The ToolShed Podcast

Hosted by Mick Hawes

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Episodes

179

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The Toolshed podcast keeps you up to date with what's happening in the Building Industry. Keeping your finger on the pulse of changing trends, so you can take advantage of opportunities and avoid becoming a dinosaur! Every episode we'll talk about how these trends affect you, and what steps you can take to stay ahead of the curve. You'll learn how to use new technologies to make your business more efficient and effective, how to connect with other builders and architects, and how to make sure your projects are profitable. Essential conversations with people who are committed to a better Building Industry for everyone involved.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 17232 min

EP 172: Why Coaching Changed This Builder's Life Forever Part 1

What happens when a builder stops trying to do everything alone? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Andy Kearns shares how coaching transformed his residential building business. We discuss builder mindset, business coaching, construction leadership, builder burnout, personal development, and construction business growth. This is an honest conversation about why success in business isn't just about systems and strategy it's about the person leading the business. Connect with Andy Kearns: Website: https://www.perway.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerwayConstruction/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perwayconstructionservices/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kearns-a1819631/ More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

June 9, 2026Episode 17134 min

EP 171: How to Cut Your ATO Debt by 70% and Save Your Business

Could ATO debt be putting your business at risk without you even realising it? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I'm joined down with Registered Liquidator and Chartered Accountant Jarvis Archer to discuss the simple financial mistakes that often lead businesses into trouble. Learn how better visibility of your numbers, understanding director drawings, and managing ATO debt can help protect your business and create a clearer path forward. Connect with Jarvis: Website: https://businessreset.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573289395251 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessresetteam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarvisarcher/ More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

June 3, 2026Episode 17032 min

EP 170: How to Automate Your Building Business and Get 400% More Done Without Hiring Anyone

What if the biggest thing holding your building business back isn't a lack of staff, it's a lack of the right systems? In this episode, Mick Hawes sits down with Andrew Sirianni, Managing Director of Dcode Group, to talk about one of the most practical topics for any builder or tradie running a small team: how to use automation and custom software to get more done without growing your headcount. Andrew shares how a single workflow automation early in his career produced a 400% jump in productivity and how that moment led him to build an entire company around solving the same problem for small and medium businesses across Australia. Connect with Andrew: Andrew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsirianni/ Website: https://dcodegroup.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcodegroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcode_group/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/comp More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

May 12, 2026Episode 16926 min

EP 169.2: How to Fix Your Estimating Process and Grow Your Building Business

Are your quotes costing you time, profit… or both? In Part 2 of EP 169 of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick Hawes sits down with Joey Hidalgo to unpack one of the biggest bottlenecks in a building business, estimating. Most builders don't struggle because they can't quote… They struggle because they don't have a system behind it. This episode explores how improving your estimating process can lead to better pricing accuracy, stronger margins, and more time to focus on actually growing your business. Connect with Joey: Website: https://estimatormatch.ai/ & https://www.measuringcompany.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/measuringcompany Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/measuringcompany/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themeasuringcompany/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheProfitableEstimator Connect with Joey: Website: https://estimatormatch.ai/ & https://www.measuringcompany.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/measuringcompany Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/measuringcompany/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themeasuringcompany/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheProfitableEstimator More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

May 4, 2026Episode 16937 min

EP 169.1: How to Hire a Virtual Estimator & Scale Your Construction Business FAST

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with Joey Hidalgo, founder of The Measuring Company, to unpack one of the biggest hidden challenges in the building industry, estimating. Most builders don't struggle because they lack work. They struggle because estimating becomes a bottleneck. Late nights, second-guessing numbers, and trying to stay competitive without truly understanding costs are all too common. Joey shares how what started as helping a few builders with their quotes quickly revealed a much bigger issue across the industry. It's not just about pricing it's about the absence of systems behind it. Connect with Joey: Website: https://estimatormatch.ai/ & https://www.measuringcompany.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/measuringcompany Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/measuringcompany/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themeasuringcompany/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheProfitableEstimator More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

April 13, 2026Episode 16830 min

EP 168 Part 2: Stop Chasing Big Projects… The Truth About Profit in Construction

Are Bigger Jobs Actually Holding Your Building Business Back? Every builder wants the big project the prestige, the revenue, the recognition. But what if chasing bigger jobs is quietly costing you profit, time, and freedom? In Part 2 with Adrian Ramsay, we unpack why the smartest builders don't chase size ,they chase alignment. From choosing the right clients to creating a process that builds trust, this episode challenges how you think about profit, leadership, and long-term success. If you want better margins, less stress, and a business that actually supports your life, this one's worth your time. Connect with Adrian: Website: https://ardesignhouse.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdrianRamsayDesignHouse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianramsay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ramsay-6197a73/ Podcast: https://talkdesign.show/ More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

April 6, 2026Episode 16834 min

EP 168 Part 1: From Dyslexic and ADHD to Design Director

Are your biggest projects actually your least profitable? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast (EP 168 Part 1), I sit down with Adrian Ramsay , award-winning building designer and host of Dream Homes Revealed, to unpack the truth about profit, projects, and building a business that works. Adrian shares how smaller "learning projects" can often deliver better margins than large, ego-driven builds, and why choosing the right clients matters more than chasing big-dollar jobs. We also touch on simple financial systems, cash flow, and turning challenges into strengths in business. Key Takeaways:• Small projects can drive higher profit • Don't chase jobs, choose the right clients • Build systems that support your business Tune in and rethink how you approach profit and growth. Connect with Adrian: Website: https://ardesignhouse.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdrianRamsayDesignHouse/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianramsay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ramsay-6197a73/ Podcast: https://talkdesign.show/ More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

March 30, 2026Episode 16756 min

EP 167: What Every Australian Investor Gets Wrong About the Market | Terry Tran

What if the biggest mistake investors make isn't the stock they pick… but how they think about the market? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick sits down with seasoned investor Terry Tran to unpack the misconceptions many Australian investors have about markets, valuations, and risk. With nearly 30 years of experience, Terry shares why protecting capital matters more than chasing returns, how emotional decision-making leads to poor outcomes, and why today's market conditions where some companies trade at 30–40× earnings require a more disciplined and cautious approach. Australians reviewing their super. Connect with Terry: Company: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomTrader/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomtrader/ More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ This episode is a practical discussion on risk, mindset, and making smarter investment decisions, particularly when strong markets mask warning signs. It offers clarity for active investors and those seeking market understanding.

March 23, 2026Episode 16627 min

EP 166 Part 2: The ADHD Advantage No One Talks About in Business

What if the real reason you feel overwhelmed in your business isn't discipline… But design? In Part 2 of this conversation on The ToolShed Podcast, I continue my discussion with ADHD strategist Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation. We dig deeper into the patterns that many business owners experience, burnout, last-minute pressure, and the constant feeling of being busy but not moving forward. Skye explains that for many entrepreneurs, the issue isn't laziness or lack of motivation. Instead, it's operating a business in a way that works against how their brain naturally functions. When systems and structures are built properly, those same tendencies can become strengths rather than obstacles. Connect with Skye:Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/ Podcast: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/theadhdskillslab This episode explores the connection between ADHD tendencies, executive functioning, leadership awareness, and founder burnout, and why understanding your strengths and weaknesses can transform how you operate your business More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

March 16, 2026Episode 16629 min

EP 166 Part 1: The ADHD Advantage No One Talks About in Business

Most business owners think their biggest challenge is discipline. Work harder. Focus more. Push through. But what if the real issue isn't motivation at all? In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick Hawes sits down with ADHD strategist and academic Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, to unpack how ADHD actually shows up in business. Many entrepreneurs struggle with time blindness, working memory challenges, and executive function, which can lead to missed deadlines, forgotten tasks, and constant frustration despite knowing exactly what needs to be done. This conversation is particularly relevant for construction business owners, builders, and entrepreneurs who often juggle multiple responsibilities, site demands, and constant decision-making. Connect with Skye:Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/ Podcast: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/theadhdskillslab Instead of forcing your brain to work harder, this episode explores how to design systems that work with the way your brain naturally operates. More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/