The Tradie Show

Hosted by Lifestyle Tradie Group Pty Ltd - Business Podcast For Tradies Wanting To Scale Their Trade Business, Contractors and Construction

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Episodes

205

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Tradie Show is the podcast for tradies who are stuck working ‘IN’ the business instead of working ‘ON’ it. We know you’ve got big goals, but right now you probably feel like a slave to your own creation. TAFE taught you to be a great tradie, but not a great business owner. It’s lonely, stressful and not your fault. We get it, we’ve been there too, deep in the trenches (literally) growing a plumbing business in Sydney. Life looked great on the outside, but behind the scenes, we were stressed out of our eyeballs. As a result we almost lost everything ... we almost lost our business, our home and our marriage, but thankfully we came out the other side with a thriving business, completely off the tools and only working 2 hours p/week. How? Well, that's what we share here on The Tradie Show. Following our success, we vowed to help other tradies, so you don’t have to go through what we did. We didn’t have any guidance and even when we tried to hire a coach, he knew nothing about the trade industry, so we ended up coaching him. That experience inspired us to set up our amazing community and coaching program, Lifestyle Tradie to share the advice we wish we had about what it really takes to build a successful trade business and live the lifestyle you deserve. And now The Tradie Show is an extension of that community. So, if you’re a plumber, electrician, painter, landscaper, carpenter, builder, bricklayer, concretor, contractor, gardener, window washer, aborist, tiler, metal fabricator, roofer, glazier, handyman services, HVAC, solar installation services or any other trade business or trade service, then tune into The Tradie Show for no-fluff advice, fun banter and inspiring interviews to help you get results. BIG RESULTS! Want to fast-track your results? Book in a success session with Andy: https://www.lifestyletradie.com.au/

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 31, 2026Episode 429 min

How One Award Changed This Plumbing Business

What does it really take to build an award-winning trade business? In this episode of The Tradie Show , Andy and Angela sit down with Michael Swan from Swan’s Professional Plumbing in Perth, Western Australia, after his win in the Plumbing category at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards. But this isn’t just a conversation about the trophy. Michael shares the real story behind the win, from taking over the family business as a one-man band, to building a team, putting systems in place, learning his numbers, backing himself, and creating a business that gives him more time with his family. Inside this episode: Why award-winning businesses are built through small decisions repeated consistently, not one lucky moment. How Michael used systems like flow of a job, option sheets and plumbing health checks to create consistency across his team. Why getting off the tools starts with building the business to run without you being needed every five minutes. How a clear life plan helped Michael and Gemma work towards real family goals, including building their dream home in Mandurah. Why awards, credibility, reviews and visibility matter more than ever in a world where customers are searching differently. If this episode made you realise your business is capable of more, then it is time to stop winging it and start building it properly. At Stress Free Tradie, Andy and Angela will show you how to build a better trade business with stronger systems, clearer numbers, a more reliable team and less day-to-day chaos on your shoulders. Come along and see for yourself. Get your tickets here: https://event.lifestyletradie.com.au/ Follow Lifestyle Tradie: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LifestyleTradie/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifestyleTradie/ Support the show

August 17, 2026Episode 324 min

Why AI Isn't Recommending your Trade Business

Homeowners are changing the way they search for tradies. They’re not just Googling “builder near me” or asking the neighbour over the fence anymore. They’re asking AI who they should trust. And if AI can’t clearly verify your trade business, you may not make the shortlist, even if you’re better than the competitor who does. In this episode of The Tradie Show, Andy and Angela unpack why AI is changing the customer buying decision process, what it now counts as “proof”, and how trade business owners can check whether they’re actually being seen. Key takeaways from this episode: AI is not just changing where customers search. It is changing what counts as proof. Your trade business needs clear online signals, including service pages, reviews, suburbs, licence details, photos, your Google Business Profile and consistent business details. Vague service pages, weak location proof and generic reviews can make it harder for AI to understand and recommend you. The simple AI visibility check: ask what a customer would ask, see if your business appears, ask what AI can verify, then compare yourself with a competitor. The fix starts with three things: clean up your business details, improve your top service pages, and capture better reviews and project proof. If this episode made you realise your business isn’t as clear, consistent or easy to trust as it needs to be, then it is time to step back and fix the business behind the marketing. At Stress Free Tradie, Andy and Angela will show you how to build a better trade business with stronger systems, clearer numbers, a more reliable team and less day-to-day chaos on your shoulders. Come along and see for yourself. Get your tickets here: https://event.lifestyletradie.com.au/ Follow Lifestyle Tradie: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LifestyleTradie/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifestyleTradie/ Support the show

August 3, 2026Episode 224 min

What The World Cup Exposes About Your Trade Business

The World Cup might be over, but there are some serious business lessons still sitting on the field. In this episode of The Tradie Show , Andy and Angela unpack what one of the biggest sporting events in the world can teach trade business owners about building a business that performs under pressure. Because no team wins the World Cup by accident. And no trade business becomes profitable, systemised and scalable by accident either. You’ll learn: Why growth exposes weak systems, and why you need to fix the foundations before chasing more jobs, more staff or more vans. Why one “gun tradie” will not save a broken business, and how role clarity, training and accountability turn staff into a real team. Why being busy is not the same as winning, and which numbers actually tell you if your business is healthy. Why the best business owners adjust quickly when jobs blow out, callbacks increase or the team keeps hitting the same problems. How small mistakes like late invoices, poor handovers, underquoting and missed follow-ups quietly leak profit from your business. If this episode made you realise your business is relying too heavily on you, then it is time to get back in control. At Stress Free Tradie, Andy and Angela will show you how to build a better trade business with stronger systems, clearer numbers, a more reliable team and less day-to-day chaos on your shoulders. Come along and see for yourself. Get your tickets here: https://event.lifestyletradie.com.au/ Follow Lifestyle Tradie on Instagram Follow Lifestyle Tradie on Facebook Support the show

July 20, 2026Episode 124 min

End of Financial Year: Why You're Still Stuck

Another financial year is done. But before you roll straight into the next one, it’s worth asking a blunt question: Is your business actually giving you what you want? In this episode, Andy and Angela unpack why so many trade business owners stay stuck in the same cycle year after year; busy, stressed, saying yes to everything, but not necessarily making better profit or creating a better life. They walk through a practical EOFY reset process to help you review the last 12 months, identify the work and customers worth pursuing, set meaningful financial targets, and build a clearer plan for the year ahead. You’ll learn: Why being busy is not the same as building a profitable, sustainable business How to identify the jobs, customers and market segments creating the best results Why profit targets should come before turnover targets How to reverse engineer revenue using jobs, leads, quotes and average dollar sale How clear targets help your team make better decisions and stop the business drifting You’ll also hear practical advice on attracting more A- and B-grade customers, improving pricing and quoting, tightening systems, and making sure your next financial year looks genuinely different from the last. Download our End of Financial Year Business Reset Guide here: https://www.lifestyletradie.com.au/eofy-business-reset-guide/ Want Lifestyle Tradie to look at your business? Book a free GamePlan call and we'll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here . Follow Lifestyle Tradie on Instagram Follow Lifestyle Tradie on Facebook Support the show

June 22, 2026Episode 1314 min

One Sentence Could Change Your Trade Business

Running a trade business has a funny way of teaching you lessons, usually when things are messy, stressful, or not going to plan. In this episode of The Tradie Show, Andy and Angela share some of the best pieces of advice from guests and members of the Lifestyle Tradie community. Real trade business owners. Real lessons. Real wisdom from people who’ve made mistakes, figured things out, and passed on the advice that actually stuck. You’ll hear practical reminders about knowing your numbers, backing yourself, making faster decisions, focusing on what you can control, and not waiting for perfect before you start. Some of our favourite pieces of advice from the episode: Work on yourself first because your business improves when you do. Know your numbers so you can make clearer, smarter decisions. Stop waiting for the perfect moment and take action before you feel fully ready. Focus on what you can control instead of letting every problem become a drama. Become the expert in your field instead of trying to be everything to everyone. Want Lifestyle Tradie to look at your business? Book a free GamePlan call and we'll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here: https://www.lifestyletradie.com.au/gameplan-call Lifestyle Tradie's Instagram Lifestyle Tradie's Facebook Support the show

June 8, 2026Episode 1244 min

Building a Business Worth Passing On with Revive Timber & Decking

What would you do differently in your business if you knew your kids were going to inherit it? For Michelle, Jono and Sophie from Revive Timber & Decking in Queensland, that question became very real. After years in business, they were busy, working hard, and getting the jobs done. But behind the scenes, the business lacked structure, systems, clear numbers, and direction. Then Sophie stepped into the business, and suddenly it wasn't just about getting through the week anymore. It was about building something with a future. In this episode, Andy and Angela chat with the family behind Revive Your Timber to unpack what changed in just 8 months of focused implementation, coaching, and commitment. You'll hear how they transformed communication, improved cashflow, created better systems, delegated responsibility, and started building a business that could one day be handed to the next generation. Key takeaways from this episode: • Why bringing the next generation into the business forced them to rethink everything they were doing • How mapping their Flow of a Job created clarity, improved communication, and reduced daily chaos • The simple changes that helped them stay booked 4–6 weeks ahead and eliminate the post-Christmas panic • Why tracking time, understanding profitability, and knowing your numbers changes the way you make business decisions • How better systems and delegation gave the family more confidence, ownership, and control This episode is proof that you don't need years to change your business. You need the right focus, the right guidance, and the willingness to implement. Want Lifestyle Tradie to look at your business? Book a free GamePlan Call and we'll give you tailored advice, clarity, and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. 👉 https://www.lifestyletradie.com.au/gameplan-call Follow Lifestyle Tradie: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LifestyleTradie/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifestyleTradie/ Support the show

May 25, 2026Episode 1118 min

STOP Checking Your Bank Account Like This

Ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Hang on… we’re making money… so where the hell is it?” In this episode, Andy and Ange unpack one of the biggest financial misunderstandings in trade business — the difference between profit and cash flow. Because being busy doesn’t always mean you’re financially healthy… and relying on your bank balance alone can send you on a complete emotional rollercoaster. If you’ve ever felt flat out but still stressed about money, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why profit and cash flow are NOT the same thing The real reason your bank balance feels out of sync How GST, wages, tax, and supplier bills distort your cash position Why tradies make bad business decisions based on “money in the bank” The simple cash flow questions every business owner should ask weekly Practical ways to take back control of your money and stop guessing Want Lifestyle Tradie to look at your business? Book a free GamePlan call and we'll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here: https://www.lifestyletradie.com.au/gameplan-call Lifestyle Tradie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LifestyleTradie/ Lifestyle Tradie's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifestyleTradie/ Support the show

May 11, 2026Episode 1041 min

Military Leadership Lessons Every Tradie Needs with Daimien Patterson

Most tradies think they’ve got a staff problem… but according to former Army officer and business leader Daimien Patterson, the real issue is leadership. In this powerful no-BS episode of The Tradie Show, Daimien shares the brutal truths about leadership, accountability, systems, and building a business that doesn’t rely on you for everything. From lessons learned at Duntroon and deployments overseas, to scaling businesses with teams of 100+ people, this episode is packed with practical advice every trade business owner needs to hear. In this episode, we cover: Why most tradies are stuck working in the business instead of leading it The military leadership lessons that apply directly to trade businesses Why underperforming staff are costing you more than you think How to build systems and “yellow brick road” processes that scale The difference between being the boss vs being a leader people want to follow The mindset shift needed to create more profit, freedom, and less chaos This episode is direct, practical, and guaranteed to challenge the way you think about leadership inside your business. Want Lifestyle Tradie to look at your business? Book a free GamePlan call and we'll give you tailored advice ... and provide you with clarity and direction to smash out what you need to do right now to help you create the lifestyle and freedom you deserve. Details here: https://www.lifestyletradie.com.au/gameplan-call Lifestyle Tradie's Instagram Lifestyle Tradie's Facebook Support the show

April 27, 2026Episode 920 min

The Easiest Jobs You’ll Ever Win (And Why You’re Missing Them)

You don’t need more leads. You need to get more out of the jobs you’re already winning. In this final episode of the 3-part series, Andy and Angela break down what they call The Profit Multiplier, how to turn one job into more work, more referrals, and more profit… without chasing more leads or working longer hours. Because here’s the truth… Most tradies are sitting on a goldmine of opportunity, they’re just not using it. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why treating jobs as one-off transactions is holding your business back The 4 key opportunities inside every job (before, during, after, and long after) How to generate more work before you even arrive on site Simple ways to increase job value while you’re already on site Why the moment after the job is finished is your biggest missed opportunity How to ask for referrals without feeling awkward Why staying in touch creates long-term repeat work The mindset shift from chasing leads → creating leverage How small tweaks in your process can dramatically increase profit You don’t have a lead problem. You have a leverage problem . The easiest work you’ll ever win… is from customers who already trust you. This is the final part of our 3-part series : 1️⃣ Attract the right work 2️⃣ Win that work 3️⃣ Multiply the value of every job When you get all three working together… That’s when your business really starts to change. 🚀 Want help putting this into action? Come along to Stress Free Tradie if you want help with this stuff. 👉 https://event.lifestyletradie.com.au/ Lifestyle Tradie's Instagram Lifestyle Tradie's Facebook Support the show

April 13, 2026Episode 819 min

Why You’re Losing Jobs at the Quote Stage (And It’s Not Your Price)

Most tradies assume they lose jobs because they were too expensive. But in reality, that’s not usually the problem. In Part 2 of this 3-part series, Andy and Angela unpack what’s really going on when a customer says no at the quote stage. This episode dives into the psychology behind buying decisions, why trust is built before the quote is ever sent, and how the way you show up on site can make or break the sale. If you’re attracting the right jobs but still not winning enough of them, this episode will challenge the way you think about quoting, follow-up, and what customers are really looking for. In this episode, we cover: Why “we were too expensive” is often the wrong conclusion How customers decide if they trust you before they even read the quote The difference between a quote that confirms trust and one that kills it Why customers are really judging risk, not just price How vague communication on site creates doubt The hidden danger of quotes that look like everyone else’s Why follow-up is not chasing, it’s leadership How small 1% improvements can dramatically lift your conversion rate The simple mindset shift that makes it easier for customers to say yes Key takeaway: You don’t win the job when the quote lands in their inbox. You start winning it when you show up on site, speak with clarity, and reduce risk in the customer’s mind. The quote simply backs up that decision. This is Part 2 of our 3-part series : Part 1: Attract the right work Part 2: Convert that work into jobs Part 3: Multiply the value of every job you win The next episode is all about The Profit Multiplier, how to turn one good job into two or three through follow-up, referrals, and repeat work. Want help with this stuff? Come along to Stress Free Tradie and get 27 of the exact Dr. DRiP systems which allowed Andy to work on the business only 2 hours per week. Details here: https://event.lifestyletradie.com.au/ Lifestyle Tradie's Instagram Lifestyle Tradie's Facebook Support the show