - Truth \#5: Embracing Technology and AI28:30 - Future Outlook and Industry Opportunities30:30 - Closing Thanks and Trading Academy InvitationCONNECT WITH THE SITE SHED!Website: https://www.thesiteshed.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSiteShed?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesiteshedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesiteshed/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-site-shed/Matt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ If you enjoyed this podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed#podcast #thesiteshed #tradiewebguys Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

May 19, 2026Episode 49949 min

Too Stubborn to Use AI? You'll Be Stuck Working Until You're 70 | ft. Troy Dean | Ep. 499

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytAI isn't coming for your trade business; it's already here, and the tradies ignoring it are quietly handing leads, authority, and early retirement to their competitors. In this 499th episode of The Site Shed, Matt sits down with Troy Dean to break down exactly how AI is reshaping how tradies get found, answer leads, and build businesses that don't depend on them being on the tools 24/7. If you're still waiting to see how this plays out, this episode is your wake-up call.KEY CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction01:10 - Welcoming Troy Dean01:33 - The Evolving AI Landscape03:57 - Implementing AI Strategies06:10 - Automating Business Workflows08:58 - Human Connection vs. Computer Work12:09 - Sales Coaching with AI Analysis14:49 - Real-Life Lead Engagement Example18:14 - AI and the Answer Economy23:27 - Content as the Backbone of SEO27:27 - Building Authority Through Content31:28 - Engineering the Sales Cycle36:01 - Future of Search and Marketing40:05 - Sharing Expertise with VideoAbout Our Guest: Troy DeanTroy Dean is the founder of Agency Mavericks, a coaching community that helps digital agency owners scale their businesses, reclaim their time, and build sustainable revenue without burning out. A self-confessed AI nerd with over 15 years of experience in the digital space, Troy brings a sharp, no-fluff perspective on how emerging technology is reshaping the way businesses grow and compete.CONNECT WITH TROY DEANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troydean/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetroydeanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/agencymavericksWebsite: https://www.agencymavericks.com/CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

May 12, 2026Episode 49846 min

Is AI Answering Your Calls? How To Stop Losing Revenue On Missed Calls | ft. James O'Neill | Ep. 498

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytAre you spending big on ads but losing jobs before the phone even gets answered?In this episode, Matt sits down with James O'Neill from WildJar to uncover how call tracking and AI-powered call analysis can reveal exactly where your leads are falling through the cracks. If you're serious about turning every phone call into a booked job and finally getting a real return on your marketing spend, this one's for you.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:27 - Introducing James O'Neal and WildJar02:30 - Solving Digital Attribution for Phone Calls04:44 - The Role of AI in Call Analysis07:27 - Cost Per Lead vs. Lifetime Value11:10 - Tracking Different Advertising Channels12:50 - Membership Programs in Home Services14:26 - The Marketing Ecosystem and Paid Ads16:15 - Google Business Profile and Local Traffic18:15 - Attribution and Customer Journey20:13 - Feeding Conversion Data Back to Platforms21:35 - How Call Tracking and DNI Work25:21 - Virtual Numbers and Reporting28:07 - Sales Cycles and Lead Attribution29:05 - The Critical Nature of Answering the Phone31:51 - Nurturing Leads and Creating Content34:21 - The Changing Landscape of Organic Search and SEO37:05 - Emerging Traffic from LLMs like ChatGPT41:15 - The Future of AI and Sales Coaching📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listen🎙 About Our Guest: James O'NeillJames O'Neill is the CEO and Founder of WildJar, a call tracking and AI-powered conversation intelligence platform that connects phone calls to digital marketing journeys, helping businesses drive revenue and make smarter marketing decisions. With over a thousand home services clients across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the UK, James specialises in helping tradies and contractors eliminate the blind spots between their ad spend and the jobs they're actually booking.CONNECT WITH JAMES O'NEILLLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-o-neill-9308632a/Website: https://www.wildjar.com/CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

May 5, 2026Episode 4971 hr 4 min

Your Follow-Up Is All Wrong: Why 70% Convert After The 8th Contact Point | ft. Ryan Fenn | Ep. 497

Think your follow-up game is solid? Data from 450 million text messages says you're probably quitting too early.In this 497th episode of the Site Shed, Ryan Fenn, founder of Chirp and a man who's analysed 450 million text messages, breaks down why "fortune is in the follow-up" isn't just a cliché. It's a math problem most tradies are solving wrong.If you're tired of ghosted estimates, wasted lead spend, and watching jobs slip through the cracks, this episode is your blueprint for fixing the single biggest revenue leak in your tradie business.KEY CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:47 — The Follow-Up Failure Most Tradies Don't Know They Have06:17 — What 450 Million Text Messages Actually Reveal16:32 — The "Mom Test" For Writing Messages That Get Replies25:47 — Pattern Interrupts: How Unexpected Messages Break Through34:36 — Why 70% of Conversions Happen After 8 Touchpoints45:47 — The Anti-Follow-Up Strategy: Value Before The Ask58:45 — The Day 10 Trap: Why Reps Quit Right Before Deals Close🎙 About Our Guest: Ryan FennRyan Fenn is the founder of CHIIRP, a follow-up and automation platform built to help home service businesses convert more leads and rehash old estimates. He has spent more than 15 years studying sales follow-up, customer messaging, and how contractors can turn missed opportunities into booked work.CONNECT WITH RYAN FENNLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fenn-76568b165/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.fenn.3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryandfenn/Website: https://chiirp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chiirp/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiirpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getchiirp/CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

April 28, 2026Episode 49637 min

Don’t Sign That Finance Deal Yet Until You Do This First | ft. Rob Misheloff | Ep. 496

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytFinance might not be the sexiest topic in business, but getting it wrong can quietly drain your cash flow, stall your growth, and lock you into deals that cost far more than they should.In Episode 496, Matt sits down with Rob Misheloff from Smarter Finance USA to unpack one of the least understood parts of running a trade business: equipment and vehicle finance. It may not sound exciting, but getting this wrong can wreck your cash flow, stall your growth, and lock you into deals that cost far more than they should.Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser01:31 - About Rob Misheloff and Smart Finance USA05:51 - Challenges with Complex Contracts and Transparency07:51 - How Financing Rates are Determined10:51 - Advantages of Financing for Business Growth 14:04 - Tax Benefits and Cash Flow Considerations18:12 - Dealership Financing vs. Outside Brokers19:47 - Red Flags and Identifying Scams22:19 - Differences Between Loans and Leases23:54 - Hidden Fees and Advanced Payment Scams26:32 - Understanding Credit Ratings and Business Risk32:44 - Education and Managing Expectations35:10 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listenCONNECT WITH ROB MISHELOFFWebsite: https://www.smarterfinanceusa.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smarterfinanceusaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-misheloff/CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

April 21, 2026Episode 4951 hr 7 min

Stop Wasting Good Leads With a Poor Sales Process | ft. Ben Wright | Ep. 495

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytHow many good leads are slipping through the cracks in your trade business because of a weak sales process?In Episode 495 of The Site Shed, Matt Jones sits down with Ben Wright to unpack why so many trade businesses waste perfectly viable leads through a weak sales process. From slow response times and poor follow-up to inconsistent quotes and missed opportunities on site, this episode digs into the practical gaps that quietly kill conversions and how you can correct them.Key chapters00:00 - Introduction00:44 - Welcome Guest Ben Wright03:12 - Building Trust through Content08:22 - First Impressions and Presentation11:30 - Analyzing the Sales Process14:41 - The Sales Success Framework18:52 - Lifetime Value and ROI25:24 - Avoiding Fat Cat Syndrome32:05 - Scaling Beyond Referrals34:14 - Allocating Budget for Marketing38:32 - Small Changes, Large Impact42:55 - Optimizing the Customer Journey46:42 - Training Teams for Upselling53:21 - Embracing Change and AI01:00:08 - The Importance of Coaching📲 Watch On YouTube! https://youtu.be/wOPk8k22eJILinks mentioned in this episode:Stronger Sales Teams: https://www.strongersalesteams.comConnect With Ben Wright:Website: https://www.strongersalesteams.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongersalesteamsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092201545034Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachbenwright/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0503Mx6cuIKdgW9qaUvmSf?si=c2918891d2ec4cb0CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ If you enjoyed this podcast, please take a moment to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed#podcast #thesiteshed #tradiewebguys Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

April 14, 2026Episode 49431 min

Fuel Prices Are Rising. Here’s What Hits Your Business Next | ft. Drew O'Farell | Ep. 494

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssyt In Episode 494 of The Site Shed Podcast, Matt Jones sits down with returning guest Andrew O'Farrell to unpack what is really driving rising fuel costs and why tradie businesses should be paying close attention. What starts as a conversation about diesel prices quickly opens up into a much bigger discussion around global energy markets, fragile supply chains, and the real-world impact on trade businesses across Australia.If you want a clearer view of what may be coming down the pipeline and how to prepare for it, this episode is a must-listen. 🎥 Watch the video version of this podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Key Chapters: 00:00 Welcome back Andrew O'Farrell 00:07 Why diesel prices have jumped so dramatically 01:00 Why Australia is vulnerable to refined fuel shortages 02:15 What trade business owners need to understand about rising costs 02:53 Fuel is just the undercard, gas is the real story 04:43 How LNG disruption affects construction and manufacturing 06:07 Why food and fertiliser could be hit next 07:19 The Strait of Hormuz and why it matters 11:06 Could Australia be more self sufficient? 13:56 What this means for local industry and supply chains 16:03 Energy security, reserves, and the diesel problem 17:32 EVs, hybrids, and practical resilience 19:38 Why diesel is not going anywhere anytime soon 20:33 Does nuclear have a role in Australia? 22:29 Why we need a smarter transition, not a rushed one 24:22 The inflation and margin squeeze tradies should prepare for 26:20 What this could mean for Australia and Asia next 27:35 Final thoughts and planning for what’s aheadLinks mentioned in this episode: The Site Shed Podcast Episode 188 with Andrew O'Farrell: https://www.thesiteshed.com/energy-1/Connect With Andrew O'Farrell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-o-farrell-352b8747/CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed

April 7, 2026Episode 49342 min

Your Onboarding Is Broken. Do This Instead | ft. Vicky Erwin | Ep. 493

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytHow do you onboard new tradies properly so they actually stick around past week one?In Episode 493 of The Site Shed Podcast, Matt Jones sits down with Vicky Irwin from Network Plumbing to unpack what effective staff onboarding really looks like in a growing trade business.If you’ve ever hired in a rush, thrown a new apprentice or technician into the deep end, or struggled with staff churn, this episode will give you a practical framework to help new team members feel clear, supported, and ready to succeed.Key Chapters:00:00 - Introduction09:07 - The Recruitment and Pre-Onboarding Process12:04 - Day One: Orientation and Company Culture12:30 - Operational Integration and Facility Tour13:30 - Ongoing Training and Communication Standards17:18 - Developing Soft Skills and Professionalism26:05 - Technology and Systems Adoption23:24 - Safety as a Non-Negotiable34:01 - Final Assessment and Team Integration📲 Watch On YouTube! https://youtu.be/SOAw74WWJysCONNECT WITH VICKY IRWINWebsite: https://networkplumbing.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-irwin-56a61712/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/networkplumbingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/networktradies_/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/network-plumbing/CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TradieWebGuysOfficial?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TradieWebGuysOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradiewebguys/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthemattj/ Your Next Step:Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool here: https://tradie.wiki/podFollow The Site Shed:Facebook: The Site ShedInstagram: @thesiteshedLinkedIn: Matt JonesWebsite: thesiteshed.comYouTube: @TheSiteShedIf you enjoyed this podcast and the series, please take 5 minutes to leave us a review:⭐ https://lovethepodcast.com/TheSiteShedLove the audio version of this podcast? Subscribe to the link below:⭐ https://followthepodcast.com/TheSiteShed