The ToolShed Podcast

Hosted by Mick Hawes

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

187

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 17730 min

EP 177: Increase Your Profit Margin: Tips from a Profit Doctor Part 2

Ben Hansen, known as The Profit Doctor, joins Mick Hawes for Part 2 of this conversation on The ToolShed Podcast, and it's a masterclass in why revenue doesn't guarantee profit. Ben explains why the biggest, most exciting projects are often the ones quietly bleeding a building business dry, and why the "sweet spot" jobs most builders overlook tend to be the real money makers. Connect with Ben Hansen: Website: www.profitdoctor.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/benhansen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitdoctorben/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhansen/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitdoctorben Stuck in the day-to-day and wondering why scaling still feels out of reach? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ If you've ever felt like you're working flat out but the bank account doesn't reflect it, this episode will change how you think about pricing, project selection, and what it really means to run a profitable building business.

August 11, 2026Episode 17736 min

EP 177: Construction Business Profit Tips With The Profit Doctor Part 1

Ben Hansen, known worldwide as The Profit Doctor , joins Mick Hawes to unpack why so many residential builders and construction business owners are working harder than ever with nothing extra to show for it. Connect with Ben Hansen: Website: www.profitdoctor.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/benhansen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitdoctorben/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhansen/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitdoctorben Stuck in the day-to-day and wondering why scaling still feels out of reach? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ If you have ever felt like your business should be further ahead given how hard you are working, this episode explains why, and what to actually do about it.

July 27, 2026Episode 17633 min

EP 176: How To Scale A Construction Business (Real Builder Story)

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, host Mick Hawes sits down with Cameron Fraser and Matthew Sablinskis, Directors of Limitless Build, a Melbourne-based residential building company specialising in extensions, renovations and outdoor living. Brother-in-laws who started the business together in 2012, Cam and Matt share the exact turning point where they went from plateauing to growing revenue double digits for three years straight, and the numbers, systems and culture that made it possible. Connect with Limitless Build: Website: www.limitlessbuild.com.au & www.melbournedecksandpergolas.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limitlessbuild/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessbuild/ Stuck in the day-to-day and wondering why scaling still feels out of reach? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ This is a raw, honest episode for anyone in the building and construction industry who has ever felt like they were carrying more than they let on.

July 21, 2026Episode 17530 min

EP 175: Men's Mental Health In The Construction Industry

Peter Coll has spent thirty years in the construction industry, from apprentice plumber to National Advisor for Building and Plumbing. But behind the career, he was fighting a private battle with addiction and mental health that nearly cost him everything. In this episode, Peter sits down with Mick Hawes to talk honestly about what men in construction rarely say out loud. He shares how his body physically broke down after decades on the tools, why traditional counselling didn't always work for him, and how that led him to found Rebuild & Rise, a mental health support program built specifically for tradies and builders. Peter and Mick unpack why men struggle to reach out, why silence is often mistaken for strength, and what it actually takes to start the conversation. Connect with Petter Coll: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterJColl1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_coll/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-coll-5aa56848/ Twitter: https://x.com/Peter_Coll Stuck in the day-to-day and wondering why scaling still feels out of reach? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/ This is a raw, honest episode for anyone in the building and construction industry who has ever felt like they were carrying more than they let on.

July 14, 2026Episode 17437 min

EP 174: Luyten Printer Review: Worth It for Builders?

Ahmed Mahil, founder and CEO of Luyten, joins The ToolShed Podcast to explain how 3D concrete printing is changing residential construction in Australia, and why it matters for the builders running the businesses behind it. If you're a residential builder or construction business owner curious about where the industry is heading, and whether this kind of technology has a place in your business, this conversation gives you the real picture, not just the pitch. Connect with Ahmed: Website: https://www.luyten3d.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075704515841# LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luyten3d/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luyten3daus/ Twitter: https://x.com/luyten3d Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luyten3daus Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/luyten3d More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

July 6, 2026Episode 17334 min

EP 173: Why Top Builders Pay for Coaching Part 2

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Anthony Tarquinio, director of Melbourne construction company Evve Group, currently operating at 8-figure annual revenue across residential and commercial projects. Anthony gets raw about his "Rocky year" in 2025, copping punch after punch, and what kept him grounded through it. He's honest that his business isn't where he thought it would be six years in, and what coaching gave him instead of the result he originally chased. Connect with Anthony: Company: https://evvegroup.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063547690079 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evvegroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evve-group/ More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

June 30, 2026Episode 17232 min

EP 173: Is Business Coaching Worth It for Builders? The Real Answer Part 1

Getting to $100 million is possible. The real question is, at what cost? In this episode, Mick sits down with Anthony Tarquinio, Civil Engineer and Director of Evve Group, an 8-figure construction company building multiple projects simultaneously across Melbourne. This is not the highlight reel version of a success story. Anthony opens up about what coaching actually feels like once the early excitement fades, the daily mindset work that keeps him grounded, and the partnership breakdown that forces him to rethink everything he thought he knew about growth. Connect with Anthony: Company: https://evvegroup.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063547690079 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evvegroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evve-group/ More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

June 22, 2026Episode 17232 min

EP 172: Why Every Builder Needs a Business Coach (Before It's Too Late) Part 2

What if the biggest thing holding your building business back isn't a lack of leads, staff, or systems? What if it's trying to do everything on your own? In Part 2 of this inspiring conversation, Mick Hawes sits down again with Andy Kearns, Director of Perway Construction Services and long-time Builders Business Blackbelt member, to dive deeper into the lessons that transformed both his business and personal life. The conversation also explores the power of finding your values, planning your life before your work, giving back through his Build It Forward charity, and how virtual assistants have helped create more freedom and flexibility for his family and 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 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/